Goa Science Center

Goa Science Center
A view of the entrance of Goa Science Center, May 2008
Established	December 19, 2001
Location	Miramar, Panjim, Goa
Type	Science museum
Director	Shri V.N.JOSHI
Website	http://www.nehrusciencecentre.org/GSCP/gscp.htm

Goa Science Center is located on New Marine Highway, Miramar, Panjim. Initial work on the construction for this building started in 1999 and took two and a half years to finish. Goa Science Center is a division of the National Council of Science Museums(NCSM), which is a project headed by the Ministry of Culture to set up multiple science learning centers all of India. The Department of Science Technology & Environment of Goa was also a partner in this joint project with the NCSM.

Objective

As stated on their website, the aim of this center is "..to inculcate a scientific temper particularly among the young generation and to popularize science by bringing the excitement of Science & Technology for the common people."

The Science Center

The Science Center is spread over 5 acres of land, which was provided by the Government of Goa to spearhead the project. The center also has a huge outdoor park complete with lush green lawns and exotic flowers. Visitors can walk through this park, while learning and interacting with the large exhibits along the way. Most of these large exhibits require full participation from visitors as it teaches them about basic physics principles. One such exhibit is the Pulley system, which require people to easily pull themselves up using ropes thereby demonstrating the forces acting on the system. These activities are tailored towards kids as a mean to explore, experience and learn about science while having fun.

Goa Science Center also have a lot of interactive exhibits inside the center itself for all ages. Daily Science Shows are organized everyday for young children while the 3-D Film Shows, Science Demonstration Lectures, Science Film Shows, Taramandal Shows and the Cyberlab Shows are meant for all ages.

The Science Center also boasts an fully air-conditioned auditorium with 140 seating capacity. Here the Science Film Shows and other multimedia presentations are shown to the public. The Cyberlab is a Multimedia Computer Lab designed to demonstrate and spread IT awareness to the public. There are also two thematic galleries: Fun Science and Science of Oceans.

Museum Information

The Museum is open 10:30am – 6:00pm on all days, except on Diwali and Holi. Admission for the general public is Rs.10, while students pay a discounted fair of Rs. 5.

From 2006-2007, 68,350 people visted Goa Science Center.

Bicholim

डिचोली Bicholim
डिचोली Location of डिचोली in Goa and India
Coordinates	15°36′N 73°57′E / 15.60°N 73.95°E / 15.60; 73.95
Country	India
State	Goa
District(s)	North Goa
Population	14,913 (2001[update])
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
Area • Elevation	• 22 m (72 ft)

Bicholim (Konkani: डिचोली, pronounced [ɖicoːlĩː]) is a city and a municipal council in North Goa district in the state of Goa, India. It is a town in the territory of Goa, and the headquarters of the consuelho (district) of the same name; the Consuelho of Bicholim, located in the north-east quarter is one of the seven that make up the Novas Conquistas or New Conquests, territories added to Goa comparatively latter than the first three of the Velhas Conquistas. The town is located about 30 kilometres from the capital Panjim. It is in the mining heartland of Goa.

History

A part of Bicholim was once part of Kingdom of Sawantwadi till late 18th century.But the major part was of an independent land lord (PrabhuSarDesai's of Sankhali) It was taken over by Portuguese in late 18th century as part of New Conquest.

Geography

Bicholim is located at 15°36′N 73°57′E / 15.60°N 73.95°E / 15.60; 73.95^[1]. It has an average elevation of 22 metres (72 feet).

Demographics

As of 2001^[update] India census, Bicholim had a population of 14,913. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Bicholim has an average literacy rate of 80%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 84% and female literacy of 75%. 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Economy

Mining constitutes a major chunk in the economy of Bicholim with about 36% of the population working for a single iron ore mine owner (Dempo).

Wednesday is the market day where people in and around Bicholim gather in the main market region for trading small goods/commodities.

Socio Political

Bicholim has 3 primary schools, 4 secondary schools, a polytechnic institute, a number of hospitals, temples, churches and mosques, and a protected site, pandava caves.

Some of the prominent temples are the Shanta Durga temple and the Mahadeva Temple. The Shanta Durga temple is close to the banks of the river, which is a tributary of river Mandovi.

The church of Our Lady of Grace dominates the city square. The high school run from the precints of the church complex is one of the prominent schools of Bicholim.

A historic monument Nimuz ghar (possibly Namaz Ghar) stands on the hilltop prominently overlooking the town of Bicholim. The monument was built to commemorate the victory of the combined Muslim and Hindu forces over the Portuguese.

Another prominent landmark of the town is the Tribunal started by the Portuguese to deal with civil and criminal cases after the Nova conquesta.

As in other communities of Goa, Ganesh Chaturthi or Chawath is a celebrated with its own unique touch in Bicholim. A folk dance called 'Ghode Modni" which has a cavalry theme is a specialty of Bicholim.

Mayem Lake

Bicholim has an idyllic landscape dotted with serene lakes and majestic waterfalls. The tranquil Mayem lake is a major tourism destination in Bicholim. Located amidst rolling hills and surrounded by a countryside, the lake is a popular tourist destination and one of the most pristine nature spots in Goa. The Goa Tourism Development Department has developed a boating area and a resort here.

Arvalem Caves and Waterfalls

The Arvalem caves are ancient rock cut caves dating back to the 5th century. Also known as 'Pandavas Caves,' the cave complex draws tourists and archeologists alike.

Bicholim Industrial Estate

Set up by the Goa Industrial Development Department, the Bicholim Industrial Estate located at Honda is home to more than 50 industrial workshops and manufacturing units specializing in a range of products and services such as Aluminium & Steel Fabrication, Plastics, Mining Equipment, Rolling Mills, Bus Body, etc.

Goa State Museum

Goa State Museum
Visitors entering Goa State Museum, May 2008
Established	June 18, 1996
Location	Panjim, Goa, India
Director	Mr. Laxman K. Pitre
Curator	Mrs. Kishori P. Kunkalienkar and Mrs. Radha R. Bhave
Website	http://goamuseum.nic.in/welcome.htm

Goa State Museum is located in Panjim, which is the capital city of Goa. This new museum complex, located in the EDC Complex in Patto, was inaugurated by the President of India when it first opened on June 18th, 1996. Prior to this date, artifacts was set up in the Department of Archives in Goa by the Archeology & Museum unit. Thereafter, a small museum was opened to the public on September 29th, 1977 in a rented building at St. Inez, also in Panjim.

The museum currently has around 8,000 artifacts on display, which include stone sculptures, wooden objects, carvings, bronzes, paintings, manuscripts, rare coins, numismatic collection, and anthropological objects. It is well known among other museums for its collection of Hindu and Jain artifacts and scriptures.

Exhibits

This new modern complex currently has twelve galleries set up for the public

1. Sculpture Gallery

2. Christian Art Gallery

3. Banerji Art Gallery

4. Religious Expression Gallery

5. Cultural Anthropology

6. Environment & Development Gallery

7. Numismatic Gallery

8. Goa's Freedom Struggle Gallery

9. Menezes Braganza Gallery

10. Furniture Gallery

11. Contemporary Art Gallery

12. Other Display

Museum Information

Admission to Goa State Museum is free. It is open Monday to Friday from 9:30am – 5:30pm

Gallery

Goa State Museum Pictures

Old Printing Press	Plates used for printing on newspapers and books	Artifact from Portuguese Era		Sculpture Gallery	Sculpture Gallery
Christian Art Gallery	Sculpture at the entrance of the Museum	Rare Portuguese Era Notes	Artifacts on display	A figurine	A Chariot

Mapusa

Mapusa
Mapusa Location of Mapusa in Goa and India
Coordinates	15°36′N 73°49′E / 15.60°N 73.82°E / 15.60; 73.82
Country	India
State	Goa
District(s)	North Goa
Mayor
Population	40,122 (2001[update])
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
Area • Elevation	• 15 m (49 ft)
Codes

Mapusa (Konkani: म्हापशें Mhapxem /mʱaːpʃɛ̃ˑ/; Marathi: म्हापसा /mʱaːpsaˑ/) 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. Under Portuguese rule, the town's name was spelt Mapuçá.

History

Even before the Aryans, or Marathas, or Sultans or the Portuguese invaded Goa, this was an agrarian community with a well established Gaunkari or Community Farming System, where villages formed associations, worked on community land and shared profits. Market day was a major event, with goods brought in from every district to one central area. Mapusa has thus remained a prominent market center for many centuries.

Geography

Mapusa is located at 15°36′N 73°49′E / 15.60°N 73.82°E / 15.60; 73.82^[1]. It has an average elevation of 15 metres (49 feet).

Mapusa has a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from a high of 37 °C in summer with high levels of humidity to a low of 21 °C in winters.

Demographics

As of 2001^[update] India census, Mapusa had a population of 40,122. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Mapusa has an average literacy rate of 76%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 80%, and female literacy is 73%. In Mapusa, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Economy

Mapusa vendor selling vegetables

Mapusa is close to one of the main centres of Goa's tourism industry. Mapusa's proximity to many beaches in the north Goa makes it a suitable base during the tourist season (October to January). Because it is a mainly commercial town (for locals) with a large resident population, Mapusa has only a limited number of hotels and accommodation.

Mapusa comes alive on Friday, the traditional market day also known as Mapusa Friday Market. People from surrounding villages and towns come to Mapusa to sell their wares. This fair has a lot of local flavour (unlike some other tourist-oriented fairs or markets) and specialises in agricultural produce, vegetables, locally-grown fruit, spices, clothes and even plants (mainly during the monsoon planting season).

Mapusa Friday Market

Every Friday, the Mapusa Market bulges at the seams, with seemingly every square inch of space occupied by sellers with only just enough room for the prospective buyers, the alleys between the regular stalls being occupied with temporary mats and boards. From lottery tickets displayed in great swathes to barber shops, the bazaar caters for almost every requirement imaginable. There is the fish street, dried fish of all possible variety and whole fresh fish from baby shark and squid to the ubiquitous bangda (mackerel). Fresh fruit and vegetables are gathered together and beautifully displayed, from huge sweet potatoes, and pumpkins and the local shiny red brown Moira bananas to the tiny fresh beans and other pulses.

Education

Mapusa houses quite a good educational institutions; Saraswat Vidyalaya, Purushottom Walawalkar Higher Secondary School, Sridora Caculo College of Commerce & Management Studies, St. Mary's Convent High School, St. Brittos, New Goa high school, Dyan prasarak mandal college(college), St. Xaviers college, St. Xaviers higher secondary school, etc to a name a few.

A village called Siolim is located nearby.

Siolim

Siolim is situated at the Northern west point of the taluka of Bardez. It is about 10 kms from Calangute and 3 kms from Anjuna. This place is filled with lush greenery, and to the northern end of this village, is a bridge built very recently, leading to Morjim.

This place was the first to be developed by the Portuguese. This is the last place where one can find Portuguese styled architecture influenced homes, after which, northwards, consists of very simple homes and cottages. The famous church of St. Anthony lies here. It is said to be one of the most miraculous churches in all of Goa, after St. Francis Xavier in Old Goa or Velha Goa. This church was built by the Franciscan priest in about 1568. It is signified by the statue of St. Anthony holding the snake by a leash, a symbolism of triumph of good over evil. It has witnessed many miracles in the past,as for example, one which occurred in 1600AD, attracted a huge number of locals.

Siolim has become a place of refuge from the encroaching tourist industry in Goa. It is situated just beyond the Siolim range after Vagator, and has shown little signs of interest by tourists.

It consists of two zones called Siolim and Marna. Marna mostly consists of hills, and the two are divided by a small rivulet or inlet of water from the nearby river.

It is a little confusing for new-comers to get to the desired locations in this area, mainly because of its vast landscape and the confusing homes.

Vasco da Gama, Goa

वास्कू/Vasku Vasco da Gama
वास्कू/Vasku Location of वास्कू/Vasku in Goa and India
Coordinates	15°24′N 73°50′E / 15.4°N 73.83°E / 15.4; 73.83
Country	India
State	Goa
District(s)	South Goa
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
Codes

Vasco da Gama (Konkani: वास्कू Vasku, pronounced [waːskuː]) (often shortened to Vasco) is a small city in Goa state on the west coast of India. It is named after the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. Vasco has Goa's largest population, estimated at over 100,000. It is also the headquarters of the Mormugao taluka. The town lies on the western tip of the Mormugao peninsula, at the mouth of the Zuari River, about 30 kilometres (19 mi) from Panaji (Panjim), Goa's capital, and about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) from the Dabolim Airport (GOI).

The place was founded in 1543, and remained in Portuguese hands until 1961, when Goa was annexed to India. The Indian Navy's Goa Naval Area (base) is located at Vasco from which it controls Dabolim airport and, in effect, the entire tourism-dependent state of Goa.

There have been aborted attempts in the past to change the name of the city to Sambhajinagar..

Transport and Industry

Vasco city is well connected by road, rail, sea and air; by road by the NH 17A (National Highway), by rail by the South Western Railway, by the sea through the Mormugao Harbour and by air through Dabolim Airport, thus serving as the main hub for most tourists visiting the state of Goa.

Breakwater at Mormugao Harbour

Vasco is heavily reliant on the port for most of its economic activity. Manganese ore mined in interior regions is brought to Marmugoa by barges navigating the rivers Mandovi and Zuari, and then either collected in the Mormugao Port to be loaded onto bulk carrier ships or directly loaded onto the ships using trans-shippers. Ore which is collected on the port is handled by state-of-the-art machinery called MOHP (Mechanical Ore Handling Plant). This includes massive bucket wheel loaders and miles of conveyor belts. The port has berthing facilities for large cruise liners as well as a floating dry dock. There are numerous shipping and freight forwarding agents as well as offices of major mining companies based in the city.

The Mormugao Port Trust which operates the port is the largest employer in the Vasco region and has a complete mini-township in Headland Sada which includes schools, residential complexes and amenities for employees of the Port.

Harbour of Vasco

Tourism and Culture

Bogmalo Beach is 9 kilometres (5.6 mi) from Vasco. This beach is quite risky as it has underwater currents and is therefore usually monitored by lifeguards. Khollant (Issorcim) and Baina are two smaller beaches around Vasco.

Apart from the nearby beaches, the city of Vasco is bereft of any major tourist attractions, the salient monument being the 400-year old St. Andrews Church located at the entrance of the city. However the Naval Aviation Museum nearby the city center is a popular tourist spot and is the only such museum in India. It profiles the evolution and history of Indian naval aviation through aircraft exhibits and rare photographs.

The people from Vasco love fun and music, so it is a matter of fact that Goa's premier musical group, Diamond Orchestra hails from Vasco. The town is also home to several English bands from Goa namely, Lynx, Heaven's Touch, and Kollectiv Soul.

Vasco is also famous for the annual Shri Damodar Bhajani Saptah fair held in the week preceding the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan.

Like all towns and cities in Goa, Vasco also celebrates the Carnival and Shigmo annually with a street parade where floats from all over Goa participate.

Sports

Like the rest of Goa, football is the most popular sport in Vasco. Two teams from the town have participated in the I-League - Vasco Sports Club and Salgaocar Sports Club. Salgaocar SC were Champions of the 1998-99 season of the erstwhile NFL.

Tilak Maidan is a 15,000 capacity football ground based in the city, although it is rarely used for national league matches.

Although cricket is not as popular as football, a Vasco resident Shadab Jakati plays for Goa in the Ranji Trophy first-class competition and has also been selected to play for the Chennai Super Kings IPL franchise.

Politics

The city of Vasco falls under the boundaries of the Mormugao (South Goa) constituency in the Lok Sabha. The current Member of Parliament is Fransisco Sardinha of the Indian National Congress.

Vasco elects its representative to the Goa Legislative Assembly, the current MLA is Jose Philip D'Souza of the Nationalist Congress Party.

Research

The National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR) located at Headland Sada is a research and development institution administered by the Ministry of Earth Sciences. It is responsible for administering the Indian Antarctic Program and maintains the Indian government's Antarctic research station, Maitri. In addition to laboratories for marine sample processing/analyses, it hosts a special low-temperature ice core sample storage facility.

Gallery

Life in Vasco

People buying tickets at Vasco's Bus Station

Vendor at Vasco Market

Vasco's main fish and produce market

People buying produce in Vasco

Bat's Island seen from Biana Beach