Page 1 - Lesson Note 1

Glimpses of India

A Baker from Goa - Summary

The lesson begins with how narrator‟s elders often recall the time when Goa was
under the rule of the Portuguese. They talk how the importance of bakers is still
maintained in their villages even after the Portuguese have left. They are known
as „Paders‟ in Goa. The mixers, moulders and their time-tested furnaces continue
to serve the people of Goa with their famous bread loaves. It is possible that the
original ones may not exist, but their profession is being continued by their sons.
The thud of their bamboo stick can still be heard in some parts of the village. The
same jingling thud would wake the narrator and his friends during their childhood
days who would go running to him without brushing or washing their mouth
properly. It was the maid-servant of the house who collected the loaves while
children sorted out the bread bangles for themselves. Bakery products have
importance in the culture and traditions of Goa. Bol or sweet bread is a part of
marriage gifts, cakes and Bolinhas or coconut cookies are eaten at every festival
and the lady of the house prepares sandwiches at her daughter‟s engagement.
Earlier bakers wore a unique frock of knee-length known as „kabai‟ but during the
narrator‟s childhood days, they wore a shirt and trousers of length slightly shorter
than the usual ones. They generally collected their bills at the end of every
month. Bakery has continued to be a profitable profession, managing to keep
their families joyous and prosperous.

Reminiscing nostalgically- thinking fondly of the past
Loaves- (plural form of loaf) bread that is shaped and baked in a single piece
and can be sliced for eating
Vanished- disappear suddenly and completely
Moulders- a person who moulds dough into a shape
Furnaces- an enclosed structure in which materials can be heated to very high
temperatures
Extinguished- cause a fire to cease to burn
Heralding- announcing
Pader- word for baker in Portuguese language

The story takes us back to the time when Portuguese ruled Goa. They were
immensely famous for their breads. The narrator often finds his elders thinking
about „those good old days‟ and telling them that the famous breads date back to
the time when Portuguese ruled over Goa. They ponder over the past and tell
them that though the Portuguese have left Goa but the bakers of bread still exist,
if not the original ones, their legacy is being continued by their sons. The bakers