Destination India: Panaji, Goa

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Panaji, Goa

Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
Originally uploaded by Skinnyde.

Panaji (Panjim) is the capital of the Indian State of Goa with a population of 65,000 people. It is the third largest city of Goa, after Vasco and Madgaon. In 1843, the city was renamed Nova Goa, when it officially replaced the city of Goa (now Old Goa) as the administrative seat of Portuguese India, though the viceroy had already moved there in 1759.

Incorporated into India in December 1961, Panaji became a state capital on Goa's elevation to statehood in May 1987. The heart of the city is the Church Square with the Portuguese Baroque "Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception" Church built in 1541.

About Me

India has always fascinated me for different reasons. The vastness of its culture, the diversity of people’s opinions and the limitations of its vision. Despite our diversity, we need to have a collective vision. India is not a country of four metropolis or a couple of high-tech cities. This nation of a billion people has 29 states and 6 union territories. We have 35 state and territorial capitals. How much do we know about each of these important cities?

Professionally I am a graphic designer from Bombay, India. In 1987, I co-authored a book on Corporate India, but my desire to throw a wider net and pick up much more information remains intact. I want my people from every city and every state to write and photograph details and information that would be interesting to the viewers around the world. We have so much to talk about and so much to share - this medium and this technology can help fulfill our collective dreams.