Billytoons has a way of humour in getting his awareness across to the audience. With several
social issues, his latest illustrations were on the safety guidelines of
Coronavirus. With simple drawings explaining to wash your hands with soap, wear
a mask etc. ”If you look around things are getting bad day by day, I can only
create awareness cartoons to convey the message. The biggest lesson we could
take from this is everything around you in temporary, we have come too far that
we are dependent on retail industries, we forgot to produce our own food. I
created few cartoons on this ongoing Issue. Not to forget, take care of nature
and nature will take care of you in return, above all don’t forget to pray
daily,” says Billy Joe Fernandes, the creator of Billytoons.
Cassian Fernandes is the lead guitarist and vocalist for the
band Alcatrazz. He is currently working from home and giving online lessons to
his existing students. “Social media can be excessive information actually.
Some of which is genuine, and does make us aware of what is happening around,
and some of which contains fake information. We must be vigilant, not to fall
for fake news and focus on our safety, and the safety of the ones around us. It
becomes everyone‘s responsibility to contribute collectively towards the
solution,” says Cassian.
Siddesh Naik, a scriptwriter for Konkani films like ‘Jude’ and
‘One Last Time’ feels that the virus pandemic has brought new issues to deal
with. “No doubt as this entire phase passes we will have a different India and
different world altogether. Through art, we shall surely balance out some
mental stress but right now the need of the hour is to reach those who survive
on daily wages. I’ve been a part of various groups created to help the needy as
well as to create a plan to provide essentials. But as of now, it’s all chaotic
as everyone is trying to understand whereas some people are already out
delivering food to the people on street. I’ve been also a part of WhatsApp group
where psychologists are proving tips to heal mentally in this phase. I feel in
order to help the needy it’s best to be a part of Government module, volunteer
on their behalf and help. Going out individually will not serve its purpose.
Secondly, when we go out, we need to take utmost care of our hygiene when we
are back home around our family,” says the young writer.
Noted international artist Subodh Kerkar for the first time in
his artistic career has found uninterrupted free art time. “I am always busy with
art lectures, travelling across the world for exhibitions and workshops with a
hectic schedule. For the first time, everything has been cancelled and there is
nobody to disturb. This is totally concentrated artistic bliss and I’m not even
thinking of Corona. I shifted to my house in Saligao. We are fighting for
humanity and this is an opportunity for creativity. Human beings have to learn
humility as one has seen civilisations rise and fall. We have to accept to bow
down to God and nature,” says Subodh, who sat up till 3am drawing with his
daughter Sharadha and son Siddharth.
Oscar
Noronha is a known name in the literary world in Goa and belongs to the family
publishing house, Third Millennium. “What I write these days is often related
to Covid-19. Even my post titled “Our Evening Visitor”, on my blog, about the
Oriental magpie-robin, had some reference to Covid-19. Holy Mass on the fourth
Sunday of Lent was also a pretext to sit at the computer and pen down a few
reflections. It’s not that I’m very disturbed but only trying to appreciate one
of the most life-changing experiences of my time,” says Oscar.
