I sell my book ‘GOA—Memories of My Homeland’ at Arts & Craft Shows. It’s there, placed on a stand at the point of sale, so visitors to the show can see the publication.
Here are some FAQs:
1. Where is Goa?
2. So, you wrote this book?
3. Whose Memories are these?
4. So, what is Goa?
5. So, who is Tony Fernandes?
6. What is your real name?
7. Why do you have a western name?
8. Are there any Christians in India?
Brief Notes about Goa
Calm and Serene
Mandrem, North Goa
The magnificent Church of
Our Lady of Immaculate Conception
Panjim - Capital
Known around the world for its serene beauty, GOA is located south of Mumbai, India.
The poems were written by me over the last many years. They are memories of my childhood years as I grew up and studied in Goa during the rule of the erstwhile Portuguese, studied Segundo Grau Portuguese as a second language, served Mass in Latin as an altar boy, and graduated from an English speaking High school, run by the Order of the Franciscans Minor Capuchins. Anthony is my original name and 'real' name. Fondly called Tony - given to me at birth, baptized and confirmed in a church-going Catholic family.
Tony, which is my real name, has never been changed from another name. Many people have Christian names in India for the simple reason that there are so many Christians in various different denominations of Christianity in India - a fact that some people in the west do not know about.
It gained full-fledged statehood on 12th August 1987. Prior to that, it was a Union Territory for 26 years, after four and a half centuries of Portuguese rule. It is 1,022 metres above sea-level with an area of 3700 sq.km.
Its capital is Panaji. Goa comprises of districts like Ilhas, Bardez, Salcette, Ponda, Marmagoa, Bicholim, Satari, Pernem, Quepem, Sanguem, and Canacona. Its captital is Panaji. Its other major cities are Margao, Mapsa and Vasco da Gama and Marmagoa which has a natural
harbour.
Statue of Abade Faria, Master of Hypnotism
Panjim
Goa’s main rivers are the Zuari, Mandovi and Chapora. It has beautiful palm-fringed and scenic beaches like Colva, Candolim , Calangute, Vagator and Arambol with golden sands all along its western coast line. Spanning across the eastern part of Goa is the magnificent mountain range called the Western Ghats. Nestled among those hills are the famous 3-tier water-falls called Dudsagar.
With a total population of approximately 1.2 million, it is bustling with activity. It is a world famous tourist destination with excellent air, sea, rail and interstate bus connections. Besides having the first lighthouse in Asia, and the first printing press in India (1556) established by the Jesuits, it has numerous archaeological sites like ancient forts for the connoisseur to study and explore besides ancient temples and churches.
Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa.
Goa is famous for its architectural grandeur – its ancient churches, temples and mosques. Goans are a peace-loving people with a strong sense of community, taking pride in their own distinct culture and heritage.
In a modern cosmopolitan world, Goa has managed to preserve its old world charm.
