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Where Home Is Goa

By on August 18, 2018

Who would say no to living in a state full of vibrant colours, pristine beaches and rich cultures? Dozens have fallen in love with this idyllic place and decided to live on far beyond a vacation. In a numerical coincidence with our 8th anniversary, VIVA GOA speaks to eight eminent people who have made Goa their home

ADMIRAL Shekhar Mital, NM

(Chairman & MD - Goa Shipyard Ltd)Residing at Vasco

What makes living in Goa different from anywhere else you have lived?

Goa’s pristine beauty provides a solace to mind and body alike. Mesmerising views of the Arabian Sea and abundance of beaches along the coast line keep one engaged for a long time. It also compels you to come back repeatedly to this wonderful serene place.

A captivating mix of friendly locals, natural beauty, lifestyles, culture, weather and culinary delights makes Goa a perfect place to reside in. Goans are lively and friendly, which makes it extremely easy to gel with them.

The cuisine fuses the flavours of Indian and Portugese with the right mix of spices. This is another major factor which makes it different from anywhere else in the country.

My stay in Goa has been the best time I had in my life and I owe this entirely to the place and its people.

Which cultural facets of Goa have you come to know and love?

Right blend of East and West makes Goan culture attractive. It’s got the vintage charm of western culture fused with an exotic Indian touch. The influence of rich heritage is enshrined throughout the state and it’s a delight to visit centuries-old churches and forts, meticulously maintained with intricate architectural designs.

Very high integrity in the locals, coupled with receptibility to new ideas, makes them good team members. Due to this, it was easy to connect with employees at Goa Shipyard Ltd at the grassroot level and lead them to success.

Describe an impression of Goa before you came that proved otherwise?

Goa is as good as I thought it would be. In fact, this place has turned out to be better than I could have imagined.

Undoubtedly, Goa has a great culture and people are highly protective about it. However, at times, it becomes counterproductive for development of the state. Going by the natural resources the state is bestowed with, all efforts must be made to transform Goa into the best tourism destination in the world.

Mohinder Amarnath

(Legendary India cricketer) Residing at Colva

What makes living in Goa different from anywhere else you have lived?

I love Goa, its culture and people. They are caring, affectionate and happy doing their own things.

Which cultural facets of Goa have you come to know and love?

I love the spirit of Goans during festivals. I have been impressed with the participation of the youngsters to carry traditions to the next generations. Let’s join hands together and make Goa the happiest place for the coming generations. Love Goa!

Describe an impression of Goa before you came that proved otherwise?

I have been in Goa for the past 10 years and have witnessed many changes before coming here. I expected Goa to be a disciplined, happy state, but unfortunately it has changed a lot with time and people coming in from other states. It is one of the best in the country, but still needs a lot to be done with law and order, especially traffic and driving! I hope they and we keep Goa clean.

Jaydev Mody

(Chairman of Delta Corp & FC Goa) Residing at Nerul

What makes living in Goa different from anywhere else you have lived?

Goa is a potpourri of people, culture and religion. Everything about it is eclectic and interesting – be it the food, the sports, the music or the beaches. The state has so much to offer that there is always something new to discover about it.

If you’re looking to kickback with your family, Goa will give you its pristine beaches, allowing you to discover the laid-back susegado life. If you’re here to party with your friends, Goa offers you its casinos and clubs. Goa has it all.

Which cultural facets of Goa have you come to know and love?

My favourite part of Goa is its people, who are always pleasant and friendly, totally unfazed by the world around. Our house in Goa is nestled in the quiet little village of Nerul. Over the last two decades, I have come to know the people of the village and regard them as my dear friends.

Being at the helm of FC Goa and becoming interested in football, I was able to assist in renovating an existing football field in the village for the people to enjoy. Even this small gesture was so greatly appreciated.

It just goes to show that the people in Goa are always happy.

Describe an impression of Goa before you came that proved otherwise?

Before my company, Delta Corp Ltd (Deltin), started operating casinos and hotels in Goa, I was skeptical about how people could actually work in Goa, since it’s the most relaxing place I have ever been to!

But now, years into running our business, I have seen how educated, hardworking and dedicated Goans are when it comes to work. Always diligent and focused, despite the hundreds of distractions surrounding them, Goans know how to work hard and play hard, which is extremely admirable. All said and done, Goa is my home!

Read the full article in 'Viva Goa' magazine copy.

Viva Goa magazine is now on stands. Available at all major book stalls and supermarkets in Goa.