June 2019

BandraBuzz creating community connect since 2010

June 2019 | Volume 10 Issue 6 | www.bandrabuzz.com | 16 pages | Price: Rs. 5/-

Clashes Imminent at Bandra Gym EGM

1005 Signatories of the No-Confidence Motion’ succeed in pushing forward the Extra Ordinary General Meeting (EGM) on 30th June at 10am The dormant volcano with its epicentre at Bandra Gymkhana has had eruptions before, but this time knowledgeable estimates tell that it will be big enough to create change. Allegations and counter-allegations are being thrown, like arrows in the wind. This British era institution has witnessed ‘the good, the bad and the ugly’, through the decades of its existence. Now, many say, “Enough is Enough”.

who have supported the ‘No Confidence Motion’, proposed by Roger Drego and seconded by Joseph D’Souza. The reasons given was the way the club was being managed – with alleged high-handedness, arrogant attitude towards members, etc. As per the club’s rule # 26, a Managing Committee meeting has to be called for – and arrangements have to be made to hold the EGM (Extraordinary General Meeting) as requested at 10am on 30th June 2019, where a count of votAn armchair view of what’s been hap- ing members from the club, will decide pening – recently. to continue with the present committee, SURGICAL STRIKE or not.

Monday 3rd June 2019, 12 noon – was There are several historic moments when the Bandra Gymkhana had a re- in-the-making, even as you read this. cord number of inwards at their office.

There were more than 80 lists, with a total of 1005 voting member signatures; Continued on Pages 5 >>

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NEWS

BANDRA BUZZ | JUNE 2019

St. Andrew’s College is taking College fests to a whole new level

Students in a fix with low marks and no admissions for FYJC as state scraps internals for SSC Students of the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) board are disappointed as they have scored low marks this year. Students claim the percentage has lowered because the state government scrapped internal assessments for language subjects this year. This denied students the chance to score higher marks.

This year, the pass percentage of Mumbai has been 77.04, which has dipped by 12.31 per cent, as compared to 2018, when it was 89.41 per cent.

This means, out of a total of 16,18,602 students who appeared for the Class 10 (SSC) examination, 12,47,903 students have passed in Maharashtra while the remaining have failed. Of these, over 3.57 lakh students appeared from the Mumbai and 2.75 lakh cleared the examination.

Students claim they could not score high marks as there were no practicals, orals, dictation, comprehension or internal tests for language subjects. Sikandar Ahmed, a student, said, “It is difficult to score marks in theory papers especially for language subjects. Our overall percentage dipped as we got low marks in Marathi and English language subjects.” While Hiral Mehta, another student said, “Internal assessments are our only chance to clear language subjects as the marking pattern for theory papers is tough. Our friends have failed mostly in language subjects.”

In addition, the scrapping of internals and low marks of students have made it difficult for students to secure seats for First Year Junior College

(FYJC) admissions. Marie Fernandes, Principal of St Andrew’s College, Bandra, said, “The cut-offs for Science, Commerce and Arts are high but students have scored less marks. Students are going to face a tough time securing admissions for FYJC in wellknown colleges.”

Students and parents staged several protests blaming the state government for this mess. Richard George, a parent, said, “Our children are suffering with low marks and no admissions because the state scrapped internals. The state is responsible for the poor performance of students and now, our children have to bear the brunt of this mess.”

In order to clear this mess, MLA Adv. Ashish Shelar, new state education minister of school education, claimed to increase seats for FYJC. Shelar said, “We have directed all junior colleges to increase eight per cent seats for Commerce and Arts and five per cent for Science stream in FYJC. These additional seats will ensure all students get admissions.”

But, college authorities and students have criticised this decision of the state. Tanu Basu, a student, said, “How does increasing seats help us if we have already failed in our SSC exams? Also, will well-known colleges give us seats when we have scored low marks like 50 or 40 per cent? Will they lower their cut-offs just because they have some extra seats? It is a foolish decision of the state.”

While, Fernandes added, “We do not have the infrastructure to support

additional seats. Students are already cramped up in the FYJC classrooms & now, the state want us to add more seats. Also, the FYJC admission process has already begun and the state has directed us at the last minute.”

The state government claimed they want to increase focus on theory.

Vinod Tawde, state education minister of higher education, said, “The system of giving internal assessment marks was started in 2008. We have now scrapped internal assessments to increase focus on theory in language subjects.”

In response to this, Saudamini Bhagwat, a senior teacher said, “Who scraps internal assessments for language subjects? The whole point of language subjects is so that students learn to speak, understand and communicate in that particular language.

How are students going to learn the language if there are no internal or communication tests?”

A senior officer of the Maharashtra Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE), Mumbai division, said, “We scrapped internal assessments to prevent schools from awarding marks liberally to students in internal tests.”

In all this mess, students and parents are the ones suffering and running around for admissions. College authorities have refused to lower cutoffs for FYJC claiming their hands are tied. The first general merit list for FYJC admission will be declared on July 6 at 6pm.

Ronald Rodrigues

Mosaic 2019 is here and unlike its predecessor, it’s bound to be bigger and better.

The monumental extent of the external launch that took place at Dublin Square, Phoenix MarketCity (Kurla) on the 21st of June, was significant proof of what this year’s St. Andrew’s intercollegiate cultural festival can do. It is a perfect example of what the students of the college are capable of.

Mosaic 2019, a dedicated project of various students from St. Andrew’s College has been under construction for many months. A team of devoted students, heading different departments, have been tirelessly working to make it much more successful than its predecessor.

The massive event was organised by Tonesbox, in celebration of World Music day. The show saw headliners Dj Zaeden and Naezy who performed like there was no tomorrow and brought the audience to their feet. The students of St. Andrew’s College put up an exhilarating performance that had the audience up in a frenzy and the entire area was filed with cheers and chanting of the Mosaic slogan ‘Udna Banta Hain’.

The launch, like the title of the fest, represented the coming together of the different cultures and traditions that India is made up of. The effort that was put into the performances is an accurate representation of what the students of St. Andrew’s College are made up of. The sheer talent and dedication was overflowing as they performed on the stage of Dublin Square, Phoenix MarketCity making the college proud after took their final bow.

The first installment, Mosaic 2018: The Take Off, witnessed thousands of students around campus rushing to various events. It came with a sense of team-spirit which was evident when the auditorium erupted in deafening cheers for their performing teammates.

Mosaic 2019: Tell your story, will be held from the 16th of September 2019 to the 19th of September 2019.

Just like the phrase ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’, Mosaic wasn’t either. Therefore, for the students to successfully achieve their goals and to help them make it an eventful and memorable fest, they need your support. Any form of help, no matter how small can push this team of dedicated students achieve their dream of spreading talent all over Mumbai and making Mosaic the best festival in the city.

For partnership details please get in touch with them on 8169828110 or email them on marketing@festmosaic.com Glen Mascarenhas

BANDRA BUZZ | JUNE 2019

NEWS

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Another chowk springs up in Bandra They say or at least they used to say if you throw a stone in Bandra, it would either hit a pigor a Pereira but does this hold true even today?

Bandra has definitely changed and change is always good. We can’t really hold on the past, the Bandra of beautiful homes & fields but maybe we can try and preserve what’s left of it. While the fields have long gone, few homes still dot the Bandra lanes and gullies. Most of these lanes and streets in the hinterland retain the charm of Bandra but their names are fast changing today. You may have heard of the inauguration of a recent Chowk on St. Martin Road just a month back or so.

The residents were completely unaware of a Chowk being built, until someone seen some masons at work just at the junction of St. Martin and Turner Road.

It did take the residents by shock as to what was happening. It was only later in the day that one learnt that a Chowk was to be inaugurated and the order for it was passed in 2016.

On Wednesday 24th April, Padmashri Mahendra Kapoor Chowk was unveiled amidst much fanfare with participation from the Bollywood fraternity but sadly with no participation from the very residents of St. Martin’s Road. It’s great that now people know who Mahendra Kapoor is, but what’s the relevance of him

to the people of Bandra, and more so to the residents of St. Martin’s? How long has he been a resident of St. Martins and what was his contribution to the road?

Today the name of the chowk sign board takes precedence over the St. Martin’s Road one. But this is not the only new Chowk, Vali Mohammad Bhamla Chowk is another recent chowk another at the junction of Perry Cross Road and Turner Road (the road that leads to old Kantwadi), that took the residents by surprise. Then there is another, not so recent chowk at the junction of the Hill Road, and S.V. Road - just diagonally opposite Lucky restaurant which is P. Mohd. Rafi Chowk. I wonder what it takes to have a Chowk named after you, if you are not a Padmashri recipient and have no political inclination.

For sure, Bandra has its share of well-respected men & women alike & St. Martin Road is not short of its stalwarts.

A remarkable personality & forgotten resident of St. Martin Road is Peter John Fonseca, who served the erst while Government of Bombay for 42 years. There was no chowk as such that was fashioned during his lifetime but an arch was erected in his memory that once graced Hill road. It was erected six months after his demise by the officers & employees of the Custom House & all those who

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Left: Padma Shri Mahendra Kapoor chowk was recently inaugurated in Bandra Right: An arch was erected on Hill Road in memory of Mr. Peter John Fonseca by the officers & employees of the Custom House in 1900 worked with him in official capacity.

They subscribed and erected the monument to his memory as a mark of their esteem. The inscription on the memorial read, “Erected to the memory of Mr. Peter John Fonseca, a most patient, careful and trustworthy Overseer, Import Department, 25 years.” (Collector’s Office Order No. 2370 of 10th December 1900) by his admirers, and by Officers, Employees and Dalals of the Bombay Custom House, as a mark of the esteem.”

The opening ceremony was performed

by Mr. H. Crawford, Assistant Collector, Import Inspecting Department, in the presence of a select gathering consisting of Customs Officials, community and family members but today the arch on Hill Road has long since disappeared.

We still refer to Hill Road as Hill Road and Carter Road remains Carters but those who requested for the name

change are happy that it was a success.

So today if you do throw a stone you definitely will not hit a pig, a Pereira?

Maybe, but very likely that it will hit a more recently named road or chowk and well known original Bandra personalists will be bygones. And just like I am too busy sipping my coffee, the rest of Bandra is doing so too but we need to wake up and smell the brew, before its too late. #WakeUpBandra It would be much appreciated that the local residents are taken into consideration and confidence for the creation of any chowk or renaming of a road.

With inputs from Major Leon G. Fonseca (Retd.) & excerpt from The Bombay East Indian Association, Golden Jubilee Souvenir 1937, Page 118 and 119.

Floyd Almeida

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NEWS

BANDRA BUZZ | JUNE 2019

Top reasons why we stop Technology, that’s Losing Weight & Belly Fat Saving Our Environment We have had hundreds of patients who have come to us for weight loss. So what I have done is I have summarized the top five reasons why people struggle to lose that belly fat and weight even when they start getting on to a good diet and they start exercising regularly.

1. Protein Myth For the longest time we have been made to believe that we need more protein in the human body to lose weight. Now the problem is when we start consuming more protein, a lot of that protein never gets utilized by the human body and it converts into fat and slows down your metabolism. This is why a lot of people who consume protein also bloat up and they have flatulence and acidity. So it’s extremely important for you to start cutting down your protein intake and if you want to increase your protein increase it from sources which are wholesome and natural. You can get quality protein from green leafy vegetables, broccoli, spinach, green peas, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds and whole grains.

Now when you look at athletes and bodybuilders they do three things. They eat, sleep and they train. They take a lot of protein because they have to build a lot of muscle but then they take a lot of other supplements and the supporting nutrition to help break down that protein and their workouts are so intensive causing so much of muscle tear that the body requires more protein to repair it and that’s the difference between athletes and that’s the difference between us laymen. We can’t behave like athletes if we don’t train like athletes.

2. Overtraining If you think that the more you work out the more you burn fat, you are highly mistaken. Most people today assume a workout of six days out of seven with one rest day. It is designed to sell gym membership. Everyone is promoting a one hour work out because it’s easy to cycle trainers. The most powerful athletes and people with the best bodies don’t train for more than 30 minutes at one time because it produces cortisol which is a stress hormone which then starts storing fat in your abdominal region. You should look at doing high interval training, squats, burpees, pullups, push-ups and movements that are natural to the human body.

when they’re training so heavily. This is why most people who train well and don’t sleep well may develop arms and legs and a big chest but they still carry that potbelly or that midriff fat around them. The more you sleep the more body fat you burn especially in the abdominal region.

4. Fad Diets Fad diets help you lose the first two to three kilos & then after that you put it all back on or you just plateau. We need to understand that any fad diet that’s deficient in a macronutrient cripples your metabolism & metabolism is the most important thing when it comes to burning fat. That’s why when you carry lean mass & muscle your metabolic rate is always high. To maintain muscle tone it requires a lot of energy & that comes from your body burning fat constantly.

5. Hormonal Balance If you have the right hormonal balance your body will allow you to lose weight.

If you have the wrong communication between hormones it is impossible for you to lose weight easily. Our country has the highest count of pcod, diabetes and thyroid issues. These are all hormonal imbalance diseases. Men and women who have hormonal imbalances, exhaustive workouts and intense workouts is not your answer. You will lose more weight by just walking, by doing a little bit of yoga, maybe a little bit of Pilates and by slowly supporting your body to balance your hormones because it’s more rest and recovery that will help you balance your hormones.

It’s very important to understand that you have to break away from the mind pattern of heavy workouts & strict nutrition. It’s got to be balanced in all forms of life. To lose weight there are 4 verticals that you need to look at which are balanced nutrition, adequate exer3. Sleep This is where India has it all wrong. It is cise, quality sleep & emotional health. so rare to come across a person who’s Luke Coutinho sleeping seven to eight hours at night

Daan Roosegaarde, standing next to his smog-free tower, holds smog particles taken from Beijing’s air. Photo: Studio Roosegaarde With the realm of science fiction increasingly blurred day by day, come incredible innovations that can help our planet ‘heal’. From a biodegradable plastic bag to a giant turbine that sucks up contaminants in the air - these discoveries are bettering mankind’s chances of survival, for years to come.

Air Purifier After witnessing many metropolitan cities like Delhi and Beijing brimming with harmful carbon emission from factories and vehicles - Daan Roosegaarde, a Dutch artist and innovator created a turbine that can filter pollutants in the air. After collecting and noticing that the contaminants mainly comprise of carbon, Daan decided to recycle the material to create a ring with these compressed carbon particles as it’s centerpiece. The ring can be purchased for 250 Euros (or roughly Rs 20,000). By buying one of these rings, an owner is also donating a thousand cubic meters of clean air to the environment.

“True beauty is not a Louis Vuitton bag or a Ferrari, but clean air and clean energy,” says Daan Roosegaarde.

Standing at 7-meter tall, the Smog Free Tower is capable of emitting thirty thousand cubic meters (30.000 m3) of clean air per hour. Equipped with environment-friendly technology, the turbine only uses a small amount of green electricity to function.

Daan has also created a Smog Free Bicycle fitted with a smaller turbine which emits clean recycled air around its rider. Partnering with OFO, a bicycle sharing company based in Beijing, the pair hope to tackle the city’s air pollution problem.

Eco-Friendly Plastic Using his background in biological sci-

ences & cassava starch, Kevin Kumala created a material similar to plastic, except in a few remarkable ways. It’s completely biodegradable, edible & leaves no toxic residue. Kevin has even demonstrated this on a number of occasions by dissolving a section of this plastic in lukewarm water & then drinking it. His company currently manufactures a number of a biodegradable product including bags, food packaging, and hospital bed covers.

This breakthrough discovery will undoubtedly put a damper on the number of marine animals killed by plastic debris in the ocean. According to research conducted by the Sea Turtle Conservancy, it is estimated that over 1 million marine animals succumbed in plastic related deaths each year. With these innovations in place already, it will be interesting to see what the future holds. Maybe a robot that cleans our streets – and why not?

Ryan Rodrigues

BANDRA BUZZ | JUNE 2019

NEWS

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Frequently Asked Questions with respect to the EGM Venue: Bandra Gymkhana Hall Date: Sunday, 30th June 2019 Time: 10am (Please be in your seats by 9:45am) What is the resolution being proposed at the EGM? A vote for ‘No Confidence Motion’, against the current Managing Committee by more than 1000 signatories - for the resolution.

Continued from Page 1 COUNTER ATTACK Armed with the list of signatories (for the EGM), the present committee swung into counter-action. Many members (including senior citizens) homes were visited and they were allegedly threatened to sign a revoking letter, or else... One of them, Michael Hendricks, who was visited by Jt. Hon. Gen. Secretary Cornel Gonsalves at 9:15pm on 4th June – complained of extreme harassment to him, at the Bandra Police Station, the next morning, with an N.C. The Senior Police Inspector Girish Anavkar called Cornel to the Police Station, which allegedly resulted in some fierce interaction.

A series of unsigned fliers are allegedly being distributed by the present community, maligning certain individuals – so as to sway the minds of members to vote against the resolution. This propaganda is allegedly being carried out at banks, bazaars & even funerals. People are reportedly asking, “Since these are honorary posts, why cling on to them – as if your life depended on it?” The present committee is allegedly making claims of “progress” & financial “savings” in the club management; while others allegedly claim gross mismanagement.

BATTLEGROUND The real show of strength – to retain or

remove the present committee, will be at the EGM, on 30th June 2019, when members from across Mumbai & beyond are expected to vote, in a Secret Ballot. This will be conducted in a free & fair manner, under complete Audio Video Recording, by an Independent Polling Officer.

Besides Bandra, Bandra Gym voting members are expected to come from Juhu, Vile Parle, Andheri, Malad, Borivali, Santa Cruz, Kurla, Mahim, Wadala, Girgaum, Colaba, Manori, Gorai, Uttan, Mira-Bhayandar – and yes, even Vasai-Virar.

Totally, more than 1,200 voting members are expected to cast their vote.

Founded in 1935, on land donated

by Dr. D. A. D’Monte, the Bandra Gymkhana is evolving fast. From small beginnings has been the bastion of sports, culture, literature and talent. Blessed with a building which housed many social, cultural and sporting facilities, and flanked by five tennis courts, the “Gym” – as it was abbreviated in the years, when there were not others in the vicinity – has played a vital part in the history of the suburb. Since 2004, when its expansion took shape, it moved to a different and more dynamic level.

Now, we are again at crossroads – to continue the present progress, or have ‘new blood’ to take the Bandra Gymkhana to ‘World Class’. The choice is yours.

Jerome Pereira

Which type of members can vote?

Bandra Gym members, who can vote, are: - DN (Donor members) - LA & OL (Life members, includes the spouse of the member) - LB (Life B - Only the main member) - LD (Priests/Holy orders) - OR (Ordinary member - only main member) - OD (Spouses of LB and OR) All these acronyms are mentioned on the ID cards.

P.S. Cards with bans of Blue or Brown are voting members cards.

How will the voting be conducted?

Voting will be done by ‘Secret Ballot’, with the paper slips collected in a Box. You can choose ‘FOR’ or ‘AGAINST’ the resolution - with total secrecy.

Can you elaborate, please?

If you want the present Managing Committee OUT (i.e. changed), Tick ‘FOR the Resolution’ - 1 If you want the present Managing Committee TO CONTINUE (not changed), Tick ‘AGAINST the Resolution’ - 2 Will members be targeted, by those with opposing views?

There will be NO ‘show of hands’, as was the practice in previous years. This will ensure complete secrecy. So, NO targeting is possible.

What happens if the voting results in favour of dissolving the MC? Then the present MC stands dissolved and only The President, Trustees and the 3 Salsette nominees will run the affairs of Bandra Gym. Thereafter, all eligible candidates will be elected by the voting members of the General Body, at the AGM on 30th September 2019.

What happens to the affairs of managing the Gymkhana?

Nobody is indispensable. It’s ‘business as usual’, with new management - no interruption.

Any CHECK LIST, to ensure that I do not forget anything?

Pay all outstanding fees (if any) by 25th June - pay till 30th Sep. 2019, or more.

Carry your Bandra Gym Membership ID Card for the EGM. All voting will end at 2pm.

Advertising in a daily newspaper? High cost, low value. Daily newspapers are in and out of the house in just a few hours.

Bandra Buzz lasts a month—on kitchen counters, community centres, stores and restaurants all over Bandra.

Call 9820783686 or 9920299787 to reach out to 10,000 local homes and businesses every month.

COMPERE EXTRAORDINAIRE EDWIN SOARES Bring your party to life • Christening • Birthdays • Communion • Anniversaries • Wedding • All Social Gatherings To make it rock, contact him on 9967027988 E: edwinsoares@rediffmail.com www.facebook.com/edwinsoarescompere

Enjoy your journey with the five travellers as you travel through this book Comments by readers: “Really good. A book to read slowly.”

“Inspirational” “A good book. Well written.”

“Couldn’t put it down. We took turns reading it.”

“Very interesting.”

‘COME’ (priced at Rs 300) is available on Amazon India.

In Delhi at Media House. In Bandra at Prathnalaya (Bandstand).

In Mira Road at Shannon (next to St Joseph’s Church) & at Mahim at St Michael’s Church (the Pauline Sisters’ Bookstall) You can also contact 9029098873 to purchase the book

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NEWS

BANDRA BUZZ | JUNE 2019

Monumental Bandra II : Change of Heart

How two friends’ love for coffee lead to a crafted coffee house in Bandra?

Toffee is the Bandra based Coffee House known for its Signature Coffee Roasts. It is the journey to create the best original craft coffee and range of premium teas.

“In this journey of pouring awesomeness in your cup we’ve realised the coffee and tea experience is impartially significant and hence our outlet serves you awesome bites with Free WiFi” says Rishabh one of the Founder’s of Toffee.

Rishabh was working as a Sr Marketing Position at an MNC and was passout from an IIT. Nandini had worked at JSW and was pursuing her acting career. They were friends for six years but what held them together was their common philosophy of life and more importantly their love for coffee. They travelled over India across hundreds of Coffee Shop for one good cup of Coffee.

Later the Curious Case of Coffee led them to travel to Asia’s Largest and

scenic Coffee producing Gardens of Chikmagalur and Coorg in Karnataka to Yercaud in Tamil Nadu to Wayanad in Kerala. The years of passion towards coffee made them to learn the process of coffee making from scratch. They spent weeks in Coffee Estates across India to learn end to end Coffee making from Handpicking Coffee Cherries to Getting top Graded Green Beans to Artistically Roasting to Grounding it and Brewing it.

Rishabh says “The Cafes in India are selling Ambience more than the Product itself. The coffee experience is equally important. So we invest our time equally in building our product.” When asked how Toffee is different from other Cafe, Nandini says “We’re one of the few Cafe in India who roast their own Coffee. For the best taste Coffee should be consumed within 2-10 days of roasting. From Hand Picking beans from Asia’s best Coffee producing Gardens to roasting to grounding to brewing it, Toffee does it all by themselves.” Apart from Coffee they’ve coupled their Coffee with awesome Italian, Continental Food and Fingerlicking Desserts.

Toffee’s vision is “Great Ideas come from Great Coffee and We Take Care of Your Great Coffee” she adds. Don’t miss a rare Coffee Experience at Toffee.

Toffee, Shop No. 9, Nityanand Nagar, ONGC Colony, Reclamation, Bandra West, Mumbai 400050 Call: 75065 39555, 75061 05116

Matters of the heart are oft fleeting. And it seems Bandra is no expectation when it comes to this. As was published in the Bandra Buzz in March this year, Bandra got its “I Heart Bandra” (or “I Love Bandra” if you prefer) sign, installed on the traffic island at the intersection of Hill Road and BJ Road (commonly referred to as Bandstand Road), close to the rear gate of St. Andrew Church. Then, just a few weeks later, the sign was enclosed in cloth and left for us to wonder what was wrong with Bandra’s heart.

In May, the sign itself was removed altogether while the cloth wraps were left in place. And out of the blue, on May 23rd, we got to see what was a new sign, with a new heart. The new sign now installed at the same spot, is larger in size and sports red and gold colors, that appear to be paying homage to the “Iron Man” character from the movies.

As to why this change was made, is not known. However, the selection of the location for such a signs remains a disappointment. Not only is the said intersection known for frequent traffic

snarls during the day and rash driving at night, it is also close to an entrance of St. Andrew Church, a pedestrian area.

Making this spot a selfie-point, is asking for trouble in more ways then one. One wonders what someone was thinking when this spot was selected for erecting this modern day monument in Bandra.

And so, this summer, Bandra has a change of heart. Besides providing fuel for puns, one wonders what purpose this monument may serve. Let’s hope Bandra’s new “enlarged” heart is stronger and longer-lasting than the last one was, and there are no more heartbreaks in Bandra’s future.

Debasish Chakraverty

BANDRA BUZZ | JUNE 2019

EAT OUT

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The Boston Butt: A Meat Lover’s Paradise Boston Butt, if you’re wondering, is the pork that is derived from the upper part of the pork shoulder which was quite a specialty in Boston in the 18th and 19th century America; this common cut used for pulled pork, has since become a barbeque staple in the southern US. Fast forward to the present day here in Bandra, where The Boston Butt has brought to our doorstep the best, unique and traditional American style barbeque with heavy influences from the states of South Carolina, Texas, Louisiana, North Carolina, Kansas and Kentucky which are prominently showcased in their very extensively curated menu.

A walk into this place gives you the feel of a very rustic Texan feel with a minimalistic millennial look that is created by combining all contradictions of vintage with modern, warm with bright, open air area with the indoor bar thereby justifying the theme & making this outlet a unique, stylish & an attractive place.

The photographs, signage & mirror frames from the Prohibition Era accent the bare textured walls. They are also mounted with the classic papier-mâché busts of a ram, deer & boar, a signature for the smokery, charcuterie & bar. Influenced by the predominant lumber industry in the Southern American States, the use of wood dominates the interior elements. The intimate bar is designed to radiate warmth while the bright red tractor hood not only adds color to the space but Tenderloin Steak a l s o

BandraBuzz creating community connect since 2010

April 2019 | Volume 10 Issue 4 | www.bandrabuzz.com | 16 pages | Price: Rs. 5/-

Can Priya Dutt reclaim Mumbai North Central seat from M.P. Poonam Mahajan?

Monday, April 29th 2019, is when all eligible citizens can exercise their constitutional right of voting – to decide who will be our next Member of Parliament (MP) from Mumbai North Central constituency. This time, the two main contestants are: Poonam Mahajan (BJP), the sitting MP – who won in 2014; & Priya Dutt (INC), Ex-MP – who had won in 2009 and lost in 2014.

Unlike 2014 - this time the battle is fierce, as both lady candidates are strong in their own ways. So, citizens can expect an exciting finish - with razor edge margins. Results will be announced on 23rd May 2019.

YEARS OF LEGACY WORTH TALKING ABOUT

Bandra Buzz has exclusively interviewed Poonam & Priya; so that our readers can make an informed decision - and vote sensibly.

This issue has compiled key election-related information on both candidates - election counts of 2009 & 2014, areas covered in Mumbai North Central & most importantly, the roles & responsibilities of MPs. This election special issue will statistically empower our readers, to think clearly & vote accordingly.

Continued on Pages 8, 9, 14 & 15 >>

Charcuterie Board

comes through zucchini, & even a mushroom doubles up as a swanky DJ console. the Smoky flaBut the reason why the bacon - well, yeah it’s vegvors of Star Anise and populace flock here is etarian – do more than Bourbon Whiskey that the healthy signature justice to the palate. are used in certain drinks. ‘ S m o k i e s ’ The restaurant housThese include the Freudian which are es its bar separately Slip, Crumb Founded and the back- making it a famiMac A Pav Tropic like it’s Hot among bone of the ly-friendly place with hand cut fries food menu. too. others while the Community Cocktails include the POPcorn The authenUnique with all the meats and LIT, Quench 75 and One way Tiki veggies being slow-smoked at low tem- tic South experience to Paradise. The Beach Bod Cocktails peratures for hours, these are made us- is completed with their are worthy of a mention here - lean libing in-house rubs and marinades on an extensive selection of wellerations under 99 calories made using heeled Californian wines, Southauthentic Southern American offern-inspired House Cock- natural sugar free house Tinctures. set smoker that The first-of-its-kind in the country, tails, locally crafted beers, uses particular trendy Gin offerings and The Boston Butt, a Smokery, Charcuterie types of woods non-alcoholic house & Bar - was the brain of Siddharth and coals.

Kashyap, Nishant Rao & Meghana Shinbrews.

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NEWS

BANDRA BUZZ | JUNE 2019

Memorable Moments made “AWESOME”

Cabinet Minister Ashish Shelar promotes women sports Recently, our local Bandra West Assembly MLA Adv. Ashish Shelar got the prestigious post of Cabinet Minister for Education, Sports and Youth welfare; in the new Maharashtra Ministry.

Adv. Ashish kick-started this, with the United Women’s Football League Edition 3. The league started from 18th May to 23rd June 2019 and was held at Khar. Top 12 teams of Mumbai’s suburbs had participated in this league of which ‘Body Line Sports Club’ were the Champions of the League & ‘Bandra Packers’ were the Runners Up. “The

standard of football was very good – but there is scope for improvement.”, commented Deepali Deshpande, an ardent football fan, from the audience – at the nail-biting League finals. Adv. Ashish added, “These girls have amazing sports energy – and that is wonderful.”

This league was organized by Adv. Ashish Shelar to support women in the field of sports. The League was logistically supported by Mumbai United Foundation – led by its President Mayur Ghosalkar.

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BANDRA BUZZ | JUNE 2019

NEWS

09

UK United, Freunds & Rebels emerge champions at the Mt Carmel Rink Hockey The Mt Carmel Sports Committee of the Parish organized the Annual Rink Hockey Tournament 2019, from the 3rd -7th June 2019. All the top players, including several current & former Indian stars, representing some of the leading teams were seen in action during the tourey.

The five-a-side tournament comprises of teams participating in three categories — men’s, women’s & veteran’s men. A total of 16 teams fought it out for the top honours in the men’s category, while the women’s draw attracted eight teams and there were five teams competing for the veterans’ men’s title.

The teams that participated in the men’s open included Mumbai Customs, Bombay Republicans, India Rush Hockey, Rebels SC, Central Railway, Sea View SC, Jablonsky SC, Union Bank of India, Companeroes SC, U.K. United SC, Savio Hockey, Ave Maria SC, Mansi Foundation, Freunds Sports Club, United Bandra SC. Women’s category included teams like Bombay Republic ans SC, Central Railway, Western Railway, F. United, Sea View SC, Freunds SC, Hockey Troupe, Durueloites SC whereas veterans included teams like Rebels

SC, Sunday Sultans, Hockey Dadar, Savio Hockey, Kalina Village Boys.

UK United bagged the Men’s Open title defeating a young enterprising Union Bank of India 6-3 whereas Bhagyashree Agarwal grabbed all the attention by slamming home four goals which inspired Freunds Sports Club to a convincing 8-5 win over Bombay Republicans SC and Rebels emerged victorious under the Veterans category.

The highlight of the evening was the exhibition match between the priests of the diocese who called themselves the Ambassadors for Christ and the veterans. Frs. Christopher Goveas, Melroy Fernandes, Benhur Rodrigues, Lawrence D’Souza, Savio DeSales, Omar Fernandes, Bros Kelvin Santis, Denvel Nunes, Joseph David took up the challenge to score and give the veterans a tough competition.

Elaine D’Souza

Rebels - Veteran category winners

The Priests of the Diocese played an exhibition match with the Veteran’s

Khar Gym members paint the boundary walls on World Enivronment Day

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NEWS

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Khar Gym members turn boundary walls into quirky, bold & colourful canvases

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Environmental issues are increasing devoutly day by day and as human beings it’s our responsibility to abate this as much as possible, with the same intention and motivation, Khar Gymkhana decided to spread the knowledge regarding environment safety by painting their walls with the message “GO GREEN”. This activity was conducted to celebrate “World Environment Day”.

Their main aim was to spread awareness about the environment protection among the members and pass on the message to the residents of locality.

C.A. Aashish Vyas was appointed by the management of Khar Gymkhana to lead this activity; Mr. Vyas is not only a chartered accountant but also an expert in photography and art curator, had worked previously with the gym in painting the walls a few years back during the Go Green festival. He made teams of members and allotted work to each team to beautify the gym walls with their own creativity and an environment friendly message. The activity started at 6:30 am on 8th of June and

continued till the next day, the management of Khar Gymkhana provided all the coloring materials to the members with some stencils which created magnificent art on the walls. Several, members and their children had great fun painting the walls and showcasing their hidden talent.

There is a unique wall conceptualized by Aashish Vyas, which depicts a Tree, with all the dignitaries like local corporators and Member, Mrs. Alka Kerkar, Dy. Commissioner Mr. Sharad Ughade, President of the Gymkhana Mr. Shyam Shroff, General Secretaries, Mr. Bunty Chaddha and Mr. Gaurav Kapadia and many more members leaving their mark on the wall with their Green hand prints, as leaves of the tree. The locals are extremely proud of Khar Gymkhana to take this initiative and are looking forward to continue its green activities in future and will keep on spreading the message in the neighborhood.

Shraddhaa Chimbaikar

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SOCIETY SUPER MARKET Get best rates for all your household groceries. Wide range. We accept SODEXO coupons & cards, ticket restaurant coupon & cards and all major credit & debit cards. Visit Society Super Market, shop # 6 & 7, Beach View Apts., 77, Chimbai Road, next to Chimbai Police Chowki, Bandra (W). Call 02226403027/84, 26401829 or 99306 65121 SPANISH CLASSES Hispanic Horizons is an institute for teaching Spanish language. We have weekday & weekend courses suitable for both college students & working professionals. We are an accredited examination center to conduct international Spanish exams like DELE, DIE & specialized Spanish exams for business, tourism & medicine. We have a placement cell as well through which we help our students to get Spanish related jobs. No age limit. Vas Chambers building, 1st floor, Hill road, Bandra (W), Mumbai 400050 Call: +91-22-26409039 / 80826 47938 www.hispanic-horizons.org TIFFINS 4 YOU Healthy and delicious meal service veg/non-vegetarian. Discount given on monthly tiffins. We provide tiffins for offices, schools, hospitals & homes.

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BANDRA BUZZ | JUNE 2019

EDITORIAL

13

The Final Countdown

Dear Reader, June just blows us away – with gusty winds across Bandra’s Reclamation, Bandstand & Carter promenades. The rains result in cooler temperatures after a scorching summer – is a welcome respite. Politics at local clubs, housing societies – and yes, the Assembly elections; have begun, in dead earnest.

Plans are afoot to destabilize & defeat the opposition.

Gymkhanas, clubs, associations, housing societies and political parties are now in conniving mode. How to manipulate accounts, to show profits? How to show consistent growth?

How to showcase past projects? How to downplay mistakes, by playing the blame game? Some have their countdown deadline as June 30th and some September 30th – while those competing for MLA are looking at elections in October - November 2019, as their testing time. Promoting new ideas are on the agenda of all those concerned. Power play is rampant – with money & contacts playing a key role. The winds of change in Bandra, has started blowing – to kick out the old, who are corrupt; and bring in fresh & clean blood. Yes, the final countdown – has begun.

Your favourite community newspaper Bandra Buzz - is covering all the ‘local khabar’, with first hand inputs from

our reporters. We need your inputs, to substantiate issues of common concern.

Being the hub of Mumbai’s social & political activities, Bandra leads the way.

Residents here are a mix from diverse backgrounds, faiths & socio-economic levels. This healthy combination makes our neighbourhood a ‘Mini India’.

This monsoon season, we need to co-operate with the BMC, Traffic Police, Health Dept. & other authorities; to ease issues that arise at this time of the year.

Your views are important to the vitality of your neighbourhood. Do connect with us: bandrabuzz@gmail.com Till next time, take care.

Regards, Merck N. D’Silva Editor-in-Chief DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in this paper, are of the authors - and do not reflect the opinion of the publishers and editors, unless otherwise stated. Readers should act on the information provided, only after consulting with their own independent advisors.

Mastek Foundation raises Rs 1 crore in 3 hours for underprivileged children The 6th edition of Mastek Foundation’s annual fundraiser ‘Inspired’ a unique musical concert - for a cause. Bollywood playback singer Sanjeevani Bhelande & special guest ghazal singer, Talat Aziz, enthralled the audiences with their performance & at the same time urged the audience to donate generously. Mastek Foundation had announced a matching grant of Rs 50 lakhs at the beginning of the show.

Commenting on the fundraiser Sanjay Mudnaney, Co-Founder and Trustee of Mastek Foundation said; “Children are the future of the country, we are happy to partner with Parivaar and are in awe of the stellar work Vinayak has done with poor and destitute children. I would like to thank the citizens of Mumbai, who heartily contributed to support the good work of Vinayak. This is the highest collection we have done in our annual fundraisers.”

Parivaar, has been working with underprivileged children for the last 15 years & their institutions have been pioneers in the field of caretaking & overall

Sanjeevani Bhelande performing at Inspire by Mastek Foundation development of these children, in West Bengal. Since 2017, Parivaar has started 102 Seva Kutirs (day boarding - meal cum education centres) for children in selected impoverished tribal and rural pockets of Madhya Pradesh. At these Kutirs, more than 9,000 children are provided nutritious meals (breakfast and dinner)

along with strong supplementary education and life-skills over morning and evening shifts. This non-profit organization has been the recipient of the 2011 National Award for Child Welfare, from the President of India. Vinyak Lohani, the Founder of Parivaar after completing his education from IIT Kharagpur

and IIM Kolkata at the age of 25, gave up a lucrative career to dedicate his life in service of humanity.

Commenting on the same, Mr. Vinayak Lohani, Founder, Parivaar said; “We share Mastek Foundation’s vision to help address the educational gap among children from underprivileged communities. It is our endeavour to bring about opportunities for education and overall development for children from the most impoverished and vulnerable backgrounds which is life-transforming for them and creates productive and responsible citizens for tomorrow.”

The idea behind ‘Inspired’ is to inspire & sensitize Mumbaikars & encourage them to contribute to good causes.

Through this fundraiser, in the past the foundation has raised funds for various causes like helping victims of drought in Maharashtra, building a hospital building for orphaned children in Ahmednagar & building a school for underprivileged & destitute children in Kolkata.

Naresh Pandey

14

NEWS

BANDRA BUZZ | JUNE 2019

UNITED WITH THE SUFFERINGS OF JESUS “Taking part in the sufferings of Christ, you merit Eternal Life” – Sr Rosita Gomes “I have chosen you and called you by Name, Come, be not afraid” For the last 20 years, the lanes of Bazaar road in Bandra, during the Fridays after Ash Wednesday have revived the Way of the Cross devotion. These 6 lanes have had the Cross, built by their ancestors & kept as a reminder of their belief in the sufferings & death of Jesus Christ.

The faithful people of God, with us, make the way of the Cross, to implore God’s mercy on all of us and our family members, far & near. We also remember all those of other Faiths too, and ask God to Bless and care for them.

PRISON BLUES The Apostolic Works of Mercy at Easter & its Octave were widely celebrated by Sr Rosita Gomes & a team of dedicated lay volunteers, who have been visiting prisons and remand homes around Mumbai to spread the word of God through cultural programs on festive occasions.

Easter Sunday brought 25 poor families at the convent, receiving their Easter gifts, in cash and in kind.

Easter Monday saw a small team of volunteers and members of the Prison Ministry, assembled at the Bandra Police Lockup where mass was celebrated by Fr Henry D’souza who shared with 17 inmates a beautiful thought on forgiveness and reconciliation with God in such troubled times they were facing. He also stated that peace should begin with oneself and only then it can be given to others.

The inmates absorbed his message as they listened with rapt attention. After the mass each inmate was given a packet of food items. Sr Rosita thanked Mr. Girish Avadkar Chief Officer and his staff for welcoming her team to celebrate the mass at the Bandra Lockup.

Like any ministry in the Church, Prison Ministry is an experience that reveals the true reality of how life goes on behind iron bars, of people who have a life and who feel wanted and loved and are just like one of us, with the only exemption being the bars that barricade them from us. Sr Rosita has been organizing these visits and having the mass celebrated at the Bandra Police Lockup and Umerkhadi home since 1983.

Tuesday 23rd April was spent in the company of the 88 young boys who were being rehabilitated at the Juvenile Home - David Sassoon School at Matunga. Mass was celebrated by Fr Henry D’souza. All inmates received a goodie snack bag while the Home received fi-

Umerkhadi Remand Home (Umerkhadi) & New Observation Home (Mankhurd) nancial aid from Sr Rosita.

One of the oldest remand homes in the city in Umerkhadi (Children’s Aid Society) housing 250 children gave a warm welcome to Sr Rosita & her team on 24th April.

It was indeed a memorable day, as it has been in the past for the inmates who look forward to her visits. Seated in a large hall, the morose & dejected faces soon brightened on seeing the team enter.

A mass was held in a large hall celebrated by Fr. Savio D’souza Parish Priest of a St. Francis Xavier’s Church, Vile Parle. The little children joined in the games that the team organized, but the sing - song session was when they all came alive raising their hands in joy singing Yeshu Hai Sacha Gadariya & other songs. Leaving them with a song on their lips, the young inmates marched to their room. One can only feel pity for their plight, victims of broken homes & wayward lifestyle.

25th April was a day long outing to three Homes/Prisons at Mankhurd.

The first home known as the New Observation Home for Orphaned Children between the ages of 4 – 9 years, had around 100 children. Occasional weekly visits from family members are looked forward to with some still keeping the bond intact, while others are disowned by the family. Mass was celebrated by Fr Anthony Alphonso. Each child was given a snack bag while the home received financial aid. The same complex also housed the Mentally Deficient Home.

The volunteers joined in singing hymns and a few songs with the inmates and interacting with them.

The last visit was to Mankhurd, an Institution that houses 88 boys and girls of single parents or very poor parents.

Only 33 inmates were present as many had left to visit their parents.

Commenting on the work that she is doing, the 88 year old nun who still has the energy to co ordinate the visits, stated, “The Church in particular has a commitment to these marginalized languishing in remand homes & prisons. Many for no fault of their own are victims of an unjust, oppressive social structure. If Christ

made no discrimination, why can’t we who claim to be followers of Christ do the same? Can our Christianity come alive as a living, vibrant, spirit – filled faith, & can we carry God’s message of justice, peace & love to those confined to prison.” Sr Rosita who joined the Religious Order in Feb. 1952, recently completed 66 years.

She quotes the words of Jesus when he said “When I was in Prison, you visited me, now enter the Kingdom of Heaven”. Sr Rosita conducts visits to the homes & prisons twice a year, during Easter and at Christmas (26th – 29th December). However, she also makes a special visit to a few prisons on 14th August which is the Feast of Maximillian Kolbe, the Patron Saint of Prisoners. The day is also celebrated as Prison Ministry Day. She is also grateful to Mr. Dawson Gomes, his wife Joan and Mrs. Carmen Vaz, for the music, songs and dance at all the visits during the week. “We feel proud that this vital group of the faithful may manifest the living image of Jesus, Risen from the Dead, and hopefully will so in the years to come. Last but not the least, my heartfelt gratitude goes to the one and only Mrs. Icelina D’Lima, who keeps in contact with everyone and informs them of our Apostolic works.”

Verus Ferreira

Shareholder Benefit Schemes from Mac Hotels The management at Mac Hotels firmly believes in wealth creation for its shareholder & has therefore undertaken various initiatives aimed at enhancing shareholders wealth. The company has declared an interim dividend of 5% for the year ended 31st March 2019. The company has also announced attractive packages for the benefit of shareholders Period: 1st June - 30th Sept 2019* • 2 Nights free stay at Resort Park Avenue or Resort Village Royale – Calangute Goa with 25% disc. on unlimited food.

Period: 1st October - 30th Nov 2019* • 5 Nights stay at Resort Park Avenue or Resort Village Royal Calangute Goa with a 25% disc. on room tariff & 25% disc. on unlimited food.

• 20% disc. on the two banquet halls – Dina at Miramar & Tinto at Calangute from 1st June 2019- 31st March 2020 * *Subject to availability As on 30th September, 2019 the company owned 52 rooms. On 1st October the company added another 26 rooms and as on 1st January 2019 the com-

pany added another 160 rooms taking the total number of rooms to 238. Negotiations are at an advanced stage to add another 50 rooms in the current calendar year. Going forward the company plans to increase the inventory of rooms to 500. The benefits of this expansion will reflect in growth in revenues and profits in FY20 and subsequent years.

The closing price of the company on 3rd May 2019 was Rs 103 /- against the IPO price of Rs 24/- accounting for a gain of Rs 79 per share which was listed on 4th October 2018. In percentage terms the gains amount to 330 % on a half yearly basis - and as 760% on a yearly basis.

In return terms, amongst the 165 companies that got listed on the main board as well as SME platform in 2018 Mac Hotels emerged as the second highest gainer. During the six month period, the market capitalization of the company has moved up to more than Rs 30 crore from Rs 3 crore prior to the IPO. In terms of investment, Mac Hotels shares are an excellent buy.

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From Kitchen Waste to Kitchen Garden An inspiring journey of a senior citizen in Bandra Once upon a time in Bandra Did you know Bandra was once a group of villages? And every cluster of houses had gardens filled with fruit trees and vegetable patches. Between villages there were fields of grain. This wasn’t too far back but you wouldn’t believe it if you looked around Bandra today!

We still have pockets of those villages. And descendants continue to live here. Minus the luxury of space but plus lots of changes, both good & not so good. If you’re a Bandraite, (and read Bandra Buzz) you’ll know what I mean ;).

Everything is a resource, remember what our grandparents said?

Space (or lack of it) is one issue we’re all familiar with. Often, almost overnight, we’ve found our neighbours inch closer as each new building sprouts up.

And hasn’t everyone looked up from their morning papers to answer the door for the ‘kachrawali’ (or as they should rightfully be called, Safai-karamchari), who then gives it to the BMC truck that makes the rounds every day.

Where does it all go?

Sonal Alvares Continued on Page 6 >>

Lionel Athaide has stopped giving his waste to the BMC by composting it at home

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