The Fields of Cumbiem Morod, Guirim, Bardez, Goa

  

The above picture was taken by fabulous and innovative Master Photographer Gabriel Monteiro - circa around the early 1960's. So, that would be about 50 years ago!

In this very poignant and memorable picture, from left to right are: My Mom, my Dad, Benit Titi - the tallest man in Guirim and beyond! - unforgettable and extraordinary character - tall, slim but strong man, (Abdon Uncle's brother) Uncle Timothy, yours truly (Tony), and Aluiza (my loving and adorable Aunt) on the extreme right.

Picture description:

         We have just finished digging a perfect square-shaped well in the fields opposite our old house. Each family had their own well dug for watering their respective allocated patches for growing vegetables etc. in the winter/spring harvests.

         It is quite evident from looking at the picture that it is Benit Titi who has dug the well. What he's got on his shoulder is a pick-axe. My Mum is holding the rope on one side while my aunt is holding another. The ropes are tied to a woven basket that is not seen (obviously it is in the well). That basket is used to haul the mud up. You can see the pile of mud on both sides of the well. My Dad is holding a small 'counso' (pot) that was used to fill the big pot and immediately hauled up in quick succession, as the water kept on collecting while digging the well. Water and mud slurry was continuously drawn out as it kept on accumulating as the well was dug deeper.

         It so happens that Uncle Timothy has come down on a holiday from Ahmedabad, and is there lending a helping hand. In the picture, it's me holding a big 'counso' (copper pot) and a spade (khorem) as well. I could have been or 11 or 12 years of age. The two poles sticking out of the well in the foreground are uprights of a ladder (entirely made of bamboo poles) used to climb out of the well when the job is done.

         How hard we worked those days in the hot mid-day sun! From the shadows on our faces, it seems the sun is almost overhead. What can be seen in the distant background in this old photo is Beatrice Mana/Abdon/Benit Titi's house, but I could be wrong about that. The white spot you see on the extreme right could be our chapel?

         Hope you like the picture. Keep it on your computer and show it to your family members. It is a testimony of our very humble beginnings, and I'm proud of them! Many kids of my age then helped with all types of work in and around the house, and also with field chores, besides going to school, doing their homework, and play football, hockey, and all sorts of board games like Ludo, Draughts, Chess and Carrom.

        Sunday was special. All work stopped. Early morning Mass, then listen to Binaca Hit Parade, Radio Ceylon, Listener's Choice Radio Goa, and Sunday School, followed by a football game.

       God bless them, but sadly the other 5 people in the picture left us a long time ago; I'm the only one left to tell the tale! At least so far.