Training and Fellowship marked May
Notwithstanding the summer heat of May, Ganv Bhavancho Ekvott had a flurry of activities as five different projects were held.
In collaboration with Museum of Christian Art, GBE held a four hour long workshop on 7th May 2025 on preparing Azulejos.
In all, 16 villagers were trained in preparing Azulejo, the mesmerising printing of tiles immortalised by Portuguese. All the participants were provided with kits that included acrylic paints to help them prepare Azulejos.
Actually Azulejo were initially prepared by the Moors which were adapted by the Spanish but immortalised by the Portuguese explained Gunjan Mitra coordinator of the three member team from the Museum that conducted the training. The other two trainers were Bhavana Ajit and Benjamin Monserrate.
Senior most participant and GBE member Irvin Antao proposed the voted of thanks.
Earlier on 1st May GBE staged a tiatro titled Xikop Naslolo, written and directed by comedian Sally.
This tiatro watched by over 500 people was staged in the air conditioned auditorium of Chandor Club with Basil Fernandes, Antonio alias Anthony Pereira and Menino alias Minush Gomes as the project manager.
On 12th May, 15 GBE member led by President Alzira Pereira and General Secretary Jose Coutinho visited the Clergy Home at Margao where besides talking to the retired priests they also gave them a donation of Rs. 10,000.
The last fortnight of the month was for fellowship where GBE members gathered for relaxation and also devotion.
On _17th May GBE member had their annual picnic at Palolem which is acknowledged to be the safest beach in Goa.
Unfortunately only 17 persons including a sister and mother of GBE members participated in this picnic for which a tempo was hired for transportation. Ladies, who are the backbone of GBE were there in their full strength.
In all five games were held for the participants which were three outdoor and two indoor ones. The games were organised by Managing Committee member Darwin Cardoso and Bernadette alias Benu Coutinho mother of four GBE members including ex-general secretary.
The picnickers had a sumptuous lunch that had two salads, besides kishmor or dried fish salad. rice-curry, fried rice, beef, ladyfingers, chicken with gravy, fried fish with ice cream as desert served at Ciarans the well known beach side shacks resort owned by GBE’s main benefactor.
On 29th May GBE held its annual ladainha at the Nagzor cross. Earlier this litany used to be held at the cross atop the Ghottmorod hillock.
As the area near the cross was mucky due to the pre-monsoon showers, the around 40 participants for the litany stood on the kutcha road leading to Tolloi.
GBE’s in house minstrel Antonio Pereira along with Maria Mascarenhas and Beatrice Cardoso led the singing of the litany and three other hymns dedicated to Holy Cross, St Anthony the patron of Cavorim and one thanking Our Lady for her graces. Member Agnrelin Gracias recited a short prayer.
Joint Secretary Ezly Henriques prepared special small baskets of banana leaves in which the snacks either prepared or sponsored by various members were served. Hole, Doce, Atoll, cake and black tea was served for snacks.
