George Menezes

When I used to serve mass in a small church in Dharwad I used to feel empowered. When I sang in the choir in the company of girls I felt that both boys and girls were empowered.

Many years later I discovered the truth. My father was an agnostic who did not go to church for 40 years. My mother was a saint who used to break journey to attend daily Mass during all our growing years. When my father finally made peace with God and started to attend Church he was knighted by the Holy Father. (more…)

Those thousands of people who travel by air but refuse to take what is known as “no frills” flights don’t know what they are missing

I flew into Goa on one such flight. The girl at the counter was not all frills but very cooperative and kind. At my request she allotted me an aisle seat in the first row. 1D to be precise. (more…)

Despite pressure from members of our extended family the old girl and I avoid going to Goa during Christmas and New Year.

Our trips to Goa are frequent enough and they have a specific purpose. Total relaxation.

Christmas and New Year are not the time for a laid back holiday.

Peace and good will, the old message of the season, is replaced by the message of supply and demand. (more…)

First it was a rumour. Then my nephew Vivek called me. He said that there was a was a possibility that at the celebration of 136th Anniversary of the Instituto de Menezes Braganca on the 24th November 2008, they would ask the Chief Minister of Goa to release a book on the life and writings of my father, Armando Menezes written by Professor Edwin D’Lima.

Now this was on 22nd November and I had not received an official intimation, or an invitation.

I called back my nephew. “Goa is like that only” he said, both his frustration, and his intense love for Goa showing in his voice like a familiar Goan cocktail.

“As the eldest son of the family you have to be there” he said

I am familiar with appearing at functions, where I have not been invited. I could not let my father down. (more…)