SATURDAY, 12 SEPTEMBER 2026

Shattered dreams, silent screams

One more girl was consigned to flames

before her time

before her dreams realised.

 

Her tribe is God in human form

treating, nursing, giving succour

to countless sick and dying.

 

Oblivious to her own comfort ,

the inhumanly long hours at work.

or the potential danger lurking

at every nook and corner of the

supposedly safe hospital.

 

She had chosen this field,

had stars in her eyes.

No complaints, no demands,

only a little space to lay her tired limbs

after thirty six grueling hours...

safe, secure, her very own.

 

The night was darker than normal.

Quiter than usual.

Its darkness and eerie silence

was penetrated by blood-chilling screams.

 

What madness, what demonic dance of

lust and unbridled lasciviousness?

How many were they?

How many beastly creatures

tore her body apart?

She fought with all her might.

They broke not just her limbs

but her spirits too.

It was horror, most unspeakable.

Humanity at its nadir.

 

No one heard her last screams

before everything went still.

A few stray dogs moaned

in the street below,

didn't want these new beasts

to tarnish their reputation.

Beasts don't shame and kill their own.

They have some modicum

of decency.

 

Boys will not be boys.

Teach your darlings,

oh mothers of boys

that it is not ok to treat girls

as playthings, as objects of desire.

Instead of the lewd male gaze,

respect and equality are

what women deserve

and they will snatch it

if men don't give it to them

on a platter.

 


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Generations of good flavours: Hotel Vijay Hanuman’s recipe for lasting memories

Hotel Vijay Hanuman, a culinary landmark in Mapusa that has been serving local flavours with unwavering consistency for over 90 years. The Goan discovers how this family-run restaurant has preserved its timeless appeal across generations while remaining a cornerstone of the local community

VEDA RAUT
Published Aug 18, 2024, 12:21 AM IST
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Generations of good flavours: Hotel Vijay Hanuman’s recipe for lasting memories

In a city like Mapusa, where the old and new coexist in delicate harmony, certain places serve as bridges between the past and present. Among these is Hotel Vijay Hanuman, a restaurant that has stood the test of time, witnessing generations grow up and return with families of their own. Nestled in the heart of the old Mapusa market, once known as Madkyancho Bazaar, this beloved culinary institution has been a cornerstone of the community since 1933.The originsThe story of…

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