BELAGAVI
While people of Belagavi and Goa were out of contact for over five months due to the lockdown restrictions, the recent relaxations have enabled Goans to visit Belagavi and this has brought much cheer among the trading community in Belagavi.
The Covid-related restrictions had severely affected business in Belagavi. Be it shops, hotels or restaurants, the absence of Goans had crippled the business community, since Goans are big customers for several shops, hotels and restaurants.
The arrival of Goans has not only brought cheer in Belagavi, but some Goans have even been honoured in the city.
In one such incident on Friday, a Goan marathoner was not only extended a warm welcome but was even honoured by Belgaumites.
Realtor and marathoner Mario de Souza, who is in Belagavi on a weekend visit, was extended a warm welcome during an annual Half Marathon event on Friday.
Organisers of the event, Lakeview Foundation and Rotary Club of Venugram, not only welcomed Mario but also invited him on the stage during the inaugural function early Friday morning and felicitated him on the occasion.
“The sight of Goans visiting Belagavi is certainly a welcome development. Covid restrictions came into existence since March, cutting off connectivity between Belagavi and Goa. However, with restrictions eased out, it is nice to see Goans in Belagavi,” Dr Shahikant Kulgod of Lakeview Hospitals said.
Mario de Souza, who was also grateful for the warm welcome and felicitation, said Goans have also been missing Belagavi a lot.
“Though there is not much rush of Goans during this long weekend, Goans have gradually started visiting Belagavi. It’s a refreshing experience altogether. We have avoided bringing our families due to the prevailing situation, but things will gradually improve for sure in the coming days,” said de Souza, while reminiscing how freely he and his family would visit Belagavi at will for a refreshing weekend.
The trading community has also welcomed Goans visiting Belagavi, though in small numbers. “Happy days will be here again,” said an optimistic Suresh Porwal of The Raymond Shop in the city.
