For any tourist
visiting Goa, the city of Panjim always stands out amid the numerous historical sites across the state.
Be it the vibrant and dynamic nature of the city or the archaeological
delights, it is safe to say that Panjim is always a regular feature on the
various heritage walks that are conducted in Goa.
Documenting and
promoting the rich history of the city has always been a strong focal point of
the Goa Heritage Action Group (GHAG).
In line with its past
initiatives, the Goa Heritage Action Group will be releasing the book titled
‘The Mapped Heritage of Panaji Goa, 2017’, curated by Poonam Verma Mascarenhas,
with a foreword by Edgar F Ribeiro.
The book will be
launched by eminent personalities from the community – Vasco Pinho, Patricia
Pinto and Celsa Pinto.
Comprising 400 pages,
the book aims to serve as an up-to-date status of the Heritage of Panjim. The
907 entries are about 13 neighbourhoods - Ribandar, Sao Tome, Fontainhas, Mala,
Portais, Altinho, Central Business District, Campal, St Inez, Caranzalem, Miramar,
Dona Paula, and Taleigao, with high quality coloured photographs, salient
features, and area maps of the city for easy use. It serves as a handy
reference book to anyone interested in the history and heritage of Panjim city.
It is also a great resource for those interested in heritage walks, photography
and architecture.
According to Raya
Shankhwalker, the Honorary Secretary of the organisation, Panjim has always
been a historic city and it is pertinent to boost the conservation of the
heritage in the city. “Despite demarcation of conservation zones in the city,
there is still a need to do much more. It is important to preserve the
essential character of the city and there must be a widespread effort to notify
all the heritage buildings in the city. Hence, Goa Heritage Action Group
embarked on the journey of undertaking the research and publication of The
Mapped Heritage of Panaji Goa, 2017,” says Shankhwalker.
The future plans of
Goa Heritage Action Group are to make heritage conversation an inclusive,
youth-driven movement since our heritage is a collective legacy that belongs to
the whole community and must be accessible to all. “Another key focus is to
engage with and enlist aspects of intangible heritage, that include
conservation of traditional agrarian methods and knowledge, economic
development of local farmer and artisan communities, development of modern
skill sets amongst these communities and the documentation of other cultural
manifestations such as festivals, performance arts and folklore,” adds
Shankwalker. The group adds that there is also a special focus on the
documentation and conservation of the Kaavi artform, a unique artistic
expression found in the Konkan regions of India, including Goa.
The launch of the
book will take place on Friday July 27, 2018, at Auditorium I, Maquinez Palace
Complex, Panjim. from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. It is an open event to the members of
the community.
It
will be available for sale at a 10% launch discount at the venue.