Hi! I’m Shilpa Melissa Rodrigues. I’m American of South Indian heritage with a Portuguese last name.
I was born in Mangalore but my family and I have always lived in some other part of the world. Growing up, no matter where we lived, we faithfully traveled to Mangalore every summer to spend time with my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.
The Mangalore summers were pure, simple fun — splashing around at Thannirbavi beach, visiting my dad’s family in Bantwal to see the rice farms and cows and rabbits and chickens, sitting around on the porch at my grandparents’ house in Kankanady drinking wine and singing Take Me Home, Country Roads (John Denver), enjoying our favorite ice cream at Ideals and much more.
Little did I know that my summers spent in Mangalore would leave an enduring impression on me — Mangalore became my constant throughout my parents’ moves to different places in India and around the world.
Mangalore became the steady home which welcomed us back every year.
I want to preserve my memories of that unchanged, unspoiled Mangalore that I remember so fondly. And share its unique culture with the world.
That’s why I started Mangalore On My Mind. This is an homage to my home town Mangalore. And a tribute to my grandparents, Jerry & Ena and Ambrose & Monti.
If you’re ever planning a visit to India, consider a stop in in this beautiful city! Drop me a line and I will help you plan your trip.
I can be reached at shilpamelissarodrigues[at]gmail[dot]com. More about me.