Learn Curve for Girls

Living in Goa for the past 43 years, 72 years old Rajeswari Iyer, is a freelance journalist.  She has to her credit many articles, features stories , interviews published in leading English dailies. A few popular Tamil magazines featured her articles in Tamil too. 

Rajeswari is one among the 8 senior citizen authors who have written two stories each in 15 books over a span of just one year published by Pachyderm Tales . These authors including Rajeswari were recognized and awarded by All India Book of Records. 

Her 16th book, Ragamalika is a compilation of all her stories from the 15 books written in Tamil of which ‘Musings from my balcony’ is the English version.  Rajeswari is the only woman writer from Goa to receive lifetime achievement award and medal and a certificate from All India Book of records.  She is also a recipient of best innovative story writer from Pachyderm Tales.

Could you talk about your writing background?

My journalism background was many decades back. For ten years, from 1990 – 2000, I have been writing feature stories, interviews including celebrity interviews of people who are well known in their field. I wrote the middle of 400-500 words for a Goan newspaper. Goa Today has featured me. I was a businesswoman. Writing was a passion. I did special features. I wrote for Deccan Herald, Bangalore and Deccan Chronicle Hyderabad.
I joined a Tamil writing group. I refreshed my Tamil. We were writing in the same Tamil group when Uma spotted me. I joined the Ashtalaksmi group of Pachyderm Tales.

You have written about the Kumbi dance of Goa. Could you talk about this art form?

The Kunbis or Gawdas are one of the ‘Adivasi’ communities of Goa, an indigenous tribal community engaged in the farming sector. Due to the Portuguese influence, the Kunbi dance is performed by the women folk to the beats of local instruments like dhol, tashe and ghumot which are played by the men. The beat is a mix of local and western. In spite of the fast pace, the women sway with grace and elegance. The attire of the Kunbi women is the red chequered cotton saree which is now popularly called the Kunbi saree. This  six-yard Adivasi saree is locally referred to as the ‘Kapod’. As the women work in the fields, for their comfort and convenience they tie the saree at the waist with pleats, stretching just below the knees. What would normally be the pallu is drawn across the chest and back over the right shoulder to form a knot locally called a ‘dethali’.  Traditionally, no blouse was worn with this sari.

Could you talk about the Chikal Kalo festival of Goa?

There is a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Devaki in a town called Marcel in Goa. It is called Devaki Krishna Temple.  In Garbha Griha (sanctum sanctorum) we see that Devaki is in a standing position holding the infant Lord Krishna known as Balakrishna, in her arms.

Devaki also requested Lord Krishna to grant herself that privilege of Krishna’s childhood antics. Lord Krishna obliged, and he came to earth along with Devaki to fulfil her wish. They chose an Island called “Sudan” in Goa. The Portuguese changed the name of Sudan Island to Chorao Island.  Goans hid the idol of Devaki and Bala Krishna near a waterbody called Mayem Lake. The mud festival or the Chikal Kalo festival demonstrates the divine play of Balakrishna for his mother Devaki.

Could you talk about the legends associated with Govapuri?

According to ancient Indian mythology is said that Goa was reclaimed from the sea. It is believed that Sixth Avatar of Vishnu Sage, Parshuram created the Sahyadri range and struck an arrow into the western seas. The arrow is said to have sent the seas rolling back to create Gomantak or Goa. Govapuri, also known as Gopakapattana, was a prosperous port city in ancient Goa. It was the capital of the Kadamba dynasty for 300 years. The Sanskrit name for Goa is “Govapuri.” The name “Govapuri” is derived from the combination of two Sanskrit words: “Go” meaning “cow” and “Puri” meaning “town” or “city.” In ancient times, Goa was known for its cattle and agriculture, hence the association with cows in its Sanskrit name.

Could you talk about Goan “susegad” lifestyle

Goan “susegad” lifestyle. ‘Susegad’ is a concept associated with Goan culture. It is derived from the Portuguese word ‘sossegado’ (peace). It is often about living life in a relaxed, calm, peaceful, and laid-back manner. In short, enjoying life to the fullest.