‘Wild Jewels of Mhadei’, a colouring book for children by Nirmal Kulkarni centred around the biodiversity of the Mhadei region has just been released
RAMANDEEP KAUR | NT
‘Wild Jewels of Mhadei’ aims to create interest and raise awareness among children about the ecological wealth found in our backyard.
The colouring book for children, which has been put together by herpetologist, wildlife photographer and artist Nirmal U. Kulkarni looks at the biodiversity of the Mhadei region.
The idea and concept of the book was born in January 2023. “My own work of compilation and notes, selecting species and brainstorming with colleagues took a few months. We also proofread it for science and child-friendly content. A close friend and naturalist Nitesh Parulekar, who is also an illustrator gave valuable suggestions and did the line drawing illustrations while the team at Printer’s Devils did the artwork and final layouts,» says Kulkarni. The printing was done by Impressions in Belgaum and they chose to release the book during Wildlife Week (October 2 to 8).
“The book aims to showcase the unique colours, forms, and shapes that wildlife is found in, from small frogs to the tiger, to create interest and curiosity among children about the amazing biodiversity of the Mhadei region,” says Kulkarni, adding that he has walked the Mhadei region and her forests for the past two decades, as a student first and now as an explorer and researcher. “The Mhadei region is like a second home to me. The biodiversity here is unique as well as important for the states of Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra.”
The book is primarily targeted at children aged five to 14. “Children in this age group are observant and keen to colour as well as learn hence we chose this age group,” explains Kulkarni.
‘Wild Jewels of Mhadei’ contains a set of 30 line drawings and their reference photographs of different wildlife found in and around the Mhadei Bio region. This includes the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary of Goa, the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary of Karnataka and the forests of Dodamarg in Maharashtra. It features images contributed by 11 wildlife photographers (Parag Rangnekar, Dhananjay Jadhav, Omkar Dharwadkar, Nitesh Parulekar, Praveen Siddannavar, Raman Kulkarni, Nirmal U. Kulkarni, Niranjan Sant, Rahul Alvares, K.P. Dinesh and Vidyadhar Atkore). Additionally, the illustrations (except the Indian bullfrog on Page 6 and the Malabar Gliding frog on Page 7is done by Fabian Gonsalves) are done by fine artist, photographer and naturalist Nitesh Parulekar who has extensive experience of birding and photography in the Western Ghats of Goa and the Konkan region. He also won the Filmfare Award for the documentary ‘Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary’ and has contributed illustrations and artworks for several nature books and participated in exhibitions.
Kulkarni further states that the images in the book were selected because these are the species that need attention and some of them are unique to the Mhadei Bio region. A short description of every species with the common name and the scientific name are mentioned.
The book is supported by the Mhadei Research Centre, a research base situated in the Chorla Ghats, which documents and studies the biodiversity of the Mhadei Bio region. It is also supported by Herpactive, an initiative started by Kulkarni 15 years ago.
“Children are the future. They will conserve the Mhadei Bio region. This is why we are taking the books to children,” says Kulkarni. “Besides this, we are also meeting stalwarts who are working for the Mhadei Bio region and presenting the book to them.”
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Film: Belle et Sébastien, Nouvelle Generation Directed by: Pierre Coré Duration: 96 minutes A huge round of applause echoed throughout the theatre at the end of a film that was showcased at IFFI 53. This French movie, Belle et Sébastien, Nouvelle Generation, even left some people in tears. While reading the description of the movie, I was expecting a typical dog film which has a dash of cute elements and heartwarming scenes sprinkled in. However, I was blown away after watching it as there were so many elements and layers that made it epic and almost surprising. The opening scene started with the main character, a 10-year-old boy named Sébastien, an aloof-looking character, who saw someone getting bullied and decided to take action and save the victim. Unfortunately, that resulted in an unexpected result – the bully started chasing Sébastien and ended up getting hit by a car! This incident led to him being taken reluctantly for a mountain vacation where he had to stay with his grandmother who seemed to show no enthusiasm with the arrival of her grandson. These scenes were filmed at a place between France and Spain. It was a visual treat on so many levels. […]
‘Rediscover Goa’ with Airbnb and experience the true beauty of the sunshine state
*A week long celebration of all things Goan announced in collaboration with Goa Tourism Department* Airbnb in collaboration with the Goa Tourism Department, launches ‘Rediscover Goa’, a week-long celebration of Goa’s vast cultural diversity beyond its beaches and dazzling nightlife. Cultre, a creative and cultural enterprise that seeks to promote India’s pluralistic cultural heritage through content, products and experiences has been onboarded as the knowledge partner to help curate the experiences and bring to life all things Goan. … The ‘Rediscover Goa’ celebration will take place from December 12-18, and will offer 20+ specially curated unique Airbnb Experiences hosted by local experts highlighting the eclectic culture, rich heritage, musical traditions, culinary delicacies and thriving landscapes of Goa across the Northern and Southern districts of the state. … This week-long celebration of Goa and its culture aims to highlight how the state’s inherited traditions and cultural legacy form the basis of Goan living even in this day and age. The experiences will not only let one indulge in the many bounties of Goa but also help engage with the vibrant local culture. The existing pockets of lesser-known curiosities that make Goa unique will now be accessible for all enthusiasts to experience. […]
Backpacking Guide: Old Goa
Old Goa is a small town in the North Goa district. Portugal-styled churches are famous for their architecture and impeccable history behind them. Old Goa, best known for its churches, is the perfect place to be for the traveller who wants to drown himself in the beautiful Portugal architecture of Goa. NT GoGoaNow gives you a sneak peek into some places you should visit when in Old Goa! …. …. …. Basilica of Bom Jesus As you enter Old Goa, you’re definitely going to see the monumental Basilica of Bom Jesus. The church was consecrated in May 1605 by Fr. Alexia de Menezes, the Archbishop of Goa. The church is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture in Goa. The church is well known as it embodies the relics of St. Francis Xavier, who lays to rest in a silver casket within the church. The relics are taken down every 10 years for an exposition which calls forth millions of devotees. The architectural monument comes under the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. …. Se Cathedral The Sé Cathedral de Santa Catarina, known as Se Cathedral, in short, is known to be the largest church in Asia. The majestic church stands strong before […]
Tour Goa in a helicopter!
Who knew flying high had so many benefits? Hawk Soaring Aerospace Pvt Ltd has started premium helicopter services in Goa for the first time. Here are the services they offer: Executive Charters Relish the flexibility of your schedule and achieve more on your business trips through exclusive day-trip charters! Interstate Transfers Reduce distances and do more on your workday or holiday as you smoothly travel across interstate borders! Airport Transfers Reduce travel time and avoid traffic jams as you fly from Mopa and Dabolim airports to your resort in air-conditioned comfort! Customised Heli Tours Delight in fascinating vistas and a Hawk’s eye view of Goa and explore places such as Hampi, Kolhapur and Shirdi like never before! Joy Ride (Per Person) *8000/-only Feel the adrenaline rush as you glide through the sky in an exhilarating 10-minute joyride across the State in the classic Agusta 119! (Time Slot: 11 am -12 pm, 3 pm – 4 pm.)
Goa in 48 hours – For the Adventurous
You’ve come to Goa and your adrenaline is pumping. You have so much energy and seeing the tall coconut trees and clear blue skies makes you even more pumped up. DAY 1 Use all your excitement to start your first day with a trek! If you were in awe of Goa’s natural beauty from the get-go, be prepared to fall even more in love. There are a plethora of organizers who take you to gorgeous places like the famous Dudhsagar waterfalls or some more hidden places that most tourists haven’t even heard of. The sights of the green foliage, chirping birds, and fresh air will surely make your heart sing. There are high chances that a delicious local lunch is part of your tour package. After you come back and rest, head out in the evening to a beach. If you’re tired, relax on the warm sand and relish the scenery. Otherwise, draw out your thirst for adventure again and try out exciting watersports. Parasailing gives the most thrills as you’ll get to glide in the air and watch the frothy waves below. If you are in North Goa, have a delicious local dinner at Florentine’s where there is a […]
Enjoy 5-star dishes made from Indian millets at the Goa Marriott!
Being able to turn super humble ingredients into dishes worthy to be served at a 5-star resort is no easy feat. However, the Goa Marriott Resort & Spa have done just that through their ‘Millet Food Festival’. Doesn’t the word ‘millet’ conjure up some very boring dishes in your mind? Well, think again! Some of the millets they have used are Foxtail (Rajasthan), Ragi (Karnataka), Jowar (Maharashtra), Kodo (Telangana), and more. Now let’s get into the interesting part… the dishes! The first one is assorted millet crisps with smoked Lehsooni chutney – a simple, pleasant snack. The next one is like a superfood chaat! It contains puffed foxtail, date chutney, and cherry tomatoes. Another Indian classic dish that they have given a ‘millet twist’ to is the humble idli. It is a ragi idli with curry leaves and a red chilli tempering where you can’t stop at one piece. They even added burgers and tacos to this special menu! The burger contains Kodu millet, foxtail buns, and silken tofu instead of cheese to make it completely vegan. A dish on the menu that I was least excited about was the barley fried rice, an unassuming plate of food that turned […]
Serendipity Arts Festival announces its curators for December 2023
The largest inter-disciplinary festival of the arts in South Asia is scheduled from the 15th to the 23rd of December 2023 in Panaji, Goa A diverse line-up of interdisciplinary projects and initiatives will be conceptualised by a panel of distinguished curators spanning the performing, visual, culinary arts, and craft. Sandeep Kumar Sangaru and Anjana Somany will be curating the section on Craft and bring forth varied crafts practices that blend traditional and contemporary practice. Quasar Thakore Padamsee who curated last year’s theatre section of the festival is back to helm the Theatre segment of the festival that will showcase an eclectic selection of plays. Food is closely linked with festivities and is an indispensable element of the festival, and for this edition, Chef Thomas Zacharias and The Locavore Team, will curate the important Culinary quotient of Serendipity Arts Festival through a gastronomical journey that ties people and cultures. Bickram Ghosh, who has curated the festival’s previous edition, along with Ricky Kej will curate the Music section with a wide range of concerts covering diverse genres and addressing various social-cultural ideas and topics. Geeta Chandran and Mayuri Upadhya will put together classical, experimental and contemporary dance performances and workshops. Visual Arts […]
Delightful Summer Fruits of Goa
The heat is intense but it’s the time of the year that seasonal fruits are available in plenty Seasonal fruits are popular among locals in Goa, especially during the summer. With the popularity of social media, these summer fruits are searched on Google and tracked down in the markets. This has increased demand and has caused the prices to go up. Mangoes, the king of fruits, have always been the favourite. The ‘Mankurad’ is so superior that in the Panaji market, people spent about Rs 4,000 a dozen after the mangoes came to the markets in March. The rates have stabilised but ask the elders around and they’d say, “People would give them to us for a song (free). We never had to think twice before buying Mankurad mangoes but today it’s out of the common man’s reach.” Raw mangoes are coveted too. Used for pickles, preservatives and to go along with urrack with some salt and chilli, the markets are flooded with raw mangoes. ‘Panne’ is a cooler made from raw mangoes. Fresh tender cashews (bibbe) are used in various recipes. These cashews are plucked and peeled to get tender cashews. A favourite of Goans, there’s so much joy […]
Get high on mangoes with the ‘Mangoholic’ Festival at Goa Marriott Resort
Come summer and mango is one of the fruits on everyone’s mind. One can relish the fruit in its many moods at the ongoing ‘Mangoholic Delights’ till May 31 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Goa Baking Company, Goa Marriott Resort & Spa, Miramar. There is an array of bakes, pastries, smoothies, shakes, ice creams and more. RAMANDEEP KAUR & SHERYL GONSALVES | NT In cakes, there is the Alphonso mango boomer (classic mascarpone cream with fresh mango compote), spice mangles mangozza (sweet chili brule, mango cremeux and almond financier), kesar mango cheesecake (mango cheesecake, Oreo crust and chantilly cream), ‘aam panna’ with strawberry confit (‘aam panna’ mousse, pistachio sponge and crunch) and payari mango and coconut cake (coconut dacquoise and payari cream). Pastries include mango cream tart (sweet paste, cloudy cream and mango), classic mango popsicles (mango mousse and crunch), mango crepe cake (crepe, mango ganache) and ‘aam petti’ (vanilla sponge and mango cream). There are two types of ice creams and macarons in flavours of mango basil, raspberry mango and just mango by itself. Chef de Partie (pastry) Gouri Khanna says, “We have showcased our fusion and classical desserts of mango. We have homemade ice creams, macarons […]
Spend your afternoon learning about snakes!
Herpactive, an organisation dedicated to reptile conservation, is organising the first-ever ‘Serpentdine’, an afternoon filled with snake tales, trivia, and the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals. The event which will be held on June 18, at The Pier-Seaside Bistro, located at the Cruise Terminal in Vasco, aims to celebrate the remarkable work carried out by men and women working with snakes in Goa. Participants can expect insightful conversations about rescue and release protocols, where experienced professionals will share their knowledge and exchange best practices. The event will also feature an array of captivating snake tales, allowing attendees to delve into the rich world of snake mythology, folklore, and awe-inspiring encounters. Lucky draws will offer attendees a chance to win exciting prizes, while a silent auction will provide an avenue to contribute to the work of those working with snakes in Goa. Moreover, attendees will have the opportunity to interact with renowned figures from the snake world, connecting with influencers and experts who have dedicated their lives to the study and conservation of snakes. Snake hooks will be available for purchase, ensuring everyone can participate and engage with these magnificent creatures. There will also be captivating displays and stalls offering […]
An unforgettable culinary journey
The new menu at Fortune Miramar will leave you spoilt for choice with fascinating options from cuisines around the world SHERYL GONSALVES | NT It was a day when the sun struggled to shine through the clouds. The rain beat down against my helmet and didn’t show any signs of letting up. However, even though there were partially waterlogged roads and traffic jams, there was one thing that kept me going – I was invited to try out the new menu at Fortune Miramar curated by executive chef William Dias. The new menu themed ‘Savour’ took two months to curate. Entering the Orchid restaurant in the hotel was a sight for sore eyes. The classy bright interiors were a welcoming visual contrast against the gloomy skies. My colleagues and I enjoyed the colourful mocktails brought to our table and then started digging into the Mezze Platter which had a variety of different dips like Muhammara, Hummus, Tzatziki, Olive Tapenade, Cauliflower Tartar, and Fatoush Salad. They were perfect flavour bombs with spicy and creamy notes. The crispy pita bread elevated the eating experience by providing texture. Mezze Platter We then had Malai Broccoli which was marinated in cashew cream, yoghurt, and […]
The marigold man of Goa
With a deep understanding of agriculture and a desire to bring locally grown marigold flowers to the Goan community, Amona-based farmer Krishna Sinari has embarked on the high-tech venture of marigold farming. RAMANDEEP KAUR | NT Inspired by the need for locally grown marigold flowers, Krishna Sinari, the owner of Prakriti Farm Products, has started a high-tech venture of marigold farming in a 3,000-square-meter plot. With a total of 5,000 plants, his farm boasts vibrant yellow and orange marigold flowers. The inspiration behind choosing marigold flowers as the primary crop stems, he says, is that even though Goa has a suitable environment for its growth, a majority of the flowers are brought in from other places. “Marigolds are essential for Diwali celebrations. So I chose to start my own marigold production to meet the local demand,” says Sinari, who holds a diploma in agriculture and has done various courses to enhance his knowledge in the field. Currently enjoying his first marigold harvest, the next crop of flowers will be during Diwali and later for Tulsi Vivah. After that, he will move on to the next crop. Sinari has previously cultivated hybrid chillies and lady fingers and plans to explore other […]
Goa-based musician ‘Discokid’ to perform at Serendipity Arts Festival 2023
Among the eight exceptional music artists handpicked for the B-side Music Production Residency programme, ‘Discokid’, a Goa-based musician will be performing at the Serendipity Arts Festival 2023. The 11-day workshop concluded in Olaulim recently and was organised by the Serendipity Arts Foundation. The eight artists namely Dzerouengmit Lepcha, Fatima Hakeen (Discokid), Lenix Lobo, Hasan Shahrukh, Govi, Ashel Unger, Rushaki Ghosh and Medhaj Dempo, delved deep into the intricacies of music production using Ableton Live, a digital audio workstation during the residency, which formally culminated on October 20. The residency was mentored by industry experts, including Jay Pei, Megha Balani, SHFT and Puneesh Suri. Fatima Hakeen aka ‘Discokid’ is a musician and producer based out of Goa and has been featured in well-known online music shows like Mixmag Goa and Worldwide FM. Over the eleven-day intensive program, the participants explored a myriad of techniques, from working with audio clips and MIDI basics to advanced production methods, honing their skills and collectively broadening their creative horizons. “Each participant brings a unique flavour to the table: from Dzerouengmit Lepcha’s soulful melodies to Discokid’s groovy beats, Lenix Lobo’s experimental sounds and Govi’s fusion of Carnatic vocals with indie and alternative genres. Hasan Shahrukh, with his expertise in […]
Fascinating Goan films to start tomorrow at 54th IFFI
The beauty of film festivals like IFFI is that they offer an eclectic array films from various corners of the country bringing together a mosaic of stories told in different languages. This year also IFFI offers a specially curated package of Goan films which will be unfurled from tomorrow at various venues of IFFI. The Goan package starts with the screening of Konkani film Gathan directed by Dinesh P. Bhonsle at INOX Screen-4, Panaji tomorrow (24.11.2023). Here is a look at the films that are part of the Goan Films package and their scheduled timings: 1. Gathan Director: Dinesh P. Bhonsle Synopsis: A man named Kamlakar, who goes by the nickname Tatu, has a great relationship with his younger brother Babulgo. Despite their five-year age difference, they get along really well. Tatu works in the fishing industry, while Babulgo is settled in Mumbai. Tatu’s son, Sada, works for a local builder, while Babulgo’s daughter, Vedika, is married to an American man and works in America. Her marriage to an American is a source of pride for Tatu and the villagers. Babulgo plans a trip to Goa with the new couple to seek the blessings of the deity. Tatu makes all the necessary […]
