[Goanet] 400th year celebrations of archdiocese
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Enjoy your holiday in Goa. Stay at THE GARCA BRANCA from November to May There is no better, value for money, guest house. Confirm your bookings early or miss-out Visit http://www.garcabranca.com for details/booking/confirmation. --- 400th year celebrations of archdiocese Chennai, June 22: The archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore, one of the three early dioceses set up by Portuguese Christian missionaries in India, is all set to celebrate 400 years of its existence on July 6, with various programmes over a 10-day period, starting tomorrow. Madras-Mylapore archbishop A M Chinnappa told reporters here last night that the celebrations were being held to remember the services of Portuguese bishops in the 15th century and to coincide with the annual celebrations of Santhome cathedral basilica, which has been declared by the Bishops Council of India as a national shrine. A team of 12 bishops, led by the archbishop of Portugal, Jorge Ferreira da Costa Ortiga, would arrive here on July 2 to participate in the celebrations, he said. As part of the celebrations, the diocese plans to construct a multistoried building near the basilica, the foundation stone for which will be laid by the Papal representative in India, Pedro Lopez Quintana on July 3, he said. In the later part of 15th century, the Catholic king of Portugal and the Pope deputed bishops and priests to India to look after the spiritual needs of Christians, which was taken care of then by the bishops of Asia. These bishops, on arrival in the country, set up the first diocese in Goa in 1533 and at Cochin in 1557. The diocese in Chennai was set up on July 6, 1606. The church at Santhome is one of the three churches in the world, built on the tombs of the apostles of Jesus Christ. One apostle, Saint Thomas, who came to Chennai from Kochi in 52 AD, was murdered here in 72 AD. Christians believe that he himself built the Santhome church. (Our Correspondent) http://www.chennaionline.com/colnews/newsitem.asp?NEWSID=%7B5BCFF51C-315 D-4D63-AA7F-2385C0610AFB%7D&CATEGORYNAME=Tamil+Nadu ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] San Jao festival in Goa from June 24
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Enjoy your holiday in Goa. Stay at THE GARCA BRANCA from November to May There is no better, value for money, guest house. Confirm your bookings early or miss-out Visit http://www.garcabranca.com for details/booking/confirmation. --- San Jao festival in Goa from June 24 Press Trust Of India / Mumbai/ Panaji June 22, 2006 Various programmes have been planned for Goa's traditional San Jao festival=20 to be celebrated on June 24.=20 "As per mythology, on this day St John de Baptista took a leap in his mother's womb. This leap was considered to be a leap of joy. This festival derives its name from the saint and people celebrate this day by jumping into lakes, wells and rivers across the state," said Fatima d'Sa, chairman,=20 Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC).=20 GTDC has lined up various activities to mark the occasion.=20 "We will celebrate this festival on a river cruise Santa Monica which will have splash dance and other activities," she said.=20 Brass brand, a local band, would entertain the guests as the cruise would take them along Diwar and Chorao islands, in Mandovi river, she stated. http://www.business-standard.com/lifeleisure/storypage.php?leftnm=3Dlmnu4= & subLeft=3D1&autono=3D95749&tab=3Dr ~(^^)~ Avelino=20 _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Goa: British Actress Lucie Eadon Traces Her Roots in India
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Enjoy your holiday in Goa. Stay at THE GARCA BRANCA from November to May There is no better, value for money, guest house. Confirm your bookings early or miss-out Visit http://www.garcabranca.com for details/booking/confirmation. --- Goa: British Actress Lucie Eadon Traces Her Roots in India Speaking to daijiworld special correspondent Ares at Anjuna, Lucie Eadon explains her special mission June 18, 2006 Goa: Lucie Eadon is a movie material in England because of her talents. But she can be better movie material in India and filmmaker Ashutosh Gowarikar can work on the sequel for his Lagan, if he works on the story of writer-cum-actress Lucie Eadon. Lucie's story dates back to British India - somewhere in 1849. "Right from my great grandfather to my mother's side, my family history is more in India than in England," said this 28-year-old actress, who is down in India with a special mission. "I want to track down entire history and find out places where my ancestors stayed, worked... everything," stated Lucie who met this reporter at Anjuna beach in Goa as a tourist. Lucie's family history in Goa is tied up with the British armed forces and East India company. "My great grandfather William Fredrick Eadon married my great grandmother Winifred Mary in Mumbai which was then Bombay in 1921," she stated. Down in India with her fiancé, Luke Meander, Lucie, does not carry much information about her roots in India. With whatever tit bits available she is scouting for her roots here. "Back home in London, my mother is helping me by providing information... Mom has done research on my family and it is her insistence that brought me down in India on this mission," Lucie says. Lucie knows that her search would take her to cities like Mumbai, Calcutta, Allahabad, Puri and others. "One Mr Singh, who is my father's friend in Mumbai will help me.. let's see, I am yet to meet him," said Lucie, who is a freelance writer with The Times, London. "I want visit all houses where they lived. My grandmother was born in Mumbai and later traveled to Calcutta," Lucie says. Lucie's great grandfather was civil engineer in railways and was engaged in building bridges all over India. Her mission got a set back seven years ago when her grandmother expired. "She was born in India, studied here. She used to narrate stories of India and how she was not allowed to study in public school fearing that she would be grown as average ordinary Indian child," Lucie recalls. Lucie's family left India in mid-19th century never to come back. "She loved India and wanted to come back... she always told us stories about this great land," Lucie says with emotions in her eyes. "What I imagined about India from my grandmother's stories was something different from what I have seen during my visit... But I love India.. I like this place and people," Lucie says. She is skeptical whether she would be able to put pieces of information together and find out her roots. "There are very few pictures of my great grandfather with us. But still I am working on whatever I have.. If I succeed, I will surely write a book on my roots in India," Lucie adds. http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=22930&n_tit=Goa%3A%20British%20Actress%20Lucie%20Eadon%20Traces%20Her%20Roots%20in%20India ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Environmental outfit fears water pollution from oil spill
Environmental outfit fears water pollution from oil spill Newindpress.com Monday June 19 2006 11:51 IST SIRSI: Owing to the oil slick from a privately owned ship, 'MV Ocean Sereya', which hit an offshore rock at the Devagadh lighthouse in Karwar, near here recently, the Vrukshalaksha Andolan, an environmental organisation, suspects severe water pollution and has urged for a detailed study by concerned experts. Speaking to reporters at Karwar, Ananth Hegde of the organisation, said apart from the oil slick, other dangerous components like lead, mercury, tin and other chemicals, might cause water pollution. The organisation urged for a detailed study by the Goa National Institute of Oceanography and said the district administration, Department of Port and Ships and the Coast Guard, should take the necessary steps to prevent such mishaps in future. Dc admits leakage: It was possible to remove 226 tonnes of oil from the ill-fated 'M V Ocean Sereya' ship and the remaining 430 tonnes of oil were already spilt, said Deputy Commissioner of Uttar Kannada district, Reeteshkumar Singh. Speaking to reporters recently, he said a detailed study on the leakage and its effect, had been carried out and in the last 12 days, underwater experts, ship salvage party and other parties, had succeeded in removing oil from the tankers. Efforts to take out the dilapidated ship from the sea would be initiated only after the monsoon, he added. Regarding the mishap, the director general of Water Transport, had demanded a bank guarantee of Rs 17.75 crore from the ship owner as compensation, he said, adding that, sufficient precautionary measures were taken to control water pollution. The department of Fisheries had demanded Rs 20 lakh compensation from the ship owner and the district administration and the department of Port would also demand appropriate compensation from the shipping company, he added. http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IEK20060619012940&Page=K&Tit le=Southern+News+-+Karnataka&Topic=0 ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Goa Revolution Day today
Goa Revolution Day today NT Staff Reporter Panaji, June 17: The state will pay rich tributes to the memory of martyrs and known and unknown freedom fighters tomorrow on the occasion of Goa Revolution Day. The Governor, Mr S C Jamir and the Chief Minister, Mr Pratapsingh Rane, will lead the people of the state in paying homage by laying wreaths at the martyrs memorial at Azad Maidan, here. The Governor and the Chief Minister will honour 22 freedom fighters for their contribution and sacrifices for the liberation of Goa. Mr Jamir and Mr Rane will later address the gathering along with Mr Vasant Molio, president of Goa, Daman and Diu Freedom Fighters Association and Mr Chandrakant Kenkre, president of Swatantrata Sainik Sangh. Two other functions will be held at Margao and Ponda to mark the Revolution Day. The Power Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat, will lead the people at Margao in paying tributes to those who participated in Goa liberation struggle and even sacrificed their lives, while the Public Works Department Minister, Mr Ramkrishna Dhavalikar, will lead the people in paying tributes, at Ponda. Various other functions have been organised at government offices and educational institutions across the state. Meanwhile, the Governor has extended warm greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of Revolution Day. In his message to the people, Mr Jamir has said: "On the occasion of the Goa Revolution Day, I join the people of the state in paying my tributes to all those great men and women who struggled and sacrificed for the supreme cause of Goa's liberation from the centuries old Portuguese colonial rule." The Governor has meanwhile appealed to the people of Goa to re-dedicate themselves to strengthen and protect the hard-earned freedom and make Goa a state which can be reckoned with as the pride of India. The Chief Minister has also extended warm greetings to the people on the occasion. In his message to the people, Mr Rane has said: "We are indebted to freedom fighters as we owe our freedom to them." He has further said that June 18 has historical significance as on this day in 1946, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia gave clarion call to the people of the state to unite and start a mass movement against the Portuguese rule and this gave impetus to the struggle for liberation. The Chief Minister further said that though Goa has made tremendous progress in socio-economic field, the government efforts have been directed to uplift lower sections of the society. He also has stated that government schemes have been designed and implemented to achieve these goals. http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=061811 ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Growing gun culture scares Goa police
Growing gun culture scares Goa police BY SUKUMAR SHASTRI CALANGUTE, JUNE 17 - Is this the sort of nightmare that the Goa police are afraid may happen? On June 8, gangster Joaquim Pereira was stabbed to death in the fields of Merces, and when another man was murdered at Merces on June 12, the Goa police collectively believed that a gang war was about to be unleashed. But what put the police on tenterhooks was the shooting of Assolda panch Mariano Mascarenhas, by an unidentified man at a bar in Xelvona-Curchorem on February 16. For Goa police the fact that guns were being openly used came as a shock. A senior police officer said, "The fact that guns were being used to intimidate people added a new dimension to the crime wave in the State." Goa police are not new to tackling gang wars. In the 1980's 'orgainsations' were allegedly formed to 'protect the interest' of Goans, which were, in fact, a front for criminals, who used guns, to extort money. Admits Alex Rasquinha, ex-superintendent of police, "the gangs which were started in mid-80's have been growing in strength since then. There is a saying, those who go by the sword die by the sword. And some of these goons too died in the same fashion.'' And the police have been witnessing a gradual increase in rifles, revolvers and even semi-automatics weapons in Goa. The attempt by a youth to rob a bank in Margao in 2005 is testimony to the ease with which guns can be procured. The youth used an illegal .22 caliber revolver, which he bought from a Nepali truck driver; the market value of the revolver is about Rs 25,000. According to sources, Mati Dhongor in Margao, Partagal and Avem in Cotigao, Dabal in Savordem, Netroli in Sanguem, Eddar and Chari wards in Poinguinim, and Khorlim in Mapusa are the places where one could search for illegal guns. While the police are mum on the sale of illegal guns, DIG Ujjwal Mishra, reluctantly admits, "Yes, there are illegal guns but..." Sale of illegal guns is nothing new to Goa. Explaining this Rasquinha, says, "In the 90's, some criminals from the State built links with some sharp shooters and criminals from Mumbai. Some times these locals committed the crime for criminals in Mumbai and these locals also took help from them when required and this gave rise to the illegal arms sale." Formerly, guns originated from Germany, Italy, America and Spain, however of late, police sources admit that guns from Yugoslavia and Russia are also surfacing. Guns on the prowl Type of Gun Legal price Black market .22 revolver Rs 25,000 Rs 10,000 to Rs 2,000 Double barrel Rs 25,000 to Rs 7,000 to Rs 28,000 Rs 15,000 Single barrel Rs 15,000 to Rs 2,500 to Rs 20,000 Rs 7,500 Pistol Rs 8,000 Rs 3,000 to Rs 6000 Pen pistol Rs 7500 Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,500 Bullets Rs 500 Rs 120 - 200 http://oheraldo.in/node/15343 ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Monsoon bouncing back: IMD
Monsoon bouncing back: IMD DNA - UNI Saturday, June 17, 2006 18:10 IST NEW DELHI: After playing truant since June 6, the southwest monsoon seems to be finally reviving over the country, the India Meteorological Department said on Saturday in its most optimistic projection in ten days. A satellite picture released by the IMD showed mass of white clouds heading towards Kerala, Karnataka and south Maharashtra coasts. "There are favourable signals of revival of southwest monsoon activity over the south peninsula around June 19. Scattered rains have already commenced over Kerala, Coastal Karnataka and south Konkan and Goa. This activity is likely to increase during the next 2-3 days and subsequently extend northwards along the West Coast," the IMD said. The department had on Wednesday noticed the first whiff of the monsoon's revival over extreme South India. "The current meteorological analysis suggests the possibility of revival of monsoon over extreme south Peninsula after 3-4 days," the IMD had said on June 14. Monsoon had entered a weak phase earlier this month and its northern advance had halted. The IMD had marked an East-West line running through Raxaul, Daltonganj, Raigarh, Jagdalpur, Hyderabad, Sholapur, Pune, Baroda, Ahmedabad, Rajkot and Porbandar as its northern limit on June 6. The National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF) had advised farmers in areas with deficient rainfall, especially in Central and North-West India, to delay sowing Kharif crop in view of the lull in monsoon activity. The IMD said on Saturday rain/thundershowers were likely at many places over Western Himalayas, northeastern States, Kerala, coastal and south interior Karnataka, south Konkan and Goa and south central Maharashtra over the next three days. Rain/thundershowers were also likely at a few places over West Bengal and Sikkim, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, north interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, north Konkan and Chhattisgarh and at isolated places over Bihar, Jharkhand, north central Maharashtra, Marathawada, Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha. Duststorm/thunderstorm with isolated squall was likely at a few places over plains of northwest India. Fairly widespread rainfall occurred over north-eastern states over the last 24 hours and this activity was likely to continue for the next two-three days, the IMD said. Scattered rain/thundershower occurred over western Himalayas and isolated duststorm/thunderstorm over plains of northwest India in association with a western disturbance over the last 24 hours. This activity was likely to continue during next 1-2 days. North Lakhimpur and Tezpur (7 cm each), Kochi and Goa (6 cm each), Kolkata (4 cm), Sangli, Ganganagar and Honavar (3 cm each) received good rainfall in the last 24 hours. http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1036081 ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] At the Goan Clubs, football no longer rules!
At the Goan Clubs, football no longer rules! BY INDIRA RODERICKS | Tuesday, June 13, 2006 11:51:30 IST It's cricket and tennis now, and the World Cup is just another event Ten years ago, the Goan Clubs in and around Dhobi Talao and Mazagaon were synonymous with football. Every year a tournament was held where each club played against the other and during major events (such as the World Cup), the members of each club thought of nothing else than to stay glued to the television rooting for their favourite team. But now, that is no longer the case. Football no longer rules and the interests have moved to cricket and tennis. Even the tournaments are no longer held. Although the clubs do exist, membership has gone down drastically. Each club now has a mere 10 members and most of them opt for careers on cruise liners or cargo ships. You'd find just a handful of people at these clubs now (most of the boys are just passing through), with just a lone caretaker looking after the place. The biggest advantage that these clubs have is the space. All of them have been founded during the early part of the last century and they occupy huge, lofty rooms in the old buildings at Dhobi Talao and Mazagaon. Of course, there is nothing grand about the area they occupy. Common toilets and bathing areas, common kitchens, a common hall with a television and a huge altar (a rosary is recited every evening by the club members) filled with religious statues and icons. Notices about the rules and regulations about each club are pasted on the shabby walls together with information about the members. You won't find any beds either, just mattresses piled up in one corner, clothes hanging on a makeshift line and steel (or old wooden chests) trunks for each member to keep his belongings in. Most of the clubs could do with a fresh coat of paint or some renovation in the kitchen and bathing area. Each member pays around Rs 100 (at some clubs, it is even less) as monthly rent, and with an amount as paltry as this, it's not as easy as it seems. Club of Savantwadi, Dhobi Talao The name plate outside reads - The Nossa Sinnora De Milagres Club of Savantwadi, or in short, The Club of Savantwadi. Sitting on a plastic chair is Dennis D'Souza, an old member of the club who is waiting for his next call on a cargo ship. Two days earlier, his cousin Anthony D'Souza arrived from Goa in search of a job in the city. Dennis will tell you that 20 years ago, the club had 200 members, now there are just eight, of which six are employed and use the premises only for the night. During the day, it is just the two of them. "Even during the last World Cup, there were more members, but as the years go by, the numbers reduce. This year, I think it will be just be the two of us watching the game, but if I am called away for work, then I'll have to leave," said Dennis. Dennis admits that he no longer enjoys watching the game, while Anthony confessed it was cricket he was obsessed about. "But with the World Cup, I guess we will watch a few of the games," he said. Yet, despite the lack of enthusiasm they show, Brazil remains their favourite team. Club of Majorda, Dhobi Talao This is one of the larger clubs in the vicinity. They occupy an entire floor enough to accomodate a sizeable number of people. There were around 10 members here, but most of them were in transit, meaning they have only come in for a day or two. Savio Monterio would be leaving soon to join a cargo ship travelling to Germany. But the World Cup is not on his mind. "It's work that I think about now. I came from Goa just last week and despite travelling to Germany, the World Cup does not interest me. Brazil is my favourite team and I think they will win the World Cup. But I don't think I will watch the matches with great enthusiasm," he said. "A decade or two ago, we had around 100 members at the club, but now there are hardly any boys left," said Mario Fernandes another member. Like Savio, Mario too is awaiting his turn to board a liner and apart from hoping that Germany wins the cup, he has barely any interest in the event. "Football is not what it used to be. Cricket is now the sport, tennis too with the tournaments on." St. Lawrence Club of Arrossim, Mazagaon Three members, that's all. There used to be 150 members, but now no one wants to stay at the club. Rex D'Souza, one of the three members said, "Earlier Bombay was the main destination, but not any more. Now, if people need to travel, they do so from Goa itself. I am a big football fan and it's not just the World Cup, but the league matches that I enjoy watching as well. And it's always Real Madrid and Brazil. The three of us try and catch the games on television, if we are able to get home early that is." Previously it was not only football, but also the feast days that were celebrated with much enthusiasm. Sadly, that is not the case now. "There are eleven clubs in the area, but the number of members
[Goanet] A house for heritage lovers
A house for heritage lovers By Ramnath Pai Raikar Navhind Times Friday, June 9, 2006 Among many definitions of the term 'heritage tourism', the most appropriate appears to be one where it is described as "travelling to experience the places, artifacts and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past and the present". The definition goes well with Goan settings which boast of various places, different artifacts and diverse activities linked to heritage. A senior official of the directorate of archives and archaeology told The Navhind Times that Goa, apart from its temples and churches, can exploit the old houses which are a medley of Latin\Portuguese architecture perfectly amalgamating with Indian style of construction, besides allowing the visitors to experience their grandeur. However, not all houses are heritage houses dating back to 100 or more years, he said. The DoAA official also placed on record that although heritage structures come under the jurisdiction of the department of town and country planning, the directorate of archives and archaeology in concerned about them, if they have an archival value. The 12th Finance Commission has in fact earmarked a fund of Rs 20 crore specifically for heritage structures in the state, out of which the DoAA received Rs 16 crore. The department of town and country planning is entitled for the remaining amount, he said. The official further informed that there was a scheme run by the tourism department which envisaged interest-free loans for repairing heritage houses. Unfortunately, the scheme did not progress any further, except short-listing a few heritage houses like the Kundaikar house at Kundaim and the Menezes Bragança house at Chandor, which needed immediate repairs. Fortunately, an amount of Rs 2 crore was sanctioned for restoration/renovation of the 15th-century Reis Magos fort. Still better, the Delhi-based Indian National Trust for Art and Culture which was entrusted with preparation of a master plan for the same, managed to receive funds from Britain-based Lady Hamlyn Trust, and restoration/renovation work will commence this September. "The Rs 2 crore would now, in all probability, be diverted towards the restoration/renovation of the Cabo da Rama fort in South Goa," the DoAA official informed, adding "If the state receives funds from outside reputed agencies towards the heritage work, nothing like it." The official further said that the restoration/renovation work of any heritage structure also include its maintenance, beautification of the area, construction of proper approach roads and basic facilities like washrooms and toilets which make up a perfect infrastructure for tourism. The honorary secretary of the Goa Heritage Action Group, Ms Heta Pandit observed that it is incorrect to state that only temples, churches and few houses make up Goa's heritage. "Yes, for the time being, the state heritage tourism is concentrating on these aspects but then its scope is wide," she said. Speaking further, Ms Pandit said the concept of heritage walk should be followed more vigorously. "I, myself have listed 26 locations around the state for heritage walks, which take care of tree lovers, bird lovers/ornithologists, botanists and so on," she said. Lamenting that the tourists are presently visiting few houses like Deshprabhu house at Pernem and Menezes Bragança house at Chandor, Ms Pandit said that more heritage houses which are in good condition should be utilised for holding events like weddings, dinners, etc. In addition, Ms Pandit suggested the tourists could be allowed to stay with the families living in these heritage houses, as not all visitors to the state like to stay in the hotel. That would not only provide the visitors to these houses with special feeling, but also allow them to experience the unique Goan warmth, she observed. Welcoming renovation of old houses like the Souto Maior house at Bainguinim, Ms Pandit said that we are not concerned about the possession of the house as long as its historical character is maintained. "The adaptive re-use of such edifices will allow us to recycle a property for the modern use," she maintained. The heritage areas and the individual properties must be opened for tourists, she stressed. Ms Pandit also observed that the tourism department has a mechanism for promotion of such houses as well as training of guides for guided tours of such edifices. "It would be interesting for the tourists to know what lifestyle Goans follow, including specialities of the houses like say two reception rooms or salas, etc," she noted. Informing that the Goa Heritage Action Group is involved in tasks like conducting guided heritage tours and preparing maps of heritage areas, Ms Pandit said that the GHAG primarily functions with the tourism department. "However, the group had limited interaction with the DoT like say holding the Fo
[Goanet] Fr Joseph Vaz: The Indian who revived Catholicism in Sri Lanka
The Indian who revived Catholicism in Sri Lanka COLOMBO DIARY | PK Balachandran June 5, 2006 In the second half of the 17th century, two important developments took place in Ceylon as Sri Lanka was then called. In 1658, the Dutch replaced the Portuguese as the European military, political and economic power; and Calvinism or Protestantism, displaced Roman Catholicism as the religion of the Christians in the island. Catholicism, which was a force to reckon with during the 150 years of Catholic Portuguese rule, almost completely disappeared. The Protestant Dutch, who saw the Catholics as a Portuguese political fifth column, persecuted them in such a way that practicing Catholicism was impossible. In the areas controlled by the Dutch, those found practicing Catholicism were fined or flogged. Their marriages and births would not be registered unless they joined the Reformed church. At any rate, they would not get any government posts or favours, though a few were tolerated for practical reasons. For decades after the exit of the Portuguese, the Catholics in the island had no priests to minister to them, no catechists to teach them, and no churches to congregate in. This had resulted in many Catholics lapsing into their traditional Buddhist or Hindu faiths. Some joined the Dutch Reformed Church for safety as well as social and economic advancement. Some remained Catholics, but they were Catholics only in name, having adopted pagan customs. Some did practice Catholicism tenaciously and secretly. But what they knew of it was precious little. But Dutch persecution was not the only reason for this pathetic condition. The way the Portuguese had gone about converting Ceylonese and the attitude of their priests were also responsible for the collapse. Many had converted to Catholicism because it brought liberation or because they were inspired by outstanding missionaries. The fishermen along the Mannar coastline, for example, were ardent Catholics because they were converted by St Francis Xavier. Over 600 of them were killed by a zealous Hindu monarch of Jaffna, and yet they did not give up. But others were converted by the use of brute state power. Prof Tikiri Abeyasinghe in his book Jaffna under the Portuguese (Stamford Lake, Pannipitya, Sri Lanka, 2005) says the predominant mode of conversion in Jaffna at least, was by official diktat and show of force. A Portuguese priest would come to a village with government officials and "command" the rejection of false gods and the acceptance of one true God. "Fear of a fine or corporal punishment with cane and stock would ensure their (the converts') regular attendance at church on Sundays and on feast days," Abeyasinghe says. The priests exacted money from the members of their parish so harshly, that Jaffna at one stage was getting de-populated. According to Father Simon Gregory Perera, an outstanding historian of the Catholic church in Ceylon, the Portuguese had made the mistake of treating the Catholic church as an arm of the state. They saw the church and the priesthood as representatives of the political and economic interests of the Kingdom of Portugal. As a result of these political and security considerations, as well as racial prejudice, the priests were Portuguese. No Ceylonese was allowed to become a priest. And because of this, the Catholic priesthood was very small. "The pastors of Ceylon were in consequence complete foreigners from the beginning to the end, apt to misunderstand the people and take little notice of their customs or the past or of the future," Fr SG Perera writes in his book Life of Blessed Joseph Vaz, Apostle of Sri Lanka (first published in 1942). Therefore, when the Dutch came, all that they had to do to break the back of the Catholic community, was to expel the few Portuguese priests who were around. Causes concern in Goa The condition of the Catholic community in Sri Lanka was causing concern in Catholic circles Goa, which was the seat of Portuguese and Catholic power in India and the Far East. But Goa was helpless. The fear of the Dutch was deep rooted and pervasive, because the Dutch were outdoing the Portuguese in ruthlessness. While Portuguese priests could be easily detected, Indian priests could infiltrate Ceylon unnoticed. But according to Fr SG Perera, Indian missionaries could not be sent to Ceylon because missionary work outside India was the monopoly of the religious orders, and these orders had closed their doors to Indians. Enter Joseph Vaz But there was one person who was determined to go to Ceylon, no matter what the danger. He was prepared to go on his own, without the aid or backing of any of the established religious orders. He was Fr Joseph Vaz, a young priest belonging to a family of Konkan Brahmin converts of Sancoale in Goa. In the words of the Belgian historian R Bowdens, Fr Joseph Vaz was a "meek brown man from Goa with a cloth about his waist, begging his way and racked by fever, seek
[Goanet] Goa-Mumbai bus bursts into flames; two dead
Goa-Mumbai bus bursts into flames; two dead BY HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JUNE 5 - Tragedy struck a Mumbai-bound Goa bus late Sunday night when it hit a tree and minutes later burst into flames near Kankavali-Maharashtra leaving two dead and some injured. The accident occurred at around 10.10 pm, within 10-15 minutes after the bus (GA 09 T 4040) - carrying about 40 passengers - continued its onward journey after a halt at Kankavali for dinner. The names of the deceased were provided as Rolly Cardozo (Assolna) and Samson Fernandes (Chinchinim). Three of the injured are convalescing at GMC hospital, Bambolim for leg fracture, sources said. Incidentally, the deceased Rolly was proceeding to Mumbai following a call received from his shipping company. A passenger from Assolna, Anderson Dias (21), who escaped with a wound on his knee, told Herald that some of the passengers seated on the front and rear side of the bus sustained injuries adding some others came out of the ill-fated bus by breaking open the window panes. As soon as the news of the tragic accident reached home, relatives of the injured and the deceased rushed to Kankavali late past midnight. http://oheraldo.in/node/14795 ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] World Environment Day: Initiatives for Desert Technologies
World Environment Day and BITS Pilani: Initiatives for Desert Technologies=20 05 Jun 2006 13:55:49 +0600 World Environment Day and BITS Pilani: Initiatives for Desert Technologies Environment is changing. Vast surface area of the planet is facing water scarcity. United Nations is spreading awareness about Environment protection through various programs. As a socially responsible and Technology driven Institute, BITS Pilani, is pioneering collaborative initiatives to counter the environmental threats in the desert state of Rajasthan. Pilani,=20 Rajasthan, India, 2006-06-04 (IndiaPRwire.com) -- 5th June is celebrated as the World Environment Day since 1972. United Nations, through this day, stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action. The theme for 2006 is Deserts and Desertification. The desertification of Rajasthan is a recent and ongoing process. 68% of the state area is desert. Dinosaurs lived here about 300 million years ago and fossils dating from nearly 185 million years ago have been discovered in Akal Wood Fossil Park near Jaisalmer. The water level in certain parts of state is as low as 500 feet. And with rivers flowing low it's high time that we realize the importance of this dry environment and prevent the desertification. It is a blessing that Birlas founded Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) in Pilani, a small town in the heart of this dryland. BITS, Pilani, felt that there is a need to conserve water, which is the most important resource in desert state and established a Center for Desert Development Technologies (C-DDT), for making the desert bloom. The C-DDT emphasis will be on Water and Energy conservation in irrigation systems, rain water harvesting and water distribution systems. Further, tissue culture and other biotechnologies would be explored for developing low water consuming plants, propagating of various plant species to address the ecology of the desert and environmental conservation. The Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA) and BITS Pilani are collaborating for the rural transformation of villages in Rajasthan through water management, waste management, entrepreneurship, and education development. The first phase of the Integrated Rural development is to build a replicable and sustainable water management system, which will be modeled and prototyped at the BITS campus. The successful model has already been deployed in the Raila village of Rajasthan. The Water Harvesting Project "Akash Ganga" undertaken by BITS, Pilani and RANA has recently won the World Bank grant of $196,000. BITS Pilani has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research (BIDR), of Ben Gurion University (BGU) Israel for exchange of ideas and human resources to enhance mutually beneficial R & D activities in the area of desert sciences and technologies. To quote Antoine de Saint, "What makes the desert beautiful is that somewhere it hides a well", BITS Pilani reiterates its commitment to address the issues concerning the environment and takes this opportunity to utilize the resources of deserts and turn the dry lands into green lands. http://www.indiaprwire.com/news/environmental-services/20060604294-world -environment-day-bits-pilani.htm ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] This photographer showcases India through his lens (FEATURE)
This photographer showcases India through his lens(FEATURE) By Frederick Noronha, Indo-Asian News Service Panaji, June 5 (IANS) Verapaneni Brahmanandrao Anand is his formal name, and probably does not ring a bell. But V.B. Anand is almost a brand for tourists visiting many parts of India and wanting to take home some pleasant memories.=20 V.B. Anand's claim to fame began when he showcased Goa. He then moved on to other parts of India. Not only was his photography markedly superior but he also moved away from the low quality, low cost picture postcards that had dominated the market here. 'My father was into photography. From childhood, photography has been a passion with me. I was interested in it since my schooldays. Then I joined a fine arts college in Chennai and learnt painting and drawing. But I've stopped using the brush and shifted to painting with the camera,' Anand told IANS in an interview. Being an artist by training does help, he feels, especially since 'writing with light' involves creating the right effect, the correct mood, and the apt composition. Anand has an interesting story of how he got involved with the world of the picture postcard. 'I went on a trekking trip to Himachal Pradesh in 1988. It was during my college days, and I wanted to send some viewcards (picture postcards) to my dad. But I simply couldn't find good ones. On returning home, I mentioned this to my father and he shot back: 'Why don't you make some viewcards of your own?" Anand had made some very good photographs of his trip to Kullu and Manali. 'So I made some postcards and took them back there (to market them). Then the craze started. There was a very good response,' he said. Back home, his sights were set on Goa, which was booming as a tourist destination. 'I started with six postcards. Now I have about 120 on Goa. The Goa Tourism map also carries my photographs. A lot of Indian tourism offices also use my photographs,' he said. What are his most-liked settings in Goa?=20 Without hesitation, he replied: 'Palolem and (in the north) Vagator. I like nature and beauty more. People and markets also fascinate me.' After Goa his next destination was the diverse south Indian state of Karnataka. 'I started there in 1989. And, after that, almost every year I added one state. Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Rajasthan, Delhi and Maharashtra followed,' he said. 'Presently I'm working in northeast India, besides Kolkata, Darjeeling, Orissa, Bodh Gaya and Varanasi.=20 My other interest is to collect pictures for coffee table books,' Anand said. What kind of a challenge is it to work in a new place, especially in a country as diverse as India?=20 Anand said: 'I never felt anything, probably because I'm so involved in the art, so much so that nothing ever disturbs me. Language is never a barrier while taking photographs.' India remains under-photographed, he felt. 'There's much to be done. In the meantime, we are also losing our photography heritage. Abroad, they have better collections of early Indian photographs than we ourselves have of India,' he pointed out. His next mission? Possibly working on Indian architecture and religious themes, with the foreign educational market in mind. He is also keen to look at travel CDs. http://www.dailyindia.com/show/31577.php/This_photographer_showcases_Ind ia_through_his_lens(FEATURE) ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] In this Indian city, it's paper only
In this Indian city, it's paper only TheStar.com Sun. Jun. 4, 2006=20 Fed up with plastic bags, a local council bans them outright NAOMI CARNIOL STAFF REPORTER Down with plastic! Vasco da Gama, a town in the tiny Indian state of Goa, has banned plastic shopping bags in an effort to deal with overflowing landfills. Launched on Jan. 26, the ban prohibits businesses from bagging merchandize goods in plastic.=20 To encourage compliance, the government gave out more than 5,000 paper bags and will distribute 2,500 bags this month made from jute fibre. The Toronto Star emailed Elvis Gomes, chief executive of the Mormugao Municipal Council (Vasco de Gama is part of the Mormugao region) about the ban. Why did Vasco de Gama go plastic-bag free? First a brief background. Goa on the whole has been facing an uphill task tackling solid waste. Vasco de Gama is one of the three major towns in Goa. With an airport, major port, and railway terminus, it has the highest population. At the same time, it is the only town that has a waste-processing plant that manufactures compost out of organic garbage. Against this background, plastic bags pose a major disposal problem in the absence of an adequate landfill site.=20 Secondly, there is a strain on the functioning of the plant and machinery due to the enormity of the presence of plastic in the waste. Lastly, plastic litter comes in the way of a clean town. Does the ban apply to all new plastic? The ban covers only plastic carry bags, which are felt unnecessary. While the council desired to extend the ban to cover more forms of plastic, the federal government has not yet agreed. Legislation can come only from the government. Remember that plastic manufacturing lobby is powerful. If businesses are caught giving out plastic bags, are they punished? Yes. They are fined a minimum of 100 rupees, which is about $3. Action can be taken to shut the business, but to our surprise the co-operation level is high. To date, 30 businesses have been fined. http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=3Dthestar/Layout/= A rticle_Type1&c=3DArticle&cid=3D1149285035240&call_pageid=3D970599119419 ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Multiplex withdraws Da Vinci Code in Goa
Multiplex withdraws Da Vinci Code in Goa The Times of India=20 Sunday, June 04, 2006 12:43:12 pm PTI PANAJI: Apparently bowing to pressure from some quarters of "forcibly" stopping the screening of the controversial film The Da Vinci Code , a leading multiplex in the city on Sunday withdrew the movie from its theatres.=20 However officials of the Inox Entertainment Limited, that has decided not to screen the film in the state, maintained that the decision was taken respecting public sentiments.=20 "We have withdrawn the movie from Goa. We will not screen it in the state. The decision was taken respecting the public sentiments," Snehal Chitneni, Head, Public Relations, Inox, said.=20 She, however, refused to comment whether the withdrawal followed a warning by south Goa MP Churchill Alemao to forcibly stop its screening. Alemao on Saturday had issued a warning to Inox to withdraw the film or be ready to face public wrath. He had threatened to forcibly stop the shows of the movie, terming it as an insult to Christians.=20 Inox had released the movie at its four-screen Panaji Multiplex on Friday and had continued screening it till Saturday evening.=20 Meanwhile, reacting to the withdrawal, Alemao said, "though Inox has withdrawn the film, we will hold our schedule meeting this morning near Panaji Church and decide our furher course of action."=20 He said that he had asked Chief Minister Pratapsingh Rane to issue warning to Inox to stop the screening.=20 Inox management, however, clarified that they did not receive any communication from the state government on this issue. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1612236.cms ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Ship breaks up, oil spill touches Goa
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Enjoy your holiday in Goa. Stay at THE GARCA BRANCA from November to May There is no better, value for money, guest house. Confirm your bookings early or miss-out Visit http://www.garcabranca.com for details/booking/confirmation. --- Ship breaks up, oil spill touches Goa Chennai Online News Service Panaji, June 3: A merchant vessel stranded in the rocks off the Karwar coast near Devgad Island, broke into two and the oil that spilled from the vessel touched south Goan shores Friday even as the Coast Guard tried to contain the spill. "The ship MV Ocean Seraya, broke into two but there is nothing much to worry as the portion with the tank has parted as an entire separate piece," Commander R M Sharma, Deputy Inspector General, Indian Coast Guard, said. The vessel had hit the rocks off Karwar coast on Monday night due to rough weather in the Arabian Sea. All crew members, except one, were rescued by the Indian Coast Guard. As Coast Guard helicopters, aircraft and a vessel continued to work to contain the oil spill, riding on the westerly winds, the spill touched Goa's shores after hitting Karwar and Deobag coasts. "The spill has touched Polem beach on Goa-Karnataka border but the quantity is marginal," Comdt Sharma said, adding "the spill is not flowing further down and there is no need to be panicky." The Indian Coast Guard would continue their operations to disintegrate the spill further, he said. Meanwhile, Karwar port authorities and district administration have laid booms in a one kilometre area surrounding the wrecked ship to contain the spill. "Various material like coir fibre and palm tree leaves are used to control the spill from travelling further," officials stated. (Agencies) http://www.chennaionline.com/colnews/newsitem.asp?NEWSID=%7BB20B4854-071 0-4871-A8E2-8F0A48F8C066%7D&CATEGORYNAME=NATL ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] 'Purumentanchem' feast-fair to continue in St Cruz, Panaji & Margao
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Enjoy your holiday in Goa. Stay at THE GARCA BRANCA from November to May There is no better, value for money, guest house. Confirm your bookings early or miss-out Visit http://www.garcabranca.com for details/booking/confirmation. --- 'Purumentanchem' feast-fair to continue in St Cruz, Panaji & Margao June 1, 2006 A huge fair was held on the occasion of Purumentanchem feast near the Mary Immaculate Panaji Church Square recently. In earlier days, the fair used to have provisional items comprising Goan chillies, dry fish, spices, onion and other eatables and toys but now the items on for sale are mainly ready-made garments for gents, ladies and children, footwear, house-hold items, imitation jewellery items and the like. The feast used to normally remain for about a week for the residents to shop and buy the items of their choice. In the past, only local people used to sell their locally made items and wares. In fact this time, 'Purumentanchem' feast begins from Agacaim and will move to St Cruz, Panaji city and thereafter to Margao. http://www.fibre2fashion.com/news/fashion-news/newsdetails.aspx?news_id= 17894 ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Oil slick found off Goa coast
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Enjoy your holiday in Goa. Stay at THE GARCA BRANCA from November to May There is no better, value for money, guest house. Confirm your bookings early or miss-out Visit http://www.garcabranca.com for details/booking/confirmation. --- Oil slick found off Goa coast Daily News & Analysis=20 UNI=20 Wednesday, May 31, 2006 19:44 IST PANAJI: The authorities had on Wednesday noticed a 'thin streak of oil' from the Singapore ship 'Ocean Saraya' drifted on oyster rocks on Tuesday after swept by powerful gales and high sea currents off Karwar coast in the Arabian Sea. "No cause for concern," is the crypt comment made by Deputy Inspector General of Police R M Sharma commanding the Goa Coast Guard which rescued 20 crew members in a daring operation on receipt of the distress call. Sharma said the authorities were asked to soak oil absorbants besides immediately taking measures to plug the leakage, if any, and decanting the oil from the ship even as tugs from Mumbai were their on way to tow the brand new vessel back into the sea for carrying iron ore from Karwar. The search for tracing the second sailor who reportedly leapt into the sea fearing the submersion of the vessel early on Tuesday was still on with two helicopters. Meanwhile, the choppers recovered two bodies, purportedly of fishermen off Molpe port north of Mangalore. They were handed over to the authorities. The Coast Guard advised the fishermen not to venture into the sea till the weather conditions improve. http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=3D1032568&CatID=3D2 ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] 20 rescued from sinking ship
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Enjoy your holiday in Goa. Stay at THE GARCA BRANCA from November to May There is no better, value for money, guest house. Confirm your bookings early or miss-out Visit http://www.garcabranca.com for details/booking/confirmation. --- 20 rescued from sinking ship Newindpress.com May 31 2006 14:04 IST MANGALORE: Battling heavy gales, Coast Guard and Naval helicopters evacuated 20 crewmembers including a woman from a sinking merchant vessel, 'Ocean Sekaya' in the wee hours of Tuesday near Karwar coast. However, one person died after he jumped into the sea to save himself before the rescue operation began. The 225-feet Singapore-registered vessel, which ran into a cyclone, collided with the treacherous Oyster Rock near Karwar coast and began to sink. Due to the inclement weather the vessel was on ballast with total 21 people on board. The Karwar port officer who received the distress signals from the sinking vessel immediately alerted the Coast Guard headquarters at Mangalore. The coast guard regional headquarters at Mumbai and the Coast Guard HQ at Goa were also alerted. Two coast guard helicopters took off from Goa and despite the storm, 16 of the crew were first airlifted and shifted to safe places. The remaining four were rescued by naval helicopters. All the crewmembers were later shifted to Goa. Coast Guard Deputy Commandant Nithin Rathore said that Coast Guard faced one of the worst weather conditions, 1600 km off Malpe coast. "We rescued six fishermen from the boat capsized in the deep sea. Another rescue boat's radar went out of order yesterday and the same has been repaired. She is still doing operations," Rathore said. The lone victim, Ashwin Juvale, is suspected to have jumped into the churning sea when the vessel flying a Panama flag got separated from the anchor chain and collided with the rocks. http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IEK20060531034258&Page=K&Tit le=Southern+News+-+Karnataka&Topic=0 ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Dabolim not suited for larger aircraft: Francis
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Enjoy your holiday in Goa. Stay at THE GARCA BRANCA from November to May There is no better, value for money, guest house. Confirm your bookings early or miss-out Visit http://www.garcabranca.com for details/booking/confirmation. --- Dabolim not suited for larger aircraft: Francis HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, MAY 30 - Mapusa MLA Francis D'Souza has stated that Dabolim airport is not suited for larger aircraft, as it did not have a 5-km runway. "On the other hand, the proposed airport site at Mopa is away from the residential area and if the international airport comes up at Mopa it will not only promote development of North-Goa, but it will also provide tremendous boost to the tourism industry," said Mr D'Souza. He was speaking at a meeting organised by the BJP at Porvorim to create awareness among the general public about the proposed Mopa airport. "The space for development of further infrastructure is very limited at Dabolim and even if the government spend crores of rupees on this airport, it won't have the look of an international airport," he added. Pernem MLA Laxmikant Parsekar said the tourism industry is the backbone of Goan economy. "Since Goa is on the international tourism map, the international airport at Mopa has become the need of the hour. Besides providing boost to tourism sector, it will also generate employment and business opportunities for the residents of North Goa," said Mr Parsekar. Dhargal MLA Babu Azgaonker said the Congress government in Goa had not undertaken any major developmental projects since it came to power and their opposition to the Mopa airport project only indicated that they were not interested in the progress of Goa. Former Aldona MLA Ulhas Asnodker said the Rane Government opposed the Mopa Airport Project because MP Churchil Alemao was only interested in protecting the interests of the hotel lobby of South Goa. Earlier, Kunda Chodanker welcomed the gathering, while Mahananda Assnodker later proposed the vote of thanks. Advocate Shantaram Naik compered the programme. http://oheraldo.in/node/14478 ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Goa grand plan to go 200 up on Cannes
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Enjoy your holiday in Goa. Stay at THE GARCA BRANCA from November to May There is no better, value for money, guest house. Confirm your bookings early or miss-out Visit http://www.garcabranca.com for details/booking/confirmation. --- Goa grand plan to go 200 up on Cannes AMIT ROY Cannes, May 28: Although it will be many years before Goa can claim to be an "Indian Cannes", the former Portuguese resort will out-Cannes Cannes in at least one respect. Goa is to build the biggest cinema in India, with 2,500 seats, 200 more than the capacity at the Grand Theatre Lumiere in Cannes. In an interview held on the terrace of the Carlton in Cannes, Sanjit Rodrigues, the chief executive officer for the Entertainment Society of Goa, said work would be completed within a year once the formalities were completed and that the theatre would include the latest technological advances. In Cannes, the Grand Theatre Lumiere, which has its famous red carpet outside, is at the heart of the festival. It is used every evening for the black tie gala screenings, which are preceded by stars walking up the red carpeted steps, flanked by hundreds of photographers on either side. This is also where the press screenings take place every morning for films in competition, watched by journalists from around the world. Rodrigues confirmed that Goa, now the permanent site for the International Film Festival of India, would hold the third festival this year from November 23 to December 3. Officials from the Goa government, including its chief secretary, J.P. Singh, have held talks in Cannes as part of the continuing collaboration between the festival authorities of the two countries. "Last year for the festival we had France as the country of focus and we had a French day at the festival where a large contingent of French film-related personalities attended," he recalled.=20 "The delegation was led by their ambassador in India. A host of officials from Cannes were there - Jerome Paillard, the marketing director, for example. We had also had the managing director of Cannes, Veronique Cayla. We had French movies and one closed the festival. We took the opportunity to allow them to see the festival. We had major meetings with them in Goa and now this year in Cannes we have come and met again." He went on: "The festival in Goa has grown in the two years it has been there. In the first year, we had a registration of 150 press people, whereas last year it was 400. People are looking towards Goa as the home of the festival, so definitely we need to up our infrastructure. "Cannes has lots of venues, not only in terms of the Palais and the main festival theatres, but it has small viewing rooms. We are thinking in terms of viewing rooms for the market at Kala Academy and we are in the process of establishing around six viewing rooms." He pointed out: "Our biggest theatre is 950 seats which is the Kala Academy in Panjim. The entire festival is in Panjim - it's walking distance, the theatres. We have pedestrianised the zone. "We have four other small theatres in the multiplex complex with a combined seating capacity of 1,275 seats. This is only for the festival. "Besides this, we have public theatres which we would hire. One would be in Margaon and the others in Panjim. This would be open for public screening." Rodrigues revealed: "We are thinking in terms of building a large festival theatre of 2,500 capacity. We are trying to build it in terms of a convention centre which can be used after the film festival." He said: "We have located the site at Dona Paula, close to Panjim. We have already tendered for consultancy. (As for cost), it will be on a build, operate and transfer basis. There will be private participation." Very proudly, he added: "The facilities here (in Cannes) are among the best but the multiplex in Goa we have built has the latest technology. There are four screens. We would like two or three more screening halls. We have the multiplex, which we built in 180 days, but the big theatre is on the way. We are definitely building the theatre with an imposing entry and exit so that it could match the best in the world. From the time the consultancy report is approved - within a year's time we should have it." He paid tribute to the Cannes authorities. "The French have advised u _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Beyond 'The Da Vinci Code': Politics and theology from a Hindu/pagan perspective
Beyond 'The Da Vinci Code': Politics and theology from a Hindu/pagan perspective American Chronicle S. Aravindan Neelakandan May 28, 2006 Catholics of Poland are amused said the newspaper. The film 'The Da Vinci Code' ran into no major problem, definitely not a ban demand and clerical evaluation, in Catholic dominant Poland whose ruling coalition has right wing Catholic political parties. But in officially secular India, there were vocal demands from Catholic organizations like Catholic Bishop Conference of India (CBCI) that Indian government ban the film. Or else the CBCI has threatened with dire consequences. The law minister said that the clergy men would review the film a few times and then depending upon their judgment the film shall or shall not be released. Already the censor board of India has decreed that the film be shown only to adult audience. Now as these words are typed, parleys are going on between Sony and the ministry that another disclaimer lasting for 15 seconds that the film is purely a fiction be put at the beginning and end of the picture. So far Sony has refused to comply and the film has not yet been released in India. Of course, Catholics of Poland are amused at this reaction, the newspaper said. Apart from the poor commentary the above said news makes on the nature of secularism (or pseudo-secularism) that reigns in India, one wonders why the very same Church that is not so vocal in its opposition to the Da Vinci code film in the Christian majority West, engages its highest ecumenical body, CBCI, in India to secure a ban or levy very heavy restrictions on the film in India? A partial answer lies in the fact that India is a country marked for what the late Pope John Paul II 'harvest of the souls'. The major Churches and hundreds of evangelist organizations in India are aggressively marketing in India the image of Jesus as the exclusive historic messiah and the only son of God. However Hindu saints and scholars even while accepting Jesus as a divine personality have rejected the emphasis on historicity and the claims of exclusiveness. Or in other words, in a Hindu framework historic Jesus is replaced by Gnostic Jesus who is not exclusive but universal, as a dimension of Brahman the impersonal Godhead of Hindu Vedanta. To the Christian theology such a view of Jesus is definitely a quantum jump. Then what about the historicity of Christ and exclusive nature of sacrifice of Jesus which have formed the core of the theology that forms the rock of Church's power structure so far? A Hindu often views the narrative of the life of Jesus as mythological, than as historical. She attributes symbolic, psychological and spiritual meanings to the narratives just as she does for her mythologies. So Jesus can be an instrument for the individual realization of impersonal Godhead within, even if one were to reject altogether the historicity of Jesus. Interestingly, 'The Da Vinci Code' phenomenon is a subtle affirmation of this Hindu view of Jesus in the Christian psyche of the west. Long before Dan Brown, scholars like Joseph Campbell and Alan Watts who studied Christianity in the light of comparative mythology with an emphasis on Indic spiritual traditions, have surprisingly anticipated this trend, not just in public psyche but also in the world of scholars. Take for example, Joseph Campbell speaking about Judas: "When Christ takes the bread, dips it into the dish, and says, 'He whom I hand this sop will betray me,' is that a prophecy or assignment? I think it is an assignment. It also suggests that the one eligible for that assignment was the most developed of the lot - that is, one who really understood the sense of what was happening. Judas is the midwife of salvation, the counterplayer to Christ." The understanding of Joseph Campbell stands corroborated today in an uncanny way by the dramatic revelations of Judas Gospel, popularized by the National Geographic channel this Easter, almost after two decades of Campbell's death. Another fact so far not generally well known beyond the walls of academic institutions, which 'The Da Vinci Code' has brought to the realm of public stare and debate is the innumerable aspects Jesus narrative shares with undeniably pagan elements. It is not just with Sol Invictus of pre-Christian Rome that Jesus shares many characteristic features. Starting from Egyptian sun God to the Goddess traditions of Sumer and even Canaanite Goddess worships, many elements centuries older than the period ascribed to Jesus, find their place in Jesus myth. Three instances not mentioned in 'The Da Vinci code' shall prove the point. * Michael Molnar an astronomer studied the astronomical/astrological symbolism of ancient Roman coins and discovered that the star of Bethlehem was a double eclipse of Jupiter in a rare astrological conjunction that occurred in the constellation Aries on 20th of March in 6 BCE and again on 17th of April, 6 BCE. This event is not astrono
[Goanet] Call for missionary zeal to protect Goan heritage
Call for missionary zeal to protect Goan heritage BY HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MAY 28 - The seminar on 'Whether the government has the power to amend the law of the Communidades' on Sunday called for a "missionary zeal" among the 'Gaonkars' to save what it described as the "dying heritage of Goa". The programme was an initiative of the Association of the Components of Communidades (ACC) and was organised in collaboration with Literati, in the city. Seven panelists explained why they opposed the government's move to bring about the proposed amendment to the Code of Communidades. Some even retold the richness of the age-old institution, which once played the role of local self-government. The government had introduced a bill in the last session of the Assembly in March to bring about the controversial amendment. Calling it a "political gimmick" Advocate Bernard D'Souza said the State had no right to interfere with the Code. "It's not too late, there's still time to save the ancestral lands from going into the hands of land sharks," D'Souza added. Floriano Lobo, who is a 'Gaonkar' of Moira Communidade, left no stone unturned in lashing out at the MGP, the BJP and the ruling Congress for the "Communidade mess". The Tenancy Act has wiped off everything, Lobo said, adding, "Bausaheb Bandodkar's heritage is run by Chief Minister Rane." All in all Narvekar is the architect of the amendment, he charged. Referring to the Communidades, he said, "This is the only thing we have. Elections are near, and now is the time to take to the streets and ask for a promise from the government for 'Communidade autonomy' or else vote it out of power." Earlier, Advocate Andre Pereira, Secretary of ACC, cleared the misconception that the centuries-old institutions were created by the Portuguese. Another misconception is that communidades belong to Catholics, but the fact is they equally belong to Hindu brothers as well, he added. Dr J C Almeida of Carambolim detailing history, said the Portuguese respected the laws of the communidades and never did any changes without consultation the authorities concerned. Percival Noronha in his short address said it was now time to fight for the land, which rightly belongs to the communidades. Hector Fernandes (former President of Aldona Communidade) cited the victory of the aborigines in Australia, who fought and got their land back from the White rulers. Policarpo D'Souza (President of ACC) also spoke. Advocate Divya Kapur moderated the seminar. Members of various communidades have now prepared a draft 'Representation of Goans' to be submitted to the Governor to take corrective action in preserving the unique heritage. http://oheraldo.in/node/14385 ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Goan links science, spirituality by OBE
Goan links science, spirituality by OBE HERALD NEWS BUREAU PANJIM, MAY 26 - A Goan engineering student at Florida International University in USA is set to present on the controversial out-of-body experience at the 25th Meeting of the Society for Scientific Exploration at Utah Valley State College, USA, on June 8. Nelson Abreu is clearly not a typical electrical engineering student. Outside formal university pursuits, he has been researching the out-of-body experience (OBE) and other phenomena that cross-traditional academic boundaries since high school. Nelson, who was born in Lisbon, traces his roots to Goa, where his father, Magno Abreu, hails from Chorao and mother, Lilia Correia, is from Bardez. A Miami Herald Silver Knight award recipient in 2000, Abreu is attempting to bring the scientific rigour and technical prowess of engineering to questions usually relegated to the clergy, mystics, or New Age aficionados. "I cannot mock people who think their Near-Death Experiences (NDE's) and Out-of-Body Experiences (OBE's) are real, because I have experienced the OBE myself. This experience feels as real as the normal waking state," said Nelson. However, the Princeton Engineering Anomalies Research (PEAR) Laboratory intern is the first to concede that it takes much more than that to prove the experience is not merely a vivid mental construct of physiological origin. Since 1998, Abreu and a few hundred colleagues throughout the world have been studying and developing techniques to "project," as they call it, by will. The objective is to develop a way for scientists to have many of these experiences themselves. "Science can only begin to understand the OBE when researchers are able to repeatedly study the occurrence first hand," he says. At the 25th Meeting of the Society for Scientific Exploration in Orem, Utah, the young investigator will present his Punctuated Relaxation Technique and discuss how developments such as this one may help advance a science of subjective phenomena that is not constrained by physical limits. Abreu speculates that the out-of-bod experience allows us to glimpse into the multidimensional universe akin to predictions of modern physical theories like string theory. Investigators like Nelson Abreu think the out-of-body experience is at least as revolutionary as the telescope. Through personal experiences, he predicts scientists will be able to understand phenomena that are now considered "paranormal" and the millennial question of survival of the consciousness after death. Such futuristic experiments are already underway. Take the Image Target experiments of Rodrigo Medeiros - another electrical engineer - and Patricia Sousa, an international lecturer on the NDE. Participants are asked to describe a picture randomly selected by a computer locked away at the offices of the International Academy of Consciousness in South Miami. "Though participants rarely make it to the target location, the observations we get can be uncanny," says Medeiros, "down to photographic precision." http://oheraldo.in/node/14303 ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Japanese Catholics donate statues of St Francis Xavier to Goa and Malacca
Japanese Catholics donate statues of St Francis Xavier to Goa and Malacca AsiaNews.it 27 May, 2006 To mark the 500th anniversary of the saint's birth, a Catholic association of Kagoshima has commissioned a group of bronze statues to recall the encounter of the protector of missionaries with the Japanese people. Kagoshima (AsiaNews/JCW) - Members of the St Francis Xavier Memorial Association in Kagoshima, in the north of the island of Kyûshû, have donated a set of bronze statues to Malaysia and India. The aim is to commemorate the first encounter between St Francis Xavier and a Japanese man named Yajiro. Yajiro, a young man from Kagoshima, met the protector of missionaries in Malacca in 1548. Fascinated by his faith and his personality, he decided to follow him and to help him in his travels in Japan. Traditionally, this encounter marks the meeting between the Church and the Japanese people. The association decided to have the statues sculpted and donated in 1999, when the Church in Malacca sent a letter to Kagoshima, asking if they could celebrate together the 450th anniversary of the Jesuit saint's arrival in Japan. There was also an expressed desire to "deepen the exchange" between the two churches, united by St Francis. Members of the association visited Malacca in 2005 and in December of the same year, decided to commission the statues to send to Goa too, where the mortal remains of the saint are preserved. They are exact copies of a group of statues found in Xavier Park in Kagoshima. Toshihiro Nanaeda, chairperson of the committee, said: "A week-long commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the birth of St Francis Xavier will take place in Malacca and Goa: We hope we will be able to send the statues on time for this joyous celebration." Pictures of statues at: http://www.asianews.it/view.php?l=en&art=6270 ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Goa airport upgrade: Govt to give Rs 500cr
Goa airport upgrade: Govt to give Rs 500cr Our Regional Bureau / Panaji May 23, 2006 The central government has assured the state government of Goa that it will pump in Rs 500 crore to give a facelift to Dabolim airport. In a bid to cope with growing air traffic congestion, particularly from charter flights, Airport Authority of India (AAI), in collaboration with the Indian Navy, had planned to build a new terminal with four aero-bridges to facilitate landing of wide-bodied aircrafts as part of strengthening the Dabolim airport at Goa. Goa's deputy chief minister, Wilfred de Souza, said that AAI would soon acquire nine acres of land from the Navy and start extending the airport besides pressing into service the instrument landing facility to operate in nights. "'The Navy, which has been controlling the Goa airport, has agreed to allow direct landing of all scheduled flights in Goa instead of Mumbai even as Air India is considering starting a direct flight between Dubai and Goa," de Souza, who also holds the tourism portfolio, said. Several foreign private airlines including Virgin Airlines from Europe, Lufthansa from Frankfurt, Midland from Manchester and Air Arabia from Sharjah are ready to run flights directly to Goa, the minister added. "All these steps were to strengthen the existing airport in Goa to meet the projected future traffic, which was expected to touch 4,308 international flights and 17,480 domestic flights by the year 2013-14 as against 1,402 and 7,422 flights, respectively, in 1995-96," de Souza said. http://www.business-standard.com/common/storypage_c.php?leftnm=3D11&bKeyF= l ag=3DIN&autono=3D964 ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
RE: [Goanet] Query about Goa's Mylapore connections...
http://www.catholicity.com/encyclopedia/g/goa,archdiocese_of.html
Excerpts from above link:
"Patriarchate of the East Indies, the chief see of the Portuguese dominions in
the East; metropolitan to the present province of Goa, which comprises as
suffragans the sees of Cochin, Mylapore, and Damão (or Damaun) in India, Macao
in China, and Mozambique in East Africa. The archbishop, who resides at Panjim,
or New Goa, has the honorary titles of Primate of the East and (from 1886)
Patriarch of the East Indies. He enjoys the privilege of presiding over all
national councils of the East Indies, which must originally be held at Goa
(Concordat of 1886 between the Holy See and Portugal, art. 2). The Patronage of
the see and of its suffragans belongs to the Crown of Portugal."
"From the year 1500, missionaries of the different orders (Franciscans,
Dominicans, Jesuits, Augustinians, etc.) flocked out with the conquerors, and
began at once to build churches along the coast districts wherever the
Portuguese power made itself felt. In 1534 was created an episcopal see
suffragan to Funchal in the Madeiras, with a jurisdiction extending potentially
over all past and future conquests from the Cape of Good Hope to China in 1557
it was made an independent archbishopric, and its first suffragan sees were
erected at Cochin and Malacca. In 1576 the suffragan See of Macao (China) was
added; and in 1588, that of Funai in Japan. In 1600 another suffragan see was
erected at Angamale (transferred to Craganore in 1605) for the sake of the
newly-united Thomas Christians (see under EASTERN CHURCHES, Malabar Christians
and Uniat Church of Malabar); while, in 1606 a sixth suffragan see was
established at San Thome, Mylapore, near the modern Madras. In 1612 the prelacy
of Mozambique was added, and in 1690 two other sees at Peking and Nanking in
China. By the Bulls establishing these sees the right of nomination was
conferred in perpetuity on the King of Portugal, under the titles of foundation
and endowment."
"The limits between the various sees of India were defined by a papal Bull in
1616. The suffragan sees comprised roughly the south of the peninsula and the
east coast, as far as Burma inclusive, the rest of India remaining potentially
under the jurisdiction of the archdiocese and this potential jurisdiction was
the actually exercised even outside Portuguese dominions wherever the Faith was
extended by Portuguese missionaries. Missionary work progressed on a large
scale and with great success along the western coasts, chiefly at Chaul,
Bombay, Salsette, Bassein, Damao, and Diu; and on the eastern coasts at San
Thome of Mylapore, and as far as Bengal etc."
"After the revolution of 1834 in Portugal, the expulsion or abolition of the
religious orders, and the severing of diplomatic relations with the Vatican
came the famous Brief "Multa praeclare" on 24 April, 1838 provisionally
withdrawing jurisdiction from the three suffragan sees of Cochin, cranganore,
and Mylapore, and assigning their territories to the nearest vicars
Apostolic--at the same time implicitly, or at least by subsequent
interpretation and enactments, restricting the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese
of Goa to actual Portuguese territory. This Brief was, however, rejected by the
Goan party as spurious or at least surreptitious, since they contended that
even the Holy See could not rightly legislate in this manner without the
consent of the King of Portugal, as was declared in the original Bulls of
foundation, etc. The principles underlying this dispute fall outside the scope
of the present article, which is concerned solely with the main historical
facts. The resistance which followed, both in Bombay and in other parts of
India has uniformly been called the "Goan or Indo-Portuguese Schism" by writers
outside the Padroado party; and the term schism occurs frequently in the
pronouncements of the Holy See; but the Padroadists themselves have always
resented this title on the ground that the fault lay with the Holy See
misinformed by the vicars Apostolic, and that they were only contending for
their canonical and natural rights, etc. In 1857 a concordat was entered into
which gave peace for a time, but a final settlement was not arrived at till
1886, when a further concordat was drawn up, and a Bull ("Humanae Salutatis
Auctor", 1 Sept., 1886) issued, by which the suspended jurisdiction of Cochin
and Mylapore was restored, and a third suffragan diocese (that of Damão) added
-- all in British territory; and after subsequent adjustments the present
delimitations were agreed to. At the same time the Indian hierarchy was
established, and the whole of the country divided into provinces, dioceses, and
prefectures Apostolic."
More at:
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06602a.htm
http://hamsa.org/17.htm
~(^^)~
Avelino
_
Frederick Noronha wrote:
My friend Vincent D'Souza who runs the MYLAPORE TIMES
<[EMAIL PROT
RE: [Goanet] Univ. Chicago screens "Goa Under Siege"
Goa Under Siege 1999, English (with subtitles), 30 minutes Goa Under Siege investigates the impact of the development of large-scale tourism on the hosts: on their ecology, economy and culture. The film presents the case study of Goa, a tourism hot-spot in India. It elaborates on the different kinds of tourists who visit Goa, and the consequence of their visit. Investigating specific incidences and case studies of violations, the film attempts to understand the specific class interests of those who are interested to develop tourism in Goa towards a certain direction. Finally, the film presents the protests by citizens of Goa and attempts to understand why the people are unhappy when tourism is generally seen as one of the best industries to earn profits and bring in foreign exchange to the country. Goa Under Siege has participated in several festivals, national and international, including the Mumbai International Film Festival (India), Media Nord-Sud (Switzerland), Film South Asia (Nepal) and Ökomedia (Germany). The film is also being used a lot in India and has received serious attention from all its viewers. http://members.rediff.com/magiclan/gus.html ~(^^)~ Avelino Sachin Phadte wrote: I have not seen this movie nor heard about it. Does anyone know who made it and when? I also find it most incongruous that the film should be shown in a programme entitled "Positive Images of India". From the brief synopsis that Anthony has given, clearly the film seems to be projecting a negative image of India. I am not an expert on the subject. However, I wonder if there is a certain amount of international comparisons that can be made. For example, if the film takes about a negative impact of tourism, is this something that has happened in other parts of the country? And here I am talking about the rule and not the exception. Any form of development does create negative impact. However one needs to balance it with the benefits. And those who harp on the negative impacts should then not complain that job opportunities are not created. Sachin Phadte _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Goa passes ordinance on office of profit issue
Goa passes ordinance on office of profit issue Our Regional Bureau / Mumbai/ Panaji May 23, 2006 The ordinance has exempted the offices of the vice-chairman of the Kala Academy, chairman, vice-chairman and members of the Entertainment Society of Goa, chairman of the State Urban Development Agency (SUDA) and the Goa Tillari Irrigation Development Corporation. The offices are presently held by Congress legislators. The promulgated ordinance is called the Goa Members of the Legislative Assembly (Removal of Disqualification) (Amendment), Ordinance, 2006. Last year's amendment had exempted the office of the chairman of Kala Academy, currently held by the chief minister, Pratapsingh Rane. It may be recalled that earlier two legislators of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) - the state party president Rajendra Arlekar and the former agriculture minister Dayanand Mandrekar, were disqualified for holding the office of profit before the legislation came into existence. The Panaji (division) bench of the Bombay High Court had set aside the elections of Arlekar and Mandrekar on the grounds of holding office of profit during the May 2002 assembly polls, in response to the petitions filed separately by the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) members, who had contested the election against the two BJP MLAs. The judgment had brought the BJP's strength in the Goa assembly down to 14 MLAs.= Last week, the Union government passed a Bill in the Lok Sabha to exempt 46 positions, including the post of chairperson of National Advisory Council (NAC), from being classified as offices of profit. http://www.business-standard.com/common/storypage.php?autono=3D92019&left= n m=3D3&subLeft=3D0&chkFlg=3D ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Monserratte to stake claim to GPCC chief's post
Monserratte to stake claim to GPCC chief's post=20 Zee News Panaji, May 23: Goa's Town and Country Planning Minister Atanasio Monserratte in Delhi to discuss with Sonia Gandhi the issue of strengthening of Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) and stake a claim to its chief's post.=20 "My Delhi visit is to strengthen the party organization considering that Goa will go for elections in next one year", he told adding that he would also stake claim for the chief's post when he meets the high command tomorrow morning.=20 "Under current circumstances, the party is not ready to face elections as the party workers' morale is down. There is no coordination between organisation and state government", he told a news agency.=20 Claiming that 16 out of 18 legislators favour him as GPCC chief, Monserratte expressed hope that his claim to the post would be considered. http://www.zeenews.com/znnew/articles.asp?rep=3D2&aid=3D297218&sid=3DREG ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Goa to get India's 2nd floating casino
Goa to get India's 2nd floating casino ROUHAN SHARMA MUMBAI, MAY 22: Hospitality major Hotel Leelaventure Ltd is launching India's second floating casino in Goa. Current government guidelines do not allow casinos on land. Hence, the idea for a casino at sea. 'The Caravela' in Goa is the only shipboard casino in India right now. It is being managed by a leading player in the global casino industry, Casinos Austria International (CAI). Its on board 'Goa Casino' is operated by the Advani Pleasure Cruise Company Ltd, a joint venture between Advani Hotels and Resorts India (AHRIL) and CAI. Leelaventure's Rs 16-17 crore casino is expected to be operational by August this year on a catamaran acquired by the company. "The boat will be stationary at a particular area on the water and at the required distance from the shore as per the rules laid down by law," Hotel Leelaventure vice chairman and MD Vivek Nair told FE. The company is in the process of evaluating various international casino operators who have a presence in Nepal, Europe and US. The company will select one operator to manage and run the casino. Hotel Leelaventure will have to pay the Goa government a one-time deposit and an annual license fee in order to keep the casino running. While 'The Caravela' is an entertainment destination, complete with specialty restaurants and a swimming pool, drawing in about 35,000 tourists every year, Hotel Leelaventure's floating casino is largely meant for its up-market clientele and will also feature a restaurant apart from the casino room. "As much as 50% of The Caravela's 35,000 tourists who come on board are dedicated casino-goers," Harish Advani of AHRIL told FE. "During the off-season, we get a lot of Indian tourists but during the peak season, it's a healthy mix of Indians and foreigners," he added. http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=3D128016 ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Craft Bazaar gets underway at Goa
India: Craft Bazaar gets underway at Goa Fibre2Fashion May 20, 2006 Craft Bazaar, inaugurated recently at Kala Academy, Panjim, Goa, showcased variety of products, including clothes, decorative showpieces and items of daily use. The exhibition highlighted traditional Jaipuri paintings in natural colours, glowing radium stroke work and silver filigree (delicate ornamental work of fine silver wire) besides regular products, informed Rakesh Pande, Organiser of the exhibition. Craft Bazaar also displayed products from Tamil Nadu as well as Haryana handloom, Punjabi phulkari dress material, Andhra Pradesh lace work, Khadi products, Kanpur footwear for gents, ladies and children, lac bangles, leather products from Kashmir and sarees from Lucknow. Bedsheets of different variety including bed, cushion and pillow covers as well as TV and mobile covers were also part of the exhibition. Novel products, such as wooden toys from Channapattanam near Bangalore, Bombay novelty jewellery, jute and leather bags, canned baskets, Mukhwas - the traditional mouth freshners, Kolkata dry flowers as well as terra cotta material and Feng Shui items, among others were also showcased. Items of daily use amongst other things such as scents, perfumes, caps, goggles, combs, socks, cosmetics were also displayed at the Craft Bazaar. The exhibition has around 50 stalls from 12 to 14 states along with couple of their artisans are also present at the venue. It is scheduled to remain open till end of month. Discountof 20 percent has been announced on all handloom products, informed Akshay Das of Craft Bazaar. http://www.fibre2fashion.com/news/textile-news/newsdetails.aspx?news_id= 17366 ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] INDO-UK NAVAL EXERCISE KONKAN-2006 GETS UNDERWAY
INDO-UK NAVAL EXERCISE KONKAN-2006 GETS UNDERWAY PIB Press Release 13:37 IST INDIAN NAVY'S JUMP JETS TO OPERATE FROM BRITISH CARRIER The second edition of "KONKAN", which is the name given to the generic series of exercises between the Indian Navy and the Royal (British) Navy gets underway on our west coast off Goa commencing today. The exercise, which will terminate in Mumbai with a 'debrief' on 29 May, will comprise four surface combatants, one submarine, and a variety of shore-based fixed-wing and ship borne rotary-wing aircraft from the Indian side. The participating Indian units will be under the tactical command of the FOCWF (Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet), Rear Admiral Anup Singh. His counterpart from the Royal Navy will be Rear Admiral Neil Morisetti. The Indian Navy will be fielding the guided-missile destroyer Mumbai, the guided-missile frigates Ganga and Brahmaputra, the fleet replenishment tanker Shakti, and the submarine Shankush. The Royal Navy task force comprises the aircraft carrier Illustrious (with her own air group), the guided-missile destroyer Gloucester, the fleet replenishment tanker Fort Victoria, the submarine support ship Diligence and the nuclear-powered submarine (SSN) Sovereign. In conformance with current practice, the Royal Navy task force has one French frigate, FNS Surcouf, embedded within it. One of the major thrust-areas would be 'DACT' (Dissimilar Air Combat) and 'COMAO' (Combined Maritime Air Operations) between the Indian Navy's Sea Harrier aircraft operating ex-Goa, and, the Harrier GR 7A of the Illustrious. Other aspects that would be exercised by the two navies include intermediate and advanced ASW (Anti-submarine Warfare), MIO (Maritime Interdiction Operations), VBSS (Visit, Board, Search & Seizure) procedures, NGS (Naval Gunfire Support), and tactical manoeuvres. Some of the 'firsts' of this exercise include combined maritime air operations by Indian Navy Sea Harrier aircraft and Royal Navy's Harrier GR 7A, cross-deck operations by our jump jets from the deck of Illustrious and flying demonstration by the Red Arrows. A DVP (Distinguished Visitors' Programme) - which would also include a few representatives of the print and electronic media - has been scheduled on 23 May off Goa. The visit of Admiral Sir Jonathon Band, first Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff Royal Navy, is also scheduled from 27 May to 01 Jun to coincide with the exercise. The 'Konkan' series of joint exercises between the Indian and the Royal navies commenced in 2004 and has grown in scope and complexity over the years. These exercises have been hugely successful in facilitating mutual learning and interoperability between the two navies. These skills would stand both countries in good stead in several facets of naval activities, such as disaster-management. The exercise also incorporates harbour-based professional, social, and sports interaction between the two navies. The Indian Navy lays great stress on enhancing bilateral ties and improving mutual understanding and interoperability with foreign navies through professional and operational interaction. The exercise will, in addition, provide an opportunity to showcase Indian naval ship-building capability through the participation of indigenously-built front-line ships such as Mumbai, Ganga and Brahmaputra. 'Konkan-2006' is a significant indicator of the continuing and growing co-operation between India and United Kingdom. http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=17747 ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Goans To Get Bible In Konkani (Roman script)
INDIA Goans To Get Bible In Local Language Indiancatholic.in May 17, 2006 PANAJI, India (UCAN) -- The Archdiocese of Goa and Daman has undertaken an 18-million-rupee (US$4 million) project to print the Bible in Konkani, the official language of Goa state. Father Manuel Gomes, head of the archdiocese's commission for the biblical apostolate, told UCA News that they hope to bring out the first copies in June. The 2,300-page hardbound translation in Roman script will have a retail price of 300 rupees (US$6.67), but the archdiocese is selling it at half price for advance orders. It plans an initial print run of 60,000 copies and already has received orders for 40,000 copies through its parishes, Father Gomes said. Natives of Goa, a coastal state in western India, have waited 450 years to get the Bible translated into Konkani, even though Jesuits established Asia's first printing press there in 1556. India has 22 officially recognized languages and 1,630 dialects, 33 of these spoken by at least 100,000 people. The Bible has been translated into many of these tongues. Father Francis Caldeira, who earlier headed the archdiocesan biblical commission, blames lack of encouragement from the Portuguese for the delay in printing the Bible in Konkani. The Portuguese ruled Goa from 1510 until India took control through military action in 1961. Panaji, the state capital, is about 1,910 kilometers southwest of New Delhi. Father Caetano Cruz Fernandes, a theologian, said that until 1961, "there was no scope for translation" of the Bible into Konkani. The archdiocese began to use Konkani from 1965, following a demand for Mass in the local language. It used a translation from the Latin text. According to Father Gomes, the "real impetus" for the translation came after the archdiocesan synod in February 2000, which "made a forceful demand for a Konkani Bible." Father Caldeira, who now directs St. Pius X Pastoral Institute, said the first portion of the Bible translated into Konkani was Psalms, in 1920. A translation of the New Testament was completed in 1974. Father Ave Maria Afonso, who was also involved in the translation, said translation of the Old Testament took almost 15 years. The committee used the Jerusalem Bible as the standard for translation, but it ran into difficulty and had to make reference to different versions of the Bibles. Translators also had to consult other references in some cases, Father Caldeira said. "This is a slow process and cannot be hurried," he told UCA News. The priest also pointed out that Konkani became a popular reading language only after Goa adopted it as the state's official language in 1987. http://www.theindiancatholic.com/news_read.asp?nid=1718 ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Goa war relic missing
Goa war relic missing=20 Zee News Pernem (Goa), May 17: Modernisation has brought down curtains on a vital relic of Goa's Liberation War - the Canone which helped freedom fighters fight the Portuguese rule.=20 Inauguration of a bridge across Shapora River by Chief Minister Pratapsingh Rane earlier this week saw winding up of the small but a legendary canoe service which was used covertly to ferry Goa's freedom fighters to Maharashtra and back.=20 "Nothing is left... Except the memories of the heroes of the liberation movement who were secretly transported between Goa and Maharashtra, using the Canoes, to save them from the clutches of Portuguese soldiers", rued 65-year-old Ramnath Halarnkar who used to ferry them.=20 Ramnath, who is bedridden at his house at Pirna, a stone's throw from the bridge, did not attend the function but his son Sagar handed over a memorandum to the Chief Minister demanding alternate job to any of his family members. "We are jobless now. We managed to eke out a living till now by ferrying people" said Sagar.=20 "This Canoe was famous for ferrying freedom fighters before liberation. When the Portuguese government came to know about this link, they jailed my father", recalled Sagar.=20 Later, the Indian government bestowed freedom fighter's title on Ramnath for his contribution to Goa's liberation movement. http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?aid=3D295816&sid=3DFTP ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Date with Da Vinci may be postponed
Date with Da Vinci may be postponed CNN-IBN New Delhi: The Da Vinci Code has run into its fair share of controversies with the Vatican calling for a ban on the film. With barely three days left before the movie hits cinema halls across the globe, the Indian chapter has run into some turbulence. The Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry in the country has said that clearance will not be given to the movie till it is screened before the Catholic Churches' Association of India (CCAI). Trouble had started brewing when over 200 Catholic organisations had submitted a petition against the screening of the film to I&B Minister, Priyaranjan Dasmunsi.=20 A ministry official has said that Dasmunsi will see the movie on Wednesday but will seek the opinion of CCAI before taking a decision on whether the movie can be released in India.=20 Speaking against the controversial film, Father Donald D'Souza of the Catholics Bishops Council said, "In a country where people are still learning about Christianity, such films can be quite harmful. We don't want people to imbibe a wrong view of this religion in India." Meanwhile, the Goa Government has passed a resolution to ban the movie and has also asked the Centre to impose a nationwide ban. Goa Chief Minister Pratapsinh Rane said on Tuesday that he would write to the Censor Board "either to censor or stop the release" of the controversial film in the state. "The government has taken cognisance of a letter by an organisation named the Catholic Association of Goa, which feared this movie would hurt the sentiments of Christians," Rane said after chairing a meeting of the state cabinet. "The association also attached a letter written by the Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Rev Fr Filip Nery Ferrao, to parishioners asking them to refrain from viewing this movie," Rane said. He said it is not within the state cabinet's purview to ban the film from being screened in Goa. "The issue figured in the cabinet meeting when the Chief Secretary placed the letter sent by the association. Cabinet members felt the movie would hurt sentiments of a large chunk of the community," he said. Rane, who is also the Minister of Home for state, ruled out security measures for cinema halls that plan to screen the film. "There is no question of protection as it is for theatre owners to decide," he said. The Da Vinci Code, which is scheduled for release in India on May 19, has been opposed by Christian groups in other parts of the country as well. (With inputs from PTI) http://www.ibnlive.com/news/date-with-da-vinci-may-be-postponed/10601-3. html ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Quota row: Goa docs call for strike on Wednesday
Quota row: Goa docs call for strike on Wednesday HindustanTimes.com Tuesday, May 16, 2006|10:58 IST Resident doctors in Goa will be observing a day-long strike on Wednesday to protest police action against medicos who were agitating against the Centre's proposal for OBC quota in educational institutions. The Goa Association of Resident Doctors (GARD), along with the students and interns of Goa Medical College, have called for a day-long token strike on Wednesday, a GARD release said. "The strike is to protest the cane-charge on protesting doctors in Mumbai and cruel treatment meted out to the medical student and resident fraternity elsewhere in India," it said. The association has decided to have a peaceful march from Panaji bus stand to State Secretariat and a sit-in in Goa Medical College Complex, Bambolim, near Panaji. http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1699044,00130222.htm More at: http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1699041,00130222.htm http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1528704.cms ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Mopa airport may never take off
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Enjoy your holiday in Goa. Stay at THE GARCA BRANCA from November to May There is no better, value for money, guest house. Confirm your bookings early or miss-out Visit http://www.garcabranca.com for details/booking/confirmation. --- Mopa airport may never take off DNA Pushpa Iyengar Sunday, May 14, 2006 23:32 IST PANAJI: Though the state government has not actually said so, it seems to have developed cold feet about going ahead with the proposed international airport at Mopa. It has decided to upgrade the existing airport at Dabolim instead and work here will start next week. Minister for Civil Aviation Praful Patel has asked the Airport Authority of India and other concerned agencies to start work. Deputy Chief Minister Wilfred de Souza, who had a meeting with Patel in Delhi, says that as soon as the navy hands over the nine acres of land, the expansion of the airport will begin. He quoted an AAI report which said that in 1995-96, 8,824 aircraft landed at Dabolim, of which 7422 were domestic flights. The projection for 2013-14 was 4,308 international flights and 17,980 domestic flights, he said. "The up gradation plans will help extend the infrastructure for adding 10 wide-bodied aircraft," de Souza told DNA. The AAI will also build a new terminal on the northern side and will have four aero bridges. De Souza said that contrary to reports, the navy has not asked for any reciprocal land in exchange for the nine acres it is giving for the expansion in Dabolim. The second nail in Mopa's coffin came last week when the government failed to approve the award for the first notification for the acquisition of 54 lakh square metres of land for the Mopa project. Earlier two other processes for the acquisition of 18 lakh square metres (additional land for the project) and 14 lakh square metres (for approach roads) also had lapsed as no notification was issued by the government as required under the Land Acquisition Act. Congress MLA representing Pernem, Jitendra Deshprabhu, who has been backing the Mopa project and had even organised a rasta and rail roko agitation last month in support of it, refuses to concede that his government has distanced itself from a project which had become a political hot potato after South Goa MP Churchill Alemao had rallied the south against Mopa. He told DNA, "In half an hour the land acquisition process can be revived. Too much should not be read into the lapsing." But the Dabolim Airport Action Committee knows that it has won with the imminent expansion of the existing airport and is now going for the kill.=20 Committee spokesman Radharao Gracias told DNA, "I welcome the expansion. We demand that the Goa government immediately take a cabinet decision to drop Mopa once and for all." http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=3D1029341&CatID=3D2 ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] PUC professor off to Goa University on Fulbright scholarship
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Enjoy your holiday in Goa. Stay at THE GARCA BRANCA from November to May There is no better, value for money, guest house. Confirm your bookings early or miss-out Visit http://www.garcabranca.com for details/booking/confirmation. --- PUC professor off to India on Fulbright scholarship Napa Valley Register By Register Staff Thursday, May 11, 2006 1:13 AM PDT When Dr. Victoria Mukerji applied for the highly competitive Fulbright Scholarship nine months ago, she hardly told a soul because she was so sure she wasn't going to win. Mukerji said she has dreamed of getting a Fulbright scholarship since she was a little girl, and the news that she had been chosen took her by surprise. "I'm very, very happy," she said. Mukerji, an associate professor of visual arts at Pacific Union College, has been awarded the scholarship to teach at Goa University in India for six months. Part of her primary assignment at the university will be to help establish a curriculum in media and culture. Mukerji said she is excited about how her film and media background can be put to good use. The International Film Festival of India has just made Goa its permanent home with the goal of becoming the Cannes of Asia. The anthropologist in Mukerji is anxious to observe the effect of this event on the local population. "What impact is this high profile, globalized, celebrity attraction going to have on the local culture? And how is the indigenous culture going to effect this event?" Mukerji said. Mukerji, whose family is Indian, has spent the majority of her adult life in India. While she was working on her dissertation for her Ph.D. in anthropology from UC Berkeley, she went to India for her research into intellectual identity formation in the post-colonial world. She ended up spending 18 years in India working as an anthropologist, filmmaker and advertising executive. "I made a commitment to India," she said. "I'm thrilled to be going back." While Mukerji studied many aspects of India, the state of Goa is one geographic and cultural area that remained a bit of a mystery to her. Goa has an unusual colonial history. While most of India was colonized by the British, Goa remained under Portuguese control until 1961. Mukerji produced a documentary about the cathedrals of Goa for the Smithsonian and her experience in Goa left her wanting to know more. "The place I'm going to is unique in India," Mukerji said. "I know India pretty well having lived there for so long, but this is Christian and Portuguese India, it's very different." Mukerji started teaching at PUC eight years ago and her broad background is put to use in several departments. In addition to teaching for the visual arts department, she also teaches for the communication department, the psychology and social work department, and the honors program. When her documentary film class premiered a film recently, she talked about how proud she is to see her students' accomplishments. "I thought the highest emotion, the proudest moment, would come from seeing my film completed," she said. "But I was wrong. The proudest moment comes when you see students that you have helped nurture complete their project." http://www.napavalleyregister.com/articles/2006/05/11/news/local/iq_3420 197.txt ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Goa airport to have new terminal with 4 aero-bridges
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Enjoy your holiday in Goa. Stay at THE GARCA BRANCA from November to May There is no better, value for money, guest house. Confirm your bookings early or miss-out Visit http://www.garcabranca.com for details/booking/confirmation. --- Goa airport to have new terminal with 4 aero-bridges deepikaglobal.com Panaji, May 13 (UNI) In a bid to cope with the burgeoning air traffic, particularly from abroad, the Airport Authority of India (AAI) in collaboration with the Indian Navy had planned to build a modern new terminal with four aero-bridges to facilitate landing of wide bodied aircrafts as part of strengthening the Goa airport. The Union cabinet is likely to give a green signal on May 15 to this proposal discussed at length at a high-level meeting Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel had with goa Deputy Chief Minister Dr Wilfred De Souza, AII chairman K Ramalingam, Deputy Chief of Naval staff Vice Admiral G S Bedi, secretary Ajay Prasad and joint secretary Sanjay Narain of the Ministry in New Delhi yesterday. Briefing media persons about the outcome of the meeting soon after his return here from Delhi today, Mr. D'Souza said the AAI would soon acquire nine acre land from the Navy and start extending the airport apron to facilitate landing of bigger crafts besides pressing into service the instrument landing facility to operate in nights. "The Navy, which has been controlling the Goa airport, has agreed to allow direct landing of all the scheduled flights to Goa instead of Mumbai shortly, even as Air India is considering starting a direct flight from Dubai to Goa and back," Dr D'Souza said. Several of the foreign private airlines including Virgin Airlines from Europe, Lufthansa from Frankfurt and Midland from Manchester and Air Arabia from Sharjah were ready to run their flights directly to Goa avoiding circuitous routes, he said. They were examining the economic viability of such direct operations while the Union Ministry was studying the reciprocity of running flights directly from Goa to respective foreign destinations, he said. All these steps were to strengthen the existing airport in Goa to meet the projected future traffic which was expected to run 4308 international flights and 17,480 domestic flights by the year 2013-14 as against 1402 and 7422 flights respectively in 1995-96. The Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) would soon be asked to close its road running across the airport runway and operate its traffic through an alternative route to facilitate expansion of the airport without any hitch. There was no provision at the Sea Bird naval base now at Karwar in neighboring Karnataka for landing of the military aircrafts and hence the question of INS Hansa's shifting from Goa would not arise he said quoting the vice admiral. Asked whether this development meant giving up of the proposal of setting up a modern airport at Mopa in North Goa, Dr D'Souza said it was for the six-member central committee headed by-Chief Minister Pratapsingh Rane to decide. He however added South Goa MP Churchil Alemao, who launched a vociferous campaign against Mopa airport that sharply divided even the ruling Congress in the state, was happy over the current development. http://www.deepikaglobal.com/ENG3_sub.asp?catcode=&subcatcode=&newscode= 139310 ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Goans rock Diplomatic Club; Stacy crowned May Queen
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Enjoy your holiday in Goa. Stay at THE GARCA BRANCA from November to May There is no better, value for money, guest house. Confirm your bookings early or miss-out Visit http://www.garcabranca.com for details/booking/confirmation. --- Goans rock Diplomatic Club; Stacy crowned May Queen 5/14/2006 3:3:59 The Peninsula It is a day which all Doha-based Goans count with every passing day as the D day closes in. On Thursday night the much awaited night unfolded itself. The Diplomatic Club in Doha was the venue of the May ball hosted by the Goan Welfare Association. A venue and occasion which found young of all ages making a bee line for the event. The event saw the crowning of the May Queen. The gates to the venue opened at night and the show wound in the early hours of Friday. A crowd close to one thousand swung their bodies to the beats of the music belted out by a band from Goa, Lynx. Back home in tourist areas foreign tourists swing their bodies to the beats of trance music. At the Diplomatic Club here the Goans danced on the narrow, crammed floor space with the gusto, a floor where walking was difficult and dancing required special skills. The crowds took everything in their stride while several of them preferred to watch the action sitting. The security men ensured that decorum and order ran on the floor while also keeping the eager fans at bay. Fans were making a beeline to have the autograph of their favourite actor Rajeev Khandewall and Preeti Jhangani. The two were flown in to add glamour to the show. The chief guest on the occasion was Goa Labour Minister Luizinho Faleiro. He was accompanied by his wife. The actor did not disappoint his fans as he signed autographs, posed with fans for pictures and even sang a song from one of his TV serials. The ball's high point was the crowning of the May Queen and although it took away a trifle over an hour going through the motions with 32 contestants in the race, it was Stacy D"Mello who won the honour. The queen walked away with several prizes from the organizers, one of which entitled her to an air ticket to Bali in Indonesia or Goa. Majority of the contestants were Goans while the others were from Poona in India, Nepal and Phillipines. Stacy D"Mello smarted them all with her stage poise and her cool in answering questions thrown at her. Incidentally she had bagged the queen contest a couple of years back at a dance held here and organised by another Goan club. The place abounded with a belle of beauties of Goan origin, some of whom preferred not to be in the spotlight and the catwalk, while others developed cold feet facing the crowd. The crowd had no age barriers, children, old people all made their way to the Diplomatic Club. Children also added special colour to the dance. On the occasion Lynx belted out their music numbers, majority of them in English with a mix of Punjabi pop, Konkani and Hindi to give an all round flavour. The band also released a CD of music compiled by them. The organisers, Goan Welfare association, have promised to donate the proceeds from the event to orphan children back in Goa. For their part, the Goan based here had fun, frolic and shook hands or had a glimpse of their favourite film stars. They also contributed to help their brethren back home by buying the QR100 tickets for the show. How far their help materialises back home is a tricky issue. http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=Local_News&sub section=Qatar+News&month=May2006&file=Local_News200605143359.xml ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Goa food fest sets palates rolling
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Enjoy your holiday in Goa. Stay at THE GARCA BRANCA from November to May There is no better, value for money, guest house. Confirm your bookings early or miss-out Visit http://www.garcabranca.com for details/booking/confirmation. --- Goa food fest sets palates rolling HindustanTimes.com Sunday, May 14, 2006|13:00 IST Goa is the place where wine and food connoisseurs are flocking to these days for that once in a lifetime experience. The three-day extravaganza of 'Wine and Haute Cuisine Festival' called 'The Grape Escapade' is witnessing hordes of tourists visiting the sprawling Inox Multiplex courtyard in the capital to enjoy good food and music. The event, inaugurated by Governor SC Jamir yesterday, is a unique cultural experience as it brings together international wine-makers and local brewers, patrons, hoteliers and professionals from the entertainment and fashion world under one umbrella, said Goa Tourism Development Corporation Chairperson Fatima D'Sa. Performances by Russian ballerinas and songs presented by Sigmund D'Souza and Lulu Fortess (Trio)'s Goan voices in harmony and O Purple Rain band enthralled the audiences. To set the tone and ambience for the event, the organisers got Goa's Fransisco Martins to erect a European village setting in the background of Inox Multiplex. The festival also featured food courts, which presented culinary delights from across the globe, comprising of international fusion cuisine to wine tasting sessions by winers besides delectable deserts. Six noted winers, two each from Goa and Pune and one each from Nashik and Bangalore, displayed their exotic products for wine tasters while five-star hotels from the island state served their delicacies. Several ministers and bureaucrats including chief secretary JB Singh visited the venue to catch a glimpse of the glittering event which is expected to become an annual event to promote 365-day tourism in a big way in Goa. The objective behind this fiesta of flavours, being organised for the second consecutive year, is to encapsulate the vivacity of the Goan lifestyle highlighting the multi-cultural influences and artistic passions to brand the state as a "lifestyle destination," Ms D'Sa said. http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1697284,001100020009.htm ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Property norms in Goa tightened
Property norms in Goa tightened Economy & Policy Regional Bureau / Mumbai/ Panaji May 10, 2006 If you are planning to buy or rent a property in Goa, then be ready to provide your personal details to the local police station. With reports of terrorist activities in the tourist hub, the District Magistrate has issued orders that no landlord or owner of a property shall let or sub-let any accommodation to any person "unless and until" he or she has furnished personal details to the local police inspector. According to the order, there have been reports that most of the landlords, owners of the commercial and residential buildings rent or sell their property without getting the personal details of the buyer verified by the police.This casual approach helps criminals, terrorist and anti-social elements. It further states that any person contravening the said order can be punished under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The order has come in force from April 26 and will remain in force for a period of 60 days. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Goa Police, Ujjwal Mishra said that the process of collecting information of tenants was still on and tenant verification, which has to be done on tenant forms has started. "People who deal in real estate will have to inform in writing about the particulars of their clients to the police station in whose jurisdiction the premise falls," he added. http://www.business-standard.com/economy/storypage.php?leftnm=3&subLeft= 1&chklogin=N&autono=90450&tab=r ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] A slice of native Goan life by Jerry Pinto
A slice of native Goan life Moneycontrol.com 2006-05-09 12:39 As a youngster, I went on some very hep vacations. Every year, I was carted off to Goa, kicking and screaming. I had no desire to leave the electric excitement of Mumbai and my village, Moira, was one of the last to get electricity, thanks to a dispute between one of the local old ladies and the men installing the electric poles. I have just spent the last few days in Goa, much to the envy of my friends. I was there at the invitation of Divia Kapoor of Literati, a bookshop in Calangute, to launch my book, 'Helen: The Life and Times of an H-Bomb' (Penguin India, Rs 295), commercial break over, you can now relax! And so I divided my time between being a Goan in Goa and being a Mumbaikar in Goa. Being a Mumbaikar involved huge amounts of work, hiring cars and hurtling off to have lunch at the Figueiredo Palace in Loutolim, where two old-style Goan aristocrats let you wander around their beautiful house, enjoying the genteel smell of old money and privilege, before sitting you down to an authentic meal cooked by one of them, a Portuguese chef. It also meant visiting Diwar, a pretty little island in the middle of the Mandovi River and poking about in old graveyards with forbidding signs over the gates saying, "We're waiting for you." (The other great graveyard sign? 'Aaiz maka, phaalea tuka' or 'Today, it's me. Tomorrow, it's you'.) Later, as the evening drew to a close, it meant sitting on a patio with friends and discussing Dinesh D'Souza's politics, while sipping ginger tea. Yes, ginger tea. Obviously being a Mumbaikar in Goa means a huge amount of alcohol because alcohol is so cheap but being a Goan playing a Mumbaikar in Goa, means you try and dismantle some of the stereotypes. It also meant tracking down Chris Perry's music recently released by HMV on CDs at VP Sinari for a friend and buying feni from Venite's for the same friend. Being Goan in Goa is sitting in the balcao of my cousin Maria Angelica Cordeiro's home in Moira and looking out over an indomitable patch of green. It's about watching an old man harvesting the mangoes that are still growing in a house that has been abandoned by its owners who live in Mumbai. It's about walking down to the Moira Club (which is called the Associacao Academica although the most academic thing that happens seems to be a calculation of the trigonometry involved in carom!) and watching the youngsters perform a song from 'Bluffmaster' for Family Day. It meant going off to see the new suspension bridge at Corzuem, the bridge which was inaugurated in time for the International Film Festival in Goa, and on which dinner was served for everyone who wanted to come. It meant noticing that Goa does not seem to have a coherent policy for waste disposal, but then as my friend Rahul Srivastava, social researcher and writer, says, "What place in India does?" That in one line - Goa is a happy-go-lucky, chalta-hai metaphor for the rest of India. Jerry Pinto (The author is a poet and editor. His last book was 'Helen: The Life and Times of an H-Bomb'.) http://news.moneycontrol.com/india/newsarticle/stocksnews.php?autono=213 736 ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Banks in Goa saddled with Rs 17,000 cr cash
Banks in Goa saddled with Rs 17,000 cr cash Banking & Finance Mayuresh Pawar / Mumbai/ Panaji May 10, 2006 Considered the fifth best holiday destination in the world, Goa has emerged a new 'cash-rich' state if one goes by the inflow of money in banks in the state. The total deposits in various scheduled commercial banks in Goa are more than Rs 17,000 crore. Of this, term deposits (fixed deposits) are over Rs 13,000 crore. An important characteristic of high deposits in Goa is the significant contribution from non-resident emigrants (NREs) - through remittances - which account for around 33 per cent of the deposits, according to an official document made available exclusively to Business Standard. The taluka-level mobilisation of deposits reveals that three coastal talukas - Salcete, Bardez and Tiswadi - account for more than three-fourths of the total deposits. During the last two decades, the number of banking offices has increased by over 77 per cent. Currently, scheduled commercial banks have 451 branches in Goa and the population covered by each bank is 3,070 persons. In terms of per capita deposits at the national level, Goa with more than Rs 1 lakh deposits stands third after Delhi and Chandigarh. Banks in the state have more than 34 lakh accounts, including saving, current and term deposit accounts. According to official statistics, 33 per cent of the total accounts were term deposits. While the total deposits up to December 2005 were Rs 13,955 crore, 20 years ago (1985-86), the overall bank deposits were Rs 800.92 crore. Of individual account holders in the state, 33 per cent are women, and this, officials say, speaks volumes for female empowerment in the state. >From the credit side, the outstanding debt extended by banks in Goa on December 31, 2005 was Rs 4,626 crore, which shows an increase of 17 per cent over the previous year. The document says banks have contributed significantly to the industrial development in the state by extending nearly 45 per cent of the total outstanding loans for manufacturing and processing, construction activities, mining & quarrying, electricity, gas and water industries. This is followed by personal loans at 22.4 per cent and housing and other loans at 9 per cent. Loans availed for agricultural activities were only 2.5 per cent displaying lack of interest in agriculture in the tiny tourist paradise. Continuous decline in the credit-deposit (CD) ratio is a major concern of the state's banking sector. The ratio fell from 44.9 per cent in 1980-81 to 31 per cent in 2005-06 - much lower than the nation average of around 66 per cent. However, the situation has slightly improved in the last two years, as the CD ratio increased by 2 per cent in Goa. There is growth in extending loans by banks, but at the same time deposits have multiplied and, hence, the CD ratio has not changed much. http://www.business-standard.com/banking/storypage.php?leftnm=2&subLeft= 1&chklogin=N&autono=90452&tab=r ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] OFFTOPIC: Truth & Emergency
Truth & Emergency A. G. NOORANI A new book on Jayaprakash Narayan's days as a prisoner in Chandigarh fills a major void in the literature on the Emergency. THE Emergency which Indira Gandhi imposed on the country on June 26, 1975, was much more than an assault on the Constitution, on democracy and on the rule of law. It was, in truth, a war on her own people. She refused to face their mounting resentment at the corruption and arbitrary governance she promoted actively. Her opponents, bar one, were small men who detested one another more than they did the Prime Minister. Small wonder that they fell apart once they came to power in 1977 under the flag of the Janata Party. Credit for that accomplishment in unity belongs to the solitary exception, Jayaprakash Narayan. It was an important phase in our recent history. Not surprisingly, not one definitive and objective account has yet been written. What we have, instead are denunciations by opponents and, after a period of recovery of nerve, apologias by supporters. JP himself has been either lauded or denounced. This truly great man can well do with a careful scrutiny of his record since 1971, to go no further. He did not understand Indira Gandhi. She had little respect for him or, for that matter, for any one else. Her insecurities made her reckless and callous. But, JP's mistakes, ideological and tactical, were enormous. He did not understand the political situation or the forces that were at play. Some people exploited him. He drifted and could not direct, let alone control, the forces he had let loose. A sensitive man, JP was stricken with remorse. He acted as his conscience dictated, but did not reckon with the realities. Devasahayam's book fills a major void in the literature on the Emergency. He was District Magistrate and Inspector-General, Prisons, in Chandigarh. JP was lodged in the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) there after his arrest in New Delhi. Like Gandhi and the Congress leaders in 1942, no one anticipated the arrests. A warm relationship developed between the prisoner in PGIMER and his custodian. JP confided freely to the author. Texts of JP's letters to the Prime Minister and to Sheikh Abdullah are appended. We have a record of the olive branches JP held out. More, we have an authoritative account of the deterioration in JP's health from which he never recovered. He died in 1979. Indira Gandhi showed less concern for JP's health than Amery and Linlithgow did for Gandhi's. There are useful nuggets of information, such as this: "When I told him that many RSS/Jan Sangh activists detained under MISA [Maintenance of Internal Security Act] were tendering unconditional apology and were resigning from their party in order to get released, he said that they must be gutless and dishonest persons and whatever party they may join, they would only end up as traitors." Baba Adhav witnessed the same betrayal by the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh men in Maharashtra. Its supremo, Balasahab Deoras, wrote cringing letters to the Prime Minister and to the Sarkari saint Vinoba Bhave. B.N. Tandon, then Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister's Secretariat, battered his credibility by what he wrote in the first volume (vide the writer's review, "The betrayal of India"; Frontline, January 17, 2003). R.K. Dhawan's publication on November 22, 2002, of Tandon's letter to him on June 8, 1982, seeking re-employment by a Prime Minister he detested, destroyed what little was left of it. There were some useful disclosures that were true - P.N. Haksar's improper effort to suborn Judges of the Supreme Court in the election case. His evidence was disbelieved by Justice J.M.L. Sinha. This volume has its own bits of information to impart. They must be assessed with care. Professor Amalendu Guha, a historian, published the first edition of this work in 1977. Before long it went out of print. The publishers deserve thanks for bringing out a revised edition. In his Introduction to the revised edition, the author replies to critics of the first edition but makes it evident, as he did in large parts of the first edition, that he finds emotional polemics irresistible. Sample this: "Rather than the Congress, it is the Socialists and Communists who are to blame for their inability, so far, to head a coalition of the toiling classes to usher in a people's democracy in India." This is politics, not history. The volume is useful for the material it contains. http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/stories/20060505001107700.htm More on the book "JP in Jail": https://www.vedamsbooks.com/no44318.htm http://www.indiainfoline.com/news/news.asp?dat=75466 ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] The 'girl' author
The 'girl' author Deccan Herald - Internet Edition Sunday, May 7, 2006 INTERVIEW The 'girl' author Sonia Faleiro's debut novel, The Girl, begins with a funeral. Through shifting narratives and timeliness, it goes on to explore the life, despair and death of 'the Girl', in a fictional Goan village, Azul, aptly referred to as 'the Village of the Dead'. 'The Girl' remains unnamed through the book, giving free rein to the reader's imagination, while other characters like Mama Lola are painted in vivid word pictures. Sonia and I got freewheeling on how the book came to be. "I was in Edinburgh and, as a respite from hours of research for my thesis, I opened a Word document and began writing the story. The sense of isolation at being away from home, also wound its way in." she says. It is this overwhelming loneliness and sense of loss that sets the novel apart from stereotypical representations of Goa and its people. The melancholic side to Goa that the author has portrayed is something that the Goans identify with, as evidenced by responses on the message board of her website. And the non-Goan readers believe that they're finally seeing a different facet to Goa in this book.=20 In early February 2006, at the launch of the book, Gregory David Roberts, the author of Shantaram, said- "With the first book of an author, we, as readers, have been given the privilege to be part of something that's flowering and growing in the garden of our literary appreciation. The Girl is a marvellously well-written first book, and it's by a young writer at the beginning of her career. Her talent is only going to get more refined and every book after this, bigger and better."=20 It took two years for Sonia to write The Girl, and the only part of the story, that posed a minor challenge, was the character of Luke. "It wasn't a challenge as such, but it did take some effort to get into the skin of a twenty-something American backpacker." However after the book she feels her writing has evolved and has since come closer in form to her journalism. Sonia is now writing full-time on her second work of fiction and a non-fiction title. She has an American agent who will represent her and The Girl will soon see an international edition and translation. Sonia continues with her journalism.=20 Among authors, Sonia loves the work of Anita Desai and Vikram Seth and among books, Shop Girl by Steve Martin. Sonia Faleiro is being hailed as a fresh new voice in the world of Indian fiction and handles the accolades with grace, saying simply, "It's been good." http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/may72006/books104128200655.asp Pictures of book launch: http://www.soniafaleiro.com/event.htm ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Book on Sangh past has BJP in bind
Book on Sangh past has BJP in bind=20 Neelu Ranjan CNN-IBN Monday, May 08, 2006 at 12:36 New Delhi: A book on the history of Jana Sangh has put the BJP in a bind. The book claims the Jana Sangh was founded to counter Muslims. It also targets Muslims and Mahatma Gandhi liberally and its parent organisation RSS is not amused. The book is called History of Bhartiya Jana Sangh and its significance can be gauged from the fact that Lal Krishna Advani has written the preface of the book. Advani, in fact states that the BJP is a significant political force. That makes it accountable to the public, students, intellectuals and history at large and that is also why an official document which mirrors the growth of the party is important. But what makes the book controversial is the fact that Muslims and even Mahatma Gandhi have been targetted. The book hints that the Jana Sangh and the RSS were founded as a reaction to the growing fear of the Muslim community in India. However, the foundrer of the Jana Sangh, Balraj Madhok flatly denies this. "The Jana Sangh was formed because the country needed an alternative to the Congress party and not to oppose Muslims in India. According to the British model of democracy that we have adopted, there should be at least two parties with different ideologies in the country," says he. The Sangh has expressed serious objections over the book. Sources in the Sangh say that with the circulation of this official document, the charges on BJP and Sangh of being a communal party will be proved true. BJP and Sangh leader, Bhai Mahavir says, "If the book is released, it will be an injustice to the Sangh and those who established it." RSS's opposition to the book makes matters worse for the BJP. With the book already in print, the BJP stands red faced, not knowing whether to stand by its so called official document or not. (With inputs from Avneet Bhatia) http://www.ibnlive.com/news/book-on-sangh-past-has-bjp-in-bind/9762-4.ht ml ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Goa bans rave, trance parties
Goa bans rave, trance parties By: Nishant A Bhuse and Mayuresh Pawar Mid Day May 8, 2006 Holding rave and trance parties at all public places will be banned in Goa after 10 pm. The government has also decided to halt all beach parties after 10 pm. The decision, which was taken in December by Goa's Deputy Chief Minister Dr Wilfred D'Souza who also holds the tourism portfolio, is finally being implemented now. Goa has also put into place a loudspeaker deadline for 10 pm. D'Souza confirmed, "We have banned beach parties after 10 pm. We don't care about tourists who attend rave or trance parties. People better obey the directive." The move is expected to adversely impact 60 per cent of Goa's hotels and resorts that are situated by its beaches. "We will be disappointing foreign as well as Indian tourists who come for these parties," said an hotelier from Anjuna who did not want to be named. Drug traffic Added D'Souza, "Banning rave and trance parties - which generally begin after midnight and end by late morning - will reduce the use of narcotics in the state." D'Souza also pointed out that environmentalists had expressed their concern over the litter at beach parties. Rave supporters Timmy and Jane two major organisers of rave and trance parties in Goa, Pune and Mumbai, have begun an SMS campaign to lodge their protest against the ban. "Event organisers, DJ's and party revellers are supporting us," says Timmy who says Goa stands to lose at least Rs 50 crore a year in tax revenues, if beach parties are banned. Drug haven Goa is a widely known drug haven. Admits Johnny, a drug dealer from Mumbai, "Hum logon ko jab bhi Mumbai mein maal ki kami hoti hai, Goa se delivery aati hai." The Goa Deputy Inspector General of Police, Ujjwal Mishra said, "We have not made any drug arrests at rave parties despite several raids." http://web.mid-day.com/news/city/2006/may/136859.htm ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Goan priests' youth movie hits state television
Goan priests' youth movie hits state television Panaji (ICNS) -- Ten Goan priests have come together to create a short film for the state television on ways to help youth involved in drugs and prostitution. The last episode of the 60-minute film Mogachem Git (A love song), which is being telecast on Goa Doordarshan in two parts, is scheduled for May 12. The film, produced by Panaji Doordarshan, is directed by Father Santan D'Souza and has been written by Father Bolmax Pereira and Father Isidore Dias. Father Savio Fernandes, who has played the role of police inspector in the film, said they have shot the tele-film in three days at Old Goa and neighboring villages. "The movie focuses on the inner struggle of youth who do not come to church. Priests try to bring them to Church," said Father Fernandes. He said the film shows that the priests can no longer attract the youth to Church going by the traditional ways as most of the youth who drift away from the Church are caught in a vicious circle, at times in drug addiction. The film tells the story of struggling Goan youth through three people. Newton searches love and recognition, which his parents denied to him, in drugs and gangs. Rex is trapped in Newton's drug dealing network and Dyna, hooked on the flesh trade, again due to parental negligence. In their troubled waters enters Father John, priest of their village church. Ten priests are involved in the film and are seen on the screen. They have just completed specialized studies at the Pastoral Institute St Pius X, Old Goa, where they studied media and production among other subjects. http://www.theindiancatholic.com/news_read.asp?nid=3D1626 ~(^^)~ Avelino=20 _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] FN SOUZA: A MAVERICK PAINTER
A MAVERICK PAINTER KHUSHWANT SINGH The Telegraph - Calcutta Saturday, May 06, 2006 Painting by F.N. Souza, oil, 1987 "I was born in Goa in 1924. My grandmother and grandfather were both chronic drunkards." So begins a short autobiographical note appended at the end of Francis Newton Souza: Bridging Western and Indian Modern Art by Aziz Kurtha. He does not tell the reader more about himself. His father was a teetotaller who died early leaving behind a young widow, a daughter who died soon after himself and Newton. The mother moved to Bombay to earn a living as a typist and by stitching clothes. Newton learnt how to stitch his trousers' buttons. He had no training as an artist but he drew obscene pictures of nude women in school lavatories. His teachers spotted him because no other boy had the same gift of drawing as he. While still at school, Newton decided to become an artist despite his aversion to the smell and look of paint coming of a tube; it reminded him of slimy serpents. In 1949, he migrated to London. He had very little money. He was able to survive because of the bounty of people like the poet Stephen Spender and Harold Kovnen, who bought everything he painted and lent him money when he ran out of it. He does not tell us anything about the women in his life. Apparently, there were quite a few. There was his Goan wife, who ran a small art shop where she continued to sell her husband's pictures even after he divorced her. There was his mistress, Liselotte Kristian, who bore him three daughters without marrying him. >From the many paintings he made of her, it appears that she must have been the one real love of his life. In the book there is one of Lila, as he called her, in the nude when she was pregnant. It is in water colour and gouche. It is one of the most beautiful nudes that I have ever seen. He apparently refused to sell it. It is a masterpiece but its whereabouts are not divulged. Souza's paintings went through three different phases. To start with, his themes were Biblical: Madonna and Child, the Last Supper, Crucifixion, resurrection and so on, then he turned to Hindu iconography of South Indian bronzes and erotic sculptures of Khajuraho, Konarak and other temples. Women in these paintings become full bosomed, broad hipped, with large buttocks. He developed what can be best described as vulva-fixation, explicitly depicting women's private parts. An element of lust becomes manifest. During the period finally in Europe he was exposed to works of European as well as avante-garde painters: Cezanne, Titian, Courbet, Picasso, the Cubists and Dadaists. Souza combined all three in his most productive phase to become the pioneer of modern Indian art. M.F. Husain recognized him as his mentor. His paintings were bought by the Tate Gallery and Albert and Victoria museums. He had one-man exhibitions in London, Paris and New York. On one of his home visits he was taken ill in Bombay and died on March 28, 2002. He was 78. Aziz Kurtha is a solicitor practising in Abu Dhabi and London. He is as involved in fine arts as in law. Earlier, he published a collection of erotic drawings left by the calligrapher, Saadquain, who made his living making artistic versions of the ayats of the holy Quran. He was, at the same time, a hard drinker and shared Newton Souza's vulva obsession. With every two drawings, he appended a verse of Urdu poetry composed by himself in praise of women's pubic hair like an oasis amid sand dunes of flesh. Kurtha asked me to translate them into English - which I did. He invited Souza to Abu Dhabi, kept him as a house guest and arranged an exhibition for him. Souza did not find many buyers for his art. His paintings of village women is as, if not more powerful, than Amrita Shergill's. Kurtha has made amends by producing a lavishly illustrated coffee-tabler of the best of Newton Souza's paintings. It is a veritable feast for the eyes. http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060506/asp/opinion/story_6186408.asp ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Goa to manage International Film Festival by 2008
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Enjoy your holiday in Goa. Stay at THE GARCA BRANCA from November to May There is no better, value for money, guest house. Confirm your bookings early or miss-out Visit http://www.garcabranca.com for details/booking/confirmation. --- Goa to manage International Film Festival by 2008 Tuesday - May 02, 2006 Televisionpoint.com Correspondent The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is expected to become a fully Goa-managed affair by 2008. Beginning 2006, organisers would attempt to handle 7 of the 24 core activities currently managed by the Directorate of Film Festivals (DFF), Goa chief secretary J.P. Singh told mediapersons in Panaji. "Since we cannot take over the entire festival at one go, we will do it in phases and by 2008, IFFI will be a fully Goa-managed event," Singh said. To this end, the state will be appointing consultants to assist the Goa Entertainment Society to manage IFFI operations, including film selection and networking with various agencies. The state government received formal suggestions to fully manage IFFI from the DFF, but said it would require some time to acquire the expertise, Singh added. "Since the 2004 and 2005 IFFIs were hosted in Goa, the festival had managed to attract considerable international attention," he said. The centre was committed to continue financial assistance to IFFI for a few years until it became self-sustaining. Major players in the entertainment industry have expressed interest in running the festival, according to official sources, but these are being held delayed until consultants come up with workable models. Singh said the state was also moving ahead with plans to build an international convention centre to host the event, which is expected to be ready by 2008. This year, the festival complex has been expanded putting in two additional buildings for administrative usage. With just one four screen multiplex and a 900seater auditorium, screening facilities however remain inadequate. On Wednesday, ESG will begin considering the 11 bids that have come in from event managers for IFFI 2006, including Wizcraft, the agency appointed in 2005. The involvement of multiple agencies, central, state and private, in the running of the past two IFFIs have been seen as counter-productive. The move to hand over the festival entirely to Goa is expected to ease up logistics and also finances for future development of the festival. http://www.televisionpoint.com/news2006/newsfullstory.php?id=1146589965 ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Work on Goa expressway to begin shortly
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Enjoy your holiday in Goa. Stay at THE GARCA BRANCA from November to May There is no better, value for money, guest house. Confirm your bookings early or miss-out Visit http://www.garcabranca.com for details/booking/confirmation. --- Work on Goa expressway to begin shortly Our Regional Bureau / Mumbai/ Panaji May 03, 2006 The proposed six-lane expressway connecting north and south Goa will be built parallel to the Konkan Railway tracks, about 200 metres away, on the eastern side.=20 Detailed survey and planning for the project will start in a fortnight. Earlier this month, the Goa Chief Minister, Pratapsing Rane, and state chief secretary, J P Singh carried out an aerial survey of the proposed highway.=20 Sources said that special care would be taken to ensure displacement of people in residential stretches around the proposed road be kept to a minimum. After completion of the survey and planning for the project, the picture would be clear as regards number of families to be rehabilitated, the sources pointed out.=20 The expressway would begin from Amerem village situated along the boundary of the Pernem taluka, and move through Khaznem, Amai, Nagzar, Dhargal, Tivim, Shirgaon, Mayem, Old Goa, Carambolim, Neura up to Cortalim.=20 It would further pass through Verna, Cansaulim, Margao, Navelim, Cuncolim, Balli and Barsem, right into Canacona taluka. In Canacona taluka, the expressway will pass through Mashem and Lolyem villages and connect with the existing national highway.=20 The six-lane proposed expressway has made the government acquire 90 mt wide stretch of land running parallel to the railway track. The length of the expressway will be 105 km.=20 Three new bridges, one each at Colvale, Old Goa and Cortalim, will form part of the expressway.=20 The work for the project will commence with construction of a single-lane road, to be expanded subsequently.=20 As the expressway is being constructed under the public-private partnership on build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) basis, toll would be charged from vehicles for plying on the same so as to reimburse expenditure incurred on the construction.=20 The minimum speed with which the vehicles will be allowed to travel on the expressway will be 80 km per hour and it will not be open for two-wheeler vehicles. There would be no inter-sections along the expressway since the vehicles running on it would be travelling at a very high speed.=20 A number of construction companies have shown interest in this project and the government will invite expression of interest within next two weeks. The land acquisition process would also begin soon.=20 If the Mopa airport project takes shape then the travellers commuting between the new international airport at Mopa in the north Goa distrcit and south Goa will also be greatly benefited from the expressway. http://www.business-standard.com/common/storypage.php?leftnm=3Dlmnu2&subL= e ft=3D1&autono=3D89578&tab=3Dr ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Discovery of chamber burial caves in Goa
Discovery of chamber burial caves in Goa Navhind Times Tuesday, May 2, 2006 by M S Deshpande The discovery of chamber burials, a megalithic site at Valant and at Chikhali in Marmugao taluka of South Goa district has once again confirmed the existence of human habitation on the west coast in Goa since prehistoric times.Earlier to this, discovery of the late stone age sites, microlithic tool sites as well as discovery of early stone age handaxe had helped in building the past of Goa. There are periods of darkness and finding of the site of chamber burial will definitely help to make the picture clear. Man developed economically a pastoral hunting-cum-agricultural society. They stayed together in thatched huts nearby in neolithic and chalcolithic period, but in chalcolithic period man was aware about the use of metal such as copper, iron etc. During chalcolithic period man had made progress in material life and same is reflected in furnishing the burial of their deceased kin. The finding of megalithic sites in South India help us in defining its date and its culture etc. Megalithic may be described as a monuments (in India sepulchral) constructed with dressed or undressed stones usually of a large size and related with some burial practices. As stated by Mr Dilip Chakrabarti that "it is nothing more than a burial style that emerged in the context of the neolithic chalcolithic of the distribution area and formed part of its cultural milieu for a long time". Generally it is associated with iron but there is also a possibility of its beginning in the pre-iron stage. Megaliths is nothing but the feeling, affection, love or his attachment expressed by kin of the deceased while furnishing the burial. The Britishers after establishing their hold over India took keen interest in studying the past of this great nation. The scholars had discovered number of mesolithic sites including that of Kerala. The underground cave (man made) found at Chikhali and at Valant is nothing but a chamber burials of megalithic period. The chamber burial cave is scooped in a soft laterite with intention to deposit funerary remains in Kerla as stated by Dr B K Gururajrao. These caves consists of an open cell roughly rectangular or square cut vertically down the rock and provided with flight of steps for decent on the floor. On one of the vertical faces of the well is caved an extension usually a little above the floor leading to a chamber semicircular, circular or roughly rectangular in shape sometimes these have recessed facade. The chamber are normally provided with bed or a bench on two are three side. Inside the chamber on the bed the funerary on skeletal remains or funerary pottery, iron objects were kept before sealing up the chamber entrance. An another type of cave with hood stone and hat stone. Allied with these rock caves but of similar form are the cave with hood stone or hat stone, are also called a Kudaikallu in Kerla consists of a dome shaped dressed laterite block covering an underground pit cut into the natural laterite and provided with a stairway. This also covers an underground burial pit containing funerary urn and other grove furnishing, unlike rock cave there is no chamber apart from this. Another type of chamber burial found in Kerla is exactly similar to that of found in Marmugao taluka, where in the chamber burial and bench or bed is provided at one or two sides of cave to keep funerary urn and other objects. The chamber burial or underground cave burial found at Valant and at Chikhali are located on the slopes of a hill. These chamber burials are scooped in the laterite below the ground and approach to this cave is circular pipe or well like scooped vertically down and it measures 60 cm in diameter. The entrance or mouth of this well is closed hey keeping dressed laterite block of 70 x 25 cm in size. After entering in it and after crossing 1 metre laterite one decent in the cave. The cave measures either 1.80 x 1.80 cm or 2.60 x 2.60 cm. All the four underground caves are round in shape and measure either 1.80 or 2.60 mt in diameter. Funerary remains were traced in one of the cave at Chikhali when it was accidentally discovered in 1964 while removing laterite blocks for construction. Those remains are kept in the state museum. No any remains are traced in other caves as those were already approached by layman after their discovery. One has to note the technique followed by carver while scooping the approach of just 60 cm diameter wherein there is no space for working, moving on bending to collect the waste material to remove. As the scooping for the cave started by keeping 1 m laterite untouched, so there is every possibility that at first the carver must have scooped the pipe like approach up to the depth of minimum 2.5 metre with intention to obtain working place to scoop for cave by keeping 1 m laterite above untouched. The answer to the following questions need to understand how cave was scooped
[Goanet] Mangroves of Choroa Island
Silent sentinels The Hindu Sunday, Apr 30, 2006 KALYANI CANDADE The mangroves of Choroa Island in Goa are a birder's paradise. THE silence of the morning was shattered by a burst of cackling laughter across the water. Our guide stopped rowing, and pointed to the shadowy green of the mangroves. Squinting against the sun, we could barely make out the leaves. Then, again, that strange cackle - and a flash of wings, blue and orange... It was my first sighting of stork-billed kingfisher! A rich variety We were in a dugout boat, paddling along one of the richest stretches of mangroves in Goa, in the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Choroa Island. I had heard that the place was home to five or six varieties of kingfishers - including the stork-billed, the black-capped, the three-toed, and the white or collared kingfisher. But we were late, the sun was up, and the tide was coming in. The mangroves were exciting, but would we see birds? "Make sure you catch the six o'clock ferry," our guide had told us the previous evening. The ferry from Ribandar to Choroa itself is an experience for the uninitiated - I found it hugely exciting to drive our vehicle on to the ferry, chug across in the stately barge, and drive off on the other side! Lady luck was smiling, though. Within minutes, a black-capped kingfisher flew overhead, close enough for us to see the black on the head. And in the distance, the better sighted among us saw another smaller bird with a pinkish head, which we later identified as the three-toed kingfisher. On the shore we saw egrets and herons, and perched on a bamboo pole in the water, a brahminy kite waiting patiently for fish. A thick growth of mangroves lined both shores; creating a magical play of warm green and dappled gold. Like silent sentinels they stood, with their aerial roots and gnarled trunks, ancient guardians of a rich heritage. Occupying a rather special place in the hearts of nature lovers, mangroves are salt-tolerant plant communities specially adapted to coastal and estuarine inter-tidal zones of tropical and sub-tropical regions. They are at the heart of a unique and fragile eco-system, and the IUCN lists 60 species the world over. Of these, 44 have been documented in Asia, and 32 in India. Goa is home to 13 of these species, along with one introduced species. Choroa Island is home to most of the species found in Goa. Situated at the western tip of the island, at the confluence of the Mandovi and the Mapusa rivers, the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is spread across two sq. km. of rich mangrove forests. The sanctuary is home to a variety of water birds, several species of kites, flying foxes, jackals, crocodiles and turtles. We also saw mudskippers, those fascinating "fish that walk". Glistening in the wet mud of the flats and lapped by the tides, these creatures are specially adapted to live in the soft mud of the inter-tidal zones, with their ability to lock water in their gills as well as to breathe air through special membranes in their mouth and throat, and through moist skin. Surviving commercialisation As the sun climbed overhead and the tide rose, so did the traffic on the river. The Mandovi is the largest of Goa's seven rivers, and a major waterway for the transportation of iron ore. We stopped to watch one of the barges and its powerful wake; and the upheaval it caused among the mangrove saplings. Even before the ripple died, it was crossed by a picturesque houseboat carrying tourists on a backwater cruise. We turned back upriver, but the picture remained in my mind, a stark image of the challenge facing Goa's mangroves. Would the mangroves survive in the wake of commerce? Would Goa's 'green tourism' make the necessary difference? Factfile Access to Choroa Island is by ferry from Ribandar, about five km east of Panaji, and then by foot. Bikes are available for hire on the island, but there are few roads. The sanctuary is open throughout the year. Permission to visit the bird sanctuary can be obtained from Chief Wild Life Warden, Forest Department, Junta House, Panaji. There is also a Wildlife Office on Choroa Island, from where you can buy entry tickets. Forest guides as well as local guides are available with boats. Early morning and evening are the best time for bird sightings. http://www.hindu.com/mag/2006/04/30/stories/2006043000230800.htm ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
RE: [Goanet] Re: Review of the Review by the Reviewer
Hi Gilbert, First you accuse me, than strangely for some reason you portray feelings of empathy. The tons of accusations are from you alone Gilbert! You need to refresh your memory by visiting the archives; hopefully you will be able to focus clearly on what you read, what you understand and able to correctly analyze the posts instead of stubbornly holding to preconceived views. Second, you assume too much. Nobody has emailed me privately on this issue and I am not a journalist. I don't need confusing, badly written and uninformed posts from you to enrich myself. Gilbert, you don't have the slightest idea about book reviews. Victor, with his in-depth knowledge in writing, editing and publishing has patiently explained to you about the business of book reviews. You on the other hand have failed to grasp the basics which you are short of. Instead of thanking Victor for his educative posts, you have once again accused him of being unsupportive of Goan authors. Finally, though late, I hope you have figured out why I post Goa-related articles on this forum. Avelino ___ [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi Avelino, I empathize with you. I am in the same boat as you. I am defending the criticism of a Goan author's writings; Because Mehta's review is hitting on Edna Fernandes' work. And all that Goans - D'Souza, Colaco, Pinto, Goveia and Ribeiro did is hit-up on me ... another Goan. And some of them did it above and below the belt, as we have seen. They elected to make an issue of MY WRITINGS rather than the Reviewers' or the contents (and its application) of the Holy Warriors as seen from the reviews. One "poor fellow" speculated on my sleep pattern.:=)) Sure, Goans can always count on another Goan Is not that what we keep saying? It makes me feel better that you are getting, "tons of accusations of all shades and color".:=)) For a moment, I thought that Elisabeth and I were the only cyber-Goans rooting for Edna Fernandes' work. Of course with Elisabeth's masterful analysis of Mehta's review, many must have elected to "watch the display." Consider yourself lucky that most of your critiques have e-mailed you privately. My detractors have done so via a public bulletin board with SOME resorting to what can only described as a "personal smear campaign" all of which was "Off Topic" of course! I am sure this exchange will add to your experience and make you a better journalist. As for me, I can tell the Goan ayatollahs that this has been my hands-on contribution for Goans.:=)) Will they buy my community-seva? Don't you think your response to my original faux pas (retracted with apology) would have been better served :=)) with: "Thank you GL for giving me credit for this review. Yet I did not write it. My sole role as journalist was to forward what has been published elsewhere. I concur with you that Dr. Mehta's review was overly dismissive of Holy Warriors. His unfavorable review gives a different impression than what has been presented by others including Khushwant Singh, which has also been provided." Yet, if it was not for what you started and then Victor, Elisabeth and I continued, this would have been another "lame thread." Instead it was educational to all. More importantly if "Holy Warriors" and this dialogue improves community relations and forestalls even one episode of sectarian violence in Goa and India, it would have been useful. India can ill-afford to repeat its religious and caste-related violent history again and again and again. So the important thing is not to review the book, but to STUDY it and apply its wisdom. I think you, Avelino, are doing a terrific job as a Goan reporter keeping us informed of events in Goa and India. I thank you for it. Good luck to you. Keep up the good work. Kind Regards, GL. ---D'Souza, Avelino Let me remind you once again that I posted the review for awareness of "Holy Warriors" and comments, what I got in bargain are tons of accusations of all shades and color. _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Goa fest kickstarts
Goa fest kickstarts Saturday, April 29, 2006 09:56:14 pm AGENCIES PANAJI: Union civil aviation minister Praful Patel has emphasised the need to explore various avenues to make Goa a hub of tourism in the country. "Goa has potential to be a tourist hub," Patel said, speaking as a chief guest after inaugurating a two-day Goa Fest today. He said knowledge revolution had made quality education available even in small towns of the country, giving opportunity to young minds to pursue different educational streams and manifest themselves in different areas, a release issued here said today. Patel said the civil aviation sector is growing at mind boggling pace which will become hundred billion dollars industry in next ten years. Goa Deputy Chief Minister Wilfred D'souza, who was present on the occasion congratulated the organisers for their conference in Goa. He said Goa's potential as an advertisement film locale was yet to be fully realised. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1510235.cms ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Books, Creative Icons of Human Culture
Books, Creative Icons of Human Culture by Nandkumar Kamat Navhind Times on the Web: Opinions Monday, April 24, 2006 IT is very rare to come across institutions, which keep track of the important international days. So I was pleased to receive an invitation from Margao's premier cultural and literary institution Gomant Vidya Niketan to deliver a lecture on the occasion of the "World book and copyrights day", April 23. UNESCO has been celebrating this day since 1996. The date corresponds to death of Shakespeare and Cervantes. In Catalonia, every book purchaser receives a rose on this day. The UNESCO selects an important city as "book city' every year. This year Turin, Italy has been declared as the "World Book city". I have no idea when Panaji or Margao would deserve this honour. The Portuguese introduced the Printing Press in Goa but at the same time they destroyed the heritage of rich local manuscripts. A few which were salvaged have been systematically researched by eminent scholars like A K Priolkar, V B Prabhudessai, Laxmikant Prabhu Bhembre, Jose Pereira, Olivinho Gomes and Gajanan Ghantkar. Goans did not equitably profit from the introduction of European Printing Press. The damage was partially repaired after the Portuguese established a central library- 'Bibliotheca nacional' and journalism in Goa got a flying start in the 19th century. But despite a great historic beginning, Goa lost its pioneer position in Indian sub-continent and in Asia as a center of book publication. Almost all the famous Goan intellectuals were great admirers and collectors of books. After the liberation of Goa stalwarts like B D Satoskar had launched a library movement. It took the government 30 years after liberation to bring the Goa Public libraries act. But were the politicians sincere in promoting books and good reading habits? More than Rs 10 crore were collected as "library cess" but even today there are villages and educational institutions starved of funds to purchase good books. The intellectual and ideological maturity of any politician in Goa can be assessed by the books which they read, if at all they happen to find time to do so. The European Union has launched "get caught reading" a novel project under its Culture 2000 objectives to popularise books. Prominent political personalities are involved in this project. Books are the finest creative icons of human culture. The Mexican poet and essayist Gabriel Zaid wrote an interesting book- Reading and publishing in an age of abundance. Zaid mentions that a new book is published in the world every 30 seconds. He writes that just to read the list of authors and titles of all the books available in the world would take us 15 years. It is impossible for anyone to read 99.9 percent of all the books published in the world. Even if no new title is published Zaid says that it would take us a quarter of million years to read every book published. The University of California maintains a database on the information explosion in the world. It reports that an estimated 65 million titles have been published so far. The US library of Congress has 26 million books. UNESCO estimates that every year 10 million new titles are published. But Zaid says that as compared to 100 million children born every year this number is still small. We need to learn some lessons from USA. Globally, about 2750 million copies of all types of books are sold every year. The Americans buy a phenomenal 1100 million copies. USA also accounts for 40 per cent of all the printed material. NGOs like "First Book" collect donations of books for poor children in America under "gift a book free" mission. This mission has resulted in donating 30 million books to those American children who had no resources to afford good books. India has very few projects like the one launched by the American NGO. India does not appear anywhere on the map of global bibliophiles despite ranking third in the number of English book publications. A Canadian survey reported that Finland, Denmark, Holland are ahead in book publication per a million population. Even Portugal ranks well, far above USA, Japan, Russia and France. India has 16,000 publishers. The book trade is growing by leaps and bounds. It has already crossed a sales turnover of Rs. 100 billions. In 1991 India exported books worth Rs. 33 crores. In 2003 this figure increased to Rs. 460 crores and may end at Rs. 1000 crores soon. But we are nowhere near China where the popularity of books is growing at unprecedented rate. Today the Chinese account for 12 to 15 percent of all the books published. Reading habits are not definitely dying in our country. But we are facing a peculiar problem which advanced countries did not encounter. In other countries the electronic media was introduced after high literacy levels had been achieved. In India, before attaining a high level of literacy the Television entered every nook and corner. But the picture seems encouraging
RE: [Goanet] Re: Review of the Review by the Reviewer
Dear George, Than you for appreciating the posts I forward. I know people do get confused sometimes, but Gilbert seems perennially confused. Moreover, Gilbert, who has co-authored a fiction story, seems to know little or nothing about reviews. He is irked by Mehta's review of a Goan author; on the other hand he does not miss any opportunity to mindlessly accuse Goans on this forum. I wonder how he lives with such double standards! Best Wishes, Avelino ___ George Pinto wrote: Hi Avelino Please note the adverse response you received was from one confused cybergoan, who has a history of shooting from the hip and embarrassing himself in cyberspace. Many of us value and appreciate your forwards - do not be discouraged. Regards, George --- "D'Souza, Avelino" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Gilbert, > Let me remind you once again that I posted the review for awareness of > "Holy Warriors" and comments, what I got in bargain are tons of > accusations of all shades and color. _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Laxman Pai - A painter's roots
Life & Leisure A painter's roots Kishore Singh / New Delhi April 29, 2006 Laxman Pai's oeuvre evolved from the pop art of the 1960s, though his themes are more varied. Paris defines Laxman Pai in more ways than one. The French beard, the flowing mane of thinning, white hair, even the thin vest that is threadbare at the chest, are almost an affectation - almost. And Pai himself is happiest talking of those days in Paris when "it was full of immigrants", a time when artists Akbar Padamsee, F N Souza and S H Raza called it home. It was as part of this coterie of Indian artists - but always distinct from their stamp of work - that Pai made his presence in Paris felt. Served a disciplinary note by the J J School of Art in Bombay where he was a teacher (he had earlier also studied there), Pai sold the Rs 10,000 apartment in Mumbai gifted to him by his father and made off to Paris "where Raza made all my arrangements". Raza got him a student card at the Ecole de Paris, and for the next 10 years, Pai devoted his life to studying and painting there. "With the student card," he recalls of those heady days, "you could eat cheaply, concerts were subsidised and entry to museums was free." Two interim visits to India and a short stint with Souza in London didn't appeal to him, and he returned to the Paris of Picasso and Chagall, but as a rebel. "I didn't study Western art at the J J School," he says somewhat grandly, "and in Paris I wasn't influenced by the Ecole de Paris but influenced them with my two-dimensional art, which is the basis for miniature art." Time and again Pai brings up his roots - in Goa and in Bombay - to justify the development of an oeuvre that, though rooted in India (and in forms of nature), can best be described as evolving from the sixties pop art that became a popular movement around the world. Decades later, that flamboyance, elements of kitsch and fluorescent colours still form the subject of his work, even though thematically he's taken with elements from mythology and history, from family life, musical traditions, the seasons and so on. Hardly unusual for someone who was born into a strong musical tradition and has played the flute, violin, esraj and sitar like a pro. Far from Paris - which he left when Goa was liberated in 1961 - Pai has since lived and worked in Bombay, Goa and now, New Delhi. "It hardly matters where you are," he reasons, on the day an exhibition of his Parisienne works opens at the Delhi Art Gallery, "what matters is observation" - and Pai, a keen walker, will tell you he can recall in pensive moments (like the poet William Wordsworth) forms he might have noted decades ago. "A person's formative years are very important," he insists, "and for me those years were spent in Bombay and Paris." Given to living six months every year in the US with his son, Pai insists that now, as before, "I never take things at face value". So what did he learn from his Paris decade? Pai looks at you keenly, then says: "I went to Paris to show them what I was worth." http://www.business-standard.com/lifeleisure/storypage.php?leftnm=5&subL eft=2&chklogin=N&autono=89241&tab=r Profile at: http://www.indigoblueart.com/pages/gallery.asp?artistid=15 http://www.delhiartgallery.com/artist/profile.aspx?artistid=185 ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Frankfinn has bought 12 acres of land near Panjim to set up a residential institute.
Flight training centers on cloud nine (Ecomonic Times, The (India) (KRT) Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) Apr. 26--One could say that Frankfinn is used to turbulence-the brand got into difficulties when trying to register itself as a company, as officials were suspicious about its "foreign-sounding" name. But that was just something dreamed up by chairman KS Kohli, as an extension of 'Frank', the pseudonym he used to write poetry under. In fact, it was the sight of his published poems that swung things in his favour, and the brand was finally registered in 1993. Since then, the first-of-its-kind training institute for airline inflight staff has come a long way. From its first one-week training course, it's moved to set up 61 dedicated training centres in cities as far flung as Shillong, Ranchi, Karnal and Guwahati, apart from the major metros. And it's set to see 10,000 students graduate from its mock-aeroplane training room in the current financial year. Of course, Frankfinn really came of age post the boom in the domestic aviation sector. And not just in terms of turnover-which was close to Rs 50 crore as on March 2006, and is projected to more than double in the next two years. It also came of age in the modern marketing world, with an ahead-of-its-time film tie-in; in 2004, it used the film Dil Maange More, starring Shahid Kapoor and Soha Ali Khan, to promote the brand. The film portrays Soha Ali Khan as an aspiring air hostess who comes to Mumbai and joins the Frankfinn Institute of Air Hostess Training. The company later signed on Soha as its brand ambassador, and used her for its print and television ad campaigns. "It was a wise decision and it helped the brand to evolve. Now she's a big star, and we're reaping the benefits," says managing director Rakesh Agarwal. This is unlike the 90s when the company only focused on print advertising. "Television campaigns give a national reach. They are also more cost effective in the long run as the cost gets divided percent re," says Agarwal. The scale of the training business was, of course, growing pretty fast. Between 1993 and 2003, Frankfinn was based in Delhi, and only occasionally conducted one-week courses in other cities. In 2003, it set up a dedicated training centre in Mumbai, and launched a one-year diploma programme in Aviation, Hospitality and Travel Management. Since then, the number of training centres has leapfrogged, and its student intake is evenly split between those from small towns and those from big cities. Fitting, considering that the airline revolution is letting even first-time flyers take to the skies. Frankfinn's students pay an average fee of Rs 92,000 for a one-year part-time course, and there are between 250 and 300 students enrolling at each of its centres. The company runs educational seminars and marketing campaigns in colleges, making sure it catches its target market. Its inhouse magazine, Aviation Times, features information about the aviation industry, and plenty of details of its programmes, including photos of its classrooms-designed as mock-ups of aircraft interiors. Interestingly, the classrooms have also been used as sets for various film shoots; Frankfinn considers those cameo appearances on television screens as brand promotions for the school-a thought that also applies to its recent diversification into the music industry. "Music may be an independent business, but it helps in making our brand stronger as it caters to the same target audience. When people ask me what's the common denominator between music and aviation, I tell them it's glamour," explains Agarwal. That's also the reason why most of its TV ad presence (almost 90 percent) is on music channels. The ads, incidentally, are usually created in-house, with the company hiring creative consultants instead of signing an ad agency. "Even when music videos are shot, we're personally there all night, and we supervise the making of every ad," says Agarwal. The company's obviously gained a taste for diversification-its plans for the future include launching a low-cost airline by 2009. But likely to get off the ground first is its plans to enter into the pilot training business-Frankfinn has bought 12 acres of land near Panjim in Goa to set up a residential institute. It's confident that it has the basic credentials to expand into this more intensive training area. Says Agarwal, "Credibility is very important in this field. Unlike other institutes, we treat students as customers and not mere students." And, of course, it goes without saying that all of them turn into flying brand ambassadors. http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2006/04/28/1622911.htm ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Indian art dhoom in Dubai: Souza's 'Goa Landscape' is estimated to sell between $200, 000 and $250, 000
Indian art dhoom in Dubai DNA Friday, April 28, 2006 19:08 IST Christie's to have its first sale of contemporary art next month. Art buyers will pour into Dubai from across the globe when Christie's auction house has its first sale of modern and contemporary Western, Indian and Middle Eastern art there on May 24. Rival auction house Sotheby's will hold its first sale dedicated solely to Indian art since 1997 a day earlier, on May 23, in London. "This is the first time that Christie's has had an auction of modern and contemporary art from the Middle East. It points to an increase in international interest," says Ganieve Grewal, Christie's India representative. The sale's highlights include works by progressive artists MF Husain, SH Raza and FN Souza. Raza's 'Sourya' (Sun) is expected to sell for $400,000-600,000 (Rs 1.79 cr-Rs2.69cr), while Husain's 'Equus' and 'Mother Teresa' are both expected to sell between $200,000 (Rs 89.9 lakh) and $250,000 (Rs 1.12cr). Souza's 'Goa Landscape', a serene landscape of his childhood home, is estimated to sell between $200,000 (Rs 89.9 lakh) and $250,000 (Rs 1.12cr). Other highlights include Rameshwar Broota's dichromatic 'Numbers', which features three torsos with numbers painted on them, arms hugging them tight. It is estimate to sell between $80,000 (Rs 35.9 lakh) and $120,000 (Rs 53.9 lakh). Among the Pakistani artists whose works are on sale is Sadequain, whose work has been inspired by the poems of Faiz Ahmed Faiz. http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1026604 ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Blessed Joseph Vaz's biography released
Blessed Joseph Vaz's biography released April 28, 2006 Panaji (ICNS) -- Archbishop of Goa Filipe Neri Ferrao released a biography of Blessed Joseph Vaz urging people to be inspired by the "trying conditions" under which the Blessed evangelized Sri Lanka. The biography in Portuguese is titled "De Goa a Ceilco: Saga de um Caminheiro Infatigavel (From Goa to Ceylon: Saga of a Tireless Wayfarer). It is written by Pedro Correia Afonso (1892-1965). Archbishop Ferrao released it at St John the Baptist Church, Benaulim, at the end of the solemn mass held to install the parish council. He told the gathering that by the designs of Divine Providence, they were assembled in the church where Blessed Vaz was baptized 355 years ago. "It was from here that he took the torch of the Christian faith to Kanara and Ceylon," he added. Archbishop Ferrao recalled the trying conditions under which Blessed Vaz exercised his apostolate in the island country. The Blessed would traverse the island of Ceylon in search of Christians, who practiced their religion clandestinely, gathering them in small communities. He trained lay leaders in communities before seeking newer pastures, the prelate said. The Archbishop appealed to the publishers of the book, Third Millennium, to have the work translated into Konkani and English, for the benefit of the larger public. Earlier, in his review of the book, Father Saturnino Dias, executive Secretary of FABC, spoke at length on the traits of Blessed Vaz as a missioner. He stressed that the Blessed raised a people of God rooted in the local culture, and thereby pioneered a method commonly adopted by the Church in the world today. http://www.theindiancatholic.com/news_read.asp?nid=1550 ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Promise of glamour and talent at May Ball
Promise of glamour and talent at May Ball =20 GLAMOUR is set to return to Bahrain next week at the Indian May Ball 2006.=20 Leading Goan band Big Country are making their debut in the Gulf at the show organised and hosted by Brian Dias. It will feature the scintillating performance of violin maestro Melcom Teixera and Goan Urban Development Minister Joaquim Alemao will attend as chief guest. The glamorous May Queen Beauty Pageant will also be part of the show and participants of all nationalities are invited to take part.=20 "We are accepting more contestants as we were forced to increase the final count to 20," said Mr Dias.=20 The models will be groomed by the Free Style Beauty Salon, and there will also be a performance of the song Papa, Mama, I Love You by Sacred Heart School students dedicated to the orphans of the recent dhow tragedy. The show will also feature a country-style novelty dance and food stalls with Goan delicacies. It will kick off from 8.30pm on May 4 at the Palace's Falcon Hall and the event's major sponsor is Indian Airlines. Tickets are priced BD2 for adults and BD1 for children and part of the proceeds shall be donated to the dhow orphans fund. The event is co-sponsored by BMMI, Shaheen Group, Jealous Jeans, Zayani Motors, Sharp, Royal Jordanian Airlines, Western Union, Nonoo Exchange, Jet Airways, OTSC, Hafsa, Gulf Daily News, Awal Refrigeration, Alukkas Jewellers, Noble Traders, Fakhro Electronics, Selcon and Howar Photocopy Centre. For further details, contact Brian Dias on 39466355 or the Palace on 17725000.=20 http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=3D141993&Sn=3DBNEW&Issue= ID=3D 29037 ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Dubai: Go, Man, Go for This Festival on May 25
Dubai: Go, Man, Go for This Festival on May 25 Mangalore, Apr 26: There's almost a month ahead. Still there is lot of time to plan your schedule. But, mind you, put the date on your digital diaries or mark it on the wall calendars today. For this is going to be something unique to happen in the Middle East. The 'Mango Madness Show', A entertainment show for Mangalorean and Goans , will be held in the Ballroom of Marco Polo Hotel in Deira, Dubai on May 25, 2006.=20 The proceeds of the festival will benefit the Child Relief and You (CRY), an Indian foundation for children, the authentication of which, if found necessary, can be had from Susan Varghese, senior manager, global operations, CRY, in New Delhi.=20 And one does not necessarily have to hail from Mangalore or Goa to be part of this festival. Being mad enough for mangoes is just the basic requirement! Entry is limited to 300-400 guests. Not that there are only these many mango enthusiasts around. But, for reason of space constraints, the entry is being limited. It is only the early birds who will grab the seats. There will be live entertainment and authentic Goan and Mangalorean cuisine for good measure.=20 It is all the fruit of labour on the part of Vanessa Rasquinha and her team. She says they would be able to accomplish this task only with support by way of sponsorships from high-calibre business firms. She already has the experience of having organized a couple of such events, which were highly successful. Their success has motivated her to hold events like this regularly.=20 http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=3D20738&n_tit=3DDubai%3= A+G o%2C+Man%2C+Go+for+This+Festival+on+May+25 ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
RE: [Goanet] Re: Review of the Review by the Reviewer
Gilbert, I have not read the book "Holy Warriors" which was released recently, so I am not in a position to say about the disparity in reviews written by Khuswant Singh and Pratap Mehta. Even after reading the book, I might not be able to do any justice as reviewing is not my expertise as I don't have in depth knowledge of religious fundamentalists, historical perspectives, psychological understanding, Goa's ever changing Identity to name a few which forms the bench mark to judge "Holy Warriors". Let me remind you once again that I posted the review for awareness of "Holy Warriors" and comments, what I got in bargain are tons of accusations of all shades and color. Avelino [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Not so fast Elisabeth! Rolling over based on opinions is not for "Huttons." They only roll over based on facts. Neither Avelino nor Victor explain the disparity of the reviews on "Holy Warriors" that was posted. _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Spotlight on Migrant Mothers
Spotlight on Migrant Mothers Wednesday, 26 April 2006, 5:24 pm Press Release: Auckland University of Technology Migrant new mothers in New Zealand are the focus of a study being conducted by AUT University researcher Ruth DeSouza. AUT's Centre for Asian and Migrant Health Research Co-ordinator, Ruth DeSouza, has been awarded a Families Commission Blue Skies grant to carry out this study, as well as receiving funding from Plunket Volunteers. "The overall aim is to find out what helps and hinders these women," says Ruth. "Migrant mothers can be caught between their new culture which holds their aspirations, while working hard to incorporate their traditional culture and the values that have shaped who they are." Ms DeSouza is working with the Royal New Zealand Plunket Society on this study and has held focus groups with women from a range of ethnicities who have had babies within the last year. "New Zealand's immigrants are often brought in to fill workforce shortages, so women are predominantly of child-bearing age. Adjusting to a new country is unpredictable - it can be a slow process and raise issues when they have children. "Families often lose their support networks and rituals when they migrate and their strengths and resilience in managing the transition to parenthood can disappear," she says. Ms DeSouza has a longstanding interest in migrant mothers. She did her Masters of Arts thesis on mothers from New Zealand's Goan (India) community and will focus on migrant mothers for her PhD this year. AUT's Centre for Asian and Migrant Health Research has been involved in migrant and Asian health research for more than 10 years, working to improve these population groups' access to healthcare and wellbeing. The centre widely disseminates its findings to inform policy development, health care providers, health professionals, students, policy makers and the wider community. The Families Commission Blue Skies Fund provides grants for small studies that address gaps in knowledge, or offer new or innovative ideas and approaches to family issues. http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED0604/S00087.htm ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Go Goa! But is it at the risk of being a terror target?
Go Goa! But is it at the risk of being a terror target? =20 Ruksh Chatterji CNN-IBN Updated Wednesday, April 26, 2006 at 07:46 Panaji: The bombings in Egypt's famous tourist resort Dahab, which killed 23 people on Monday night, have once again brought holiday destinations in the spotlight as prime targets of terror. Experts say trends in terrorism show ever since the Bali Bombings in Indonesia in 2002, holiday destinations have been prime targets of terror time and again. India's own tourist hotspot Goa could well be the one potential target on the hit list of terrorists. The first warning came on March 10 this year with the arrest of Tariq Jalal, an alleged operative of the Tehrik-ul-Mujahideen. Jalal was caught with two hand grenades, two detonators and 1 kg of RDX from Margao railway station. The police say Tariq's arrival in Goa was not an isolated incident. "We are very clear that for for several reasons, Goa can be a target. There are many harbours and oil depots here and the fact that many Western tourists come here. Goa can be a potential target for terrorists," says a senior police official. And it is simply because of these reasons that a repeat of the Bali-like bombings cannot be ruled out in this beach resort. The police are in no mood to take any chances and are keeping their eyes wide open for potential trouble. Police's suspicions have been confirmed with the arrest of another alleged Lashkar-e-Toiba operative, Shami Ahmed Shah, in Gulbarga in Karnataka on March 30. Ahmed Shah had married a girl from Goa with the sole aim of setting up a base in the tourist paradise. If intelligence agencies are to be believed, it's only a matter of time before terror comes calling on Goa. It's a warning the police have taken very seriously. In fact, police have already put a vigilance system in place in order to keep terror at bay. "We already have a quick reaction team and now a bomb disposal squad. Also, we are strengthening our intelligence apparatus and increasing security in places where tourists go," says Neeraj Kumar, DGP Goa. But these stray incidents haven't scared tourists in this seaside paradise.=20 "You've got to take your chances," says Faya Crossland, a Western tourist. http://www.ibnlive.com/news/go-goa-but-does-it-face-terror-risk/8779-3.h tml ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
RE: [Goanet] Re: Review on the Reviewer
Hi Gilbert, Mehta's review is the first review of Edna's "Holy Warriors". The "praiseworthy review" what you are talking about is from the publisher's site. As you know, all publishers will carry praise-worthy comments about their product on their site; it is in their interest to sell the book and cover up the cost. What's wrong in posting reviews which are reviewed in depth by the likes of Pratap Mehta, who is the president and Chief Executive, Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi, author of The Burdens of Democracy and Public Institutions in India: Performance and Design? He is also a prolific contributor to public debates and his columns have regularly appeared in The New Republic, Foreign Policy, The Hindu, Indian Express, Telegraph, Yale Global, and numerous other papers. Am I being non supportive for posting real reviews of Goan authors? Avelino _ [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Is it not curious that a very unflattering review is posted in its entirety on cyber-Goa? And the praiseworthy review is only provided as a link? Is this a Goan supporting another Goan's achievement? _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Goa plans convention center, world class golf course
Goa plans convention center, world class golf course Express Hospitality Neeti Mehra - Mumbai In a conscious move to establish itself as an all year round tourist destination, Goa Tourism has zeroed in on locations to set up a state-of-the-art convention center and a world-class golf course. A 25-acre tract of land at Dona Paula, near the Goa University, has been finalised for the convention center, and the golf course will be located at Betul, in south Goa. The proposal for the golf course is in the nascent stages currently. Speaking to Express Hospitality, Sandip J Jacques, director tourism, Government of Goa said, "We want to tap the growing MICE segment, especially during the off-peak season, and also establish the state as a preferred destination for golf tourism. We have decided to appoint Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services Limited (IL&FS) to conduct the feasibility study of the convention center, and will be signing a MoU shortly. As per their recommendations, the financial requirements will be estimated, and then we shall begin the competitive bidding process." The commissioned study will be completed within a period of two months. The capacity of the convention center is estimated at 2000-4000 persons. "Our role will be that of a facilitator and we will provide the land. The funding process is based on the BOOT (build, own, operate and transfer) model. The consortium will eventually be transferred to the government," he added. To attract bidders, the MoT Goa is planning to conduct roadshows across India. http://www.expresshospitality.com/20060430/market06.shtml ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
RE: [Goanet] RE: Review of the Review by the Reviewer
http://www.knowledgecommission.org/members/pbProfile.aspx Excerpt from the above link: "Dr. Pratap Bhanu Mehta is President and Chief Executive, Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi. He was previously Professor of Government at Harvard University and Associate Professor of Government and of Social Studies at Harvard. He was also Professor of Philosophy and Law and Governance, JNU." Avelino _ Victor Rangel-Ribeiro wrote: Elisabeth Carvalho <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: I'm not too sure about the discussions that preceded, but I agree with Gilbert that the review of Holy Warriors by Pratap Mehta, is disingenuous to say the least. It is no secret that most reviewers earn their bread and butter, trying to be psuedointellectuals pontificating over material they themselves are incapable of putting together. Never having published anything of note, most reviewers spend their time in tiny offices (if they are lucky) at major publications writing out book reviews when they're not doing food reviews. As such, they are much like air stewardess' who having failed to launch their acting careers spend their life harassing passengers on discount airlines. Dear Elisabeth, You have taken Pratap Mehta to task for what you consider to be specific flaws in his review, and that is your prerogative. But I do think you are wrong in stating that "most reviewers earn their bread trying to be pseudointellectuals... in tiny offices ... at major publications." Reviews of fiction, at least here in the USA, are written largely by freelancers who are handpicked by editors for having themselves been published; nonfiction books in specialised fields such as music are reviewed not in the popular press but in scholarly publications, by very knowledgeable people with excellent credentials. That has been my experience. I must also add that I have been flying since 1953, and have yet to meet the kind of air stewardess you describe. You must have had a terrible experience with one particular person, but in general I have found them to be very helpful even in quite stressful conditions. Regards, Victor _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Goa's prehistoric caves hold potential for heritage tourism
Goa's prehistoric caves hold potential for heritage tourism=20 23 Apr 2006 - ANI By Devraj Panaji: With its characteristics of modern civilisation and culture, Goa fascinates a lot of tourists every year. But it also has a rich heritage dating back to the prehistoric times that can promote heritage tourism here. Recently, some important traces and remains of the ancient culture in the form of rock-cut pit-dwellings or caves were discovered here. The discovery has given a new hope to some historians about prospective tourist spots that can be useful in promoting heritage tourism. The State archaeological department had recently located caves at Issorcim, Khollant, in Vasco believed to be of Megalithic period (dated nearly 500 century BC). The length of these holes is around 1.5 metres and the girth is enough for a man to slide down to the underground chambers. Normally, the area of the underground chambers is around 10 by 6 by 5 feet. When it was discovered the mouth was covered with hard Laterite rock. A skeleton of a reptile was also found at the bottom of the cave, which is about one meter in length. Historians believe these dwellings may captivate tourists interested in heritage tourism. But for this adequate facilities are required to protect the sites from erosion. "We have found underground chambers at Issorcim, Khollant in Vasco. These chambers are supposed to be either pig dwelling of granaries or simply caves. The caves are mysterious. When we examined the interiors of those caves, we found a skeleton of a reptile on the surface of the cave, which is made up of laterite," said Prajal Sakhardande, a Historian and Heritage activist. Three similar caves were also located at Nakelim in Chicalim panchayat jurisdiction. Experts claim that these caves are contemporary to the underground chambers found at Nakelim and Chicalim a few years ago.=20 "At another place-Chicalim-similar chambers were discovered, previously, by the State archaeology department. In one of the caves of Chicalim we found some pieces of potteries. We examined the potteries and learnt that those are of Megalithic period. So the remote antiquities in the present generation about which none of us knows establish Goa's history with the prehistoric period. All this hold the potential of making it a prospective place for heritage tourism, "said Prajal. "It proves the saying 'Goa's history begins with Portuguese' a misnomer. It establishes our link with the remote past, the prehistoric period," added Prajal. Some residents believe that these caves were used for the purpose of rotting the seashells in order to take out the pearls by the Arabs who came to Goa during the medieval period. "Perhaps, the Arabs who sailed the sea might have put those shells in to the caves and let them rot. Because some times, even now a big and matured shell has a little pearl inside. Perhaps the Arab sailors could have put those shells there to rot in order to take pearl out of them," said Leera, the owner of the land where caves were discovered. All the caves are situated in the hilly areas covered with dense forest. http://www.newkerala.com/news2.php?action=3Dfullnews&id=3D47503 ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
RE: [Goanet] Book Review: Holy Warriors by Edna Fernandes
Mario, Gilbert has either problem understanding what he reads or gets keyed-up when he finds two Goan names in a single post. The book review of Holy Warriors is by Pratap Bhanu Mehta which is clearly indicated in the post and in the links which I forwarded. Here is the link to the archives: http://www.goanet.org/post.php?name=News&list=goanet&info=2006-April/date&post_id=041695 He somehow thinks that by using tired clichés such as "In keeping with Goan character" gives him an edge over other Goans. Pity he has to resort to such cheap shots to claw his way into cyberspace. Avelino __ Mario Goveia wrote: Gilbert, Did you just finish cleaning the baby's poop, or were you up all night singing lullabyes? :-)) > Not having read the book I have no idea whether Avelino or you are correct, or whether the criticisms of Edna's book are "cheap" or "in keeping with Goan character" or whether Avelino was trying to "claw his way up". Wow! One would think you've actually read the book. > I have seen books by Americans and/or Europeans that have been criticised by other Americans and/or Europeans, and it never occurred to me to co-relate those critiques with either American or European "character". I have always considered a book review as just the critic's opinion, no more, no less. > Perhaps Gilbert or Fred or Cecil could review the book and give us their professional opinion of it's contents. > Mario. > --- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > > For crying out loud, couldn't the reviewer be kinder > to this book and its author. > He tried to claw his way up by stomping on someone > else's efforts. > Cheap shots. But in keeping with Goan character. > Kind Regards, GL > > D'Souza, Avelino: > REVIEW > While Fernandes' heart is in the right place, the > result is a rather superficial book that perplexes > more than it illuminates. > _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
RE: [Goanet] Book Review: Holy Warriors by Edna Fernandes
Dear Gilbert, The book review is by Pratap Bhanu Mehta. The full text is available at: http://www.outlookindia.com/full.asp?fodname=20060501&fname=Booksa&sid=1 Here is an excerpt from one of the links I forwarded along with the review: 'The cancer of religious bigotry and intolerance has afflicted all communities-Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians. This is vividly brought out in Edna Fernandes's powerful book. Holy Warriors is as fair and objective an assessment of the perils that lie ahead for India as any that I have ever read. It is a must for all of those who wish this country to prosper as a secular democracy.' -Khushwant Singh I don't understand your comment "In keeping with Goan character", please clarify. Best Wishes, Avelino ___ [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Sent: Saturday, April 22, 2006 6:46 PM To: goanet@goanet.org Subject: [Goanet] Book Review: Holy Warriors by Edna Fernandes For crying out loud, couldn't the reviewer be kinder to this book and its author. He tried to claw his way up by stomping on someone else's efforts. Cheap shots. But in keeping with Goan character. Kind Regards, GL D'Souza, Avelino: REVIEW While Fernandes' heart is in the right place, the result is a rather superficial book that perplexes more than it illuminates. _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Book Review: Holy Warriors by Edna Fernandes
When Old Demons Come Marching In : outlookindia.com May 01, 2006 REVIEW When Old Demons Come Marching In Long on cliche, short on political judgement, we are left none the wiser on religious fundamentalism PRATAP BHANU MEHTA HOLY WARRIORS by Edna Fernandes Viking/Penguin Pages: 336; Rs: 450 One of the less consequential but irritating fallouts of the increasing presence of religion in political life is that everyone thinks it is easy to understand the phenomenon. Following V.S. Naipaul's example, all you have to do is track down a few fundamentalists, interview them and watch gleefully as they hoist themselves with their own petard. In Naipaul this technique works, because the questions are penetrating, the psychological insights acute, and a sense of history, even when mistaken, lends rare depth to the narrative. Sadly, Holy Warriors, which follows much the same technique of interviewing a bunch of supposedly interesting characters, combined with a smattering of history and pop psychological observation, is an example of what can go wrong with the genre. While Fernandes' heart is in the right place, the result is a rather superficial book that perplexes more than it illuminates. Fernandes embarks on her journey into the heart of Indian fundamentalism with a peculiarly shallow version of liberal sympathies. Show that you are even-handed by exposing fundamentalists of all religions: assorted Muslims ranging from Deobandis to the Imam of Jama Masjid; Christians in Goa clinging on to a Goan identity, to Baptists in Nagaland trying to create new ones, assorted survivors amongst Kashmiri Pandits and victims of anti-Sikh riots. Add a few second-hand remarks on the violence in Gujarat and a rather hysterical account of Indo-Pak relations, and the heart of Indian fundamentalism stands exposed. The narrative that emerges from these ragtag interviews is profoundly confused. In one instant, Deoband becomes the harbinger of Taliban, in another it is just a bunch of defenceless youth, confused and discriminated against by Indian society. In one moment India is paranoid about terrorism yet it seems far more restrained in its response than the level of paranoia would suggest. Sometimes Indian society seems to overflow with religious zealotry, at other times we can retreat into the comfortable illusion that religion is an epiphenomenon; it is really all about employment and jobs. This claim is comforting to both fundamentalists and liberals: it is a way some fundamentalists can deny they really are so; and liberals can assert that they really understand what is going on. If the jobs-and-employment argument doesn't work, add in a few sentences about how profoundly confusing modernity is, how fundamentalism provides a stable anchoring in an uncertain world. When all fails, toss in the oppression of the modern Indian state and the discrimination of majoritarian politics. All these are plausible background conditions under which fundamentalism flourishes, but they raise more questions than they answer. Why is there such variation in response to these challenges? And why is the quest for jobs and dignity expressed via religion? The very phenomenon the book sets out to study is not explained, but dissolved. Of course, reality is contradictory and confusing, but what could be more cliched than this claim? This book suffers from an acute lack of historical depth and psychological sophistication. The potted history of Deoband borders on the simple-minded, the discussion of Hindutva is long on cliche, short on political judgement and the analysis of particular episodes misses the woods for the trees. And there is the methodological fallacy of thinking we can understand fundamentalists by studying fundamentalists alone. This leaves the relationship between fundamentalism and the wider context unclear; and it is premised on binaries like secular and religious, fanatical and moderate that do not adequately map reality. Most of the interviews are unrevealing. But the narrative does have occasional moments. The Imam of Jama Masjid rather disingenuously portrays himself and Muslims around the world as being framed; there is a curious externalisation of the challenges Muslims face, not a moment of self-reflection.There is a rather poignant interview with Mario Miranda, lamenting the loss of Goan identity under the influx of outsiders; there is K.P.S. Gill wrestling with the dilemmas he faced in Punjab. Still, the book might be worth a quick read. If nothing else, it can help dissipate the fog of complacency that marks our current attitudes towards minorities. The insurgency in Punjab may be dead, but the scars of the violence there and the riots in Delhi still run deep. Muslims are sandwiched between the hostility of their enemies, indifference and the patronising attitude of their friends. As Fernandes says, "it is India's duty to recognise that tolerating Muslim disengagement is like witlessly listening to a ticking bomb and
[Goanet] Patrol vessel of Navy sinks off Goa's coast
Patrol vessel of Navy sinks off Goa's coast Sify.com PTI Saturday, 22 April, 2006, 08:57 New Delhi: A patrol vessel of the Navy sank off the coast of Goa after a collision with a merchant carrier, an official release said on Saturday. INS Prahar, a 450-tonne vessel, sank just after midnight following a collision with the M V Rajiv Gandhi, a container carrier of the Shipping Corporation of India, 35 km west of Goa, it said. The collision occured at about 21.45 hours on Friday night, the release said, adding that damage to the merchant carrier was minimal and it had been anchored off the coast. Seventy-three crew members of the naval ship have been rescued. Six naval and two coast guard ships, one Dornier aircraft, two naval helicopters and merchant vessels have been deployed for search and rescue operations.=20 The cause of the incident is yet to be ascertained and a board of enquiry has been ordered to investigate into it, the release said. http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?id=3D14189290 ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Alvito hopes to realise 'foreign' dream
Alvito hopes to realise 'foreign' dream *Trials at Penang, BEC Tero likely in June The Telegraph - Calcutta : Sports JAYDEEP BASU Alvito doesn't want to waste his 'last chance' New Delhi: Alvito D'Cunha wants to ply his trade abroad after the National Football League (NFL) gets over. The East Bengal medio, who once turned down an offer from South Africa's Manning Rangers Club, could soon be donning the colours of a Malaysian or a Thai club. Speaking to The Telegraph from Mumbai, D'Cunha said his agent has been negotiating with Malaysia's Penang FC and ASEAN Cup finalists BEC Tero Sasana of Thailand. "Once the NFL is over, I am likely to appear for trials in early June. My chances of playing for either of the two clubs are quite bright," he said. "I have always wanted to play abroad. I am playing my best football at the moment... This is my last chance to fulfil my dream." The 27-year-old from Goa said he wanted to take the South African offer last time, but it did not materialise dud to various reasons. "I did not get the release order from the club. This time I hope to get it from East Bengal." D'Cunha said he was open to the idea of spending the entire season outside the country. "Nothing's been finalised, but like Bhaichung (Bhutia), I may even sign a contract for a few months before returning to play club football in India." D'Cunha felt all top Indian footballers should try their luck abroad. "Our footballers, I believe, have the requisite skill and technique to play in competitive leagues abroad." Asked why he particularly chose Malaysia and Thailand, the East Bengal star said: "Malaysia and Thailand have a good football structure. The league is highly competitive and there are some good players. I think I have a lot to learn from these leagues." http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060422/asp/sports/story_6130638.asp ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Demons among lotus eaters
Demons among lotus eaters Daily News & Analysis Dileep Padgaonkar Wednesday, April 19, 2006 20:50 IST The only locals that a visitor to Goa is likely to meet are taxi drivers, bartenders, waiters in restaurants, vendors of trinkets and fake brands of watches, clothes and electronic goods, tourist guides and the odd crooner on a cruise on the Mandovi river. But more often than not these would be no locals at all but Kannadigas and Malyalees, Biharis and UPites, Kashmiris and Nepalese. Except for the last two, whose distinctive features set them apart, the others pass off as natives. They speak Konkani fluently, know the lay of the land and are knowledgeable about shops which offer the most alluring discounts. Nothing seems to irk the Goans more nowadays than the presence of these 'outsiders'. Or so you think until they begin to speak about non-Goans who are buying apartments and bungalows by the scores every year. Some use them as holiday homes, others as an investment, still some others to strike roots. But the end result is the same. The real estate boom generates fears that Goa will soon lose its identity and, by and by, render Goans strangers in their own state. A recent editorial in a local newspaper lamented the 'slow and gradual destruction of Goan ethos and identity.' Goa, it thundered, is disappearing. What is vanishing even faster is land. It is 'sold at astronomical rates to outsiders causing problems to small locals who are still residing in the state.' Then follows a series of grievances: the failure of successive governments to reduce unemployment among Goans, the near absence of Goans in the upper echelons of the civil service, the import of agricultural goods from other states which, taken together with construction work, accounts for the fact that fields now lie fallow. Goans are left with no choice but to seek jobs outside the state. The burden of this dirge is as unexpected as it is outlandish. It sees some merit in a proposal that one of the state's most controversial politicians, Churchill Alemao, advanced the other day. Land, he suggested, should not be sold to outsiders. It should be kept for locals as in Kashmir. No one asked Churchill whether the locals could command the investments needed to build resorts and hotels, sorely required to attract tourists. And are they inclined to work as hard as the dreaded 'outsiders'? In fact, the 'outsiders' do not raise such questions as sharply as do Goans who have come back to settle down in the state after working in cities like Mumbai or overseas. They deplore the tendency of their kinsmen to blame the government for just about every problem festering in Goa: from the garbage piling up at street corners, the lowering of educational standards to high crime rates and the rising tide of communal animosities. This last issue has acquired ominous proportions in recent years. Goans regarded their state as a cradle of ethnic and communal harmony. Hindus and Catholics have prayed to the same goddesses, taken part in the same festivals, observed the same rituals and, above all, made common cause to defend Konkani language. Of late, however, the demons of communalism seem to pop up everywhere. An environmental issue, a cultural award, an appointment to a government committee, the composition of the state cabinet, not to speak of the outbreak of violence: all this is swiftly construed in communal terms. Newspapers, too, are construed in this fashion: this one is pro-Catholic, that one pro-Hindu. All this is a far cry from the mauve prose you find in tourist brochures and newspaper advertisements put out by the state's publicity department. Along with the sun, sand and sea, it extols the beauty of the state's churches and temples to emphasise the state's 'harmonious blend' of East and West and of the coexistence of diverse faiths. But in this land of lotus eaters Catholics now blame the votaries of Hindutva for raising the communal fever and the saffron brigade, in turn, points an accusing finger at the Vatican for seeking to convert the heathens. But something about Goa's charm can still be found if you look hard enough. One comes across it in the classified advertisements in local newspapers. Some offer to teach the guitar, banjo, mandolin, piano, harmonica, saxophone, drums, even castanets. Others promise to make you proficient in waltz, fox trot, jive, disco, tango, bolero etc. Matrimonial ads are even more arresting. Brahmin Roman Catholic grooms all seem to be on the look-out for slim, homely, Brahmin Roman Catholic 'spinsters.' Even the communal demons cannot scoff at such small mercies. Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1025000&catid=19 ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Indian culture "castes" its shadow on Christianity
--- * G * O * A * N * E * T *** C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * --- USDA certified Goa Sausages and other Goan foods can now be delivered to virtually any part of the world. http://www.goanfoods.com --- Indian culture "castes" its shadow on Christianity Science & Theology News Indian converts often retain their pre-conversion rituals, traditions and non-converted relations, and some see their Christianity as ancient and embedded in culture By Chhavi Sachdev (April 17, 2006) Accept the unaccepted: An estimated 60 percent of Indian Christians are "untouchables" from the Dalit caste. Converts are attracted to casteless religion. (Source: Evren Sahin/Flickr) In largely Hindu India, the number of Christians is on the rise. Despite being a child of the West, Christianity in India is growing up with its own identity. "Indian Christians, because they live in close proximity with other religions, tend to take other religions seriously and bring them to their theological discourse, which the Western Christians do not need to do," said Kuruvilla Pandikattu, a Jesuit priest and physicist. "By and large the perspective is similar," Pandikattu said. Certain areas in India have always been strongholds of Christianity, such as Goa, a former Portuguese settlement on the West Coast, and Kerala on the East, where the Apostle Thomas is believed to have settled in the first century. While the landing of Thomas is hard to prove or disprove, "there is definite evidence of a thriving Christian community in Kerala by the third century largely because of Syrian spice merchants who stayed in Kerala and intermarried," said Corrine G. Dempsey, an associate professor of religious studies at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. "A conservative estimate is that 60 percent of all Christian Indians come from Dalit and lower classes," said Albion University's Selva Raj. Missionaries, though banned by the government, gain a foothold thanks, largely, to the entrenched caste system in society. Although casteism has been officially outlawed since 1950, rural society runs along strict caste lines. The lowest caste, Dalits or Harijans, previously called "untouchables," faces widespread discrimination along with economic and educational disadvantages. India has a quota system, similar to the American affirmative action, but the realities of rural life are removed from it. Sociologists and anthropologists agree that a casteless religion is, therefore, attractive to indigenous tribals. Yet, it is hard to determine whether faith precedes the desire for socioeconomic mobility, or vice versa, said Raj. Evangelists also influence Christians from the mainstream churches or from other sects, said Rowena Robinson, an associate professor of sociology at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay. "It is difficult to judge from attendance at evangelical ceremonies, the measure of actual conversions. The two should not be confused. Many may attend healing rituals etc without aligning themselves on a more permanent basis," continued Robinson, who authored Christians of India and Religious Conversions in India: Modes, Motivations, and Meanings. Those who do convert soon discover that Christianity is also rife with discrimination, Raj said. Even after adopting Christian names that have no obvious caste markers like Hindu names do, it remains obvious they are converts and, therefore, a step below. "Until 30 years ago, Christian cemeteries had separate burial grounds for Dalit converts," said Raj, whose forthcoming book is called Dealing with the Deities. Converts tend to retain their pre-conversion rituals, traditions and non-converted relations. "In all conversions almost everywhere, it is unlikely that the past will be completely eradicated. Cultural retentions are always there, including in terms of kinship structures, marriage patterns and ritual elements," said Robinson. Even in educated circles, the influence of preconversion and their neighbors' Hinduism abounds. Christian brides in India wear white but eschew dresses for saris. At Kerala's Syrian Christian weddings, the climax of the event is the tying of the tali around the bride's neck, like at Hindu weddings, said Dempsey. The tali is a gold leaf-shaped ornament worn on a gold chain. Christian talis often have crosses on them to distinguish them from Hindu talis. "Syrian Christian churches often have prominently displayed gold lamps similar to lamps you see in Hindu temples," she said. Additionally, "Saint festivals look very much like festivals at Hindu temples, particularly when it comes to processions in which the saint's statue - like the Hindu murti, or statue - brings up the rear." Syrian priests even used t
[Goanet] Goa missing from mango export map
--- * G * O * A * N * E * T *** C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * --- USDA certified Goa Sausages and other Goan foods can now be delivered to virtually any part of the world. http://www.goanfoods.com --- Goa missing from mango export map April 13, 2006 05:15 IST While Maharashtra, Gujarat and some northern states have been exporting special varieties of mangoes, Mancurad, a special variety from Goa, is yet to find a place in the international market. Considered in the same league as Alphonso, the Mancurad is a potential export variety and is widely grown in the state. However, it has strong local demand which leaves little scope for export. Commercial cultivation of mangoes is yet to take root in the state and its yield is also negligible. According to S P Tendulkar, deputy director of agriculture department (horticulture), "At this stage, Goa is not in a position to export mangoes, because the yield of commercial varieties is not sufficient. The required level of prodction for exports is between 100 to 500 boxes of mangoes per shipment, in addition to uniformity in size." The US market has just opened for mango imports as President George W Bush showed keenness for Indian mangoes during his recent visit to the country." Contrary to Indian tastes, western countries do not appreciate very sweet mangoes, and this has to be factored into our production," said Tendulkar. Nevertheless, Mancurad was appreciated in the UK last year, when Goa for the first time participated in a mango show there. Though there was demand for Mancurad, but the state couldn't seize the opportunity for want of required quantity of fruit. Mango is cultivated on 4,000 hectares in the state yielding around 20,000 tonnes annually. Of this, 50 per cent consists of the Mancurad variety. http://ia.rediff.com/money/2006/apr/13mango.htm?q=3Dbp&file=3D.htm ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Actis to hold its first channel conference in Goa
-- Domnic Fernandes continues (Part III) his reminiscence of Mapusa of the 1950s http://www.goanet.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sidB6 -- Actis to hold its first channel conference Wednesday, April 12, 2006 To be held in Goa from April 27 to 29, 2006, this event will see the participation of 35 of Actis' top performing partner as well as vendor like Samsung, Epson and DNP Mumbai-based Actis Technologies will organize its first channel conference in Goa from April 27 to 29, 2006. It will invite 35 of its top performing partners at this event, where they will have an opportunity to directly interact with the principal companies and its representatives. Apart from Actis, the other vendors who will be participating in this event are Epson, Samsung and DNP. The purpose of this conference is primarily to give dealers a platform to air any grievances they have and also clarify their doubts. They can ask questions related to marketing, challenges faced by them in the market as well as their expectations from the vendors. A few new products will also be launched and their marketing strategies unveiled. Actis will also inform the partners about new schemes that they are devising for dealers and the type of support they will provide for newly launched products. "We are focusing on only the top performing partners for our first attempt at a channel event," informed Parag Lathia, Marketing Manager, Actis Technologies. "Gauging its success, we plan to have similar conferences in the future. Next time, we will try to invite as many dealers as possible, irrespective of their performance." http://www.dqchannels.com/content/reselleralert/106041206.asp ^(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
RE: [Goanet] Re: Query about Seoul...
-- Domnic Fernandes continues (Part III) his reminiscence of Mapusa of the 1950s http://www.goanet.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sidB6 -- In 1989 I attended a month long training course in South Korea. Seoul is a concrete jungle of high rise buildings, shopping malls and flyovers. Pubs are in every street and serve local drinks with variety of foods where pork is freely available. Young boys and girls frequent these pubs sipping beer or local soju; a very cozy atmosphere at any time of the day or night. Most of these pubs are managed by girls. It's a different world when you visit from Kuwait.-:) The unusual orange tents which serve the traditional Korean dishes open from 11 pm till dawn. I took a quick look in one of the tents and saw an elderly Korean women preparing food. Vegetables, fish, meat and ingredients placed in plates are spread on the floor in front of her as she helps from the plates to prepare the delicacies right in front of the diners. The guests sit on the floor facing the host dressed in bright traditional dress. The men sip the local soju while she prepares the meal. These orange-tents are mostly frequented by men. The sight of a skinless raw snake, neatly coiled in a plate made me to exit hurriedly. Roasted beetles are sold on the back streets of Seoul, which from a distance look like roasted peanuts in a vendor's cart back home. South Koreans are civic minded. They obey the traffic rules and are very courteous to foreigners. At one instant, we the trainees were attempting to cross the street as there was no traffic coming from either side, but our Korean guide stopped us and made us walk half a mile to the zebra crossing. The buses are driven by men as well as by women. There are no bus conductors. One simply drops the right amount into a glass box installed near the driver. As we traveled from Seoul to a shopping area frequented by American marines, I noticed all the passengers who boarded the bus dutifully dropping coins into the box. The train journey from Seoul through picturesque rice fields, rivers and hills to Pusan was refreshing after the eyesore concrete jungle of Seoul. Avelino ___ Bosco - Goanet Volunteer wrote: Hi John, Please note your earlier message was posted and did appear on Goanet dated March 23/06. Please see: http://shire.symonds.net/pipermail/goanet/2006-March/040395.html Talking of Seoul, Korea visit any of the seven, Ganga Restaurants in Seoul for some authentic Goan food: http://theseoultimes.com/ST/?url=/ST/db/read.php?idx=1784 Thank you - Bosco Goanet Admin http://www.goanet.org _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Dr. Rosendo Ayres Ribeiro, a Goan, was the first private medical practitioner in Nairobi
-- Domnic Fernandes continues (Part III) his reminiscence of Mapusa of the 1950s http://www.goanet.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sidB6 -- Indian approach: A cosmopolitan approach Kenya Times By Godwin Murunga THE Indian question is back on the discussion table thanks to Zarina Patel's recent biography of Makhan Singh. In Kenya, this is a vexed question that often stirs emotions rather than engineer reasoned debate. On the one hand are those who associate Indians with racist corruption and exploitation that go with their commercial engagements. On the other hand are those who argue that Indian commercial acumen and business enterprise is everything that drives Kenya's economic success. Without Indians, this literature argues, Kenya would not be the economic miracle it turned out to be. There is a third school that takes a middle ground; acknowledging the rather secluded nature of Indian living in Kenya but suggesting that such a communal reading of Indian experience in Kenya fails to acknowledge the individual diversity of the community. When Prof. Elisha Atieno-Odhiambo was a 'serious' historian; that is, before he started co-authoring with David Cohen, he divided the Asians community in Kenya into five groups to explain their role in politics and relationship to Africans. The largest group was made of petty trader, the dukawallahs, who kept aloof from politics. The second group, made of clerks, employees of the railway and harbours organization and the banks was the most politically minded while the third class made of artisans often supported the second. The fourth and fifth class dominated the leadership roles and was made of lawyers and professional politicians respectively... ... Because of this residential pattern, even Europeans went to the Bazaar to access important services including medical ones. Dr. Rosendo Ayres Ribeiro, a Goan, was the first private medical practitioner in Nairobi. He arrived in Nairobi in 1900 and lived in the Bazaar with his assistant Mr. C. Pinto and only left after the plague outbreak of 1902 to stay at the station. He "visited the sick among all communities." He diagnosed and reported the 1902 bubonic plague among two of his Somali patients. So, we also know that there were Somalis. Third, the Bazaar was also the commercial centre of the town. This fact combined with a fourth factor to justify its indispensable centrality to the town and help explain the defeat the insular attitude of the white settlers. The fourth factor was that given the nature of the town in the very early years, it was imperative for communities not to rely on each other. Indians and Europeans relied on Africans for food supplies. Europeans relied on Indian merchants for the importation of essential equipment... Full text at: http://www.timesnews.co.ke/11apr06/editorials/comm1.html ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Book Review: EXPLORATIONS IN CONNECTED HISTORY - Mughals and Franks
-- Domnic Fernandes continues (Part III) his reminiscence of Mapusa of the 1950s http://www.goanet.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sidB6 -- A different historical trajectory The Hindu Online edition of India's National Newspaper Tuesday, Apr 11, 2006 R. CHAMPAKALAKSHMI This concluding part of the review focusses on Sanjay Subrahmanyam's main contributions to a better understanding of the complex historical processes EXPLORATIONS IN CONNECTED HISTORY - Mughals and Franks: Sanjay Subrahmanyam; Oxford University Press, YMCA Library Building, Jai Singh Road, New Delhi-110001. Rs. 575. The historiographical importance of the two collections of Sanjay Subrahmanyam's essays lies in his main contributions to a better understanding of the complex historical processes, which marked the interaction between the European world and the Asian polities in the early modern period. One may start with his discussion on the millenarianism of the 16th century, providing one of the most powerful of the ideologies associated with European expansion i.e., Portuguese expeditions in the Indian Ocean occurring at a millenarian conjuncture that operated over a good part of the old world in the 16th century and coinciding with economic networks and political imperialism of the Ottomans, Mughals (Akbar's messianic pretensions) and Safavids (Iran). The complex history of the 16th century millenarianism operated on a far wider and perhaps even global scale, the globe being encompassed by discoveries. Apart from empires and larger political entities, the importance of assigning historical agency to individuals, be it a private trader or Flemish jeweller-cum-traveller or a governor of the Portuguese Estado da India or an Anand Ram Mukhlis in Mughal Delhi, is emphasised. Their ability to make observations and their perceptions of events within a given context are most useful as against the structuralist and relativist or even nationalist approaches. Events are of equal significance as historical agency. To cite an example, the "assassination" of Bahadur Shah of Gujarat (1537), in which Portuguese complicity is strongly suspected, is an event to be located in the context of the factional/political interests of the times as also the larger political and ideological issues. Yet other examples are the Portuguese involvement in the fratricidal conflicts during the disturbed periods of Mughal succession, when pretenders and impostors proliferated and the legend of Bulaqi, another Mughal prince and his wanderings, which also point to individuals as important sources of historical agency. Acculturation The period is particularly important for the process of acculturation in the newly discovered regions, i.e. through Christianity (Spanish America-Mexico), while Persianisation of the Asian countries, which is not necessarily Islamisation, was more cultural. Influences from Mughal Delhi and Deccani sultanates over Vijayanagara were as a part of it. In Deccan, the direct participation of Golconda and Bijapur in commerce as that of the Bengal sultanate was as significant as that of the other Bay of Bengal states like Arakan and Melaka. Acculturation also in the form of Persianisation and spread of Mercantalist ideology in the Bay of Bengal was brought about through the spread of Iranian and Persian elites and traders from 1400-1700 in Thailand and the partial Persianisation of comportments and of conceptions of statecraft in Arakan (the Maghs with dreams of world conquest) and in the Aceh sultanate, which point to the fact that Persianisation was the yardstick of civilisation. Crossroads of culture Second is the recognition of South Asia's role as the crossroads of different cultures from the Mediterranean to East Asia (Japan), China, Manila and Melaka with a series of trade centres and a vast series of commercial routes such as the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, and also the newly discovered route around the Cape of Good Hope (Africa). Portuguese settlements on the west and east coasts of South India (Masulipatnam, Hughli, Santhome, Mylapore) with Goa and Melaka as the two main official centres apart from Manila in the Far East became part of a Portuguese commercial network that survived in later centuries with other European groups. Fray Gabriel's text (A Dominican voyage through the India c.1600) forms the centre of questions relating to trading links from Manila and Melaka to Mylapore. Arakan, also at the crossroads, emerged under the Mrauk U dynasty, from its marginality in the perspective of Indo-Persian writers, to be drawn into the international sea borne trade and Aceh by the last quarter of the 16th century. After 1630s Melaka fell into Dutch hands, from when Dutch sources become important for the politico-economic history of Arakan society under
[Goanet] Francisco D'Souza: COO of Cognizant Technology Solutions
-- Domnic Fernandes continues (Part III) his reminiscence of Mapusa of the 1950s http://www.goanet.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=426 -- A clear roadmap= The Hindu Monday, Apr 10, 2006 Krishnan Thiagarajan Bharat Kumar Cognizant Technology Solutions on software trends and the company's strategies As an astute observer of trends in the software industry, Francisco D' Souza, Chief Operating Officer of Cognizant Technology Solutions, engaged in a freewheeling discussion with eWorld recently. Excerpts: Do you think application development and maintenance is heavily penetrated for the industry as a whole and is likely to get commoditised faster than expected?=20 At this point, we think that it largely depends on how we classify these services. We have a healthy pipeline of services around testing, data warehousing or package implementation. We do not know whether it is classified by Nasscom-McKinsey as applications or systems integration. If we look at the study closely, systems integration and IT infrastructure are significantly under-penetrated and those are the new engines of growth. By the way, speaking about commoditisation, I am not entirely sure if application development is something that becomes commoditised over time. There is no evidence of it in the past. I think commoditisation occurs when the market essentially looks at everybody's services or products and says that they are virtually the same, whether I buy from producer A or B. That I do not think is likely to happen in application development. In application development, there is capability; there is differentiation among firms and investments made by them. There is a difference between the way Cognizant does application development as compared to any of the global firms. You will see differentiation among the firms in those dimensions. Full text at: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/ew/2006/04/10/stories/20060410001703 00.htm More at: http://www.cognizant.com/aboutus/aboutus_exec_frank.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francisco_D'Souza ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Workshop in Goa to address trafficking, selective abortions
-- Domnic Fernandes continues (Part III) his reminiscence of Mapusa of the 1950s http://www.goanet.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=426 -- Workshop in Goa to address trafficking, selective abortions 10/04/2006 Indian journalists will participate in an upcoming workshop focusing on two pressing human rights issues: human trafficking and the selective abortions of females. The workshop is scheduled for April 23 and 24 in Goa, and about 50 journalists have already been selected to participate. The Indian human rights group Shakti Vahini is organizing the event with support from the UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM). The workshop will help the journalists learn more about covering the issues of human trafficking and female feticide. Trafficking of human beings is increasing in South Asia, and as many as 90 percent are women and girls taken across borders for prostitution or sexual slavery. Female feticide is the selective abortion of female fetuses when families would prefer a male. It is a problem in India and other countries where families favor males, partly so they will not have to pay a dowry upon marriage. A recent study by the British medical journal The Lancet found that about one in every 25 female fetuses is aborted in India - or about 500,000 per year. The practice has deeper implications for society, as there are about nine girls born for every 10 boys in India. Shakti Vahini: http://www.shaktivahini.org/ UNIFEM: http://www.unifem.org/. http://www.ijnet.org/Director.aspx?P=3DArticle&ID=3D304834&LID=3D1 ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Portugese rule ruined Jaffna: Historian
-- Domnic Fernandes continues (Part III) his reminiscence of Mapusa of the 1950s http://www.goanet.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=426 -- Portugese rule ruined Jaffna: Historian HindustanTimes.com Monday, April 10, 2006|16:15 IST Today, the Tamil-speaking Jaffna peninsula in north Sri Lanka is a bastion of orthodox of Saivite (believers of lord Shiva) Hinduism. But historians say that during Portuguese rule in the 17th century, it was entirely Catholic. The fascinating story of how and why Jaffna became Catholic en masse, and why it reverted to Hinduism with equal alacrity when the Dutch replaced the Portuguese in 1658, is told by Prof Tikiri Abeyasinghe in his book Jaffna under the Portuguese, which was first published in 1986. "Portuguese documents reporting conversions in Jaffna do so invariably in multiples of thousands. Even allowing for exaggeration, natural to this type of document, the success achieved by the missionaries was striking," he says. Abeyasinghe, who was Professor of Modern History in the University of Colombo till 1985, notes that in the period 1624-1626, the Franciscans alone converted 52,000 Jaffna Tamils. "According to detailed statistics furnished in Friar Paulo da Trinidade's work, there were in Jaffna in 1634, over 70,000 adult Christians and children being instructed in the faith under 25 parishes of the Franciscans alone." "Taking that figure as a rough basis for the calculation of the total number of Christians in Jaffna under the care of the 42 parishes, one gets the figure 115,000," he concludes. Antonio Bocarro's report of 1634 states that in Jaffna, "nearly all natives are Christians". Fernao de Queiros, the renowned Portuguese chronicler of Ceylon (as Sri Lanka was then called) had described Jaffna as being "wholly Christian". Reasons for conversion The reasons for the en masse conversion of Jaffna Tamils were many. The first was the proselytising zeal of the Portuguese, who unlike the Dutch and the English who followed, were hell bent on converting people to Christianity as much as they were interested in trade and territory. The second was the unquestioned military and political power that the Portuguese exercised over the population of Jaffna, due to a variety of factors. The third reason was the strategic importance of Jaffna, especially the western port of Mannar, for the trade as well as the security of the Portuguese in Sri Lanka. The fourth was the anti-Christian stance of some of the powerful rulers of Jaffna, which infuriated the Portuguese. The last, but not the least, was the fact that the Jaffna man was non- aggressive, non-militarised, and towards the end, leaderless also. Prof Abeyasinghe points out that in contrast to the Sinhala population in Kotte in South West Sri Lanka (which had also come under the sway of the Portuguese) the population in Jaffna was peaceful, and not given to resistance and revolts. Philip de Oliveira, who led the expeditionary force, which captured Jaffna in 1619 to firmly establish Portuguese power there, described the Jaffna man as being "generally passive or weak". A top Portuguese official, Lancarote de Seixas, described them as "quiet and mild, without any military training," and therefore less likely to rebel unless instigated by "outsiders". And outsiders, mainly from Tamil Nadu and Kerala, had played a big role in the military history of Jaffna prior to the advent of the Portuguese. The Kings of Jaffna traditionally used South Indian mercenaries, who the Portuguese called "Badagas" for their defensive and offensive operations. The soldiers were either from the Nayakdom of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, or they were Muslims from Calicut in Malabar, Kerala. How the Jaffna kings were subdued Initially, the Kings of Jaffna, in alliance with the Sinhala Kings of South Sri Lanka and the Nayaks of South India, did trouble the Portuguese. In his paper The Kingdom of Jaffna before the Portuguese conquest (Royal Asiatic Society of Sri Lanka) Prof S Pathmanathan of the University of Peradeniya gives an account of the political history of Jaffna before the Portuguese take over. The Portuguese intervened in Jaffna for the first time in 1543, when Sankili, the King of Jaffna, seized some wrecked Portuguese cargo vessels and began persecuting Chirstian converts in Mannar. In 1543, St Francis Xavier had visited Mannar, on the Western coast, and converted 600 Paravas, a caste of fishermen and pearl divers there. The Paravas were a depressed class, oppressed by Jaffna's rapacious officials and persecuted by Arab Muslim traders, who eyed the pearl fisheries. Since the converts were automatically deemed to be Por
[Goanet] Goan curry in German football
-- Domnic Fernandes continues (Part III) his reminiscence of Mapusa of the 1950s http://www.goanet.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sidB6 -- Goan curry in German football BY MARCUS MERGULHAO PANJIM, APRIL 9 - When Milian Fernandes, 17, roamed the streets, and beaches, of Goa last month, he never made heads turn. In distant Germany it's different though, as the 17-year old finds each and every move of his being closely monitored. The Goan youngster - grandson of former St Andre MLA Teotonio Pereira - is now bracketed among the promising footballers in Germany, and although a couple of years away from the Bundesliga, German football has certainly taken note. Proof of Milian's prodigious talent emerged last week when FIFA's all-powerful president Sepp Blatter felicitated him, along with nine others, in his hometown of Hamburg. "I haven't done anything of note so far. There is lots of work ahead," Milian told Herald in a telephonic conversation from Germany. The youngster, whose father Venancio Fernandes (originally from Chorao) migrated to Germany when he was still a kid, currently dons colours for Niendorfer TSV. He has caught the attention of many scouts through his uncomplicated but attacking way of playing football, and remains hopeful of making the Bundesliga grade with his favourite local side Hamburg SV. Coached by the legendary Thomas Doll, Hamburg SV remains one of the 16 clubs that founded the Bundesliga in 1963, and has always been ever present in the top flight of German football. Milian, along with his family, was in Goa last month, and the young German striker remains captivated. "I enjoyed my stay there. We even watched a match at Mapusa, but I don't remember the teams," informs Milian who idolises Portuguese midfielder Luis Figo. As Milian graduates into a top-flight footballer, new FIFA guidelines provide him with an option to play either for native India or adopted Germany. "I haven't given that a serious thought," he says, almost non-challantly. Milian, however, must be feeling comfortable with the thought of being the big fish in Indian football's little pond. http://oheraldo.in/node/12155 ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Ms Media: Lynn de Souza - 25 Women Who Matter
-- Domnic Fernandes continues (Part III) his reminiscence of Mapusa of the 1950s http://www.goanet.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=426 -- Ms Media: Lynn de Souza - 25 Women Who Matter Indiantelevision.com's Special Report By HETAL ADESARA (Posted on 8 April 2006) Women in television and media... a handful of them but all worth their salt. Most people know them for what they do in their respective fields but there's much more to them than just their work and the designations that come with it. A mother, a media buyer, a homemaker, a soap maker, a Gucci lover, an animal rights' activist, a producer, a journalist, a shopoholic, an entrepreneur, an ad sales head, a CEO, an auditor... they're all there... carving a niche for themselves and making their presence felt in boardrooms and studios, on-screen and off-screen. Whatever said and done, creativity runs in their blood. These Indian media power women have arrived and how. In the first of the weekly series - Ms Media - 25 Women Who Matter - we have someone who felt she was giving an exam while answering our queries for this column. Hiding behind her serious professional appearance is a lady who is extremely passionate about animals. She's Lynn de Souza... the multi faceted media professional, author, tennis champ, a trained veterinary nurse and animal rights' activist... we could go on! Lynn-opinion Before going on to what the lady is all about... Let's take a dekkho at what she thinks she's all about! A song by Whitney Houston best describes Lynn's life mantra Well there's a bridge and there's a river that I still must cross As I'm going on my journey Oh, I might be lost And there's a road I have to follow, a place I have to go Well no-one told me just how to get there But when I get there I'll know Cuz I'm taking it Step By Step, Bit by Bit, Stone By Stone (Yeah), Brick by Brick (Oh, yeah) Step By Step, Day By Day, Mile by Mile (ooh, ooh, ooh) "I am a very intelligent person, and also more creative than most. I am also more perceptive than I would like to be. It's a Scorpio trait and when I was born both the Sun and the Ascendent were in Scorpio. So yes, my weakness is that I do have a nice sharp sting!!! I am an impatient person; impatient with humans, but very patient with animals! In my performance appraisal, I am always told to be less direct and more tactful, but then I don't know whether being brutally honest is a strength or a weakness! I believe I am also quite a compassionate fool." Not a word more required to know her true mettle. Panache, threat, compassion and an impatience of sorts... it's all there in those words. Lynn-formation For the uninitiated, as far as the "designation" bit goes, this Goan heads Lintas Media Group as director and has been in the industry for more than two decades. Lynn is known for her outspoken nature, one who doesn't hesitate to call a spade, a spade. She wishes she were 20 years younger so as to start all over again... but this time on the content side of the business as that's where all the action is going to be. "For the television and media industry, there are optimistic, positive, exciting, challenging and great times ahead," says Lynn. An alumnus of the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute, she began her career in 1982 with a brief stint at Speer before spending five years at O&M, where she did planning and buying for brands like J&J, Asian Paints, Titan Watches and Unilever. Trikaya Grey (now Grey Worldwide) got added to her resume, where she joined as media director in 1988. In this media business, which has become a huge scientific industry in the last few years, Lynn was an early bird entry. She's been credited with pioneering the concept and openly championing the cause of media buying, as an independent business in India, after training stints with Mediacom at London and Dusseldorf. In this male dominated Indian society, women are now making their presence felt and in every walk of life. So how easy or difficult is it for a woman to be a top-notch professional? Lynn believes it's not that difficult. "This is an equal opportunity industry, much more than most. At one time, there were more women media directors than men, and people used to wonder why!" she says. In an industry where there are more men than women, how does she face male dominance (if any)? "I don't face any challenges that men don't. As for male dominance, better you ask them how they fight female dominance! (If there is any, and I am sure there isn't!)," Lynn quips back. Come 1995 and Lynn moved yet again, this time to join the Lintas Group to start India's first media buying agency - Initiative Media. But a couple of years later, another vocation came a calling L
[Goanet] A Dog's life by Lynn de Souza
-- Domnic Fernandes continues (Part III) his reminiscence of Mapusa of the 1950s http://www.goanet.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=426 -- A Dog's life By Lynn de Souza Lynn de Souza's first attempt at fiction. A simple story of friendship between three dogs, Moti, Tiger and Rani and their human benefactor, the Pinto girl.=20 Narrated by Moti from his home in heaven, it has moments of happiness and sadness, mixed with gutwrenching episodes that will hopefully act as eyeopeners to animal lovers everywhere. Illustrated beautifully by Anita Sundareswaran and K Seshadri, and published by Spenta Multimedia, the blurb on the back cover says... 'It is a simple story of an apparently uneventful life - Moti the Mongrel. But every life, no matter how purposeless it appears, has a deep lesson. That if humans would love even the small simple unwanted things without discrimination, the love they would get in return would surprise them with its honesty and abundance. A lesson from which all of us will immensely benefit, and the world will be a better place, only if we care to learn from it. A book for children...and the child in every one of us.' Quoting from Benny Thomas, who presents the book in his foreword: 'Think of this book as a kind of test. Not like the kind in school though, a fun test. It's the story of a dog, from the dog's viewpoint- (or the closest a human could get to it). It's not pretty, it's not particularly flattering - not to dogs, and certainly not to humans. If you find your own mistakes in it, here's hoping it will help you change. If you understand the inner life of dogs a little better, here's hoping it will show, the next time you see a 'gauti kutra'. If after reading what dogs are really like, you can still find it in your heart to love them - bum-licking, maggots, fleas and all - then maybe you will have a different answer to the question 'Why do people like dogs?'=20 Not just 'because they like us', but 'because they deserve to be loved.' If we can understand them, respect them enough not to test their love, and control ourselves enough not to abuse our total control over them, perhaps we can learn to be their true friends, as they are ours.' All the proceeds will go towards a special "FRIENDS OF MOTI" Program of the GSPCA, to provide free and subsidised medical aid=20 1. To any bird or animal owned by someone less fortunate than we are. Someone who loves his animal friend deeply but cannot afford to get him a licence, pay for his vaccinations or neutering, treat his wounds and fractures, keep him free of ticks etc 2. To any injured, abandoned or infirm bird or animal picked up by the guardian angels and good samaritans who volunteer for the Goa SPCA - creatures that belong to no one, and therefore to everyone at the Socrates Oliver Veterinary Hospital, Torda, Salvador-do-Mundo, Bardez, Goa, 403 101 ( phone 91 - 832 - 416180).=20 Write to [EMAIL PROTECTED] to participate in this initiative. More at: http://www.goaspca.org/book.htm http://www.goaspca.org/dogslife.htm http://www.dogsandpups.net/con_julyaug4.htm http://www.indiantelevision.com/special/y2k6/ms_media/lynn.htm ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Konkani Book Awards presented
-- Domnic Fernandes continues (Part III) his reminiscence of Mapusa of the 1950s http://www.goanet.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=426 -- Konkani Book Awards presented Newindpress.com Sunday April 9 2006 13:31 IST=20 MANIPAL: Konkanis spread over 4-5 states can be united only by Konkani literature and its dialect, said noted Konkani writer Prakash Padgaonkar from Bardez, Goa. He was speaking after receiving the Dr T M A Pai Best Konkani Book Award-2005 instituted by the Dr T M A Pai Foundation, Manipal, for his book 'Vhaunti Nhai Kallachi,' here on Saturday. Prakash said the great visionary Dr T M A Pai firmly believed that Konkani literature would unite Konkani speaking people. He also said, "it does not make any difference what script you use.Irrespective of the script,let it be Devanagari, Roman, Kannada or Malayalam, one should popularise the Konkani language." He urged parents to teach Konkani along with English to their children. The T M A Foundation chairman K. K. Pai presented the Award and presided over the programme. Konkani Book Appreciation Award 2004-05 were also presented to Balachandra P. Gaonkar for his book 'Dongrache Avonde', Nayana Adarkar for her book 'Man Sanvar', Jyothi Kunkolikar for her book 'Kannyadaan' and posthumously to George Pinto for his book 'Porot Porot.' Gracy Pinto received the award presented to George Pinto. Prasar Bharathi president M. V. Kamath was the chief guest. The Foundation secretary H. V. Kamath said that since 20 years awards have been given to 42 authors; out of which 15 were in Kannada and 27 were in Devanagari. There were entries in Malayalam also. The entries in Roman script were not up to the expected standard, Kamath added. Dr Shantharam compered the programme http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=3DIEK20060409031003&Page=3DK&= Tit le=3DSouthern+News+-+Karnataka&Topic=3D0 ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] Goa, Goa gone -II
-- Domnic Fernandes continues (Part III) his reminiscence of Mapusa of the 1950s http://www.goanet.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=426 -- Goa, Goa gone - II The Times of India Jug Suraiya Saturday, April 08, 2006 11:47:15 pm Goa was full of non-Goan property-hunters rushing about buying up the place like tomorrow was an expired lease. But if Goa was full of these people, they in turn were full of Goa. Property hunting is a tiring and hungry-making business. After you've dashed from Uccassaim to Arpora where you've heard a plot of land is going cheap, only to discover when you get there that the elusive bit of real estate is actually down south near Colva, you require sustenance more substantial than the repeated exhortation 'What a fine sin-sinary' (Gujarati and north Indian tourist-speak for 'What lovely scenery. Are we having fun yet?'). What you are in dire need of is lunch. Fortunately, Goa does a mean lunch. Not to mention dinner, breakfast, elevenses, twelveses and in-betweenses. Indian food - the culinary avatar of the subcontinent's social history presented on a platter - is without doubt the best food in the world. And Goan food - an engaging melange of Konkan spice and Portuguese guile, with just a smoky hint of Africa - can lay claim to being among the best regional candidates on the Indian menu. Alphonse de Albuquerque sailed up the Mandovi in 1510 and Goa became a colony of Portugal, which it remained till 1961. With the first monsoon, when the rain came thudding down in sheets, Alphonse must have found time hanging heavy on his hands. He'd built a couple of protective forts at the mouth of the Mandovi, established the settlement upriver. What was an empire-builder to do next, dude? There were no ODIs to watch, no SMS to text buddies back in Lisboa, no Sunday papers to read. So Alphonse did the only thing he could. He invented the vindaloo. Or it might have been xacuti. Or maybe cafrial. Of course Alphonse didn't actually invent any of these delectable things himself. He must have had masalchis and sundry lackeys to chop the onions and the beef and the chicken, and ladle in the vinegar that gives Goan cuisine its inimitable tangy flavour, and simmer it all over an unhurried fire till the aromatic steam rose like a fragrant miasma, mingling with the smell of rain and river and wet earth, a geography of the palate, the creation of a country in a cooking pot. Goa's secret weapon which it uses so disarmingly against the new land-grabbing conquistadores who are threatening to overrun it is food. For the visitor, Goa can often be one long, extended meal, with intermittent intervals of siesta to allow digestion to do its work. The day begins with the early morning tinkle of the breadman's bicycle bell. Warm from the oven, the bread has a taxonomy all its own: There is the cottonwool-soft pao, the wholemeal pui, the crusty brun. Impossible to tell which one you like most; best eat all three. At breakfast the main topic of discussion is lunch. Lunch consists of amotik (a sort of fish vindaloo, preferably made with shark) and teesriyo, clams doused in garlic butter. Dessert is bebinca, a cholesterol battering ram made with egg yolks, sugar, flour and gobs of butter. The bebinca has yet to be cleared when plans are underway for dinner. Should we have shrimp curry with rice or with sanas, made from a fermented idli-like batter? The debate inconclusive, we decide to have both. And to stave off hunger pangs till dinner, there're always bolinghnas, plump cookies with just a touch of grated coconut. After six days of this, I felt that Goa was growing on me, its growth concentrated around my waistline. And I realised why property is booming in Goa. It's a case of inelastic supply and elastic demand. There's only a fixed, or inelastic, supply of land in Goa. But the girth of the land buyers - and the space they increasingly occupy - is noticeably elastic, thanks to the local fare. I helped myself to a final bolinghnas. And sod the property prices. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1483085.cms ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] The exile is over
-- Domnic Fernandes continues (Part II) his reminiscence of Mapusa of the 1950s http://www.goanet.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sidB6 -- The exile is over HindustanTimes.com Saturday, April 8, 2006|01:14 IST By Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi An essay, in a British newspaper, announced the fate of the Indian novel: it now lay in the hands of the Indian diaspora writer. Outside of a few novelists from India who had won major foreign prizes and scaled international bestseller lists, no one else, the essayist said, had produced work that could match up to such success. On the other hand, Americans and Britishers of Indian extraction would save the Indian novel since their books had won prizes and been reprinted several times. I reject such reductive analysis. To reduce literary accomplishment to bestseller lists signals an ungenerous imagination. To measure a book's success by the awards it garners is to succumb to the inertia of vanity (as James English suggests so brilliantly in The Economy of Prestige, his tome on contemporary prize culture). Besides, not all of us are gunning for the Booker Prize; and as audiences here grow and evolve, the call on a readership outside India diminishes. Most crucially, a writer's engagement with solitude is her most momentous success; what occurs in the process is arbitrary, scintillating, complicated. But the sheer act of withdrawing from the world if only to engage with it with detached coherence and deliberate rage is, in itself, a triumph. The new novelists of our soil, I have a sense, are waiting, watching: time is the womb of narrative. The last decade has been so monumentally transformative for India-financially, politically, culturally-that our writers are still recoiling from the glare of revolution. How did we go from Buniyaad to Baywatch in the blink of a decade's eyelid? Why do we get so excited over call centres even as HIV swims unchecked through the nation's bloodstream? Once we recover from the pathology of such ironies, the spectacular neurosis of modern India is certain to be illuminated in a novel. Conversely, as national boundaries blur, as the monster of globalisation leaves Goa indistinguishable from Brighton, diaspora writers may run out of the immigrant angst they've successfully funneled so far (often with heart-quickening panache; often with gut-sickening cliché). On the home front, the West no longer holds the gloss and promise it once did (besides, if we wanted to move to a dictator regime we wouldn't have to go as far as America; Myanmar is right around the corner). If the notion of 'exile' could be retired in our hyper-jet era, then the Indian novelist must confront the reality of home and its discontents. And discontent, arguably, is more inspiring than its opposite. Can I trust the courts in Delhi? Will my brother and his boyfriend find happiness in Bangalore? I want to quit my husband because I'm in lust with a younger man. Some very contemporary, universal questions will find very unique, 'village' answers here - answers certain to baffle the heart, intrigue the imagination, astonish the mind. The novel, essentially a Western creation, discovered stamina, restoration and mischief in India: a plot-driven narrative, with an emphasis on character, was revived by the multi-lingual theatrics of our storytellers. In Indian hands, the English language was caressed with sadness (as Arundhati Roy did in The God of Small Things), smoothened into a level sheet of workman's metal (as Rohinton Mistry does in his consistently satisfying oeuvre) and excited by verbal pyrotechnics (as Salman Rushdie achieved in his preliminary novels). If the Indian story has been told and retold, then it is time to lay claim on how it is told: or rather, how it was. Maybe that's why the iPod's capacity to transmit stories fascinates me. In part, my affection for the iPod is subliminal: a dorky writer chalks up a few hipster points by cozying up to trimmings of cool. On another level, the idea that we might listen to stories - as opposed to reading them - is a triumphant return of the oral narrative. Handed down from tongue to ear, the story - audibly performed - carries the chorus of history. The Ramayana was an oral epic; stories out of the Kathasaritasagara were structured for vocal transmission. Although 'books on tape' are old hat, the iPod - with its radically accessible podcasting vocabulary - is sure to rearrange the novel's furniture. Jason Epstein - legendary American publisher, virtual inventor of the quality paperback - in his memoir Book Business: Publishing: Past, Present And Future predicted the e-book would change publishing forever. Is it possible that Epstein's augury - publish-per-demand as the future of publishing - mig
[Goanet] A New Generation of Pilgrims Hits India's Hippie Trail
-- Domnic Fernandes continues (Part II) his reminiscence of Mapusa of the 1950s http://www.goanet.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sidB6 -- A New Generation of Pilgrims Hits India's Hippie Trail New York Times Travel in the News "There ain't nothing like this in the real world!" she sing-shouts, flinging her strawberry-blond hair as an Indian-British-Iranian backing band called Sattva (Sanskrit for "righteousness") kicks out a wailing funk jam. The beer-drinking throng, which appears to include European rock chicks with nose rings, goateed Israeli beatniks, Australian Green Party voters and a miscellaneous coterie of hipster backpackers in every imaginable type of sandal, nods in rhythm as the music resounds along Anjuna Beach. "Come to Goa! Change your mind! Change your way!" There ain't nothing like this in the real world. Come to Goa. Change your mind. Change your way. It's hard to imagine a better jingle for this sandy strip of India's western coast, a venerable Catholic-Hindu enclave where American hippies came to turn on, tune in and drop out in the late 1960's, and where globe-trotting spiritual seekers, party kids, flag-wavers of the counterculture and refugees from the real world have fled ever since. It's a place where the palm trees bear a strange fruit -fliers for crystal therapy, Ayurvedic healing and rave parties - and every road seems to lead to an organic restaurant or massage clinic. At the yoga centers, postures are manipulated by top Indian and international instructors. In clubs, where trance music is the favored genre, D.J.'s carrying myriad passports provide the mix. Bodies receive needle-inked adornments at skin-art parlors; minds seek enlightenment, or at least expansion, at many meditation clinics. Foreigners have flocked to tiny Goa - whose statewide population of 1.4 million is about one-tenth that of Mumbai, 300 miles north - ever since the Portuguese established a Spice Route colony there in the 1500's. The port flourished into one of Asia's most splendid cities before disease, vice and trade competition sank its fortunes. (Its remains are still visible in Old Goa, a Unesco World Heritage Site near the current state capital, Panjim.) The Indian Army seized Goa from Portugal in 1961. But new colonists, the Haight-Ashbury crowd, soon showed up. Seduced by the same landscapes that appeared in Portuguese spyglasses centuries earlier - untouristed beaches, green jungle, dramatic cliffs - the former flower children traveled overland on "magic buses" from Europe and created in northern Goa a free-spirited, budget-friendly new world among the laid-back native Goans. The village of Anjuna became its wildly spinning center, with the quieter communities of Arambol and Vagator emerging as hemp-clad satellites. Since then, each generation of global nomads has carved its niche: New Age devotees of the 1980's; global ravers and electromusic pioneers of the 1990's (who initiated a tradition of all-night beach parties and made Goa trance music a worldwide phenomenon); and the yogaphiles and Burning Man groupies of today. The result is the globe's most enduring and constantly adapting tropical getaway for alternative living. When the summer monsoon blows past, the world's fringes unite. "Goa is a paradise that is accessible to one and all, in true Indian style: age, shape, color, size, planet," said Deepti Datt, a filmmaker who splits her time between Goa, Bombay and Southern California. Her restaurant and D.J. bar, Axirvaad (Sanskrit for "blessing"), was long a legend for its "lounge groove space temple" nights. (The restaurant, temporarily closed, will relocate in the Goan village of Tiracol next year.) Goa, she goes on, "is a happy playground for grown-ups." On a Wednesday in November, a chain of minivan taxis and autorickshaws is disgorging bodies into Goa's most celebrated playground, the weekly Anjuna flea market. Started decades ago by Anjuna's hippie community (for whom it was a vital form of income), the humble local enterprise has mushroomed into a sprawling international affair. Many of the hundreds of closely packed stalls are now run by vociferous sari-clad Indian women in jingling jewelry, but the carnivalesque atmosphere has multiplied. "Look at my shop! Look at my shop!" they beckon, all smiles. "Sir! Sir! Sir! Sir! Sir!" Navigating the come-ons is the latest wave of Anjuna's antiestablishment arrivals, from ponytailed Finnish rockers to cornrowed Iranian girls. Mixed within the throng is another curious species: middle-aged European package tourists. (The towns of Baga and Calangute, just south of Anjuna, have exploded into an Indian Cancún in recent years, troubling their northern neighbors.) Travel in the News Byzantium, William Butler Yeats famo
[Goanet] Mahadayi talks fail
Mahadayi talks fail Deccan Herald - Internet Edition Wednesday, April 5, 2006 State isolated; others want tribunal over river dispute Mahadayi talks fail DH News Service New Delhi: The meeting, chaired by Union Water Resources Minister Saifuddin Soz, saw Karnataka all but isolated as the two other riparian states - Goa and Maharashtra - demanded the setting up of a tribunal, while Karnataka sought resolution of the dispute through negotiations. The Mahadayi river dispute in all likelihood, will be referred to a tribunal as a meeting of the basin states' chief ministers that the Centre convened on Tuesday to resolve the issue failed to bear fruit. The meeting, chaired by Union Water Resources Minister Saifuddin Soz, saw Karnataka all but isolated as the two other riparian states - Goa and Maharashtra - demanded the setting up of a tribunal, while Karnataka sought resolution of the dispute through negotiations. Coming out of the one-hour meeting where the three states made their respective presentations, Goa Chief Minister Pratapsinh Rane declared: "The talks have failed to yield any result. Goa wants a tribunal to resolve the dispute". At the end of the meeting, Prof Soz told the states that he would individually speak to Mr Rane and announce his decision within 15 days. However, ministry sources said that in all likelihood, a new tribunal may be constituted to go into the issue. According to the Inter-State Water Disputes Act, the Centre should first hold negotiations with the riparian states and only on its failure, should it constitute a tribunal. If that happens, it would be the third such tribunal that Karnataka would be adding to its burden - it is already involved in defending its case before the Cauvery and Krishna tribunals. Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Chief Minister H D Kumaaraswamy said the State had waited for four years for the Mahadayi dispute to get resolved. "I have no problems in waiting for 15 more days." Asked as to why Karnataka was getting embroiled in river disputes, the Chief Minister remarked: "It seems everybody takes us for granted. Whenever water problems arise, our friendly neighbours try to override us. We have always co-operated with our neighbours and the Centre." At the meeting, Mr Kumaaraswamy pressed for the need to take up the route of negotiations saying that adjudication by the tribunal would be a time-consuming process which was not in the interest of any basin state. Noting that Karnataka should be allowed to take up the Kalasa-Bandurinala project since it was a drinking water scheme, he said the diversion being sought was not during lean but monsoon season. "On behalf of the people of Karnataka, I earnestly appeal to party states and the Centre that pending determination of our equitable share, either by adjudication or negotiation, the abeyance order dated September 19, 2002, be immediately withdrawn and the in-principle clearance accorded on April 30, 2002, restored," he added. It may be recalled that the in-principle clearance was withdrawn following objections from Goa. Mr Kumaaraswamy said the yield in the Karnataka catchment was estimated at around 40-45 tmc. The yield of river Mahadayi, from its origin till it joined the sea, was estimated to be around 200 tmc. Presently the entire flow of water was going waste to the Arabian Sea, not utilised by any of the basin states, except a negligible quantity. The Goa Chief Minister objected to the project saying that the Mahadayi was a deficit basin and hence no diversion from it was acceptable to Goa. He also feared that if the dam was allowed, Karnataka would divert water for irrigation purposes. He said Goa would entirely use the Mahadayi water for drinking water purposes. Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh told the meeting that he would go by the Goa stand since his state was not affected much in the dispute but depends upon Goa for .5 tmc of water. Maharashtra badly needs Goa's co-operation in the inter-state Tillari project for drinking water. The last inter-sate meeting among the party states was held on December 20, 2002, wherein it was decided that the reconciliation process and assessment of the yield should be completed by March 31, 2003. Accordingly, the Central Water Commission has completed its task of this assessment. http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/apr52006/index203825200644.asp ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org) Help/Unsubscribe/Update your Subscription: %(user_optionsurl)s This email sent to %(user_address)s
[Goanet] Does Goa's political smoke imply fire?
Does Goa's political smoke imply fire? DNA Pushpa Iyengar Monday, April 03, 2006 00:00 IST PANAJI: Political analysts say no, but the protagonists of Goa's political drama have not stopped trying. On Tuesday, the Congress high command will talk to chief Minister Pratapsing Rane and GPCC president Ravi Naik to figure a way out of Goa's latest political imbroglio. The current crisis is a result of the intertwining of many plots and subplots. Naik, the MLA from Ponda, is gunning for the chief minister's chair while Babush Monserrate, Congress' latest king maker and Town and Country Planning Minister, is busy lobbying for Naik's chair (GPCC president). Monserrate got his panel voted in this month and took control of the corporation of Panjim city after defeating archrival Manohar Parrikar of BJP. This greatly added to his clout in the state. Now Monserrate says he wants the GPCC. A close supporter of Goa in-charge Margaret Alva, he gave her a blue print of how he intended to revamp the GPCC. Monserrate also met Congress president Sonia Gandhi last week with a prominent builder and apprised her of his plans. Naik, currently in New Delhi, is meanwhile making backup plans. He has demanded that his rival Ramkrishna Dhavlikar be sacked as PWD minister. His calculation probably is that if Monserrate succeeds in hampering his chances of becoming CM, he doesn't want to be left in the political lurch not being a part of even the cabinet. Political pundits were of the opinion that Monserrate with the rich builders lobby behind him can transit safely from government to the organizational post while Naik, an ex-CM, cannot afford to give up his current post without a backup. However, a new entrant into the equation has unsettled the plans of both Naik and Monserrate. Deputy CM Dr Wilfred de Souza came out in support of Dhavlikar, suggesting to Rane that de Souza's enemy within the Nationalist Congress party (NCP) Francisco Pacheco, be dropped instead of Dhavlikar. De Souza and Pacheco have quarreled for two months forcing the NCP president Sharad Pawar to officially intervene. Now, de Souza intends to take his opportunity to rid of Pacheco. Because the two politicians are clearly playing a personal gamble, Congress sources evaluate that a change is unlikely. The Health and IT Minister Dayanand Narvekar told DNA, "I have not been consulted, nor has the CLP or GPCC. It's an ego problem, that's all." That in turn confirmed what a form union minister told DNA, "This is clearly a turf battle. Each chieftan wants to control government, if he cannot, he will then try to hold his group together and wait for the next opportunity." GPCC office bearer Dominic Fernandes is confident of that too. "Nothing is going to happen," he told DNA. http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1021728&CatID=2 ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org) Help/Unsubscribe/Update your Subscription: %(user_optionsurl)s This email sent to %(user_address)s
[Goanet] IAF first bomber jet Canberra turns 50
IAF first bomber jet Canberra turns 50 Press Trust of India Thursday, March 30, 2006 at 1754 hours IST Pune, March 30: Completing 50 years of service with the Indian Air Force (IAF), the country's first bomber jets-Canberra-have not only helped in defending national honour but also have played a stellar role in civil aviation by fulfilling the initial requirement for pilots. To mark the 50th year of its induction into the IAF, the city-based Canberra Bomber Old Boys' Association is celebrating golden jubilee reunion of veterans at the Air Force station on Friday. "For over 150 retired IAF personnel in Pune, there is a personal link with the Canberra as its first squadron was raised here. This was because Pune has been traditionally a bomber base," association President wing commander (retd) Walter H Marshall said. Starting from Congo to Goa liberation, to Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971 to Kargil, the Canberra has participated in all the major actions and has emerged victorious. http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=65230 ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org) Help/Unsubscribe/Update your Subscription: %(user_optionsurl)s This email sent to %(user_address)s
[Goanet] Goa, Goa, gone
Goa, Goa, gone Jug Suraiya Saturday, April 01, 2006 09:31:30 pm TIMES NEWS NETWORK Last week when I was there, Goa whizzed past me. Goa? Whizzing? How could Goa - languorous land of laidback socegado, ageless as the ebb and flow of the Mandovi and Zuari rivers, as the subtle alchemy of the rich, red earth which transmutes itself into the green gold of paddy fields and coconut groves - ever be made to whizz? I looked hard at Goa. The landscape - of crescent moon beaches and peppermint churches and tiny villages punctuated with the curled-up commas of sleeping dogs - was as serene and still as always. What was whizzing about were people. Not the local people, the Goans, who looked on this untoward activity with bemusement, but people from outside who were in a great rush - the great Goa land rush. The property market, booming all over India, has gone ballistic in Goa. Everyone seems to want a piece of the place. Buyers from Delhi and Mumbai and Mohali and Ahmedabad are pouring in on a frantic buying spree, an invading army bent on a second 'liberation' of Goa from the Goans. The motto seems to be: If it doesn't move, grab it quick - before someone else does. A holiday villa - or even a two-bedroom apartment - in Goa is the next thing you buy after you've bought your iPod. It's a question of peer pressure. Everyone's got one, so how can you be the only exception? Forget politics or globalisation or climate change. The major - indeed the only - topic of discussion in Goa is property prices. Dona Paula's going for between Rs 8,000 and Rs 18,000 a square metre, depending on the view. Or rather, Dona Paula's already gone for that price, and is totally sold out. So how about Porvorim, where you can still get something for roundabout 3,500 a metre? Everyone hares off to Porvorim, causing traffic jams and the prices to jump even higher. Someone mentions a rumour of a German selling a bungalow in Asagaon and there's a general stampede for Asagaon. But the German's bungalow has already been snaffled by one Mr Ashok from Dilli, so everyone heads hopefully for Ribander where a new highway's been built. There're no regular water connections in Ribander yet. But what the heck. It's got a view. And you can get a piece of it for 2,000 bucks a metre. How can you go wrong? What's fuelling the upward drive of property prices is that apart from Indians, foreigners are also buying into Goa, drawn by its redolence of residual Europe. Almost everyone speaks English, they have recognisable names like Fernando and Isabelle, there are hardly any beggars, the booze is cheap and plentiful. It's India without the Indianness. Heaven should have it so good. Property consultant Alan Viegas tells me that foreign nationals are entitled to buy property either by staying for more than six months and claiming resident status or by forming a facade company which enables them to acquire immovable assets as a corporate entity. Goa is selling like hot vindaloo. And pretty soon there'll be no more of it left to sell, or to buy. And when that happens, Goa will stop being Goa and become something else. Like Ghatkopar, or Brixton, or Greater Kailash III, as a Dilliwalla remarks. Already Baga and Calangute look like Lajpat Nagar market. Or Chowpatty on a public holiday. Goa? Gone, or almost. The thought saddens me for a moment. For when Goa stops being Goa, what will the Goans do? Rent the place back from the new owners? My regret is fleeting. For it is soon overtaken by a further reflection. That, for all the pomp and circumstance of title deeds and legal documents and claims of proprietorship, we're all of us just short-term tenants, whose tenure is at the sufferance of an infinitely munificent, infinitely indulgent Landlord who created it all to begin with. Not just Goa but everything else as well, sea-facing view and all. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1473361.cms ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org) Help/Unsubscribe/Update your Subscription: %(user_optionsurl)s This email sent to %(user_address)s
[Goanet] Bahrain Dhow Tragedy: Mary-Clarence Couple Among Dead
Bahrain Dhow Tragedy: Mary-Clarence Couple Among Dead D A I J I W O R L D Sunday, April 02, 2006 With inpust from Stanislaus D'Souza - UK Bahrain, April 2: As the more details and information are being received about the dhow disaster which took place in Bahrain on early hours of March 31, the list of the victims has been released by the Embassy of India of Bahrain. Clarence Vyland (48), originally from Goa but settled in Nagpur, was in the ill-fated boat along with his wife Mary Ann Vyland (45). Clarence was working for J A Al Zayani's auto division and has been in Bahrain for about 19 years. The couple had planned holidays to India in April to see Neville, their elder son. Clarence's sister's birthday was on the fateful day, the celebration of which was postponed to the next day solely because Clarence had to attend this ferry party. So Clarence left the children with his sister. The children are Natasha (17) and Nathan (9), studying in Bahrain Indian school. The elder son Neville (22) is pursuing IT studies in Pune. The family members came to know only after the company made a call to their house the next day. Clarence's mother, who was in London visiting her another son, is completely shattered on hearing the news. The family has immediately rushed back to India. See picture at: http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=20028&n_tit=Bahrain+Dh ow+Tragedy%3A+Mary-Clarence+Couple+Among+Dead++ ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org) Help/Unsubscribe/Update your Subscription: %(user_optionsurl)s This email sent to %(user_address)s
[Goanet] Dental Health Tourism in Goa India - A New Concept
Dental Health Tourism in Goa India - A New Concept NewswireToday Panaji, Goa, India, 03/30/2006 - Goa, the beautiful state on the west coast of India, visited by many to enjoy its Sun and Sand is now attracting international tourists to enhance their Smiles as availing dental treatment while on holiday here virtually pays for your trip. Goa has always attracted people for its natural beauty. People visit this tiny state of India every year to enjoy its beautiful beaches. Now the option of undegoing dental treatment whilst on holiday makes this destination even more attractive. They say undergoing dental treatment in Goa virtually pays for your trip here as the cost of quality dental treatment is one about one eighth the cost in Europe or USA. There are qualified dental surgeons in Goa providing quality dental health care. The standard of dental practice here is comparable to best in the world. Being a tourist destination of choice for many the time constrains of the patients are well understood by most of the dentists here and the schedule accordingly planned. Thus you can have best of both, your holiday and an economical dental treatment. Dr Abhijit Sadekar's Dental Clinic is one such clinic which has been providing comprehensive Dental and Oral health care services to patients visiting the surgery. The surgery is equipped with state of the art machinary and technology. All speciality dental procedures are performed in the clinc with special attention given to Ceramic Veneers, Dental Implants, Crowns and Bridge, Teeth Whitening, and esthetic dentistry. The goal of our practice is to provide and deliver to our patients the treatment choices that meet the needs of the individual and offer the best possible alternatives for their health and enjoyment. It takes just a few hours of your holiday in Goa to visit a dentist and return home with a beautiful smile. Agency / Source: Dr. Abhijit P. Sadekar http://www.newswiretoday.com/news/4572/ ~(^^)~ Avelino _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org) Help/Unsubscribe/Update your Subscription: %(user_optionsurl)s This email sent to %(user_address)s
