It's not everyday that you pick up an old novel, and feel like it's relevant to this day and age.
Dr Katharina Kakar’s novel, Moving to Goa, was first published in 2023, and has been reprinted considering it is as relevant today as it was ten years ago. An artist, writer and anthropologist, she is interested in the inter-connection of nature and humans.
In the book, she has narrated the trails and travails of moving from Berlin to Delhi to get away from the hustle of a metropolis, and the search for a place where nature and intellectual interests merged.
Sudhir, her husband, travelled frequently, and they wanted a rural ambience with air connectivity, the sea and interaction with people from different walks of life. They found Benaulim, in South Goa, most suitable.
In an interview with Katha, as she’s known to friends, she talks about her art shows, her NGO, and her book.
Several books have been written on varying aspects about Goa. How does your narration differ?
To get a broader perspective, I read a lot of books on Goa’s history, culture, religious rituals and festivals that differ from one village to another. The book is my perception of nature, meeting and talking to the local people and those who have come to live in Goa from other cities from varying countries, backgrounds and professions. I have narrated personal details of the foreign and local tourists.
In the twenty years that you have lived here, what are the influences on your lifestyle, and food? What changes have you observed?
It took quite a while to actually understand the laid-back susegad mode and the nuances of living without being stressed out; to relax, be calm and let go and accept that everything happens in its own time; and that there was no need for constant action. I love gardening, enjoy seeing small wild animals and birds that come around frequently, the wild flowers, awesome colours of the sky at sunrise and sunset, and the terrific sounds and the power of nature during the monsoons – it’s my favourite season.
I have acquired a taste for the local vegetarian cuisine, and my NGO, TARA Trust for unprivileged children, and other commitments keep me on my toes.
What are your views on the mushrooming high-rise apartments, gated properties, and deforestation, among other issues.
The changes in the environment and aesthetics of Goa hurt me. Sadly, the whole character of the pristine countryside has changed, and the greed for money has changed society. The hostility is more than twenty years old. Groups of people are protesting. But, no one listens, and everything goes down the drain. I don’t see regulations being followed. The increase in crime, is disturbing. Now, it’s up to the younger generation to change the situation. Personally, I‘d like to promote hinterland tourism. Yes, the government is promoting it, but there are vested interests. And, like the beaches being littered, I fear degradation of the countryside.
Any plans of writing another novel?
Yes, as soon as this print is sold. I will probably title it Afterwards – Ten Years Later. It will be an amalgamation of facts and fiction, actually called ‘faction’. It will also include my love for the sub-continent.
