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Business: Savings rate deregulation
may hurt account holders Pg 9
News: Shefali Shah gets
real for reel role Pg 8
Let no guilty man escape, if it can be
avoided. No personalconsideration should
stand in the way of per-forming a public duty.
Ulysses S. Grant
Sports: Man United on
brink of title Pg 15
High Tide: 0123; 1524Low Tide: 0815; 2122
T I D E S T O D A Y
PTINEW DELHI, MAY 8
India has been ranked at 75among 79 less developedcountries,
even below some ofthe poor African nations, in astudy on best place
to be amother released to mark theMothers Day being
celebratedacross the world on Sunday.
The 2011 Mothers Index byinternational child rights NGOSave the
Children has actuallyseen India slipping two positionsdown from the
73rd spot in lastyears study, bringing to forethe need for focus on
criticalareas like maternal and childmortality, say civil society
activists.
The survey divided countriesinto more developed, less de-veloped
and least developedones and drew up separate lists
on the basis of well-being ofmothers and children includingtheir
health, education and eco-nomic status.
According to the index, Indiaeven scored less than many na-tions
in sub-Saharan Africa, in-c lud ing Bo t swana ( 51 ) ,
Cameroon (73) and conflict-rid-den Congo (74).
Cuba tops the Mothers Indexranking among less developednations
followed by Israel,Cyprus and Argentina.
Pakistan is two places behindIndia while China, which isclubbed
with India for growthstories, is ranked much higherat 18th spot.
Sri Lanka is at 43rdplace, while Bangladesh isranked 18 in the list
of 40 leastdeveloped countries.
In the Mothers Index formore developed countries, Nor-way is at
the top followed byAustralia and Iceland.
The report analysed a totalof 164 countries, among
whichAfghanistan had turned out tobe the worlds toughest placeto be
a mother.
For mothers, India not a happy place: study
HERALD REPORTERMARGAO, MAY 8
Union Minister Ambika Sonievinced keen interest in
theupgradation plan for the Ravin-dra Bhavan, Margao at an
esti-mated cost of Rs 28 crore duringher visit to the Commercial
Cap-ital Sunday morning.
During her hour-long visit tothe Ravindra Bhavan which islikely
to host the IFFI inauguralceremony she was given aPowerPoint
presentation byPWD Chief Engineer J J S Regoon the upgradation plan
to bringRavindra Bhavan on par with in-ternational standards.
Entertain-ment Society of Goa ChairmanManoj Srivastava along
withother government officials ac-companied the Union Ministerto
the Ravindra Bhavan.
The master plan presentedby the PWD Chief Engineer hasproposed
to build two screenscosting around Rs 10 crore,while the balance Rs
18 crorewill be spent on total upgrada-tion of the Ravindra Bhavan,
in-cluding modification of thetoilets and landscaping of theland
admeasuring 20,000 sqmts. Sources in the know say
the plan has been put in placeby the PWD by roping in
land-scaping architects.
Vice-Chairman of RavindraBhavan, Sridhar Kamat said themaster
plan has made provisionfor landscaping of the one-kilo-meter route
between Colva cir-cle junction at Old market toSwimming pool
junction in tunewith local heritage and citys ar-chitecture
coinciding with theIFFI festivities. The entirestretch will be
illuminated with
ornamental lamps with land-scaping and other facilities,
hesaid.
Besides, a Happening Plazahas been mooted in the openspace
behind the Ravindra Bha-van which will play host toevents during
the festivities.
The two screens, each hav-ing 200 seating capacity, will bebuilt
within the Ravindra Bhavancomplex. Estimates show thatthe two
screens will cost the ex-chequer Rs 10 crore, he said.
SHOW TIME IN MARGAOSoni gets a gist of plans for Ravindra Bhavan
upgrade
PTIAGRA/GREATER NOIDA, MAY 8
Protests over land acquisitionSunday spread to Agra, Mathuraand
Aligarh as farmers clashedwith police and torched vehicles,while
the toll rose to four in vi-olence-hit Greater Noida.
The UP Government an-nounced rewards up to Rs50,000 for
information regard-ing the whereabouts of somefarmers leaders who
allegedlyinstigated the violence.
Four policemen were injuredwhen farmers turned violentduring a
protest and indulgedin arson in Chaugaan village inAitmadpur in
Agra, Special Di-rector General of Police (Lawand Order) Brij Lal
said in Luc-know.
He said irate villagers setablaze several vehicles and tentsat a
construction site, demand-ing higher compensation for theland
acquired by the Mayawatigovernment for the Yamuna Ex-pressway.
Cabinet Secretary ShashankShekhar Singh told reporters inLucknow
that rewards of Rs50,000 has been declared onManvir Singh Tewatia,
Rs 15,000each on Premveer and NeerajMalik and Rs 10,000 each onGaje
Singh, Kiranpal and Manojfor inciting protestors whoclashed with
police in BhattaParsaul village in Delhis suburbGautam Buddha
Nagar, killingfour persons.
Tewatia has been leading thefarmers agitation at BhattaParsaul
since January 17.
Claiming that land acquisitionor compensation were not thebone
of contention, Singh saidthe incident took place due to
political ambitions of some per-sons. He, however, declined
toelaborate.
He said 22 persons have beenarrested in connection withthe clash
in Gautam BuddhaNagar.
Director General of PoliceKaramveer Singh said some peo-ple also
tried to demonstrate inMathura and Aligarh, but situa-tion remained
under control dueto timely police intervention.
The villagers in Chaugaan al-legedly opened fire, followingwhich
police used force to dis-perse the agitating mob, AgraD I G A s e e
m A r u n told re-porters.
There was firing from the vil-lagers side, but the policeworked
with restrain, he said,adding the situation is undercontrol.
Farmers unrestspreads to Agra
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ambika Soni
visitsthe Ravindra Bhavan at Margao on Sunday in view of holding
the in-augural ceremony of IFFI 2011.
IN HAPPIER TIMES: A woman gives her child a feel of Collem
waterson Mothers Day. Photo by Amit Soyru
Violence triggered by rumoursof a Muslim-Christian inter-faith
romance has claimed 12lives and over 220 injured inthe Egyptian
capital, withmobs setting fire to twochurches in one of the
worstcommunal clashes rocking thecountry in recent times.
PrimeMinister Essam Sharaf can-celled his visit to Bahrain andUAE,
calling for an emergencyCabinet meeting.
(Report on page 13)
WHEN OSAMA FACED OBAMA: US officials released an image from the
video showing Osama bin Ladenwrapped in a blanket watching a
telecast on himself and US president Barack Obama on television at
hiscompound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, before being shot dead.
PTIWASHINGTON, MAY 8
The US Sunday demanded ac-cess from Pakistan to all
noncombatants, including Osamabin Ladens three wives, de-tained by
the Pakistani author-ities and additional materialsrecovered from
the Abbottabadcompound, where the slain al-Qaeda chief was living
for thelast six years.
We need to work with them(Pakistan) on assessing all theevidence
out of that compoundand all of the evidence associ-ated with Osama
bin Ladenspresence there for six years.They have in their custody
allthe non-combatants from thecompound, including threewives of
Osama bin Laden.
Weve asked for access tothose folks, the National Secu-rity
Advisor, Tom Donilon toldthe ABC news in an interview.The fact is
Osama bin Ladenwas in Abbottabad, Pakistan, forsix years or so.
We need to work with themto investigate what happenedand how
Osama bin Laden cameto this place as his home for thelast six
years, Donilon said.
Pakistan says it is still holdingthe wives and children of
binLaden for interrogation and thatso far, no country has
soughttheir extradition.
Pakistan gained custody ofbin Ladens three wives and
Give access to Osamasthree wives: US to Pak
PTIISLAMABAD/WASHINGTON, MAY 8
Under worldwide scrutiny overfailing to detect Osama binLaden,
Pakistan has spoken indifferent voices with its envoyto the US
saying that jihadi el-ements in its country may havesheltered the
al-Qaeda chief, butthe government insisted that
the US should not have violatedits sovereignty.
We still have many jihadi has-beens from the 1980s who arestill
alive and well and kicking,and some of them could havebeen helping
them, but they arenot in the state or governmentof Pakistan today,
Pakistansambassador to the US Hussain
Haqqani said.Were there cracks through
which things fell through? Ab-solutely. And well
investigatethat; well get to the bottom ofit, he told ABC News in
an in-terview.
Haqqani said as the investi-gations proceeds in this
regard,heads would roll in Pakistan.
Pak speaks in different voices
Egyptians gather as firefightersextinguish a fire on a church
afterclashes between Muslims andChristians in Cairo.
12 killed in Egyptcommunal clashes
AI operates 50% flights
PTIMUMBAI/NEW DELHI, MAY 8
With ticket bookings slowlypicking up, Air India Sunday
op-erated about 50 per cent of itsflights, two days after the
pilotsstrike ended.
The airline expected normaloperations within a day or two,an Air
India spokeswoman saidin Mumbai. The airline operatedaround 60 per
cent of its flightsfrom the city, while overall it isonly about 50
per cent. Air Indiaoperates over 50 flights fromMumbai daily and
over 320across the country.
In Delhi, AI spokesperson Ka-maljit Rattan said the
passengerload is gradually picking upafter we opened
bookingsyesterday.
Yesterday, AI resumed freshbookings after a virtual shut-down
due to the ten-day strike,which was called off Friday
nightfollowing an understandingreached between the strikingpilots
and the Civil Aviation min-istry after protracted
negotia-tions.
Air India had suspended freshbookings on the third day of
thestrike and was operating about10 per cent of its flights
acrossits domestic network.
2 blasts heard in Abbottabad
A loud explosion has been heardin the town where Osama binLaden
was killed in Pakistan.There has been speculation thatauthorities
may demolish thehouse in Abbottabad to try andstop the intense
media attentionin the town.
An Associated Press reportingteam in Abbottabad heard theblast
late on Sunday and wason its way to the compound.
Witnesses say two loud ex-plosions have rocked the Pak-istani
town where Osama binLaden was killed in a US raid.
The source of the blasts wasnot immediately clear. An
Asso-ciated Press team at the com-pound where bin Laden wasliving
before the April 29 raidsaw no signs of unusual activitySunday.
There had been speculationthat authorities might demolishthe
house in Abbottabad to tryto stop the intense media at-tention on
the town.
Meanwhile, even as US Pres-ident Barack Obama pressedPakistan to
probe how Osamabin Laden managed to live foryears there, outraged
US law-makers have voiced suspicionthat elements of Pakistans
mil-itary intelligence services musthave known his whereabouts.
Police try to stop Rashtriya LokDal supporters on their way
toBhatta village to meet the farmersduring a protest
demonstration.
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GOAOHERALD
O
Pg2GOA, MONDAY, 9 MAY, 2011
CiviC fOruMMyopic wisdom
PETER ANDRADE, VASCO
This above picture has proved the short sightedness and
stu-pidity of our Electricity Department in Goa. They shifted apole
which was in my neighbours property and put up a newone on the
common boundary. Now the alignment of thepoles was not proper and
the wires touched my building.After enough noise on the danger
posed, the departmentcame up with a solution, which is to tie the
wire to my neigh-bours tree. It appears that the department has
been inspiredby Supandi of Tinkle comics.
DOE, wake up!ANTHONy DiAS, MARgAO
The move by the Directorate of Education (DoE) to make
itmandatory for all pre-primary schools to be registered withthe
DoE (Herald 27 April ) is a step in the right direction.Many
pre-primary schools have mushroomed all over the state,which lack
proper infrastructure. Therefore, a proper auditshould be conducted
to ensure that the location of the schoolis in a proper place. The
DOE should ensure that staff arequalified and well trained to
handle all types of situations,with provision of adequate chairs,
drinking water and cleantoilets.
In this context, I would like to point out that one suchschool
in Margao, near the Hospicio Hospital and located onthe main road,
invariably causes traffic jams at the junctionevery day and poses a
grave danger to tiny tots and theirguardians who come to drop them.
In the absence of anyparking place, parents are forced to park
their vehicles on themain road, which compounds the problem. A
closer look atthe school has revealed that there is no compound
where thechildren can play and the school is located on a
hillock.Children, playful as they are, can fall and injure
themselves. Isthe DoE and Margao Municipality paying any
attention?
Only ramp, no bus shelter
BABLuiS PEREiRA, POMBuRPA
The above photograph shows a ferry ramp constructed on
atemporary basis at Palmar, Pomburpa, opposite the Dena Bank.This
is being done till re-construction of the ferry end blockof the old
ramp is completed.
However, till this reconstruction is complete, the temporaryramp
needs a bus shelter. The public are forced to sweat it inthe
burning heat of the mid day sun. The muddy approachroad has kicked
up a lost of dust and the surrounding houseshave borne the brunt.
Even proper lighting is not fitted oneither side of the end block
for safe motoring during embark-ing/disembarking. If the public
money that is being spent isnot aimed at lessening the burden of
those who depend onferry services to reach their destination, then
it is an absolutewaste. It seems that the approvals, estimates and
sanctionsare not done in precise public interest, but to benefit
the con-cerned ministers. One should follow the steps of Anna
Hazareway and force the government to toe the line.
Stinking Colva beach
ALLwyN gEORgE, CARMONA
Beware! A visit to Goa's world famous Colva beach these
dayscould make you throw up. The sewage waters from the Colvacreek
overflows on to the sandy beach and people could beseen crossing
over the dirty stinking sewage and oily watersholding up their
nostrils. One can even find sanitary napkinsin the waters over
here. Pictures like these have been clickedby tourists and are
being spread all over the world. This is thesad state of affairs in
Goa. The tourism department wants toproject Goa as a tourist hub
with the help of bikini babes. Itwould be worthwhile if the
department brings the babes tothe shores of the Colva creek allow
the females to ventureinto the creek. The Colva Panchayat, the
Tourism Department,and the local MLA have to get their act together
to restorethe reputation of Colva beach.
(Do you have a complaint against some authority or service?Are
there any violations of the law that you would like tobring to the
notice of the public? Do you have any suggestionsfor improvement
and/or redressal of services? if you do, thenwrite to us at
[email protected]. with the aim of im-proving the quality of
our civic life, every Monday, Heraldwill publish the best letters
on these subjects received duringthe week. This is in addition to
our regular Letters to theEditor column.)
CCP yet to live up to expectations
HERALD CORRESPONDENTBICHOLIM, MAY 8
Two women were robbed of their gold ornaments at the
famousShirgao Zatra on Sunday morning.
As thousands of devotees started to converge at Shirgao in
Bi-cholim, the thieves took the opportunity to make some booty.
According to villagers, on Sunday morning two women wererobbed
of their gold ornaments.
In the first incident, a woman was robbed of her necklace,
whileanother was robbed of her mangalsutra.
When contacted, Bicholim Police stated that there was no
formalcomplaint registered with the police and that the police
inspectorhas gone to the spot. However, efforts to contact PI
failed. Devotees take holy bath at Shirgao.
ThousanDs ThronG shIrGao ZaTra HERALD CORRESPONDENT
MAYEM, MAY 8
The famous Zatra of GoddessLairai at Shirgao in
Bicholimcommenced on Sunday with re-ligious rituals and
fervour.
The celebrations started withDevi Abhishek and chanting
ofMantras, followed by Gharanheand Maharati. Devotees
startedconverging towards the LairaiTemple since early Sunday
morn-ing to pay their tributes.
Thousands of devotees fromall over the State and neigh-bouring
states will pay their trib-utes to Goddess Lairai duringthe
five-day Zatra.
Special pious devotees,Dhonds, took holy bath anddanced in
temple premisesalong with a holy stick Bet.
Later in the evening, a specialGaranhe was performed beforethe
Goddess and Dhonds madethe i r way towards theHomkund, encircling
it as a partof paying tributes.
Traffic jams due to rise innumber of devotees from Kar-nataka
and Maharashtra, besidesGoa, kept the police on theirtoes. A large
number of stallsof sweets, household items,games and entertainments
havebeen put up.
Devotees take round of the Homkund at Shirgao.
2 women robbed of gold
Traffic jam at Shirgao. Photos by Vishant Vaze
Task force member for agency probe into
GIDC irregularities
HERALD REPORTERPANJIM, MAY 8
Has the ruling panel of the Cor-poration of the City of
Panjim(CCP) forgotten its grand elec-tion manifesto and its
promiseto Panjimites to bring in muchawaited infrastructrural
devel-opment?
It may be too harsh to judgethe performance of the rulingpanel
headed by Mayor YatinParekh with just two months inoffice. However,
it can be safelystated that CCP is yet to touchsome of the grave
issues con-cerning the city such as parkingproblem or issue of St
Inez Nul-lah or make efforts to get fundsunder JNNURM even though
theMayor claimed that he has beentrying his best from day one.
Mayor claimed that the primeissue of garbage is being han-dled,
with efforts being madeto set-up garbage treatmentplant in
jurisdiction of TaleigaoPanchayat, while Opposition al-leged that
the Mayor has beencatering to the needs of Taleigaowhile ignoring
needs of Pan-jimites.
The CCP is currently usingTaleigao waste site to disposeoff some
its garbage as it doesnot have plant of its own andfeels obliged to
help TaleigaoPanchayat.
The CCP on Friday at a special
meeting passed a resolution toset up a waste treatment plantfor
Taleigao Panchayat. Themeeting was however was notattended by the
Opposition,claiming it was not held in theconference hall.
Its been quite long the CCPhas been planning to build a
solidwaste treatment plant at Bain-guinim, without success. The
Op-position charged that the Mayoris not concentrating on
Bain-guinim project and wants to helpTaleigao Panchayat.
We cant proceed with Bain-guinim plant immediately be-cause of
land dispute, Mayorsaid.
Theres has been boundarydispute and construction of
compound wall at Bainguinimsite has been temporary put off,said
Mayor, though he claimedthat they have not put off theirplans for
Bainguinim and willpursue the same later.
The CCP plans to procurefunds under JNNURM to buildthe plant at
Bainguinim. The JN-NURM scheme ends in Decem-ber 2012 while its
project is yetto be approved by the StateLevel Steering
Committeeheaded by the chief minister.
Currently, CCP is busy con-ducting desilting works beforemonsoon
arrives and efforts areon to ensure that there is noflooding in the
city.
This is the first time in somany years thorough desilting
is being done. Also, internalroads of the city are being
re-paired, claimed Mayor.
Desilting work has startedlate. Work in my ward has beenbegun
there are so manywards where labourers are yetto begin work, says
CorporatorVaidehi Naik.
Parking issue has remaineduntouched so also market com-mittee
has not met, she charged.
On the other hand, the Mayortried to countering this
claim,stating that he cant act untilthe House Committee headedby
Opposition Leader ManoharParrikar gives its report on themarket
scam.
When asked to commentabout performance of the ruling,Corporator
Surendra Furtadoadopted rather cautious ap-proach, saying it is too
early tocomment and that they shouldbe given some time.
Claiming that they are hereto fulfill promises made to
Pan-jimites, the mayor claimed thathe has initiated the
administra-tive reform process in the CCPwhich he said, is one of
the re-quirements to be eligible to getfunds under JNNURM.
So it seems Panjimites willhave to wait a little longer
todetermine whether the rulingpanel has any inclination to
fulfillits assurances.
HERALD REPORTERPANJIM, MAY 8
GIDC Task Force member andindustrialist Blaise Costabir
haswritten a letter to the chairmanof the Task Force T M
Balakr-ishnan seeking that an inves-tigative agency look into
theirregularities of the Goa Indus-trial Development
Corporation(GIDC).
His contention: Despite theunabated fraud being
reportedlyreported by the press, no actionis being forthcoming even
to lo-cate the offenders.
There are many issues thathave in the past been raised bythe
government constituted taskforce to look into the
irregular-ities.
Among them is the illegalallotment of a plot of 35000 sqmts to
one Mehul DevelopersPvt Ltd and further fraudulentlytransferred to
Watson Pharmabesides another plot measuring15,000 square metres,
toVrushul fraudulently transferred15000 sq mts to Watson
Pharma.
Other irregularities includeallotment of open spaces asplots
despite a ban by Chief Sec-retary and the High Court with-out
approval from the Town andCountry Planning Department,whose rules
also apply withinthe industrial estates.
Plots have been converted toutility without the approval ofthe
board, besides others have
CCP workers engaged in cleaning of drainage in Ward No 11 in the
Panjim Market area. Photo by Rozario Estibeiro
HERALD CORRESPONDENTCANACONA, MAY 8
Two occupants of a car escapedwith minor injuries after theircar
plunged into a culvert at Du-mane on Sunday.
The incident occurred whenSwift Dzire car (MH-02 WA-6698),
followed by the minibus, was reportedly proceed-ing towards Agonda
beach,af ter the Mumbai -basedgroups sojourn at Palolem onSunday
morning.
The car driver lost controlover the vehicle on the culvert
bridge and hit the concrete pro-tection wall spans.
With its left tyre burst open,the car plunged and rested inthat
position with the ChapoliDam water supply pipeline hold-ing the
cars back portion in up-ward position.
The occupants who sufferedbruises and one of them hurtinghis
hand reportedly came outafter breaking open the carsrear window
shield.
The injured were shiftedat CHC Canacona for firstaid.
Car plunges into culvert at Dumane
been sub-divided to allow allo-cation by the chairman
directly(without a board resolution). Allplots below 10,000 sq
metresdo not need a board resolutionto be allotted.
Besides, plots in Pilerne/San-cole have been allotted to mar-b l
e t r ade r s who use a sshowrooms and residences, de-priving
industrial projects land.
Other more damaging accu-sations include allocation ofplots to
relatives of GIDC em-ployees and their families,favouritism and out
of turn al-lotments. Besides the lack of amaster plan for the
estates,which makes it easy to make ar-bitrary changes.
Costabir has been endlesslycampaigning against the messin the
GIDC, with very little ac-tion forthcoming from the gov-ernment
despite repeatedexposs in the media.
n Other irregularitiesinclude allotment ofopen spaces as
plotsdespite a ban by ChiefSecretary and the HighCourt without
approvalfrom the Town andCountry PlanningDepartment, whoserules
also apply withinthe industrial estates.
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GOAOHERALD
OPg3
GOA, MONDAY, 9 MAY, 2011
PHOENIXP
UBLIC SCHOO
L
BELGAUM
ITI student electrocuted HERALD CORRESPONDENT
COLLEM, MAY 8
A 17-year-old ITI student from Dhaukon-Dabal was electrocutedat
Dhaukon-Dabal on Sunday at about 7.15 am.
According to Collem Police Inspector Manoj Mardolkar, oneAbhay
alias Arjun Prabhakar Gaonkar came in contact with liveelectricity
wire while he was proceeding towards the river toanswer natures
call.
After locals alerted Collem Police, PI Mardolkar along with
hisstaff rushed to the site and shifted Abhay to ID Hospital in
Ponda,where doctors declared him brought in dead.
The body was sent to GMC Hospital in Bambolim and was
laterhanded over to his relatives for final rites.
Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Praful Patel in the presence
of Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat and Asha Kamat, is seen along
with thenewly-wedded couple Yogiraj D Kamat and Neha Kamat at their
reception at Taleigao on Sunday.
Body fished out from
Zuari River HERALD CORRESPONDENT
MARCEL, MAY 8
Ponda Police on Sunday recov-ered the body of a 27-year-oldman
from the Zuari River inBorim.
He was reported missing fromUpper Bazaar in Ponda since
Fri-day.
It may be recalled that in acomplaint, Sachin Naik hadstated
that his brother, Vijay (27)had left the house on Fridayevening and
did not returnsince. Sachin said Vijay was lastseen riding his
motorcycle (GA-05 E-1139), which was foundabandoned at Borim Bridge
onSaturday morning.
On Sunday morning, Sachinsbody was found floating in theZuari
River at Borim.
Ponda Police fished out thebody and sent it for post-mortem. PSI
Deepak Pednekaris investigating the case.
Agonda local held for assault
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
CANACONA, MAY 8
Canacona Police late Sundaynight arrested a resident ofAgonda on
charges of assault-ing a person from the samevillage.
Canacona Police arrestedSaplesh Dessai under Section324 IPC for
allegedly hitting bot-tle and causing grievous injuriesto the head
and hand of oneRafael Fernandes.
Police informed that Fernandes,who suffered head injuries,
wasshifted to Hospicio in Margao. Hewas reported to have
sufferedwounds on his hand.
Sources informed that Dessai,and Fernandes were involved ina
heated argument outside thebar before Dessai took soda bot-tle and
in a fit of rage hit Fer-nandes on his head and otherparts of his
body.
Youth burns to death at Raia HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, MAY 8
A 30-year-old youth was burntto death in his house at Raia inthe
wee hours of Sunday.
Maina Curtorim police saidthe deceased allegedly set him-sel f
on f i re af ter pouringkerosene on his body. The policehave
shifted his charred bodyto the Hospicio mortuary. Thepost-mortem
examination willbe conducted on Monday.
The police are investigating.Succumbs: A 70-year old
woman from Sao Jose de Arealsuccumbed to her injuries sus-tained
in a road accident at theGoa Medical College and hos-pital,
Bambolim.
HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, MAY 8
The gram sabha of Colva VillagePanchayat on Sunday has re-solved
to issue stop work orderon a housing project citing al-leged
violation of norms, includ-ing the non-existent approachroad to the
project site.
At the meeting held onSunday, members pointedout that theres
only a 3.60mts existing approach roadto the construction site,
anddemanded that the land ac-quired for the expansion ofthe road to
six metres shouldbe built first before con-structing the
building.
Members further demandedthat the panchayat insist that
the compound wall be con-structed after leaving front set-back
of three meters from thecentre line of the existing road
The meeting also discussedover the nuisance caused to
thetourists and visitors visiting theColva Beach by ice-cream
ven-dors. Members demanded im-mediate action against theice-cream
vendors, saying theirpresence also cause obstructionto the traffic
as well as peoplevisiting the beach.
Sarpanch Suzie Fernandes as-sured the gram sabha membersthat a
complaint would be filedbefore the Colva Police Stationto initiate
action against theerring vendors.
Garbage dumping on the
GRAM SABHA ROUNDUP
Housing project: Colva resolvesto issue stop work order
Camurlim roots for ground plus one projects
HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, MAY 8
The gram sabha of Camurlim Village Panchayat on Monday de-manded
that the government accept in toto the Regional Plan2021 submitted
by the Village Level Committee and has stronglyrooted for ground
plus one construction projects in the village.
The issue was raised at the Sunday meeting when gram
sabhamembers expressed their reservations over the plan prepared
bythe Town and Country Planning department with a proposal
forground plus two storey construction projects.
Taking strong exception to the proposal, the members
recalledthat the village level committee constituted to prepare the
draftRP 2021 had settled for ground plus one store housing
projectsand strongly opposed the governments plan contrary to the
planapproved by the villagers.
Sarpanch Basil Fernandes told Herald that the Gram sabha
hasresolved to ask the Panchayat body to immediately write to
theTCP expressing the villagers sentiments on the issue. The
Panchayatwould write to the TCP drawing their attention to the
demandsof the villagers and to stick to the draft plan approved by
theVillage Level Committee, Basil said.
Orlim againstfilling of
low-lying areasHERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, MAY 8
The Orlim gram sabha on Sun-day adopted a resolution not
topermit any land filling and con-structions in low-lying areas
ofthe village.
At the meeting held on Sun-day, the issue over filling of
low-lying land for constructionpurpose came up for discus-sions,
with members demandingthat the panchayat stop all landfiling in
low-lying areas.
Sarpanch Jerson Barreto in-formed the members that thepanchayat
has no role to playin the approval of the construc-tion projects,
since the plansare approved by the Town andCountry Planning
Department.
He pointed out that it is theTown and Country Planning
De-partment which accords thetechnical sanction for the
con-struction project before the plancomes to the village
panchayatfor the licence.
Gram sabha members, how-ever, pointed out that thoughthe TCP
gives approval for theconstruction projects, the vil-lagers are
forced to face thebrunt of the projects and de-manded that the
meeting adopta resolution for a ban on landfiling in low-lying
areas.
The meeting also discussedthe schemes meant for benefi-ciaries
under BPL.
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, MAY 8
Around 150 smiling faces marchedthrough the streets of Panjim
tocampaign for the cause of arthritisand its awareness.
Organised by the Goa MedicalCollege and Hospital, the
walk-a-thon under the theme Walkwith A Smile was the first of
itskind event held to draw atten-tion to the sufferings of
thosesuffering from arthritis.
Led by senior orthopaedic sur-geon Dr Shivanand Bandekar,
thecampaigners who consisted of
senior citizens as well as kidsmarched along the Dayanand
Ban-dodkar Road from the MaquinezPalace to the Ferry Jetty and
back.The march culminated with aspeech by Dr Bandekar, who
elab-orated that the very painful dis-ease is very much
curable.
In all it was a very good ex-perience. I would like to thankthe
people of Goa for the co-operation we have received. Theenthusiasm
we have receivedespecially from the old and theyoung is very
encouraging, theorganisers said.
Panjim hosts walk-a-thon on arthritis awareness
Sernabatim road near the lakealso figured at the meeting,
withmembers pointing out to wastedumping on the road. Aftermuch
discussion, it was resolvedto erect a no garbage dumpingsign board
and to levy a fine ofRs 1000 on miscreants caughtdumping
garbage.
The construction of the newfish market (Tinto) also figuredat
the gram sabha meeting.Questions were also raisedover the
construction of com-posting pits for treatment ofbio-degradable
waste. Theconstruction of the footballground was also raised and
itwas informed that officials ofa government agency had con-ducted
inspection of thegrounds for the purpose ofconstruction of
drainages.
The issue over satellite mar-ket and health centre also cameup
for discussion.
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GOAOHERALD
O
Pg 4SHORT TAKESUPCOMING EVENTS
GOA, MONDAY, 9 MAY, 2011
Fusion concert at SanvordemMARGAO: The 3rd All Goa Youth Fusion
Concert will be
held at the Ravindra Bhavan Auditorium, Sanvordem on May9 at
3.45pm. This concert is meant to showcase young talentand is
conducted by Fr Peter Cardozo.
Handicraft expo at ChicalimPanjim(HND): Aparant Maand, an
exhibition by the Goa
Handicraft Corporation to promote sales of local handicraftsand
artisans is presently underway at Chicalim (oppositechurch) from 10
am to 10 pm till May 14. A variety of productsfrom home-made papad
to carpet is on sale in 130 stalls atthe venue. So far thousands of
people have visited the stalland have evinced a lot of interest in
the handicraft and home-made products.
Dr Mashelkar to be fetedPANJIM: The President of Global Research
Alliance, Dr Raghu-
nath Mashelkar will be felicitated with the 2nd
prestigiousLokmanya Matrubhumi Award, constituting of Rs 5.51
lakhsand a trophy which will be presented by renowned
Nuclearscientist Dr Anil Kakodkar in a felicitation ceremony on
May10 at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, at 5 pm.
Summer festival at Vasco churchPANJIM: The St Andrews Parish
youth will organise its
annual summer festival Illuminare from May 11 to 13 at theSt
Andrews church, Vasco, from 7 pm onwards.
On May 11, Vasco Parish priest, Fr Jose Antonio Costa
willinaugurate the festival followed by a performance by the
StAndrews music school. There will also be a show by EmilianoDCruz.
The offstage activities will include vegetable carvingand football
juggling competitions, apart from a buffet. OnMay 12, there will be
a group dance and singing competitionsfor children. There will also
be photography competition andface painting. The band Archies will
also perform on May 12.On May 13, tiatr Teg Bhav Deva Pav by Prince
Jacob will bestaged. There will be games and housie on all
days.
Drama workshop in PanjimPANJIM: A 6-day workshop on acting and
other aspects of
drama organised by Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG) will be heldfrom
May 9 to 14 at the Conference Hall of TAG, Campal TradeCentre,
Panjim. The workshop will be inaugurated by WilmixMazarello on May
9 at 3 pm. President of TAG, TomazinhoCardozo, will preside over
the inaugural function. 26 tiatrartistes will participate in the
workshop which will be con-ducted by Shantaram Pawar, a diploma
holder in Theatre.
Electricity workers dharnaPANJIM: The Electricity Employees
Union (EEU Goa) will hold
a Dharna on May 9 at 9.30 am before the Office of the
PrincipalChief Engineer, Electricity Department, Vidhyut Bhavan,
Panjim,demanding immediate regularisation of around 980 contractand
daily wage class IV employees who perform perennial andpermanent
job operations. The Union is also demanding salariesas per the
recommendations of Vl Pay Commission for dailywages contract class
IV employees and put an end to thesystem of giving break in service
to these employees.
Sr Maria celebrates silver jubilee
Sr MariaLeandra DSa receives the sapling from Fr Melvyn.
Photo by Thomas Fernandes
CALANGUTE(HC): Sr Maria Leandra DSa, FMCK, celebratedher silver
jubilee of religious profession in the congregationof Franciscan
Missionaries of Christ the King recently.
Fr Paul Alvares, Headmaster of St Anthonys High SchoolMonte de
Guirim, was the main celebrant for the Holy Eucharistconcelebrated
by Fr Melvyn and other priests.
Congratulating Sr Leandra, Fr Alvares wished her wellthroughout
her life full of service and love to humanity in thefootsteps of
Jesus Christ.
Sr Leandra planted a coconut sapling offered during the
of-fertory in the garden of Lourdes Convent.
Sr Leandra later thanked the priests, Sisters of the
Congre-gation and the laity from far and near for partaking in the
cel-ebrations. Sr Leandra also thanked her mother and
relatives.
Talk on Cure Yourself organised
A large attendance for the talk Cure Yourself.PANJIM (HND):
Margao Seva Samiti and Catholic Association
of Goa, in association with Vita Nova Homeopathic Clinics,Comba,
Margao, recently organised a talk on Cure Yourself at Grace Church
Hall. The talk focused on how to fortifybodys defence against
different illnesses and how Vita NovaHomeopathic Clinics differ
from others in their approach intreating difficult diseases with
minimum medication. Curedcases of infertility, alcoholic liver
disease and child disorderswere presented. Vita Nova Homeopathic
Clinic is located nearCoca Cola Godown, Abade Faria Road, Margao.
Ph 2737773/8308037, says a press release.
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
CORTALIM, MAY 8
Asserting that all his Congressworkers from Cortalim andDabolim
are united, CortalimMLA and Deputy Speaker Mau-vin Godinho said
that any at-tempts to break their unitywould be futile.
Referring to Benaulim MLAMickky Pachecos move to fieldhis wife
Viola for the presti-gious Cortalim seat, Godinhosaid that only
time will showhow strong the Congress net-work of workers is in the
con-stituency.
Mere Display of photographson banners is not an indicationof
popular support, Godinhotold Herald.
Godinho was speaking in Cor-talim after launching the worksof
hot mixing of Japan Bazaar-Thana road.
He said the aspirations ofCortalim people to have theroad
hot-mixed before the
Congress workers are united, claims Mauvin
Hot mixing of road in progress on Japan-Thana road in Cortalim.
Photo by Alvaro Colaco
onset of monsoons had beenmet.
Godinho informed that theremaining roads in Curpavado,Que loss
im wou ld be hotmixed at a total cost of Rs 43
lakh.Others present on the occa-
sion were Cortalim-QuelossimSarpanch Anthony Miranda, Cor-talim
ZP member Cynthia DSilvaand panchas.
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
MARCEL, MAY 8
Home minister and Minister forCooperation Ravi Naik has
urgedpeople to invest in cooperativesector banks and credit
societiesin the State.
"The money invested in suchsector will largely benefit
Goanpeople as the invested moneywill remain in the State,"
saidNaik, inaugurating the clothshowroom of the Goa
BagaytdarSahakari Vikri Sanstha at Pondaon Friday.
The minister also highlightedthe employment benefits in
thecooperative sector.
"Nationalised banks have peo-
ple from all over the country,while cooperative and credit
so-cieties employ locals," he said.
"People should not hesitateto invest in such
organisations.Cooperative sector is also goodemployment generator
and es-pecially the financial institu-tions, which provide jobs
tolocals."
He recalled that when he wasthe chief minister, he had re-duced
the sales tax to organi-s a t ions i nvo l ved in thecooperative
movement.
"The State government hasbeen doing whatever possibleto help the
cooperative move-ment in the State," said Naik.
Invest in cooperativesector banks,
Ravi urges people
Home Minister Ravi Naik along with Goa Bagaytdar
ChairmanNarendra Savoikar at the showroom of the Goa Bagaytdar
SahakariVikri Sanstha at Ponda. Photo by Amresh Parab
Union Minister for Tourism Subodh Kant Sahai felicitates
San-jeev Kadkade of Institute of Hotel Management, Goa for
winningnational award for Best Teacher in hospitality education.
Alsopresent is R H Khwaja, Secretary, Union ministry of
tourism.
Legal literacy camp heldPANJIM (HND): A legal literacy camp was
held recently at
GRP Camp, Altinho, Panjim, as a part of National Legal weekfor
Labour to spread legal awareness and create awarenessabout the
legal assistance workers can seek from the LegalServices
Authority.
Madhuri Rao, Family Counsellor, spoke on the subject
Pro-hibition of sexual harassment at workplace and protection
ofrights of women workers/labourers. Adv Vivian Braganzaspoke on
the subject Child Labour. The camp was attendedby about 100 people
from Altinho. There was an open questionanswer session. The vote of
thanks was proposed by ChitraShivsagar, Secretary of Tulsimata
Mahila Mandal, Taleigao. Thefunction was held under the auspices of
Tiswadi Taluka LegalServices Committee, Panjim.
DD to start news bulletin
HERALD NEWS DESK
PANJIM, MAY 6
Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naikhas said would approach Min-ister
of Information and Broad-cast ing, Ambika Soni, forrequisite
infrastructure and per-sonnel to operate a RegionalNews Bulleting
from Doordar-shan Kendra, Panjim.
Naik, who visited DoordarshanKendra recently, said that
Direc-tor of Public Information Bureau,Ermelinda Maria Dias, who
hasbeen given additional charge ofoperationalising Regional
NewsUnit at Doordarshan Kendra, Pan-jim, has already taken charge
andcommenced her work.
Naik who had discussion withDirector of Doordarshan C L
Nan-danpawar and Ms Dias said that formaking Regional News Unit
func-tional, separate space and equip-ment in Doordarshan Kendra
arerequired. Though space is availablein the Kendra, equipment and
per-sonnel will have to be requisitioned.
AE Station Engineer, PrasannaPrahudessai, Programme Exec-utive
Uday Kamat, and Pro-gramme Executive CyprianoLopes, were also
present.
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
CORTALIM, MAY 8
Shashikant Ranu Shirodkar wasunanimously elected presidentof
Sancoale Comunidade for2009-12.
About 72 members were pres-ent and the candidate proposedby
Anthony Vaz was declared vic-torious after no other
candidateproposed for the post. Shirodkarwas seconded by Elesbao
Vaz.
Verna Police under Mormu-gao Magistrate Brijesh Manerkarwas
present to maintain law andorder.
Meanwhile, the election totwo other two posts of Attorneyand
Treasurer and three substi-
tutes will be held in the CortalimComunidade office premises
onJune 2.
The election follows the Ad-ministrator, South Zone submis-sion
to the High Court to holdelections to these posts afterearlier
refusing to the demandsof the shareholders.
As reported, some sharehold-ers including Anthony Vaz hadfiled a
Writ Petition in the HighCourt seeking directions to
theAdministrator to also hold pollsfor Attorney and Treasurer
alongwith their substitutes along withthat of the president.
AdvocateJoaquim Godinho had repre-sented the petitioners.
Shirodkar is Cortalimcomunidade president
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
PORVORIM, MAY 8
Block Development Office Ma-pusa has appointed G A Ban-dekar as
the Administrator ofSocorro Panchayat to look afterthe
administration of the pan-chayat, as both the sarpanchand deputy
sarpanch have beenvoted out of office.
It may be recalled that onApril 29, Sarpanch SheetalArolkar and
Deputy Sarpanch
Sanjay Pednekar were voted outof office. This is the secondtime
in the course of last 4years the BDO has appointedAdministrator for
the SocorroPanchayat.
Socorro Panchayat is one ofthe most unstable panchayatsin Bardez
taluka, as none of thethree sarpachas who wereelected to govern the
panchayatcould survive for longer periodin the office.
Bandekar is Administratorof Socorro panchayat
Recruitmentrally
HERALD NEWS DESK
PANJIM, MAY 8
HQ I EME Centre, Secunderabadwill conduct recruitment
rallyprogramme under unit HQquota for recruitment of thewards of
War-Widows /Wid-ows/Ex-Servicemen/Serving Sol-diers and own brother
ofServicemen/Ex-Servicemen in-cluding wards of TA personnelits
centre in the category of Sol-dier GD, Soldier Technical andSoldier
Tradesman from May 9to 29. Eligible candidates mayreport at Golden
Jubilee stadiumof 1 Trg Bn, 1 EME Centre, Se-cunderabad at 5 am on
May 9.
For details, contact Secretary,Department of Sainik
Welfare,Collectorate building, Panjim.
HQ Madras Engr GP and Centre,Bangalore will conduct
recruitmentrally under unit HQ quota for re-cruitment of the above
mentionedcategories and open CAT at itscentre in the category of
SoldierTradesman (Musician) on July 4.
HERALD NEWS BUREAU
PANJIM, MAY 8
Seven new priests were or-dained in the Pilar SeminaryChapel on
Sunday.
If you want to belong toJesus, make Jesus a priority ofin your
life, Archbishop FilipeNeri Ferrao told the seven youngpriests
during the priestly ordi-nation ceremony.
The newly ordained priestsare Fr Savio Cabral (Navelim),
FrMinguel DSouza (Arambol), FrRex Fernandes (Cortalim), Fr
LinoSantiago (Margao), Fr SagayaSelvam (Tamil Nadu), Fr
MichaelPrakash (Pondichery) and FrBinod Kerketta (Jharkand).
Speaking on the occasion,Archbishop Filipe Neri statedthat the
Church is a communityof those who have encounteredJesus in their
lives. The momentyou realize Jesus, the sunset in
Seven priests ordainedat Pilar seminary
The newly ordained priests with Archbishop Filipe Neri
Ferrao.
POWER SHUTDOWNMAY 10
CARAMBOLIM: From 9 am to 2 pm at Jyoti Estate, Church
Waddo,Calwado, Volwaddo of Corlim village and entire Carambolim
vil-lage.
MAY 11
CARAMBOLIM: From 9 am to 2 pm at Katyebhat, Dineshnagar,Ela
Police station, Tourist hostel, Canara bank, Ela, Church of
BomJesus and vicinity of Old Goa village.
your life becomes a sunrise.Love of Jesus is all embrac-
ing, self sacrificing, serving, for-giving and compassionate
love.Jesus choose you as close col-laborators to walk on such apath
of love, the Archbishopsaid.
Fr Tony Lopes, Superior Gen-eral of the Society of Pilar,
statedthat priesthood is not a call tohonour but for service.
It is a challenge today to bepriest for these young
men.Therefore, we need to congrat-ulate them, give them boost
andpray for them, said Fr Lopes.
Fr Lopes stated that themother diocese, which is GoaArchdiocese,
nurtures of the So-ciety of Pilar. The Archdioceseof Goa has seen
the birth of theSociety of Pilar, nurtured it andstill guiding the
society.
Fr Sagaya Selvam, the new
priest expressing gratitude inEnglish, Konknni, Hindi andTamil
said: We are called to wit-ness Gods great mercy, who haschosen us,
taken care of us,moulded us and gathered usaround the altar. We
will striveto be faithful to our call.
The newly ordained priestswere sent out as deacons forsix months
to different diocesesfor pastoral experience.
Fr Sav io Cabra l was i nSalethur Parish (Mangalore) andFr
Michael Prakash stayed inKala Gupa mission at Shimoga.Fr Minguel
DSouza and FrBinod Kerketta practiced theirdiaconate ministry in
the Arch-diocese of Mumbai. Fr Lino San-tiago and Fr Sagaya
Selvamwere in Jalandhar diocese inPunjab. Fr Rex Fernandes wasin
Andaman and Nicobar Is-lands.
The word tide is a genericterm used to define the alternat-ing
rise and fall in sea level withrespect to the land, produced bythe
gravitational attraction of themoon and the sun. You may haveheard
that the tide comes in andthe tide goes out, but in fact a tideis
the vertical movement of waterand only goes up and down. Cur-rent
is the horizontal or sidewaysflow of water. The current floodsin
which makes the tide rise andebbs out which makes the tidefall. A
tide is the rise and fall ofwater caused by gravitationalforces of
the moon and sun on theoceans of the earth.
The gravitational pull of themoon tugs on the surface of
theocean until its surface mounds upand outward in the direction
ofthe moon. When the mound of
water has reached its highestpoint it is called high tide. On
theopposite side of the earth fromthe moon, the centrifugal
forcecaused by the earth's rotationproduces another mound of
waterand high tide. Between these twohigh tides are two flat areas
onthe surface of the ocean which arethe low tides.
Each day there are two hightides and two low tides. The
timebetween high and low tide is a lit-tle over 6 hours and the
entiretidal cycle repeats itself fourtimes each day. The regularity
of
the tides corresponds to the regu-lar orbit of the moon around
theearth and the rotation of the earthas it orbits around the
sun.
Depending upon the position ofthe moon relative to the earth
andsun, a moon can have differentphases. The phases of the moonare
also very regular, and havebeen used for thousands of yearsto keep
track of time using thelunar calendar. In addition to thedaily
movements of the moon,these monthly lunar cycles canalso impact the
tides.
Star GazingHow does the Moon Affect
Ocean Tides?
Comments or queries? Bouquets or brickbats? Talk to us!Email
Junior Herald at [email protected] or join our Facebook fan
page
http://www.facebook.com/Herald.Jr. Our readers are invited to
rave, rant, chat or even contribute. No message will go
unanswered!
Contact Us:
All about Gravity
What is a Tide?
Cycle of Tides
Lunar Calendar and Tides
-
GOAOHERALD
O Pg 5GOA, MONDAY, 9 MAY, 2011
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
CANACONA, MAY 8
Bailancho Saad has taken up acampaign to bring the
drop-outchildren back to school, espe-cially from remote areas of
Cana-cona.
As part of the campaign ini-tiated by Bailancho Saad in
col-laboration with CRY ChildrenRights, recently a
door-to-doorcontact was started to identifychildren who stopped
going toschool and motivate them tojoin back their schools.
A meeting was held in Khoti-gao Panchayat to make the vil-lagers
aware of the Right toEducation and involve the res-idents in
identifying drop-outchildren.
Khotigao Sarpanch RajeshGaonkar, who was present forthe meeting,
urged the villagersnot to un-register their childrenfrom going to
school after Std7, said to be a practice in thevillage.
The sarpanch said that not asingle student from his
tribalvillage has passed in 12th Sci-ence stream nor any
studentfrom Khotigao has passed in
first class.Dr Sabina Martins explained
the Right to Education Act, say-ing this act makes
educationcompulsory for Std VI or up to14 years in school.
Dr Martins also stated thatBailancho Saad will try to iden-tify
the obstacles to girl childeducation, but panchayat hasto he lp and
iden t i f y thedropouts.
There are some difficultieslike children have to walk
longdistances to reach schools, sosupport services to assist
chil-dren having difficulties to copeas they are first generation
learn-ers, said Martins.
Victor Mendes explained theprogramme of CRY to createawareness
about childrenrights.
Any facility which is not avail-able for children will be
identi-fied and brought to the noticeof authorities, besides CRY
willalso address issues like childabuse, violence in family
whichaffects the welfare of children,Mendes told the villagers.
Afrose Shaikh explained indetail how alcoholism affectsthe
education to children andthe need to address it at thefamily level
itself.
Premandi Prabhu coordinatedthe awareness programme andpresented
a cultural programby children. Pushpa Pilankarproposed the vote of
thanks,panchayat members, Angan-wadi supervisor were some ofthe
people attended the meet-ing.
Awareness drive to bring drop-outs to school begins
n Any facility whichis not availablefor children willbe
identified andbrought to thenotice ofauthorities,besides CRY
willalso addressissues like childabuse, violence infamily
whichaffects thewelfare ofchildren.
HERALD REPORTER
VASCO, MAY 8
Mormugao Port Trust (MPT)Chairman P Mara Pandian hasstated that
the 126-year-oldMormugao Port should diversifyand the port
connectivity shouldbe improved.
Disclosing his plan of actionduring an interaction with mediaon
Wednesday, Pandiyan said
that the Mormugao port needsdiversification, where
morecommodities can be handledand better port connectivityshould be
provided to the port.
Diversification of port andproviding better connectivity tothe
port will be my thrust duringmy tenure, he said.
The problem lies with port con-nectivity, be it trade meetings
in Bel-
guam or Kolhapur, as traders havebeen complaining that
connectivityto port is a major problem.
Traders from Belguam haveassured that they are ready tobring
containers in bulk at Mor-mugao port, provided there isbetter road
connectivity. The pres-ent NH-17B is incomplete, whichshould have
been completedmuch earlier, said Pandiyan.
MPT chief calls for diversifying port
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
CALANGUTE, MAY 8
Lokacho Adhar recently felici-tated 350 senior citizens
fromGuirim at Silver Bells, Sangolda.
Physician and cardiologist DrAbilio Gonsalves felicitated
thesenior citizens. A large numberof senior citizens attended
thefunction despite their ailingage.
Addressing the gathering, DrGonsalves congratulated
TrajanoDMello, Lokacho Adhar presi-dent and his organization
forfelicitating the senior citizenswho have been the co refounders
of the society.
DMello said that it was aprivilege honouring the seniorcitizens
as he always lookedupon them as teachers of wis-dom.
DMello felt that societyshould be more sensitive tosenior
citizens and not allowthem feel forgotten or mar-ginalized and
assured to lookinto their needs in the nearfuture.
On the occasion, housie was
Senior citizens from Guirim feted
Physician and cardiologist Dr Abilio Gonsalves speak at the
func-tion in Sangolda. Photo by Thomas Fernandes
organised for the senior citizens,in which Alleluia Castro
andMaruti Chinchankar were theprize recipients.
Lokacho Adhar were sup-ported by Arico Crasto, SabinLourenco,
Amey Mandrekar, Ra-jesh Tupkar Anthony DSouzaand the Woman &
Child WelfareAssociation of Guirim in theirendeavour of remembering
thesenior citizens.
Xavier Rodrigues, William D-Souza and Hilda Pereira werethe
special invitees for the func-tion.
Earlier, Peter Afonso wel-comed the gathering, MilagresCarneiro
compered the function,while Maj Victor Zuzart pro-posed the vote of
thanks.
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
PORVORIM, MAY 8
The Penha-de-Franca Library cel-ebrated its 6th anniversary
inthe community hall at Alto Betimon Saturday.
Speaking on this occasion,chief guest Linad Dhuri statedthat
reading sharpens thethought process of an individualand makes
him/her grasp ideasbetter.
When a person reads bookson different subjects, it makeshim/her
more knowledgeable.Hence, parents should motivatetheir children to
read books onvarious subjects, said Dhuri.
Dhuri further stated thatbooks are one of the best toolsfor
training and upbringing ofchildren.
When we read the right kindof books, especially the
well-re-searched, well-written books byestablished authors, we tend
togain a lot of knowledge, whichis bound to enhance our
mentalcapabilities, added Dhuri.
Guest of honour DeepaliUlman said the main purposeof reading
books is to acquireknowledge.
It is not very important howmany books the child reads, butthe
important thing is how thebooks have been read. Is thechild just
making a cursory rapidreading or has he/she read abook with
absorbed interest andunderstood its contents? Theparents should
give full atten-tion to these aspects, saidUlman.
In his welcome speech,Penha-de-Franca Library Presi-dent Rajesh
Volvoiker statedthat library apart from providingbooks also
conducts variouscompetitions for children andorganizes cultural
programmesto enable them to showcasetheir talents.
Earlier, chief guest Dhurilighted the traditional lamp.
Theguests gave away certificatesand mementos to the girls
whoparticipated in the dances.
Penha-de-Franca Library celebrates anniversary
The children who participated in the dance programme along
withthe chief guest. Photo by Anil Shankhwalker
Vinod Kumbharjuveker com-pered the programme, Penha-de-Franca
Panch Visranti Dessaiproposed the vote of thanks.Students of
Kalavishkar pre-sented classical dances on theoccasion.
HERALD NEWS DESK
PANJIM, MAY 6
The Saritsa Foundation in asso-ciation with India
Meteorolog-ical Department, GoI, and GoaState Disaster Management
cellorganised a one-day workshopfor monsoon awareness and
pre-paredness for disasters as a mo-bile campaign with team
ofexperts for coastal communitiesof Goa at the Goa
InternationalCentre at Dona Paula recently.
The workshop dealt with thedisasters which commonly
affectcoastal people such as floods,sea-level rise, tsunamis,
cy-clones, earthquakes and climatechange. The campaign aims toraise
awareness and shape re-sponses on disasters and climatechange among
fishermen, ruralyouth, women, disabled and vil-lage local body
representativesthrough practical training withan innovative use of
local re-sources.
Speaking on the occasion asthe chief guest, Sanjay
Srivastavasaid that preparedness is essen-tial for tackling
probable disasteror a natural calamity which maycome along with the
onset ofmonsoon. He said we cannothelp disasters from happeningbut
awareness and little pre-paredness in the regard will helpreduce
the impact.
Collector North Goa, R MihirVardhan, Deputy Director Gen-
Disaster preparationworkshop organised
eral of Meteorology, Mumbai,Dr R V Sharma, Director Gen-eral of
Sarista foundation, ColN M Verma, Director NIO, DrSatish Shetye,
and DirectorIndia Meteorological Depart-ment Goa, K V Singh, were
alsopresent.
-
Denigrating EnglishDr Joe DSouza, Panjim
It is a well-known phenomena whereinCatholic names are used by
certain bigotsto profess hatred towards English and ex-press pseudo
concerns for Konkani. Amonth ago, these cowards used the nameof Dr
Rita Paes to denigrate English basededucation. However, Dr Paes
read and re-alised that her name was misused to con-fuse Catholics
against empowermentthrough English and submitted a rejoinderto this
effect. Similarly, the letter of Michaelde Souza MoI: Konkani only
(Herald, 4May) is yet another attempt to projectCatholics as
Portuguese passport seekers,while in fact, substantial Hindus too
havebenefited through Portuguese passportand education from
Catholic schools.
Pakistans double speakNelson Lopes, Chinchinim
In spite of posturing by Pakistan, USA hashad another drone
attack not withstandingtheir claim of national sovereignty. USA
has reserved its right to pursue any target,anywhere, to achieve
its objective. It willnot be cowed down by any threats. Thequestion
of cutting aid to Pakistan is themillion dollar question. It needs
Pakistanto fight terror in Afghanistan, Iraq etc. USAhas long
relations and co-operation withPakistan in spite of knowing its
doublegame all the time. The harbouring of Osamahas created a
deficit trust, and Pakistan isat pains to redeem itself from this
embar-rassment. Pakistan is now known to be aterror state,
exporting, training, and spon-soring terrorism as its lucrative
trade. Pak-istan will continue to play deception andUSA will look
the other way, as it is a mu-tually beneficial relationship.
Ugly fanaticsJoel Morais, Cuncolim
The recent statement by Aravind Bhatikar,who I believe, is
running an English mediumschool in Goa that those demanding
Englishas a medium of education, are doing so tobecome ayahs,
butlers, cooks, and drivers.This is does not hurt but it reveals
his class.
We are sincere to our profession and neverturned out to be
chamchas of the peoplein power, so that they could succeed
inlife.
For the information of Bhatikar, we are notdemanding English as
a medium of Instruc-tion, but we are fighting for our right. Goahad
the best education system in our countrycirca 1989 and English was
the medium ofeducation. The choice between Konkani,Marathi, French
etc and Hindi was mandatory.But some fanatics, who are now trying
tostage a comeback, ruined the system in thename of grants at the
time of the PDF gov-ernment headed by Dr Luis Proto Barbosa.We know
what is best for our children. Thesefanatics can get their English
medium schoolsconverted to Konkani medium and take careof all and
sundry.
Navelim road broadeningSelwyn Vaz, Navelim
This is with regard to the broadening ofNH17 from Navelim Church
to the Margaoflyover. Some glaring mistakes need
urgentrectification. On both sides of the lane, asmall drain
channel has been made, butwherever there is an opening on the
foot-path, hotmix material is dumped on thisdrain to facilitate
vehicle access. This willblock flow of water during monsoons. A
3
inch pipe could have been laid prior tothis. Secondly, the storm
water drains onboth sides are filled with large stones, gritand mud
that need to be cleaned. The drainin front of Kudchadkers hospital
alreadyserves as a sewage conduit. The width ofthe two lanes is
neither uniform nor is thewidth of the lanes on the Church side
insimilarity with that of the width on the fly-over side. These
queries have to be an-swered before it is made operational.
Advice to youthOrlando SA Da Silva, Carmona
This is in reply to the letter by Maria Fer-nandes Enthusiastic
youth (Herald, 6 May).The choice we make today will usuallyaffect
tomorrow. I have witnesses wherevolunteers of some politicians have
ap-proached the youth with money and prom-ises, to get enrolled
themselves in theBenaulim youth Congress. Since no oneapproached
Maria, she may have been leftout and taken for granted. I advise
theyouth is to be cautious rather than followa blind ideology.
Baseless claimSavio Rodrigues, Varca
This has reference to the letter Constructive
Development by Orlando SA Da Silva (Her-ald, 2 May). There has
been some miscom-munication with regard to the claim madeby the
writer. I am confident that this isbaseless because I was not given
any moneyfor joining the youth Congress and neitherhave I heard of
any such payment beingmade to others. It was in full faith and
freewill that I joined. Valanka Alemao is by farthe most promising
candidate. Currentlyin our constituency, I feel that she is theonly
one who can redeem the future. Sheis very approachable and very
helpful.
We are the educated youth and do notget influenced easily. We
are not nave.The misguidance used to happen in thecorrupt past, and
not now.
In terms of development, we are awarethat it has to be
sustainable, since devel-opment marks progress.
Language of servantsFr Jaime Couto, Margao
With reference to Jill Dale Rodrigues letterSadistic opinion
(Herald, 6 May), kindlypermit me to make the following
observa-tion. The writer tries to prove that the peo-ple demanding
English for medium ofinstruction do speak fluent Konkani byquoting
a sentence amche bhurgeanche borezalear puro that she overheard at
the AzadMaidan. This sentence of 5 words containsat least 3 major
grammatical mistakes. Thisis a very good specimen of Konkani
spokenby the educated Goan to communicatewith the servants and
others. When youmake a mistake in English, you are an un-educated
Goan, but the more mistakesyou commit in Konkani, the more
educatedyou are! This is the sad ground reality inGoa. Let Konkani
remain forever as theservants language.
Heralds e-paper Nelson Victoria, Calangute
It is a great privilege for all Non ResidentIndian (NRI) Goans
to read the e-paper ofHerald. In fact, this paper can be
down-loaded by subscribing to the site . However,the download size
is more than 20 MBwhich takes a lot of time for a downloadand
subsequent printing. On the other
hand, the NRI Keralites can download theMalayalam newspaper
which is easily avail-able in PDF and the size is around 3 MB.We
would be grateful if Heralds e-papercould be reduced to around 3MB
for fasterdownloading in PDF format.
This is our creationGustavo Stephen Godinho, Nagoa
This is with reference to letter What aboutus? (Herald, 5 May)
by James Moraes wherein he speaks about the Goan terrorists andthe
fate of Goa.
The fact of the matter is that Goa is mov-ing towards self
destruction. The so-calledpoliticians-turned-terrorists are the
verycreation of Goans.
We get what we choose and we alwayschoose these corrupt and
greedy peopleas leaders. We choose them to repose ourgratitude for
the goodies they offered us,at election time.
But if we want anything good to happenin Goa, we will have to
choose educated,honest and sincere people as our leaders.Goas fate
lies in the hands of Goans.
C factor stifles progress Jose Maria Miranda, Margao
I read with interest the interview of Archi-tect Brian Soares
(Corruption has increasedwith criticisms, Herald Estates, 2 May).
It isalso true that had there not been activism,the putrid
government would have had afield day in turning Goa into a
concretejungle.
I certainly disagree with Soares thatprogress is hampered
through activism.And if corruption has increased with crit-icisms
as he alleges, should we allow it tohappen by remaining silent
spectators?
It remains to be seen how many goodand valuable suggestions of
architects andengineers find acceptance.
If there are good, bad and ugly amongprofessionals, it is also
present among ac-tivists.
We need to salute the activists for theircourage, tenacity, time
and energy in put-ting brakes on various activities that wouldhave
changed demograpy/character and bedetrimental to villagers.
Pedro Feytor Pinto headed the Departmentof Information Services
(SEIT) in the gov-ernment of Marcello Caetano who replacedAntonio
Oliveira Salazar in 1968 as the head ofthe Portuguese government.
Feytor Pinto has justreleased a book entitled Na Sombra do Poder
(Inthe Shadow of Power) [Lisboa, D. Quixote, 2011,pp. 402]. Not
wishing to classify it as history ormemoirs, yet hoping that
historians may find ituseful, the author chooses to narrate events
ashe experienced them from his vantage point inthe shadow of power,
during the years endingwith the Carnation Revolt of 25 April 1974,
whichput an end to half a century of dictatorship,known as Estado
Novo.
Born at Castelo Branco in 1936, the authorprovides interesting
details about his early edu-cation at Coimbra, before moving on to
Lisbonfor higher studies in Law. We are told about thefamily
network and linkages with many influentialpersonalities of the
Portuguese public life and ofthe Church in Portugal. It reveals his
early con-nections with Opus Dei and also why he decidedto delink
from it, without losing his admirationfor that institution and its
contribution to thesociety. He admits having benefitted much
fromOpus Dei links in the promotion of his later careerat home and
overseas.
The years in Lisbon (1955-1969) were occupiedas Law student and
by the start of a professionalcareer. First as secretary of the
minister Prof Adri-ano Moreira, and soon thereafter, as a
low-rankingofficial in the Overseas Ministry in Lisbon in-charge of
the Political Affairs. He had as colleagueJoo Mesquitella, who had
been secretary of thelast Governor-General of Portuguese
India.Through him Feytor Pinto had come to knowmore details about
the loss of Goa. These detailshe could later confirm through his
contacts withFelix Naggar, the correspondent of France Pressin
India in 1961, and later posted in Lisbon.
In an interesting reflection the author commentsupon the nature
of the political leadership thatcharacterised the Salazar
administration of Por-tugal. He sees it as predominantly
legal-mindedcadre rooted in legalism and institutionalism
thatfailed to take into account the dominant post-World War
democratic concepts and political
trends which checkmated many of the juridicaldecisions in
practice.
The author presents as illustrations the caseof the Right of
Passage and the proceedings ofthe Security Council and the General
Assemblyof UN against the occupation of Goa by the Indianarmed
forces. The political stance adopted byUSA and UK in those
occasions revealed how theinterests of big powers prevailed over
the inter-national rights of small nations. The capture ofthe
merchant vessel Santa Maria by a Portuguesedissident Henrique Galvo
and the political asylumhe received from Brazil is presented as yet
anotherinstance of international politics against interna-tional
law, and once again unfavourable to thePortuguese interests.
With reference to the fall of Portuguese India,Feytor Pinto
describes it as the end of a cyclethat had begun at Ceuta (North
Africa) on August14, 1415. The Goa case is mentioned because ofthe
many financial difficulties that several of hisGoan student
colleagues at the Lisbon Universityfaced as regard the payment of
fees, because theyhad ceased to receive the usual monthly
remit-tances from their families in Goa. As a memberof the Students
Association he proposed measuresto find a solution to the
situation, but the response
was lukewarm as the case was seen as political.Even so, the
author mentions his efforts at pre-senting it as a humanitarian
case and his decisionto abandon the Association and seek other
waysof finding assistance.
It refers to a silent march the author helped or-ganising on 18
December 1961 to the Se Cathedralof Lisbon carrying the relics of
St Francis Xavier anda national banner in procession. The group
managedto contact business groups such as CUF, and someinfluential
ladies connected with the NationalWomens Movement (Movimento
Nacional Feminino),such as Ceclia Supico Pinto. Feytor Pinto pays
hishomage to Goans who excelled in Portugal as diplo-mats, lawyers
and judges. He believes that the timelyhelp may have permitted the
achievements of thoseGoan colleagues. Feytor Pinto moved to
Genevain 1969 with a privileged Portuguese scholarshipof the
Instituto para a Alta Cultura to study at theHautes tudes
Internationales (HEI), a meetingpoint for students from Portuguese
Africa withanti-colonial tendencies. These found patronagein the
Swiss protestant Church institutions. FeytorPinto manifests his
satisfaction for this opportunityto get to know personally some of
the futureleaders of the Angola and Mozambique. But italso mentions
among his close friends in Switze-
land, a Goan, Alexandre de Faria, married to anIranian lady
Guita Emami. It describes Alexandrede Faria as UKeducated and very
reserved in hissocial dealings.
Feytor Pinto returned from Switzerland to Lis-bon in August 1970
on suggestion from MarcelloCaetano and took charge as director of
the De-partment of Information, including the sectionof the Foreign
Press accredited in Portugal. Thislatter section was supervised by
the Goa-bornPortuguese ambassador Bonifcio de Miranda.He has been
described as a Goan of high calibrewho represented Portugal in
several meetings ofthe General Assembly of United Nations.
Feytor Pinto reveals several other issues thatmakes his book
particularly interesting for theGoan public. Directly connected
with the contentsof my last column (Adrian Hastings, Scourge ofthe
Portuguese, Herald, 25 April) Feytor Pinto cor-roborates the
consequences that Adrian Hastingsdenunciation of the Wiriyamu
massacres hadfor the official visit of Marcello Caetano to Londonin
July 1973, almost causing its cancellation.Feytor Pinto was
involved in the preparation ofthe visit and had to face the
international pressand anti-Portugal manifestations, in which
DrMrio Soares, then in exile, is mentioned as havingtaken part.
Interestingly, Prof Marcello Caetano admittedignorance of the
massacres, but we are told thatan inquiry entrusted to Jorge
Jardim, a maverickentrepreneur-cum-diplomat who had gained
theattention and appreciation of Salazar in the caseof Goa,
confirmed the military atrocities in Mozam-bique. Incidentally, it
was Jorge Jardim who carrieda cyanide capsule for the Governor
Vassalo Silvaand tried unsuccessfully on 10 May 1962 to killthe
military governor Candeth, during his plannedvisit to Mormugo
municipality. The bombs ex-ploded two hours earlier! Following the
admission,the governor and military commander of the Teteprovince
of Mozambique were dismissed fromoffice. The author further admits
that this caseaffected deeply the morale of the Portuguesearmed
forces and also intensified the discontentof the younger generation
in Portugal influencedby the post-Vatican teachings about social
jus-tice.
OPINIONwww.oheraldo.in
Pg6Vol No CX No: 128
Goa, Monday, 9 May, 2011
Letters to the EditorLetter of the Day
English for poor children James Fernandes, President Goynche Niz
Mogi
Bembre Bab, your thought as expressed in your article Look at
thy neighbour please(Herald, 2 May) are sadly bitter and
dysfunctional.
The Christian community and their leaders have made the single
largest contributionto the development of the nation. Their
institutions of learning, have been producingmen and women of
excellence in various fields.
Your examples resemble that of submitting precedence in support
of an argument.The babies and children are changing the world in
leaps and bounds. Spoken Englishhas changed to Hinglish. Various
countries that depended on Indian IT graduates,do not need them as
their citizens are also being educated in English.
Free education in English must be made compulsory for the
children of the poor,the SC, ST, and Konkani language must be
supported so that it walks hand in handwith English. The rich can
educate their children in the language of their choice.
Printed and published by Vinayak Pai Bir for and on behalf of
Herald Publications Pvt Ltd. Printed at Herald Publications Pvt
Ltd, Plot No: L-135, Phase II, Verna Industrial Estate, Verna,
Salcete, Goa. Published at PO Box 160, Rua Sao Tome, Panjim, Goa -
403001. Editor-in-chief: Mr R F Fernandes. Editor: Ashwin
Tombat(Responsible under PRB Act). Regd Office: St Tome Road,
Panjim, Goa. Tel: 2224202, 2228083, Fax: 2222475 (all Editorial);
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and/or owners.
OHERALDO
By Arlette Azavedo
OHERALDO
In the shadow of power
Smile with Smitha
HISTORIcAl ExPlORATIONS
Schizophrenicvisa system
This tourist season, we are told, has been exceptionallygood.
Goa received its highest number of charter flightsever, with total
inflow of both domestic and internationaltourists aggregating at an
estimated 23 lakh. The May rushof domestic tourists will probably
take the tourist inflow toaround 27 lakh, says Director of Tourism
Swapnil Naik.
But despite the optimism, the fact is that tourist arrivalsfrom
Goas most faithful foreign visitors, the British, aredropping. This
last year has apparently shown some recovery,but t hough the
British economy has stopped deteriorating,the arrival of British
tourists hasnt improved. In 2007-08,Goa received 365 charter
flights from the UK carrying 100,664tourists. In 2008-09, this
figure dropped to 287 flights with77,500 tourists. This was partly
owing to the economic slow-down, but that was only part of the
reason.
The main reason was the 26/11 attack on Mumbai andthe drastic
changes in visa rules that followed. It becamevery difficult to get
a visa for India. Long term vacationers,Goas greatest foreign
tourist asset, were put to indescribablehardship by a baffling rule
still in operation that once atourist leaves India, (s)he cannot
re-enter the country fortwo months.
This, and the needless crackdown on British retireesowning
property in Goa has damaged Goas image in Britain.And if these
quixotic rules are not changed, it could resultin this state going
off the favorite destination list in the UK.The tourist industry
may not be too concerned, since Russianshave been coming in ever
greater numbers to this state, butthe comfort levels of the people
in the tourist trade is muchhigher with English-speaking
tourists.
In 2007-2008, the number of Russian tourists was around42,690
with 159 flights. In 2010-11, it has jumped to 70,053.Even as it
has become so much harder for the British tocome to Goa, it is
ridiculously easy for the Russians to dothe same. Russians who live
in Yekaterinburg and St Peters-burg, cities that unlike Moscow do
not have an Indianconsulate can get a 14-day Temporary Landing
Permit (TLP)on arrival at Dabolim Airport. That is like a visa on
arrival. Itis this TLP that Goas tourism trade now wants opened
upto all tourists. Its perfectly reasonable. If a tourist from
StPetersburg can get a 14-day visa on arrival, why not onefrom
London?
Besides, it would open out Goa for opportunities, suchas when
Tahrir square in Egypt was under occupation, andthousands of
Britishers booked for the beach resort townof Sharm el Shaikh were
stranded. Goa could have reaped abonanza then.
But it still would not help Goas oldest friends; the long-term
tourists. For them, our MPs must continue to lobby inNew Delhi to
reverse that senseless stipulation requiring atwo-month cooling
period after a tourist leaves India to re-enter. What sort of
schizophrenic policy allows visas-on-arrival to some and puts
endless obstacles in the way ofothers?
VIPs vs aam admi
Why does Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane need 21policemen to
guard him? Maybe, given that mys-terious people offer supari to
gangsters for hishead, Home Minister Ravi Naik may need the 17
policemenhe is entitled to. But if Luizinho Faleiro and
DayanandNarvekar can manage with two policemen each, most otherVIPs
should be able to make do with less, so that the unpa-trolled
streets of the state can be guarded better.
Honesty and IntegrityWise Counsel
Whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothingbut
joy, because you know that the testing of your faithproduces
endurance; and let endurance have its full effectso that you may be
mature and complete, lacking in nothing. Ifany of us is lacking in
wisdom, we need to ask God, who gives tous all so generously and
ungrudgingly. But we need to ask in faith,never doubting, for the
one who doubts is like a wave of the sea,tossed by winds. If we
doubt in every way, we cannot expect toreceive anything from the
Lord. Often trials potentially lead tofaith, which leads to
perseverance, maturity, wisdom, and stability.Integrity or
uprightness is something that we all yearn for butalways it does
not happen so as we all cut corners one time or theother and take
the easy way out, hide little misbehaviors and tellwhite lies. So
whats the big deal? We feel ripped off in so manyways that we feel
justified in letting integrity slide in return.
Recently, a friend of mine shared with me how a man
riskedeverything to tell the truth because he knew it was the right
thingto do. How often are we faced with the option of speaking
truthor backing down and being a nice person of value? Integrity
canmean many things, but at its root, integrity means the quality
ofbeing complete or unbroken wholeness. Sometimes we are forcedto
struggle between telling the truth, a truth that could save
some-
one. In such an apparent no-win scenario, we often decide
tohonour our integrity and tell the truth no matter what the
conse-quences are. Many people go through their daily lives and
arefaced with honouring themselves or someone else they think
rulestheir lives. When given this choice, ask yourself Whats the
rightthing to do in this situation? The right thing done is that
whenwe go to sleep at night we can say to ourself I did the
rightthing.
Theres an old quotation which says: Learn to be free of thegood
opinion of others. Lets learn to be free of the good opinionof our
own ego. Are you willing to listen to your heart and intuitionand
be true to yourself, even when it hurts, and you know thetruth? Are
you willing to do the unpopular thing especially whenits needed?
Every seed we sow grows, so we need to be awarefully conscious of
what we are planting in our own minds and theminds of those who you
influence.
Do hypocrites have any integrity in themselves? I believe
thathypocrites have no integrity whatsoever. As if we define
hypocritesas those who believe in some ideal which they cannot
possiblyfulfill, if so, then we are all hypocrites. Yes, we all
fail to live up toour highest aspirations. We all fail to achieve
our full potential.During our lifetime, there will always be a gap
between what we
are and what we can become. For each one of us, there is an
on-going struggle to narrow this gap. However, integrity comes
inwhen we acknowledge our failures, accept our limitations,
andhonestly strive to make amends and achieve our ideals.
Hypocriteswithout integrity are those who would go to any length to
coverup their dishonesty and faults in order to protect their
facade andgrip on power. Therefore, we find out the complex reasons
whyhonesty is such a rare commodity in todays world. We tell
lieswhen we are afraid, afraid of what we dont know, afraid of
whatothers will think, afraid of what will be found out about us.
Butevery time we tell a lie, the thing that we fear grows stronger
andwe lose our honour.
As you go about your daily life, listen to your heart;
rememberthat honesty means the state of being complete, connected
toyour own self. Honesty and integrity are absolutely essential
toour survival.
Finally, an apt quote from Proverbs 6:12-15 A scoundrel
andvillain, who goes about with a corrupt mouth, who winks with
hiseye, signals with his feet and motions with his fingers, who
plotsevil with deceit in his heart he always stirs up dissension.
There-fore, disaster will overtake him in an instant; he will
suddenly bedestroyedwithout remedy.
By Smitha Bhandare Kamat
Pedro Feytor Pintos book narrates events from his vantage point
during the years before the revolt, says TEOTNIO R DE SOUZA
-
INDIAGOA, MONDAY 9, MAY 2011
A P P O I N T M E N T S
Pg 7OHERALD
O
oPinionatedThe truth of Goas
two-way intelligenceBy ORLAnDO SA DA SILvA
The so-called doyens of secularism stands exposed.The article
Look at thy neighbour, please (Herald, 2 May)
by Adv Uday Bhembre, who years ago hogged the limelight asa most
secular person, appears to be one-sided.
From his article, he appears to convey a message that
theindividuals he has listed as most successful, excelled only
be-cause of the Devnagri script through which Konkani and Marathiis
presently taught. Can the excellence of these listed individualsbe
directly linked or attributed to Marathi or Konkani inDevnagri
script only, through a scientific study? People whotook their
primary education in English have also excelled andwere not
misfits. What did he choose to illustrate by usingthe tag of only
one community, in his illustration?
In our state, all people who have intelligence irrespectiveof
the community they belong to, have excelled and achievedsuccess.
Intelligence is a gift of God and the Almighty has arole to play in
bestowing this gift to every person. English asa language, the
world over, has produced personalities thathave left permanent
impressions in our minds to make lifeeasy and enjoyable.
Why does Uday Bab have to mix the issue of mother tonguewith
MoI? 150 English non-aided schools that flourished inthe state
after the language issue, have been closed twodecades ago. Why has
he passively supported Marathi andother Indian languages for grants
in the state when they arenot our mother tongues? The sufferings of
the Christian com-munity to understand the Devnagri script, while
teaching chil-dren, has to be taken into consideration. Sadly,
despite allthis, there has been no contribution for the development
andimprovement of Konkani during the past two decades whenall the
parents are suffering for want of proper books, teachersand
teaching materials.
I am the PTA chairman of a convent school having approxi-mately
800 students which consists of students not only fromthe Catholic
community, but fairly good numbers from theHindu community as well.
I had attended the public rally atAzad Maidan by FORCE, and I saw
with my eyes as to howmany educated and well-settled Hindu brothers
and sistersgathered over there, to demand English as a medium of
in-struction.
Uday Babs opinions are personal and not the opinion ofthe
majority of my Hindu brothers and sisters and the rest ofGoans. In
our school, our Hindu parents are more concernedabout the progress
of our demand for English as a medium ofinstruction for the next
academic year.
Let the education system uplift the poor and the downtroddenand
reduce the burden of parents and children in this
democraticglobalised world. If Konkani is to be developed as our
mothertongue, make it a compulsory subject from Std I to X. It
willget due attention and support for its development from everyNiz
Goemkar, on a sustainable basis.
A boy cooling himself in Jaipur on Saturday.
Court upholdstalaq given
through agentPTI
NEW DELHI, MAY 8
A Delhi court has upheld the va-lidity of divorce given by a
ShiaMuslim to his wife through an-other man appointed by him ashis
agent to pronounce the word'talaq' in Arabic as he himselfcould not
speak the language.
Additional District JudgeReetesh Singh upheld the legal-ity of
the divorce given by SabirHussain, saying that Shia Muslimpersonal
law allows a man, un-able to speak Arabic, to appointan agent on
his behalf to pro-nounce the word 'talaq'.
"Respondent Sabir Hussainhas duly proved that he had ob-tained
divorce against the ap-pellant (Mumtaz) as prescribedunder Shia
Muslim Law," thejudge said.PMO recommends CBI, ED
probe in CWG contractsPTI
NEW DELHI, MAY 8
Taking a serious view of Shunglucommittee findings, the
PrimeMinister's Office has suggestedto Sports Ministry a probe
byCBI and Enforcement Direc-torate based on the panel's re-port
into alleged irregularitiesin the contracts executed byCWG
Organising Committee.
In its letter, the PMO hasasked for probe by the
agenciesspecifically in works carried outby Event Knowledge
Services(EKS), an international private con-sultant, and other
irregularitiespointed out by the Committee.
EKS was given three contractsof over Rs 70 crore by the
or-ganising committee to extendconsultancy services for thevenue
development and man-agement, games workforce, andgames planning and
projectmanagement services.
The PMO has directed "expe-ditious action" on Prime
MinisterManmohan Singh's order in thematter and sought the reply
ofSports Ministry within a month onthe fifth report of the
high-level com-mittee appointed by him.
The financial loss suffered by theGovernment due to favouritism
forworkforce contract aggregated toRs 18.36 crore, the report
said.
"Department of Sports mayforward, to the CBI/ED, for ac-tion as
appropriate, relevant ex-tracts of the report pertainingto the
matter of EKS, and theclear cases of forgery, falsifica-tion,
record creation etc., men-tioned in case of other
highlightedirregularities," the letter written tothe Sports
Ministry said.
The Prime Minister had onOctober 25 last year appointedthe
high-level committee underthe chairmanship of formerComptroller and
Auditor Gen-
eral V K Shunglu to investigateand report all irregularities
inexecuting various projects byseveral government agenciesduring
the Games held here be-tween October 3-14, last year.
The committee, in its reportsubmitted to the PMO on March28,
found several discrepanciesin the projects executed by thecompany
and "collusion" amongsacked OC Chief Suresh Kalmadi,Chief Executive
Officer of CWGFederation Mike Hooper andother senior functionaries
of theGames body. "
The contract was awarded ona single source basis on the
rec-ommendation/statement ofMike Hooper, CEO of CGF thatEKS was
much better informedregardi