Reflections on Maria Aurora Couto’s Final Book: At Home in Two Worlds
Maria Aurora Couto’s final book, At Home in Two Worlds, is a poignant reflection on the changing landscape of Goa. This darker narrative highlights the despair felt by the author as she witnesses the decay of her beloved homeland under the pressures of co
GoaMaria Aurora CoutoCultural HeritageReal EstateCorruptionReal EstateOct 14, 2024
Couto’s earlier work, Goa A Daughter’s Story, published in 2004, was a beacon of hope and a vision for the future. It was a loving tribute to the history of her landed relatives and the unique humanism (veglench munxaponn) that defines the Goan personality. The book painted a picture of a Goa that was deeply rooted in its past while looking forward to a promising future. In contrast, At Home in Two Worlds is a darker narrative, filled with the despair of seeing Goa succumb to the threats of corruption, real estate speculation, and the rise of casinos.
When I learned of her passing in 2022, I was devastated. It was a reminder that I would never again have the opportunity to visit her in Aldona, the village she and her husband Alban so dearly loved. My last visit in 2019 was a heartfelt farewell, where I shared significant changes in my own life. The pandemic delayed my return to Goa until 2023, and I found myself living in Aldona. One of my first acts was to visit her grave, a small niche where her remains and those of her husband now rest. It was a bittersweet moment, a small solace to pray for their souls, and to realize that she had been spared the sight of a Goa that has changed so much.
Couto’s life and mine share several remarkable parallels. Both of us have lived in Patna and had connections to the Gaya district. Her observation that she felt more Christian in Patna than in Dharwad resonated with me. It was in Patna that I first truly understood what it meant to be Christian in India. This experience, though not explicitly detailed in her book, had a profound impact on both of us.
The essays in At Home in Two Worlds offer a glimpse into the rich and varied conversations Couto had throughout her life. One of her most significant interlocutors was the late Professor Alito Siqueira, to whom the book is dedicated. Siqueira’s insights into Goan life are invaluable, and we are fortunate that Couto has documented his ideas and conversations. His absence in the intellectual landscape of Goa is deeply felt.
Couto also documents the trauma experienced by Goans in the months and years following Goa’s integration into the Indian Union. Her detailed accounts, often quoting from various individuals, provide a crucial foundation for future scholars to explore the impact of this integration on Goan society. One of the key points she makes is the absence of a formal treaty of transfer of power, which led to a lack of continuity and preservation of institutions and languages. This oversight has had lasting implications for Goa, and it is a point that should be more widely recognized.
In the final pages of the book, I felt a deep sense of loss, as if a familiar and much-loved voice had been silenced. However, the legacy of her work, especially A Daughter’s Story, will continue to inspire and inform future generations of Goans. By weaving her personal family history into a broader narrative, Couto has created a resource that can help us understand and reclaim our Goan identity. Requiem aeternam dona ei, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat ei. Requeiscat in pace. Amen.
(Couto’s work and legacy are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Goa and the importance of preserving it for future generations.)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main focus of Maria Aurora Couto’s book, At Home in Two Worlds?
At Home in Two Worlds is a collection of essays that reflect on the changing landscape of Goa, focusing on the threats of corruption, real estate speculation, and the decay of traditional values and culture.
How does At Home in Two Worlds differ from Maria Aurora Couto’s earlier work, Goa: A Daughter’s Story?
Goa: A Daughter’s Story is a hopeful and visionary book that celebrates the history and unique humanism of Goa, while At Home in Two Worlds is a darker narrative that expresses the author's despair at seeing Goa change and decay.
What significant parallels are there between Maria Aurora Couto’s life and the author’s life?
Both Maria Aurora Couto and the author have lived in Patna, had connections to the Gaya district, and experienced a deeper understanding of their Christian identity in Patna.
Who is Professor Alito Siqueira, and why is he significant in the context of the book?
Professor Alito Siqueira was a close interlocutor of Maria Aurora Couto and a scholar with deep insights into Goan life. His ideas and conversations are documented in the book, providing valuable perspectives on Goan history and society.
What critical point does Couto make about the integration of Goa into the Indian Union?
Couto highlights the absence of a formal treaty of transfer of power during the integration of Goa into India, which led to a lack of continuity and preservation of institutions and languages, causing long-term issues for the region.
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