PANAJI
The Saligao Association, Mumbai, held their Annual Saligao Fiesta at the Orchid Hall, Willingdon Catholic Gymkhana, Santacruz, Mumbai, on February 9. Over 100 Saligaokars enjoyed the evening with their families, marked by fun games, music, dancing and Goan delicacies. Prizes were awarded to meritorious students hailing from Saligao. Scholarships were also presented to the needy. A Requiem Mass for the repose of the souls of all the departed members of the Saligao Association during the previous year, was offered on February 5, at the Cathedral of the Holy Name, Colaba, Mumbai. One of most prominent sons of Saligao was late Baptist D’Souza, president of the Bombay Hockey Association during its golden era from 1980-98. Under his mentorship, Mumbai staged the successful Men’s Hockey World Cup in 1982.
As deputy managing director with Mahindra & Mahindra, he ensured that the auto giant funded the laying of Mumbai’s first astroturf pitch at the Mahindra Hockey Stadium.
Mae de Deus church in Saligao, the only church with Gothic architecture in Goa, celebrated 150 years in 2023.