Dr Alvarinho J Luis
For The Goan
Beyond its beaches, cuisine and architecture, Goa’s rural landscape preserves a fascinating legacy of history, faith and tradition. Beginning with the letter M, Mandrem, Molem and Morjim stand out as villages rich in heritage, faith and beautiful landscapes.
Mandrem
Mandrem or Mandre is a picturesque village in North Goa, renowned for its white sandy beaches, natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. It was once a vibrant agrarian and coastal community known for fishing, toddy tapping, coconut and other palms, and the production of cashew feni. It is surrounded by Morjim, Arambol, Korgao, Parcem and Agarwada-Chopdem. The name Mandrem is traditionally believed to have been derived from the Arabic word Mudras, meaning teacher. The village also bears traces of its historical association with Muslim rule. Several places and families are believed to have carried names such as Kabir Khan, Ramzan, Yana Khan, Poshe Khan, Rehman Khan and Ude Khan. This period also opened opportunities for trade with the Arab world. According to local accounts, a place known as Alkhand once existed in the village, where Arab traders brought prized horses from Saudi Arabia for sale to local chieftains.
The village also earned a reputation for producing skilled masons, carpenters, musicians and artistes. Its natural landscape adds greatly to its charm. Ashwem Beach, with the Arabian Sea on one side and the Mandrem River on the other, is among Goa’s scenic coastal attractions. The beach is also an important nesting ground for the endangered Olive Ridley turtle. Mandrem is equally rich in religious and architectural heritage. The 300-year-old Bhagwati Temple at Deul ward attracts thousands of devotees during the annual Saptah, a seven-day religious celebration, and the Zatra, marked by a procession of deities. The Mahalaxmi Temple at Junas Vaddo, belonging to the Dessai Dev family, remains an important place of worship. The Catholic heritage is represented by Our Lady of the Rosary Church. A chapel existed in the village earlier, and the present church was built in 1932. The church feast is celebrated on the third Sunday of November.
Mandrem has produced several distinguished personalities. Ramkrishna Vitthal Lad, or Bhau Daji, was a renowned physician, Sanskrit scholar and antiquarian. Chess Grandmaster Anurag Mhamal became India’s 48th Grandmaster and Goa’s first. Ace violinist Jack de Souza formed Jack and His Jolly Boys, while his son Manuel was a versatile musician. Cultural exponent Tukaram Shridhar Mhamal served on India’s West Zone Cultural Committee and promoted traditional dances including Romat, Talgadi and Kunbi.
Molem: Haven of Nature, Heritage
Located on Goa’s border with Karnataka, Molem in Dharbandora taluka is a destination that draws nature lovers with its rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes. The village is bordered by Anmod in Karnataka to the east, Kirpal and Dabal to the west, Collem to the south, and Sancordem and Tambdi Surla to the north. Molem is home to parts of the biodiversity-rich Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Molem National Park. Its natural landscape is enriched by the Ragada, a tributary of the Mandovi River, and the Chimtevall, a tributary of the Khandepar River.
The village also has several landmarks reflecting its religious and cultural heritage. The Mahadev Temple at Makdiem, constructed in the 1830s, is considered the oldest temple in Molem. At Casaulim, the century-old Our Lady of Assumption Chapel continues to be a place of worship and devotion. Another intriguing landmark is the rock carving of Lord Ganesha at Makdiem.
Molem has also earned recognition for its sporting talent, particularly in Tchoukball. Mahesh Bilunga captained the Indian team before taking over as its coach. In the women’s category, Pratiksha Sangodkar led the Indian team, while Sunilata Gaonkar represented India. Babli Paryekar, Sanjay Paryekar, Ketan Mauskar, Devan Kudalkar and Harish Gaonkar represented India’s U-19 team.
Icons of Molem
Molem has produced several distinguished personalities. Ramnath Gajanan Gawde, a renowned Konkani writer and poet, has authored several books over nearly three decades and received prestigious awards from institutions including the Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, and Kala Academy, Goa, among others. Apa Gaonkar, a noted producer, director, playwright and actor in Marathi nataks, received the National Natya Tapasvi Award in 2006. Dr Dheeraj Lambor, an ENT specialist, and Dr Jano Zore, a lecturer in the Department of Biochemistry at Goa Medical College, have contributed to the medical field. Krishna Chandrakant Suzre, an aeronautical engineer based in Chennai, represents Molem’s contribution to the field of engineering. In public service, Tanavi Gurudas Kerkar created history when she was elected sarpanch in June 2017 at just 21, becoming the youngest village head in the area.
Morjim: Allure of Peaceful Haven
Morjim in Pernem taluka is a tranquil coastal destination renowned for its wide sandy beaches and as a nesting site for endangered Olive Ridley turtles, earning it the name Turtle Beach. Known as Little Russia for its sizeable Russian community, it attracts visitors with kite-surfing, windsurfing, birdwatching, wellness retreats and the scenic Chapora River.
The village is also rich in cultural heritage. The Shri Morjai Temple, dedicated to Goddess Morjai, an incarnation associated with Mahishasurmardini, is famed for its traditional Goan architecture and rare red-and-white Kaavi art. Its Mukhmandap and 1936 Sabhamandap display intricate geometric and floral motifs. The temple’s grand Kalas Utsav is celebrated periodically with month-long festivities. The Our Lady of Miracles Church, originally a chapel built in 1857, became a separate parish in 1903 and was rebuilt in 1973.
Morjim has also produced notable cultural personalities, including Shivanand Dabholkar, a distinguished exponent of Indian classical music and recipient of the Bhaskarbuva Bakhale Puraskar. The village is also associated with Peter de Morjim (Peter Mascarenhas), who made his mark in Konkani tiatr as an actor, singer, writer, composer and director.
(Dr Luis is a scientist and freelance writer from Taleigao)
