Today marks the last day of the decade as we enter into the twenty twenties. From Goan
events to initiatives that made a difference to lives in Goa, there was a lot
that happened in this year. There’s also much more to come in 2020 if
resolutions are kept and followed.
We speak to some Goans who have carved a
niche for themselves for a peep into how their 2019 went and how they plan to
welcome and experience 2020 The bottom line in all they said was- live life to
the fullest and make it meaningful.
2019- Look back, 2020-
Look forward
In 2019, I travelled to seven new countries along with my wife,
Neha. I also explored six new destinations in India. We have the typical
resolution every year which we break in no time like lose weight, etc. My
resolution for 2020 would be to explore new cities in India along with my
family. With respect to learning, I am learning a new foreign language since I
realised that talking in the local language is the best way to get immersed in
the local culture.
Ramchandra Salgoankar, engineer, travel
consultant
In my professional life, 2019 saw the release of my debut book,
‘In Search of – A Journey of Finding Oneself’. Personally, the year was about
understanding life and the meaning of being content with all that I have
because life always gives us what we deserve. My resolution for 2020 is make no
resolutions. We often tend to break it so I plan to just keep it simple - work
hard, stay healthy, be good, follow my heart and believe in the fact that life
is beautiful; the rest the universe will look after.
Stacy Rodrigues, author and painter
The high point of 2019 as an illustrator was my first board game
released this year in collaboration with Dicetoylabs-Bangalore titled ‘Chariots
of Chandragupta’, and my 10-day illustrative stint with ‘The Peacock’ newspaper
at IFFI 2019. I don’t make resolutions anymore because I will break them all by
February, but I do have a vision to give deserving Goan illustrators and
cartoonists a self sustainable platform that will stand the test of time right
here in Goa.
Fabian Gonsalves, artist, illustrator
My high point in 2019 was screening my latest documentary
‘Special Envoy’ in Croatia. I was so happy to meet other filmmakers from around
the globe. My resolution for 2020 is to live life as if I am dying tomorrow, to
the fullest. Enjoy my time with my children and husband more often.
Nalini Elvino De Souza, filmmaker
This year, I got the opportunity to direct a Hindi and Konkani
bilingual feature film based on life of Manohar Parrikar. Also, my 13-year-old
relationship turned into marriage. My 2020 resolution is to give up my short
tempered behaviour and balance my personal life by giving time to my family and
dear ones.
Swapnil Shetkar, Director of Konkani films
In 2019, I did the ‘Rosto’ song because of the potholes, walked
15 kilometres from Panjim bus stand to Cortalim and did the 365 days t-shirt
campaign. I’ve also painted 28 speed breakers till date and still counting. In
2020, I will try my best to work on ground level for people’s safety. #rostocampaign
in full swing.
Cecille Rodrigues, dancer, social activist