Lively, articulate
and passionate about all she does, Sonia Shirsat achieved many a milestone
before she zeroed in on being Goa’s best and most beloved fadista, and she
makes sure to thank the people who have been a part of her journey.
Living in the quieter
town of Ponda opened many opportunities for a young Sonia. “One thing I learnt
during my BCom days was to value my roots. Most of us want to be in the most
happening places and colleges, but I learnt that even with limited resources,
we could achieve and in the process learn so much from participation,” says
Sonia, referring to the various trophies the college won at various
inter-collegiate and other festivals during her tenure as General Secretary of
GVM’s – GGPR College of Commerce & Economics, Ponda.
What was more
interesting is that Sonia was elected the first lady general secretary of the
college which hitherto had only males. This post brought to fore her organising
and negotiating skills. “I have been a member of the Jaycees since 1995 and
have been active in various fields. It was here that I picked up various
skills,” reveals Sonia whose interests in compering, personality grooming
(which she started at the age of 18), organising events and of course singing
all found a creative outlet during her college days. Later, as she lectured at
the VMS College of Law (2006-2010), she tapped on the training she received at
Jaycees.
Her fondest memories
of those years however always revert to her favourite teacher Renee Gama.”She
transferred to Carmel College after she taught us for only three months. But
she was the most caring teacher ever,” says Sonia who was to later imbibe and
impart the same values to her students. “I always aspired to touch the hearts
of my students, just as she did ours. In fact, even when I meet her to date, I
have tears in my eyes from the memories.”
Law afforded her an
opportunity to indulge in a subject she was immensely interested in. But her
stint at the institution away from home was to open her perspective and
understanding of people.
What she is eternally
grateful for is the encouragement and support she received from her teachers,
for her singing career during her college days as well as the benefits of both
degrees. “Since I specialised in accounts this has helped in my career today as
I negotiate deals. Similarly, law has helped me understand various protocols,”
says this singer who continues to take her singing to a higher pitch.
