CAVELOSSIM: Cruising past the Assolna-Cavelossim bridge on any day, the scenic River Sal will possibly have a lone traditional fisherman on his canoe, a scene reminiscent of the picture on advertisements that sell Goa to the tourists.
But, at that spot on Republic Day, there was not one, but dozens of traditional fishermen in their canoes rowing on the Sal and over a thousand cheering them on. They rowed for a prize in a canoe race where the participants could only use the old style of rowing and use their knowledge of manoeuvring past the little secrets the river has to offer.
The men’s category in the canoe race drew 12 participants who went through four rounds, while in the ladies category there were five contestants.
Sudhakar Joshi of Betul won the first prize in the men’s canoe race. He said he finally saw some appreciation for the talents of the fishermen and was encouraged by this. He was followed by Vishwajeet Juekar and Nandu Kashevekar in the winners list. Jotilina Rodrigues claimed first prize and Dumetina Cardoza had to be content with the second prize in the women’s category.
There were other contests organised that involved diving and net casting. In diving Augustin Colaco was the winner and in net casting Vishwajeet Juekar took the honours. There were 75 contestants in all.
There was lots of excitement on the shore too as nearly 1500 people had gathered on the banks of River Sal and on the Assolna-Cavelossim bridge. People came from all over Salcete to watch the race. One such person, Melissa Fernandes, from Betalbatim said the race exceeded all expectations leaving her spellbound and suggested that such events be promoted on the lines of Carnival.
‘It was a great experience and was very well organised. For example, they had lifeguards on the bridge for any emergency and took care of everything for the participants and the audience. What stood out for me was seeing women participate in the race. I think such events need to be promoted and more people should get to know about this and watch this as it is truly a way of life for many Goans and today was a great celebration of our Goan identity’, said Melissa Fernandes.
The event drew a crowd of delighted and exited children, who were especially thrilled to see fishermen diving and collecting shellfish from the river. An excited child, Samuel Mascarenhas from Navelim, said he had watched this on television but saw it in reality for the first time.
This function was organized by the Directorate of Fisheries in collaboration with Lions Club of Cavelossim. The club’s project coordinator Bosco Rodrigues said the idea was to bring the fishing community together and discover their hidden talents. He added that canoes were drawn from Assolna, Betul, Ambelim and Cavelosim from traditional fishermen and not a single one was made of fibre. He explained how divers among fishermen earn a good income and questioned the trend of wanting to migrate to European countries when Goa can offer so much.
President of Lions Club of Cavelossim, Wilson Rodrigues, said traditional fishing should be given more importance and Tuesday’s event was an example. He expressed happiness that the idea had led to such a success.
Fisheries director Shamila Monteiro said it is a good to see the event receive such a response from participants and spectators and the department will encourage such activity.
Fisheries Minister and Navelim MLA Avertano Furtado was the Chief Guest. Also present were Velim MLA Benjamin Silva, Benaulim MLA Caetano (Caitu) Silva, Cavelossim Sarpanch Viola D’Souza, Assolna Sarpanch Pedrina Cardozo.
