[Goanet-news]29 DEC 2004: GOACOM DAILY NEWS CLIPPINGS
## # Don't just read the news... discuss it. Learn more about Goa via Goanet# # Goanet is a 10-year-old network launched by Herman Carneiro in 1994. # # See all archives http://news.gmane.org/gmane.culture.region.india.goa/ # # To join, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and ask to join GoanetDigest. # ## GOACOM DAILY NEWS CLIPPINGS December 29, 2004 THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Zo konn fuddem pollenam to fattim urta. (He who does not look ahead, remains behind.) domnic fernandes [EMAIL PROTECTED] TSUNAMI TOLL SWELLS: Inclusive of the over 7,500 dead in India, the total toll in all the seven tsunami-affected countries in South and South East Asia galloped close to 55,000. Of this, Indonesia, whose Sumatra island was close to the epicentre of the quake, alone accounted for about 2,174 deaths. (GT) NO TOURIST EXODUS: Addressing reporters on December 28 State Tourism Minister Matanhy Saldanha described reports about tourists fleeing Goa as 'biased and malicious'. He reaffirmed that the situation in the State was normal and that on the contrary foreign charter operators were inquiring whether they could divert Thailand-bound passengers to Goa. (GT) RS.50 LAKH FOR TSUNAMI VICTIMS: The government has announced an amount of Rs.50 lakh as aid for the victims of Tsunami disaster. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said that it might adopt a village raved by the tidal waves on the lines of Deogad in Gujarat, which Goa government had helped to rebuild. He said that he would donate his month's salary and speak to other MLAs and Goa Government Employees Association in a bid to increase the contribution. (GT) IT'S A CHOCK-A-BLOCK NEW YEAR: With the tourist season reaching its peak and the inbound travel picking up like never before, the Tourism industry is seen celebrating to the anecdote that India has crossed the much hyped 3 million mark. Goa handles about 90 per cent of charter traffic and about 30 charter slots have been booked every week for the six-month spell in Goa, compared to 23 slots last year. According to sources, the current hotel room supply across Goa could fall short to meet the anticipated annual demand growth of 25 per cent. (H) JAMIR KICKS OFF GOA GRIND: Goa's very own attempt at sealing its place as the party destination to the world, and also in the record books, took off to a flying start at the Radisson White Sands Resort, on December 28. The 65-hour long party is an attempt to break the Guinness Record and was also inaugurated by the Goa Governor, SC Jamir. The Governor not only launched the show but also danced a few steps at the gravity Pool nightclub. (GT) CM CHALLENGES SCRIBES OVER RAVE PARTIES: Throwing the gauntlet at the media, the chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said, If you inform me of a rave party when it is on, I will come in my private vehicle. When it was pointed out that drugs are sold during the rave parties, he said, You show me, I will take action immediately. Newspapers had carried reports in the last few days about rave parties happening in Anjuna-Vagator. (H) SCREENING OF FILM WAS OPTIONAL: CM: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said the screening of the film on Goa's freedom struggle on Liberation Day had not been made compulsory in schools and a copy of the VCD had been sent to the institutions for their record. (GT) SCREENING OF FREEDOM STRUGGLE VCD: In the continuing series of their highly informative History Series, the Xavier Centre of Historical Research, Porvorim, will screen the Goa Freedom Struggle VCD and hold an open forum on it on January 6, 2005, at 5.30 pm. The event is open to all. Tel: 2417772/2414971 (delio [EMAIL PROTECTED]) NO MORE FLOATING CASINOS: The State government will henceforth not grant permission for opening of floating casinos, either anchored in the waters of its rivers or along its coastline. Presently, there is only one floating casino, Caravela anchored in River Mandovi, which has the permission of the authorities. The Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Parrikar, informing the pressmen about the decision said, however, the luxury liners or cruises having casinos, and either passing along the State's coastline or temporarily anchored on the Goan harbours, will not face any legal action. (NT) CHARAS SEIZED: A police team of Anti-Narcotic Cell conducted a raid near Calangute bus stand and seized 3.330 kgs of charas from one Dipesh Buddha Thoki. The value of the charas is estimated at Rs.3.33. (GT) ATTENTION CROSSLITES: It's going to be a reunion of hearts, a fusion of minds, to golden memories we left behind. So fasten your seatbelts and before its too late, lets meet one another and make it a day to remember! 2nd January, 2005 at 5 pm to 11 pm. At Holy Cross High School, Siolim, Goa. For more information contact Teacher Vilma (0832 2272632) or Headmistress Sr Jennifer (0832 2270304 or 0832 2272244) Olympio
[Goanet]GFA slips up (PTI)
http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=5theme=usrsess=1id=64326 GFA slips up Press Trust of India MARGAO, Dec. 28. The Goa Football Association has not really learnt a lesson from the tragic on-field death of Dempo striker Cristiano Junior, as it failed to provide medical facilities to a player during a local second division league match at Varca ground here on Sunday, nearly costing him his life. Ten minutes into the match, the goalkeeper of Mundvel Sports Club, Alex, and a ABC Benaulim Sports Club midfielder went in for an aerial ball. It is believed that the midfielders elbow hit Alex on the chest, leaving him unconscious on the ground for nearly five minutes. With no medical facilities provided by the GFA, one of the players gave mouth-to-mouth resuscitation which helped Alex to regain consciousness. He was later taken to a doctor who said his condition was stable. A GFA official admitted that Sundays incident was an eye opener. He said the association should arrange for medical requirements during all the GFA leagues matches. We spend quite an amount on the referees and the match commissioners to supervise a match. Requisitioning the services of a doctor would not make much difference, he said. Frederick Noronha 784 Near Convent, Sonarbhat SALIGAO GOA India Freelance Journalist TEL: +91-832-2409490 MOBILE: 9822122436 http://fn.swiki.net http://www.livejournal.com/users/goalinks fred at bytesforall.org http://www.bytesforall.org
[Goanet]RE: close down national Institute of Oceanography
1000 crores is not steep compared to thousands of crores pocketed by politicians implicated in hundred's of scams! SAFETY of its citizens has never been top priority for the Indian government. Avelino Bastora/Kuwait __ Samir has a valid point particularly since the NIO is based in Goa. However, it is the Indian Government that is to be blamed for not participating in the tsunami warning system. === But such was the level of ignorance that even National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) director Satish R Shetye admits: ''I got to know about the tsunami at around 10 am on Sunday, I was completely taken by surprise.'' The irony could not have been sharper. For, one of the people who helped set up the Pacific Tsunami Warning System and the Canadian Tsunami Warning System three decades ago was a Canada-based Indian, Tad Murty. ''I have tried several times with the Indian government, but they have said they do not have enough money to sustain a full-fledged system,'' Murty told The Indian Express from Manitoba, ''it is largely seen as a Pacific country problem.'' It's estimated that joining the tsunami warning system would cost around Rs 1,000 crore. While that does seem steep, contrasting that with the human and economic costs of the tsunami paints a different picture altogether - almost 11,000 priceless human lives, estimates of 30,000 missing, and millions displaced. The economic cost to business alone is estimated at Rs 2,000 crore.
[Goanet]NEWS: Parrikar warns Congress of legal consequences over film
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/009200412290312.htm Parrikar warns Congress of legal consequences over film Panaji, Dec. 29 (PTI): Warning the Opposition Congress of legal consequences if it continued to whip up communal feelings within the State, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, on Tuesday said a controversial film on the liberation movement was being used as a vote magnet. If the Congress tries to polarise the Hindu and Catholic community over the issue, the Government will not tolerate it. They will have to face legal consequences, Parrikar told reporters here. The film, which has been produced by the Government, is at the centre of a controversy, with several freedom fighters, experts and the opposition Congress terming it communal, claiming that it presents a very distorted version of Goa's freedom struggle against the Portuguese. The Government has not interfered in the script of the film. The script has been prepared by the screening committee, which consists of people of all religions. We will be having an exclusive screening of the film for freedom fighters on the 30th of this month where the members of the committee will be present to answer any questions that might be raised, Parrikar added. The film has a certificate for universal viewing from the censor board, but even then if some one feels it is offensive to a particular community, he is free to write to us or the committee and we will make the modifications, Parrikar said. Denying that film was made compulsory viewing for schools in the State, the Chief Minister said no such circular or order has been issued. We have sent the CD to schools like we send a whole lot of other supplies, there was no compulsion on them to show the film. Frederick Noronha 784 Near Convent, Sonarbhat SALIGAO GOA India Freelance Journalist TEL: +91-832-2409490 MOBILE: 9822122436 http://fn.swiki.net http://www.livejournal.com/users/goalinks fred at bytesforall.org http://www.bytesforall.org
[Goanet]Hundreds of Children will join FELIZ NATAL 2004 in Kuwait
Hey Kiddos, do you know that Santa Claus has still kept a bagful of gifts for you? He is gonna come back on December 30, 2004 (Thursday) at Al-Shaab Leisure Park Hall to give you the goodies. Come and be a part of the ho-ho-whole lotta fun at this festive season at the Crystal Focus Clubs FELIZ NATAL 2004 exclusive Christmas Party for children aged 5 to 14 yrs on December 30, 2004 at Al-Shaab Leisure Park Hall from 4:30 pm onwards. For more details, please contact: Mobile No. 7903930 and 6888947 Mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit our website: http://www.geocities.com/crystalfc_628/home.html Click to view Feliz Natal 2002 at a Glance http://www.geocities.com/crystalfc_628/fn02_glance.jpg Crystal Focus Club Posted on December 29, 2004 _ Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! Download today it's FREE! http://messenger.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200471ave/direct/01/
[Goanet]29 DEC 2004: GOACOM DAILY NEWS CLIPPINGS
GOACOM DAILY NEWS CLIPPINGS December 29, 2004 THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Zo konn fuddem pollenam to fattim urta. (He who does not look ahead, remains behind.) domnic fernandes [EMAIL PROTECTED] TSUNAMI TOLL SWELLS: Inclusive of the over 7,500 dead in India, the total toll in all the seven tsunami-affected countries in South and South East Asia galloped close to 55,000. Of this, Indonesia, whose Sumatra island was close to the epicentre of the quake, alone accounted for about 2,174 deaths. (GT) NO TOURIST EXODUS: Addressing reporters on December 28 State Tourism Minister Matanhy Saldanha described reports about tourists fleeing Goa as 'biased and malicious'. He reaffirmed that the situation in the State was normal and that on the contrary foreign charter operators were inquiring whether they could divert Thailand-bound passengers to Goa. (GT) RS.50 LAKH FOR TSUNAMI VICTIMS: The government has announced an amount of Rs.50 lakh as aid for the victims of Tsunami disaster. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said that it might adopt a village raved by the tidal waves on the lines of Deogad in Gujarat, which Goa government had helped to rebuild. He said that he would donate his month's salary and speak to other MLAs and Goa Government Employees Association in a bid to increase the contribution. (GT) IT'S A CHOCK-A-BLOCK NEW YEAR: With the tourist season reaching its peak and the inbound travel picking up like never before, the Tourism industry is seen celebrating to the anecdote that India has crossed the much hyped 3 million mark. Goa handles about 90 per cent of charter traffic and about 30 charter slots have been booked every week for the six-month spell in Goa, compared to 23 slots last year. According to sources, the current hotel room supply across Goa could fall short to meet the anticipated annual demand growth of 25 per cent. (H) JAMIR KICKS OFF GOA GRIND: Goa's very own attempt at sealing its place as the party destination to the world, and also in the record books, took off to a flying start at the Radisson White Sands Resort, on December 28. The 65-hour long party is an attempt to break the Guinness Record and was also inaugurated by the Goa Governor, SC Jamir. The Governor not only launched the show but also danced a few steps at the gravity Pool nightclub. (GT) CM CHALLENGES SCRIBES OVER RAVE PARTIES: Throwing the gauntlet at the media, the chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said, If you inform me of a rave party when it is on, I will come in my private vehicle. When it was pointed out that drugs are sold during the rave parties, he said, You show me, I will take action immediately. Newspapers had carried reports in the last few days about rave parties happening in Anjuna-Vagator. (H) SCREENING OF FILM WAS OPTIONAL: CM: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said the screening of the film on Goa's freedom struggle on Liberation Day had not been made compulsory in schools and a copy of the VCD had been sent to the institutions for their record. (GT) SCREENING OF FREEDOM STRUGGLE VCD: In the continuing series of their highly informative History Series, the Xavier Centre of Historical Research, Porvorim, will screen the Goa Freedom Struggle VCD and hold an open forum on it on January 6, 2005, at 5.30 pm. The event is open to all. Tel: 2417772/2414971 (delio [EMAIL PROTECTED]) NO MORE FLOATING CASINOS: The State government will henceforth not grant permission for opening of floating casinos, either anchored in the waters of its rivers or along its coastline. Presently, there is only one floating casino, Caravela anchored in River Mandovi, which has the permission of the authorities. The Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Parrikar, informing the pressmen about the decision said, however, the luxury liners or cruises having casinos, and either passing along the State's coastline or temporarily anchored on the Goan harbours, will not face any legal action. (NT) CHARAS SEIZED: A police team of Anti-Narcotic Cell conducted a raid near Calangute bus stand and seized 3.330 kgs of charas from one Dipesh Buddha Thoki. The value of the charas is estimated at Rs.3.33. (GT) ATTENTION CROSSLITES: It's going to be a reunion of hearts, a fusion of minds, to golden memories we left behind. So fasten your seatbelts and before its too late, lets meet one another and make it a day to remember! 2nd January, 2005 at 5 pm to 11 pm. At Holy Cross High School, Siolim, Goa. For more information contact Teacher Vilma (0832 2272632) or Headmistress Sr Jennifer (0832 2270304 or 0832 2272244) Olympio Almeida (9822168112, e-mail:[EMAIL PROTECTED]) or Joseph Simon Fernandes (9822488138) or Alister Miranda (9822144281, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]) DOWRY CASE REGISTERED: The Vasco police have registered an offence against a husband and his relatives for allegedly assaulting his wife for not fulfilling their demand for dowry. (NT) SERPENTINE QUEUES AT EXPOSITION: With barely four days to go for the 43-day Exposition to come to a close, over 70,000
[Goanet]RE: GoanetReader -- When film-making gets a bigoted edge...
The in-depth analysis of the notorious VCD is enlightening. All secular Goans must take legal measures against the perpetrators of producing this filthy VCD. We don't want another Gujarat in making! Avelino Bastora/Kuwait _ When film-making gets a bigoted edge... Goa's anti-colonial stir retold By Frederick Noronha Clearly, such an endeavour attracts provisions of the law. What makes it more unusual is that the state government is behind this VCD, which openly acknowledges chief minister Manohar Parrikar as its inspiration. Perhaps some lawyer would be better placed to explain how such a VCD would sit against the provisions of the law -- including the Indian Penal Code's Section 153A (for promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion...), Sec. 153B (for repeatedly making imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration), Sec. 295A (for injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class), Sec 298 (for uttering words, etc., with deliberate intent to wound religious feelings) and Sec 505 (for statements conducing to public mischief).
Re: [Goanet]Authors, editors, fees et Indian Made.
--- Gabe Menezes [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I have in the past, bought goods made in China that have clonked out after one use, although I agree that now a days many items of quality are made in China. India too makes quality goods. I have a Titan watch bought 5 years ago which is performing, well, like clock work. We purchased a Remi mixer about 10 years ago - these Indian made machines can run for half and hour and longer grinding all your masalas. In fact I have noticed that the blades used in these machines have now been copied by many Western made mixers, I am sure the Indians unfortunately did not patent the design of the blades. I heartily agree with Gabe on Titan watches and masala grinders (ours is a Diplomat). And now, Tupperware. Cheers, Gabriel. Find local movie times and trailers on Yahoo! Movies. http://au.movies.yahoo.com
RE: [Goanet]Indonesian Eartquake
--- Tim de Mello [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: cornel [EMAIL PROTECTED] I wonder how fellow Goans might explain the catastrophic Indonesian earthquake and its aftermath. Was it the act of a very angry God? Cornel God seems to be a rather ungrateful creature, at least to me. Here we are, indians, some of the most credulously religious folk, and he visits this on us. And the ungodly europeans and americans get milk and honey. Thank you God, for nothing. __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
[Goanet]Confusing World
Confusing World: Last week, I attended a talk in Utica, NY, by an individual with a Konkani name. He was very knowledgeable about his subject and spoke very well. Magir, he told us, he was born (third generation) in South Africa. He calls himself South African. But he grew up in Nairobi, Kenya. He studied in Surrey, England. Now he resides in Buffalo, USA. He is married to a Gujarati girl. The only non-English language he speaks is Swahili. He reminded me of my study in London in 1977, where I attended a Goan function. I met a young lad of about 15 years. I asked him who he was. He said Truthfully, I don't know! I was born in Africa but I am not an African. I am supposed to be Goan but have never been there and don't know what it is. I am now living in England and supposed to be English, but I am not white. Food for thought! Borem Confusaum murree. :=)) Aka munta 'Identity Crises'. :=)) Have things changed? Are we doing anything if this is a problem or a potential setback? Regards, GL
Re: [Goanet]close down national Institute of Oceanography
Samir has a valid point particularly since the NIO is based in Goa. However, it is the Indian Government that is to be blamed for not participating in the tsunami warning system. === Headline: 26 countries alerted in 15 minutes, India not one of them 28 Dec: Indian Express. 1015 words. at http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=61674 Excerpts: After yesterday's earthquake, there were 90 minutes before the first wave of the deluge crashed into the Indian coast. Within 15 minutes of the earthquake, scientists running the tsunami warning system for the Pacific had issued a cautionary from their Honolulu hub, to 26 participating countries. India was not among them. But such was the level of ignorance that even National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) director Satish R Shetye admits: ''I got to know about the tsunami at around 10 am on Sunday, I was completely taken by surprise.'' The irony could not have been sharper. For, one of the people who helped set up the Pacific Tsunami Warning System and the Canadian Tsunami Warning System three decades ago was a Canada-based Indian, Tad Murty. ''I have tried several times with the Indian government, but they have said they do not have enough money to sustain a full-fledged system,'' Murty told The Indian Express from Manitoba, ''it is largely seen as a Pacific country problem.'' The Indian met office has its own explanations. ''Unless we have computer models, we cannot issue a tsunami warning after every earthquake,'' says R S Dattatrayam, director (seismology), Indian Meteorological Department. Every major earthquake in the ocean does not result in a tsunami. === Headline: Life cheaper than warning system? 29 Dec: Times of India at http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/973993.cms Excerpts: In the end, it was about 90 helpless minutes between the earthquake in Indonesia and the waves hitting India... It is almost criminal to hear the government griping about the high costs of joining the tsunami warning system. It's estimated that joining the tsunami warning system would cost around Rs 1,000 crore. While that does seem steep, contrasting that with the human and economic costs of the tsunami paints a different picture altogether - almost 11,000 priceless human lives, estimates of 30,000 missing, and millions displaced. The economic cost to business alone is estimated at Rs 2,000 crore. Eddie Fernandes === - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] I do not see why my (tax payer's) money should go in funding an institute such as NIO (National Institute of Oceonagraphy) if such an all important event about our ocean such as tsumani goes unpredicted by the institute. This is infinitely more important than trips to Antarctica, and growing algaes. The Indian govt. should immediately close all institutes related to oceanography and divert all funds spent in such useless endeavours to relief work. Dr. Samir Kelekar, Bangalore --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.809 / Virus Database: 551 - Release Date: 09/12/2004
[Goanet]A CIVILIZED SOCIETY DOES NOT REOPEN WOUNDS - A GT REPORT COMMENTS
From: Sachin Phadte [EMAIL PROTECTED] Wrote:- To: goanet@goanet.org Sent: Monday, December 27, 2004 11:51 AM Subject: [Goanet]A CIVILIZED SOCIETY DOES NOT REOPEN WOUNDS - A GT REPORT COMMENTS I would like to respectfully disagree with the tone of the editorial in Gomantak Times. History has to be narrated the way it is, and it should not be falsified because some group may find it uncomfortable. The atrocities committed by the Portuguese in Goa, and many other places in the world, did happen. Not talking about them in fact makes things worse as far as the memory of the sufferers is concerned. In the editorial, a question is posed as follows: Are scenes of Nazi brutality shown to young Jews? The answer is: No, it is shown not only to the young Jews, but also to all the people, Jews and non-Jews, old and young. And there is a huge holocaust museum where people can see the brutality. RESPONSE: Dear Sachin Phadte, I am not in Goa and have not seen the VCD nor had an expose about it. From what I can garner, it is not the fact that the Portuguese may have butchered our fore parents. It is about the fact that this VCD is clearly out to create a communal divide! I do not know, which Religion you espouse to but if you are a Hindu and a similar VCD was made which shows that the Hindus created a lot of atrocities - ala Gujerat, I am sure you would not want to be associated with this extremity! If the Christians were a majority and we prepetrated the same sort of proprganda on you, the whole lot of you would be outraged. It abhors us all, if we are to believe that we (Christian Goans) were converted at the point of the sword. So what would you have us do? We should all renounce Christianity and return to the Mother faith - Hinduism - and may be some of us were Muslims before that and some, from other Religions before Hinduism took hold of Goa. Please give us guidance on what you expect Christian Goans to do - just accept the VCD and a few days, weeks, months or years later, we can be brought to accept the yoke or taken to the slaughter house? Cheers, Gabe.
[Goanet]Re: Goanet Reader -- When film-making gets a bigoted edge...
Fred continues to bring good content to Goan cyberspace. I hope young Goans are inspired by him to take up journalism and present various issues in an objective manner. Regards, George --- GoanetReader goanet@goanet.org wrote: When film-making gets a bigoted edge... Goa's anti-colonial stir retold By Frederick Noronha
RE: [Goanet]Indonesian Eartquake
From: cornel [EMAIL PROTECTED] I wonder how fellow Goans might explain the catastrophic Indonesian earthquake and its aftermath. Was it the act of a very angry God? Cornel === Hi Cornel: I hope not. Why would God be so angry with Sri Lankans and South Indians? How about this for a pseudo-scientific theory. Most of the North American continent has been gripped by severe winter weather. This unseasonal cold could perhaps (?) have caused the surface of the earth in this area to unseasonally shrink - faster than usual. Could this have caused the tectonic plate in this region to tend to curve concavely (like a bi-mettalic strip) thus easing the frictional force between plates in this area causing them to shift a little thus affecting the plates in other areas that constitute the ring of fire? Good to blame it all on to global warming . . . and even better if you factor the US as a non signatory to Kyoto? Whaddya think, Mario? Hey, I said it was pseudo-scientific . . . . so please no flames. Tim de Mello [EMAIL PROTECTED] CANADA
[Goanet]Indonesian Eartquake
cornel [EMAIL PROTECTED] Wrote:- To: goanet@goanet.org Sent: Tuesday, December 28, 2004 6:55 PM Subject: [Goanet]Indonesian Eartquake I wonder how fellow Goans might explain the catastrophic Indonesian earthquake and its aftermath. Was it the act of a very angry God? Cornel RESPONSE: Certainly, Insurance and Re-insurance companies would call it an act of God and depending on the fine print will not pay up! In their terminology it is called Force Majeure. So now you have it, from the horses mouth! Gabe.
[Goanet]close down national Institute of Oceanography
I do not see why my (tax payer's) money should go in funding an institute such as NIO (National Institute of Oceonagraphy) if such an all important event about our ocean such as tsumani goes unpredicted by the institute. This is infinitely more important than trips to Antarctica, and growing algaes. The Indian govt. should immediately close all institutes related to oceanography and divert all funds spent in such useless endeavours to relief work. Dr. Samir Kelekar, Bangalore
[Goanet]Indonesian Eartquake
I wonder how fellow Goans might explain the catastrophic Indonesian earthquake and its aftermath. Was it the act of a very angry God? Cornel
[Goanet]Re: Sachin Phadte History written by pygmies...
Goanetters ! According to Sachin Phadte, History has to be stated as it is and he is right in saying so. I suppose he also agrees that history is not to be adjusted to propagate the hidden agenda of a facist political group which wants to merely divide young minds who are living in perfect harmony. Why is this so called history being forced on teachers by demanding a compliance report ? Such use of force exposes the hidden agenda of pigmy minded politicians who call themselves educated. The freedom fighters who were part of historical events have vociferously refuted the content of the CD in the press, cutting across communal lines of religion. Do we go back to the pigmy era even after staging an IFFI ? Sachin please speak upHas the Goan Hitler fed you to speak for him his CD ? Mizeen
[Goanet]Re: Tariq on Insourcing
From: Tariq Siddiqui [EMAIL PROTECTED] In any case, a subsidary of a foreign company will create more jobs in the US than vice versa (exactly) because of the size of the US market. Not necessarily. Case in point: TCS and Wipro do not create more U.S.-based jobs than they do in Bangalore, Poona or Hyderabad. It is precisely the low cost of programer labour in India ($6/hour) versus the cost of similar labour in the USA ($60/hour) which adds jobs to the country that gains western outsourcing contracts. That also does not mean that jobs were lost in the home country of the foreign companies Quite right. In fact, the home country you refer to stands to gain jobs. You still have not understood my argument. When Honda set up a factory in the US, it did not close down a plant in Japan. Moreover, the product was meant for the US and not for the Japanese market. That's right, but it's only a part of the picture. Honda could have chosen to produce more for the US market out of factories in Japan--and it would have helped the Japanese manufacturing and shiping industries, among others--but given the diminished marginal returns, it makes more sense to have them 'insource' their operation to the United States. It is a classic case for the benefits of insourcing--benefits for the business (higher profits) and for the consumer (lower cost of manufacture, lower price). Strong trade is not and will never be a zero-sum game. (In a zero-sum game a win for Indian exports must translate to a loss for its trading partner.) To help you understand better, I have no problem if GM sets up a factory in China and builds cars there for the local Chinese market. I would have a problem if GM sets up a factory in China only to build cars for export to the US and closes down factories here at the same time. Such a situation might mean a loss of American jobs in one sector (automobile), or even a part of a sector (automobile/factory workers), but it often translates into gains elsewhere. There was a great hue and cry when NAFTA passed in 199x, and the automobile industry in the USA lost 10,000 jobs almost immediately. The less publicised fact was that 40,000 new jobs were created in the same region (Detroit) in the same industry over the next three years. The most recent Indian administrations seem to have understood that international competition is a good thing (TM). There is also another aspect here that you should consider. If you outsource a certain part of your business process because you need to have your employees concentrate on other process to generate more revenue, that would also be acceptable. Tariq, in the grand scheme of things this becomes a micro issue. Is it more acceptable if they outsource such a process to a domestic company as opposed to a foreign company? Will the company as a whole continue to be viable if it does so? It is a business decision to divide tasks between a local labour source and a foreign one. It may or may not have a significant bearing on an industry or the economy. When you talk about not having a problem with a certain business model, or another one being acceptable, you're essentially trying to create an equation which says that if one country gains jobs by trade or outsourcing, then the other country must necessarily lose. This pattern of thought left economies such as India very stunted for decades. The only ways by which a country to prosper are to establish rule of law, provide good education and allow free trade (in that order). Peter
[Goanet]Re: Seminar, Nov 2004 issue *Amchem Goem*
TO: George Pinto [EMAIL PROTECTED] In response to Halur Rasho and Philip Thomas you have continued your reprehensible comments about the US Senate's 9/11 Commission not being credible simply because they were white, without any regard to their individual credentials and political philosophies. This is blatant reverse racism pure and simple. Your own posts on this subject are ample proof that brown people can be just as biased, irrational and delusional as any white person. You have obviously not even read the 9/11 report, available on www.senate.gov, so how do you come up with your paranoid generalizations? Have you been talking to Michael Moore? While 99.9% of Muslims are not suicidal terrorists, every one of the nineteen 9/11 jihadis were Muslims. In spite of this there are no anti-Muslim or anti-Arab views in the 9/11 report. Every assertion was thoroughly researched and documented and the sources of information are all part of the report. Any honest brown person would have come to the same conclusions they did. Regarding the poll you cited you need to know that the US constitution is not responsive to polls, which are a snapshot of the people polled. No more, no less. No country is more protective of the rights of minorities than the US, and brown skinned people dominate much of the US economy. For example, Indian Americans have been the top ethnic group by family income since 1980. Filipinos are No. 2. The list includes the whites you are so afraid of. The top two executives in US foreign policy are black skinned, and two cabinet ministers are black as well. The next Attorney General is brown skinned. The top US General in Iraq is an Arab-American. You need to check out how they are treating Muslims in Germany, France and the Netherlands, without the impetus of a 9/11 attack. I have Arab friends in the US who are concerned when Arab strangers show up in their midst. They know the difference between most Muslims and terrorists who happen to be Muslims. Why don't you?
Re: [Goanet]Re: Chickens coming home to roost!
Tariq Siddiqui [EMAIL PROTECTED] said: I will agree with you when you show me the UN resolutions for intervention in Grenada, Panama and Vietnam -Tariq == Yes, and we must not forget that if non-conformance to UN resolutions was the reason for the US intervening in the affairs of Iraq, then the US should have acted against Israel many years ago. It has consistently disregarded UN resolutions. Instead the US consistently vetoes UN resolutions even when the rest of the Security Council are unanimous. A double standard. A visit to http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/UN/usvetoes.html will give one an idea of the scale of this double standard. The Tim de Mello [EMAIL PROTECTED] CANADA
[Goanet]greetings
hi, wish you all a very Happy New Year. From Aldoncar fly. _ Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! Download today it's FREE! http://messenger.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200471ave/direct/01/
[Goanet]Airlines News: Air India, Special Offer, BOM-LON-BOM less than Rs.20,000
Contact your travel agents. Also, Air India Introducing 3 flts a week from Birmingham eff. May next year. = for NRI related info... http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/GOAN-NRI/ for SFX Expo cheap Goa flights info.. http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/LetsGotoGoa/ Church official web site on SFX Expo..(mass timings, facilities, etc) http://www.archgoadaman.org/Dioceses/SFX/index.html ___ ALL-NEW Yahoo! Messenger - all new features - even more fun! http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com
[Goanet]Yahoo! News - Scientists in USA saw tsunami coming
Scientists in USA saw tsunami coming Tue Dec 28, 7:11 AM ET Top Stories - USATODAY.com By Dan Vergano, USA TODAY Minutes after a massive earthquake rocked the Indian Ocean on Sunday, international ocean monitors knew that a tsunami would likely follow. But they didn't know whom to tell. We put out a bulletin within 20 minutes, technically as fast as we could do it, says Jeff LaDouce of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. LaDouce says e-mails were dispatched to Indonesian officials, but he doesn't know what happened to the information. The problem is that Sunday's earthquake struck the unmonitored Indian Ocean. An international system of buoys and monitoring stations - the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center based in Hawaii - spans the Pacific, alerting nations there to any oncoming disasters. But no such system guards the Indian Ocean. (There isn't one in the Atlantic Ocean because there are comparatively few earthquakes there. LaDouce says efforts are being made in the Caribbean to set up a warning system after last year's tsunami caused by the volcanic collapse on the island of Montserrat.) Sumatra has an ample history of great earthquakes, which makes the lack of a tsunami warning system in the Indian Ocean all the more tragic, says geologist Brian Atwater of the U.S. Geological Survey (news - web sites). Everyone knew Sumatra was a loaded gun. On Monday, Asian government officials, notably in India, discussed plans to coordinate efforts to develop an Indian Ocean system. It's a people problem, not a technology problem, says geophysicist Teng-fong Wong of the State University of New York-Stony Brook. Governments just have to cooperate. In fact, the detector buoys that monitor tsunami surges have been available for decades. They record water heights and send measurements throughout the Pacific network. False alarms are a concern, slowing the speed with which bulletins can be released. A 1986 false alarm in Hawaii cost more than $30 million in evacuation costs. LaDouce notes that warnings are of little use without evacuation plans, given how quickly a tsunami can travel. Tsunami waves struck Sumatra minutes after the quake and hit Thailand within an hour. Even if you give the tourist resorts in Thailand a half-hour's notice, it is no easy matter to evacuate vast swaths of coastland, he says. You have to plan and train people. And then do it all over again.
[Goanet]Promoting Konkani Musical Shows and belittling tiatrists
Researched on the Net and found it archived at www.goanet.org: These Rostad audience normally occupy backbenches and their motto is not to see the tiatro peacefully but to create disorder. If you see them carefully you can easily identify them and their background. http://www.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet/2003-September/005103.html .Tinpot Rostad tiatrits (tiatrist) (sic) and regretably accepted by other tiatrists who are equally Rostad. He never made an attempt to kill the art of tiatr in any tiatrist as it is done in Kuwait by some Rostad tiatrists under the leadership of one double Rostad tiatrist who was formerly a drug addict and a rapist. www.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet/2003-October/006081.html A. Veronica Fernandes, Kuwait. - Why can't this fellow, A.Veronica Fernandes, expose the name of the tiatrist and the other tiatrists in question? Who is he afraid of? Promoting Konkani Musical Shows in the name of Konkani and Tiatr and belittling Konkani tiatrists. What a paradox, indeed. Just curious. AlmeidaG(ji)
[Goanet]'Konkani Nightingale' Ms. LORNA to enthrall Kuwait audience for KGTS 'Konkani Machiek Noman' musical show
'Konkani Nightingale' Ms. LORNA to enthrall Kuwait audience for KGTS 'Konkani Machiek Noman' musical show The Managing Committee of the Kuwait-Goa Tiatristanchi Sonvstha and its members greets all Konkani lovers and announces the versatile Goan singer and diva Ms. Lorna will be the star of the second Konkani musical show in Kuwait titled Konknni Machiek Noman scheduled for 4th February 2005 organized by Kuwait Goa Tiatristanchi Sonvstha (KGTS) which will be held at the Gulf English School Auditorium, Rumaithiya. The first musical show last year titled 'Tiatr ani Tiatrist' was a unique blend of presenation with scores of musicians and stage artistes. The proceeds of the KGTS shows goes towards support of seniormost Konkani stage artistes presently in Goa and Mumbai. Ms. Lorna, known as the 'Konkani Nightingale', began her singing career with renowned music director late Chris Perry in the 60s and has mesmerised audiences in India and abroad with her golden voice. Ms. Lorna has also sung in Konkani movies and has hits such as Sorga Rajeant, Bebdo, Pisso and Lisboa among several others. Await for more suprises on this mega event or contact KGTS members (email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]) Links: http://www.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet/2004-December/021782.html http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gulf-goans/message/4965 (c) GWNews
[Goanet]IFRA Exhibition Football Match on 31st Dec. 2004 in Kuwait
IFRA EXHIBITION FOOTBALL MATCH A.E. D'Souza, founder and president of Indian Fooball Referees Association (IFRA), founder and ex-president of Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF), after serving as president of IFRA for a long time, is retiring and is shortly due to leave Kuwait for good. In order to facilitate this great personality for his untiring services provided for sports and football in particular since its inception on Soor grounds, IFRA is organizing an exhibition football match between star studded Curtorcares United and Kuwait Duty Free-sponsored United Friends Club on Friday, 31st December 2004 at Soor Grounds at 8:00 a.m. The Managing Committee and members of IFRA hereby coordially invites all football lovers to witness this exciting match and to be a part of this unique celebration for a unique person, A.E. D'Souza. Bernardo Fernandes General Secretary Indian Football Referees Association (IFRA) P.O. Box 341, Dasman 15454, Kuwait Tel: 4725210 - 2404914 Fax: 4725210 - 2454246 A.E. D'Souza (standing 5th from left) (c) www.goa-world.com/goa/ Web link on IFRA: http://www.goa-world.com/goa/sports/ifra.htm
[Goanet]FORMER GOA CHIEF SECRETARY BEREAVED
Mrs. Roli Srivastava wife of former Goa Chief Secretary Dr. G.C Srivastava passed away of a fatal heart attack at Allahabad. Roli was Goa's Income Tax Commissioner a few yeas ago. Dr. G.C. Srivastava is at Allahabad (contact nos.:0532 - 2461707 2462130). Tehraveen ceremony of Mrs. Srivastava will be at Allahabad (21, Lowther Road, Allahabad) on 30th December 2004 at 12 noon. Aires Rodrigues Ribandar
Re: [Goanet]RE: Finally some facts
We need to accept that a whole lot of statistics churned out of Goa are based on wishful thinking. I've heard Churchill Alemao argue years back that 300,000 people earning a living from tourism in Goa. If you take Goa's total population, subtract the elderly and children and unemployed, you would find that there probably aren't so many people left to work... even assuming tourism could absorb so many! The figure of 20 lakh (two million) tourists visiting Goa a year was first claimed by the controversial tourism former director N Suryanarayana. We know that there are no statistics kept of people entering Goa by road or rail, and neither do many medium and smaller-level hotels or guest houses report report occupancies. Apart from Goans who have resided in Pakistan -- who get harassed quite a bit for no fault of their own -- how many of those visiting Goa would recall being asked to fill a form that could go into creating carefully-maintained statistics? When we asked tourism officials as to how exactly they arrived at the figures of tourism arrivals some time back, they were hard-pressed to give an answer. These are just guestimates (often, exaggerations) which after being repeated on many occasions, get life of their own. Earnings from tourism, in an economy which has so much under-reporting, untaxed incomes and a grey-market economy, is speculative at best or a gross exaggeration. To talk about Goa's foreign exchange earnings is misleading too. Foreign exchange was a valuable commodity in the past; not any more, you can get it easily even for frivolour purposes like a holiday abroad. Besides, the earnings go not to the State but to private pockets. FN On Tue, 28 Dec 2004, Philip Thomas wrote: Can someone tell us why the 500 crore INCREASE in foreign exchange THIS fiscal year? And how much has translated into increased state tax receipts? This 500 crore (increase) is into Goa's local economy spent by tourists' consumers at the retail level. And of course this does not include the tourist expenditures by Indians / non-foreigners who visit Goa. They are reported / estimated to be 60% of Goa's tourists. We are told this year, IFFI and SFX exposition cost the Goa government 125 crore (75 + 50). By my calculations, and I hope the accountants come to the same conclusions, that is some pretty good 'return on investment' for native Goans. Please educate me otherwise. I am all ears. [Gilbert Lawrence, Dec 27] Not so fast! The Seminar issue is dated NOVEMBER 2004. Hence the material predates IFFI/SFX. The estimate of a Rs 500 cr increase in tourist FX earnings over the average figure of previous years (not the actuals for 2003-04) may be based on projected increases in tourist arrivals in Goa based perhaps on international trends etc. It would be premature to ascribe the increase in FX earnings to IFFI/SFX and conclude about good ROI from it.
[Goanet]GoanetReader -- When film-making gets a bigoted edge...
When film-making gets a bigoted edge... Goa's anti-colonial stir retold By Frederick Noronha JUST BEFORE December 19, 2004 -- on the eve of another anniversary of the end of Portuguese colonial rule in Goa -- an unusual controversy erupted in the State of Goa. The State's government, run by the right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party, had inspired, sponsored and circulated a film which it wanted to be shown in schools across the small region of 1.4 million. This video compact disc (VCD) was created in 2002, and has only now being widely circulated and adequately noticed. Purported to be a documentary on Goa's Liberation struggle -- as the anti-colonial drive against the Portuguese is known here -- this movie claims to impart a patriotic message. While it does offer a narration of the campaign against colonialism, it also promotes a bigoted view of the past, stokes some hardly-subtle ideas of religious hatred, and could only end up creating further suspicion in a state otherwise known for living in relative peace and amity. To be fair, Goa's history has been rife with religious, caste-based and ethnic intolerance. Early Portuguese rule -- not the entire duration -- was one phase of intense intolerance. But should history be raked up selectively, with dubious intent? What is the political goal of highlighting a slice of the past? Should taxpayers' money go to interpret history only through the lenses of religious hate and conflict? Above all, were the battles of the past only or primarily about religion, as India's contemporary religious right is trying to project? BEYOND THE TRIVIA Incidentally, the film doesn't open with the customary censors' certificate. But let's not get caught up in the trivia. Goa's government claims the film has been duly passed; this is not really the issue. Specially is one recalls how the Central Board for Film Certification -- earlier called the Central Board for Film Censorship -- was severely politicised during the six years that the BJP ruled India, so much so that documentary, and not fictionalised, films depicting the reality of the Gujarat carnage were blocked during this period. Says the start of the film, almost defensively: This film is based on facts gathered from various books on history specially those dealing with the freedom movement and liberation of Goa. Authenticated reports on the freedom movement have also been gathered from freedom fighters of Goa and Maharashtra who participated in this glorious movement. So what does the film really depict? Take a scene from the VCD. It opens thus. There's the sound of guitars-strumming Western music. To a scenic if stereotyped shot of people dancing on one of the tourist boats, the commentary introduced the region with the usual cliches: Yeh hai Goa... khubsoorat... Then it talks about the region as being a pavitra (holy) region. Cut to the shot of a temple. Quickly we're told about the hamla (attack) and aggression committed by colonialism. It's time for a picture of a church. Subliminal messages come across through the screening. It depends what you want to see in it. Non-BJP political parties in Goa have spoken out against the projections of the VCD; those who see Goa's history as one based solely on religious conflict have come out in defence of the VCD, citing specific historical instances as a justification. But that's not the issue. This VCD needs to be seen in its wider context. Can we believe that this all is just a coincidence, and not the obvious game-plan of the ideology of hate and conflict that has come to rule Goa by a mix of intrigue and deceit. That too, in a state while never ever gave the BJP a mandate or majority to rule, but where a mandate is being manufactured through every trick in the book? To the backdrop of violence and screams, silhouettes of Portuguese soldiers are shown damaging Hindu religious icons. Guns entangle with temples in the fast-changing visuals. We're told: hazaron mandir (thousands of temples) were broken, and bhajans and kirtans were stopped in colonial times. Like any stereotype, this is based in truth, but not the whole truth and just one side of the picture being selectively narrated. Conversions to Christianity in Goa are shown as being due entirely to violence, trickery and fraud. Needless to say, this is another persistent theme of the BJP-RSS and its ideological allies, who believe people, even today, are being tricked into changing their religion, and need to be protected with legislation and the government machinery against changing it. CRUCIAL FIRST ONE-THIRD It's the first one-third of the documentary, supposedly about Goa's Liberation struggle, which needs to be closely studied by those concerned about the dangers of communalism spread by the state. Hindus are being shown as attacked while at prayer, women are shown as being assaulted and
[Goanet]Sleeper Coaches and Gay Stereotypes
Samir Kelekar wrote: It was not just impossible to climb into the sleeper but I cannot fathom how two people can share the same sleeper, unless they are a husband wife couple or gays/lesbians. There is a logical, or prejudicial, fallacy to Samir's argument. 1) Why does he assume that only a husband-wife couple can share a sleeper? What about an unmarried boyfriend-girlfriend couple? Don't they share physical intimacy? 2) More important (and disturbing) is Samir's stereotyping of gays/lesbians which is a misrepresentation that a lot of us suffer from. We assume that all gays/lesbians are promiscuous. So if a gay is on a narrow sleeper with a straight/gay male he will be quite comfortable to rub bodies with a stranger? Whereas a straight man/woman would find such a situation uncomfortable. What makes us think that a gay/lesbian is comfortable with being in physical contact with a total stranger? Like straight people gays/lesbians have deep relationships and commitments too. All they have is a gender preference which does not necessarily mean that they are comfortable with ANY person of the same gender. The rules of attraction apply to gays and straights. It's time we stopped looking at gays as being universally promiscuous and immoral. Cecil Pinto Defender of Gay Lesbian Rights (specially lesbians!) =
[Goanet]Me - CAT
~*~BIRTHDAY CHART~*~ by - ~ Gaurav Bhargava ~ January 01 - 09 ~ Dog January 10 - 24 ~ Mouse January 25 - 31 ~ Lion February 01 - 05 ~ Cat February 06 - 14 ~ Dove February 15 - 21 ~ Turtle February 22 - 28 ~ Panther March 01 - 12 ~ Monkey March 13 - 15 ~ Lion March 16 - 22 ~ Mouse March 23 - 31 ~ Cat April 01 - 03 ~ Dog April 04 - 14 ~ Panther April 15 - 26 ~ Mouse April 27 - 30 ~ Turtle May 01 - 13 ~ Monkey May 14 - 21 ~ Dove May 22 - 31 ~ Lion June 01 - 03 ~ Mouse June 04 - 14 ~ Turtle June 15 - 20 ~ Dog June 21 - 24 ~ Monkey June 25 - 30 ~ Cat July 01 - 09 ~ Mouse July 10 - 15 ~ Dog July 16 - 26 ~ Dove July 27 - 31 ~ Cat August 01 - 15 ~ Monkey August 16 - 25 ~ Mouse August 26 - 31 ~ Turtle September 01 - 14 ~ Dove September 15 - 27 ~ Cat September 28 - 30 ~ Dog October 01 - 15 ~ Monkey October 16 - 27 ~ Turtle October 28 - 31 ~ Panther November 01 - 16 ~ Lion November 17 - 30 ~ Cat December 01 - 16 ~ Dog December 17 - 25 ~ Monkey December 26 - 31 ~ Dove If you are a Dog: A very loyal and sweet person.Your loyalty can never be doubted. You are quite honest and sincere when it comes to your attitude towards working. You are a very simple person, indeed. Absolutely hassle free, humble and down-to-earth!! That explains the reason why your friends cling on to you! You have a good taste for clothes. If your wardrobe is not updated with what is trendy, you sure are depressed. Popular and easy-going. You have a little group of dignified friends,all of them being quality-personified. If you are a Mouse: Always up to some sort of a mischief! The mischievous gleam in your eyes is what makes you so cute and attractive to everyone. You are an extremely fun-to-be-with kind of person. No wonder, people seek for your company and look forward to include you for all get-togethers. However, you are sensitive, which is a drawback. People need to select their words while talking to you. If someone tries to fiddle around and play with words while dealing with you, it is enough to invite your wrath. God bless the person then! If you are a Lion: Quite contradictory to your name, you are a peace loving person. You best try to avoid a situation wherein you are required to fight. An outdoor person, you dislike sitting at one place for a long duration. You are a born leader, and have it in you how to tactfully derive work from people. You love being loved, and when you receive your share of limelight from someone, you are all theirs Well, well... hence some people could even take an advantage, flatter you to the maximum and get their work done. So be careful. If you are a Cat: An extremely lovable, adorable person, sometimes shy,with a passion for quick wit. At times, you prefer quietness. You love exploring various things and going into depth of each thing. Under normal circumstances you're cool, when given a reason to, you are like a volcano waiting to erupt. You're a fashion bird. People look forward to you as an icon associated with fashion. Basically, you mingle along freely but don't like talking much to strangers. People feel very easy in your company. You observe care in choosing your friends. If you are a Turtle: You are near to perfect and nice at heart.The examples of your kindness are always circulated in groups of people.You, too, love peace. You wouldn't like to retaliate even to a person who is in the wrong. You are loved due to this. You do not wish to talk behind one's back. People love the way you always treat them. You can give, give and give love, and the best part is that you do not expect it back in return.You are generous enough. Seeing things in a practical light is what remains the best trait of you guys. If you are a Dove: You symbolize a very happy-go-lucky approach in life. Whatever the surroundings may be, grim or cheerful, you remain unaffected.In fact, you spread cheer wherever you go. You are the leader of your group of friends and good at consoling people in their times of need. You dislike hypocrisy and tend to shirk away from hypocrites. They can never be in your good books, no matter what. You are very methodical and organized in your work. No amount of mess, hence, can ever encompass you. Beware, it is easy for you to fall in love If you are a Panther: You are mysterious. You are someone who can handle pressure with ease, and can handle any atmosphere without going berserk.You can be mean at times, and love to gossip with your selected group.Very prim and proper. You like all situations and things to be in the way you desire, which, sometimes is not possible. As a result, you may lose out in some relationships. But otherwise, you love to help people out from difficult and tight spots when they really need you. If you are a Monkey: Very impatient and hyper!!! You want things to be done as quick as possible. At heart, you are quite simple and love if you are the center of attraction. That way, you people are unique You would like to keep yourself safe from all the angles.
[Goanet]Velankanni: Death in the churchyard! (killer tsunami)
George Iype in Velankanni | December 28, 2004 14:51 IST (Rediff) It was a watery death for hundreds of pilgrims thronging the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, the famous Catholic pilgrim centre in Velankanni in coastal south India, on the Sunday after Christmas. We are still pulling out bodies from the beach. It would have been celebration at this time of the year in our church. But sadly, our shrine has suddenly turned out to be a burial ground, says Father P Xavier, rector of the shrine. Every year some 20 million pilgrims flock to the shrine from all over India and abroad. Many offer candles in the shape of affected organs, and most return with stories of miraculous healing of their ailment. Hundreds return with small organ replicas in gold and silver to thank the Mother for healing them. Offerings, addressed to the shrine, are also occasionally thrown into the sea in sealed bottles or hollow bamboo. December 26, Sunday. 9.30am. It was meant to be a day of celebration. It was the beginning of the holiday season, and thousands, including the sick and the infirm, had come to pray at the shrine. The Tamil mass in the shrine was over and the Malayalam mass had begun. Hundreds of Malayalis from neighouring Kerala were attending mass and tragedy struck. Those on the shore scurried for cover from the wall of water. But the force of the waves blew most of them away. Though the waves receded in the same lightening speed that it had come, hundreds were caught in the swirling waters and pulled back into the sea. But the killer tsunami crashed into the beach, the shrine's compound and nearby villages and hundreds of shops, homes and pilgrims were washed away into the sea. The otherwise busy shrine on the seashore now wears a deserted look. The compound wall of the church collapsed under the force of the waves. The seawater did not enter the shrine because it is on a higher plane compared to the beach. But the waves took way hundreds of pilgrims who were on the beach. The water gushed into the main road and arterial lanes leading to the shrine, inundating several shops and houses. We have no idea how many people died. But I have been leading rescue teams all day and night. We have extricated more than 300 bodies, says Father Xavier. Rescue teams led by church authorities and the Nagapattinam district administration continue to scour for bodies in the sand and rocks strewn all over the place. Heartrending scenes could be seen in the coastal villages around the shrine as rescue teams pulled out the bodies. A large number of bodies are yet to be unidentified. The church authorities have now begun digging mass graves to bury the pilgrims. = for NRI related info... http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/GOAN-NRI/ for SFX Expo cheap Goa flights info.. http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/LetsGotoGoa/ Church official web site on SFX Expo..(mass timings, facilities, etc) http://www.archgoadaman.org/Dioceses/SFX/index.html ___ ALL-NEW Yahoo! Messenger - all new features - even more fun! http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com
[Goanet]OPINION: Editorial Herald - 28Dec04
LET'S GO FORWARD Does Goa want to go ahead or backward? Does Goa want to disintegrate because of some hidden agenda or does it want to rise above the rest of India. Consider the controversial Department of Education CD, which has just been released and is raising a ruckus all over the State. What is hypocritical of the entire CD is only one sided and does not show the positive side of the community and the country? Guaranteed Portugal, when it took over Goa did commit many grave mistakes but to keep harping on these mistakes shows a lack of foresight. Yes, there was intolerance toward the followers of other religions. And agreed there were 40 armed revolts in Goa, which were put down with a heavy hand. But by rehashing the gory details of the past what is Goa trying to achieve - progression or regression by creating divisions of hatred in Goan soceity. No doubt Goa has progressed on its own and compared to the situation under Portuguese rule, Goa has now seen a high level of social development - as reflected by its high literacy, low birth rate, improved health care, and educational facilities. But let us not forget that the Portuguese have contributed something, which has made Goa stand out from the rest of the country? How come everyone has forgotten about the Uniform Civil Code, which is applicable to all communities irrespective of religion? How convenient it is that people have forgotten the communidade land system, which sustained villages? How come people have forgotten the low rates of law and order then? There are many other aspects, which have been conveniently forgotten, and to rake up certain issues is hypocritical and wrong. Perhaps the only logic behind recreating such images is maybe to fuel somebody's perverted agenda. An agenda, which began in early 1999 with new claims on churches, supposedly old temples, must now be taken over by the RSS. It does not matter to the Sangh Parivar that India had, in 1962, successfully liberated Goa from the Portuguese. In the Sangh Parivar's lore, Goa still remains unliberated because it retains signs of Christianity and a very big number of Goans are Christians by faith. And before we start labeling communities let us just consider one thing - it was the Portuguese who gave us western style buildings and culture. It was the Portuguese who gave Goa an ambience, which is similar to Cannes. And it is because of this atmosphere, people voted in favour of IFFI, of which the credit is going to others not the people who brought in the ambience. So let us not be hypocritical and close our eyes. Let Goa progress, by not creating divisions, and do not distribute CDs which will make Goa regress. --- Goanet - http://www.goanet.org - Goa's premier mailing list is 10 years old
[Goanet]AICHEA DISSAK CHINTOP (THOUGHT FOR TODAY) Dec 28, 2004!
Zo konn fuddem pollenam to fattim urta. (He, who does not look ahead, remains behind.) Moi-mogan, Domnic Fernandes Anjuna/Dhahran, KSA _ Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! Download today it's FREE! http://messenger.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200471ave/direct/01/