Siolim
Encyclopedia
Siolim is a village in Bardez
taluka, and a census town
on the central west coast of India
, in the North Goa
district of Goa
. The 2001 population was 10,311. Siolim is also the name of a constituency in the Goa assembly
, which includes Assagao, Anjuna and Oxel, in addition to Siolim. This article is about the village of Siolim. A person from Siolim is known as a Siolcar .
. It is located around Chapora River. There is a bridge over River Chapora, in place of the prior ferry.
To Siolim's north lies the quiet village of Oxel; green hillocks hedge it towards Assagao in the south and the east. Camurlim too lies to its east, and in the west flows the Chapora river with Morjim
and its pine-wooded beach on the northern bank in Pernem
.
It has several vadde, including Igrezvaddo, Gaunsavaddo, Bamonvaddo, Marna, Portavaddo, Tarchi Bhatt, Guddem, Aframent, Vaddi and Oxel.
Siolim has three panchayats: Siolim-Marna, Siolim-Sodiem, and Siolim-Oxel. It has two comunidades
as well: Siolim and Marna, and two parishes: Siolim and Tropa.
, was founded by the Congregation of the Daughters of the Cross in 1933. However since 1977 it has been converted into a co-ed school, with only the boarding for girls.
was established in Corlim, Mapusa in 1937 by Miguel Antonio D'Souza, and transferred to Bamonvaddo, Siolim, in 1950. Since 1953 it has been run by the Fransalians
.
The school is established in the year 1969 and managed by Swami Vivekanand Seva Sangh, Siolim.
. The church possesses two steeples
on the frontispiece
and a statue of St Anthony holding a serpent on a leash. This is a depiction of the incident which occurred during the construction of the church wherein a snake that was disrupting construction work was found caught in the cord placed in the statue's hand. In the church, the statues, paintings, and even the church bell, depict St. Anthony holding a serpent
tied with a cord to commemorate this miracle.
Franciscan
missionaries first built a church (the Church of Mae de Deus) at the Sonarkhett hill, wedged between Siolim and Assagao. It was located centrally to serve the spiritual needs of the new converts in the villages of Anjuna, Assagao, Siolim and Oxel. But being situated on the rising hill and probably being a kutcha structure, it did not survive many years, leaving behind the black stone cross at Sonarkhett.
The first church in Siolim was built near the site of the Mae de Deus chapel in Gaunsavaddo in 1568. (There is a plaque commemorating this fact in the chapel compound). This church was probably a kutcha structure, and it survived for merely 32 years.
In 1600, the missionaries planned for a new and larger church in another location more central to the Christians of Siolim. The realization of this project seems in grave doubt due to lack of sufficient funds. At that time, two Portuguese merchants were caught in a severe storm while sailing from Portugal
. They had with them a statue of St. Anthony, and vowed that if they made to port safely, they would build a church where they landed.
It so happened that their ship entered the Chapora River and docked on the left bank near the village of Marna. It was here they met the Franciscan missionaries looking for funds. The new church was dedicated to St. Anthony, instead of Mae de Deus (the Mother of God), and completed in 1630.
The Gaunsavaddo Chapel of Mae de Deus was constructed in 1847.
Earlier, the local Christians would attend religious services at the Military chapel at Tropa or Palchovaddo, which was raised to a Church in 1971. In the sixteenth century conquest of Goa, this place was well-fortified by the Portuguese with police to ward off the Bhosle attacks. The word "tropa" which means 'military troops', still survives in the name given to Tropa parish. Its church is dedicated to Our Lady of Consolation.
In the early part of the 20th century, the ravages of time took their toll on the first church of Saint Anthony. Attempts to repair the wall and renovate the roof appeared futile. The whole structure was in danger of collapsing. The parishioners decided to build a new church on the same site. The foundation stone of the church was laid in November 1902. The consecration took place on December 28, 1907.
The parish chapels include the chapel at Gaunsavaddo (Mae de Deus), Marna (St. Sebastian), Portavaddo and Tarchi Bhatt.
Three brothers from Gaunsavaddo - Santa, Ganexa and Zagre Gauns - were the first Christian converts, their descendants are Fr. Cyriaco Fernandes MSFS, Victor Santana, Dr. Cosmas and Fr. Damian Fernandes. Incidentally, there is a book written by Rev. Fr. Cyriaco Fernandes which gives a lot of information about Siolim, and Fr. Cyriaco's life in Brazil; the book is titled "Indian Apostle in Brazil" writted by Rev. Fr. Damian Fernandes.
is "Ekhmukhi" which is very sacred and rare. This temple is located in Ghol Marna Siolim, away from all the disturbances of traffic and human location; this place is very sacred and an appropriate place for worship and meditation.
This temple was established by Kai. Gopinath Dattaram Prabhu(Porob). He was born in a poor family background in 1900. He was very much devoted to God from his young age. His father died when he was 20. He went to Narsobaavaddi to perform all the required things after the death of his father. Here he was influenced by Lord Dattatreya
. Thereafter he often loved visiting Narsobavaddi. He later resided there, and occupied himself worshiping Lord Dattatreya.
At the age of 31, he established a Portrait of Lord Dattatreya at Mapusa
and started worshiping him. He established a temple threafter. After a few months he came to be Kai Atmaram Fulari's resident. After settling here, he used to go to bathe near the spring at Ghol Marna. Surrounded by the beautiful nature, he liked this place very
much. Thick forest, tall headed coconut trees, medicinal water flowing through the springs, and hills at all sides supporting a peaceful place, influenced his mind. In 1942 he took permission of the owner of the place, Visnum Ranga Kamat Dalal, and built a small hut in which he started worshiping a portrait of Lord Dattatreya. Many devotees started visiting this place. Festivals like Gurudwadashi, Dattajayanti, and Gurupadwa were celebrated later.
He was then known as "Baba Maharaj". He gave many people "vibhuti".
He expired on 27 August 1949. Then his Samadhi
was constructed in front of the temple.
Afterward, Shri Shreepad Fulari continued the worship.
This temple is now developed and designed by the famous architect Shri Nandan Sawant. A huge mandam has been built in front of the temple. Festivals there include Gurupadwa, Vardhapan Divas, Gurudwadshi, Dattajayanti, etc.
Among sportspersons, hockey internationals Gregory, Olimpio, Edgar and Egbert Fernandes and international hockey referee Domnick J Fernandes have done India proud. Marie (Simoes) Mendonca captained the Indian hockey team, represented India at the first and 2nd Asian Games in Delhi and Manila respectively in athletics and in 1956 wore Indian colours at the Melbourne Olympics. At the national level, Eleuterio "Electro" Fernandes of Vaddy (played for Air India/Indian Airlines in the mid 1960s), Peter Fernandes (Vasco Sports Club), and star player Johnny Franco and goalkeeper Caetano Fernandes (both of Dempo), earned honours for Siolim.
Music is an essential ingredient of Goa
, and more so in Siolim. Relatives of Pinta Xapai (the grand old patriarch who died at the age of 114, in 1892) put up the statue of Beethoven
in his courtyard in Gaunsavaddo. Inscriptions clearly identify the Brazil-born descendant who funded the project, as also the descendant who actually performed the inauguration. The rare landmark symbolises the love for the magical arts and music Siolcars are famed for.
Famous musician Remo Fernandes
hails from Siolim, Fernandes Vaddo -(Guddem). Another well-known musician was Johnson (of 'Johnson & his Jolly boys' fame). Rosario “Tequila” Basil was a famous saxophonist. Writer-trumpeter Reginald Fernandes, played for Hal Green, Nelly Batliwalla and her orchestra. Known as ”Romansincho Patxai”, he has written a record number of Konkani novels, nearly 100. A musician of high repute, he has left behind several Goan Konkani compositions, which are played still on All India Radio, one of the well-known ones being the melancholic "Adeus Korchea Vellar" sung by Allan Costa. Antoninho de Souza was a music director and music recordist for Emissora De Goa & All India Radio
, Panjim. The music and lyrics for the beautiful konkani duet, Rajan and Prema
were written by him. Well known satirist of yesteryear Cruz Noronha, popularly known as Cruz Jazzwala was also from Siolim. Late Rev. Fr. Archie Fernandes (MSFS) founder of Bands "Greensleeves" well known in Bardez in the 1970s and also the founder of "The Cascades", a band that still exists to this day. Besides Music, Fr. Archie was the Principal and Headmaster of St. Francis Xavier's High School, Siolim from 1972 - 1979. He also served as the Principal and Headmaster of St. Thomas Boys High School, Aldona from 1979–80 and 1982-87. He was instrumental in starting "Mothergoose Nursery" at Shaanwadi, Nagar Road, Pune, which now has grown into the full-fledged St. Francis de Sales High School.
The present Bishop of Sindhudurg diocese, Rev. Allwyn Baretto is from Siolim. Bishop Leonard Monteiro, former Archbishop of Nagpur is also from Siolim. The retired Bishop of Belgaum, the Rt. Rev. Ignatius Lobo is from Gaunsavaddo. His famed brother, John Lobo, from the first batch of Indian Police Service in 1948, who was the Director, Central Bureau of Intelligence.
Well-known cartoonist Alex Raphael Fernandes "Alexyz" and renowned fashion designer Savio Jon Fernandes are from Siolim. One of Goa's most prominent tiatrist, Kid Boxer came from Siolim. Well-known Konkani stage actors Romaldo Desouza "Miss Cuticura" and Vintorinho Rodriguez "Victor Chevalier" also hailed from Siolim (Bamonvaddo) as did Mini Diogo. Famous footballer Maxie (Burmah Shell) also hailed from Bamonvaddo, Siolim.
bus travelled to Siolim on July 14, 1981. Broadband internet access was first available in January 2008.
, Siolim had a population of 10,311. Males constitute 48% of the population and females 52%. Siolim has an average literacy rate of 82%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 87%, and female literacy is 77%. In Siolim, 9% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Bardez
Bardez is the name of a region and taluka in North Goa. The name is credited to the Brahmin immigrants who migrated to the Konkan via Magadha in Gangetic India from Aryavarta, in the north-western part of the Indian sub-continent. Bardez or more properly Bara desh means "twelve countries"...
taluka, and a census town
Census town
In India, a census town is one which has:# A minimum population of 5,000# At least 75% of male working population engaged in non-agricultural pursuits# A density of population of at least 400 persons per km2.In Ireland, a census town is;...
on the central west coast of India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
, in the North Goa
North Goa
North Goa is one of the two districts that make up the state of Goa, India. The district has an area of 1736 km², and is bounded by Sindhudurg and Kolhapur districts of Maharashtra state to the north and east respectively, by South Goa District to the south, and by the Arabian Sea to the...
district of Goa
Goa
Goa , a former Portuguese colony, is India's smallest state by area and the fourth smallest by population. Located in South West India in the region known as the Konkan, it is bounded by the state of Maharashtra to the north, and by Karnataka to the east and south, while the Arabian Sea forms its...
. The 2001 population was 10,311. Siolim is also the name of a constituency in the Goa assembly
Goa assembly
The Goa Legislative Assembly is the unicameral legislature of the state of Goa in western India. It consists of 40 members. In charge of the budget, the Assembly appropriates money for social programs, agricultural development, infrastructure development, etc...
, which includes Assagao, Anjuna and Oxel, in addition to Siolim. This article is about the village of Siolim. A person from Siolim is known as a Siolcar .
Location
Siolim is situated about 7 km (4.3 mi) from MapusaMapusa
Mapusa also spelt at Mapuca, Mhapsa or Mapsa is a town in North Goa, India. It is situated 13 km north of the capital Panaji. The town is the headquarters of Bardez Taluka. It is located on the main highway NH-17, linking Mumbai to Trivandrum...
. It is located around Chapora River. There is a bridge over River Chapora, in place of the prior ferry.
To Siolim's north lies the quiet village of Oxel; green hillocks hedge it towards Assagao in the south and the east. Camurlim too lies to its east, and in the west flows the Chapora river with Morjim
Morjim
Morjim is a village situated in north Goa in the Pernem district on the north bank of the Chapora River estuary. It is home to a variety of birds and to the Olive ridley sea turtle...
and its pine-wooded beach on the northern bank in Pernem
Pernem
Pernem is a northmost administrative region or Taluka in North Goa. It is also the name of the town of Pernem, which is its headquarters. It has a Municipal Council...
.
It has several vadde, including Igrezvaddo, Gaunsavaddo, Bamonvaddo, Marna, Portavaddo, Tarchi Bhatt, Guddem, Aframent, Vaddi and Oxel.
Siolim has three panchayats: Siolim-Marna, Siolim-Sodiem, and Siolim-Oxel. It has two comunidades
Comunidade
The Comunidades of Goa are a unique and age-old collective land-ownership pattern that has been predominating in the state of Goa, India.-Codified by the Portuguese:...
as well: Siolim and Marna, and two parishes: Siolim and Tropa.
Origin of name
The name "Siolim" comes from two words: 'Xinv' and 'Halli' . "Xinv" means "lion" and "Halli" refers to a village or place. This probably means that there once were plenty of lions in the hills of Siolim. This origin of the name has been documented in Fr. M. De Souza's book. An argument in favour of this origin is that the village on the other side of the Siolim (not Marna) hill is called Vagali, which could be 'Vag' + 'Halli' ("Vag" means "tiger"). Another explanation is that the name comes from 'Shivalaya' , which means a temple of Shiva, but there is no documented evidence for this origin.Schools
There are five schools in Siolim, which are linked together by a community known as "Siolim Super School Complex". Every year, the Super School Complex organise a common exam for students of Std X (tenth) in October. The Super School Complex also organise competitions for students of these five schools. These schools are: Holy Cross High School, St. Francis Xaviers High School, Shri Shanta Vidyalaya, Shri Vasant Vidyalaya, and Keerti Vidyalaya.Holy Cross High School
Holy Cross High School, which was a very popular girls convent in GoaGoa
Goa , a former Portuguese colony, is India's smallest state by area and the fourth smallest by population. Located in South West India in the region known as the Konkan, it is bounded by the state of Maharashtra to the north, and by Karnataka to the east and south, while the Arabian Sea forms its...
, was founded by the Congregation of the Daughters of the Cross in 1933. However since 1977 it has been converted into a co-ed school, with only the boarding for girls.
St. Francis Xaviers High School
St Francis Xavier's High School and Higher Secondary SchoolSFX High School Siolim Goa
-History:St. Francis Xavier's High School was founded on 21 May 1937, by Mr Miguel Antonio de Souza, in Corlim, Mapusa, Goa, India.The Siolim Fransalian Education Society of the Missionaries of St...
was established in Corlim, Mapusa in 1937 by Miguel Antonio D'Souza, and transferred to Bamonvaddo, Siolim, in 1950. Since 1953 it has been run by the Fransalians
Fransalians
The Fransalians was founded in France in 1838 by Pierre Mermier under the patronage of St. Francis de Sales....
.
Shri Shanta Vidyalaya
Shri Shanta Vidyalaya is situated in Sodiem. The school was founded on 9 July 1973. It is managed by Vidya Bharati.Keerti Vidyalaya
It is situated at Portawaddo.The school is established in the year 1969 and managed by Swami Vivekanand Seva Sangh, Siolim.
The church in Siolim
Siolim's church is dedicated to St. Anthony of PaduaAnthony of Padua
Anthony of Padua or Anthony of Lisbon, O.F.M., was a Portuguese Catholic priest and friar of the Franciscan Order. Though he died in Padua, Italy, he was born to a wealthy family in Lisbon, Portugal, which is where he was raised...
. The church possesses two steeples
Steeple (architecture)
A steeple, in architecture, is a tall tower on a building, often topped by a spire. Steeples are very common on Christian churches and cathedrals and the use of the term generally connotes a religious structure...
on the frontispiece
Frontispiece (architecture)
In architecture, a frontispiece is the combination of elements that frame and decorate the main, or front, door to a building. The term is especially used when the main entrance is the chief face of the building rather than being kept behind columns or a portico. Early German churches often...
and a statue of St Anthony holding a serpent on a leash. This is a depiction of the incident which occurred during the construction of the church wherein a snake that was disrupting construction work was found caught in the cord placed in the statue's hand. In the church, the statues, paintings, and even the church bell, depict St. Anthony holding a serpent
Serpent
Serpent may refer to:* Serpent, a synonym for snake* Serpent , the name given to a snake in a religious or mythological context* Serpent , said to have tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden* Serpent in astronomy...
tied with a cord to commemorate this miracle.
Franciscan
Franciscan
Most Franciscans are members of Roman Catholic religious orders founded by Saint Francis of Assisi. Besides Roman Catholic communities, there are also Old Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, ecumenical and Non-denominational Franciscan communities....
missionaries first built a church (the Church of Mae de Deus) at the Sonarkhett hill, wedged between Siolim and Assagao. It was located centrally to serve the spiritual needs of the new converts in the villages of Anjuna, Assagao, Siolim and Oxel. But being situated on the rising hill and probably being a kutcha structure, it did not survive many years, leaving behind the black stone cross at Sonarkhett.
The first church in Siolim was built near the site of the Mae de Deus chapel in Gaunsavaddo in 1568. (There is a plaque commemorating this fact in the chapel compound). This church was probably a kutcha structure, and it survived for merely 32 years.
In 1600, the missionaries planned for a new and larger church in another location more central to the Christians of Siolim. The realization of this project seems in grave doubt due to lack of sufficient funds. At that time, two Portuguese merchants were caught in a severe storm while sailing from Portugal
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
. They had with them a statue of St. Anthony, and vowed that if they made to port safely, they would build a church where they landed.
It so happened that their ship entered the Chapora River and docked on the left bank near the village of Marna. It was here they met the Franciscan missionaries looking for funds. The new church was dedicated to St. Anthony, instead of Mae de Deus (the Mother of God), and completed in 1630.
The Gaunsavaddo Chapel of Mae de Deus was constructed in 1847.
Earlier, the local Christians would attend religious services at the Military chapel at Tropa or Palchovaddo, which was raised to a Church in 1971. In the sixteenth century conquest of Goa, this place was well-fortified by the Portuguese with police to ward off the Bhosle attacks. The word "tropa" which means 'military troops', still survives in the name given to Tropa parish. Its church is dedicated to Our Lady of Consolation.
In the early part of the 20th century, the ravages of time took their toll on the first church of Saint Anthony. Attempts to repair the wall and renovate the roof appeared futile. The whole structure was in danger of collapsing. The parishioners decided to build a new church on the same site. The foundation stone of the church was laid in November 1902. The consecration took place on December 28, 1907.
The parish chapels include the chapel at Gaunsavaddo (Mae de Deus), Marna (St. Sebastian), Portavaddo and Tarchi Bhatt.
Three brothers from Gaunsavaddo - Santa, Ganexa and Zagre Gauns - were the first Christian converts, their descendants are Fr. Cyriaco Fernandes MSFS, Victor Santana, Dr. Cosmas and Fr. Damian Fernandes. Incidentally, there is a book written by Rev. Fr. Cyriaco Fernandes which gives a lot of information about Siolim, and Fr. Cyriaco's life in Brazil; the book is titled "Indian Apostle in Brazil" writted by Rev. Fr. Damian Fernandes.
Shri Datta Mandir
This temple is dedicated to Shri Dattatreya, the trinity, known for its serenity austere rites. The idol worshipedis "Ekhmukhi" which is very sacred and rare. This temple is located in Ghol Marna Siolim, away from all the disturbances of traffic and human location; this place is very sacred and an appropriate place for worship and meditation.
This temple was established by Kai. Gopinath Dattaram Prabhu(Porob). He was born in a poor family background in 1900. He was very much devoted to God from his young age. His father died when he was 20. He went to Narsobaavaddi to perform all the required things after the death of his father. Here he was influenced by Lord Dattatreya
Dattatreya
Dattatreya or Datta is a Hindu deity encompassing the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, collectively known as Trimurti. The name Dattatreya can be divided into two words - "Datta" and "Atreya" referring to the sage Atri, his physical father.Various Hindu sects worship him differently...
. Thereafter he often loved visiting Narsobavaddi. He later resided there, and occupied himself worshiping Lord Dattatreya.
At the age of 31, he established a Portrait of Lord Dattatreya at Mapusa
Mapusa
Mapusa also spelt at Mapuca, Mhapsa or Mapsa is a town in North Goa, India. It is situated 13 km north of the capital Panaji. The town is the headquarters of Bardez Taluka. It is located on the main highway NH-17, linking Mumbai to Trivandrum...
and started worshiping him. He established a temple threafter. After a few months he came to be Kai Atmaram Fulari's resident. After settling here, he used to go to bathe near the spring at Ghol Marna. Surrounded by the beautiful nature, he liked this place very
much. Thick forest, tall headed coconut trees, medicinal water flowing through the springs, and hills at all sides supporting a peaceful place, influenced his mind. In 1942 he took permission of the owner of the place, Visnum Ranga Kamat Dalal, and built a small hut in which he started worshiping a portrait of Lord Dattatreya. Many devotees started visiting this place. Festivals like Gurudwadashi, Dattajayanti, and Gurupadwa were celebrated later.
He was then known as "Baba Maharaj". He gave many people "vibhuti".
He expired on 27 August 1949. Then his Samadhi
Samadhi
Samadhi in Hinduism, Buddhism,Jainism, Sikhism and yogic schools is a higher level of concentrated meditation, or dhyāna. In the yoga tradition, it is the eighth and final limb identified in the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali....
was constructed in front of the temple.
Afterward, Shri Shreepad Fulari continued the worship.
This temple is now developed and designed by the famous architect Shri Nandan Sawant. A huge mandam has been built in front of the temple. Festivals there include Gurupadwa, Vardhapan Divas, Gurudwadshi, Dattajayanti, etc.
Sateri Temple
This temple is situated at Shelim, Siolim. This temple of goddess Sateri is famous for the festival of Diwsans. During this festival the temple is surrounded by a long feri. Many females go round the temple in a procession with oil-lamps in their hand and on their head. The scene is very auspicious. The Sateri Temple was designed by Goan architect Ralino de Souza.Famous Siolcars
Siolim has produced many musicians, sportspersons, bishops and other famous people.Among sportspersons, hockey internationals Gregory, Olimpio, Edgar and Egbert Fernandes and international hockey referee Domnick J Fernandes have done India proud. Marie (Simoes) Mendonca captained the Indian hockey team, represented India at the first and 2nd Asian Games in Delhi and Manila respectively in athletics and in 1956 wore Indian colours at the Melbourne Olympics. At the national level, Eleuterio "Electro" Fernandes of Vaddy (played for Air India/Indian Airlines in the mid 1960s), Peter Fernandes (Vasco Sports Club), and star player Johnny Franco and goalkeeper Caetano Fernandes (both of Dempo), earned honours for Siolim.
Music is an essential ingredient of Goa
Goa
Goa , a former Portuguese colony, is India's smallest state by area and the fourth smallest by population. Located in South West India in the region known as the Konkan, it is bounded by the state of Maharashtra to the north, and by Karnataka to the east and south, while the Arabian Sea forms its...
, and more so in Siolim. Relatives of Pinta Xapai (the grand old patriarch who died at the age of 114, in 1892) put up the statue of Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven was a German composer and pianist. A crucial figure in the transition between the Classical and Romantic eras in Western art music, he remains one of the most famous and influential composers of all time.Born in Bonn, then the capital of the Electorate of Cologne and part of...
in his courtyard in Gaunsavaddo. Inscriptions clearly identify the Brazil-born descendant who funded the project, as also the descendant who actually performed the inauguration. The rare landmark symbolises the love for the magical arts and music Siolcars are famed for.
Famous musician Remo Fernandes
Remo Fernandes
Luís Remo de Maria Bernardo Fernandes, more popularly known as Remo Fernandes is a pop/rock/Indian fusion artist and playback singer from the state of Goa, India. His musical work is a fusion of many different cultures and styles he's been exposed to as a child in Goa and in his later travels...
hails from Siolim, Fernandes Vaddo -(Guddem). Another well-known musician was Johnson (of 'Johnson & his Jolly boys' fame). Rosario “Tequila” Basil was a famous saxophonist. Writer-trumpeter Reginald Fernandes, played for Hal Green, Nelly Batliwalla and her orchestra. Known as ”Romansincho Patxai”, he has written a record number of Konkani novels, nearly 100. A musician of high repute, he has left behind several Goan Konkani compositions, which are played still on All India Radio, one of the well-known ones being the melancholic "Adeus Korchea Vellar" sung by Allan Costa. Antoninho de Souza was a music director and music recordist for Emissora De Goa & All India Radio
All India Radio
All India Radio , officially known since 1956 as Akashvani , is the radio broadcaster of India and a division of Prasar Bharati. Established in 1936, it is the sister service of Prasar Bharati's Doordarshan, the national television broadcaster. All India Radio is one of the largest radio networks...
, Panjim. The music and lyrics for the beautiful konkani duet, Rajan and Prema
Rajan and Prema
Rajan and Prema is a traditional Konkani duet. The music and lyrics for this song were written by Antoninho de Souza.This is a song sung by two lovers, Rajan and Prema. Prema is upset to know that Rajan must travel to Bombay for a job. Rajan convinces Prema that he is committed to her and proposes...
were written by him. Well known satirist of yesteryear Cruz Noronha, popularly known as Cruz Jazzwala was also from Siolim. Late Rev. Fr. Archie Fernandes (MSFS) founder of Bands "Greensleeves" well known in Bardez in the 1970s and also the founder of "The Cascades", a band that still exists to this day. Besides Music, Fr. Archie was the Principal and Headmaster of St. Francis Xavier's High School, Siolim from 1972 - 1979. He also served as the Principal and Headmaster of St. Thomas Boys High School, Aldona from 1979–80 and 1982-87. He was instrumental in starting "Mothergoose Nursery" at Shaanwadi, Nagar Road, Pune, which now has grown into the full-fledged St. Francis de Sales High School.
The present Bishop of Sindhudurg diocese, Rev. Allwyn Baretto is from Siolim. Bishop Leonard Monteiro, former Archbishop of Nagpur is also from Siolim. The retired Bishop of Belgaum, the Rt. Rev. Ignatius Lobo is from Gaunsavaddo. His famed brother, John Lobo, from the first batch of Indian Police Service in 1948, who was the Director, Central Bureau of Intelligence.
Well-known cartoonist Alex Raphael Fernandes "Alexyz" and renowned fashion designer Savio Jon Fernandes are from Siolim. One of Goa's most prominent tiatrist, Kid Boxer came from Siolim. Well-known Konkani stage actors Romaldo Desouza "Miss Cuticura" and Vintorinho Rodriguez "Victor Chevalier" also hailed from Siolim (Bamonvaddo) as did Mini Diogo. Famous footballer Maxie (Burmah Shell) also hailed from Bamonvaddo, Siolim.
Historical firsts
Liberation brought in electric power in 1972 and tap water flowed in 1975. By 1980 Siolim had a telephone exchange, which has since shifted to a large building. The first KTCKadamba Transport Corporation
Kadamba Transport Corporation is a Government of Goa road transport undertaking. It was set up in 1980 by the Congress government, then headed by Pratapsing Rane. Goa has long dependent on privatised bus-transport, and the blue-and-red-and-white Kadamba buses are an exception to this rule...
bus travelled to Siolim on July 14, 1981. Broadband internet access was first available in January 2008.
Concerns
Some of Siolim's most beautiful places are its green fields and hills. However, these are being lost due to rapid increase in settlement, with a huge rise in new constructions. Open spaces for children and youth to play outdoors are fast disappearing. At the present rate, the only open space remaining may be the football ground owned by the church. All Siolcars should awake and take steps to prevent this unplanned development.Miscellaneous
- Siolim has a few football teams, the most prominent being that of Football Club of Siolim (FC Siolim).
- Siolim has inspired the Goan mandoMando (music)Mando or Manddo is a musical form that evolved during the 19th and 20th century among Goan Catholics of Goa, India. It represents the meeting point of Indian and western musical traditions. The music has elements of both Indian and western culture. The males wear formal coats, showing Portuguese...
"Siole dongra sokolu"
Demographics
India censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
, Siolim had a population of 10,311. Males constitute 48% of the population and females 52%. Siolim has an average literacy rate of 82%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 87%, and female literacy is 77%. In Siolim, 9% of the population is under 6 years of age.
See also
- http://stanthony-siolim.org/, website of St. Anthony's Church, Siolim
- http://www.goacom.com/goanow/99/july/blessed.html
- Siolim by Sebastian D’Cruz
- History of the Church in Siolim
- Article about Reginald Fernandes
- Article about Antoninho de Souza
- Article about Johnson Carvalho
- Satellite map of Siolim