For the cause of environment - · Web viewGreen Earth Movement An E-Newsletter for the cause of Environment, Peace, Harmony and Justice Remember - “you and I can decide the future”

E-Weekly-3/35

Green Earth MovementAn E-Newsletter for the cause of Environment, Peace, Harmony and Justice

Remember - “you and I can decide the future”

ORGANIC FARMING – NEED OF THE HOUR

Readers’ Letters GEM Inspirational series School students’ bid to restore

green cover Sobo’s drains to smell roses Report vindicates anti-mining

activists Ready for talk with church

officials Conference on Hospital Waste

Management Issue of ban on plastic

dominates MCC meeting DC lauds city’s cleanliness Greenland losing 200 million

tons ice every year

Kerala Church concerned over Tiger scare

Tribals want to dismantle Vedanta plant

MCGM invites public comments on the existing land use maps

MP awards nun’s Aids Care Centre

Where should these people go?

Rupees 600 is enough to feed a family of five says Shiela Dixit

Modern day Noah has 19 cats 3 dogs

Speakers stress on harmony, peace in all religion meeting

Jayalalitha credits Christian schools for her progress

Cardinal releases Kandhamal stories in Malayalam

Human rights necessary for democracy

Latest update: Kandivli/Malad church/Cemetery issue

Vatican disclose Pope’s Twitter handle: @pontifex

Life style and cancer GEM PLUS

Thought for the week …We've lost touch and allowed technology to take

precedence over organic nature. But let's not forget that those microchips in our computers came from

elements of the earth. Emilio Estevez

Satyamev Jayate: Organic farming, need of the hour

Ritu V Singh, IBNLive.com

New Delhi: Did you know that there are 67 types of pesticides which are banned all over the world, but are still used by Indian farmers. Everyday through fruits and vegetables, we consume 400-500 % more pesticides than the permissible limit. Aamir Khan Highlighted the bad effects of chemical farming during the eight episode of his television Show ‘Satyameva Jayate’. He spoke to doctors, agricultural scientists,

farmers and others during the episode.

To increase productivity, farmers have been using pesticides for agricultural purposes from years now. Because of this, the nutrition value of the crop goes down. Now, these pesticides have become a part of our food chain. According to a study by Dr Rashmi Sanghi, even breast milk contains 400-800% more pesticides than the permissible limits. During the show, many farmers confessed that they do not use these pesticides for the fruits and vegetables they separately grow for their own consumption.

Jurnail Singh a farmer from Jajjal, Punjab claims that access use of pesticides started after the Green Revolution. He said that 45 people from his village have died of cancer in past few years. A train from Bhatinda to Bikaner is called ‘Cancer Train’ by the local people. The number of patients travelling to the cancer hospital in Bikaner is increasing fast. Rajju Shroff is the managing director and chairman of India’s biggest pesticides company. Aamir was surprised to see his reaction on the show. He said, “People exaggerate about the bad effects of chemical farming to gain publicity. Non-pesticides users have worse health state. If done in limit, pesticides cause no health problems. The productivity will highly suffer if we stop using pesticides and the farmers will commit suicide.” He also said that DDT is completely harmless.

Aamir tried to highlight the benefits of organic farming and alternate

ways of killing insects during the show. From many years, agricultural scientist Dr GV Ramanjaneyulu has been working with the farmers in Andhra Pradesh to teach them cheap and safe ways of getting rid of the insects. He said, “Not pests, but pesticides are a bigger problem for the farmers. On an average, a village spends nearly Rs 50 lakh every year on pesticides.”

Aamir Khan also spoke to Pawan Chamling, chief minister of Sikkim on the show. Chamling has banned all pesticides in the state and is promoting organic farming. He aims to make Sikkim an organic state by 2015. It is not possible for all the states to switch to organic farming overnight, but taking some steps to save people’s life is essential now.

Through his show, Aamir urged audiences to opt for organic products. He also said that there should be a regulating body to monitor the usage of pesticides by the farmers. As reports claim, the TRPs of ‘Satyamev Jayate’ have started dropping. Is this an indication that Indian audiences only prefer entertainment on small screen? Share your comments on the eighth episode of ‘Satyamev Jayate’.

READERS’ LETTERS

From,[email protected]

Dear Fr. FelixThank you very much for really good and informative presentation on climate change. I am sending it to all schools in the state.

Regards.

Sincerely yours,Dr B N Patil 

From,[email protected]

Hello Fr. Felix,

Thank you for the newsletters that keep us in touch with our Motherland and makes us feel proud to be Indians. I commend the excellent work that you do and pray that God blesses you in all your endeavors.

With fond regards,

Mrs. Arlene Joy

From,[email protected]

In our "Twilight Years", we would come closer to nature, and put in our efforts to preserve it. I thought some of us would be interested in this newsletter which is always current, covers controversial issues, and never shies from the truth and justice, and calling a spade a spade.

Happy reading.

Angelo

From,[email protected]

Dear Fr. Felix

It is wonderful to read through GEM news. I regularly get it and some important news pertaining to students and teenagers are used for my training programmes. I admire your work and congratulate you for your good work. I work for YCS/YSM India and I miss interacting with the students of Mumbai since it doesn't exist there. I would like to revive this movement in Mumbai provided I get support from the Youth Directors. It will be a wonderful experience to work with the young coz they will be the change agents of today and tomorrow.

God bless you and your team,Fr. Charles MenezesNational Director - YCS/YSM IndiaYCS/YSM National Office66 (old 151), Luz Church Road, Mylapore, Chennai - 600004email: [email protected], [email protected]: www.ycsysmindia.com

From,[email protected]

Hello,I like to thank Gem for the wonderful work of creating on going awareness. More strength to teams hands. The initiative planned by Godfrey Pimenta, of thewatchdog.in. is an excellent idea.

A pressure group is so important to make our powers that be to show accountability  in any way. Looking forward to using this forum to improve quality of daily life.

Thanks in advance,

Lawrence Dsouza.  

[email protected]

Respected Father  Rebello,Attached is a concept which does not conform to objectives of your magazine. Still you may find it interesting enough to carry it.

With warm regards,

Devendra GoyalAchieving 100% Employment

In India 38.5 Million people were unemployed in 2006-07 as per Planning Commission data. The numbers may have increased now. It is possible to achieve 100% employment rate in India. If one has a cake and 10 people to feed, most of us will cut it in 10 pieces and feed one piece to each. The same principle can be applied in jobs to achieve 100% employment rate. A job which is given for lifetime can be cut into 12 pieces of 3 years contract duration each. The employee is paid INR 5000 per month for sustenance. The balance of salary is paid out in lump sum at the end of three years contract period along with the accrued interest to employee. The employee is provided with all information for self employment avenues in micro business opportunities during the three years contract period. Where are the opportunities? Driver and LDC/UDC cadres of Government of India and State Governments are potential source of additional employment generation. The Government of India and all State Governments combined have approximately 0.3 Million people in Driver cadre and 3.2 Million people in LDC/UDC cadre. Service span of employees in these cadres is 36 years plus. A new category of Contract Employee with service span of 3 years will generate additional jobs. (We already have the concept of Short Service Commission in Armed Forces wherein the officers are commissioned for 7 years only.) Over a period of time, all drivers are hired on contract for 3 years and a ratio of 1:3 in LDC/UDC cadre is achieved for Regular Employee v/s Contract Employee. The ratio of 1:3 will enable the Governments to maintain required efficiency and service standards for functions discharged by LDC/UDC cadre. The reduction of service span to 3 years for Contract Employee will generate an additional vacancy every 3 years as against once in 36 years plus. This amounts to 11additional vacancies in block of 36 years. It will be a perpetual source of employment to that many additional people, year after year.LDC/UDC will set up Micro Enterprise business ventures on completion of service contract. They will need people to operate their business enterprise. A probable scenario of LDC/UDC Micro Enterprise is visualized in table below.

EMPLOYMENT GENERATION IN LDC/UDC BUSINESS ENTERPRISELDC/UDC BUSINESS

CAPABILITY PERCENTAGEEMPLOYMENT GENERATION TOTAL

HIGH 20% 5 EACH 100%AVERAGE 50% 2 EACH 100%

BELOW AVERAGE 30% NIL 0TOTAL 200%

SSC/Primary pass people will find employment opportunities in business ventures of LDC/UDC. LDC/UDC with below average entrepreneurship capability can temporarily invest their payout in fixed deposit. This will enable them to earn interest at prevailing market rate to sustain life.The Driver and LDC/UDC cadre grow in narrow band when they are in government service for lifetime. The concept of contract for 3 years make them self employed at an early age of 22 – 25 years and subsequently sky is the limit for those who have the capability. Systematic implementation of concept with periodic review and corrective measures will result in meeting the goal of 100% employment to Graduate and HSSC pass students in 6 – 7 years time frame. The employment of SSC and below education people will significantly increase after 9 years.Thank you.

Sqn Ldr (Retd.) Devendra Goyal,

140, IEHCS Layout, Vidyaranyapura, Bangalore 560097

Cell: +91-9845364203; E – Mail: [email protected]

GEM INSPIRATIONAL SERIESVERY MEANINGFUL - A REMINDER

If we focus only on Christmas, we might lose sight of Christ.

True Meaning of Christmas…Just a week before Christmas I had a visitor. This is how it happened. I had just finished the household chores for the night and was preparing to go to bed, when I heard a noise in the front of the house. I opened the door to the front room, and to my surprise, Santa himself stepped out from behind the Christmas tree. He placed his finger over his mouth so I would not cry out. "What are you doing?" I started to ask. 

The words choked up in my throat, and I saw that he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone. Gone was the eager, boisterous soul we all know. He then answered me with a simple statement: "TEACH THE CHILDREN!" I was puzzled, what did he mean? 

He anticipated my question, and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the tree. As I stood bewildered, Santa said, "Teach the children. Teach them the real meaning of Christmas. The meaning of Christmas that nowadays has been forgotten."

Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a FIR TREE and placed it before the mantle. Teach the children that the pure green colour of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind. All the needles point Heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward Heaven. 

He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR. Teach the children that the star was the Heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of the fulfilment of His promise. 

He then reached into his bag and pulled out a CANDLE. Teach the children that the candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light, we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness.Once again he reached into his bag and removed a WREATH and placed it on the tree. Teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the real nature of love Christ showed for us. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round of affection.

He then pulled from his bag an ornament of HIMSELF. Teach the children that I, Santa Claus, symbolize the generosity and good will we feel during the month of December. 

He then brought out a HOLLY LEAF. Teach the children that the holly plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn by our Saviour. The red holly berries represent the blood that He shed for us. 

Next he pulled from his bag a GIFT and said, "Teach the children that God so loved the world that whoever believes in Him shall have everlasting life." (John 3:16) Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift. Teach the children that the wise men bowed before the Holy Babe and presented Him with gold, frankincense and myrrh. We should always give gifts in the same spirit of the wise men. 

Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a CANDY CANE and hung it on the tree. Teach the children that the candy cane represents the shepherd's crook. The crook on the staff helps to bring strayed sheep back to the flock. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother's keeper. 

He reached in again and pulled out an ANGEL. Teach the children that it was the angels that heralded the glorious news of the Saviour's birth. The angels sang "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men of good will." Suddenly I heard a soft tinkling sound, and from his bag he pulled out a BELL . Teach the children that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should bring mankind to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return. 

Santa looked around and was pleased. He looked back at me and I saw that the twinkle was back in his eyes. He said, "Remember, TEACH THE CHILDREN the true meaning of Christmas and do not put me in the center for I am but a humble servant of the One that is, and I bow down to worship Him, Our Lord, Our God, and Saviour. 

Rejoice in God’s message of hope for you:“God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that

whoever believes in Him, may not perish, but have Eternal Life.” – John 3:16

E-forward [email protected]

Archbishop says faith will bring peace

TIMES NEWS NETWORK  Dec.22, 2012

Mumbai: Oswald Cardinal Gracias, the Archbishop of Mumbai, has greeted the Christian community ahead of Christmas. His message reflects the papal declaration of

2012-13 as the ‘Year of Faith’. More importantly, the archbishop has expressed anguish at the growing corruption and inequity in society. “The genuine Christian goes beyond the law, beyond self-interest, beyond self-preservation in always seeking what is truly good for the well-being of others, as indeed of themselves,” he says in the Christmas edition of the ‘Examiner’.

“The greatest enemies of Christmas are not those who do not know or believe in Christ but those Christians who have become hard-hearted, self-righteous and have closed their hearts to the human needs of others,” says the archbishop. Cardinal Gracias explains how Christmas transcends the tale of Virgin Mary giving birth to the Christ Child. “As we relive the mystery of Christ’s birth, the Church also gives birth to Christ in today’s world. Just as He spoke to Mary, God has spoken to us, and we believe. When we believe, we bring Christ into the world by our good actions, by acting responsibly towards our families, in our jobs and in our relationships with others.”

The archbishop says we will not see the fullness of peace until Christ comes again at the end of time. “But we cannot wait until then. We need to pray and work for peace now,” he urges.

Mangalore: Bishop Greets on Christmas,

Asks People to Celebrate with Needy

Pics: Spoorthi UllalDaijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Mangalore, Dec 21: Conveying his Christmas greetings, Bishop Aloysius Paul D'Souza on Friday December 21 requested the people to celebrate Christmas this year with the deprived, poor and needy people. "Christmas celebration denotes peace, love and service. That was the blessing and message of Jesus Christ. Along with the external symbols like crib, star, Christmas tree and kuswar, distributing happiness in the neighbourhood is the message of Christmas," he saidHe also said that on Friday, he visited the jail inmates and interacted with them for an hour.

Stating that all are children of god, he said, "We will have to put in efforts to give respect to every person, especially the underprivileged poor, children, and shelterless people. With this, an environment will be created wherein people will feel they are equal," he said. While celebrating Christmas and New Year the bishop requested the Christians and others to join hands with the poor.

As a first step towards helping the needy and as a Christmas gift, he said that Rs 10 lac will be provided to 50 financially poor students for their higher education, and Rs 5 lac will be provided to a thousand needy people for their clothing. Further, the construction of 165 homes built in commemoration of 125th year of Mangalore diocese is nearing completion, and will be ready at the earliest, he said.

He said that 125 houses have already been completed and handed over to the beneficiaries. "Another project is in the anvil wherein 28 houses will be built for the poor, at the cost of Rs 3.60 lac each. The foundation stone for the project will be laid on August 15, 2013 at Talapady," he said, adding that 120 applications have already been received, and the most deserving will be given the houses after scrutinizing the applications. Among those present were Fr Henry Sequeira, chancellor of Mangalore diocese, Fr WIlliam Menezes, PRO, Elias Fernandes, Raymond D'Cunha, Fr Onil D'Souza and others.

School students’ bid to restore green cover

Adnan AttarwalaStudents of over 30 English medium schools across, Mulund, Thane and Kalwa, will plant saplings in their school premises and monitor them over two years. After two years when these saplings grow, they will be planted in Kelni and Mamnoli forests. According to experts, these forests have lost green cover due to encroachment. This activity is part of a pilot project called ‘Apna Jungle’ initiated by Thane-based NGO, Enviro-Vigil. The NGO has signed a three-party agreement with the state forest department and the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) for redeveloping the forests in Thane.

According to Shreelata Menon, programme coordinator, Enviro-Vigil, has also signed a memorandum with the schools for looking after these saplings. “We have selected over thousand species of plants in a span of seven years. We want to distribute 100 saplings, of a variety of species, in each school. The students will maintain these saplings. If any sapling dies due to lack of care, the school will have to plant another at their own cost. The students are enthusiastic about this project,” Menon said.

She added that this activity will inculcate the importance of nature conservation among the students. The idea is to make students feel a sense of ownership in the forests as they will plant these saplings in the forests. “If anyone tries to destroy forests, the students will protest to protect their trees,” she stated. According to the forest department, 30 hectares of land is barren in Kelni forests, while 15 hectares of land is barren in Mamnoli forest. The students will plant indigenous saplings including beda, havda, jamun, vad, bamboo and other medicinal plants. “At one point of time, Thane had a lot of green cover,” said a forest official.

“We have already provided training to students on plantation and observation through a horticulturist from Pune University. If this drive is successful, we will involve more schools and corporates from Thane area for this project,” Vidyahar Walavankar, professor, Enviro-Vigil, said.

[email protected]

Fume no more: SoBo’s drains to smell of roses

10,000 litres of deo down the drain; BMC’s nod to Oscar Wilde: ‘We’re all in the gutter but some of us are looking at the stars’

Chaitanya Marpakwar

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has found a solution to the city’s stench problem and, believe it or not, the grand plan involves pouring 10,000 litres of deodorant worth Rs 4 crore down Mumbai’s clogged drains. The BMC’s Storm Water Drains (SWD) department has floated tenders to bulk buy a herbal chemical branded ‘greenoxy’, which works both as a disinfectant and a deodorant. The pilot project, for which the civic body has set aside Rs 5-7 lakh, involves spraying the nullahs around Malabar Hill - arguably a part of the city that least needs it. If the project is successful in South Mumbai’s D Ward, the BMC will try and get the total budget sanctioned in order to tackle more challenging neighborhoods further north.The chemical works only on narrow drains, officials admitted, so travelling across Mahim Creek will continue to be a nightmare. “When poured into the drains, the chemical reacts with the sludge and separates the silt from the water. The silt settles at the bottom of the drains, allowing the drain water to flow smoothly,” LS Vhatkar, Chief Engineer (SWD), told Mumbai Mirror. “It also acts as a deodorant and after its use there is no stench or odour of any kind. Since it’s a herbal product and is eco-friendly, it won’t have any adverse effects when the drains empty out into the Arabian sea.”The BMC, ironically, chanced upon this idea three months ago, thanks to a problem that closely affected the SWD department. Their office in Dadar stands right next to a small, artificial pond created to collect water overflowing from the pumping station that stands in its centre. After the monsoons, officials said, the smell was unbearable, and those close to the windows of the five-storey building were forced to abandon their desks for a week. One of the staff members had heard about the herbal deodorant, which worked wonders for them (as an SWD official put it, the previously sludgy pond now smelled like ‘agarbattis’, or incence sticks).After this, a suggestion was made asking the BMC to consider using it in other problem areas - like the rest of the city. “At that time, there were a lot of complaints from the Malabar Hill area about the stench emanating from the drains. We found that there was a problem, as storm water drains and sewage drains had gotten connected. That’s why we have planned the pilot project here,” a BMC official said.The project - expected to be rolled out next week - will see the civic body’s conservancy workers use the chemical every time they clean the drains. Indrani Malkani, the ALM coordinator for Dward, said treating the drains was a

step in the right direction. “But the odour emanating from the storm water drains was caused by the illegal sewage lines, which have been connected by certain housing societies. The BMC should take action against them as well,” Malkani said. After which they can try and solve the Mahim Creek problem.

Report vindicates anti-mining activists

The report has indicted government agencies for their inability to curb blatant illegal mining in Goa.

Panaji:  A Supreme Court-appointed committee has submitted its report on illegal mining in Goa, vindicating campaigns of anti-mining activists, including Catholics, against the menace for over a decade. After the central empowered committee (CEC) submitted a report to the Supreme Court last week, activists say their claims of illegal mining in Goa stand vindicated. There are now two official reports, one by the SC-appointed CEC and the other by the Justice M.B. Shah Commission, which back the claims of the environmentalists.

The Shah Commission report was submitted to parliament some months ago. "The CEC has outlined an excellent road map regarding capping, re-surveys, etc. but one thing I find amiss is that there is no mention of how to recover the estimated Rs.35,000 crore loss," Siddarth Karapurkar, secretary of the Goenchea Xetkaracho Ekvott, a grassroots traditional farmers organisation in Goa, said in a conversation with IANS. The CEC in its report submitted after nearly two months of ground study in Goa, has indicted government agencies for their inability to curb blatant illegal mining in Goa.

down, apart from suggesting that environment clearances (EC) granted to all mining operations be verified, to rule out fraud. Goa has nearly 90 operational mines. The official Church in Goa too has been fighting the illegal mining. The archdiocesan Council for Social Justice and Peace (CSJP) in a press release in October said mining makes life difficult for ordinary people.

It said “unregulated and illegal mining results in "growing depletion of ground water, acute respiratory ailments due to air pollution, destruction of farm lands, threat of landslides and floods, fatal accidents and deaths on roads due to over speeding of mining trucks, restriction of movement of the local people due to traffic congestion, and noise pollution, are just some of the problems faced by the people affected by the mining activity.”

Ramesh Gauns, a school teacher, who has doubled as an activist told IANS that the recent report was "justice due to the people of Goa and the state. It was reckless and mindless mining that was being carried out all these years. The CEC has tightened all the screws and the loopholes making it next to impossible to start mining again," he said.

Now with the Supreme Court set to decide the future of the multi-million dollar mining industry, and on course to bring the culprits of the Rs.35,000 crore illegal mining scam to book, Gauns's fellow-activists like Zarina da Cunha are only too happy. "Now that the ball is in the court of judiciary, whatever they say is acceptable. Let the law take its course, I am confident it will," da Cunha

The report submitted by the CEC secretary M.K. Jiwraka has also asked that 42 blatantly illegal mines in Goa be closed

said.

Source: finance.yahoo (ucannews)

Ready for talks with Church officials: GadgilGadgil said he would remove misconceptions and false propaganda

on the Western Ghats expert ecology panel (WGEEP) report.

Thiruvananthapuram:  Madhav Gadgil, who prepared the report for the protection of Western Ghats, said he would be happy to have an open discussion with church authorities in Kerala after the latter voiced concern over implementation of the report. Gadgil said he would remove misconceptions and false propaganda on the Western Ghats expert ecology panel (WGEEP) report.

The report was prepared with the objective of protecting the Western Ghats’ ecology and recommends zoning of 75 per cent of the Western Ghats into different grades of ecological sensitivity. Officials of Syro-Malabar Church and the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council had opposed the implementation of the report's recommendation viewing them as against farmers, mostly Christians, in the hilly regions of Kerala. They reportedly suspect a conspiracy behind the report.

In a pastoral letter, the Syro-Malabar Church had said that the implementation of the report would decimate the livelihoods of thousands of farming families. Gadgil said, "in fact, the pastoral letter circulated by the bishop of Idukki diocese stating that the people should be taken into confidence is exactly what the WGEEP report is all about.”

The report does not have a single point which is against the community staying along the Western Ghats, he said. "The three eco-sensitive zones that have been demarcated by us are by no means rigid lines which will be imposed upon people. We have drawn a broad grid and now it is up to the people at all panchayats and wards to look at green zones and mark them as eco-sensitive zones within their neighbourhood," he said.

Gadgil said in Kerala, for instance, there were many areas with water resources that needed protection. "Else, we will see rapid destruction of natural resources. You only have to look at the unscrupulous development that had happened in Karnataka and Goa by the mining mafia in collusion with the government," he added.

Source: times of india

M'lore: 12th Annual Conference of Indian

Society of Hospital Waste Mgt Held at Yenepoya

UniversityBy Brijesh Garodi, Daijiworld Media Network- Mangalore

Mangalore: The 12th annual conference of Indian Society of Hospital Waste Management (ISHWM), ISHWMCON – 2012 organized by Yenepoya Medical College in association with the Indian Society of Hospital Waste Management was inaugurated on Saturday December 1 at 9.30 am in the indoor auditorium, academic block, Yenepoya University Campus, Derlakatte, here. The two-day long conference began with lighting of the auspicious lamp by Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi, Hon’ble Chancellor, Yenepoya University and other dignitaries present on the dais.

Dr Chandramohan, hon’ble vice chancellor, Yenepoya University was the chief guest, Payden, WHO, SEARO, Dr Ramteke, director general (M), Indian Railways, Dr C Shivaram, founder chairperson, HCWM Cell, MSR Medical College, Bangalore were the guests of honour. Dr Janardhan Konaje, registrar, Dr Ghulam Jeelani Qadiri, organizing chairman, professor A K Agarwal, ISHWM president, M K Bedi, Dr Sunitha Saldanha and Dr K S Bhagotia were also present on the dais.

Addressing the gathering, A K Agarwal said that ISHKW was founded in the year 2000 with a view to attain perfect hospital waste management system. The 12 year old association now consists of 330 members from all over the country.“Major developments have

been taking place in the health care sector. The waste emitted is most hazardous as it has radioactive wastes mixed up in them. The rules and regulations with regard to the waste management systems were revised in 2002 and again it has been revised in 2012. The new version is yet to be received”, he said.

"The use of burn technology is declining as it is affecting the environment and more of non burning technologies are focused on. IGNOU, WHO, UNDP have taken global initiation with regard to the waste management systems in almost eight countries, and India is one among them. The health care facilities are largely focused and the hospital wastes, especially mercury toxic wastes should be disposed with care as the hazardous outputs from the mercury wastes are very much toxic”, he said. “Our nation has been playing an active role in the waste management system. The waste management system followed in the Indus Valley Civilization of the Harappa and the Mohenjodaro era is a good example for the present and the future generation”, said professor Chandramohan.

“Hospitals have been the sources of infection and the hospital wastes are the most hazardous wastes. Proper guidance for the hospital waste disposal has to be given so as to ensure that the radioactive wastes are also disposed in regular intervals”, he said. “Life in earth was possible due to the formation of ozone layers in the space. Due to the excess release of carbon dioxide, the ozone layer is getting affected, leading to global warming. The burn technology of wastes also affects the ozone layer as it emits high amount of carbons and toxics”, he added.

In his presidential address, Abdullah Kunhi said measures have to be taken to ensure that the waste management system is done in every hospital in a very scientific manner on a routine basis. By doing this and following the waste management system very affectively, better, greener and healthier environment can be maintained in the future. Dr Ghulam Jeelani Qadiri welcomed and Dr Sunitha Saldanha proposed the vote of thanks. Delegates and resource persons from various parts took part in the conference

Mangalore: Issue of Ban on Plastic Dominates MCC General Meeting

Mangalore: The issue of ban on plastic in the city dominated the Mangalore City Corporation (MCC) general meeting held at Mangala auditorium here on Friday November 30. Speaking at the monthly meeting of MCC, Harinath said that the ban on plastic in the city was effective for some days, but now people have again started using plastics. "If plastics are to be

Mangalore: Eco Be Green Campaign Against Plastic Bags Usage Launched

banned completely, then proper awareness should be created in schools and colleges by distributing cloth bags," he said.

Deepak Poojary said that so far, none of the decisions taken by the MCC has been implemented properly. "Though people are not using plastic bags, these days new kinds of bags are hitting the market which too contain certain amounts of plastic. Even this should be banned," he said. Corporator Naveen D’Souza said that plastic bags were still being sold in some shops. "I don’t see any official taking strict action on these shops," he said, urging the mayor to trace the root where plastics are being manufactured.

On the issue of collection of segregated plastic from houses, Harinath said that so far no move has started and asked mayor Gulzar Banu about the implementation of the plan. In response, MCC commissioner Harish said that necessary tenders have been passed to collect waste and the same would be implemented within a few days. "We will also provide a helpline number where people can contact if waste is not collected from their house," he added. About the new kind of plastic hitting the market, he said any kind of bag which contains  plastic is illegal and banned.

Mangalore: DC Lauds City's Cleanliness, says More Should be Done

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (DV)

Mangalore: Mangalore City Corporation in association with Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Prajna Counselling Centre, Kankanady and Prerna women's self-help group organized a mass cleanliness and awareness campaign at Town Hall here on Tuesday December 11. Addressing the gathering, deputy commissioner N Prakash said the first thing that struck and impressed him about Mangalore was the cleanliness of the city.

"The city's cleanliness proves that Mangalore is a place of intellectuals. This is a cleaner city than Bangalore. Still, we need to work more to improve the city further," he said. Hilda Rayappan of Prajna Counselling Centre said in her welcome address that empowerment was the basic need of women, and that humanity was the foremost necessity in

empowerment. "If there is humanity in empowerment then that is perfect empowerment. Only through cooperation, love and harmony can a woman be empowered and strengthened in the society," she said. 

"By organizing this mass cleanliness and awareness campaign without any inhibition the members of Prerna self-help group have proved their strength in society. I had been to Bihar were I was shown four-lane roads which were completely developed. But that is not development. The real growth of society lies in women's empowerment and not in its economic growth," she said. Sheena Shetty, ombudsmen of MNREGA said that people should be clean internally and externally so that they can achieve a state of bliss easily. "First man should clean his heart by fosterting good thoughts, and gradually clean his surroundings, by whic he will find heaven here itself. We should talk less and work more," he said.

"Human power is nation power. We should assimilate information and knowledge from everywhere.  On this occasion let us pledge that we will not buy plastic, will not discard it unscietifically and will not burn plastic. This will make us role models to the entire world," he added. Mayor Gulzar Banu, MCC commissioner Harish Kumar, deputy mayor Amitha Kala, public health, education and social justice standing committee president Bhaskar Chandra, and director of Malabar Gold & Diamonds Shaheen Parvez were present. Madhu S M thanked the gathering. On this occasion pamphlets and eco-friendly bags were released. Prerna women SHG organized cultural programmes and a rally to create awareness among the public was also held.

Greenland 'losing 200m tons ice every

year'DNA

Glacier-covered Greenland has had an average net loss of 200 million tons of ice every year since 2003, scientists who are studying the changing mass of the island using satellite data have confirmed. The latest analysis backs up the previously reported trend without even including the last two summers of record-breaking ice melts. “Greenland is really the place where everyone agrees that (the ice melt) is definitely accelerating with time and there is a big contribution to sea level rise,” Discovery News quoted researcher Isabella Velicogna from the University of California at Irvine (UCI) as saying.

Velicogna is an expert at analyzing the same kindof data used in this most recent study: from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) which can detect mass changes on the surface of the Earth over time. GRACE does this by detecting subtle increases and decreases in gravity, which is directly related to the mass below the two orbiting GRACE satellites. In the latest work, Princeton University researcher Chris Harig and Frederik Simons applied a new method to analyzing the GRACE data.

They found that during 2003 and 2004, mass loss was centered along the eastern coast of Greenland. From 2005 to 2006 mass loss dropped in the northeast but rose in the southeast. Meanwhile, more mass was lost along the northwest coast, especially from 2007-2010. “The study confirms what we already knew,” Eric Rignot, an Earth Systems Science Professor at UCI and scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab, said.“The authors use a new decomposition, but the sources of terror and corrections are essentially the same as for other studies,” Rignot added. The study has been published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.

Kerala church concerned over ‘tiger scare’A pastoral letter was issued in this regard.

Kozhikode:  The Wayanad diocese in Kerala has said that the increasing “tiger scare” among the people in the diocese would lead to violence and chaos. The diocese of the Syro-Malabar church yesterday issued a pastoral letter on tiger scare that was read out in 104 churches under Wayanad and 12 churches in Gudallur. The letter said, "the people of the Wayanad district, which constitute the majority of the areas under the diocese, are living in fear of the tiger.”

“The noble cause of environment protection is getting diverted and has drifted away from the ultimate aim of protecting human beings, due to the vested interests of certain sections. This will lead to violence and chaos," it said. The letter also added, "the people fear not the tiger but those who are making their life miserable in the name of tiger conservation. We have a major role to play in this issue as a large number of our people are also involved."

The move comes days after many church-run schools conducted candle-light prayers and staged protest marches by students demanding swift action by the authorities to end tiger scare in the diocese. A week ago, a tiger that wandered into human settlements in the district was hunted down and killed by forest officials following immense pressure from the local population. However, environmentalists say that the church had gone overboard on the tiger issue.

"The schools run by the church had pushed even tiny children to the roads with very provocative posters against the tiger. The church reaction on the issue has been very inflammatory," said N. Badusha, president of Wayanad Prakrithi Samrakshana Samithi. Source: Times of India (ucanews)

Tribals want to dismantle Vedanta plant

They feared that attempts could be made to permit bauxite mining

again in future.

Berhampur:  Thousands of tribal people and peasants in Kalahandi district of Odisha took out a rally demanding complete dismantling of a bauxite-mining project, which they say destroys their habitat and livelihood in the state. The protesters belonging to Dongria Kondh tribe took out the rally under the

banner of the Niyamgiri Surakshya Samity (NSS) yesterday.

About 40 leaders of various democratic movements took part in the rally against the Vedanta Alumina Limited (VAL) in the area. The Lanjigarh refinery of VAL was closed down on Wednesday as the company had run out of bauxite ore. NSS activists demanded that the plant be not allowed to run as it “posed a threat to the environment and livelihood of the people.” They feared that attempts could be made to permit bauxite mining again in future.

Speakers at the meeting rally alleged that the VAL had taken up refinery expansion without proper clearances. The activists alleged that the claims of the VAL and the government on employment generation were false. The British Safety Council' had earlier this year suspended a "distinction" award to the company in view of pollution allegations from activists and the firm’s failure to disclose the death of a worker in April at its refinery at Lanjigarh.

Mumbai: MCGM Invites Public Comments on the Existing Land Use Maps and Reports!!

Dear All, It is indeed a great day for the city! The MCGM has agreed to the Citizens’ and the UDRI’s demand for making the Development Planning process for Greater Mumbai 2014-2034 participatory. The Municipal Commissioner has magnanimously fulfilled one of his promises made to the UDRI and has uploaded the Existing Land Use (ELU) maps and reports on their website and is calling for comments from the public. Please check the www.mcgm.gov.in website to download the maps and report. They have also put up the maps in each and every ward office and invited comments on the same. We request you to check your Ward offices to see if this is done. Please check the Existing Land Use maps for any errors or discrepancies, if any, and write in your comments to the MCGM’s dedicated email address [email protected].

This is the time to act and we request you all to visit the ward offices and check the ELU maps in order to help the MCGM produce an accurate version of the maps that will be used as a base for the Revision of the Development Plan for Greater Mumbai (2014-34). The maps and the report will be available for one month (from 12.12.12) and we believe this will be the deadline for comments regarding the same.

When you are sending the comments we request you to mark UDRI a copy at [email protected] so that we can compile all the comments and use them for future reference.Attached is the press note by MCGM.  Thanking You,Yours Sincerely Shri. Jamsheed KangaFormer Municipal CommissionerExecutive Committee member UDRI

E-forward by : [email protected]

Madhya Pradesh awards nun's AIDS care center

The Care Centre was started in 2008 and Sister Geeta a founding member.

Sister Geeta Joseph Chennattu

Gwalior:  The Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled Madhaya Pradesh state has awarded a Catholic-managed care center for its outstanding service to some 4,000 people living with HIV in the state. Sister Geeta Joseph Chennattu accepted the Best Community Care Centre Award on behalf of the center from State Health Minister Anup Misra, in the presence of Health Education Minister Narottam Misra on Dec. 1, the World AIDS Day, in Gwalior.

Sister Geeta, a member of Servants of the Holy Spirit Sisters, is director and project coordinator of Vishwas Community Care Centre in Indore. It cares and supports some 4,000 people living with HIV in the area. The theme of the World AIDS Day 2012 was “Getting to Zero: Zero new HIV infections, Zero deaths from AIDS-related illness, Zero discrimination.” The center was awarded for its attempts towards helping the state achieve these goals by providing quality care, support and preventive work in this field.

The Care Centre was started in 2008 and Sister Geeta a founding member. The center aims to improve "the survival and quality of the life of the people living with HIV/AIDs. The state AIDS Control Society organized different programs on World AIDS day in Gwalior, such as Red Ribbon Rally, candle light rally to create awareness among the public about HIV.

BANGALORE: 'Where should these people go?' (Sumanahalli)Nandini Chandrashekar, DHNS

Fr George has been associated with the Sumanahalli Society for the last twelve years and has spent a lot of time meeting different chief ministers and chief secretaries to consider the extension of lease of the land which expired in December 2007. He spoke to Deccan Herald about why he thinks the Society’s lease should be extended.

Excerpts:

There is a feeling that leprosy is no longer dangerous like in earlier times and hence there is no need for rehabilitation services. Do you think it is an accurate picture?

There is a tendency among people to get confused between elimination and eradication. Eradication is getting rid of it completely, but elimination merely means detection of less than one case for every 10,000 people. In 2005, the Government of India declared that leprosy had been eliminated. So, people tend to question why we are still working. But fresh cases are being detected even today and they need treatment and rehabilitation.

The government says you need only five acres of land as there are not enough patients. Do you agree?

Compared with earlier days, there are indeed lesser number of people afflicted with leprosy. But we have more people here now than at any other point in time. There is a decrease in number, but not to the extent that there is no need for any rehabilitation at all. There is a large number of people who become disabled and over the years the number of these people accumulate. The government is steadily decreasing the strength in its own hospitals meant for leprosy patients. Where then should these people go?

What is the strongest argument you can present for the government to continue its lease?

As I have stated earlier, we came here on the invitation of the government and leprosy cases are still large in number and we detect cases every day. Unlike the government hospitals, which only treat patients who come to them, we still conduct field surveys in specific areas and identify leprosy patients and offer them treatment as well as rehabilitation. We are also doing much more than we originally envisaged. We not only treat leprosy patients, but also the HIV-infected, the physically disabled and their families, destitutes and juvenile delinquents. We have developed a wonderful and sustainable rehabilitation programme and we want to continue doing it.

If the scope of this Society is greatly reduced, do you think the government will be able to handle the bulk of responsibility?

This is a referral centre, which means that patients are referred here from the government hospitals as well. Earlier, the government had 25 members for each district, but now, the numbers have been reduced to two-three as most of them have moved out to other areas of specialisation. The number of beds are being reduced in government hospitals and some are being closed down. Even NGOs, which were to be found in good numbers earlier, are not working anymore. Where then are these people to go?

There is a veiled accusation that religious conversion is also taking place at this centre. How do you react to this?

We are a Catholic organisation running this centre for 35 years. If we were to convert people, then we would at least build a chapel on this campus, something we have never thought of doing. More than 99 per cent of our inmates and patients are Hindus and no one has ever been asked to convert or persuaded to follow any particular religion. You have to realise that this a target group that is vulnerable to persuasion, so if we had such a thing in mind, we could have done it a long time ago. [DeccanHerald.com]

'Rs 600 Enough to Feed Family of Five' - Sheila Dikshit Kicks up Storm

New Delhi: While the Congress is busy projecting its commitment to the aam aadmi (common man) through schemes like direct cash transfer for the poor, its own chief minister Sheila Dikshit has stoked a controversy by saying Rs. 600 is enough to support a family of five.

The Chief Minister made this comment on Saturday during the launch of the Delhi government's ambitious food security programme, the Dilli Anna Shri Yojna, under which a monthly cash subsidy of Rs. 600 will be transferred directly into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts of the senior-most female members of two lakh poor families.

punching a poor man on his face after inflation." The Congress, though, tried to play down the controversy. "We do politics and if we do development work, then the voters will choose us and in the last three elections, our government in the leadership of Shiela Dixit has done good development and changed the face of Delhi...if we keep up the good work, the government will come back," said Public Works Department Minister Raj Kumar Chauhan. But the prospective beneficiaries of the scheme, too, have found the chief minister's logic hard to digest. Pappi lives with her family of four members in a slum cluster in south Delhi. They are one of the two lakh

"In Rs. 600, he would get dal, rice and wheat...A family of five can easily complete their needs," Ms Dikshit said at the launch of the scheme which was unveiled by Congress President Sonia Gandhi. Her remarks are bound to make her party uncomfortable, especially since the Congress would be hoping to capitalise on the scheme in view of the assembly elections that are slated next year. The party is already promoting the latest venture, due to be implemented on April 1 next year, with a slogan, 'aapka paisa, aapke haath' (your money in your hands), as one for the aam aadmi (common man). The UPA government at the Centre, too, has, on a larger level, been aggressively highlighting its controversial direct cash transfer scheme as a "game-changer", with its eyes set firmly on 2014.

The Opposition, not surprisingly, immediately latched on to her remarks, slamming her for being far removed from reality. "Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit says a family can manage on a budget of Rs. 600 per month for buying rice, wheat and dal. This, in effect, means that one person can manage on Rs. 4 per day. The chief minister has never visited a slum or unauthorized colony till date, nor has she ever gone to a village. Hence, she is unaware of the ground realities despite being a woman," said BJP leader Vijay Goel. Party spokesperson Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi also hit out at the Chief Minister saying, "It is

poor families, which are not getting subsidised food either under the Below Poverty Line (BPL) scheme or the Antyodaya Anna Yojana, and have been identified as the beneficiaries of the state government's latest food programme.

Pappi has her Aadhar (Unique Identification) card ready, through which the subsidy of Rs. 600 will be directly transferred into her bank account. But her monthly budget for food for her family easily exceeds that, ending up at thousand to fifteen hundred rupees a month.

"The government has to understand that Rs. 600 is not enough for the whole family. But again for a poor person when they are offered that money, no one will refuse it," she said.

Nisha, who lives a few blocks away from Pappi's home, shares the same sentiment. With her husband as a daily wager, earning anywhere between Rs. 2000-3000 a month, and seven children to take care of, feeding the family for Rs. 600 sounds like a rude joke to her.

Earlier, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia had stirred a major controversy after he said that Rs. 27 and Rs. 32 a day were sufficient for sustenance in rural and urban areas respectively courtesy: daijiword

Modern day Noah has 19 cats, 3 dogsBy Nitin Yeshwantrao, TNN

THANE: He could easily fit the modern version of Noah, the Biblical character who built an ark and saved the animal world from extinction during floods. Kaustabh Gokhale's ark is a 250 sq-ft room in his three-storied building, Siddhi Vinayak Prasad, in Dombivli (E), where he hosts 19 cats and three dogs-all rescued from near-death on the streets.

The cosy well-ventilated room has been transformed into a home for his feline and canine friends. A tenant family, who occupied the room, was persuaded to vacate the premises to make room for the growing family of pets. Passionate about his kittens and puppies, Gokhale has left nothing to chance. Two steel storage racks have been turned into bunk beds with clean beddings kept inside 19 plastic tubs, walls sprayed with eucalyuptus oil to act as repellant for leeches, and a huge wooden log to help sharpen their nails. If that's not all, an in-house bathroom here has been turned into a designated potty place for the cats.

"Initially, the cats would go out to relieve themselves and bring home mud and dirt stuck to their paws. We decided to create an indoor potty and got six to eight small plastic tubs and filled them with a mixture of fine sand particles and saw dust. After a little training, the cats would dig up the soft and loose sand inside these tub and after defecating, cover it up. The sand from these tubs is then emptied into the garden once every week and used as compost for plants,'' Gokhale said.

Picture: internet

A real estate consultant by procession and an RTI activist, Gokhale proudly announces that all of his pets are of "native breed'', rescued from starvation on the streets. One of the three strays which occupies a bed belonging to Gokhale's younger son, was brought from the pet care centre run by the Kalyan-Dombivli corporation. He was suffering from jaundice and was starved, so we brought him home, Gokhale said.

"We always liked pets but never had one at home as space was a constraint. One rainy morning, six years ago, my daughter Kaushika bought home a kitten completely drenched and shivering and pleaded that we keep it at home. We gave in to her request and all of these 17 cats here in this room are his family. We have named him Badshah and his wife is Billo,'' Gokhale said while checking the neatly arranged food bowls in the pets' room. Just like the Gokhales, their pets too are strictly vegetarian. "The cats are fed on cat food. None of my cats will touch food or even milk kept in our kitchen unless we offer it to them,'' he said.

As for the canines, the staple diet is milk and chapatti. The steady diet and proper care is evident from the size of Gokhale's pets with the burly cats weighing anywhere between 10 to 15 kg. "These pets are a great stress-buster,'' the 50-plus Gokhale said.

Dharmasthala: Speakers Stress on Harmony, Peace at All-Religion Meet

Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady (PS)

Beltangady: Former Lokayukta of Karnataka Justice N Santhosh Hegde opined that quarrel on the basis of religion and nationality is caused by lack of knowledge among the people to understand the essence of any religion. He spoke after inaugurating the 80th All-Religion Meet held as part of the Lakshadeepotsava celebration at Amrithavarshini Hall, Dharmastala here on Tuesday December 11. "No religion teaches one to hate others or oppose their ideologies," he said, "The youth need to be motivated and inspired not to go in the way of hating another religion. The basic idea of any religion is to imbibe peace and tranquillity and be the mantra of the land," he asserted.

He added that the value of peace should be taught in every educational institution and said till now he was fighting only against corruption, but henceforth he would fight to restore peace also. Dr Prasanna Venkatacharyar Chathurvedi Swamiji of Shree Ramanujam Mission Trust, Chennai, presided over the programme. "Corruption, though it may give temporary happiness to the one who practices it, will lead to catastrophe in the end. Detachment from the materialistic world is the true doctrine of any religion," he said.

Fr P K Jacob of Kalaghataki, Dharwad, delivered a talk on ‘Harmony in the eye of Christianity’ and said that religion is one, and god too is one. "But followers are different, and practices are different," he asserted. B K Nyama Gowda, lecturer of Kusumavathi College in Chikkodi, spoke on harmony in the view of Jainism. He said that religion and faiths may vary, but harmony should not be tampered with. Abdul Salam Puttige, editor of Vartha Bharathi spoke on ‘Harmony in the view of Islam’ and said that failure to regard human relations is evident in recent years. "The foundation of truth has to be strengthened so as to strengthen humanity," he stated. Shree Kshetra Dharmastala Dharmadikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade welcomed and delivered the keynote address and stressed on the need of devotion.

S Prabhakar and D Surendra Kumar were present among others. An attractive Rathotsava was also held as part of the celebrations.

Jayalalithaa credits Christian schooling

for her progressShe thanked the teachers in her schools for helping her with a "strong foundation."

Chennai:  Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa has said that she progressed in her life because of her schooling in Christian institutions. "The education and virtues taught there are the reasons for my

progress. What I learned there are aiding me even today and help me in facing any big responsibilities," she said during a Christmas function in Chennai.

She said that she had attended Sunday Bible classes at the Bangalore school and therefore had knowledge of all stories said in it. The chief minister also recalled her schooling at Bishop Cotton in Bangalore and Holy Angels and Church Park Convents in Chennai. "They preach the morals required for daily life and I am proud to say I have followed them," she said.

She also thanked the teachers in her schools for helping her with a "strong foundation." The Chief Minister, who cut a big cake to mark the occasion, said Lord Jesus had preached love even to foes and urged one and all to follow it.

Source: ibnlive.in.com (ucannews)

Cardinal releases Kandhamal stories

in Malayalam

Over 100 church leaders, including bishops, took part in the ceremony.

Kochi:  Cardinal George Alencherry released the Malayalam translation of a book comprising 100 stories on Christian faith amid persecution in Kandhamal, Orissa. It is the Malayalam version of the book, Early Christians of 21st century, by journalist Anto Akkara. Father Devassy Panthallookaran, former principal of St Thomas College in Thrissur, Kerala, translated it. Cardinal Alencherry released the 75,000-word book at the Kerala Catholic Council assembly in Kochi on December 11 and handed over the first copy of the book to Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, president of Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC).

Over 100 church leaders, including bishops, took part in the ceremony. Cardinal Alencherry congratulated Akkara "for bringing to the attention of the world the sufferings and unwavering faith of the persecuted Christians of Kandhamal, going beyond his role as a journalist.” In his additional foreword to the book, the cardinal described the book as "a testimonial for martyrs."

Archbishop Thazhath said that this is an inspiring book in the year of Faith. In his address, Akkara said that he has tried to document “truthfully their incredible faith, pains and sufferings in words and pictures.”The Malayalam translation of the book is

published by Veritas India Books, a publishing firm based in Thrissur.

Press Release (ucannews)

Human rights necessary for democracy: bishops' office

We cannot miss or overlook the poignancy of the human rights situation

in India, the official said. Fr. Charles Irudayam

New Delhi: The justice and peace office of the Indian bishops says democratic system becomes impossible when people are prevented from exercising their human rights. In a statement marking the Human Rights Day today, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India’s office for justice, peace and development called on the people to respect human dignity.

"Respect for human rights is the secret of true peace," it said and affirmed that the culture of human rights cannot fail to be a culture of peace. “As we observe the day, we cannot miss or overlook the poignancy of the human rights situation in India,” said he statement signed by Father Charles Irudayam, secretary for the justice, peace and development office.

He said that the people, who non-violently oppose nuclear power plants and uranium mines are greeted with atrocious and brutal attacks by the police, dangerous fabricated cases, curfew and prohibitory orders. When thousands of tribal villagers oppose government’s move to dispossess them of their land and fields in favor of industrial projects, they are brutally attacked by “paid goons of the company,” the priest added.

He said that according to the recent human rights report on India, glaring violations include starvation deaths of farmers, willful neglect of healthcare of poor, extra judicial killings, custodial torture, high incidence of violence against women, discrimination and growing atrocities against dalits and discrimination and targeting of religious minorities.

Father Irudayam reminded the people Pope John Paul II’s message that “citizens have not only the right but also the responsibility to participate and that when they are prevented from exercising this responsibility, development of a sound democratic system then becomes practically impossible.”

The priest said that the Church document, Justice in the World, admitted that Church’s “mission involves defending and promoting the dignity and fundamental rights of the human person.” In short, the Church‘s defense of human rights is an inescapable requirement of her mission of justice and love in the spirit of the Gospel message, he added.

Source: press statement

Mumbai: Latest update: on Kandivali/Malad Church issue & cemetry issue

Save our Land - Committee [ SOUL] delegation along with Mr. Julio Rebeiro met with Mr. Sitaram Kunte, Municipal Commissioner today, December 20 to discuss the issues listed above. A memorandum [copy enclosed] along with the first lot of  30,000 signatures was  handed over to the Municipal Commissioner. Mr. Julio Rebeiro thanked the Municipal Commissioner for giving us the audience. Mr. Rebeiro stated that normally he does not get  involved in sectarian issues. However he stated that in these cases he sees gross injustice being done to the Christian community as they are normally considered as soft targets. Mr. Rebeiro than requested Mr. Dolphy Dsouza, Spokesperson of the SOUL Team to take over. Mr. Dolphy D'souza thanked Mr. Julio Rebeiro and Mr. Sudhir Naik, DMC for arranging this appointment. He also thanked the Municipal Commissioner for his time to listen to our issues.  He appealed to the Municipal Commissioner to intervene in these matters and resolve them positively for the benefit of the community. Mr. Dsouza than requested Mr. Prashanth Pereira, Youth Co-Ordinator to make a presentation on the   Our Lady of Assumption Church and St Josephs' High School, Kandivali issue concerning the Poisar river widening. . Points are covered in the Memorandum. On the Kandivali Poisar river widening issue, the delegation apprised the Municipal Commissioner and other Senior Officials of the Corporation that MMRDA and BMC had appointed specialised Government Agencies namely Central Water Power Station, Pune and WAPCOS Ltd, Gurgaon to suggest remedial flood mitigation  measures for the Poisar, Mithi and other rivers. And why those recommendations are not being implemented?.  Adv. Godfrey Pimenta shared the various points concerning the St Anthony's Church, Malwani,Malad  Road Widening Issue. Please refer to the Memorandum on this subject. The delegation once again apprised the Commissioner and the Senior Officials that why environmental rules and regulations more particularly spelt out in the Memorandum are being violated and development is being carried in a lopsided manner.  What is more relevant is widening the Swami Vivekand [SV] Road which is proving to be a bottleneck  and lakhs of people are suffering owing to this. Mr. Joaquim Colaco of the United Christian Cemetery Committee  spoke on the Cemetery issue. Again points covered in the memorandum. Mr. Sitaram Kunte, Municipal Commissioner gave the delegation a patient hearing. He had the entire team of BMC officials connected with these issues at the said meeting. Mr. Kunte assured the delegation that he would personnally visit the sites both at Kandivali and Malad, look into all the facts and will convey his decisions to the concerned.  On the cemetery issue he directed the officials to expedite the acquisition process for the Kandivali land for the Christian Cemetery and also work on speedy basis for the Christian Cemetery at Goregaon, Western Express Highway. The following were members of the delegation: Fr. Gerald Fernandes, Parish Priest, Mr. Prashanth Pereira and Mr. Lennon Miranda of Our Lady of Assumption Church,  Kandivali, Fr. Austin  Norris, Parish Priest, Mr. Stanley Fernandez, Mr. Greg Pereira, Mr. Frederick

Gracias of St Anthony's Church, Malwani, Malad West, Adv. Godfrey Pimenta of Watchdog Foundation, Mr. Joaquim Colaco of United Christian Cemetery Committee, Mr.  Gordon Dsouza,  President- The Bombay Catholic Sabha and Dolphy D'souza, Spokesperson of the SOUL Team. Kind regards,Dolphy D'souzaSpokesperson"Save Our Land"- Committee [SOUL]

Tel: 09820226227 Email: [email protected]

SAVE OUR LAND- COMMITTEE   [SOUL]_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

c/o. Our Lady of Assumption Church,  M.G. Road, Kandivali West, Mumbai 400 067.

19th December 2012

Hon’ble Shri Sitaram Kunte,Municipal CommissionerBrihan Mumbai Municipal Corporation,Mahapalika Marg,Mumbai 400 001.

 Memorandum submitted to the Municipal Commissioner with the first lot of 30,000 signatures listing the following demands below:

Respected Sir,

We wish to apprise you as under:

Our Demands:

Permanently withdraw notices of acquisition to!!!!

       St. Joseph High School Grounds, Kandivali        Our Lady of Assumption Church, Kandivali       St Anthony’s Church Malwani, and       Allot Land for the Cemetery on the Eastern side of the Western Suburbs.

A]Our Lady of Assumption and St Joseph’s High School, M.G. Road, Kandivali West.

a) The BMC intends to acquire  parts of the Cemetery, School Ground and Church for widening of the Poisar River, which has now been reduced to a mere stinking Nullah [Gutter]. The Church stands to lose 100's of our graves of our ancestors and the children numbering over 1700 are on the verge losing a playground. As it is the Mumbai has the dubious distinction of lowest open spaces for sports activities  and it is no wonder that out Nation produces fewer medals in International Sporting events.

b) The Nullah width of 36 mtrs is the widest  at  the School/ Church while at other locations it varies between 4 mtrs to 20 mtrs and  at several places there is no space for the flow of the water,  as it has been encroached by illegal and ever mushrooming slums , debris, garbage etc.   The BMC now wants to widen the Nulla at the Church / School from 36 mtrs to 37.5 mtrs and waste public money in the process.  c) Alternate  methods of  cleaning the debris/ deepening  the nullah have been suggested  by the WAPCOS LTD, a Govt of India undertaking which was appointed to study and recommend flood control measures to BMC, after the deluge of July 2005. d) The relevant pages of the Interim Report – December 2005 by Water and Power Consultancy

Services [India] Ltd [WAPCOS] pertaining to the Study on Flood Mitigation Measures for the Poisar River in North Mumbai are self explanatory.

e) At 4.10.2 the following is noted. 

Parameter                        Poisar River 

Existing Width                10 mtrs 

Proposed Width              20 mtrs 

Depth:                              4.0 mtrs. f) It has also clearly listed the encroachments and potential risk zone at point no 8, 9, 10.Pg  No. 158 of the said report has suggested Zoning and Channelization of Rivers in Mumbai.  The suggested norms for the Poisar river: 

Existing Width: 8-20 mtrs Recommended: 22.5 mtrs.

 g) In the present situation as highlighted earlier, the existing width of the Nullah / River at the School /Church is at 36 mtrs which is the widest. Hence trying to acquire more land for increasing the widths smells of a conspiracy and is technically not a feasible move. However, all scientific reasoning has fallen on deaf  ears of BMC. h) On one occasion the said Church had given land in front of the Church for road widening without asking / claiming for any compensation. This very land has now been usurped and encroached by free for all illegal parking of vehicles and garbage bins etc. It may relevant to note that this Church has a  history of over 400 years and this how the BMC regards the sanctity of maintaining a heritage structure.

B] St Anthony’s Church, Malawani, Malad West.                a) We wish to apprise you and place before you our objections in respect of the above subject matter as under:-

b) It may be relevant to note that on one hand the Mumbai Municipal Corporation has itself approved the proposal for listing and including St. Anthony’s Church, Malwani with a grading of Grade II (A) in the recently published proposed heritage list, however on the other hand the Corporation knowing very well its limitations in the case of road widening in the case of property consisting of heritage building/structure, is now hell bent on usurping the very property of the Church that is sacred to all its Parishioners by mindless daylight robbery of  not only the open space that is used by the children of  the Parish , school  children  and   worshippers for prayer services, gatherings, etc., but also the Corporation is trying hard to gobble up a structure itself having been built prior to 1872 and forming part of the property consisting of the proposed Heritage Structure by demolishing it and has called upon the Church to hand over its alleged open plot which is not at all open as the same consists of a) the Compound wall b) The structure in existence from prior to 1872 which is the residence  place for  the blessed sacrament , all the priests who are  appointed  to serve the Church as Priest together with Church workers who are staying at this residence and serving the Church and also for prayers, counseling, charitable work, Church Office and other activities and also used as a meeting place for various meetings  and c) Grotto that has immense value to the Parishioners as it is where they have been honouring St. Anthony, the Patron Saint of the Church and to many the same has brought and continues to bring solace,  as set back for the purposes of road widening.

c) What is more hurtful and unjust is that, exactly opposite the Church premises  the BMC have allowed constructions of residential / commercial premises for which permissions were given  as late as 2001, although the plan was decided to widen the road equally on both sides in 1971. We are at loss to understand this double standards adopted by BMC. Besides once again the road is

encroached upon before the Malwani Church. Beyond Malwani Church it is a Coastal Regulation Zone  and No Development Zone. INS HAMLA, a defence establishment has always objected to the development of the area from the national security perspective.  

d) The proposed road is not only being constructed in flagrant violations of several laws but in the process huge mangrove areas are also affected which itself is an act of committing contempt of court. Despite all this and the legal position being clear that construction of road cannot be undertaken without proper approvals and sanctions in hand the BMC is going full steam ahead with its plan for obvious extraneous reasons.

e) We  have the following questions to be answered by the Corporation :

i)   Is the Corporation entitled in Law to widen the road, whereby Grade II (A) heritage structures are bound to be destroyed permanently?

ii)  Is the Corporation  which is completely funded by tax-payers, a responsible public body for the benefit of the common citizens  or is it colluding  with builders, etc for the future development of the area for commercial gains, even when the entire area around and beyond Malwani Church is No Development Zone and is sparsely populated area? Then for whose benefit is the road widened?

 iii)  INS HAMLA, which is highly protected area by Government of India through the Ministries of Defense/Home Affairs has always objected to the development of the area from the National Security perspective. As such is the Corporation trying to jeopardize the security of the Nation in any manner by the proposed development?

iv)  Why has the Corporation kept mum over entire S. V. Road widening for decades, which has chronic traffic jams and which requires urgent road widening?

v)   We would like to know why the Corporation agreed to spare certain structures on the opposite side of the Church, especially, when there is adequate land on the other side? What was the logic behind deciding to widen the road over the parcel cut out from within the compound of the  Grade II (A) heritage structures  ( Church & its precincts ) proposed in the list and notified by MCGM itself when there was ample free space on the other side? vi)  Is Corporation a profiteering, land-grabbing body set up to aid builders & developers ,etc at the cost of the citizens on whose tax money their infrastructure is solely supported?

f)  We state that wherever the roads have been widened by the Corporation, the said roads have been usurped by illegal parking, hawkers, slum dwellers, garages and commercial establishment. In this connection we invite your kind attention to the beginning of the road from Kharodi slope that though the road has been widened there yet the Corporation and other concerned bodies are not able to protect the existing roads which are filled with rampant encroachments and illegal parking’s . Your attention is also brought to the service roads along the entire Western and Eastern Highways. If the Corporation is not able to protect the existing service/widened roads free of rampant encroachments and illegal parking’s. For whose benefits are these  service/widened roads being built?

g)  We invite your attention to the similar move by the Corporation to widen the Hill Road, Bandra Mumbai which was then affecting St. Peter’s Church and St. Andrew’s Church, Cemetery and the Grotto and the Parsi Aguiary which was resisted by protest rallies, the said road widening was stalled and the road was realigned. We say that similar road re-alignment is possible but the Corporation is acting at the behest of the vested interest, which we will laid bare at appropriate and opportune  moment.

h)  Don’t thrust development of such nature on us. We warn the Corporation that they ought to put their own house in order and first clear the existing service/widened roads in Mumbai of all illegal parking, hawkers, slum dwellers, garages and commercial establishment and then venture to widen the road at Malad Marve Road.

i)  As such it is our humble request  BMC to stop playing fiddle with the honest tax payers and do not destroy the structures itself proposed and notified by it in the List of Heritage Structures until and unless the objections to the structure being listed as Heritage structure be heard and dealt with by the concerned authority and until the  objections pertaining to the issue of road widening and re-alignment be heard and dealt with in a positive direction and in the  right  perspective.                                                                                                     

C] Cemetery on the Eastern Side of the Western Suburbs. a) We were allotted space for Christian Cemetery vide your following drawings/ letters  beginning April 2001:

b) BMC Architectural Drawing No. 50 dated 12/6/2001 and Drawing No. 3-B dated 6/4/2001,  Plot No. CTS 163 (pt), village Akurli, Wadar Pada, Kandivli ( East ), Mumbai.

c) HO/ 10375/ RI  dated 20/6/05 from the Executive Health Officer (H.Q) stating that area allotted for Christian cemetry as 4325.00 square meters and that the Cemetry would be available for use very shortly.

d) ACQ / WS/ 187 dated 26/ 9/ 05 from the Executive Engineer (Development Plan–P&R) stating that the plot of Christian cemetry bearing CTS no. 163 (pt) of village Akurli, is in possession of A/C  R/ South ward and internal boundary/ development work will be executed by R/S ward.

e) HO / 32721/ A dated 7/12/05 from the Executive Health Officer (H.Q) stating that the   Engineering Dept. has been instructed to construct the boundary wall between Muslim and Christian cemetries to safeguard the plot against encroachment .

f) Unfortunately  despite several reminders to your Asst /Dy. Commissioner R/South ward no action was  to hand over the cemetery land allotted to us and finally the   said land was   un-authorisedly encroached  due to delay in constructing the boundary wall by the R/South ward office.

g) Both the Muslim Kabrasthan and the Hindu Cemetery have been developed and put to use.  Why are the Christians deprived of such a basic humanitarian facility of burial ? Needless to state, this is also gross deprivation of our constitutional rights as citizens of this country.

h) From 2003 the United Christian  Cemetery Community   has been agitating on this issue. Everyone including  BMC authorities and politicians make promises but no implementation has taken place.  i) Land  for a  Cemetery on the Eastern side of the Western suburbs is sought from  1996 which the BMC cannot provide and yet the BMC demands land from the Churches/ Schools  as a matter of right.  There is no cemetery for the community from Khar to Dahisar on the Eastern side.  The approx. of the Christian Community is in the region of 3 lakhs.  Hence funerals are an expensive affair as the nearest cemeteries are bet 12-20 kms.  j) Another issue is the recently developed Burial place for both the Hindu and the Muslim community at Aarey Road, Goregaon West, Western Express Highway. But why not also setting up the Christian Cemetery at this location as  BMC laws stipulate setting up of Composite Cemeteries? We demand this be done urgently to at least mitigate the suffering so of the Christians. k) The Government and the BMC authorities in the past have systematically  targeted spaces of the Church and the community when they had tried to acquire the St Andrews’ Church Cemetery St Peters Church / St Stanislaus School spaces  and the Parsi Aguiary on Hill Road, Bandra on the pretext of road widening in November 2006. A defiant community supported by various NGO’s and activists  made a hue and cry and the concerned authorities  had to abandon their  nefarious designs.

l) Land surrendered by St Josephs School, Bandra for footpath// road widening  has been encroached by hawkers and others. Holy Family Church and School at Chakala and St Jude’s Parish

Jeri Meri have given major chunks of their land for road widening.

m) The authorities rely on the fact that we are a peace loving and law abiding community and hence can be easily trampled upon. We are  hurt  and while all efforts have been made to discuss this with the concerned authorities there appears to be no favourable response and it is clear that our pleas have fallen on deaf ears. We are always seen as soft targets. Hence we had no choice but to voice our protest at this injustice.

n) Hence the first Rally campaign was organised on December 01, 2012 at Our Lady of Assumption Church/ St Joseph School Grounds. This Rally was organised to send a clear message to the BMC / Government authorities to listen to legitimate grievances and stop this unjust methods of usurping the Church  and School lands. o) The following resolution was unanimously passed at the gathering numbering thousands: “We condemn the actions of Mumbai Municipal Corporation to go ahead with its intended plan of illogical widening of the Poisar River at places where the River is sufficiently wide enough to carry drain water and also the widening of Malad – Marve Road which affects the Heritage Church.  Similarly, we also condemn the non provision of Cemetery on eastern side of the Western Suburbs.  If our demands are not met, we will escalate the issues to its logical end”. p) A memorandum with 50,000 signatures on these issues along with the resolution  will be sent to the following dignitaries:  Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Chairman –National Advisory Council, Shri Rahul Gandhi, Gen.Secretary, AICC, Shri. Prithiviraj Chavan, Chief Minister, Maharashtra, Shri Sitaram Kunte, Municipal Commissioner, Shri Naseem Khan, Minorities Welfare Minister, Maharashtra, Shri Rehman Khan, Union Minorities Minister, Chairman of National Human Rights Commission, Chairman- National Minorities Commission, Leader of the Opposition, Maharashtra , Shri Sanjay Nirupam, Member of Parliament,  North Mumbai and several other important dignitaries. This is put you on notice that our next agitation dharna / morcha is planned on January 19, 2013 at Malwani and plans are on for a major agitation at Azad Maidan shortly if our grievances are not solved  positively by then.

Please note that several organisations including the The Bombay Catholic Sabha, Sahar Citizens Forum, St. John the Baptist Church Save Committee,  Mobai Gaothan Panchayat [MGP],activists and citizens are actively supporting this cause. “We are ready to make Peace but Hell No to give a piece of our Land” “It matters not how long the battle goes, the day how long;Faint not! Fight on! Tomorrow must come the song.” Hence we appeal to you to intervene in these matters and find positive  solutions to the benefit of the Christian community. Kind regards,

Dolphy D'souzaSpokesperson"Save Our Land"- Committee [SOUL]Our Lady of Assumption Church,M.G. Road,  Kandivali West, Mumbai 400 067.Tel: 09820226227 Email: [email protected]

E-forward from:[email protected]

Vatican discloses Pope's Twitter handle: @pontifex

Reuters | Dec 3, 2012, 04.53 PM IST

VATICAN CITY: It's official. Pope Benedict's handle on Twitter will be @pontifex.

The Vatican said on Monday that the pope will start tweeting on December 12, the feast of the Madonna of Guadalupe. "The handle is a good one. It means 'pope' and it also means 'bridge builder'," said Greg Burke, senior media advisor to the Vatican. "The pope wants to reach out to everyone," he told a news conference.

The first papal tweets will be answers to questions sent to #@pontifex.

The tweets will be going out in Spanish, English, Italian, Portuguese, German, Polish, Arabic and French. Other languages will be added in the future. "We are going to get a spiritual message. The pope is not going to be walking around with a Blackberry or an iPad and no one is going to be putting words into the pope's mouth. He will tweet what he wants to tweet," Burke said.

Primarily the tweets will come from the contents of his weekly general audience, Sunday blessings and homilies on major Church holidays. They will also include reaction to major world events, such as natural disasters. The leader of the world's 1.2 billion or so Roman Catholics will not, of course, send the tweets himself, but he will sign off on them before they are sent in his name.

Lifestyle and CancerBy Dr Lavina M Noronha. Daijiworld.com

 It is true that most cancers are caused by cell mutations, genetic factors or metabolic dysfunctions and are unavoidable. But did you know that a whopping 40% or more of the cases of cancers are caused by factors that are well within our control? Several studies indicate that life style factors like consumption of alcohol, unbalanced diet, tobacco, obesity and lack of exercise are the real culprits when it comes of many types of

remove the artificial ripening agents and pesticides sprayed on them before you peel them to eat. If not, the chemicals from the peels transfer to your hands and then to the fruit.

Processed foods have excessive quantities of salt, preservatives and other additives that are potentially carcinogenic. Carcinogens are cancer causing substances in foods that are artificially processed. So, avoid canned meats, tinned fruits & vegetables, bacon, sausages, tuna etc. Dry fish contains more salt than your body can handle and excessive salt intake is directly linked to cancers of the stomach, liver, kidneys and bladder.

If you are a non-vegetarian, make sure the meat that you eat is cooked in a healthy manner. Consumption of beef, lamb and pork should be reduced to a minimum. It is not just the meats that you eat but the way they are prepared makes them more carcinogenic. Smoked, barbecued, flame-roasted, char-grilled meats are comparatively more

cancers. This article looks at alcohol and diet related factors and their relationship to cancer.

Avoidable habits like drinking alcoholic beverages are known to increase the incidence of cancer. Do not justify your drinking with the adages like “red wine is good for the heart” or “beer is good for the kidneys”. There is no scientific evidence that beer or wine is good for health. Alcohol puts you at a higher risk for cancers of the mouth, esophagus (the food pipe), throat, palate, stomach, liver, colon, kidneys, bladder, and so on. Even small quantities can be quite deadly when there are other risk factors present.

Changes in lifestyle are relatively easy to achieve. For example, eating 5 or more servings of vegetables and fruits a day does not require a lot of sacrifice, does it? Include a good helping of raw vegetables like cabbage, bell peppers, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, spinach, radish, turnips, carrots, etc at least once a day, preferably at lunchtime. Do not overcook vegetables- they lose anti-oxidants and nutrients. Anti-oxidants are cancer-fighting agents found in fresh fruits and vegetables which include selenium, beta-carotene, vitamin E and vitamin C. Use ginger, garlic, turmeric, coriander, and cinnamon generously in your cooking. These condiments have cancer fighting properties and are known to strengthen the immune system. Wild berries (blue berries, black berries, goose berries) that are easily available in rural areas are a great source of anti-oxidants too.

Make it a habit to wash all the fruits and vegetables in salt water before you use them. Even oranges and bananas require to be washed in salt water to

hazardous than the same when they are boiled, broiled, steamed or oven-roasted. If you are a lover of barbecue and have weekly barbecues, you might want to consider an alternative that is healthier. A vegetarian diet is the best diet when it comes to fighting cancer.

Foods that are deep-fried at high temperatures are more carcinogenic than pan-fried items. Slow frying at medium temperature is a healthier option. Avoid oils that are hydrogenated and those that are high in saturated fats. Do not re-use the oil that is used for deep frying. Choose oils that have unsaturated fats like olive oil or canola. Plant based fats like omega-3 fatty acids found in avocado, flaxseeds are cancer fighting fats and are good for you.

Do not ignore constipation- it could be a symptom of something serious. Lack of fiber in the diet is directly related to colo-rectal cancers. Food should be expelled by the body within 24 hours. If it stays in the intestines longer, it becomes toxic. Increase the intake of fiber in your diet especially at breakfast- oatmeal, whole grains, pulses, nuts are rich in fiber. Not just almonds, hazelnuts or walnuts, even pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds are good enough and are comparatively more economical.

A minimum of 8-12 glasses of water a day is needed to flush out the toxins that are generated in the body. Drinking one or two glasses of warm water early in the morning is a good habit which stimulates bowel movement. Hydrotherapy is a better option to chemotherapy and is less expensive!

GEM PLUS Dr. Leo Rebello's following books are available for download fromhttp://www.healthwisdom.org/publications.htm or you may write to

him for hard copies at the following address.Merry Christmas 2012 and Happy New Year 2013.

COMING SOON

CANA 2013First Christian Joint Marriage celebration in Mumbai

An initiative by Christian Businessmen

Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay was glad to hear of it and has given his consent for organsing such an event where Christian businessmen would come forward to support their more needy brethren

►Date: April 14, 2013►Venue: St Peter’s Church, Bandra

Special features: Complete nuptial arrangements A gift package to each couple

Cardinal or a bishop will be invited to bless the couples

For further details and registration contact:Denzil D’Souza – 9967272920

Myron Fernandes – 9096996690Seedon D’Souza – 9833833225

Courtesy: information pamphlet sent to parishes and circular of Bishop Agnelo dated October 11, 2012

ST XAVIER’S MARRIAGE BUREAU, PANVEL.

A FREE SERVICE

If you are looking out for a life partner with the intention of getting married. Here is a GOOD NEWS FOR YOU!

There are more than 350 eligibles (RC) who have applied at

ST XAVIER’S MARRIAGE BUREAU, PANVELWith the intention of looking out for a life partner.

The procedure of St Xavier’s Marriage Bureau is simple. Once you submit your profile with a photograph, you will be given the files of other applicants. After making your choice, you are free

to follow up with the parties. St Xavier’s will be only a contact point, and further negotiations

will be done by the parties themselves.If you want to register at St Xavier’s Marriage Bureau, you may

email your profile and photograph to:[email protected]

Tel: 2745 5556Contact between 10 am to 5 pm (Irene)

Mon. to Sat.

GEM PLUS - LAUGH TIME

Cartoons courtesy: Internet

Published by St Xavier’s Community Centre, Panvel,Editor: Fr Felix Rebello

Tel: 2745 5556, Email:[email protected], [email protected] website: www.stfrancisxavierpanvel.in