People

Advocate Norma Alvares has focussed consistently on the preservation of Goa's pristine environment, women's issues and human rights right from the time she began practicing law in 1990. Goa Foundation, the Peaceful Society, Nirmal Vishwa, People's Movement for Civic Action, Bailancho Saad and umpteen non-governmental organisation look up to her when it comes to fighting their cases, which will number around 80 by now.

Norma's representation has included writ petitions in the High Court as well as the Supreme Court, selflessly devoting her time and services for humanitarian endeavours on a pro bono basis. Norma Alvares, formerly a Fonseca from Socol Vaddo in Assagao, majored in history and politics, receiving a master's degree from the Bombay University, where she bagged a gold medal. She lectured at the Mumbai's Sophia College from 1972 to 1977, before attending the Salgaocar Law College in Panjim on a merit scholarship.

The distinguished lawyer's humanitarian work hasn't gone unnoticed. The "2000 Vincent Xavier Verodiano Award", carrying a cheque for Rs.72,000 besides a citation, was conferred on Norma Alvares in recognition of her commitment to issues that dignify the right to social justice and equality for women, the right to a conscientious co-existence, and the right to an environment which profiles Goa's ecological heritage.

The award was been instituted by Dom Martin in 1988 with a view to promote the well being of mankind through individual advancement in the field of art, music, literature, science, medicine or humanities.

Dinesh D'Souza, a John M. Olin scholar at the American Enteprise Institute in Washington has gained international popularity for his expertise in the fields of social and political studies, which include affirmative action; cultural issues and politics; and higher education. Graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Dartmouth College in 1983, D'Souza was a senior domestic policy analyst at the White House while Ronald Reagan was the President of United States.

D'Souza has authored The Virtue of Prosperity: Finding Values in an Age of Techno-Affluence (November 2000), Ronald Reagan: How an Ordinary Man Became an Extraordinary Leader (Free Press 1997), The End of Racism: Principles of a Multiracial Society (Free Press, 1995) and Illiberal Education: The Politics of Race and Sex on Campus (Free Press 1991; which was a national bestseller). He has also penned articles on culture and politics for Vanity Fair, Forbes, Harper's, Wall Street Journal, Atlantic Monthly, Washington Post and New York Times.
"Nightline, "Crossfire," "MacNeil-Lehrer Newshour," and "Good Morning America" have featured him on the television. D'Souza's latest book, The Virtue of Prosperity: Finding Values in an Age of Techno Affluence (Free Press, November 2000) delves into the social and moral implications of wealth and technology besides what distinguishes western civilization from other cultures, and why the American idea has become so irresistible to immigrants and to people around the world. He speaks at the Harvard University, the University of California at Berkeley, Stanford University, and Duke University.

D'Souza, a Bardezkar, loves Goa very much and says that he has visited the place quite often. His father hails from the tiny valley of Assagao and mother from Saligao.

Having established herself as an excellent soprano, Iris Rodrigues, who studied music at the University of Western Ontario, will make her debut in Ikan International's album covering the entire range from classical opera and Konkani, to Christmas carols and evergreen melodies. Ikan claims that Iris' rendition will "calm your body, mind and soul".

Under the baton of Robert Cooper, the Canada-born Goan sang for four years with "Opera In Concert", enacting Therese in Arrieta's Marina and Poussette in Massenet's Manon. Her repertoire ranges from Broadway musicals to coloratura opera arias. With the Calbes Opera Workshops she performed Gilda in Rigoletto, Lucy in The Telephone, Gretel in Hansel and Gretel, and the role of Lakme.

Besides being featured as a soloist on New Year's Eve at the Living Arts Center in Mississauga, Iris recently sang at the Mississauga Opera Company promotional. Under the direction of Maestro Charles Demuynck, she performed opera arias with the Oakville Chamber Orchestra.

Quite busy otherwise too, Iris was the Children's Choir Director of St Anthony of Padua Parish, Brampton, for the past seven years. The cantor of St Rose of Lima Church in Scarborough and also at St Peters Church in Downtown Toronto, Iris has bagged awards aplenty at the Peel and Kiwanis music festivals.

Iris's parents hail from the singing villages of Aldona and Moira in Goa. Her mellifluous voice will captivate listeners on December 2, 2000, at St Anne's Church, in Brampton, in a concert consisting of Classical Christmas songs in English, French, Italian, Latin and Konkani. The grand event "A Classical Christmas Journey Concert" has been planned by St. Marguerite d'Youville Parish to raise proceeds for the St. Marguerite d'Youville Church Building Fund. In attendance will also be pianist Heather Wilton; Azulao (classical guitars), the Jupiter Quartet (Violins, Viola and Cello) and the Balintore Trio (Violin, Cello and Flute). Various other talented artists shall also attend. Tickets $15. Call 416 410 1137 for details.