The true spirit of Goa

The Goan spirit was much at display during the recent BRICS Summit in the southern part of the state. Goa isn't known for its restrictions on smoking and alcohol consumption. But at the Summit venue, a well known five-star hotel, signs were put up asking people to not smoke inside the premises.

These signs also carried the name of the security in-charge, one Mr Pereira, who should be informed if anybody flouted the restriction. A delegate, overcome by the urge to smoke, asked a security staff stationed there if he could light up. "Go right ahead but stub it out or smoke outside the premises if anybody objects," he said. The delegate lit up and asked the man who Mr Pereira was. "I am that Pereira," he deadpanned.