Fr Dr Ramiro Luis
On a musical mission
Fr Dr Ramiro Luis, assistant professor at St Xavier’s College, Mapusa, is deeply involved in the fields of psychology and musical arts. Passionate about nurturing young talent, he guides students into the world of music, skillfully harnessing their abilities and channeling them into diverse ensembles and genres. He has played a key role in forming the Xavier’s college band, reuniting former Xavierites to create orchestras, and hosting choral groups that perform both sacred and secular music.
His love for music dates back to the earliest memories of his life. “I play the guitar and the ukulele, and this capacity for music has allowed me to explore the same passion in so many others,” he shares. “Nine years ago, I founded the Crescendo Community Centre for Music, which has helped countless music lovers discover and nurture their talents. Last year, I expanded this dream by launching a Dance Studio, an exciting offshoot of Crescendo. Today, both children and adults are drawing so much from the vibrant energy of the Xavier’s campus.”
Fr Ramiro also lends his support to tiatrs and musical productions organised by the college. “It’s truly a delight to witness how this passion continues to grow and touch so many lives. I always say, the centre of all these activities is the students—not me,” he adds.
Prof (Dr) Cosma Fernandes
A Voice for Goa’s Mando Tradition
Prof (Dr) Cosma Fernandes, Head of the Department of Konkani at MES College of Arts & Commerce, Zuarinagar, brings Goa’s rich folk traditions to life through the mando. “Mando is a love song. It is followed by Dulpod,” says Dr Cosma.
His journey into performance began in 1982, when, as a ten-year-old, he sang a comedy song at a school concert and received Rs 56 as a prize. “That moment sparked something in me. I was called back on stage several times—it built my enthusiasm.”
Inspired by mandos heard on All India Radio and live performances by groups like Kepemchim Kirnnam and Elvis Goes’ troupe, Dr Cosma founded his own troupe, Goenchi Kirnnan, in 2004. The group has since won four consecutive Mando awards at the All Goa Mando Festival. “That trophy now sits proudly in my home,” he says.
In 2005, under a cultural exchange program, he led his students to represent Goa in Nagaland, winning first place at the State Youth Festival. “When you have talent and passion,” he says, “you must be willing to sacrifice. Without sacrifice, there’s no growth.”
Clarinda Dias
Dancing with elegant grace
Clarinda Dias’s journey into the world of Bharatanatyam began at the age of seven, inspired by her mother Filomena and guided by Guru Radha Krishnan in Doha, Qatar. Her passion deepened under the tutelage of renowned gurus at Kala Academy Goa, Guru Mahalingam and Guru Goswami. The tutelage of Guru Gauri Phalgaonkar of the Nrityanjali School of Bharatanatyam- Goa culminated in an Arangetram while she was still a college student. “My father Caetano planned every detail of that show with my Guru,” she recalls.
Since then, Clarinda has performed at prestigious venues. A career highlight was being spotted by English travel photographer Steve Vidler and featured on the cover of Gulf Air’s inflight magazine and Meier’s Weltreisen, as well as in national ad campaign.
Clarinda has taught at her alma mater, DCT’s Dhempe College, for 24 years, where
she now heads the Department of English and has been Convenor of Students’ Affairs for over a decade. She strongly believes in the power of literature,
dance, music, theatre and creative expression in education. ‘I have tried to incorporate these elements into the classrooms and has imparted these elements to students in general through establishing an annual activity calendar that is jam-packed with cultural events to help students discover their truest potential,” says Clarinda.Clarinda Dias’s journey into the world of Bharatanatyam began at the age of seven, inspired by her mother Filomena and guided by Guru Radha Krishnan in Doha, Qatar. Her passion deepened under the tutelage of renowned gurus at Kala Academy Goa, Guru Mahalingam and Guru Goswami. The tutelage of Guru Gauri Phalgaonkar of the Nrityanjali School of Bharatanatyam- Goa culminated in an Arangetram while she was still a college student. “My father Caetano planned every detail of that show with my Guru,” she recalls.
Since then, Clarinda has performed at prestigious venues. A career highlight was being spotted by English travel photographer Steve Vidler and featured on the cover of Gulf Air’s inflight magazine and Meier’s Weltreisen, as well as in national ad campaign.
Clarinda has taught at her alma mater, DCT’s Dhempe College, for 24 years, where
she now heads the Department of English and has been Convenor of Students’ Affairs for over a decade. She strongly believes in the power of literature,
dance, music, theatre and creative expression in education. ‘I have tried to incorporate these elements into the classrooms and has imparted these elements to students in general through establishing an annual activity calendar that is jam-packed with cultural events to help students discover their truest potential,” says Clarinda.
Maria Sancha E de A Pereira
Harmony through choral music
Maria Sancha E de A Pereira is not just an educator but also a gifted violinist and singer, whose dual passions enrich the lives of students both in and beyond the classroom. Hailing from Utorda, she served as a professor at Rosary College of Commerce and Arts, Navelim, for the past 12 years, teaching core subjects in commerce. Maria Sancha is a trained musician with an LTCL in violin and she has performed with an international youth orchestra, touring prestigious venues in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.
At Rosary College, she is regularly entrusted with preparing students for various cultural programmes, including the college’s silver jubilee in 2014 and annual events. One of her most fulfilling roles is training the college choir. “I enjoy working with students on a diverse repertoire of songs arranged in the SATB (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass) style,” she says. Through her guidance, students explore the art of choral singing and develop their vocal skills.
Among her choir’s standout achievements is a memorable cover of Queen’s iconic hit ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, originally written by Freddie Mercury. The students’ rendition of this legendary rock anthem was uploaded on YouTube during the pandemic with Maria Sancha accompanying the students on the piano.
Dr Glenis Mendonca
Strings of heritage in Konkani
Dr Glenis Mendonca is an associate professor at Carmel College of Arts, Science and Commerce for Women, Nuvem. She is also the author of ‘The Rose Blooms: A Study of Alfred Rose’s Lyrics’ and enjoys playing the guitar. “I have been passionate about performing Goan music, particularly in Konkani, since my school days. It was Marius Fernandes who brought me into the limelight, and since then, I’ve been volunteering at his festam along with my son, Reinaldo. Playing the guitar and singing is my passion—it relaxes me and brings me joy,” says Dr Glenis.
She has participated in numerous events that offer opportunities to showcase her talent. “The college hosts many occasions to perform—symposiums with themes like ‘Literature through Music’, various fests, and even the launch of the book on Alfred Rose,” she shares. “Recently, we performed for a Spanish delegation from the University of Vigo with an English rendition of a Spanish classic by Alfred Rose. Sometimes, I do the vocals while Brian Mendonca, a professor at Carmel College, plays the guitar. I also conduct the college choirs,” she adds. Whether she's in the classroom or on stage, Dr Glenis showcases her confidence in her passions.