Your tan is still quite obvious…” Lady Flora commented, when her friend, Sir PM, arrived for their weekend after-dark stroll. The sun hadn’t set, and it was sunny, so they chose to meet at the shaded Cooperage Bandstand. Sir PM was a bit taken aback. Despite taking precautions, from wearing an oversized Panama hat, to preferring to remain under the shamianas for most of their time at the Goa Book Fair and the Children’s Literature Festival, it didn’t help. They mean it when they call Goa the ‘Sunshine State’, he realised. His friend, Lady Flora, was also sporting a tan, but she loved it. “We English people don’t mind this look. Seems like your Persian roots couldn’t cope with the excess sun,” she added, cheekily.

“I think it was worth it. It was a genuine, honest attempt to create awareness about literature and nudge young people, especially, to engage with books,” Sir PM shared. “Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much of a turnout; I thought weekends for Margao folk meant heading to South Goa’s beaches or lazing around after leisurely lunches; you know their ‘susegaad’. But they proved me wrong. Dr Viegas had warned me too; that chappie told me that it would be a no-show. Can’t wait to tell him that the Goenkars had other ideas,” smiled Sir PM, adding, “I was impressed with the focus on Konkani. That’s how you nurture regional languages—with great stories and fine storytellers.”