CHIC CHOCOLATE - one of Bombay’s best known jazz musicians.

CHIC CHOCOLATE

Chic Chocolate (1916 - May 1967), born Antonio Xavier Vaz in Aldona, was a Goan trumpeter who led a Jazz band at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Bombay and was one of Bombay’s best known jazz musicians. He learned music at his local parochial school and, despite the wishes of his mother, who wanted him to earn a “respectable” living as a mechanic; he followed his dreams of a life playing music. He was also a Hindi film music composer and played trumpet in various soundtracks. He was an exceptional Goan Catholic musician. His specialty was western music.

Influenced by Louis Armstrong, Chic styled himself after his great jazz hero—Chocolate's trumpet playing and “scatting” technique were a tribute to Armstrong. His stage presence has been recognized as dramatic, with accounts reporting that the musician would fall on one knee, while raising his instrument to the stars, during the band's crescendo. Chocolate earned the sobriquet, the "Louis Armstrong of India", as he not only played jazz like an African-American but also possessed a similarly dark complexion.

By the mid-1940s, after he had played in Rangoon and Mussourie, Chic had established himself as a popular Bombay jazz musician. He started out with a group called the Spotlights, and by 1945, had formed his own outfit, Chic and the Music Makers, beating out 12 other bands to win a contract at Green's Hotel, which was owned by the Taj Mahal Hotel. A newspaper article from the time described Chic Chocolate’s band as "Bombay’s topflight band". Chic Chocolate occasionally led a two-trumpet barrage at the Green's Hotel with Chris Perry.

Like many Goan musicians of the time, Chic Chocolate played jazz live at the night but his days were spent in the film studios, recording and arranging sound tracks for movies. He had a flourishing career as a music composer in Bollywood movies.

In 1951, he began his career as a music director with the movie Nadaan. Nadaan had a popular track list, including songs like Talat Mahmood’s Aa Teri Tasvir Bana Lu and Lata Mangeshkar’s Sari Duniya Ko Piichhe Chodkar.

Chic Chocolate was an integral part of composer C. Ramchandra's team. Ramachandra is popularly credited with introducing swing into Bollywood with tunes such as Gore Gore O Banke Chore from Samadhi and Shola Jo Bhadke from Albela. However, the credit for these songs is due to Chic Chocolate. Their collaboration in the 1952 film Rangili included the song Koi Dard Hamara Kya Samjhe, sung by Lata Mangeshkar. He worked as an assistant music director to Chitalkar for Sagai. Chic Chocolate also worked as an assistant with Madan Mohan and O. P. Nayyar. Chic was the assistant music director for the film Bhai Bhai. He is remembered for his work with Naasir in the 1956 film Kar Bhala.

Chic’s lives as jazz man and film musician sometimes merged. He had a cameo appearance in the film Albela, along with his band in a song sequence dressing them in frilly Latinesque costumes. Chic capitalized on the film’s success by dressing his band in those costumes in future live performances.

Chic passed away in May 1967 in Mumbai, aged 51; shortly after, Chetan Anand’s Aakhri Khat was released. The bluesy song Rut Jawan Jawan featured several close-ups of the Louis Armstrong of India playing his trumpet solos from the bandstand. Chic had lived with his wife, Martha and his children in an apartment in Colaba.

 

Moi-mogan,
 

Domnic Fernandes

Anjuna, Goa
Mob: 8805237604/9420979201

 

Other links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAxpsSDUQzs

http://www.mail-archive.com/goanet@lists.goanet.org/msg71971.html

Why abrupt changes in Roman script Konkani?

    

Why abrupt changes in Roman script Konkani?

 

The Portuguese arrived in Goa in 1510 and in 1556 a printing press, despatched from Portugal to Abyssinia (now Ethiopia) to help missionary work there, landed in Goa. But circumstances prevented it from leaving India, and, consequently, printing was initiated in Goa. The printing press was attached to St. Paul College, Goa. It is believed that Konkani was written and printed from this printing press.

 

The 17th century saw the beginning of a large-scale book-printing in Goa, egged on massively by the need to print Christian texts for the benefit of the newly converted Christians. This time also saw a shift from the use of coercion to that of religious education for conversions. Thus, a number of books were printed in Konkani due to the initiative of, among others, Father Thomas Stephens who, in 1640, produced the first Konkani Grammar – the Arte de Lingua Canarim.

In 2006, the ‘Holy Bible – Old and new Testament’ was translated into Konkani – ‘Povitr Pustok – Adlo ani Novo Korar’ .It is indeed the most near-perfect Konkani translation, and I salute the Konkani veteran writers and editors who toiled hard to give us the best translated ‘Povitr Pustok’.

To me and many other like-minded people, the Konkani translation of the Holy Bible is not only ‘Bible Truth’ but the Konkani version used in it is also ‘Bible Truth’. Since most of the translators/editors belong to the Portuguese era, they had the knowledge and experience of the language; hence, they were able to translate it to near-perfection.

Domnic PF Fernandes,
Author of "Domnic's Goa"
& "Mapusa Yesterday & Today" Books".

Before I proceed to write further, I would like to point out that the Konkani in Roman Script is based on Portuguese alphabet and not the English one. The Portuguese alphabet goes like this:

A [ah], B [beh], C [seh], D [deh], E [ay], F [ehf], G [geh], H [a-gah], I [ee], J [jota], K [cahpah], L [éhl], M [éhme], N [éhne], O [óhr], P [peh], Q [qay], R [éh-rre], S [éh-sse], T [têh], U [oo], V [vay], W [dublioo], X [shish], Y [ipsilon or i grego] and Z [zay].

The letters K, W and Y are normally not used in Portuguese native words, except for scientific terms and abbreviations for distances (Km) or weights (Kg).

In the entire ‘Povitr Pustok’, I have not found the use of the letter ‘y’ because, as mentioned above, it is not used in Portuguese native speaking words on which Konkani in Roman script is based, and neither does it make sense because by using it we tend to destroy the Konkani language, which has a substantially long tradition. And traditions and customs are respected generally even while drafting laws and legislation.

Around five years ago, I remember it was announced that if two vowels came together, the letter ‘y’ could be inserted in between them. But, if one knows and follows the Portuguese alphabet, there is no need to do it.

Presently, several Konkani writers have begun using the letter ‘y’ indiscriminately without any rhyme or reason. I have come across the following words (out of many), with their new version:

bebdikai – bebdikay

boddai – bodday
girestkai - girestkay
Julai (month) – Julay
kortai - kortay
khuxalkai – khuxalkay
mai - may
osmitai – osmitay
pai - pay
purai - puray
sahitai - sahitay
sovostkai - sovostkay
Sosnnikai - sosnnikay
Somudai – somuday
Vattai – vattay

In all these words, the last two letters are pronounced as (ah-ee) e.g. Aitar (ah-ee-têh- éh-rre);

Moriadik - moryadik – we don’t have to add a ‘y’ because the sound of ia is ee-ah.

Here are some more examples with their new version:

avoi-bapui - avoy-bapuy
avoi-bapain - avoy-bapayn
doia – doya
ezmanponn - yezmanponn
ieo – yeo
ieta – yeta
eukar – yeukar
ievun - yevun
gaionn - gayonn
gheiat - gheyat
kariavoll - karyavoll
kednaim – kednay
paim - pay
proitn – proytn
niall – niyall
 

In view of the above observation, I strongly suggest that we stop using the letter ‘y’ in Konkani because it will neither serve nor suit any useful purpose. If at all, we are bent on using the letter ‘y’, then we could as well shift to the English alphabet, and consequently take into serious consideration ‘but’, ‘put’, ‘foot’, etc. Because by merely adding ‘y’, we are, by no means, standardising or improving the orthography of Konkani in the Roman script. And, what about the diacritic marks? BTW, I am for change but not for mixture of alphabets from different languages.

The process of standardising Konkani began after Liberation and the language and a large mass of the text including the Holy Bible in Konkani, has come to an appreciable standard. Hence, the abrupt changes, probably suited to the Mangalorean version, can only lead to confusion unlimited. The opinion has been doing the rounds among Konkani readers, many of whom are irritated with the unnecessary changes. But they have not gathered the courage to voice their preference, apprehensive of hurting sentiments.

Moreover, Konkani in Roman script is already facing several vexing hurdles, and it has to be ensured that those who have still adhered to it faithfully are not compelled to give it up altogether. The younger set of readers would then rather opt for literature in the Devanagari script or be content with English. We are already a confused lot - let us not confuse the Konkani language lovers any further.

I am sending out this message now so it reaches the right people before the daily newspaper “Amcho Avaz” begins to circulate among Goans. I am copying this message to Konkani Institutions.

Moi-mogan,

"Mapusa Yesterday & Today" Book Released in Kuwait on
November 16, 2012 by Gaspar Almeida (seen right)

Domnic Fernandes

Anjuna, Goa
Mob: 8805237604/9420979201
Email: domvalden@hotmail.com








Links:
http://legiomariae.hpage.com/povitr_pustokachi_zannvai_26332056.html
http://domnicfernandes.blogspot.com/2012/11/mapusa-yesterday-today-book-by-domnic.html

[Archived by gaspar almeida, as received from the writer, Domnic Fernandes on 20 Nov. 2012]
 

MAPUSA Yesterday & Today - a book by Domnic PF Fernandes released in Kuwait

Goan Book:  MAPUSA Yesterday & Today released in Kuwait



C. Gaspar Almeida, a well-known Goan writer, press reporter, and moderator of one and only popular Gulf-Goans e-Newsletter (since 1994),  www.goa-world.com, released the second Book:  "MAPUSA Yesterday & Today", written by the well known Goa-based Domnic PF Fernandes, at a book inauguration function held during the staging of Salu Faleiro's Konkani  drama "Aitar Budvar" on November 16, 2012 at the Kuwait Medical Assocation Auditorium, Jabriya, Kuwait. 

Photo: Gaspar Almeida (2nd from Right) inaugurating the book "MAPUSA Yesterday & Today", flanked by Bab Agnel (extreme right) and Domingos Araujo & Salu Faleiro (1st & 2nd from Left) on November 16, 2012 in Kuwait

The book gives a reminiscent tour in a street by street walk through today's bustling Mapusa town, contrasting it with the place that existed a couple of generations ago.  The author meticulously records the places, lanes and the mores of another era and the book carries thumbnail sketches, and photographs by Frederick Noronha.

The president of Kala Mogui Kuwait, Domingos Araujo, gave a brief insight and introduction on the author and on the subject book  in the presence of Gaspar Almeida, and the popular tiatr director Salu Faleiro and Konkani stage singer Bab Agnel.

The 308 page book "Mapusa Yesterday & Today" has Miguel Arcanjo de Braganza's "Foreword" and  is published by Goa1556  (e-catalogued at http://scr.bi/Goa1556Book ).

Recently the book was released at a launch ceremony at the hands of Goa's Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar.  The book is dedicated by Domnic PF Fernandes to his first teacher, Iria Maria dos Milagres da Costa e Rodrigues, cover design done by Dina Nayak and is priced at Rs. 350/- (in Goa) and Euro 24.95 (Overseas). 

The author's first book "Domnic's Goa" published in 2007 also is a veritable treasure trove of information on the customs and traditions of Goa, evoking nostalgic and poignant memories for those who knew the Goa of yesteryears. 

"MAPUSA Yesterday & Today" can be ordered online via Amazon.com or directly from the publisher: email goa1556@gmail.com or  from the author: email domvalden@hotmail.com  Mob: +91 8805237604 and Goa's major book outlets: Broadway (Panjim), Golden Heart (Margao), Other India (Mapusa) &  Literati (Calangute).  For the author's fan followers in  Kuwait and the Gulf region, the book can be obtained by contacting the www.goa-world.com team, email: goaworldtoday@gmail.com, uly334@gmail.com or gasperalmeida@gmail.com; or Kala Mogui Kuwait email: kalamogui@gmail.com, without any additional charges for airmail/courier.

 

 

 

Photos by Professional Photographer:  Simon Dias  

 ___________________________________________________________________________

 

Additional Photos at the book release event in Kuwait on November 16, 2012

(Photos courtesy: Gennifer Marshall)
____________


SOME AUDIO CLIPS OF THE LAUNCH CEREMONY IN GOA:

Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar spoke on the occasion:
https://archive.org/details/ChiefMinisterManoharParrikarAtDomnicsBookLaunch

The author Domnic P.F. Fernandes speaks....
https://archive.org/details/DomnicFernandesOnHisNewBookOnMapusa

Minguel Braganza introducing the author....
https://archive.org/details/MiguelBraganzaReviewsDomnicsNewBook

(Audio clips courtesy: Joel D'Souza, Assagao-Goa)

__________________________________________________________________________________

www.goa-world.com/goa/music/

The 1st Konkani Music Station Online in 2000 created by Ulysses Menezes

& Gaspar Almeida, Kuwait-based Goans.

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

Goa Android User Group meeting

Goa Android User Group meeting

The monthly meet of the Goa Android User Group (GAUG) was held at Centre for Innovation and Business Acceleration (CIBA) at Agnel technical education complex, Verna on October 27, 2012. The Goa Android User Group is the second group in India after the Bangalore Android User group to bring Android enthusiasts on a common platform.

The meet opened with presentation of the facilities available at CIBA to support entrepreneurs and technopreneurs for technology commercialization. The entrepreneurs based at CIBA working on innovative technologies were also introduced to the gathering.

The GAUG team, comprising Prajyot Mainkar (GAUG head), Arya Padte and Jonathan Pereira, formally introduced the genesis and the need of Goa Android User Group to all the participants. The group expressed their concern about limited opportunities for techno freaks to meet and focused on the need to spread knowledge about Android among Goan students and enthusiasts.

Participants expressed interest in including even those who are not technically qualified but have the slightest interest towards Android in the group to widen GAUG's horizons.The participants comprised of android enthusiasts, both students and professionals from various engineering colleges, and corporates from across Goa.

The technical session kicked off with Jonathan Pereira speaking about "Android Basics and App Development". After explaining in details about Android, he demonstrated to the participants the coding of android app. This was followed by a session on "Android 4.1 (Jelly Beans version) Preview" by Prajyot Mainkar. He demonstrated the various new and exciting features like Google Now, NFC which were introduced in the Jelly beans version.

The event was co-ordinated by Amey Karmali and Raghuvir Mahale from CIBA. GAUG meet will be a regular event organized at CIBA every month and Android enthusiasts can contact GAUG or CIBA for registration. (TOI)

BHOGSONNEM / FORGIVENESS - By Domnic Fernandes

Dear netters,

Last month, I wrote the following Konkani article for the 3^rd quarterly magazine – ‘San Miguelicho Avaz’ of Anjuna Church. I thought I would share it with you all. Rough English translation follows the Konkani version.

Dev borem korunv,

Domnic Fernandes

 

________________________________

BHOGSONNEM

‘AMCHEA BAPA’ hem magnnem Jezun amkam ghôddun dôvorlam jem ami dispott’tem mhunnttanv. Hea magnneachea dusrea bhagachim utram zavn asat:

“… ani ami amcher chukleleank bhôgxitanv, toxim amchim patkam bhôgos…”

Zo konn aplea peleak bhôgsunk raji na to jitle pavtti ‘Amchea Bapa’ rozar kôrta

titlei pavtt amchea sôrginchea Bapak, khôxe-monan, okman kôrta.

Aiz-kal munxea lagim pôixe vôdik zavn tachem gorv vaddot gelam; amchem jivit suberbaien bhorlam zaka lagon ami peleak okman kôrit ravtanv; tacho pôrinam?: Dusmankai! Ami khalte zanvche bôdlek ragest zatanv ani karanna vinnem peleacho abru-man uboitanv. Oxem ghoddlea uprant, sôire-dairé ani sezar-samari eka-meka lagim uloinant; matxem kiteim fattim-fuddem zalear peleak bhôgxinant, bogor dusmankai fuddem vortat ani bhôgsunche bôdlek zôgddim-zuzam manddttat, eka-meka lagim surieanim zogoddttat ani khun pasun kôrunk pavtat.

Xikop borem ani faideachem. Punn ami tacho faido kaddun eka-mekak somzoche bôdlek eka-mekacheo iskuttavn chuki sôdun kaddttanv ani sem-karann dusmankai kôrun ghetanv. Ghova-baile modem kôslii chuk ghoddlear tannim eka-mekak somzon bhôgsunk zai. Punn oxem ami korinanv, karann ami absuarti ani hakach lagon aiz-kal kitlea ghôv-bailamnim divorce divn sabar ghorabe konsllon poddleat!

Bhurgim avoi-bapaik somzonant ani man dinant. Vhôddilamnim kiteim riti-dêkik sanglear bhurgeank fur’ kôrun rag ieta. Ragaache bharan bhoron ghor sanddun thodde pois vetat ani avoi-bapaicho sômbôndh tôddttat. Aiz-kal ami sangata vell sarinanv dekunuch sômzikai unnim zait gelea ani ‘bhogsonnem’ utor sanddlam.

Zonn eklo ami utranche vô kôrneanche bôlli zavn geleanv. Zait ghôddiek tujea avoi-bapuin riti-deki vixim tik’ka marlea vô zait ghôddiek tujea pattlavdaran tuzo kontrad chôrun vela vô zait ghôddiek tujea ixttan tujea môgiea sangata môuz marun tuka ghat kela. Osle ghave amchea jivitan sareporim togta tosle dag zavnk xeoktat; kôddsanin vingans pasun ghevnk pavtat. Oslea vellar zôrui tum bhogsonnem vaprinaim zalear tunvuch luskonnan poddonk xeokta.

Bhogsonnem mhunnchem kitem? Bhogsonnem mhunnchem tuzo rag ani vingasan bhôrlelim ragachim chintnam pois kôrun tujea ontoskornank xanti divop. Tuka konneim dukhoila zalear tacho rag ani kôddsan tujea jivitan sasnnank urta. Zôrui tum taka bhôgxinam zalear tujem jivit bhôv kôttin zavnk pavta. Punn zôrui tum bhogsonneank veng marxi, tuje môntintlo rag ani vingans bhair uddôvn xantikaiek, bhorvanxeak ani khuxealkaiek veng marunk zata. Thoddeach utramnim, bhogsonnem tujem jivit sudraita, tujea dusmana thaim sômzikaiechim bhavnnam utpôn kôrta ani tuka khuxeal dôvôrta. Bhogsonnem ek ôthmik vokot!

Peleak bhôgxilear tacho adav mellta? Hoi. Peleak bhôgxilear amchem dusmanponn nôpoit zavn kaklutik, doiallponnank ani somadanank vatt melltta. Bhogsonnean, pelea sovem amchi soirigôt vaddtta, otmeanchem xaxtr sudorta, amche uske unnem zavn zoddai koddsorta. Ragan ani dusmankaiean, amchea rogtacho toddako vô blood pressure vaddtta to nemancho vô normal zata; amchea upodreanchim khunnam unnim zavn viddi voddop ani soro pivopui unnem zata.

Kristanvank kumsaracho sakrament ghôddun dovorla zache vôrvim amkam patkanchem bhogsonnem mellta. Punn ami pôrtun tem/tim patok/patkam adarunk favona; tednanch ki amkam bhogsonnem mellonk xeokta.

Jezuchea sangata dogam chorank khursar marlelet. Uzveak aslelea choran Jezu lagim maglem: “Saiba, sorgar pavtôch mhôzoi ugddas kôr”. Jezun taka tednanch bhôgxilo ani sanglem: “Mhôjea Bapa bôrôbor uzveak tunvuim boson astôloi.”

Bhogsonnem kitlem gôrjechem tem dakôll kôrunk Jezu oxem sangta: “Zôrui tum Misachem bôlidan bhettoita ani tuka ugddas ieta tujea peleak tuvem vaitt kelam vô tache lagim uloinam tacho, tujem bôlidan thuinch sôdd ani vochon poilo tujea peleak bhôgos; tednanch ki tujem bôlidan Devak mandtelem”.

Sôrgest Pap Saib John Paul II hannem apnnacher sabar bôndukache far marun zôkmi kelelea Mehmet Ali Ağca-k, bondkhônnint vochon bhôgxilo. Ekdom vhôdd kôrni hi! Hakach lagon to Pap Saib jivo astannach lôk taka ‘jivo sant’ mhunn pachartalet. Aiz-kalchea sonvsarant oxem ami kôrtanv kai? Jezun amkam xikoilam: “eka polear marlear dusroi polo di”. Punn oxem kôrche bôdlek ami peleachi akkich kudd khun kôrun marun uddoitanv!

Bhogsonnem ek bolladik hatiar zatun amchea ontoskornank xantikai mellonk xeokta. Zaite pavtt ami amchea kallzant dusmankai ani niddukai utpôn kôrtanv eka pelea sovem zannem amkam okman keleat vô dukoileat. Osle okman ani nôixtt amchea jivitant ekuch pavtt ghoddttat punn ami tancho bogor-bogor ugddas kôrun tankam amchea bhitôr posit ravtanv zaka lagon amchi nid pirdear zata, amchea bhanddeak kivonn vô ulcer poddtta, adi.

Peleachi munsubi kôrunk amkam ôdhikar nam; ho ôdhikar fokot rôchnnar Devak asa; Devacher thir bhavart dôvor; Toch, amkam dukoiteleachi munsubi kôrtolo. Dekun tum tujea peleak bhôgos, adarlelim kortubam visor ani mogan jie. Peleak dilear ani bhôgxilear amcho môg vaddttolo. Sodankal Misak gelear, ghorant ters rozar kelear ani “Sômia, Sômia” mhuttlear munis sorgar pavonam. Ami amchea peleak bhôgsunk zai; tednanch ki amkam sôrg favo zatolo.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ENGLISH VERSION

FORGIVENESS

Jesus gave us the prayer “Our Father”, which we recite daily. Some of the words of the second part of the prayer are:

“…and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us…”

Anyone who is not ready to forgive his neighbor, every time s/he says the prayer, knowingly offends the Heavenly Father

These days, money has become the prime cause of pride. We are full of stubbornness because of which we despise our neighbour, which ultimately results into enmity. Instead of being humble, we fume with anger and unnecessarily defame our neighbour. Due to such behaviour, relatives and neighbours stop to communicate with each other. They get angry, lose their temper at the slightest fault and refuse to forgive each other; instead of forgiving they pick up fights and even commit murders.

Education is good and useful. But instead of benefitting from it and understanding each other better, we scrutinize issues, find faults and simply create enmity. When a mistake occurs between husband and wife, they must understand and forgive each other. But we are not ready to do it, because we are selfish. This is why we have several divorce cases, which have wrecked families and homes.

Children neither respect nor understand their parents. When elders try to advise children, they immediately lose their cool. In the heat of anger, some leave their homes and terminate relationships with their parents. Nowadays, we don’t spend much time together. This is exactly why there is no understanding and the word ‘forgiveness’ has lost its meaning.

Nearly everyone feels hurt by the actions or words of others. Perhaps your parents criticized your parenting skills, your colleague sabotaged a project or your partner had an affair. These wounds can leave you with lasting feelings of anger, bitterness or even vengeance – but if you don’t practice forgiveness, you might be the one to pay dearly.

What is forgiveness? Generally, forgiveness is a decision to let go of resentment and thoughts of revenge, which brings about peace to your conscience. The act that hurt or offended you might always remain a part of your life, but forgiveness can lessen its grip on you and help you focus on other, positive parts of your life. Forgiveness can even lead to feelings of empathy for the one who hurt you. In short, forgiveness betters your life and brings tranquility which helps you go on with it. Forgiveness is the spiritual medicine to the soul.

Do we benefit if we forgive our neighbour? Yes. Letting go of grudges and bitterness can make way for compassion, kindness and peace. Forgiveness can lead to a healthier relationship, greater spiritual and psychological well-being, less anxiety, stress and hostility, lower blood pressure, fewer symptoms of depression, lower risk of alcohol and substance abuse.

For Christians, there is the Sacrament of Confession through which sins are absolved. As Catholics, we must know that forgiveness comes after the sin has been confessed and one is determined not to commit the sin again.

Along with Jesus two notorious thieves were also crucified. The one on the right said to Jesus, “Lord, when in heaven, please remember me.” Jesus forgave him instantly and said, “You, too, shall be seated to the right of my Father.”

In order to tell us how important forgiveness is, Jesus says: “If you are offering a Mass, and if you remember that you have hurt your neighbour or if you are not in talking terms with him, leave the service, go to your neighbour and forgive him; only then will your offering be acceptable to God.”

Mehmet Ali Ağca shot the late Pope Paul II several times and injured him severely. Instead of favouring punishment to Mehmet, the Pope went to his prison cell and forgave him. What a great act! This is why people addressed him as ‘a living saint’ while he was still alive. Do we follow his example? Jesus has taught us (Luke 6:29), “If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also.” Instead of doing that we get rid of the whole body by murdering that person!

Forgiveness is the most powerful aid to peace of mind. We often develop ill-feelings inside our heart for the person who insults us or harms us. We nurture grievances. This in turn results in loss of sleep, development of stomach ulcers, and high blood pressure. This insult or injury was done once, but nourishing of grievance goes on forever by constantly remembering it.

We have no right to judge others; only God the Creator has that right. Trust in God and He will do justice unto the one who hurt you. Just forget your neighbour’s bad deeds and live in peace and harmony. If you give (love) and forgive your neighbour, love will blossom. Going to Church every day and offering Mass does not ensure us heaven nor by saying the rosary in the house daily nor by beating our chest and calling out loudly “Lord, Lord!” We have to forgive our neighbour; only then we shall be able to win the Kingdom of Heaven!

Moi-mogan,

Domnic Fernandes

Gaumvaddi, Anjuna, Goa 

 

______________________

 

Dear Gaspar,

I would appreciate it if you could kindly post the following article on your sites. Thanks in advance. God bless.

Warm regards,

Domnic

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Mob: 9420979201/8805237604

MAGNNEM (Prayers) - By Domnic Fernandes (Anjuna, Goa)

Dear Gulf-Goans,

The following Konkani article was written for Anjuna Church 3rd quarterly magazine ‘San Miguelicho Avaz,’ 

which was released this week; I thought I would share it with you all. English translation follows after Konkani 

version.

Thank you.

Moi-mogan,

Domnic Fernandes

Anjuna, Goa

Mob: 9420979201

MAGNNEM

Dhorm’ ek xist asa. Amkam xist aslear sogllem sarkem zata ani tharear poddtta; xist naslear jivitachi duspott

zata.

Jivitan magnnem gorjechem asa. Magnnem korop mhonnchem Deva ani amchea modekat gonnovp

(communication.) Dhor disa magnnem korun ami Deva sovem amchi soirigot vaddoitanv.

Adli pillga nhoich fokot Comunhanv ani Krism ghevpache toiearen Devak magnnem kortalint punn hi sonvoim tim apunn morosor chalu dovortalint.

Hemch asa veglleponn atanche ani adle pillge modem. Adli pillga Dev Rochnnar mhonn sot mandtali dekun

Dev tanchem magnnem tabortob aikotalo ani tancher aplo axirvad ghaltalo. Aiz ami Deva vorte mhonn

somzotanv ani dekunuch amchim magnnim aikonk Dev uxir korta ani Devachem besanvui amcher asonam.

Jezun kaiborem amkam orthaborit “Amchea Bapa” magnnem dilam. Punn kitlim zannam hem magnnem

zotnaien mhonnttat ani tacho orth aplea jivitak lagu kortat kai? Eka kira porim ami magnnem dekor kortanv ani tacho orth monan golloinastannam tem mhunnot ravtanv. “Amchea Bapa” hachea dusrea bhagachim utram ami bore baxen niall’lear tinch utram amkam sasnnanchem jivit favo korunk xeoktat.

Choddxe zannank magnnem mhonnchem ek visex suddsuddai (an extra activity) – fursodichem kam’ (a part-

time exercise.) Ami magnnem korunk zai mhonn kortanv. Jednam TV-cher tore-torechim cholchitram ani

khellache kariokram ami polletanv tednam amkam puro zainam ani jem’ einam, punn jea vellar magnnem suru

kortanv teach vellar amchea bhejean devchar ghusta; panch minut zanvchea adinch jemencheo ghantto marunk ami suru kortanv ani hea porim magnnem sogllea vostum poros olkem mhonn dakoll kortanv.

Sod’deak, ami magnnem korun Devak ulo martanv fokot amkam goroz poddtta tednam nam zalear Devacho

ugddas korunk amkam bilkul vell mellonam. Avgoddaiank sampoddttanv vo duent poddttanv tednam ami

igorjen dhanv martanv ani Devak ani sogllea santank toxench Saibinn Maink ulo martanv. Titlench nhoi, ami

angovnneo pasun kortanv ki zori amchem maglelem kam’ zait zalear ami om’kea santak vo khursak ladain

korteleanv mhonn vo Tamil Nadu vochon Vailankani Saibinnink bhett’teleanv mhonn.

Punn amchem kam’ zatanch ami Devak visortanv ani portun ‘Devak divnk mhaka vell nam’ oslo akar ami

dakoll kortanv – “kam’ zalo voiz melo” mhuttlelea porim.

Amchea bhurgeaponnar ami xist xikleanv tea pormonnem disak panch pavtti magnnem korunk zai:

(1) Sokallchea panch horar igorjechi poili ghantt vazta. Hi ghantt amkam zagoita ani sokallchem dhormik

vachop korunk ugddas korta. Amchea bhurgeaponnar ami he ghanttichea avazar utt’ttaleanv, Devak

dhinvastaleanv ani sokallchim prathonnam kortaleanv. Atanchi sonsot oxem korta kai?

(2) Sokallchea sov horar igorjechi dusri ghantt vazta. Hi ghantt amkam sokallchem magnnem korun amcho dis suru korunk ani dispott’ttea povitr misak vochonk ugddas korta. Adlea kallar choddso lok sov horanchea misak igorje vetalint. Amchea modlim kitlim zannam oxem kortat kai?

(3) Donparchea bara horar igorjechi tisri ghantt vazta. Hi ghantt amkam donparchem rozar korunk ugddas korta.

Adim, choddso lok hi ghantt vazlea uprant donparchem jevonn jevtalint. Aiz-kal donparchea jevnnank amkam vogotuch nam. Donparche ghanntichea avazar ami rozar kortanv kai?

(4) Sanjechea sat horar igorjechi chovti ghantt vazta. Hi ghantt amkam tinsanchem vo Aimorechem rozar

korunk ugddas korta. Adlea kallar hi ghantt vazlea uprant konnuch ghora bhair panvoll ghalinaslint. Hi ghanntt

vazchea adim bhurgeamnim ghorant bhitor soronk zai aslem nam zalear Aimori mhunnon kabar zatanch amkam khast melltali. Amchea modlim kitlim zannam Aimorechi ghanntt vaztam ghoran bhitor sortat kai, ani ami Aimori mhunnttanv kai?

(5) Ratchea att horar igorjechi panchvi ghanntt vazta. Hi ghanntt amkam ratchem magnnem korunk ugddas

korta. He ghanntticho avaz aikotanch lok meleleanchea othmeank rozar kortalint. Hi ghantt vaztam ami

meleleanchea othmeank rozar kortanv kai?

Hea voir boroileli xist ami pallttanv kai? Nam. Portun zalear ami amcho vell dhondeak, fungsanv-ank ani TV-

veleo kariavolli pollovn sartanv.

Jednam avoi-bapui chukta tanchim bhurgim apunnuch vatt visortat. Avoi-bapuicho kaido dhor rati bhurgeank

ekttavn Saibinnicho ters rozar korunk punn oxem korche bodlek tim tankam viret (excuse) kortat mhunnon:

“To/tem xikpan revoddlolo/revoddlelem asa.”

Tech baptin, jednam nimanneo porikxeo lagim pavtat, toch avoi-bapui Deva lagim magtat tankam porikxeo

bore baxen borovnk adar divnk. Titlench nhoi, uprant dhondo kelelea porim avoi-bapui Deva ani santam lagim koblat kortat ki zorui tancho put/dhuv nimanni porikxea pas zait zalear apunn Igorjechea/kopelachea adharak umke ozar poixe ditelint oxem mhunnon. Zorui bhurgeam sovem Devak divnk pondra minut nam, Dev aplo vell amkam kiteak ditolo ani amchim magnnim kiteak aikotolo? Avoi-bapain aplea bhurgeank bore dhormik riti-rovixen voir kaddunk zai. Konknnint ek mhunn’ni asa: “Fuddlem zot cholta toxem fattlem cholta.”

Ghov-bailam eka ghorant jietat punn tim borobor rozar/magnnem korinant. Tor tanchean khuxeal jivit koxem

jieonk zata? Tanchea modem koslem-nam-koslem goir somzut utpon zatoch asta ani oxem ghoddonk karann

tim Deva sorxilim koddsorleant. Zaite pavtt ghov ani bail kuxin magnnem kortat ani somzotat ki tanchim

bhurgiim kuxin magnnem kortat astelim mhunnon – hacho porinam? Ek futt poddlolo ghorabo! Kednaim

okosmat konnanchoi okasianv aslear ani bhurgeank rozar korunk maglear tankam “Amchea Bapa” pasun sarki mhunnonk einam! 

Avoi-bapain magnneank oromb divn bhurgeank fuddem cholonk xikovnk zai. Oxi ek mhunn’nni asa: “Zo

kuttumb sangata rozar korta to sodanch sangata jieta.” Hem amchea monan dovrum-iea ani zorui ami amcho

kaido pallunk visorleanv zalear amchea jivitachi novsorni korun Dev-bhirantichem suki jivit jieonk tozvit

korunv-iea.

Aiz-kalchea kallar magnnem ekdom gorjechem kiteak magnnem amkam sondi dita Devak fuddo korunk ani 

tannem dilelelea sorvoi denneank dhinvasunk ani toxench peleacchea gorzank ani koxtt-dogd bhogteleam pasot 

magonk. Jezun mhullam: “Darar mar ani dar ugoddttelem; mag ani tuka melltelem.” Tor ami sodankal 

magnnem korunk sonvoim korum-iea nhoi fokot amkam goroz tednam bogor dispott’ttem. 

Moi-mogan,

Domnic Fernandes

Gaumvaddi, Anjuna, Goa
--------------------------

ENGLISH TRANSLATION

MAGNNEM (PRAYER)

Religion is a discipline. If we have discipline, everything falls in place and turns out to be right; if not, life gets

messed up.

Prayer is necessary in life. It is a communication between us and God. By praying to God every day, we

increase our relationship with God.

Past generations did not just pray to God when they attended the Catechism classes in preparation of their first Holy Communion and Chrism but they continued the praying until they died.

This is the difference between today’s generation and past generations. In the past, they believed in God the

Creator; hence, their prayers were almost immediately answered and they were blessed. Today, we think we are greater than God; hence, our prayers are rarely answered.

Jesus gave us a meaningful prayer - ‘Our Father.’ But how many say it carefully and apply its meaning to our

lives? We memorize our prayers like a parrot and keep on repeating them without even realizing what they

mean. If we reflect on each word of the second part of the ‘Our Father,’ those words can help us attain eternal life.

For most of us, praying has become an extra activity - a part-time exercise. We just say it because we are

required to say it, without meaning it. We don’t feel tired or fall asleep when we watch a long movie or a TV

serial or cricket match but when it comes to prayers, more specifically the daily Rosary, we begin to toll the

bells within less than five minutes thus making our prayer look less important than all other activities.

Presently, we pray to God only when we need favors otherwise we don’t have any time for God. Whenever we are in difficulty or fall sick we rush to the Church, pray to all the saints and to Our Lady and even make a vow to celebrate a litany in thanksgiving to a cross or a particular saint or to pay a visit to the shrine of Our Lady of Vailankani in Tamil Nadu.

Once we get our favor(s), we are back to our ‘no time for God’ attitude – Kam’ zalem, voiz melo (Once you are cured, the doctor is forgotten) - ungrateful patient.

According to the discipline that we learned in our childhood, we are supposed to pray five times a day as

follows:

(1) At the ring of the first Church bell at 5:00am - MATINS: wake-up reading. It is a wake-up call to

parishioners. As children, we woke up at the sound of the Church bell, thanked God for helping us to wake up, said our morning prayers and began our morning studies. How many children do this today?

(2) At the ring of the second Church bell at 6:00am - LAUDS: morning prayers. It is a reminder to parishioners to begin their day with prayers and to attend daily holy mass. In the olden days, most people went to Church for 6:00 o’clock mass. How many of us do this today?

(3) At the ring of the third Church bell at 12:00pm - SELT: mid-day prayers.

It reminds parishioners to say mid-day prayers followed by lunch. Most people in the past ate their lunch soon after the mid-day Church bell rang. Today, we have no timing for lunch. Do we pray at the sound of the noon Church bell?

(4) At the ring of the fourth Church bell at 7:00pm - VESPERS: evening prayers. It reminds parishioners to say their evening prayers, which is usually followed by the Angelus. In the olden days, nobody stepped out of the house after the Angelus bell rang. Children were required to report back home before the Angelus bell rang or else they were punished as soon as the Angelus was over. How many of us return home by 7:00 pm? And, do we say the Angelus?

(5) At the ring of the fifth Church bell at 8:00pm - COMPLINE:  night prayers. It is a reminder to parishioners to say their night prayers. People prayed for the departed souls at the stroke of this bell. How many of us do this today?

Do we follow the above-mentioned discipline/principle? No. On the contrary, we devote our time to business, attend countless parties, watch TV programs, etc.

When parents falter, children automatically go astray. It is parents’ duty to gather their children and say rosary every night but instead of doing that they excuse them by saying: “S/he is busy studying.”

By the same token, when final exams approach, those very parents pray to God to help their children pass in

their exams. That’s not all, as if dealing in business, they then make a deal with God and saints that if their

son/daughter passes, they would donate certain amount of money to the Church/Chapel.

If children do not have fifteen minutes to spare to say a rosary, how can we expect God to give us His time and grant us what we ask for? Parents must bring up their children with good religious ethics. There is an interesting Konkani adage: “Fuddlem zot cholta toxem fattlem cholta” meaning people always follow the leader.

Although husband and wife live together, they don’t pray together. So, how can we expect them to live a happy life? There is always some kind of misunderstanding between them; that’s because they have drifted away from God. Many a times each partner prays separately and they assume that their children, too, must be praying separately - the result? A split family! Whenever there is an occasion and if these children are asked to say a prayer, they can’t even complete the “Our Father” prayer!

Parents must take the initiative of saying prayers at home and give a good lead to their children. It is said: “A

family that prays together stays together.” Let us keep this in mind and if we have forgotten our duties let us

rectify ourselves and try to live a God-fearing, happy life.

Prayer is the need and necessity of the hour because it gives us the opportunity to really turn to God & thank 

Him for all the blessings we enjoy and to pray for the needs of those that are suffering. Jesus said: “Knock on 

the door and the door shall open; ask and thou shall receive.” So, let us make it a habit to pray not only when we 

are in need but always.

Moi-mogan,

Domnic Fernandes

Gaumvaddi, Anjuna, Goa 

[As forwarded to gaspar almeida, http://www.goa-world.com/

on June 21, 2011 via email]