MAPUSA: Mapusa or Mhapxem as it may be referred to in Konkani, is the headquarters of the Bardez taluka and is located on the main highway NH-17, linking Mumbai to Kochi. The name Mapusa is thought to have been derived from the Konkani word for a ‘measure’ – ‘maap’ and the phrase fill up – ‘sa’. The ancient Goan agrarian community had a well-established Gaunkari or Community Farming System, where villages formed associations, worked on community land and shared their profits. The market day was a major event, with goods being brought in from every district to one central area. Mapusa has thus remained a prominent market centre for many centuries, with its traditional market day being Friday. The Mapusa Market gathers Goan traders as well as merchants from adjacent States for goods such as toddy, spices, pottery and home-grown produce. For example, there are four varieties of locally grown bananas sold in this market and other varieties imported from the neighbouring State of Karnataka. There is also a part market where traders specialise in repairing utensils such as blenders and food mixers for the preparation of spices. From lottery tickets displayed in great swathes to barber shops, the bazaar caters for almost every requirement that one could imagine.
Born in bustling Mapusa, Vishali Shirodkar, 47, assists her husband Vishwas Kashinath Shirodkar at his humble shoe mending outlet at the Mapusa market. Vishali pursued her diploma in computer applications in 2011. Further she pursued her bachelor’s degree in commerce from the Yashwantrao Chavan Open University in 2013. “I completed my studies only after I was blessed with my second child,” she says. “My elder daughter Tanisha Shirodkar, is in her second year BA, studying at St Xavier’s college in Mapusa while my son, Atharv Shirodkar is in class X at the Shree Ganesh Higher Secondary School, Mapusa. Sadly, both of them do not show any interest in our traditional family occupation,” remarks Vishali.
“I studied well so I could support my family. However, with no suitable job opportunities coming my way, I had to take to being a home maker until 2020,” says Vishali. It was only after the Covid-19 lockdown was lifted, that she decided to assist her husband in his work of bringing old footwear back to life, at the Mapusa market. Vishali currently resides in Bastora and travels regularly to the Mapusa market to provide a helping hand to her better half. In addition to mending old footwear using exclusively traditional techniques and tools, Vishali’s outlet also stocks stuff like leather belts and socks, for sale. “My husband goes to the store early in the morning, by 8 am, while I join him at around 10 am. All raw material required is procured from Belgaum. We generally close our store by 7.45 or 8 pm, but on busy days, like Friday, we wind up by 9 pm,” informs Vishali.
This year, the Rotary Club of Mapusa will be felicitating Vishali for her commendable sporting nature and zeal to work independently, thus financially supporting her family without pondering on what relatives or neighbours are going to comment about her work choice. Young women around need to look up to living examples like Vishali. “Just believe in dignity of labour and never direct your attention towards
the perceived ‘negatives’ that your neighbour or friend or family may talk about. Just look up and walk ahead,” she says with a smile.
