PANAJI
A Canadian Goan who is an award-winning creative director, writer, and radio producer and host released her first book ‘Stuck’ on Thursday, documenting her experiences and challenges after being stuck in India during the Covid lockdown.
What began as a short trip to Goa on account of the demise of her younger brother quickly turned into an unexpected 5-month challenge and ordeal for Milena Marques-Zachariah, as she had to quickly adjust to life in India during the lockdown.
FROM GOA TO CANADA
Hailing from Parra, Milena completed her graduation at St Xavier's College, Goa, before proceeding to St Xavier's College, Mumbai, for her post-graduate Diploma in Radio and TV. On completion, she pursued her MA from Bombay University in English Literature and Linguistics.
Her career in advertising began in Mumbai, and continued in Abu Dhabi and Dubai for 12 years, before she moved to Canada in 1999.
“In 2002, I launched my creative consultancy ‘Out Of My Mind’ and I was one of the pioneers who helped agencies align their messages to a burgeoning and complex multicultural markets here in Canada,” said Milena.
Milena went on to launch Radio Mango – the first and only Konkani language broadcast in North America. She’s been hosting Radio Mango, now a podcast, for over 11 years, resulting in a sizeable fan-following.
‘Canadian Chronicles’ is another creative pursuit, where she blogs the extraordinary journeys of new immigrants to Canada. Her current blog: chasingtheperfectcurry.com has gained popularity among foodies and those seeking unchartered food adventures.
As part of her commitment to give back to her wider community, Milena volunteered as a board member of the not-for-profit E Fry Hope and Help for Women in the Peel region for almost a decade, before becoming President. She also mentors new immigrants at the Dixie-Bloor neighbourhood Centre.
PURPOSE OF THE BOOK
Having contributed to many anthologies published in Canada and India, Milena decided to write her first book ‘Stuck’, published by Goa1556.
“Being stuck in India for five months gave me a lot of time to reflect and write. What started as random jottings evolved into a book. It was organic. My journey to India happened, despite the severe lockdown, because of the loss of my younger brother.”
“I went to Goa to primarily help my brother's family, and to find healing and closure for myself. This book is a document of that journey. It was cathartic as well as a dedication of love to my brother Milton Marques, who died of his first heart attack at 60,” explained Milena.
“My book a documentation of life in Ahmedabad, Goa and Bengaluru as it unfolded and as I saw it during my 5-month stay in India.”
UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES
Milena had a number of unforgettable memories while she was stuck in India for five months.
“I cannot forget the people's nonchalance to the masking mandate and resilience, the poor facilities of hospitals in Goa, and India in general, and the thronging by unmasked tourists of the beaches in Goa during the height of the pandemic,” recalled Milena.
“The government’s efficiency regarding vaccines – I got vaccinated in Goa way before my family and friends did in Canada – and the sad loss of the Goa I knew, were other memories which will remain with me.”
CHALLENGES, OVERCOMING THEM
Milena said the main challenge was how not to contract Covid, when people were wearing their masks on their chin rather than over their mouths and noses
“The next challenge was how to pass my time in a meaningful manner, when one could not meet friends and family – which is what I usually do when in Goa,” said Milena.
“Being away for 5 months meant a big loss of income. While I tried my best to cope and did a few projects, my absence away from Canada affected my career adversely.”
“However, the biggest challenge was how to get back to my husband and daughter. My husband was in hospital with a gallbladder issue, and it was touch and go. By God's grace, he recovered. If it was fatal, I would have been unable to fly back. The stress was huge.”
MESSAGE OF THE BOOK
Milena explained that her book is a personal perspective of the devastation the Covid pandemic had unleashed during the second wave.
“There are many layers to the book: It's a stream of consciousness effort that's personal and cathartic. The first chapters document my perilous journey to India. While being so, it also captures the manner in which India handled the outbreak,” informed Milena.
“It is also an outsider's satirical view of the outrageous attitudes of the rich and the pathetic position of the poor. The latter chapters of the book contain my views on human behaviour and frailties. We all have them.”
“Readers will be compelled to take a second look at the way things were. We tend to forget. This book will ensure we won't. Those who know their history are bound not to repeat it.”
