In a remarkable literary journey, PS Sreedharan Pillai, The Governor of Goa has embarked on a mission to highlight the rich natural heritage of the state through a series of captivating books. Their latest offering, “Heavenly Islands of Goa,” This is a testament to his dedication towards preserving and promoting the lesser-known aspects of the state.
Goa’s avian paradise unveiled
Pillai’s book “Heavenly Islands of Goa” tells about the fascinating world of Goa. bird diversity, Did you know that Goa hosts an astonishing 482 bird species out of the total 1,360 endemic and migratory bird species found in India? This remarkable fact is attributed to the colony of mangroves that have created an ideal and isolated habitat for the birds, making Goa their home.
Exploring the Littoral and Estuarine Islands of Goa
The book also throws light on river and estuarine islands, a distinctive feature of the Goa landscape. These islands emerge from the mangroves located along the Zuari and Mandovi rivers, creating a unique ecosystem rich in biodiversity.
Unearthing Historic Gems
Apart from celebrating Goa’s natural heritage, Pillai’s book unearths historical gems, such as Naroa Fort, which once stood across the street from Holy Spirit Church, near the Naroa-Narwe ferry crossing. The book also highlights the interesting history of Estevao Island, known as the “Island of the Dead”, where the remains of soldiers of the Adilshahi army were left to rot after a battle with the Portuguese.
A comprehensive look at the islands of Goa
“The Heavenly Islands of Goa” is a comprehensive monograph that explores the etymology, heritage, caves, forts, temples, churches, biodiversity, tourist attractions, accessibility and personal testimonials of people who have visited these islands. Pillai’s dedication to capturing the essence of these islands is evident in the high-resolution images of his travels and the meticulous research conducted by Raj Bhavan photographers and experts.
To promote tourism potential of Goa
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has praised Pillai’s efforts in the foreword to the book, saying that it will inspire readers to explore the lesser known aspects of Goa, thereby boosting the tourism potential of the state.
A Trilogy on the Natural Heritage of Goa
“Heavenly Islands of Goa” is the third book in Pillai’s trilogy on the natural heritage of Goa after “Heritage Trees of Goa” and “Discovery of Vamana Vriksha Art”. This trinity is an important milestone in showcasing the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of the state.
With over 220 books to his name, PS Sreedharan Pillai’s literary journey is a testament to his passion for preserving and promoting the unique natural and cultural treasures of Goa. Through his captivating narratives and meticulous research, he has not only enriched the literary landscape but also contributed to raising awareness about the importance of protecting and celebrating these priceless resources.
