[Goanet] Sensitisation course for police officers held.
* Documented by Goa Desc Documentation Service & circulated by Goa Civic & Consumer Action Network (GOA CAN)<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> * --- Sensitisation course for police officers held. --- A sensitisation course for all police officers of the rank of PIs and above was held in the Police Head Quarters Conference Hall, Panjim on Saturday. According to a press release, eminent personalities namely Pinheiro, principal, Salgaocar College of Law, Arun Sinha, editor of The Navhind Times and R K Pal, Joint Chief Electoral Officer were the main speakers. Earlier, Devesh Shrivastava, SP CID welcomed the gathering consisting of DGP, DIG, DIG-CID, SPs, DySPs and all PIs of Goa Police. Pinheiro spoke on human rights and its violations. He said, that it is easy to speak about Human Rights but practical implementation of the same is difficult. He also spoke about the universal declaration of human rights. He further said that, if there is an ideal society where no one is deprived of his/her rights, then there is no need of the police. Speaking further, he said that, the role of police in a progressive society moving towards idealism is limited to preventing or correcting the aberrations. Pinheiro also spoke on the study conducted by two police officials namely G S Singhavi and Baljeet Sur. Arun Sinha spoke about 'Police-Public Relationship and Functioning of Police' today. He said that, the Police should act as servants of the people and not agents of the state as is the case today. Sinha informed that, the Britishers created two forms of police i.e. one for themselves and the other for their colonies and added that this is the reason why the police officials today in India identify themselves as servants of political masters. Speaking further, he said, the main duty of the Police is prevention and detection of crime but police today concentrates on prevention of crime only and maintenance of law and order. He lamented that, the detection rate in India is very poor and the conviction rate is as law as 6 per cent. To improve this, he said, Law and order should be separated from investigation and more attention should be paid to registration, detection, successful prosecution and conviction of the crime. He suggested that Public Advisory Committee for each police station in Goa as a solution to the problem. R K Pal, suggested some guidelines to be followed by the police during the forthcoming elections. As regards the shortage of traffic policeman, DGP Gurcharan S Sandhu mentioned that, the Traffic Cell in Goa was formed in 1984 during CHOG-M and after that there was no increase in the Traffic Police strength although vehicles, populations etc. has increased remarkably. He also informed that, 26 accident prone areas were identified by the Goa Police but only 12 of these have been rectified till date. Regarding the point of separation of Investigation from Law and Order, Sandhu said that, the Crime Branch of the State Police has been specialised and added that, officers of Crime Branch have been trained to deal with cyber crime, economic offences, corruption cases etc. He also mentioned that, the revamping of the Goa Police force is under progress. Later there was an interaction between the speakers and the police officers. Devesh Shrivastava thanked all the speakers for sparing their valuable time and addressing the Police officials and hoped that the Police Officials will strictly follow the NHRC/Supreme Court guidelines in their working and also follow the election guidelines in the forthcoming Assembly elections - HERALD 13/5/02 page 5 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-W-E-B---S-I-T-E-=-=-= To Subscribe/Unsubscribe from GoaNet | http://www.goacom.com/goanet === For (un)subscribing or for help, Contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dont want so many e=mails? Join GoaNet-Digest instead ! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Help support non-commercial projects in Goa by advertizing!! * * * * Your ad here !!
Re: [Goanet] danger in Goa?
Jorge/Livia, your story about the rat is perhaps more relevent to the moral "for want of a nail a kingdom was lost". When successive Govt.s show no political will to solve the Kashmir problem and the country bleeds economically for 50 years, it is time to retreat to the benaulim beach. Believe me, I know, because I took part in 2 wars against Pakistan in 1965 and 1971. Body bags mean nothing to our politicians. So I may say things in jest, but Ive just about had it with politicians who think nothing about escalating the geo-political situation in the subcontinent to the brink of war. regards--Gilbert -Original Message- From: Jorge/Livia de Abreu Noronha <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: gilbert menezes <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Thursday, May 23, 2002 8:41 PM Subject: Re: [Goanet] danger in Goa? >No, Mr. Gilbert Menezes, it is not right to "let Amritsar and Delhi sweat", >while "we can continue walking the beaches". Let me reproduce here "A Simple >Story" from a recent post by Joe Vaz on "The Goan Forum": > >>A rat looked through a crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife >>opening a package. What food might it contain? He was aghast to discover >>that it was a rat-trap. >> >>Retreating to the farmyard the rat proclaimed the warning; "There is a rat >>trap in the house, a rat trap in the house!" >> >>The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, "Excuse me, >Mr. >>Rat, I can tell this is a grave concern to you, but it is of no consequence >>to me. I cannot be bothered by it." >> >>The rat turned to the pig and told him, "There is a rat trap in the house, >a >>rat trap in the house!" >< >>"I am so very sorry Mr. Rat," sympathized the pig, "but there is nothing I >>can do about it but pray. Be assured that you are in my prayers." >> >>The rat turned to the cow. She said, "Like wow, Mr. Rat. A rat trap. I am >in >>grave danger. Duh?" >> >>So the rat returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the >>farmer's rat trap alone. >> >>That very night a sound was heard throughout the house, like the sound of a >>rat trap catching its prey. The farmer's wife rushed to see what was >caught. >> >>In the darkness, she did not see that it was a venomous snake whose tail >the >>trap had caught. The snake bit the farmer's wife. >> >>The farmer rushed her to the hospital. She returned home with a fever. >> >>Now everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup, so the farmer >>took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient. >> >>His wife's sickness continued so that friends and neighbors came to sit >with >>her around the clock. To feed them the farmer butchered the pig. >> >>The farmer's wife did not get well. She died, and so many people came for >>her funeral that the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide meat for all >>of them to eat. >> >>So the next time you hear that someone is facing a problem and think that >it >>does not concern you, remember that when there is a rat-trap in the house, >>the whole farmyard is at risk. >> >In the face of this, would it be correct for people in Goa to walk carefree >on the beaches while Amritsar and Delhi sweat? > >Livia de Abreu Noronha > >- Original Message - >From: "gilbert menezes" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 5:47 PM >Subject: [Goanet] danger in Goa? > > >> Folks, >> Took my usual evening walk on Benaulim beach. The sea has roughed up a >lot, >> which is understandable, considering that the monsoon is just 2 weeks >away. >> While watching all those children having a good time, there were signs >that >> all is not so well. At sunset, 2 Tu-142 maritime patrol aircraft of the >Navy >> flew in from westward heading for Dabolim. This has been going on for >some >> days. We are in the frontline for maritime recconaissance, and I can >imagine >> that aircraft flying out of Goa have been tracking Pakistani ships and >> littoral spaces. With tension and rhetoric building up on the >subcontinent, >> one may well ask whether it is risky living in Goa in case of an all out >war >> with Pakistan. The good news is that Goa is out of range of any PAF >fighter >> or bomber, unless they have air to air refuelling capability, which I >doubt. >> The other good news is that Goa does not present a viable nuclear >> target --no worthwhile population or industrial density. >> So let Amritsar and Delhi sweat, we can continue walking the beaches >> > > =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-W-E-B---S-I-T-E-=-=-= To Subscribe/Unsubscribe from GoaNet | http://www.goacom.com/goanet === For (un)subscribing or for help, Contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dont want so many e=mails? Join GoaNet-Digest instead ! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Help support non-commercial projects in Goa by advertizing!! * * *
RE: [Goanet] Cip's Mother Teresa quote
Joel, I believe that the below mentioned Mother Teresa's words are more than a quote. She has practiced before she preached. One of the writer on Mother Teresa said "Mother Teresa did not say or write any 'word' which she did not mean" I believe Mother Teresa manifested the universal LOVE with her open mind and her open heart to all human beings, beyond the limits of a normal human being. I wonder if Mother Teresa had any 'Scientific Methods' to achieve what she has achieved during her life time? Did Mother Teresa moved beyond her organised religion? Who and what stop us to move beyond any organised religion, in which we are born or chose by us? Regards, Cip _ Joel Almeida wrote on 22 May 2002 16:34 Subject: [Goanet] Cip's Mother Teresa quote Cip Fernandes wrote: If You PRAY, You will have FAITH, And if You have FAITH, You will LOVE, And if You LOVE, You will SERVE, And if You SERVE, You will have PEACE. -Mother Teresa Thanks, Cip. I don't think I have read better practical advice for living. Hopefully I can learn from such advice. Off for a few days now (everyone bring out the feni and celebrate). Joel Almeida =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-W-E-B---S-I-T-E-=-=-= To Subscribe/Unsubscribe from GoaNet | http://www.goacom.com/goanet === For (un)subscribing or for help, Contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dont want so many e=mails? Join GoaNet-Digest instead ! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Help support non-commercial projects in Goa by advertizing!! * * * * Your ad here !!
goanet-digest V1 #4010
goanet-digest Thursday, May 23 2002 Volume 01 : Number 4010 - In this issue: [Goanet] WAKE UP... The lesser of the two evils [Goanet] Sad demise of great Goan. [Goanet] Video Films on Gujarat/Konkany Martys. See end of digest for information on subscribing/unsusbcribing. -- Date: Thu, 23 May 2002 11:59:47 -0600 (MDT) From: "M Mascarenhas" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [Goanet] WAKE UP... The lesser of the two evils WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE Margaret Mascarenhas The lesser of two evils Over the past 4 years, which is the tenure of the BJP leadership in Gujarat, the magazine Communalism Combat has published a number of special reports drawing attention to the insidious signs of a fascist anti-minority build-up in the state, which includes a systematic politicization of the police and blatant communal propaganda from sectarian publications such as Sandesh and Gujarat Samachar. Even though the provocative behavior of the ram sevaks on board the Sabarmati Express has been widely documented by the secular press, the torching of bogey S-6 is clearly indefensible. However, the statement of Narendra Modi, who has been staunchly defended by the BJP everywhere, when he called subsequent targeted assaults on Muslims (which included the rape, mutilation and burning of hundreds of civilians) in 16 districts "a natural reaction" is even more reprehensible, given that it came from the mouth of a man who is by law supposed to represent ALL the people of Gujarat. It is in clear violation of the principle of the Representation of the People Act. Last week I watched a documentary at the TB de Cunha Hall in which the eyewitness account of a 10 year old boy describes the stomach of a pregnant Muslim woman being slit open, the fetus ripped out, the fetus thrown in the air, and caught on a trishul. If this behavior is "natural", then India has regressed to a Cro-Magnon stage of evolution. Today I received yet another spam mailer from the Goa BJP lauding the remarks of Union Telecommunications Minister, Pramod Mahajan, on May 20: "Taking on the Congress head on over its attempt to impose the Gujarat incident as an agenda on the electorate of the state, Mr Mahajan said that the issue of Gujarat, while relevant to the nation, had nothing to do with the May 30 election in Goa. Think of the leadership of Goa, think of the issues that the state of Goa faced. If you want to talk of the Gujarat violence, then begin with Godhra, not Goa, he remarked, adding that it was from Godhra that the Gujarat violence began. " Even if we begin with Godhra, this does not paint a pretty future for Goa under a BJP leadership. I suggest the people of Goa begin with Goa. Whatever the manifesto of a political party, once in power, it is constitutionally bound to represent all sections of society. When the VHP called an all-India bandh following the Godhra incident, Goa's acting CM, Manohar Parrikar, publicly declared the bandh a success. Which led many to legitimately wonder whether he was functioning as a representative of the people of Goa or as a mouthpiece of the VHP. Goa had a faint whiff of Gujarat, and a taste of the potential future, that day, when thugs ran amuck, enforcing the bandh and terrorizing shopkeepers and people on the road. To my knowledge, none of the thugs were arrested. If the situation in Gujarat has, according to Mahajan, nothing to do with Goa, then why did Manohar Parrikar declare the Gujarat -related bandh a success? Is this his idea of good governance? Here is an example of VHP-speak from Acharya Giriraj Kishore (senior vice-president, VHP) in a pre-Godhra interview with rediff.com on February 7, 2002: "These self-appointed secularists can no longer fool the Hindus who are aware of the elaborate plan to damage our religion and religious beliefs. Take it from me that our level of tolerance can be stretched no more. And those who come in our way will be pulverized." Pulverized? Secular Hindus who read this must be wondering what planet they are on. But, back to Goa. Isn't anybody wondering how it came to pass that the RSS recently commandeered the grounds of the Sharada Mandir school, a secular institution? Could this occur under a secular government? The BJP in Goa has promised a corrupt-free government, but so far, none of the participants in last year's Miramar sex scandal have been charge-sheeted and the issue has mysteriously faded into the woodwork. And who among us can forget the sight of the former BJP party president accepting illegal funds with his own hands on the video taken by Tehelka.com, which was broadcast globally. What does it matter who funded Tehelka? He took the money. Having said all this, I realize that the Goan electorate is still caught between a rock and
[Goanet] Video Films on Gujarat/Konkany Martys.
VIDEO FILM ON GUJARAT MUST CONTINUE. Soon after the Opinion Poll tiatrist Robin Vaz penned his tiatr "pinion Poll" but the Hitlerian Dictator Dayananda Bandodkar the first Chief Minister and as a matter of fact communal Chief Minister of Goa opposed the staging of this Tiatro in Goa. The excuse was that this tiatro will create communal disharmony in Goa. Who was telling this? The most communal man Dayananda Bandodkar who was responsible for turning Goa into communal. Now Parrikar the present BJP Chief Minister of Goa is objecting to the screening of Video Tapes on Gujarat carnage giving the same type of excue as Bandodkar once gave. By virtue of being a member of BJP Parrikar should be a communal person and what has happened in Gujarat was nothing but communal. During the partition time of India some of the senior Muslims residing in Kuwait tells me how Hindus used to cut the breast of Muslim women and kicking like a tennis ball while other fanatic Hindus where applauding this heinous act. One of my Pakistani friends Mr. Akram told me, once while coming from Rangoon as a small boy along with his father and mother, at Poona/Bombay he saw how Hindus where openly raping Muslim women in front of their husbands and other manfolk, after raping how they were killing these poor women. Mr. Akram also told me how pregnant women were butchered and after removing babies from their wombs how they used to display them of course to the pleasure of other communal Hindus. Besides Indian fanatic Hindus to my knowledge only Jews at the time of establishment of Israel did such criminal acts. The hero of this type of killings of Palestinian women and removing babies from the wombs of pregnant Palestinian Arab women was Menachem Begin who later on became prime minister of Israel. It was not that Muslims were totally innocent but being majority community fanatic Hindus played more dirty role as it was done in Gujarat. I am happy that secular Hindus are revolting against what is happening in Gujarat. The genocide going on in Gujarat is an unHindu act.It is against Hindu religion. It should be exposed and Vide Tapes should be shown more and more. The decision of the Parrikar Government to ban this video filim should be challenged by the secular citizens. Let people know the truth however hurting it may be for the concerned persons. By banning this type of Video filims Parrikar is killing freedom in Goa. Where are all the freedom fighters gone? Are they sleeping? Did they fight against Salazarist regime to receive imposition of another Salazarism by Parrikar? "Kole Dholint Lipleat Koxem Dista - Pensaum ani Tamrapatra ghevpak rokddech poile ubhe zatat pun nitik zogoddkap kamllem kamrun nidtat". While Video film on Gujarat carnage is going on and should carry on even privately for selected few audience, I would also suggest that Video Films of Konkani Martyrs should also be simultaneously shown so that people should know what MGP has done for innocent Goans. I am sure Dr. Wilfred and others especially KPA members like Mathanay Saldanhya will have these Videos prepared very minutely with great pain. Let people know what our enemies and enemies of Goa and Konkani have done for our people. If anybody is sending me any Cassette of Gujarat carnage I shall be highly indebted to him. I will make copies and circulate among our people here. Video Films of Gujarat carnage and Video Film of Konkani Martyrs should be shown more and more not only now but also after the election. By all means BJP should be thrown out of Goa. A. Veronica Fernandes, Kuwait. _ Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-W-E-B---S-I-T-E-=-=-= To Subscribe/Unsubscribe from GoaNet | http://www.goacom.com/goanet === For (un)subscribing or for help, Contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dont want so many e=mails? Join GoaNet-Digest instead ! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Help support non-commercial projects in Goa by advertizing!! * * * * Your ad here !!
[Goanet] Sad demise of great Goan.
Death of Hugo Souza. The sad news of death of Hugo Souza is terrible. My association and contact with him though for a shortwhile came thru Gurunath Kelekar who then was editing his Konkani Weekly Goencho Mog. Gurunath and he were both close friends devising lot of ideas for the cause of Konkani. Being a more knowledgable person Hugo was an asset thru his wisdom, knowledge and sincerity. That time I was Kuwait correspondent of Goencho Mog and while in 1979/80 I was on vacation in Goa went to meet Gurunath Kelekar at his Press, I met this great soul of Goa Victor Souza a great lover of Goa, Konkani, Goan culture, history, tradition and everything best in Goa. A week later I went to see him at his residence at Raia where he was living alone and was very much known in that locality. Motorcycle pilots were his best friends who were everyday transporting him from his home to the bus stand. During my short conversation with him I realised his deep love for Goa and everything concerning Goa. His encouragement and support to me to carry on with the campaing for Konkani in Kuwait was a big booster. I still remember the eulogy he made of me over my activities for the cause of Goa and Konkani during our conversation. I very much value his comments and praises he showered on me. He was very much thankful to Gurunath Kelekar for introducing me to him. It is a pity that persons like Hugo are getting into extinction from Goan scene. His love for Goa and Konkani will always remember in my mind. As a real philosopher he silently slipped from Goa and silenty took refuge somewhere else to die a peaceful death. It is a pity to know that a man who came to make Goa his final resting place had to die in Himachal Pradesh, unsung - unpraised and unadored. In his death Goa lost a great patriot and a great son. May his soul rest in peace. A. Veronica Fernandes, Kuwait. "Taking the liberty to circulate this note, from Samir Kelekar. I knew Hugo -- but due to geography perhaps we didn't have as much contact we should have had. In the few meetings we had, I was impressed by Hugo's commitment to issues like human rights. He always sent in that fifteen paise postcard to appreciate an issue of NewsSpeak (a critical journal about journalism in Goa, brought out by the Goa Union of Journalists) when we came out with these in the late 'eighties. We need more Hugos in this globe. FN Subject: Death: Hugo Souza To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Guys: Our dear friend Hugo Souza of Raia, Goa has passed away. He died in the mission hospital in Himachal Pradesh. He probably died of cancer. He had left Goa and all of us a year back, to what he called an unknown destination. Personally, I am deeply indebted to this man who taught me so many things that I cannot even recount. A tremendous credit for what i am today goes to this man who brought out the very best in me always. He was a number one philosopher, who edited the first konkani daily in free Goa. A rank holder from Xavier's bombay, he passed his LLB with a gold medal. He decided to come to Goa leaving Mumbai to contribute to free Goa. His logic was so penetrating that he could beat any one at it. His commitment, integrity and reputation at whatever he did was unsurpassable. This man could have been anything and anyone but he decided to be with his own people and perhaps spent a major time of his life dealing wih kids like me and help us grow up. His belief in india and its potential was tremendous. He was adept in a range of fields but he basically called himself a theoretician. Right from reading puzzle books of Martin Gardener, to discussing world politics, astronomy, law, history, philosophy, sociology, science you name it, this guy had very few peers worldwide. He gives me as much power in his death that he had given in his life. regards, Sam " _ Join the worlds largest e-mail service with MSN Hotmail. http://www.hotmail.com =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-W-E-B---S-I-T-E-=-=-= To Subscribe/Unsubscribe from GoaNet | http://www.goacom.com/goanet === For (un)subscribing or for help, Contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dont want so many e=mails? Join GoaNet-Digest instead ! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Help support non-commercial projects in Goa by advertizing!! * * * * Your ad here !!
[Goanet] WAKE UP... The lesser of the two evils
WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE Margaret Mascarenhas The lesser of two evils Over the past 4 years, which is the tenure of the BJP leadership in Gujarat, the magazine Communalism Combat has published a number of special reports drawing attention to the insidious signs of a fascist anti-minority build-up in the state, which includes a systematic politicization of the police and blatant communal propaganda from sectarian publications such as Sandesh and Gujarat Samachar. Even though the provocative behavior of the ram sevaks on board the Sabarmati Express has been widely documented by the secular press, the torching of bogey S-6 is clearly indefensible. However, the statement of Narendra Modi, who has been staunchly defended by the BJP everywhere, when he called subsequent targeted assaults on Muslims (which included the rape, mutilation and burning of hundreds of civilians) in 16 districts "a natural reaction" is even more reprehensible, given that it came from the mouth of a man who is by law supposed to represent ALL the people of Gujarat. It is in clear violation of the principle of the Representation of the People Act. Last week I watched a documentary at the TB de Cunha Hall in which the eyewitness account of a 10 year old boy describes the stomach of a pregnant Muslim woman being slit open, the fetus ripped out, the fetus thrown in the air, and caught on a trishul. If this behavior is "natural", then India has regressed to a Cro-Magnon stage of evolution. Today I received yet another spam mailer from the Goa BJP lauding the remarks of Union Telecommunications Minister, Pramod Mahajan, on May 20: "Taking on the Congress head on over its attempt to impose the Gujarat incident as an agenda on the electorate of the state, Mr Mahajan said that the issue of Gujarat, while relevant to the nation, had nothing to do with the May 30 election in Goa. Think of the leadership of Goa, think of the issues that the state of Goa faced. If you want to talk of the Gujarat violence, then begin with Godhra, not Goa, he remarked, adding that it was from Godhra that the Gujarat violence began. " Even if we begin with Godhra, this does not paint a pretty future for Goa under a BJP leadership. I suggest the people of Goa begin with Goa. Whatever the manifesto of a political party, once in power, it is constitutionally bound to represent all sections of society. When the VHP called an all-India bandh following the Godhra incident, Goa's acting CM, Manohar Parrikar, publicly declared the bandh a success. Which led many to legitimately wonder whether he was functioning as a representative of the people of Goa or as a mouthpiece of the VHP. Goa had a faint whiff of Gujarat, and a taste of the potential future, that day, when thugs ran amuck, enforcing the bandh and terrorizing shopkeepers and people on the road. To my knowledge, none of the thugs were arrested. If the situation in Gujarat has, according to Mahajan, nothing to do with Goa, then why did Manohar Parrikar declare the Gujarat -related bandh a success? Is this his idea of good governance? Here is an example of VHP-speak from Acharya Giriraj Kishore (senior vice-president, VHP) in a pre-Godhra interview with rediff.com on February 7, 2002: "These self-appointed secularists can no longer fool the Hindus who are aware of the elaborate plan to damage our religion and religious beliefs. Take it from me that our level of tolerance can be stretched no more. And those who come in our way will be pulverized." Pulverized? Secular Hindus who read this must be wondering what planet they are on. But, back to Goa. Isn't anybody wondering how it came to pass that the RSS recently commandeered the grounds of the Sharada Mandir school, a secular institution? Could this occur under a secular government? The BJP in Goa has promised a corrupt-free government, but so far, none of the participants in last year's Miramar sex scandal have been charge-sheeted and the issue has mysteriously faded into the woodwork. And who among us can forget the sight of the former BJP party president accepting illegal funds with his own hands on the video taken by Tehelka.com, which was broadcast globally. What does it matter who funded Tehelka? He took the money. Having said all this, I realize that the Goan electorate is still caught between a rock and a hard place. Disappointing even to Congress grass-roots workers, the party has fielded the same candidates who have, in the past, created instability and betrayed the electorate. Meanwhile, Dr Willie de Sousa's idea of an election platform is ludicrous-screaming about defectors-and a clear case of the pot calling the kettle black, if I ever heard one, coming from the father of defection in Goa whose only political claim to fame is the toppling of governments but never of governing. His only contribution this time around will be to split the vote. Nevertheless, an anguished Hindu gentle
goanet-digest V1 #4009
goanet-digest Thursday, May 23 2002 Volume 01 : Number 4009 - In this issue: [Goanet] Fwd: A request [Goanet] Re: Whats on in Canada ! [Goanet] Intel Digital PC Party @ [Goanet] Invitation for CACL Meet [Goanet] Vedas [Goanet] Re: Death: Hugo Souza, Raia Re: [Goanet] BEWARE OF HEPATITIS "B" VACCINE. See end of digest for information on subscribing/unsusbcribing. -- Date: Thu, 23 May 2002 21:44:45 +0530 From: Ashley Delaney <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [Goanet] Fwd: A request pls respond directly to rufino thanks Ashley >Delivered-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >From: "rufino" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >To: "Ashley C Delaney" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Subject: A request >Date: Thu, 23 May 2002 10:44:09 +0100 >X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 5.50.4133.2400 > >We hope that all is well with you and your extended family and your work. >Here is a special request: >I wish to know the EMAIL address of : >The Oriental Insurance Co. Ltd., >Govinda Bldg/ first floor >M.G. Rd, Panjim. > >Tel No. 222663 contact Vanita > >Tel No. 223776Manager Olavo DeSouza > >I would be very grateful. Thanks ! = Ashley Delaney (Man is incomplete until he is married. Then he is finished) Res: Abreovaddo, Saligao, Bardez Goa. India. 403511 Ph.(R) 0091-0832-409580 Mobile: 9823014976 MSN MESSENGER: delaneyashley , Yahoo ID: ashleywiz Instant mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] = -- Date: Thu, 23 May 2002 17:32:02 -0700 From: "rene barreto" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [Goanet] Re: Whats on in Canada ! Goemkars of Canada , ! Goan in Toronto support Chrystal Chrystal takes great pride in being a successful South Asian female comedian. She has been featured on CH-TV's "Comedy at Club 54", TVO's "Person To Person", CBC's "The National Magazine", as well as CFMT's "South Asian Newsweek" & "Ishtyle-TV". Chrystal is a regular at the Laugh Resort Comedy Club. visit . http://www.mybindi.com/comedynight/chrystal.htm ...TODAY - 23rd MAY 2002 ... rene -- Date: Thu, 23 May 2002 17:21:51 +0530 From: "Computronics Infotech, Goa" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [Goanet] Intel Digital PC Party @ Thinking about Computers the time is now! Intel Digital PC Party is an event where customers can experience the power of Pentium (R) 4 processor. It is one system catering to the needs of the entire family. Pentium (R) 4 processor has the features to handle all the complex usages smoothly & gives the customers the relevant exposure to become more creative and innovative in life. You can create music, create a video movie, greeting cards & bring boring text books to life. For Kids it is like their projects become more interesting than ever & easy by downloading the information from the Internet. For todays women of all age group it is easy for them to keep them appraised with the latest trends in the society as well as get more creative... who does not want to be like it. And nevertheless this all can help us in getting more informative & in moulding our future as well. Come to the Intel Digital PC party has been specifically organised for giving the experience to customers of all age & here we as part of G4 (Great Goan Geniune Intel Dealers from Goa) are geared the activity starting 25th to 26th May'02 at Club National, Panjim. At this digital PC party you can experience all the above usages of a PC & much more live. You can create music, edit video's, chat with friends, speak over the internet live. Such Digital PC Parties have been organised in Indore, Nasik, Nagpur, & many other cities across the country. India is a very big & potential market for home computers & Goa being a potential market for PC penetration this has been organised in Goa as well for the first time. Latest Intel Pentium (R) 4 processor based PC's will be on display for customer to have hands on experience. -- Date: Thu, 23 May 2002 10:32:17 -0600 (MDT) From: Reggie Gomes <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [Goanet] Invitation for CACL Meet Programme for Children's Rights in Goa Anandi Apts.F-1, Santa Inez, Panaji, Goa 403001 Societies Registration Act 1860, No.60/Goa/2000 Dear Friend, Re: Meeting for Campaign Against Child Labour. The Campaign Against Child Labour (CACL), which is a network of more than 6000 child rights groups, women's organizations, trade unions, professionals, academicians and intellectuals across the country, will be having a full day meeting in Goa on Saturday, May 25th,2002 from 09.30 hrs. to 17.30 hrs. in the Conference Hall of the Caritas Goa Holiday Complex, St. Inez, Panaji. The Programme
Re: [Goanet] BEWARE OF HEPATITIS "B" VACCINE.
--- In [EMAIL PROTECTED], Goa Desc <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > >BEWARE OF HEPATITIS "B" VACCINE. > >Hepatitis 'B' Vaccine has the following adverse effects. >* Arthritis >* Sudden Infant death Syndrome (SIDS) >* Lupus >* Guillian Barre Syndrome >* POTS (an auto immune cardio vascular neurological problem) > And other life threatening diseases. > With all due respect, the above statement is baseless and irresponsible. Please note the following categorical statement issued by the tax payer supported U.S. National Center for Infectious Diseases of the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, one of World's most prestigious infectious diseases research institutions. "QUESTION: Is There an Association Between Hepatitis B Vaccine and Serious Side Effects? ANSWER: There is no confirmed evidence that Hepatitis B vaccine causes: 1. chronic illness 2. multiple sclerosis 3. Guillain-Barre syndrome 4. transverse myelitis 5. optic neuritis 6. seizures 7. sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) 8. chronic fatigue syndrome 9. rheumatoid arthritis 10. autoimmune disorders" Cheers, Santosh =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-W-E-B---S-I-T-E-=-=-= To Subscribe/Unsubscribe from GoaNet | http://www.goacom.com/goanet === For (un)subscribing or for help, Contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dont want so many e=mails? Join GoaNet-Digest instead ! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Help support non-commercial projects in Goa by advertizing!! * * * * Your ad here !!
[Goanet] Re: Death: Hugo Souza, Raia
Taking the liberty to circulate this note, from Samir Kelekar. I knew Hugo -- but due to geography perhaps we didn't have as much contact we should have had. In the few meetings we had, I was impressed by Hugo's commitment to issues like human rights. He always sent in that fifteen paise postcard to appreciate an issue of NewsSpeak (a critical journal about journalism in Goa, brought out by the Goa Union of Journalists) when we came out with these in the late 'eighties. We need more Hugos in this globe. FN Subject: Death: Hugo Souza To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Guys: Our dear friend Hugo Souza of Raia, Goa has passed away. He died in the mission hospital in Himachal Pradesh. He probably died of cancer. He had left Goa and all of us a year back, to what he called an unknown destination. Personally, I am deeply indebted to this man who taught me so many things that I cannot even recount. A tremendous credit for what i am today goes to this man who brought out the very best in me always. He was a number one philosopher, who edited the first konkani daily in free Goa. A rank holder from Xavier's bombay, he passed his LLB with a gold medal. He decided to come to Goa leaving Mumbai to contribute to free Goa. His logic was so penetrating that he could beat any one at it. His commitment, integrity and reputation at whatever he did was unsurpassable. This man could have been anything and anyone but he decided to be with his own people and perhaps spent a major time of his life dealing wih kids like me and help us grow up. His belief in india and its potential was tremendous. He was adept in a range of fields but he basically called himself a theoretician. Right from reading puzzle books of Martin Gardener, to discussing world politics, astronomy, law, history, philosophy, sociology, science you name it, this guy had very few peers worldwide. He gives me as much power in his death that he had given in his life. regards, Sam =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-W-E-B---S-I-T-E-=-=-= To Subscribe/Unsubscribe from GoaNet | http://www.goacom.com/goanet === For (un)subscribing or for help, Contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dont want so many e=mails? Join GoaNet-Digest instead ! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Help support non-commercial projects in Goa by advertizing!! * * * * Your ad here !!
[Goanet] Vedas
Hi Bambino, India's ancient historyis being re-written by "historians" sponsored by BJP, VHP, and their gang To the best of my knowledge, the Aryans invaded India and destroyed the INDUS civilisation -- now we are being informed that Aryans were the original Indians The need to re-write history is a sure sign of someone's basic insecurity Cheers Aloysius D'Souza - Original Message - From: Bambino Martins <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 8:41 AM Subject: [The Goan Forum d-list] Vedas > Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~--> > Buy Stock for $4 > and no minimums. > FREE Money 2002. > http://us.click.yahoo.com/orkH0C/n97DAA/Ey.GAA/E5z3lB/TM > -~-> > > Dear readers: > I am trying to fill gaps in my knowledge. I don't want to pluck > "information" out out polluted air so I request help from interested > readers. > > !)When did the Aryans first set foot in India. I thought that they came from > the Caucas Mountains through Punjab. But I have been told that the Ayans > came to India from the West(Europe?) > > 2) When were the Vedas written? I understand that there are at least four > books. Were all the books written about the same time or over a century or > more? > > 3) Were the Vedas written, originally, in Sanskrit? If not what was the > original language and when were they translated into Sanskrit? > > 4)Were the Vedas written by the Aryans and if so, were they written before > or after the Aryans came to India? How soon after or how long before the > Aryans came to India were the Vedas written? > > I realize that some of the questions may seem redundant. I am not testing > anyone. I thought may be one person might be able to answer one question and > another person another question. > > Thanks in anticipation of your participation in closing gaps in my > knowledge. > Bambino > > > The Goan Forum wishes Goa a safe and peaceful election. > > TGF will be pleased to publish interesting posts from this list on The Goan Forum at http://www.thegoanforum.com > > REMEMBER: to log in to > Goa-World.net http://www.goa-world.net for the most complete view of Goa. > > Fuloi with Fulam from EXPRESSIONS - The Flower Shop http://www.goa-world.net/expressions/ > > [This is NOT a commercial list...No Adverts...Only INFO...No Charges] > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ > > > =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-W-E-B---S-I-T-E-=-=-= To Subscribe/Unsubscribe from GoaNet | http://www.goacom.com/goanet === For (un)subscribing or for help, Contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dont want so many e=mails? Join GoaNet-Digest instead ! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Help support non-commercial projects in Goa by advertizing!! * * * * Your ad here !!
[Goanet] Invitation for CACL Meet
Programme for Children's Rights in Goa Anandi Apts.F-1, Santa Inez, Panaji, Goa 403001 Societies Registration Act 1860, No.60/Goa/2000 Dear Friend, Re: Meeting for Campaign Against Child Labour. The Campaign Against Child Labour (CACL), which is a network of more than 6000 child rights groups, women's organizations, trade unions, professionals, academicians and intellectuals across the country, will be having a full day meeting in Goa on Saturday, May 25th,2002 from 09.30 hrs. to 17.30 hrs. in the Conference Hall of the Caritas Goa Holiday Complex, St. Inez, Panaji. The Programme for Children's Rights in Goa is hosting the meeting and making the local arrangements. The aim of the Campaign Against Child Labour is the early and total eradication of child labour in India. Since Goa providesmany job opportunities for children in connection with the tourism trade, special attention needs to be focussed on the problems of child labour in Goa. This meeting will discuss the issues involved, the possibilities of extending the network of the Campaign Against Child Labour, and specific programmes of action to alleviate the problem in Goa. We are delighted to extend to you a cordial invitation to attend this meeting and to contribute to the efforts of abolishing child labour in India. Kindly confirm your participation as soon as possible, at the following telephone numbers:453552 / 453628 or by e-mail : Thank you very much in anticipation for your cooperation. With warm regards, Yours sincerely, for the Programme for Children's Rights in Goa, Averthanus D'Souza. Hon. President. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-W-E-B---S-I-T-E-=-=-= To Subscribe/Unsubscribe from GoaNet | http://www.goacom.com/goanet === For (un)subscribing or for help, Contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dont want so many e=mails? Join GoaNet-Digest instead ! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Help support non-commercial projects in Goa by advertizing!! * * * * Your ad here !!
goanet-digest V1 #4008
goanet-digest Thursday, May 23 2002 Volume 01 : Number 4008 - In this issue: [Goanet] NEWS: Sonia lambasts BJP's "misguided ethos" at Campal rally Re: [Goanet] danger in Goa? [Goanet] 10QUESTIONS: Film sought to be banned is a call for peace, harmony: Gauns See end of digest for information on subscribing/unsusbcribing. -- Date: Thu, 23 May 2002 20:21:16 +0530 From: Frederick Noronha <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [Goanet] NEWS: Sonia lambasts BJP's "misguided ethos" at Campal rally SONIA LAMBASTS BJP'S "MISGUIDED ETHOS" AT CAMPAL RALLY From Frederick Noronha PANAJI, May 23: Buoyed by resurgent Congress showing in state polls, party chief Sonia Gandhi lambasted the BJP, saying it lacked morality, ran partisan governments where ever elected to power, and were busy making "efforts to spread hatred among different communities". She promised support to the Centre "in efforts made to deal with cross-border terrorism" also cautioned against "unprincipled elements" who may try to take advantage of the Indo-Pakistan border tension to bring in more divisions among our people, as she put it. Mrs Gandhi's frontal assault on the BJP saw her charging it with a having a "misguided ethos". She said the party was "capable only in one area, and that is double-speak". Her sharp attack on the party comes as the Congress desperately tries to outdo the BJP in Goa, a state where the latter ousted Congress from power by encouraging defectors to cross over and called mid-term elections within three years of the past poll. Goa's is proving to be an uncharacteristically bitter battle, between the main-two nationwide parties, even as the regional parties seem to be sidelined here. Within minutes of the ending of Mrs Gandhi's rally -- well-attended by local standards -- the BJP vice-president Subhash Salkar lodged a complaint with the Chief Electoral Office, alleging the Congress had got "hundreds of buses and trucks" from neighbouring Maharashtra and Karnataka "loaded with people from these states", leading the BJP to apprehend "large-scale bogus voting by people from outside the State during the elections". Eyewitnesses said police were seen scrutinising some vehicles headed for the Opposition party's rally. BJP, which won just 10 seats in the 40-member assembly in June 1999, is trying desperately to stay on in power, which it last time got through defections and floor-crossings. For its part, the Congress is trying to win the first election nationwide after the Gujarat carnage, to make the point that the voters are fed-up with the right-wing and "divisive" politics of the BJP. Sonia sought to play on voters' sentiments, reminding them that Congress leaders had been decisive in ending Portuguese colonial rule here, offering Goa an Opinion Poll (in 1967, to decide it's fate), and also in making Konkani a national language in the 'eighties. "This is a most critical moment for the people of Goa. In the forthcoming elections, you will be voting for the continuing of the heritage of Goa. The heritage of Goa is at stake," she argued. She accused the BJP of running a "partisan government at the Centre", and termed Gujarat as "an assault on basic human values". Speaking in English, Mrs Gandhi argued: "Even in Goa, for 18 years, you never had a communal problem (under Congress rule). Now, all other issues are secondary, the most important is secularism". She blasted the BJP for lacking in morality, and said: "It is better they stop giving us in the Congress party lecturers on morality. We know where they stand..." Mrs Gandhi stressed that the Congress currently rules 14 out of India's 28 states, while the BJP is in power in just a few. Sensitive to local concerns on Goa's problems under Congress rule, the party leader promises tourism's growth "in an environmentally sustainable manner", a massive build-up of infrastructure in terms of roads and bridges, a boost for the IT sector, trying to build Goa into a "centre for exports", and rainwater harvesting and drinking water projects in a state that gets 300 cms of rain a year but still suffers shortages of water. "There are many from Goa who live abroad, either as NRIs or as businessmen. They are doing extremely well. They could make a tremendious contribution to Goa. But this needs systematic planning," she said. Mrs Gandhi also stressed the importance of steps on the HIV/AIDS front. "I cannot tell you how much the forthcoming elections are crucial for Goa and the Congress party," she said. "Vote for the composite identity of Goa, one that is proud of its past. We need a clear and decisive mandate against those who want to destroy all that is great and noble about Goa and India," she argued. Speaking earlier, two prominent leaders who had jumped to
[Goanet] Intel Digital PC Party @
Thinking about Computers the time is now! Intel Digital PC Party is an event where customers can experience the power of Pentium (R) 4 processor. It is one system catering to the needs of the entire family. Pentium (R) 4 processor has the features to handle all the complex usages smoothly & gives the customers the relevant exposure to become more creative and innovative in life. You can create music, create a video movie, greeting cards & bring boring text books to life. For Kids it is like their projects become more interesting than ever & easy by downloading the information from the Internet. For todays women of all age group it is easy for them to keep them appraised with the latest trends in the society as well as get more creative... who does not want to be like it. And nevertheless this all can help us in getting more informative & in moulding our future as well. Come to the Intel Digital PC party has been specifically organised for giving the experience to customers of all age & here we as part of G4 (Great Goan Geniune Intel Dealers from Goa) are geared the activity starting 25th to 26th May'02 at Club National, Panjim. At this digital PC party you can experience all the above usages of a PC & much more live. You can create music, edit video's, chat with friends, speak over the internet live. Such Digital PC Parties have been organised in Indore, Nasik, Nagpur, & many other cities across the country. India is a very big & potential market for home computers & Goa being a potential market for PC penetration this has been organised in Goa as well for the first time. Latest Intel Pentium (R) 4 processor based PC's will be on display for customer to have hands on experience. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-W-E-B---S-I-T-E-=-=-= To Subscribe/Unsubscribe from GoaNet | http://www.goacom.com/goanet === For (un)subscribing or for help, Contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dont want so many e=mails? Join GoaNet-Digest instead ! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Help support non-commercial projects in Goa by advertizing!! * * * * Your ad here !!
[Goanet] Re: Whats on in Canada !
Goemkars of Canada , ! Goan in Toronto support Chrystal Chrystal takes great pride in being a successful South Asian female comedian. She has been featured on CH-TV's "Comedy at Club 54", TVO's "Person To Person", CBC's "The National Magazine", as well as CFMT's "South Asian Newsweek" & "Ishtyle-TV". Chrystal is a regular at the Laugh Resort Comedy Club. visit . http://www.mybindi.com/comedynight/chrystal.htm ...TODAY - 23rd MAY 2002 ... rene =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-W-E-B---S-I-T-E-=-=-= To Subscribe/Unsubscribe from GoaNet | http://www.goacom.com/goanet === For (un)subscribing or for help, Contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dont want so many e=mails? Join GoaNet-Digest instead ! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Help support non-commercial projects in Goa by advertizing!! * * * * Your ad here !!
[Goanet] Fwd: A request
pls respond directly to rufino thanks Ashley >Delivered-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >From: "rufino" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >To: "Ashley C Delaney" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Subject: A request >Date: Thu, 23 May 2002 10:44:09 +0100 >X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 5.50.4133.2400 > >We hope that all is well with you and your extended family and your work. >Here is a special request: >I wish to know the EMAIL address of : >The Oriental Insurance Co. Ltd., >Govinda Bldg/ first floor >M.G. Rd, Panjim. > >Tel No. 222663 contact Vanita > >Tel No. 223776Manager Olavo DeSouza > >I would be very grateful. Thanks ! = Ashley Delaney (Man is incomplete until he is married. Then he is finished) Res: Abreovaddo, Saligao, Bardez Goa. India. 403511 Ph.(R) 0091-0832-409580 Mobile: 9823014976 MSN MESSENGER: delaneyashley , Yahoo ID: ashleywiz Instant mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] = =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-W-E-B---S-I-T-E-=-=-= To Subscribe/Unsubscribe from GoaNet | http://www.goacom.com/goanet === For (un)subscribing or for help, Contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dont want so many e=mails? Join GoaNet-Digest instead ! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Help support non-commercial projects in Goa by advertizing!! * * * * Your ad here !!
[Goanet] 10QUESTIONS: Film sought to be banned is a call for peace, harmony: Gauns
Film sought to be banned is a call for peace, harmony: Gauns BICHOLIM-BASED social activist Ramesh Gauns (51) is a popular figure among campaigners in the state. "For the last 24 years we have been trying at all levels to inculcate secular values , and this is our main agenda," says he. So, Gauns was outraged when the BJP caretaker government threatened to slap "communalism" charges against those exhibiting a video-film narrating the reality behind the carnage in Gujarat. This came in the run-up to the May 30 elections in the state. In an interview with Frederick Noronha, the Forum for Communal Harmony convenor explains what's at stake: FN: Bans (or threatened bans) of films or books could make it more popular, would you agree? Certainly. People will be very much curious to know what exactly the film contains... FN: Okay then, *what* does it contain? Actually there's nothing (objectionable) in the film. It's a cry for justice, and an explanation of the injustice done (to the Gujarat carnage victims) by well-organised mobs under the protection of state forces. This is exposed outright by the common victims of what has been called 'genocide'. It also shows burnt places -- houses, shops -- left after the organised violence, and the actual conditions in the relief camps. More importantly, it gives a message for peace. In the real sense, it is only a call for peace and communal harmony. FN: What's your case? Is the action technically legal? Is it politically biased? (Technically legal or otherwise) it is clearly politically biased. That film was shown in T.B.Cunha Hall on May 16/17, where a sizeable crowd saw it, after being made known to all, including the government agencies, through the press. If the film contains any objectionable aspects, why wasn't objection taken to at the T.B.Cunha Hall too? Objections should be objective, not subjective. FN: Have you consulted a legal viewpoint on this? There is a green signal from (all lawyers we spoke to). There is nothing objectionable. Secondly, these films ('Hey Ram' by Gopal Menon and 'Fear Stalks The Land' by Gauhar Raza) are being show across the country by campaigners for secularism. FN: One argument was that permission is needed to screen a video film. Permission for what? For a public screening with more than 40 people gathering, technically yes. But what is the real objection to this film? That no permission was taken? Or that the film puts out "objectionable content"? This is nothing but harassment. FN: How do you see this action? Gopal Menon is a well-known activist on people's issues. Issues come up in a very different (and convoluted) manner in Goa. The BJP caretaker government doesn't want to get themselves exposed over their party's deeds in Gujarat. That's why even the smallest attempt to express agony of the people of Gujarat (is being blocked). FN: Has a ban actually been imposed? So far, nothing has been banned. We are anyway going on with the screenings... in private groups. I would in fact like to suggest all people concered about humanity and human rights to make it a point to at least screen this film in their locality. This would expose the brutality of supremacist thinking. FN: Your suggest that this issue goes beyond just minority concerns? Definitely. It's an issue for everyone. People from the majority community have a concern for liberal thought. Had it not been the case, we would have long since been a 'Hindu Rashtra'. The Sangh Parivar has tried this for 75 years. But then, why was the BJP then pushed to garnering just 21% of the votes in Gujarat? After September 11, terrorism and Islam have been well sought to be connected by ideologues of a certain political tradition in places like the US. Now, other political forces here are trying to cash-in on that here too. FN: There is a debate over whether Gujarat would have an impact on the Goa polls I don't think so,
Re: [Goanet] danger in Goa?
No, Mr. Gilbert Menezes, it is not right to "let Amritsar and Delhi sweat", while "we can continue walking the beaches". Let me reproduce here "A Simple Story" from a recent post by Joe Vaz on "The Goan Forum": >A rat looked through a crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife >opening a package. What food might it contain? He was aghast to discover >that it was a rat-trap. > >Retreating to the farmyard the rat proclaimed the warning; "There is a rat >trap in the house, a rat trap in the house!" > >The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, "Excuse me, Mr. >Rat, I can tell this is a grave concern to you, but it is of no consequence >to me. I cannot be bothered by it." > >The rat turned to the pig and told him, "There is a rat trap in the house, a >rat trap in the house!" < >"I am so very sorry Mr. Rat," sympathized the pig, "but there is nothing I >can do about it but pray. Be assured that you are in my prayers." > >The rat turned to the cow. She said, "Like wow, Mr. Rat. A rat trap. I am in >grave danger. Duh?" > >So the rat returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the >farmer's rat trap alone. > >That very night a sound was heard throughout the house, like the sound of a >rat trap catching its prey. The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. > >In the darkness, she did not see that it was a venomous snake whose tail the >trap had caught. The snake bit the farmer's wife. > >The farmer rushed her to the hospital. She returned home with a fever. > >Now everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup, so the farmer >took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient. > >His wife's sickness continued so that friends and neighbors came to sit with >her around the clock. To feed them the farmer butchered the pig. > >The farmer's wife did not get well. She died, and so many people came for >her funeral that the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide meat for all >of them to eat. > >So the next time you hear that someone is facing a problem and think that it >does not concern you, remember that when there is a rat-trap in the house, >the whole farmyard is at risk. > In the face of this, would it be correct for people in Goa to walk carefree on the beaches while Amritsar and Delhi sweat? Livia de Abreu Noronha - Original Message - From: "gilbert menezes" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 5:47 PM Subject: [Goanet] danger in Goa? > Folks, > Took my usual evening walk on Benaulim beach. The sea has roughed up a lot, > which is understandable, considering that the monsoon is just 2 weeks away. > While watching all those children having a good time, there were signs that > all is not so well. At sunset, 2 Tu-142 maritime patrol aircraft of the Navy > flew in from westward heading for Dabolim. This has been going on for some > days. We are in the frontline for maritime recconaissance, and I can imagine > that aircraft flying out of Goa have been tracking Pakistani ships and > littoral spaces. With tension and rhetoric building up on the subcontinent, > one may well ask whether it is risky living in Goa in case of an all out war > with Pakistan. The good news is that Goa is out of range of any PAF fighter > or bomber, unless they have air to air refuelling capability, which I doubt. > The other good news is that Goa does not present a viable nuclear > target --no worthwhile population or industrial density. > So let Amritsar and Delhi sweat, we can continue walking the beaches > =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-W-E-B---S-I-T-E-=-=-= To Subscribe/Unsubscribe from GoaNet | http://www.goacom.com/goanet === For (un)subscribing or for help, Contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dont want so many e=mails? Join GoaNet-Digest instead ! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Help support non-commercial projects in Goa by advertizing!! * * * * Your ad here !!
[Goanet] NEWS: Sonia lambasts BJP's "misguided ethos" at Campal rally
SONIA LAMBASTS BJP'S "MISGUIDED ETHOS" AT CAMPAL RALLY From Frederick Noronha PANAJI, May 23: Buoyed by resurgent Congress showing in state polls, party chief Sonia Gandhi lambasted the BJP, saying it lacked morality, ran partisan governments where ever elected to power, and were busy making "efforts to spread hatred among different communities". She promised support to the Centre "in efforts made to deal with cross-border terrorism" also cautioned against "unprincipled elements" who may try to take advantage of the Indo-Pakistan border tension to bring in more divisions among our people, as she put it. Mrs Gandhi's frontal assault on the BJP saw her charging it with a having a "misguided ethos". She said the party was "capable only in one area, and that is double-speak". Her sharp attack on the party comes as the Congress desperately tries to outdo the BJP in Goa, a state where the latter ousted Congress from power by encouraging defectors to cross over and called mid-term elections within three years of the past poll. Goa's is proving to be an uncharacteristically bitter battle, between the main-two nationwide parties, even as the regional parties seem to be sidelined here. Within minutes of the ending of Mrs Gandhi's rally -- well-attended by local standards -- the BJP vice-president Subhash Salkar lodged a complaint with the Chief Electoral Office, alleging the Congress had got "hundreds of buses and trucks" from neighbouring Maharashtra and Karnataka "loaded with people from these states", leading the BJP to apprehend "large-scale bogus voting by people from outside the State during the elections". Eyewitnesses said police were seen scrutinising some vehicles headed for the Opposition party's rally. BJP, which won just 10 seats in the 40-member assembly in June 1999, is trying desperately to stay on in power, which it last time got through defections and floor-crossings. For its part, the Congress is trying to win the first election nationwide after the Gujarat carnage, to make the point that the voters are fed-up with the right-wing and "divisive" politics of the BJP. Sonia sought to play on voters' sentiments, reminding them that Congress leaders had been decisive in ending Portuguese colonial rule here, offering Goa an Opinion Poll (in 1967, to decide it's fate), and also in making Konkani a national language in the 'eighties. "This is a most critical moment for the people of Goa. In the forthcoming elections, you will be voting for the continuing of the heritage of Goa. The heritage of Goa is at stake," she argued. She accused the BJP of running a "partisan government at the Centre", and termed Gujarat as "an assault on basic human values". Speaking in English, Mrs Gandhi argued: "Even in Goa, for 18 years, you never had a communal problem (under Congress rule). Now, all other issues are secondary, the most important is secularism". She blasted the BJP for lacking in morality, and said: "It is better they stop giving us in the Congress party lecturers on morality. We know where they stand..." Mrs Gandhi stressed that the Congress currently rules 14 out of India's 28 states, while the BJP is in power in just a few. Sensitive to local concerns on Goa's problems under Congress rule, the party leader promises tourism's growth "in an environmentally sustainable manner", a massive build-up of infrastructure in terms of roads and bridges, a boost for the IT sector, trying to build Goa into a "centre for exports", and rainwater harvesting and drinking water projects in a state that gets 300 cms of rain a year but still suffers shortages of water. "There are many from Goa who live abroad, either as NRIs or as businessmen. They are doing extremely well. They could make a tremendious contribution to Goa. But this needs systematic planning," she said. Mrs Gandhi also stressed the importance of steps on the HIV/AIDS front. "I cannot tell you how much the forthcoming elections are crucial for Goa and the Congress party," she said. "Vote for the composite identity of Goa, one that is proud of its past. We need a clear and decisive mandate against those who want to destroy all that is great and noble about Goa and India," she argued. Speaking earlier, two prominent leaders who had jumped to the BJP and did a return to the Congress just before the polls -- ex-BJP deputy CM Ravi Naik and ex-BJP IT minister Ramakant Khalap -- blasted the party which they shared power with for 16 months. Naik urged the 'bahujan samaj' (so-called lower caste groups) to fight its 'ghulamgiri' (slavery), while Khalap asked: "Why should Goans be divided into two camps (of Konkani and Marathi) on the basis of language?" Naik, incidentally, has been built up by various parties as a leader of the populous 'bhandari samaj', a subaltern caste group. Khalap, a former Indian union junior law minister, has been a crucial proponent of the Marathi side of the Konkani-ver
goanet-digest V1 #4007
goanet-digest Thursday, May 23 2002 Volume 01 : Number 4007 - In this issue: [none] [Goanet] COMMENT: Vinod Mehta in Outlook [Goanet] Goan -Career Fair: A World of Possibilities [Goanet] NEWS: Kanwal Rekhi hits out at Gujarat intolerance [Goanet] NEWS: BJP "sets Indians against Indians", charges Sonia at Goa See end of digest for information on subscribing/unsusbcribing. -- Date: Thu May 23 14:33:54 2002 From: Vidyadhar Gadgil <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [none] FORUM FOR COMMUNAL HARMONY Bicholim, Goa 23.05.2002 Press release The Forum for Communal Harmony is deeply distressed at the news of police seizure of a video cassette, Hey Ram, directed by Gopal Menon, which was being screened in Velim on 21 May 2002. The Forum has viewed the video cassette, Hey Ram, and is convinced that it is a very human document. It has very consciously placed the carnage in Gujarat in the perspective of Gandhiji^=D2s philosophy of communal harmony and calls for Hindu-Muslim unity. It raises human issues. It is based mainly on interviews of victims of violence in Gujarat. The brunt of the criticism of those interviewed is not against any particular community. Their appeal is to humanity. Their anger is against the police, whom they accuse of direct complicity in acts of violence and refusal to take action against perpetrators of violence. There is acknowledgement of an instance of a Muslim family finding refuge in a Hindu household. The victims themselves speak of communal brotherhood and their determination to live in the land of their birth. There are shots of peace marches for communal harmony and an end to violence. The entire approach is to rouse human compassion, stress national unity, and point out that such acts of violence amount to genocide and are acts fascism, which need to be resisted for our very survival as a nation of multiple hues. India is a signatory to the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. This Convention defines genocide as follows: "In the present convention, genocide means any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group, such as: a) Killing members of the group; b) Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group^=C5" What has happened in Gujarat are acts of planned genocide and the people of India have a right to know the truth. The police have claimed that exhibition of the video cassette has resulted in offence under Sections 153-A and 153-B of the Indian Penal Code. These two Sections relate to promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth or residence, language etc., and doing acts prejudicial to National Integration. The actions of the police are patently illegal and high-handed. This is a matter of serious concern, because it is part of a series of actions against BJP-led governments, at the Centre and the State, against freedom of expression. One of the most dramatic examples is the Tehelka exposure episode. Those who exposed the very vital issue of the corruption in our defence system and the threat to our national security are being harassed in different ways, while the perpetrators of the crime are being shielded. These are actions against the freedom of expression, a fundamental right under the Indian constitution. The recent communal violence in Gujarat is qualitatively different in character from all previous ones since Independence. As Arundhati Roy writes in her article in Outlook, of 6th May 2002, with reference to the responsibility of Congress-ruled Governments in the Centre and States, when they were in power: "It is true that the Congress party has sinned, and grievously, and for decades together. But it has done by night what the BJP does by day. It has done covertly, stealthily, hypocritically and shamefacedly, what the BJP does with pride. And this is an important difference." The Forum for Communal Harmony believes that, without freedom of expression, there can be no communal harmony, no end to violence, no democracy. We are deeply concerned, because the illegal seizure of the video cassette Hey Ram, by the police, under the present political environment in the country, augurs ill for Goa, which has been free from such inhumanity as we have witnessed in Gujarat. =20 Sd/- Adv. Amrut Kansar Ramesh Gauns V. Gadgil Best wishes, Vidyadhar =20 *** =20 Vidyadhar Gadgil 1016, Muddo P.O. Carona Bardez, Goa -- 403523 Tel. No. (0832) 293766 -- Date: Thu, 23 May 2002 15:12:26 +0530 (IST) From: Frederick Noronha <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [Goanet] COMMENT: Vinod Mehta in Outlook Vinod Mehta in Outlook Out Of True To ignore clear and present danger is foolish. A Goebbels
[Goanet] NEWS: BJP "sets Indians against Indians", charges Sonia at Goa
BJP, A PARTY WHICH "SETS INDIANS AGAINST INDIANS", CHARGES SONIA AT GOA RALLY PANAJI (Goa), May 23: Resurgent from the party's recent upswing and hoping for positive results from Goa, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi took a hard-line stance against the BJP, calling it a party which "sets Indians against Indians, and practises the politics of hate". Speaking at a well attended party rally in Goa, prior to this state's critical May 30 polls, Sonia said the Congress would support efforts to tackle "cross-border terrorism", but added that Indians needed "to be aware of those unprincipled elements who may bring more divisions in our society, among our people". Blasting the BJP soundedly, she charged that that party "and its ideological partner, the RSS have so wilfully trampled on the principles which we cherish -- including democracy and secular republicanism which were the guiding notions set up by our Constitution's founding fathers". Mrs Gandhi's strong comments in Goa came a day before a crucial party meet scheduled for Delhi, even as the country is caught up with worries over a possible war with Pakistan over the issue of terrorism in the northern state of Kashmir. She hit out at the BJP for going against "democracy" and bringing down, thoughr defections, the Congress government in Goa which had secured the majority to rule in the last June 1999 elections. "They brought down their own government (headed by Manohar Parrikar, fearing an impending party revolt) and wrongly dissolved the assembly," she added, referring to the controversial moves of Governor Mohd Fazal. She accused the BJP for running a "partisan government at the Centre". Sonia Gandhi added: "In few states they rule, they are making a mockery of the principle of equality for all citizens. BJP looks at different religions, different classes, different castes in a different way." "Recent events have exposed how the RSS and their allies have tarnished the land of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Gujarat has been an assault on basic human values. Efforts were made to spread hatred among different communities", she added. "BJP is capable in only one area -- doublespeak. (The Prime Minister) said something here about a certain community. They went to Delhi and changed it. The mask they put on their face keeps slipping off," a combatative Sonia added. She was speaking at the very same Campal Grounds, an under-utilised sporting centre and its annexe on Panaji's outskirts, where Prime Minister Vajpayee had made his controversial speech about Muslims and terrorism during the BJP's national executive in Goa last month. Said Sonia: "These are the people who talk about morality in public life. There is no morality among them -- in New Delhi, Goa or whereever the BJP is in government. It's better they stop giving the Congress party lectures on morality. We know where they stand." Sonia stressed that the Congress was in power in 14 of India's 28 states. "In Karnataka, Kerala, Pondicherry, Maharashtra, MP, Chattishgarh, Punjab, Delhi, Uttranchal, Arunachal, Nagaland, Manipur and elsewhere, we are doing our best to see that the needs of the people are addressed," she said. She added that May 30's Goa elections -- incidentally the first after the Gujarat carnage, which earned the BJP a lot of flak -- were "very crucial for Goa and very crucial for the Congress party". Lacing her brief speech with a sharp push to the voters in Goa to back the Congress, Mrs Gandhi argue that the "history of modern Goa is very closerly interlinked with the Congress party". She said it was her party that took the "decisive step" in ending Portuguese rule here in 1961, while "my mother-in-law" Indira Gandhi had decided on the Opinion Poll (where the people voted against merger with nearby Maharashtra), and also Konkani had been granted national language status by Rajiv Gandhi. "Wise people of Goa will vote in favour of religious tolerance and communal harmony, which is so deeply rooted here. I am sure they will vote to promote and maintain social peace and amity," she said. (ENDS) =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-W-E-B---S-I-T-E-=-=-= To Subscribe/Unsubscribe from GoaNet | http://www.goacom.com/goanet === For (un)subscribing or for help, Contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dont want so many e=mails? Join GoaNet-Digest instead ! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Help support non-commercial projects in Goa by advertizing!! * * * * Your ad here !!
[Goanet] NEWS: Kanwal Rekhi hits out at Gujarat intolerance
I had the chance to read Wednesday's print edition of New York Times and Wall Street Journal, courtesy of a friend. I was indeed surprised to see Rekhi's piece in it. Besides NYT carried an editorial Brinkmanship in South Asia. Rekhi's piece highlights the concern among secular-minded Indians in US and Canada. It's time to act. Eugene __ Do You Yahoo!? LAUNCH - Your Yahoo! Music Experience http://launch.yahoo.com =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-W-E-B---S-I-T-E-=-=-= To Subscribe/Unsubscribe from GoaNet | http://www.goacom.com/goanet === For (un)subscribing or for help, Contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dont want so many e=mails? Join GoaNet-Digest instead ! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Help support non-commercial projects in Goa by advertizing!! * * * * Your ad here !!
[Goanet] Goan -Career Fair: A World of Possibilities
G.O.A. Toronto Holding 2002 Career Fair: A World of Possibilities Sunday May 26,2002 Time: 1-5 pm North York Civic Centre Memorial Hall - Gold Room Yonge & Finch - parking available - accessible by subway G.O.A. members free - non-members $5 :-( Contact: Noella de Souza 416 412 2896 The goal of this event is to provide all age groups with a better understanding of the various industries and trades in today's market. Please check out this event at http://www.goatoronto.com/events/careerfair02/careerfair.html and pass this info to anyone who would be interested in attending. Posted by JJD'S =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-W-E-B---S-I-T-E-=-=-= To Subscribe/Unsubscribe from GoaNet | http://www.goacom.com/goanet === For (un)subscribing or for help, Contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dont want so many e=mails? Join GoaNet-Digest instead ! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Help support non-commercial projects in Goa by advertizing!! * * * * Your ad here !!
[Goanet] COMMENT: Vinod Mehta in Outlook
Vinod Mehta in Outlook Out Of True To ignore clear and present danger is foolish. A Goebbelsian campaign has been gathering strength over the past six weeks or so. The people who gave us the Gujarat carnage are assiduously spreading a canard: they say what we are witnessing in the country today is Hindus vs The Rest of India. The demonisation of the Hindus en bloc (Narendra Modi accuses the media and others of portraying the entire 50 million population of the state as rapists, assassins and thugs), thanks to relentless vilifying and relentless accusations of exclusive responsibility for the riots, it seems, is total. This, of course, is a manifest and preposterous lie. Unfortunately, on the ground, it is to some degree working. Increasingly, one finds mild, moderate, sensible HindusHindus who feel a sense of revulsion over the Gujarat barbarismcome up and complain that they are greatly perturbed, even incensed, at what they perceive is non-stop Hindu-bashing. The 100-odd letters I get every day and the feedback from Outlook correspondents suggests that the propaganda is finding some takers. I understand quiet satisfaction prevails in certain quarters at the success of the brilliant strategya strategy they believe is certain to fetch many votes. How should we counter the lie? First, one must emphasise on every possible occasion that the perpetrators of Gujarat and their associates outside constitute no more than 8 to 10 per cent of India's population. The vast majority of Hindus, including those Hindus who vote the BJP, are as sickened by the events of the past two months as the rest of us. Thus, it is not Hindus vs The Rest of India, it is a tiny minority of Hindus vs The Rest of India. Secondly, those who are on the side of the angels would do well to reduce the decibel level of their denunciation. The perpetrators, happily, stand fully exposed and our combined energies might now be usefully channelled into seeing how the rehabilitation of the riot victims can be speeded up. Hinduism, one of the world's great religions, is in grave danger of falling into the hands of extremists determined to pervert its sublime truths. We cannot allow that to happen. Repositories Of Grace How has secular India faced up to the onslaughts against the Constitution? All things considered, pretty well. The government pretends, or likes to pretend, that without media mischief they would have "managed" the fallout, but the reality is that civil societyof which media is just one parthas stood shoulder to shoulder in defence of settled national values. What has embarrassed the rulers most is not so much the media coverage as the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Us English-speaking hacks, writing in our out-of-touch English publications, could be dismissed as self-hating Hindus. However, you cannot easily dismiss the investigations and conclusions of a statutory body headed by a retired chief justice of India. I believe Justice J.S. Verma and his team worked with exemplary courage and professional integrity and had the guts to take on both the state and the Union government. The credibility of the nhrc currently is on par with the Election Commission. The highest court in the land has played a salutary role too, as have scores of NGOs and the Minorities Commission. Independent media bodies such as the Editors' Guild have substantiated what the nation already knew. The institutions protecting secular India may be slightly battered and a trifle demoralised but at moments of crisis they come through. Help Lines Lots of enquiries from friends and readers about where they can send money for the Gujarat riot victims. If you are reluctant to send cheques to the CMs relief fund or any other official relief agency for understandable reasons, here are three organisations which will make good use of your money and concern: · Aman Ekta Manch: C/o Jagori, C-54, South Extension-Part II, New Delhi 110 048 · Citizens Initiative: Opposite St Xaviers School, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad 380 009 · ActionAid India Society: ActionAid, 71 Uday Park, New Delhi 110 049 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-W-E-B---S-I-T-E-=-=- To Subscribe/Unsubscribe from GoaNet | http://www.goacom.com/goanet == For (un)subscribing or for help, Contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dont want so many e=mails? Join GoaNet-Digest instead ! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Help support non-commercial projects in Goa by advertizing!! * * * * Your ad here !!
[no subject]
FORUM FOR COMMUNAL HARMONY Bicholim, Goa 23.05.2002 Press release The Forum for Communal Harmony is deeply distressed at the news of police seizure of a video cassette, Hey Ram, directed by Gopal Menon, which was being screened in Velim on 21 May 2002. The Forum has viewed the video cassette, Hey Ram, and is convinced that it is a very human document. It has very consciously placed the carnage in Gujarat in the perspective of Gandhiji^=D2s philosophy of communal harmony and calls for Hindu-Muslim unity. It raises human issues. It is based mainly on interviews of victims of violence in Gujarat. The brunt of the criticism of those interviewed is not against any particular community. Their appeal is to humanity. Their anger is against the police, whom they accuse of direct complicity in acts of violence and refusal to take action against perpetrators of violence. There is acknowledgement of an instance of a Muslim family finding refuge in a Hindu household. The victims themselves speak of communal brotherhood and their determination to live in the land of their birth. There are shots of peace marches for communal harmony and an end to violence. The entire approach is to rouse human compassion, stress national unity, and point out that such acts of violence amount to genocide and are acts fascism, which need to be resisted for our very survival as a nation of multiple hues. India is a signatory to the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. This Convention defines genocide as follows: "In the present convention, genocide means any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group, such as: a) Killing members of the group; b) Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group^=C5" What has happened in Gujarat are acts of planned genocide and the people of India have a right to know the truth. The police have claimed that exhibition of the video cassette has resulted in offence under Sections 153-A and 153-B of the Indian Penal Code. These two Sections relate to promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth or residence, language etc., and doing acts prejudicial to National Integration. The actions of the police are patently illegal and high-handed. This is a matter of serious concern, because it is part of a series of actions against BJP-led governments, at the Centre and the State, against freedom of expression. One of the most dramatic examples is the Tehelka exposure episode. Those who exposed the very vital issue of the corruption in our defence system and the threat to our national security are being harassed in different ways, while the perpetrators of the crime are being shielded. These are actions against the freedom of expression, a fundamental right under the Indian constitution. The recent communal violence in Gujarat is qualitatively different in character from all previous ones since Independence. As Arundhati Roy writes in her article in Outlook, of 6th May 2002, with reference to the responsibility of Congress-ruled Governments in the Centre and States, when they were in power: "It is true that the Congress party has sinned, and grievously, and for decades together. But it has done by night what the BJP does by day. It has done covertly, stealthily, hypocritically and shamefacedly, what the BJP does with pride. And this is an important difference." The Forum for Communal Harmony believes that, without freedom of expression, there can be no communal harmony, no end to violence, no democracy. We are deeply concerned, because the illegal seizure of the video cassette Hey Ram, by the police, under the present political environment in the country, augurs ill for Goa, which has been free from such inhumanity as we have witnessed in Gujarat. =20 Sd/- Adv. Amrut Kansar Ramesh Gauns V. Gadgil Best wishes, Vidyadhar =20 *** =20 Vidyadhar Gadgil 1016, Muddo P.O. Carona Bardez, Goa -- 403523 Tel. No. (0832) 293766 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-W-E-B---S-I-T-E-=-=-= To Subscribe/Unsubscribe from GoaNet | http://www.goacom.com/goanet === For (un)subscribing or for help, Contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dont want so many e=mails? Join GoaNet-Digest instead ! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Help support non-commercial projects in Goa by advertizing!! * * * * Your ad here !!