This is Anjuna’s story. From across the ages. Not just one of hippies and its beach. Instead, it is the tale of the village and her people. Foreword by Prof Newman Fernandes. Fernandes is former principal, St Xavier’s College, Mapusa: I don’t know who coined the proverb Anjuna fuddem ganv na and Anjunkarank nanv na. Most probably the neighbours!

Story of The Village

The first part is a geographical statement, but the second part of the proverb is quite provocative and may invite retaliation. This book itself is an indication that the second part does not reflect today’s reality.

I started reading, but had no peace until I could go through all its 392 pages. This is a book of reference. Researchers will find abundant material for further investigation. Yet, the language is simple and attractive for any reader. Each family from Anjuna should have a copy of this book in their house and more to gift to friends.

Goan life and its story

This book documents many institutions and realities that have been part and parcel of Goan village life and have either disappeared, or are on the verge of extinction. Such as voijinn maim, lojas, escolas paroquiais, poder, chari, mest, mestri, pedo, bhattkar, boilanchi gaddi, ghor zanuoim, regidor, jadu, ganvkar, vaddekar, maddanchi fenni, ajut, dixtt, alment, ventoz, mirni, fozne, koiar marpi, kunddeachi poyi, kankonn, zagor, maddanchem godd, ghor xivunk, zhodd, khobrem, mittachi konnki, dukrachim chevrisam, rintte and bhar ietalo, among others.

One also gets acquainted with a variety of proverbs, an integral part of village life and a distilled product of the experiences of generations. They are part of our heritage.

Village, enthusiasm, accuracy

My warm congratulations to Domnic P.F. Fernandes. He has undertaking a deep study of his own village. He has also recorded with great accuracy and enthusiasm what he has seen and what he has discovered through anthropological tools.

Needed: more on Anjuna

I think he could start work on a Volume II. Describing the impact of hippies and other foreigners on the local population, on the local economy, on the local youth, the drug trade and the drug usage. He can also assemble short stories (kannio). Ones which have been passed on across generations. Thank you Domnic for your unforgettable contribution to the socio-cultural tapestry of Goa.

Professor Newman Fernandes, Ph.D.Allahabad, September 14, 2015

From The Times of India: Once Upon A Time In Anjuna
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