The Literary and Cultural Activities of Rachol Seminary (LACARS), Rachol, Goa, brought about the 15th Edition of Amchem Daiz on 05th December 2019. The theme was “Goycho Tandull- Gotto: Goychem Daiz”. It was held in the Rachol seminary auditorium where, seminarians as well as students from many institutions took part. The programme began at 9.15 a.m. with a prayer service and lighting of the lamp done by the dignitaries.
The Rector of Rachol seminary, Rev. Dr. Aleixio Menezes welcomed all. The speakers for the day were introduced. The Keynote Speaker, Mr. Miguel Braganza spoke about Xet amchem Daiz: Somaz ani Pod’dot (Heritage Farming: Communities and Practices) wherein he enlightened about various types of farming techniques practised, Goan communities and their respective farming practices. He also made a note about how in recent times, Goa has become dependent on other states for food quota. The next speaker, Dr. Shilpa Bhonsle spoke on Goychea Xetachi Paramporik Prokar: Hachi Posoronn ani Atachi Cholchinn (Traditional Varities of Rice in Goa: Biodiversity and Present Scenario). Dr. Bhonsle gave an insight about the varieties of rice that are existing and have existed in Goa. She also showed pictures about her project where 32 ha barren land is converted into a cultivatable land. A group of women from the village of Ambaulim then performed the Harvest Dance (Dhalo) depicting the entertainment activities related to farming practices.
Sem. Ryan Mascarenhas spoke about Tandull ani Amchi Sonskrutai: Porbo, Lok-ved ani Lok-gitam (Rice and Culture: Festivals, Folklore and Folksongs). He gave very informative insights as to how rice is present is several sections of Goan culture like Goan cuisine and medicine, the mention of rice in Goan folksongs and folkdances. After this, a documentary titled “Saxtticho Koddo” by Mr. Vincent D’Costa was screened. It portrayed Curtorim ( The Granary of Salcete ) as village of farmers and included few interviews with some farmers and residents of that village. Thereafter, Ms. Liza Pinheiro and Ms. Prency Fernandes from the Don Bosco College of Agriculture, displayed their culinary knacks with rice.
After lunch, an advertisement enactment competition on any agricultural product by the school students was held. The judges were Rev. Fr. Joseph Rodrigues, Mrs. Bushka D’Souza and Mr. Warrel D’Souza. Mrs Bushka addressed the teachers and students and encouraged everyone to “fall in love” with farming. The programme ended with the prize distribution ceremony but it invoked a different spirit in all the participants to work towards reviving the dying farming practices of Goa.
Sem. Abraham Fernandes