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| A section of the crowd. |
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| Vishwapratap Pawar after being felicitated. |
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| Shri Digambar Kamat and Shri Rajendra Talak. |
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| Queenie Viegas, students and Brian Mendonca |
- Brian Mendonca
One of the takeaways of Parikrama 0.8 yesterday at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao was the presentation of local Goan vegetables to the dignitaries and the awardees. It was a novel gesture and one that prompted quips from the audience. Yet, if one thinks about it, it is so apt. Flowers shrivel. At least bhaji can ensure you do not go hungry.
The dynamic played out in front of me. One of the awardees - a gent coiffured in his kurta - stepped down the stage and took his seat on the sofa in front. He leaned behind - somewhat unsure - gestured to a lady, and hastily gave the vegetables to her. She accepted it, a little sheepishly, and took her seat near an elderly gent. The lady was perhaps his wife, and the elderly gent may have been his father. The lady seemed very happy as she nursed the vegetables on her lap. (Top pic) In this way the whole family benefitted.
A close-up of the vegetables could be seen as Vishwapratap Pawar took his seat after his felicitation. He was awarded the 8th Dr. Madhavi Sardesai Puraskar. He carried the gift proudly in one hand, his citation in the other. Both seemed equally important. The tambdi bhaji could be seen as well as sprouts, and sweet potato on a bed of palm fronds. It was tastefully arranged and led one to imagine what dish could be prepared. The vegetables established our rootedness to our soil and the land. It was a gesture which was at the same time both simple and profound. As Queenie Mendonca put it, 'One must have the humility to give as well as to receive the vegetables.'
Parikrama is also the name of the Indo-fusion rock band from Delhi. Featured above is their song 'Don't Cut Me down' (2024). I had the opportunity to listen to them online after my days in Delhi. I am amazed at the line-up of the musicians - young and not-so-young - playing with so much zest! Carnatic violin and lead guitar in sync.
Back in Goa, Parikrama, supported by the Government of Goa, 'continues its tradition of recognizing grassroots changemakers and cultural torchbearers who inspire young minds and contribute meaningfully to Goa's intellectual and cultural ecosystem' says a press note.
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| Champaka and almond trees at RB. |
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| Champaka tree with blossoms. |
Parikrama is usually held on a weekend. College teams get together, invite guests to grace their contingent, and showcase personalities who have contributed to Goa's cultural life. It is a moment of basking in our love for Goa and our shared heritage. Siddesh Bhagat - one of the guests - has beautifully captured the event in a Parikrama 0.8 reel on Facebook.
As I moved out, the excited voices echoing behind me, I was enveloped by the grace and beauty of the trees outside. The Champaka trees and the almond trees - in hues of green, yellow, and red - welcomed me and wished me a safe journey home.
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Parikrama: a movement in clockwise direction to venerate a sacred space. Pix by Brian Mendonca. Taken at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao on Saturday 7/2/26. Updated Sunday 8/2/26.
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