PANAJI: Covid-19 pandemic has been the most miserable era in over a century, on the planet. Never before in our lifetimes the eve of Christmas seemed as heavy as this being witnessed in 2020. Yet, people have got on with their lives with a festival spirit that underlines the message of Jesus Christ, thus putting in perspective the nature of social existence in the times of social distancing.
Joed Almeida from Margao sums up the sentiment beautifully. Speaking to livenewsgoa.com, the radio jockey from Margao said: “Christmas has always been a season of giving, forgiving and forgetting. 2020 couldn’t have put this more perfectly into perspective for us. Life’s too short to waste on arguments and being judgmental about people. And that’s right up on my ‘To Do list’, this Christmas; hoping to spread joy and happiness in whatever way I can. So here’s wishing a very happy and merry Christmas to all reading this. May you have a holly, jolly and beautiful Christmas and the most happiest year ahead. ‘Mog asunii sodanch’.”
Goa’s musical prodigy Akshada Bandekar has penned, composed and sung a melodious song this Christmas with a stirring message. “It’s been so scary, since January, But somehow we’ve made it here and now,”…goes the song.
“It’s finally that time of the year again and this is my present for you, a Christmas song. In a year as challenging as this one, Christmas 2020 is truly the light at the end of the tunnel. So let’s come together in the holiday spirit and end this year on a high note. Merry Christmas to you and yours!,” says the brilliant young multilingual musical icon of Goa on her YouTube channel.
International technical official and veteran administrator of the sport of boxing in Goa, Lenny da Gama’s heart beats for sportspersons, who have lost precious time as Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 and UEFA Euro 2020 Championship among others were postponed to 2021 due to the pandemic and prays for better scenario next year.
“With the pandemic effect all over, sports at large has taken a huge negative hit. Hope in 2021, the pandemic eases off and sportspersons get back to where they were before, practicing their sports seriously and breaking records at the Olympics – Japan 2021,” says Lenny, who himself underwent 14-day quarantine earlier in the year after returning abruptly from London with Olympic qualifiers drew to a premature end due to the outbreak of Coronavirus.
Pharma industry professional, Amit Patwardhan is in a seemingly cozy frame of mind. A romantic of the effervescent theme of the festival, he also adds a virtual touch to the festive scenario.
“Cold winter night, with bright moonlight lighting up the sky. Green and red coloured lights lighting up the streets and the houses. Christmas trees being decorated with colourful ornaments. And Christmas carols being played. And a distant ring of the church bell ushering us towards the birth of Christ. As this year the Christmas mass will be limited to particular number of people…that’s my idea! And not to forget, different coloured stars being lit up outside the houses,” says the 42-year-old Old Goa resident.
