[Goanet] MONSERATE GUARANTEES AMENDMENT TO OFFICIAL LANGUAGE ACT
* 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. --- In a major political development that may send shock waves to a section of the ruling Indian National Congress coalition of NCP MGP and Independent; who were dilly dallying on bringing about an amendment bill the Minister for Town Country Planning Mr Antanasio (Babush) Monserate assured a delegation of tiatrist headed by Prince Jacob this morning at his residence at 1010 hrs IST that he will ensure that the amendment Bill to the Goa Daman Diu Official Language Act 1987 will be introduced in the coming session of the Goa Legislative Assembly. Convincing the Hon'ble Minister, Prince Jacob who spoke to this writer telephonically this afternoon, after the meet, stated that he brought to the kind attention of the Hon'ble Minister that the plight of Goa and Goans will be miserable in the years to come if the injustice meted out to protoganists of Konkani in Roman script are not given their due recognition. He lamented the fact that our tiatrs and tiatrists will not be remembered for posterity if their life and works are not recorded and this could be achieved only in Konkani in Roman script. It is Konkani in Roman script alone that has kept the culture and lifestyle of Goa and Goans even the liturgical services were in Konkani in Roman script -- why the Povitr Pustok too now available is in Konkani Roman script reflecting the tremendous support the script continues to have in Goa and even world wide. which has given us an unique identity in the rest of the country. Prince further stated that he told the Minister that it was mainly the Catholic community and those from the Velhas Conquistas Talukas that were worst affected and Salcete was the worst. All this by introducing in the clause 2(c) Konkani language means Konkani language in the Devanagari script . Had this specific mention of the Devanagari script not been made in the official language act both Devanagari and Roman the two scripts associated with the language here in Goa would have benefitted as against only the Devanagari script and Konkani would have found acceptance with all and sundry. True in the past 19 years we silently bore the injustice in the hope that it would bring unity that never happened and will never happen at the way things are going on Prince added, now not any longer Prince said in an extremely emotive tone he added that no Goan wherever can shun this onerous responsibility considering the fact that the demographic composition of the State is changing at such a rapid state that ---Goans will be strangers in their own lands and therefore Konkani in Roman script must be given the official recognition. He told this writer every tiatrist in Goa has the mission to promote Konkani in Roman script and this being given the exposure and support it deserves --- watch out Prince Jacob reiterated we mean every word that we utter Prince Jacob clarified to the Honorable Minister in his over twenty minutes presentation after excusing himself for being ten minutes late and keeping the delegation waiting but not until they were treated to hot tea and coffee ---that tiatrist had always reflected the mind set of this tiny State --Goa, and the Goan society using the stage to draw the attention of those in power and they have the wherewithal to seat and unseat Governments. Without mincing words Prince told this writer that one of the reasons that they had approached the Minister Mr Monserrate and this they told him too at the meeting is because of his credibility and his no nonsense attitude when it comes to issues as these and therefore he alongwith other tiatrists viz Mr Mario Menezes, Bai Felcy,Mr John D Silva, Mr Marc Araujo, Mr Wilson Mazarelo Mr Anthony Rodrigues Mr Ceaser D Mello and Mr Xavier and others assured the Honble Minister that it was a matter of quid pro quo --- you save our language Konkani and our script the Roman script and we will assure you all support on every political fora. Prince also stated that he informed Mr Monserrate that the ex CM and present Leader of the Opposition Mr Manohar Parrikar had assured that no obstacle will be brought by his party if the amendment to the Bill is introduced for Konkani in the Roman script. Later having given a patient hearing Mr Monserrate gave unstinted support and assurance to the delegations demand of the tiatrist which he felt was the demand of not only the select few present but also of Goans at large and there was
[Goanet] TIATRISTS SOUND A WARNING BELL -KONKANI ROMI LIPI ATA ZAI
* 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. --- Ar a meeting held at the Our Lady of Grace Church hall this evening at 1700 hrs organised by the Thomas Stephen Konkani Kendr over thirty tiatrists and few other lovers of Konkani in Roman sript, chalked out the future course of action, keeping in mind the forthcoming month long monsoon session of the Goa Legislative Assembly beginning 10th July, 2006. At the outset Fr Pratap Naik sj Director of TSKK explained de novo to the tiatrists that the Official language Act of 1987 had through section 2(c) Konkani language means Konkani language in Devnagari script. divided the Goans and that there is every possibility that both the Konkani language will be extinct and the Goans will be nowhere. He explained that the battle for Konkani as a language began in 1975 when the Sahitya Akademi recognised Konkani as an independent language --- but emphasised that there was no mention of script and that recognition of any language as an independent language does not demand that a language has a script On 21st November, 1981 the Advisory Council for Konkani at the Sahitya Akademi New Delhi (there are such councils for different languages) which constituted a majority of persons from Goa who were only for Konkani in Devanagari script, decided UNANIMOUSLY THAT DEVANAGARI was the natural script for KONKANI with this one decision Roman and other scripts like Kannada Urdu or Malayalam script were discarded by a few persons who had cunning motives. On 4th February, 1987 the Official language Act made a cunning mention of Konkani only in Devanagri script, but at that juncture the most important thing in the minds of Goa was a fear of merger as we were still an Union Territory and therefore most of the votaries of both scripts for Konkani ignored this then. On 20th August, 1992 Konkani was included in the VIII schedule of the Constitution (this is a schedule which lists all the languages granted official languages )here too the script was not mentioned. Why then demand for Konkani in Roman script now? The demand for Konkani in Roman script has been there from times immemorial with the people of Goa. It is the Roman script that kept the language alive when it was condemned by many. The Church fully supports it and knowing this has come out with the Povitr Pustok the Bible in Roman script Konkani. The fact that nearly 40,000 have booked copies and demand for more is already there signifies that the Roman script is alive and kicking notwithstanding the mischief played by a small cunning section. Today day when the Government wants to give grants NOT ASSISTANCE (IZMOLL) they give it only to Konkani Devanagari script because of the definition in the Official Language Act. If only the word Konkani was mentioned without insisting on only devanagari script then every script would get a share in the Government treasury for the language irrespective of the script. Also note that when Govt spends money it has to be budgetted and accounted under a specific head and this is available for Konkani only in Devanagari script. Thus if any of the undermentioned quasi government offies or the government bodies viz; Kala Academy Goa Konkani Academy Goa Marathi Academy Directorate of Offical Languages Directorate of Culture give grants or have schemes it is only meant for Konkani in Devanagari script and NOT FOR Roman script So what happens a) tiatrists to do not get financial assistance or subsidy for promoting teatrs b) they cannot use Government halls of the Ravindra Bhavans, Kala Academy free of cost or at concessional costs or at subsidised costs to perform c) there are no funds provided for the Goan cultural troupes -- by Goan cultural troupes one means those promoting pre colonial culture before 1510 and the colonial cultural troupes upto 1961 which includes dalo fugdi mando dulpods tiatrs etc; d) jobs in the Government go only to those who speak and write Konkani in Devanagari script e) Goa Mando festival is not given grants but izmoll assistance depending on which Minister comes to grace the ocassion f)the Goa Konkani Academy has a full fledged office an official car, perquisites for its President equivalent to Class I Gazetted officer, he can travel by air ist class Railway wine and dine at Government Hotels Circuit House in Goa and live in the Goa Sadan at Juhu or Delhi g) literary books are published in Konkani Devanagari script because they get subsidy and no one reads the over 60
[Goanet] BEWARE - FAKE DOCTOR ??
* 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 everyone believes is indeed a land of SUN FUN PLENTY. There's so much of SUN that every one believes one can make hay while the sun shines. After this writer reported the case of a fake civil engineer from Pulvado Benaulim Salcete Goa who is still evading arrest. Here is a case of another doctor who is now believed to be put on the run. He has a flourishing practice in South Goa Salcete Taluka at two places to be precise. The testimonials of the Doctor as was given to understand to this writer by an individual, for investigations, is that he possess the qualification on M.H.M.B.S and the same is from (BOM) which means Bombay University. But the Registration Number is maintained as a secret as of now? What surprises one is that many RMP's look amazed at the abbreviation M.H.M.B.S and what it could stand for? Is it a qualification under allopathy, ayurveda, homoeopathy, unani or what have you they wonder? One senior Registered Medical Practioner disclosed to this writer this evening that this could be a qualification issued by the Calcutta University (now Kolkatta) somewhere before 1940 to those practicing homoeopathy. But if this is true then the Doctor who is in possession of this degree or Diploma in homoeopathy could definitely not be genuine one as he definitely appears to be born much later then 1940. On a look at the body language of this Doctor when this writer saw him at one of his consultancy room there was an indication that he is aware that his game is up. But until such time the Indian Medical Council, the Maharashtra Council for Homoeopathy or the Calcutta University fails to give a clarification on the query, raised by this writer the name of the Doctor has been withheld. Meanwhile this writer would appreciate if any of the readers could assist this writer in deciphering the meaning of M.H.M.B.S . Incidentally this Doctor is well connected, in high social circles just like the fake civil engineer who is now on the run. The Indian Medical Association in Goa should have a re-look at all the testimonials of the Doctors practicing in Goa just as a measure of abundant caution. Similarly all other Medical Associations and Institutions connected with the medical practitioners should follow suit. There would be a temptation for a notorious Doctor to feign ignorance of where his/her testimonials lie or that they could be eaten by white ants or lost in a fire as the common alibi when exposed. But fear not in such cases surely one would remember his alma mater the portals of the Institution from where he/she passed through and once this information is obtained the Institution would readily make available the information. If they dont this writer is willing to assist free of cost. One hint is to have a look at Doctors who begin practice in slum areas or rural areas where ST/SC's abound, there may be some exceptions though but here this could be his/her ideal laboratory to start with with no questions asked by the unlettered patients. For the patients visiting the Doctors they would do well to ensure that the Registration Number the Institute/Council/Place is clearly mentioned. Feel free to ask your Doctor from which University he/she has passed out or obtained his/her testimonials. Merely by years of practice one need not possess genuine credentials. The Income Tax Rules also makes it mandatory for Doctors to maintain a record of their clients diagnosis, payment of fees and therefore this information can be yours for the asking under The Right to Information Act Rules in force from 12/10/2005 It is already on record that the fake Civil Engineer now on the run was entrusted several jobs by the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman. Though the Archdiocese has yet not issued a clarification on their stand vis-a-vis the fake civil engineer even well over two months now. It is clear that they have resigned to their fate of being duped. At best they could stop payment of outstandings to the fake civil engineer and recover or seek indemnity if the structures so restored constructed suffer damage or ruin within reasonable time. You too could pounce on another fake professional --Be on alert, and watch out for more on this issue. GODFREY J I GONSALVES [EMAIL PROTECTED] Borda Margao Goa 9822158584 __ Yahoo! India Answers: Share what you know. Learn
[Goanet] ENGLISH TO DENY OFFICIAL STATUS TO KONKANI ROMI LIPI?
It is shocking to learn from the Honorable Minister for Education, Mr Luizinho Faleiro M.Com, LL.B that the reason for introducing English at the primary level from this academic year 2006-2007 is owing to the fact that there was a 40% rate of drop outs at the Primary school level as the students studying in Konkani (in Devanagari script the official language NOT Roman script) and Marathi were unable to come to terms with English at the V Standard onwards. To support this claim and that of his Cabinet constituting the Indian National Congress led coalition of NCP MGP and Independent, he states that he has conducted a State wide survey and the figures 40% speak out for themselves. Apparently the parents / guardians spoke for their children/wards. Niether the details of the questionaire nor the views of those surveyed or interviewed are made public till date. While the introduction of English as a subject is indeed welcome given the dismal performance of the students that have graduated thus far the first batch in 2004-2005 and the reason is true in case of those from Marathi medium. This writer interacted with several people to know their views on the above and their observations are at variance with that of the Honorable Minister and they are willing to subject him to strict proof of his contention on the floor of the Goa Legislative Assembly come the month long session beginning 10th July 2006. But first the facts: I) Vide circular no:61 DE/Acad.I/PolicyDecision/Medium/Pry/344/90/1284 dated 21.5.1990 the medium of instruction was introduced in a phased manner from academic year and the successful ones passed the X, XII, Graduation TY as under (excld the current and next academic year) 1990-91 STD I PASSED X 1999-00 XII 01-02 TY 04-05 1991-92 STD II PASSED X 2000-01 XII 02-03 TY 05-06 1992-93 STD III PASSED X 2001-02 XII 03-04 TY 06-07 1993-94 STD 1V PASSED X 2002-03 XII 04-05 TY 07-08 The Minister would do well to explain with facts: *** a) what is the number of students that were enrolled in 1990-91 in the 123 Diocesan run schools that switched over to Konkani in Devanagari script ithe official language (instead of Konkani in Roman script) b) what is the number of drop outs at the V, X, XII and TY level from this lot? c) How many parents of these students (mainly from the minority community ) expressed resentment that the students enrolled in 1990-91 dropped out because either i) they were unfamiliar with Konkani in the devanagari script? OR ii) the teachers who were conversant with the English medium were made to overnight switch over to Konkani in Devanagari and since they themselves were asked to perforce learn as well as teach the children, the teachers were frustrated and had to drop out. *** In regard to students from Marathi medium schools the Honorable Minister should clarify separately a) what is the number of students that were enrolled in 1990-91 in the Marathi medium primary schools b) what is the number of drop outs at the V, X, XII and TY level from this lot? *** It is a fact that the protoganist of Konkani only in Devanagari script have commended the introduction of English as one subject. This will indeed help our children no doubt. But they have done this under the guise of their multifaceted NGOs or through their spokesperson but mainly from the Bahujan Samaj who ride piggy back on these only Devanagari Konkani protoganists. The reason being that they believe that with English now as one subject at the Primary level Konkani in Devanagari as the NATURAL SCRIPT is now a fait accompli (as postulated in 1939 by Shanbag at Karwar and by the Sahitya Akademi on 21.11.1981) and there will NOT BE A DEMAND FOR RECOGNITION of KONKANI IN THE ROMAN SCRIPT AS THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE AND HENCE THEY HAVE cheered the decision of the Honorable Minister. Let it be clear that once the above facts are obtained from the Honorable Minister for Education it will be abundantly clear that atleast in the 123 run diocesan run schools the reason for drop outs and low level of English of those that have graduated is because Konkani in Devanagari and not Roman script was made the official language. The Honourable Minister is on record as confirmed by this writer in the precincts of the Goa Legislative Assembly in his Chamber in August 2005 as having stated that he is ---NOT IN FAVOUR OF TOUCHING THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE ACT 1987 at this juncture TO AMEND THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE ACT 1987 AND GIVE RECOGNITION TO KONKANI IN ROMAN SCRIPT --- Hence his intentions of introducing ENGLISH as a subject is an alibi to escape from this demand of recognition to Konkani in Roman script which has since got the support of ex CM Mr Manohar Parrikar the Bahujan Samaj and members of his BJP besides Mr Mathany Saldanha, the Deputy
[Goanet] GOA FREEDOM FIGHTERS EXIST 60 years later?
If a youth at the age of 12 years took part in the freedom movement announced by Dr Ram Manohar Lohia on June 18 in 1946, against the Portuguese rule 60 years ago, he would have been born in the year 1934 and would be 72 years today. It is unbelieveable though that an youth of 12 years would have understood the meaning of a freedom movment considering the fact that many passed out their matriculation then at the age of 22 years. Hence what is shocking is that 60 years thereafter (1946) freedom fighters continue to be honoured on this historic day. This year there were 22 of them But what surprises many is that there is also reservation for children of freedom fighters in the state. Does it mean that freedom fighters born in 1934 and before still have children below the age of 18 years or 22 years to merit such concessions or reservation of seats in educational institutions. Will the Government order an enquiry into these concessions/reservations and put an end to honouring of freedom fighters? GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9822158584 __ Yahoo! India Answers: Share what you know. Learn something new http://in.answers.yahoo.com/ _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] S.O.S -- ZUARI BRIDGE --- UNSAFE
The vital link on the NH 17 the Zuari Bridge linking Agacaim in Tiswadi (Ilhas) Taluka on the Northern end with Cortalim in Mormugao Taluka at the Southern end opened since 1983 is being declared unsafe for motor vehicles of above six tons come Friday the 16th June 2006. An ex official (whose name has been witheld on request)from the PWD at Altinho, Panaji, informed this writer in a detailed tele-talk this forenoon that the unchristened Zuari Bridge has some interesting insights(just as yet another bridge with the official name as Jawaharlal Nehru Bridge has its unchristened name the Mandovi Bridge ) which needs a probe. Zuari Bridge was constructed in the early eighties as a high level road bridge, 627 metres length with four main spans at distance of 122 metres each (to provide for under bridge navigation of barges between two central spans (with 55 metres wide navigable channels ) providing a vertical clearance of 13.7 metres above high tide level of over 1000 tonnes dwt at speed not exceeding six knots) with two end spans each of 69.5 metres. This superstructure adopting the Fressynet system with in situ RCC docking in a transition curve which is cast progressively by the cantilever methods of construction has a 10.5 metres width providing a clear carriageway of 7.5 metres with 1.5 metres wide footpaths on either sides. There were addition protective devices to absorb barge impact and the foundation wells were as deep as 40 metres below HTL (High Tide Level). According to this ex-official the Bridge was jinxed not because it was deprived of the blood of humans as was commonly believed, to satiate the demons demanding in return the safety of the bridge, but owing to money thirsty politicos It is stated that some incriminating evidence may still be available in the files gathering dust in the PWD wherein the Dredging Corporation of India is believed to have initially forseen the feasibility of a bridge on the present location of the Konkan Railway bridge that is on the eastern side as against the present site on the western side. It is for this reason the KRC constructed the rail bridge in a short time and with amazing ease unlike the Zuari road bridge. The reason attributed to the failure of the Zuari bridge was that the terrain viz; khazan soil of the Decking in slope at the Agacaim end especially just next to the navigational channel span , later jocularly referred to as longdo lame in Konkani or dangling span that led to the cost overrun of initial estimates of Rs.2.12 crores and time delay of beyond 48 months. So why then was the present site chosen oen may ask? Well our Union Territory status remember Goa Daman and Diu and the Indian National Congress Party had just tasted power since 1980. It was the Central Government which would decide or atleast influence such decisions for they controlled the territories purse . Then cement was a luxurious commodity it was marketed by the Goa Marketing Federation a Corporation of the Government of Goa, the famine for cement vis-a-vis infrastructure plans on the anvil was so much that at one stage imports from South Korea were resorted to and a jinxed span would only ADD to the coffers of the politicians and the party. Who cares for safety and durability. Thus the present site was approved. M/s Gammon India was perhaps then one of the only reputed firms besides Uttar Pradesh Construction Co Ltd executing such infrastructure projects. Their integrity was not in doubt for they had only to execute the works the locale was the choice of politicos and the engineers architects So much of the midnight oil was burnt on this dangling span that the long drawn struggle at this span involved a 24 X 7 all year round work which is believed also led to frustration and penury of one of its workman who is believed to have eventually murdered an official of M/s Gammon India in situ. It was for fear of the jinxed status even before the bridge could be named and inaugurated it was declared open and is being referred to as Zuari bridge since it runs accross the Zuari river. The bridge was in April 1997 declared closed for similar repairs and the inconvenience caused to commuters was tremendous. . The present repairs would easily take over an year before being declared safe for above 6 ton motor vehicles and plans for a new bridge would finalise only by the end of the decade as a matter of routine, unless one is built near the existing Konkan Railway Bridge or more towards the eastern end. Therefore ferry services will be pressed and North bound commuters from South Goa and other states will have a harrowing experience, and a pinch in their purses. Incidentally on July 5th 1986 will be the 20th aniversary of the collapse of the now referred to as Old Mandovi Bridge. Many Goans were in animated discussions at the bridge when this writer visited it late evening saying that perhaps this time St Anthony of Padua whose
[Goanet] Re: Goanet Digest, Vol 3, Issue 586 No: 8
Dear Netizen, May I suggest you buy a copy of the book on Comunidades or Gaunkaries written by Dr Olivinho Gomes ex Vice Chancellor Goa University who resides at 411 La Oceana Near the Park Dona Paula Panaji Tel No +91 0832 2453666. Email id uncertain as many have one but do not use it frequently in any case try [EMAIL PROTECTED] Having browsed thro this easy to understand book on the A to Z of Comunidades may I request you make an appointment with Dr Gomes ( a native of Sao Estevam) and have a clear chicken soup tete a tete with the enchanting personality and get your doubts clear. As regards the contact number of the undersigned its herebelow. Trust this info will suffice GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA 9822158584 [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send instant messages to your online friends http://in.messenger.yahoo.com brbr Stay connected with your friends even when away from PC. Link: http://in.mobile.yahoo.com/new/messenger/ _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] COALITION ANIVERSARY in GOA
What use is development (referring to tremendous speedy development during the BJP coalition rule from 24.10.2000 to 2nd February, 2005 ) if a Hindu Catholic and Muslim cannot walk hand in? --- this was the view of Mr. Adolf Fernandes, a 65 year old toddy tapper originally from Betul in Salcete who now works in Ponda, when this writer had a tete a tete - with him at the Ponda Bus stand this morning, in view of the first anniversary of the Congress led coalition in the State. They only speak of the language of loot and threats to destabilise the Government --- they have no shame (referring to the Congress-I and the NCP MLAs' (who were deprived of power from 24.10.2000 to 2.2.2005) atleast -they- were stable says Ms Asha Parab a fisherwomen from Banastarimreferring to the BJP coalition. But both are useless ---BJP (Bhajap) used our votes but only they benefitted -- and then she points to the sacred thread referring apparently to the Brahmin Hindus. They are all the same she chided Bajap BJP Konge Congress Godial NCP kai shiv MGP anik konn ha? In the bus enroute Old Goa (to collect my complementary copy gifted by Fr Mariano Gomes of the Povitr Pustok) I sit near Mr V Dalvi a septugenarian landowner from Priol. He says that BJP rule was a party with a mission -- look at the development works Banastarim bridge etc in such short span Goa got a face lift -- and these? -- they are all wolves in sheep clothes --- just amass wealth -- look at that porr referring to the Cumbarjua MLA he has become a realtor -- kuimche poixe?-- and points out to the apartments and chunks of land at Madkai and Old Goa he believes belongs to Mr Pandurang Madkaikar---MLA. Look at that war intra party- Mr Churchill and Mr Jeetendra anik Luisinho Mr Babush peto ani Mummy then to Redo-- Micky Pacheco anik Doutor Mr Ravi Naik barwalo /motorcycol pilot ani amcho Bhata Mr Sudin Dhavlikar --- they are all fighting with each other -- anik rajkaran choloitole?? fotting lok -- they have spoiled the name of Goa --- anik bhaile faido ghetat-Amcho Parrikar ietolo polloi tumi -- On the Curchorem riots he says te moir Bhatkal ani Kashmiri -Goenchem raj kortole poloi? he mentions the influx of Moslems in Ponda the Masjids that are sprouting up-- I mention the numerous saffron ghumties on the road side and the temples -- he agrees it is a racket and says ALL crosses ghumtis must be demolished. On the welfare schemes -- yes he says it is Parrikar who showed the way --- the Congress had to follow and improve upon it and they did it now with bicycles OK but to die on narrow roads? -- and text books free -- why should the rich be given free books? to allow our children see the photograph of Mr Subhash Shirodkar MLA Shiroda on them --- to konn? dev? soglem, chorancho raj. See all development work has stopped ??? and nothing coming out --- garbage all over traffic chaos land grab influx of migrants -- khuim pavlam Goem? This was vox populi on the first aniversary 7.6.2005 to 7.6.2006) of the Congress led coalition in the State. But a look at the months ---not, year ahead -- its election time, any time, post monsoons -- true -- but can the Mr Ravi Sitaram Naik MLA Ponda GPCC President and CM Pratapsing Raoji Rane lead the party to victory in the forthcoming elections? Take a look at the political scenario as of date. The United Progressive Alliance stepped into its third year in office since 24 May 2006, the BJP has suffered and is suffering its the worst downfall in its popularity graph, and will remain at that for some more time thanks to the notoriety and misdeeds of Rahul Mahajan the progeny (son) of late Mr Pramod Mahajan the GENext PM in waiting of the BJP. While the other Baba Rahul Gandhi M Phil MP Amethi won Mama Sonia Gandhi her bye-election from Rae Bareily in UP registering an impressive win. Now there is a birthday gift coming on 19th June 2006 when Baba Rahul completes his 36th birthday, which means simply by May 2009 if not earlier he will be next PM. But such nightmares have been haunting Mr Sharad Pawar NCP chief too and he knows too well that with Baba Rahul inching to Prime Ministerial seat his life long ambition to be PM from MP will be shattered --- so will the NCP not go in for a hard bargain of more seats to improve their numbers? Thats what the coalition partners in Goa believe. Dr Willie is keen to increase his tally of two seats in power to more ---on the other with the BJP in the State at its lowest -- Mr Parrikar's ( Monday press briefings have stopped ) and the new incoming BJP chief is due. The MGP believes it can go alone and contest and win all seats --- how will they make it in Catholic dominant Salcete ? is unclear -- Tenancy and Mundkar rights were their gift to even Cristaos in Velhas Conquistas but will that turn a vote for them now ??? it is sheer wishful thinking in Salcete Bardez Tiswadi constituencies. With veteran Congressmen hardly talking of making way for GenNext the
[Goanet] POVITR PUSTOK adlo ani novo korar released
* 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. --- At the stroke of 1200 noon today 4th June, 2006 the Feast of the Holy Spirit, for Goa and Goans it turned out to be a red letter day, in the anals of its history, when the first POVITR PUSTOK- ADLO ani NOVO KORAR -- in our mother tongue KONKANI (written in Roman script) was released at the hands of His Grace Archbishop of Goa and Daman Filipe Neri Ferrao in the presence of Bishop Emeritius Most Rev Raul Gonsalves and two other Bishops who are presently in Goa, Most Rev. Stanislaus Fernandes, s.j. Bishop of Gandhinagar (a native from S. Matias Divar ) and Rev Gerald John Mathew of Chattisgarh ( a native of Mangalore) at the St Catherina Church - Se Cathedral following a Eucharist Mass with the participation of over 45 priests from the Diocese. Releasing the hard bound Povitr Pustok the Archbishop expressed a fervent desire to the gathering of over 800 people partaking in the event to ensure that this Holy Bible now available in our mother tongue becomes a valuable possession in our Homes. But the devotees were deeply saddened to learn after the Holy Eucharist ended when the announcement was made that niether would the just released Povitr Pustok copies be made available for sale today -- (ironically the date of release )-- nor in the next couple of days. The reasons adduced was that a hard bound cover print orders were difficult to obtain in such large numbers and a first offer order of 40,000 books needs to be honoured. Appeals were made for lavish donations for this enormous project. At today's meet only a few complimentary copies were distributed at the hands of the Archbishop to those from the Biblical committee headed by Fr Manuel Gomes and others. As a symbolic gesture to ensure the spread of the Povitr Pustok to the entire state lay persons representing the Central, North, and South Episcopal Centres were given a copy of the Povitr Pustok. According to Fr.Loila Pereira Secretary to the Archbishop who spoke briefly to this writer it was made known that the books costing Rs 300/- would be made available for sale at the Pastoral Institute Office at Old Goa Tiswadi Ilhas Goa India +91 0832 2285347. Meanwhile Rev Father Manuel Gomes announced that donations were still pouring in and that the balance amount after covering the costs of the Konkani (Roman script ) would be used for publishing the same in Devanagari script -- this drew the ire of many of those present as observed from their body language and facial expressions. Earlier on a bright sunny morning spared of the onset of the monsoon showers that lashed the State three days ago the St Lourenco, Agacaim , Choral Group led by Rev Fr Andrew Mascarenhas presented a beautiful rendition of hymns befitting the solemn ocassion. The devotees clapped in appreciation of those that constituted the Biblical committee for the task they performed when momentos were being handed to them. The Povitr Pustok is a handy book with a cover depicting symbols of the Pascal candle, the empty sephulcre, the ten commandments, the Red Sea. At the end of the function which lasted well over two and half hours snacks and refreshments were distributed at the entrance to all the participants. Several nuns and priests attended the ocassion. Some of the Konkani writers Mr Jess Fernandes and others were also presented a copy of the same. Mr Tomazinho Cardozo, Mr Octavio Rodrigues amongst those present. from the Se Cathedral end GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9822158584 Send instant messages to your online friends http://in.messenger.yahoo.com _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] BATTLE LINES DRAWN TO SAVE COMUNIDADES
At a seminar on WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT HAS POWERS TO AMEND THE LAW OF THE COMMUNIDADES organised by the Association of Componentes of Comunidades (founded in 1995) office at c/o G-5 1st Floor Madhuban Hillview Housing Society Tambdi Matti St Inez Panaji, www.geocities.com/goacommunidades/communidades.htmlthe Institute Menezes Braganza Hall this rainy (outbreak of monsoons( evening at 1630 hrs today 28/5/2006 Sunday)most of the ebthusiastic gaonkars shareholder from almost all of the 224 Comunidades in the 10 talukas of both the Velhas and Novas Conquistas of Goa (exluding Sattari where the Comunidade stands abolished) were apprehensive that there was NO CLEAR PLAN OF ACTION on the cards by the organisors to stall yet another Bill introduced in the Goa Legislative Assembly during its last session IN mARCH 2006 an insertion of Article 334 - B (by way of an amendment to Article 334-A )whereby Government of Goa now proposes to acquire large tracts of land belonging to the Comunidades for public purposes. This Bill has since been referred to the Select Committee but would surely pass thro in July/August monsoon session if the Goans do not act now, For given the mind set of most our 40 legislatures when it comes to land grab and past performances of a) the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party since its introduction of the Agricultural Tenancy Act 1964 which gave tenants of communidades deemed landowners status (when Comunidades were mere agricultural association of co-operative type and had no landlord status b) the Indian National Congress since 5.1.1985, introduced the Article 334 A where any one with domicile of 25 years annual income of 25,000 and did NOT own any residential area or build site within a radius of 8 kms (as affirmed merely by a sworn affidavit not by documentary evidence or verification) of the Communidade concerned could obtain Communidade land . This has helped ONLY THE NON GOANS mostly bureaucrats and others migrants to the Union Territory and now State since 1987. Subsequent amendements on25.11.1985 reduced the domicile limit to 15 years and the whole process of allocation of land to be completed within six months c) the Bhartiya Janata Party coalition too on 4.7.2001 sought to REGULARISE all ILLEGAL ENCROACHMENTS EXISTING BEFORE 15.6.2000 AND later vide an amendment has enhance the annual income limit to 3,50,000 finally now the latest attempt is by the coalition government d) the Indian National Congress, the Nationalist Congress Party the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and Independent combine is the proposed amendment to Code of Communidades 15.4.1961 This Code is still prevalent in Goa post Liberation 19.12.1961 as the State (Union of India) was bound to accept covenants and agreements preceding in terms of Article 295 read with Article 372 (2 ) of the Constitution of India as was well settled following a judgement of the Supreme Court on 9.8.1965 (ref AIR 1966-8-SC--42-446 in WP No 120 of 1965 conquest and not liberation of Goa The panel members had this to say: Dr J C Almeida ex Chief Secretary of Govt of Goa -- began his deliberations on a negative note stating that IT IS TOO LATE NOW EVERYTHING IS OVER and went on to rabble out the history of the Communidade from 8500 BC (he has to his credit a volumnious treatise on the Comunidades of Goa with statistics of each of the 224 comunidades) which put many in the audience to make up their lost siesta and were found snoozing; it was during his tenure that the Government conceded land to Zuari Industries Ltd (then ZACL), Ciba Geigy and Taj Hotel Aguada invoking article 303 of the Code of Comunidades Adv Bernard D Souza a practicing Advocate spoke of the rampant corruoption in the Communidade Administration and cited an incident at the Admininistrative Tribunal the appellate court on comunidade matters where the judge was brokering a compromise of monetary benefits to the litigant and the opponent as a quid pro qua, so much for ones expectation of justice at the hands of these quasi judicial bodies when it comes to Comunidade land; He sounded positive on averting the proposed amendment 334 A but said that only after the Bill is passed could one consider the forum of appeal in the judiciary; He ended up stating that it was never too late to begin the war to save communidades Mr Percival Noronha ex Grade I officer of the Government of Goa and President of the Friends of Astronomy club began with a story of a Portuguese friend (since expired ) who had predicted a requiem for the Comunidades once the Indians conquered Goa and this came true at a lightening speed when the first act of the MGP CM Dayanand Bandodkar a confirmed mergerist was to introduce the Agricultural Tenancy Act 1964 and confer deemed tenant status on the cultivators of land belonging to comunidades when they were components of a co-operative body Mr Floriano Lobo founder member of the Goa Suraj Party and a builder by profession (earlier he
[Goanet] ROOTS OF ARCHITECTURE - CHARLES CORREIA
When the 75 year old internationally acclaimed Hyderabad born architect Charles Correa, completed his 38 minutes power point presentation to a select elitist audience comprising architects, students of architecture and the socialites of Goa, at the Hotel Mandovi auditorium, this evening, little did one realise that his soul stirring presentation would strike an emotive chord with Mr Shivanand Salgaocar, one of the two siblings, scions of late Vassudev Salgaocar --industrialist - at the V M Salgaocar Memorial Lecture 2006 when he himself admitted that he had understood much of the depths of architecture in this moving presentation made by Padma Vibhushan Mr Correa. The roots of Architecture the topic of the presentation today reflected on the essence of architecture which was deep beyond the contemporary architecture per se. It begins probably with what India gave to the world- Aryabhata's numerical 0 or shunia, and the concept of mandala viz significance of the nine planets rAHU kETU cHANDRA etc and SUN as the source of energy ---was the source of inspiration of much of Padma Vibhushan - Correa's creations. His architecture provides a blend with the local artisans, and material available in situ. There is so much of the way one understands architecture. In Goa for instance one may have to look beyond pre colonialisation era or colonial rule or post colonial rule to understand architecture. Be it the Sabarmati Ashram, in Gujarat, the Legislative Assembly in Bhopal Madhya Pradesh, the Kanchenjunga - at Peddar Road Mumbai or his own home in Bangalore (where he only holidays, the Navi Mumbai project , Jawaharlal Kala Kendra - where he got the inspiration from Maharaja Jai Singh of Rajashtan Jantar mantar, closer home the Kala Academy. There sure is a blend of man's harmony with nature and above all his works inspire a people friendly aura. But Mr Correa laughed at the thought of Vaastu Shastra as being dispensed today by its votaries. You could only frighten a politician or a businessmen ---making him fear the loss of his money or position, but Vaastu is much deeper then mere changing positions of seating et al. One needs to purify the ground -- clean it of all the past cultivate two crops on the same soil and then go ahead with the construction. Earlier Mr Dattaraj Salgaocar introduced the Mr Correa, a momento was also presented to him and a book An Historical essay on the Konkani language -- Dr J H Cunha Riveira translated by Fr Theophilus Lobo was released and sold at the venue for Rs.50/- Ms Dipti Salgaocar offered bouquets to Mr Correa. Visit www.charlescorrea.net for more visuals on his creations. from the Mandovi Hotel GODFREY J I GONSALVES Borda Margao Goa 9822158584 Send instant messages to your online friends http://in.messenger.yahoo.com _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] SOD - KONKNNI (ROMAN DEVNAGARI) ISSUES
This is a publication of the TSKK. But the 10th issue has a gist of what has gone into the revival of the demand for Konknni in Roman script since June 2005. A must read publication for those interested in ensuring recognition to Konknni in Roman script. GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA 9822158584 +++ Sod is a research bulletin produced, edited and published as part of the research efforts of Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr (TSKK), Alto Porvorim, Goa, devoted to the promtion of education and research in Konknni language, literature, and culture. So far TSKK has published 9 issues of Sod. This is the 10th issue of Sod. It contains articles related to Konknni language, script and education in English: Konknni Myths - Pratap Naik, S.J.; Social damage done by Goas language controversy and conspiracy behind it Ramnath G. Naik; Roman script the soul of Konknni Nelson Lopes; Socio-economic growth of the Goan community through the Konknni language Tomazinho Cardoz; Roman script for Konknni a must : now or never Godfrey Gonsalves; Script Controversy Eduardo Faleiro; A response to Konknni Myths Alito Siqueira; Scripting controversy: debating the war of the Konknnis Jason Keith Fernandes; An attempt to understand Konknni language assertion Movement Sammit Khandeparkar; Mother tongue blues Madhavi Sardesai; Konknni versus scripts Matthew Almeida, SJ; The African, Portuguese, Kannada, Marathi, Malvani, Hindi and English influences on the hybridized Siddi-Konknni dialect Geralda de Lima Angenot; English medium primary education for better future Cypriano Lopes; Response to English medium primary education for better Future Joe F. Vaz. EDITORIAL Inspired by Dean Swifts mock heroic Battle of the Books, one could have titled this issue Battle of the Scripts but unfortunately, one proponent of the engagement refused to be represented here. In fairness we would have liked to give all the four talks given at the History Hour of Xavier Centre of Historical Research (XCHR), that have created a healthy public debate on the language situation in Goa. They are the talks given by Pratap Naik, Ramnath G. Naik, Uday Bhembre and Tomazinho Cardozo. The third one of these when we requested permission to publish his talk, refused point-blank to grant us the requested permission. Hence our apologies to the readers who are deprived of the views of the champion of Devanagari script policy. We begin by giving the first two talks. Then the former Union Minister Eduardo Faleiros article gives proper perspective to the script controversy, and proposes equal status both for Devanagari and Roman scripts for Konknni. Nelson Lopes article and the talk of Tomazinho Cardozo follow, which present the language scene of Goa from the point of view of Roman script. Tomazinho Cardozo expresses his sense of disillusionment with his former comrades in the language struggle, and terms the Language Act the greatest fraud on the Goan Konknni community that uses Roman script. The three articles that follow provide critical and analytical views on the talks given at XCHR. One could not but notice that all the three of them use the term hegemony in speaking of the upholders of Devanagari script for the Konknni language. The first is by Alito Siqueira, which is a critique of Pratap Naiks talk on Konknni myths, written in the form of a letter to Pratap Naik and published in the Goanet Reader forum. The second is an article by Jason Keith Fernandes that critically analyses Uday Bhembres talk, Road Map for the Standardisation and Development of the Konknni Language. It is marked by clarity of arguments, and it challenges misleading fallacies and non sequiturs presented as arguments, such as Devanagari is a natural script for Konknni. His arguments regarding Konknni are backed by concrete examples from happenings in the rest of India. The third article is by Sammit Khandeparkar, who puzzled by the whole controversy about Konknni scripts tries to make sense out of it. In doing so, he finds that the underlying reality belies the surface appearance; the facts of the matter belie apparent reasons proffered to be true. He could make some sense only if he applied Antonio Gramescis concept of hegemony to the whole tangle. Next we have two linguists giving their views on scripts used for writing Konknni. Madhavi Sardesais article focuses on the Konknni language itself rather than on the scripts used to write it, though it provides reasons why Devanagari was chosen for writing Konknni. Matthew Almeida exposes some of the oft-repeated assertions and half truths about Devanagari script with the help of what other linguists like Suneeti Kumar Chatterjee have to say about it. A third linguist, Geralda Angenot after her months of field work presents her findings on Siddi-Konknni dialect found in parts
[Goanet] EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTES SANS GOVT RECOGNITION
The St Mary's High School Grounds, bang opposite M/s Varona Hardware, owned by Mr Tommy Cruz , in Church View Apartments, the suspected killer (now behind bars)of SBI Malbhat Margao Dy GM late Ms Philomena Lopez,(who also resided in the same Apartments in her sisters flat above prior to her brutal murder in her new bungalow just five minutes walk )was a witness to a two day Education fair, in the Navelim Constituency of Mr Luizinho Faleiro, MLA and Minister for Education and Industry. There was a lot of literature distributed at the stalls. The Citizens Charter of the Department of Education billed as the most impressive document of the Department ( which ironically employs the largest number of Government employees ). From Primary Middle Secondary Higher Secondary College Section, Technical Vocational Higher Education etc and the Goa University, besides institutions like Architecture Music Allopathy Homeopathy Hotel Management etc all this was available freely. In short Insititutions granted recognition by the University Grants Commission UGC, All India Council of Technical Education AICTE, Indian Nursing Council INC Architectural Council of India ACI Board of Technical Goa other recognising Authority. But there were other exhibits as well of the Rural Development Agency, the Goa Tourism Development Corpn Ltd, Rural Employment Gurantee Scheme, Khadi Village Industries Board, Directorate of Fishgeries Goa Energey Development Agency (GEDA) Goa Industrial Development Corporation, Electricity Department etc. But TWO stalls that caught the attention of this writer were a) Paras Education Foundation (Vedang Overseas Education Consultancy ) based in Vasco da Gama which claimed to be FINANCING placements in reputed educational foreign countries AND b) Rajaram Institute of Industrial Technology (Yeshwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University )imparting training at Margao Rajendra Prasad Stadium in Dip in Comp Hardware Maintenance Networking TV VCD Technician etc) Most of the visitors that this writer interacted with felt that the Government should have NOT permitted these stalls a) they are not affiliated to any of the authorities of the Government of Goa b) nor have such educational financial consultancy firm been granted recognition by the Goa Education Development Corporation GEDC. This writer had an informal chat with the Minister of Education Mr Faleiro today afternoon near one of the stalls and quizzed the Minister on the role of Institutions like M/s Frankfinns institute which sported an IATA logo last June 2005 but were served a cease and desist notice when the South Goa Public Interest Action Group a registered NGO got confirmation from IATA Geneva that they were not authorised to do so. Meanwhile they managed to lure gullible Goans to their Airhostess and Hospitality Management Courses which are niether recognised by the Ministry for Tourism or the Ministry for Civil Aviation Govt of India. Ironically at least one teacher in the Institutes was a candidates who passed from another private institute in Goa. Now another CMTES from Hyderabad has come in this time they are not imparting Airhostess and Hospitality courses with SISI Govt of India body but they too claim to have Strategic Partner relations with the world body IATA at Geneva. The same NGO SGPIAG is investigating the genuineness of the same. Mr Faleiro admitted that there is NO LEGISLATION as of date to check the credibility of such institutions but he hopes that the KNOWLEDGE COMMISSION OF THE GOVERNMENT OF GOA will address itself to this matter and a report is in the offing . Which briefly implies that students who have passed out in SSC and XII will be victims of such institutions. Mr Faleiro also seemed resigned to this fate when he admitted that on one hand we invite private sector in the field of education who unfortunately have larger than life personalities on the Board of such instiutions making it difficult to judge the genuinity of the institution. In any case this is a lame excuse. As regards the credibility of Institutions granted recognition granted by the Human Resources Development Foundation, HRDF ( viz TAME etc emphasis mine) Mr Faleiro stated that in 1989 post statehood there was no body recognising typewriting institutions etc existing in Goa which were recognised by the Govt of Maharashtra, therefore he founded this HRDF under the Department of Labour alongwith the Manpower Development Corporation) a survey of Goan youth employed in the coastal belt of South Goa --then only two starred Hotels M/s Dalmia Resort and Majorda Resort indicated that the employment potential was dismal during the past decade, Therefore by providing stipend Rs 150/ - per month and training to youth in the Hotel Management areas with teachers from schools paid Rs. 400/- and another from his pocket he managed to have some students trained both theoretically and in house. Atleast one student could earn a five
[Goanet] BIBLE now in official language KONKANI ?
The Archdiocese has stated that come June 2006 the 18 million rupee project of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman --- BIBLE in KONKNNI (Roman script) the official language of Goa will be available on sale. Advance print order for the 2300 page hardbound cover will cost just Rs.150/- instead of Rs 300/- otherwise. Better late than never considering the following a) first printing press in Asia 1556 with Roman script b) post 1965 use of Konknni in the Archdiocese began c) in 1920 Psalms were first translated in Konknni d) in 1974 the New Testament was completed. But Konknni in DEVANAGARI script as recognised by the Official Language Act 1987 is the official language of Goa NOT Konknni in ROMAN SCRIPT. a) Strangely the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman has accepted in 1989-90 Konknni in Devanagari script in all the diocesan run educational institutions. b) Some Roman Catholic priests of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman have made a representation to the Goa Government in February, 2006 NOT to grant official recognition for Konknni in Roman script. This was confirmed telephonically to this writer by Indian National Congress MLA Calangute , Mr Agnelo Fernandes and Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Mapusa, Mr Francisco D Souza. c)The same priests have prevented the Parishes in Goa from carrying out the signature campaign which was underway and was recieving tremendous response(45,000 signatures were obtained) to petition, the President of India, demanding the need to recognise Konknni in Roman script as well. Why then this hypocritical act of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman in supporting ONLY konknni in Devanagari in schools on the one hand and publishing the BIBLE IN KONKNNI ROMAN SCRIPT??? Does the Archdiocese of Goa Daman wittingly or unwittingly admit clandestinely that 29.67% of the population of Goa which constitutes the Catholis in Goa read Konknni in Roman script but yet under POLITICAL INFLUENCE OF SOME pro ONLY KONKNNI IN DEVANAGARI SCRIPT protoganists they are adhering to Konknni in Devanagari script for the schools? Will the Church clarify, its DUAL ATTITUDE towards the KONKNNI LANGUAGE? or are they PRISONERS OF THEIR OWN CONSCIENCE? GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9822158584 Send instant messages to your online friends http://in.messenger.yahoo.com _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] BIRTHDAY BASH FOR CHURCHILL ALEMAO
The Mormugao Parliamentary Constitutency ,Member of Parliament Lok Sabha (House of People or Commons) Shri. Churchill Braz Alemao, celebrates his 57th birthday today. 16.5.1949) It is also the day his beloved brother late Alvernaz was killed in an encounter at Fatrade Varca over an alleged smuggling charge, just a couple of miles away from his residence at Novangally Varca while the younger brother Mr Kennedy Alemao entered into the seventh sacrament of matrimony on the same date in 1990. Whatever be Mr Alemao's educational profile whether segundo grau ( Portuguese educated as he recently confessed ) or Standard VI the fact remains that he has not studied beyond middle school. However he has been able to establish rapport with chaste spoken Konkani with niz Goencars. His late father Mr Braz Alemao was a Cabo in the Portuguese Police and his alleged extravagant life style selling family owned real estate and finally ending up in his well is the reason most people believe led to the poor economic upbringing of Mr Alemao the eldest of the six brothers, three of whom including Mr Churchill who have entered politics and are elected representatives as of today. It is the older Alemao Mr Churchill that brought up the others duly assisted by their favourite Mam deceased Mr J B Ferrao. Mr Alemao after a brief stint of sea farers life style having seen almost all the ports of the world and some countries abroad owing to his undying love for the worlds largest supported sport -- football, began his innings with the Varca Sports Club. Ironically his native village Novangully Varca is in the Navelim not Benaulim Assembly constituency of his now bete noire and cumpar Mr Luizinho Faleiro Minister for Industries and Education and MLA Navelim. Having been successful in organising the traditional Carnaval Dance on Sabado Gordo or Fat Saturday for successive years by his Varca Sports Club, Mr Alemao tried his stint in politics for the first time in 1984 but lost to Francisco Monte Cruz in the Benaulim Assembly Conastituency. In November 1989 and was elected as MLA Benaulim Constitutency and became the first Catholic Chief Minister of the State of Goa for the shortest innings from 27th March 1990 until 14 April 1990 under the PDF Government holding the portfolios of Sports (a portfolio which the then and present CM of Goa Mr Pratapsing Raoji Rane elected for the consecutive third term had denied to Mr Alemao which resulted in the unseating of Mr Rane and the formation of the PDF Government in Goa ) At this stage Rane and Churchill were bitter foes. Now they enjoy a blow hot blow cold relation thanks to the junior Vishwajit Rane. His role in the September 1985 Konknni Porjecho Avaz KPA and his sudden appearance in the then Goa Legislative Assembly at the Old Secretariat earned him the sobriquet of Robin hood -- the agitation the first of its kind saw trees strewn accross the roads and blockade a la ULFA style in Assam; and the recognition for Konkani as our mother tongue was commendable. However Catholic Goans did not benefit due his shorsightedness and the betrayal that he suffered by the pro only Devanagari script Konknni lovers. He was misled to believe that Konknni in Devanagari was the natural script for Konknni -- no doubt this was declared cunningly so by a coterie at the highest literary level the Sahitya Akademi in New Delhi on 21.11.1981. Churchill was not aware of this until recently. The denial of Official recognition to Konknni in Roman script brought bitterness amongst the Catholics who in one stroke became second class citizens in their own land. The irony of the situation was that Mr Alemao sent his only son now training as a Commercial pilot in distant kangaroo country Australia, to an English medium school in Panaji. Mr Alemao has now publicly assured on a platform at Azad Maidan in February, 2006 that 18 years down the line he has realised the injustice done to Konknni in Roman script and he will ensure that Roman script will also be given official recognition in the Official Language Act 1987 vide an amendment before the end of this year 20th December, 2006 late Floriano Vaz was killed at Gogol Fatorda Goa first martyr for Konknni. Thereafter he was elected in 1994 as member of Parliament and again in 1999 as MLA Benaulim. He had his innings both in the UGDP the Indian National Congress. His latest battle is for retention of Dabolim as an International airport and NO to MOPA up North in Pernem taluka as a saviour of niz Goencars. But at the same time Mr Alemaos boast of promotion of tourism during his tenure has also witnessed the over kill that tourism industry has done to niz Goencars and Mr Alemao has no plans to ensure that the interests of Goans are provided. His uncertain stand when it comes to politics despite being smitten on several ocassions by the national party the INC has made his voter base render him only issue based support; yet when it comes to voters in South
[Goanet] FAKE CIVIL ENGINEER ON THE RUN
The Goa Police at Headquarters Panaji, have now spread a dragnet to nab one CIVIL ENGINEER Mr. Mario do Socorro Trinidade Achilles, 48 now believed to be untraceable from Pulwado Benaulim Salcete Goa , following a First Information Report (FIR) registered against him by the Engineering Officer Public Works Division Altinho Panaji, Mr D K Prabhu Shastri ( now retired on attaining the age or superannuation) for filing a FORGED certificate and obtaining their PWD registration No:4/84; claiming to have completed the Diploma in Engineering (Civil) and also passed the final examination in June 1983 securing second class from the Board of Technical Education Thiruvananthapuram Govt of Kerala. This writer who had reported the matter 30/3/2006 as a tip off to this impending event, now learnt that the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman had during the tenure of Fr Boulais Da Costa (now Parish Priest of Our Lady of Rosary Church (Chapel) Fatorda) engaged the services of this civil engineer heading the firm M/s Archilles Gracias Consultancy Pulvado Benaulim (as registered civil engineers planning designers valuers and consultants ) for undertaking the responsibility for the alteration, reconstruction etc of the Chapel of Our Lady of Piety (built in 1758 at Monte Chandor in 2004, for an extimated amount of over Rs 18 lacs collected by way of large donations from well wishers mainly natives of Chandor and partly from the Archdiocese. Even the Secretariat of Fabricas/Confres Archbishop s House, Altinho Panaji did not have any reason to suspect the credentials of the Architect/Engineer before entrusting the job, to Mr Gracias considering his reputation and social standing until some parishioners are believed to have protested the works for fear of damage by way of reconstruction to the aesthetics of the Chapel façade. Following this melee the investigations initiated by this parishioners finally appeared to have yielded results . A copy of the alleged forged certificate presented by Mr Archilles was obtained from the PWD records and probed for its contents with the Joint Controller of Technical Examinations Thiruvanantha puram. On 16.2.2006 a confirmation was obtained in that no candidate bearing the name of Mr Gracias was permitted to attend final year Diploma examination in civil engineering and no student bearing registraion number 4697 was sent up for that exam in June 1983 and that the certificate ( a fascimile which was sent to them ) was a FALSE one. When this matter was brought to the notice of the Directorate of Vigilance, Altinho, Panaji, Goa , the Addln.Director Vigilance Mr A W Rane took cognizance of the same and on 29/3/2006 directed the Principal Engineer of the Public Works Department to cancel the registration and file an FIR . According to sources in the Police department the case has since been registered under sections 468, 471, 420 of the Indian Penal Code and arrest is imminent in the days to come. When this writer contacted the top officials of the Archdiocese of Goa Daman earlier they were non commital on the action they propose to take, apparently they are awaiting the law to take its own course. The plain clothes policemen scouting the area has also been the subject of debate in the otherwise quite village in the suburbs of Margao when this writer visited the same. Many claimed that Mr Gracias was otherwise not known to be a bright student in school at Loyola High School in Margao and many had doubts on his credentials especially considering the fact that he flouted a Government Diploma from distant Kerala. His prominent social standing appears to have served as an eyewash for his misdemeanours. When this writer tried to contact the Parish Priest of Nossa Senhora de Belem, Chandor Fr Tony Salema Tel +91 0832 2784002 he was informed by Fr Mariano Silveira the Asst Parish Priest that Fr Salema had gone abroad and feigned ignorance on the roll of Mr Gracias in the Chapel construction having been posted there only in June 2006. Later Fr Silveira directed this writer to contact Fr Boulais da Costa the ex Parish Priest of Chandor (incidentally some claim though unconfirmed that Fr Da Costa is indeed a distant relative of Mr Gracias and hails from Sernabattim Colva) for necessary information. Following a tele-talk with Fr Da Costa, Mobile 9850453717 (+ 91 0832 2741149 ) this evening, Fr Da Costa feigned ignorance of what appeared in an English daily yesterday (regarding FIR and police action against Mr Gracias) and also on a Weekly two weeks ago but claimed to have been told about it only this morning. He stated that he was busy with the novenas and would read the newspaper today night. When asked why was a Chartered Engineer who was registered with the Institute of Engineers Maharashtra/Goa Council, or an Architect registered by the Council of Architects, Goa Chapter not selected, Fr Da Costa claimed that Mr Gracias, was selected by a panel of
[Goanet] CLARIFICATION - Re: GOENKARANCHEM DAIZ ===an NGO launched
Apropos the above a report 6/5/2006 - a reference was made to Dr Savia Veigas, QUOTE .stating SHE herself had risen from humble beginnings having been a child of a sea-farer and learnt under the candle light -- UNQUOTE Dr Veigas in a teletalk with this writer today 11/5/2006 afternoon kindly clarified that the above sentence ought NOT to be attributed to HER but it was a reference made by her -- to the PEOPLE OF her VILLAGE Carmona who are mainly seafarers and have studied under the candle light. This clarification is therefore intended to set things in its proper perspective. GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9822158584 __ Yahoo! India Answers: Share what you know. Learn something new. http://in.answers.yahoo.com _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] QUESTIONS FOR MR LUISINHO FALEIRO CAMP QATAR
While Mr Luisinho Faleiro the MLA Navelim (the biggest parish in Asia)ex CM ex President Goa Pradesh Congress Committee and present Minister for Industries and Education, is in Doha Qatar to attend the May Queen Ball and also address the NRI Goans thereafter yet another set of questions NRI Goans could ask him and seek his clarifications: After Liberation the deputationists ( from neighbouring Maharashtra ) ruled Goa after the MGP came to power. After the INC came to power, the fifteen year domicile policy came about and 80% jobs were to be reserved for sons of the soil. How come today there are 15% Goans or none at all and 85% non Goans in industries set up in Goa? Was this a lacunae in his Industrial policy for Goa and if so have the loop holes been plugged and if not why not and when? If the industrial policy ordains that non polluting industries will be permitted viz soft ware pharmaceuticals, why did the Government not increase the SEATS in a) Asias oldest pharmacy College or b)for short term courses in pharmacy oriented courses IN polytechnics/ITIs to meet the pharmaceutical industry demands; likewise are the existing SEATS in Govt run, polytechnics, engineering colleges, and other private institutions that are granted RECOGNITION under All India Council of Technical Education AICTE or DOEACC enough to cater to the industries needs of the IT Techno parks intended to be set up in Taleigao, Soccorro and Morjim. If not will this NOT lead to a deluge of non goans entering into the state. Is it not a fact that Government as a largest employer in the state employs non Goan workers on nominal muster rolls NMR or on adhoc basis (read back door entry) in its Panchayats and Municipalities and other Government institutions PWD, Irrigation, and Agriculture, Veterinary departments --- because they are willing to work and be PAID LESS than the minimum wages of Rs.86/ (now proposed to be hiked to 120/- per day) unlike Goans who demand the same or higher wages according to the skill and expertise. Margao Municipality and Curca Panchayat is a case in point. Is it not a fact that the key positions of Heads of Departments, viz Transport ex Director Mr Nair (Keralite) Mamlatdars, ex Deputy Labour Commissioner Mr B B Naik (from Karwar) Secretary to Panchayats, Town Country Planning Department PWD, Irrigation Power etc are deliberately kept in the hands of the NON GOANS till date (excluding the inevitable AGMU IAS cadre because Goa does till date not have a State Public Serivice Commission even after Statehood on 30/5/87 ) so that the elected representatives can make them subservient to their whims and fancies (read corrupt practices) -- are there no Goan graduates despite a 20 year old Goa University available in 2006 to man these positions? why should Goans work if they are underpaid? Why has the Department of Education not started courses a) in Master in Social Welfare MSW a qualification pre-requisite for appointment of Labour Welfare Officers in factories works in Industrial estates who eventually end up as Personnel Managers (as a result of which 92% Personnel Managers in Goa are non Goans and they recruit non Goans b) Why are there no diploma courses in Mining or related courses to cater to the needs of students in the mining industry in Bicholim,( Polytechnic at Bicholim is ther but does the strenght suffice the requirement) Sanguem Ponda c) Why are there no diploma courses in agriculture related industries which could help students in the western ghat bodering talukas of Sanguem Canacona and Sattari? Without these polythechnics or institutions located in these areas to help sons and daughter of poor peasants most of whom have lost their farm land to mining --can the Government bluff stating that students do not come forward Has the Government set up educational institutions to train students in the Audio visual entertainment industry now that it has decided to host the IFFI on its own? If not why not? Will the Minister clarify whether the vegetables that are brought from Belgaum as of today (hence the justification for accepting migrants )are required to for the consumptions of niz goencars or to meet the demands of migrants who themselves depend on torcari vegetables? Will the Minister clarify with statistics whether schemes intended by the Goa Government as announced in the recent Goa Assembly session will NOT benefit non Goans more than Goans and also attract more non Goans into the State, for these freebies, at the cost of changing the demographic composition of the State? Can the Minister DENY the fact that non goan workers who intially come as construction workers or work for the fisheries etc in the first two seasons later on understand the intricacies of Goan economy (gulf petrodollars and high per capita income and ) and then charge higher rates and force thus force the employer to go in for a fresh set of migrants. Has the Minister not witnessed the non goan labour
[Goanet] ex PDF Govt Minister Mr Joao Baptist Gonsalves dead
Two times MLA Panaji Assembly Constituency, and ex Minister for Urban Development in the PDF Government of Mr Churchill Alemao in 1990, Mr Joao Baptist Gonsalves, a native of Colva settled in St Inez Panaji, expired today morning at 0440 a.m. after a brief illness. The funeral rites will be held tommorrow 9th May, 2006 at 0930 hrs at the Our Lady of Imaculate Conception Panaji and thereafter his cortege will leave for burial at the St Inez Cemetry. He leaves behind his wife and two children a son and daughter. late Mr Gonsalves was a self confessed baker of repute by profession, and he always took pride to publicly announce his humble beginnings ( unlike several Goans who fight shy of disclosing their traditional background) which he once did when he addressed an electoral campaign meet in Panaji in the presence of late Prime Minister Mr Rajiv Gandhi to enter the electoral fray for the first time essentially as a peoples candidate. During his tenure in politics he endured himself to his constituents with his friendly dispostion and hence easily broke the previous record being the first sitting MLA to be elected twice,(though later Mr Manohar Parrikar ex CM broke this record with a hat trick ). Mr Gonsalves was also the President of the Bakers Association and during his tenure he worked to ameliorate the cause of bakers, viz; availabity of flour, firewood etc which during the late eighties threatened the existence of our traditional poders bakers. He was associated with the Indian National Congress Party and it is only in recent times that he moved away from politics to concentrate on his traditional profession incorporating modern marketing techniques and ensuring a timely change of guard to carry on the traditional occupation. GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9822158584 __ Yahoo! India Answers: Share what you know. Learn something new. http://in.answers.yahoo.com _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] ex PDF Govt Minister Mr Joao Baptist Gonsalves dead
Two times MLA Panaji Assembly Constituency, and ex Minister for Urban Development in the PDF Government of Mr Churchill Alemao in 1990, Mr Joao Baptist Gonsalves, a native of Colva settled in St Inez Panaji, expired today morning at 0440 a.m. after a brief illness. The funeral rites will be held tommorrow 9th May, 2006 at 0930 hrs at the Our Lady of Imaculate Conception Panaji and thereafter his cortege will leave for burial at the St Inez Cemetry. He leaves behind his wife and two children a son and daughter. late Mr Gonsalves was a self confessed baker of repute by profession, and he always took pride to publicly announce his humble beginnings ( unlike several Goans who fight shy of disclosing their traditional background) which he once did when he addressed an electoral campaign meet in Panaji in the presence of late Prime Minister Mr Rajiv Gandhi to enter the electoral fray for the first time essentially as a peoples candidate. During his tenure in politics he endured himself to his constituents with his friendly dispostion and hence easily broke the previous record being the first sitting MLA to be elected twice,(though later Mr Manohar Parrikar ex CM broke this record with a hat trick ). Mr Gonsalves was also the President of the Bakers Association and during his tenure he worked to ameliorate the cause of bakers, viz; availabity of flour, firewood etc which during the late eighties threatened the existence of our traditional poders bakers. He was associated with the Indian National Congress Party and it is only in recent times that he moved away from politics to concentrate on his traditional profession incorporating modern marketing techniques and ensuring a timely change of guard to carry on the traditional occupation. GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9822158584 __ Yahoo! India Answers: Share what you know. Learn something new. http://in.answers.yahoo.com _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] GOENKARANCHEM DAIZ ===an NGO launched
The threat to Goan Identity was never felt to the extent that it is being felt today. At last count an alarming 33% of the population of Goa constitutes the migrants or better known as bhaile threatening the demographic composition of this beautiful State. To add to this cancerous malaise Goan disunity caused by the invisible indelible Great Indian Caste divide the traditional Goan Bhatcar - Bhageli(partner) or the Batcar-Mundcar syndrome and the last potion strains of polarisation on communal lines which threatens the foundataions of Goan tolerance unwitnessed in the rest of the country does not bode well for NiZ Goemcars if Goans do not shed their differences -- at least in public. With this in mind Margao in Salcete South Goa, the bastion of Goa's political cultural and commercial centre witnessed today evening at 1645 6th May 2006, at a well attended function at the Gomant Vidya Niketan the launching of Goenkarachem Daiz a trust -- Daiz samballunk ani Goenkarponn rakhunk --Goenkarponn ani amchem girest daiz samballpak ompil'li sonstha -- to protect preserve and promote the unique Goan culture and its identity. And who among Goans could have visualised this need better. It took Mr Antonio Piedade da Moraes, a dimunitive, lean bespectacled, casual dressed, publicity shy Konkani mogi whose passion for Konkani led him to possess a treasure trove of literary works books numbering well over 2000 books of his collection. He felt it necessary to make them available for posterity to Generation Next to help preserve and promote our culture our identity and that of Konkani language the soul of Goan culture. To satiate his passion it was left to Mr Alfino Fernandes to support the mission of Mr Morais by providing a spacious premise at MIDAS TOUCH Apartments bang opposite the District Court of Margao. Following this other furniture and fixtures were liberally donated and the trust Goenkaranchem daiz took shape in 2005. The inaugural launch began belatedly with an excellent presentation by Dr Nandakumar Kamat an environmentalist now with the University of Goa on GOALOGY Goem Vidheaxastr. It shows the Goa in its right perspective right from early invasion of Homo sapiens to the pre colonial era the colonial era and the post colonial era. Truly Goans would have loved to revisit his presentation. It was a tremendous hardwork put in true and just put forth before the public in a nut shell .. What with satellite imagery from google earth and pictures notes all rolled in . But the power point presentation though announced by him to be for just twenty five minutes extended well beyond an University lecture ( he is familiar with ) and needed the moderator Dr Savia Veigas, an activist of Musuem Heritage a member of the Indias first State Knowledge Commission, who has returned to Goa after 25 years a native of Carmona Salcete Goa, to abruptly put an end to his unending discourse which hurt the ego of Dr Kamat and his usual arrogance was let loose on the organisors. The audience of course did not take kindly to his longish discourse, and cheered Dr Veigas. dr Veigas agreed with most of the presentation made by Dr Kamat but she felt that what is needed is that Identity culture should move into the villages. She herself had risen from humble beginnings having been a child of a sea-farer and learnt under the candle light. In her village the influence of tourism has alienated the villager. The village child was at the cross roads neither good in English nor his own mother tongue Konkani. She was profusely applauded for these observations. Just two questions did not merit much attention. Later Miguel Cotta of Goencho Naad fame and his family gave an unique musical traditional songs and mando treat to the audience. This was followed by a musical group led by Arch. Carlos da Veiga and a final song by Dr Francisco Colaco Cardiologist and family -- songs to the tunes of late Chris Perry. Mr Ramnath Shirodkar gave a solo musical rendtion in Konkani using the mouth organ. But the audience went into a musical frenzy tapping their feet clapping hands to strums and beat of songs by famed tiatrist composer singer of yester years, the 80 year old (9/9/1925) Mr Remedios Januario Colaco lovingly known as Remmie Colaco from the Novas Conquistas Sanvordem Goa; and another song from Dr Gopal V Naik widely known as Dr G V NAIK. Incidentally both Dr G V Naik and Mr Remmie are age old friends and know share a Doctor patient relationship. Their relics relate to a word of caution to Goans to unite to protect out Goan identity. Earlier Mr Edwin Pinto read the aims and objectives of Goenkaranchem Daiz ( membership Founder Member Rs.5000/- and Life Member Rs 1000/- forms were available at the venue. Dr Zahir Qazi an ex student of Goa Medical College in the early eighties a native of Ponda in Goa cherished his love for Goa and things Goan by narrating several incidents which embodies the Goan identity. He heads the AMI
[Goanet] SBI EXECUTIVE MURDERED
Goans were shocked in disbelief to learn of the brutal murder of Ms Philomena Lopes Asst General Manager, of SBI Personal Banking Division Malbhat Margao Goa, at her newly built Bungalow at Chaddvaddo Novangully Varca Salcete South Goa District. According to locals that this writer contacted near the site of the new Bungalow this evening it is learnt that Ms Lopes had recently shifted to Goa from Munbai to take up her posting at SBI Malbhat Margao Goa as she intended to settle down in Goa. Pending completion of the new Bungalow a little away from her ancestral home where her late mother resided, she was staying in the Furtado Apartment Opp the Varca Church in an apartment allegedly belonging to her sister. It is further learnt that she had recently availed leave from duty to move into her new Bungalow and her husband a sea farer left Goa on 1st May, 2006 to join service overseas after they set foot in the new Bungalow. Mr Lopez is believed to be a native from the Bardez Goa region. Having been to Goa recently not many of the neighbours around could throw more light on the motive of the crime as of now, but some tit bits collected indicate of a PULSAR or CBZ brand motor bike with local registration being found abandoned nearby. When this writer visited the scene there was no one to confirm or deny having seen the same. Probably Ms Lopes being a working woman would possibly not have time to interact with the villagers and more so the residents around the new Bungalow. The Police Inspector Incharge Colva Police Station Mr Nelson Albuquerque (other wise an ex Bandra Mumbai native himself) is reported to have visited the scene of the murder yesterday morning and the Police dog scented the trail of the alleged assailant unsuccessfully to a little distance. An young girl a non goan Moslem is reported to have been attending to the daily chores of late Ms Philomena. It was on her learning that the door bell remained unanswered on the morning of 4th May 2006 that she contacted the neigbours of the earlier Apartment where she lived earlier. The Apartment is alleged to be belonging to her sister. The body has been taken for post mortem and it is learnt that her relatives from Mumbai and Bardez are likely to come over. Meanwhile her son too is learnt to be on board the ship and could be expected alongwith his father to come down. Incidentally, this area Novangully Varca is understood to come under the Navelim Constituency of Mr Luizinho Faleiro and is also in the locality of South Goa Member of Parliament Mr Churchill Alemao. Many feel that though the new Bungalow has a sparse number of residents the Ground + one complex was too large for a single occupant and to stay alone especially being an executive of a reputed Indian banking institution. There were gruesome injuries to her face as per oral versions of some nearby residents and it is not clear whether cash or gold ornaments were in the Bungalow. Police are awaiting her husband and son to throw more light on the possible motive of the crime. It may be noted that in March, 2006 another Goan woman hailing from Varca was involved in renting her flat at Sirvodem in Margao Goa to a suspected Kashmiri terrorist now in custody found with some likely explosive material. Besides there is a large number of migrant workers who are brought from Orissa Andhra Pradesh and Kerala who indulge in the fishing business and others from easter Uttar Pradesh Jarkhand and Bihar engaged in menial or construction jobs masonary or carpentary jobs at starred hotels. The ostentatious display of wealth by our gullible Goans, especially women left behind with their children or old folks by absentee husbands have attracted several of these migrants to the flashing of wealth. The rich furnishings and display of wealth easily tempts the poverty stricken workers who know too well that even during their entire life time they will not be able to earn such wealth and hence could easily be tempted to commit such gruesome murder. Even the liberal attitude of our village women towards these men is percieved differently by these migrants who have a mind set of a conservative nature at least in public and hence tend to view our women with a promiscuous outlook. Why even with most of these migrants used to customary child marriages they look differently at the local Goan children below fourteen as well, and hence the potential or rapist too lurking around is possible. Many Goans blame the elected representatives who depend on migrant CHEAP LABOUR and most of them find Goa an El Dorado with all the schemes like free education computers job prospects and employability accomodation easily provided by gullible Goans. This was the sum and substance of the locals when this writer interacted with some of them. FROM THE NOVANGALLY VARCA end GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA 9822158584 Yahoo! India
[Goanet] Mr LUISINHO FALEIRO Min for Ind Edn to visit DOHA QATAR
* 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. --- On 11th May, 2006 Mr Luisinho Faleiro, 54, Minister for Industries and Education, MLA, Navelim Assembly Constituency (over 25 years ) ex CM, ex GPCC President, of Goa will interact with Goans in DOHA QATAR where he will later on be the Chief Guest for the MAY QUEEN BALL of the Goan Welfare Association, Doha Qatar. It is traditional for elected representatives visit foreign countries at the cost of the State Exchequer or at cost of sponsors (ex MLA Herculano Dourado and others recently in March 2006 fiscal year end ) visited a Gulf country to study problems of NRI Goans at the cost of the State Exchequer, and on return learnt that his outfit the NRI Facilitation Centre was in limbo. The brief that such elected representatives (all past or present or future ) carry to sell to our gullible NRI -Goemcars who do not in any case constitute their vote banks but their families in Goa do ) is mere wishful thinking. They could promise you anything short of the MOON on a platter. NRI Goemcars starved out of emotive love for Amchem Bhangarachem Goem fall prey to this bait. But when they come back to Amchem Goem the elected representatives (past, present or future despise them. This writer has come across umpteen NRI Goemcars who confess to have wined dined and feted or what have you our Mukhel Montris Montris and Amdars' and Khasdars in the Gulf and Western countries but suffered humiliation bitterly when they tried to meet them in Goa. Mr Faleiro's impending visit is a great opportunity for NRI Goemcars to seek clarifications on: Whether Mr Faleiro's INC led coalition Government (of MGP NCP and an Independent in Goa ) will table the amendment to the Official Language Act 1987 in the forthcoming monsoon session of the Goa Legislative Assembly in July 2006 to grant recognition to Konkani in the Roman script; N.B. The NCP Dr Wilfred A Se Souza has publicly stated its support for such an amendment Bill if introduced in the Assembly. The South Goa Member of Parliament Mr Churchill ALemao has similarly publicly whole-heartedly ensured to garner party support for such an amendment Bill. As a matter of fact when confronted by this writer in his Chamber in the presence of several visitors during the August 2005 Assembly session to move an amendment Mr Faleiro merely sermonised on his personal attempts to introduce Roman script in 1987 but did not respond positively to the appeal for introduction of an amendment bill citing political expediency of coalition politics. Whether it is just for Mr Faleiro's INC led coalition Government (of MGP NCP and an Independent in Goa) to give mere ASSISTANCE ( call it doles or izmoll to votaries of Konkani in Roman script, who have developed and used the script since the 16th century in all its liturgical, tiatrs its cultural programmes viz Mandos etc which constitute the flesh and blood ( read vote bank ) of the INC in Goa . Whether it is appropriate for Mr Faleiro's INC led coalition Government(of MGP NCP and an Independent in Goa) to fund Konkani in Devanagari script (whose votaries constitute a miniscule 3% of the population (mainly Hindu Saraswat Brahmins) with BUDGETARY grants for their activities; vis a vis doles izmoll to votaries of Konkani in Roman script. Whether it is appropriate for Mr Faleiro's INC led coalition Government(of MGP, NCP, and an Independent in Goa) to on the one hand complain that all these ghanties read non goans are destroying Goa ---N.B. CM Mr Pratapsing Raoji Rane made this statement at his Altinho Panaji residence to this writer in December, 2005 --- and on the other woo and encourage them (same ghanties ) clandestinely to strenghten their vote banks? (Mr Faleiro himself depends on an unprecedented influx of the Kannadiga Moslem and other migrant vote bank in his constituency segment at Davorlim and Housing Board -- and has an avowed soft corner for similar migrants at Monte Margao) Whether Mr Faleiro's INC led coalition Government(of MGP, NCP, and an Independent in Goa) and its coalition Government at the Centre can boldly NOW politically pack off the arrogant Navy, encroachers (though belatedly -- i.e. after nearly 45 years of adverse possession ) from Dabolim and send them to Timbuctoo and retrieve encroached land OR acquire neighbouring land under urgency clause for expansion improvement of the CENTRALLY located Dabolim International Airport to meet the demands of
[Goanet] I CARE FOR MARGAO INITIATIVE -- A SUCCESS
I care for Margao Initiative may sound absurd -- for given the state of civic sense and its affairs -- filth, squalor, garbage, traffic chaos, there could'nt be any Margaoite in Margao (which by the way includes Fatorda region as well of BJP MLA Damodar (Damu) Naik) who would not care for Margao. The political chammeleon Mr Digamber Kamat INC MLA Margao also the Minister for Power Mining and Culture has still not reconciled to his fate of not being a CM from the near CM status he enjoined with the BJP. Add to this --the Civic Council has had its second Chairperson within the first five months of the new body elect (2005 -2010) while the upright Chief Officer Mr Melwyn Vaz now in his eight month was nearly mauled in his office by the Opposition Councillors with leanings towards BJP / NCP. Hence there is chaos chaos and more chaos in Margao today. So the three day (21st April to 23rd April 2006) Down to Earth Jazz Fest organised in association with the Department of Culture and Department of Information and Publicity Govt of Goa to coincide with the World Earth Day on 22nd April promised to make a new initiative for the improvement of Margao city wiht the involvement of the citizens. There was jazz music performances in the past two days and at the grand finale today evening at the Ana Fonte Gardens Near BPS CLub Pajifond Margao the large summer vacationing crowd of women children and youth were treated to good music and songs by Sharon Spice ( Wilson and Sharon tiatrists) , and earlier Joanne D Mello with the Rocky and Rui Show did the honours for the evening. But the duo that recieved the public applause and once more chorus was Dr Francisco Colaco and his beautiful daughter in tow for their excellent numbers in English and Portugues sung with the music accompaniment of Status Quo. Later yet another good performance came from Whoopie Steve Sequeira and Kitu who have come down from Mumbai. It was left to Prince Jacob to make mention that Margao does need to improve it does need to have civic sense , but he also lamented the fact that the amounts one crore (with the Central Government contributing Rs 30 lacs )spent for the rejuvenation of the 5000 m2 area Ana Fonte (spring ) since declared open on 25 January, 2006 was indeed misused because the toilets which were to be provided and manned by Sulabh Sauchalaya have not been installed yet . Even the paint on the facade of the spring interiors have faded in just three months while the flow of the spring waters too is not well maintained in respect to its cleanliness and hygiene. While the evening was a sure treat for all the message perhaps carried is that Margao will now show the way. It may be recalled that the Corporation of City of Panaji did initiate such a campaign and they have infact succeeded to a great extent in beautifying the city. Better late then Never and Margao surely will show the way, for other cities to follow suit. Sidelight of the event: a) some citizens were wondering how come such events are being held at the spring venue when earlier the venue was intended only for children items; both Mr Kamat and Deputy CM Dr Wilfred A De Souza in the presence of CM had vowed at the inaugural b) there were repeated reminders to the audience to send their litter to the waste bins c) Prince Jacob long sermonising was not taken too kindly by the onlookers around the periphery of the spring -- perhaps Prince mistook this event for his tiatr one onlooker commented. d) the Ana Fonte garden is an excellent venue and the lungs of Margao -- surely there could be no better venue for children and women -- Mr Kamat does deserve the credit -- even though the project took over eight years to complete e) for Ethel D'Costa the Panaji based youthful journo columnist and organiser her indulgence in Margao and its new initiatives was indeed a rewarding experience -- Margaoites could benefit more from her organising skills, and experience in the coming days. From the Ana Fonte Garden GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9822158584 __ Yahoo! India Matrimony: Find your partner now. Go to http://yahoo.shaadi.com _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] KING BABUSH REIGN ASSURED in GOA?
--- * 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 --- Ever since the rumblings in the BJP led coalition headed by Mr Manohar Parrikar beginning 27th January 2005 and his final ouster on 4th Marcfh,2005 with imposition of Presidents Rule (call it Governors rule ) until the present regime came to power on (2/2/2005 ) 7/6/2005 there are strong undercurrents that suggest the young turks are in no mood to allow the veterans to have a long innings. It was Mr Antanasio Monserate who first struck by revolting against the unceremonious removal of his coveted portfolio the Town Country Planning, and revenge he did take because he apparently realised that Parrikar had been adopting the condom policy of use and discard to sustain his reign. It was Monserrate a novice in politics who first drew blood when he seated in the remote constituency of Poinguinim in Canacona Taluka ensured the success of his friend and Man Friday Mr Isidore Fernandes after getting him to resign from the Indian National Congress and then re-electing him on BJP ticket. As the main campaign manager Mr Monserrate indeed earned full laurels for his success though Mr Parrikar refused to give him the credit he deserved. Earlier Mr Monserrate demanded from Mr Parrikar reversion of parts of Taleigao from then Municipal status to Panchayat status and for this he lent support to the BJP led coalition and later honourably adorned the garb of BJP when the same was conceded to him. From 27th January, 2005 he showed his clout by keeping the entire INC MLA's under his fortress under lock and key at CASA MONSERATTE near the St Inez Church end. Later Mr Monserrate not only got his spouse a post of Vice President in the United Goans Democratic Party UGDP and later got his entire Taleigao Village Panchayat panel elected. His political strides went to an extent where he finally got his spouse Ms Jennifer to contest the Zilla Panchayat elections and later unanimously elected as the Chairperson of the North Goa Zilla Panchayat. Facing a formidable challenge from ex CM and present leader of the Opposition Mr Manohar Parrikar' panel and that of Ms Victoria Fernandes his bete noir he secured nearly two third majority 19 out of total 30 seats in the Corporation of City of Panaji and got his choice candidates elected as Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the Corporation. For Mr Monserate the achievement was not as per his expectations and blamed it on paucity of time and inability to sell his ideas for the development of Panaji to the electorate in a constituency that has parts of Santa Cruz Taleigao Panaji Assembly Constituency. He was however content that the ex CM was put on hold on home turf Panaji Assembly Constituency at the forthcoming hustings. Except for the only defeat that he faced when the draconian ordinance of 30 September, 2005 was kept in abeyance to die a natural death viz to lapse for failure to be taken up in the next convened session, an agitation spearheaded by his bete noir Ms Victoria Fernandes and other NGO's and the Regional Plan 2011 is still being whetted for finalisation now expected by month end, Mr Monserrate seems to have crossed the hurdles single handedly and is now gaining support for shouldering higher responsibilities. There has been criticism accusations insinuations --- being called an extortionist, indulgence in cyber crimes etc etc but all this notwithstanding many of the accusations remain only on the lips of the rumour mongers and have not been subjected to strict test. The latest move seems to be --- rather the last nail in the coffin --- Mr Monserate has now offered to fling his Ministerial portfolios and settle down for the Organisational postings. It is certain that Mr Monserrate has done his homework well; he has indeed placed all his cards on the desk of the High Command and to his good luck some of the veteran politicians primarily the Chief Minister Mr Pratapsing Raoji Rane seems to agree with his game plan against the willy nilly Ponda MLA Mr Ravi Sitaram Naik the present incumbent to the post of Goa Pradesh Congress Committee. Will Mr Monserate succeed in his game plan is only a matter of conjecture. He is indeed receiving support from unknown quarters and slowly but surely the ground swell support will turn on his side. Though the High Command and the UPA Chairperson has yet to take a decision given that she was not too happy over the TCP ordinance knowing fully that even the Church had objections to this draconian move. Ms Margaret Alva the AICC observer looking after the Goa Desk seems to have
[Goanet] COINCIDENCE OR DESIGN - You be the judge
--- * 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 --- Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was born in Madhya Pradesh India, on 14th APRIL (1891) and died on 6th DECEMBER, (1956) Dr Ambedkar was a dalit untouchable Scheduled Caste (signifies a Schedule in the Constitution of India recognising certain castes hence the term Scheduled )and he believed that THERE IS NO SCOPE FOR DALITS AND UNTOUCHABLES LIKE HIM ---within Hinduism and therefore appealed to them to embrace BUDDHISM (largely followed in most Asian countries) Yet he earned the title of Father of the Constitution of India. But he is discreetly looked down upon, infact hated, by the high caste Hindus, for much of his preachings in favour of Untouchables Dalits -- reservation for SCs and other beliefs like advocating Buddhism. ___ Siddharta Gautama was the Originator of Buddhism and born in a Royal family of Nepal.. Buddha Pournima JAYANTI (birthday) is celebrated in MAY each year. He does not claim divinity but his followers -- Buddhists (mainly Scheduled Castes in India ) see him as a guide who can lead one to path of Enlightenment for oneself. ___ Now check these important incidents in India *** On 18th MAY (1974 )the Indian National Congress Party in India under late Smt Indira Gandhi exploded its first nuclear device, and called the operation as Smiling Buddha coincidentally ? that day was also being observed as Buddha Pournima. *** On 6th DECEMBER (1992) The over five hundred years old BABRI MASJID at Ayodhya was demolished. This day coincidentally ? was the DEATH ANNIVERSARY of Dr B R Ambedkar. +++ On 11th MAY (1998) Nuclear device exploded yet again after 1974 -- by the Bharatiya Janata Party Government of the day the day coincidentally also being observed as Buddha Pournima *** On 14th APRIL (2006) two Bomb explosions in Delhi's JAMA MASJID (Mosque) and another in Srinigar coincidentally? the day is also observed as Dr B R Ambedkar jayanti (birthday) *** Is there anything in store coincidentally? for 2550th Buddha Pournima Jayanti on 14th MAY, 2006 or on the ocassion of the 50th death anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar 6th DECEMBER, only time will tell. Yet another untolerant situation which unnerves the right wing Hindu fundamentalist party in India is the triumvarate leading the Nation is a) Dr A P J Abdul Kalam ( a Moslem ) the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh ( a Sikh ) and the Chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance (Smt Sonia Gandhi ) a Roman Catholic ) all minority communities. GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9822158584 __ Yahoo! India Matrimony: Find your partner now. Go to http://yahoo.shaadi.com _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] 1st Fr . Freddy da Costa Award for Journalism --to John Gomes -KOKOY
-- Domnic Fernandes continues (Part III) his reminiscence of Mapusa of the 1950s http://www.goanet.org/index.php?name=Newsamp;file=articleamp;sid=426 -- At a low turn out function to present the first late Fr Freddy da Costa Award for Journalism for the year 2005' organised by the Dalgado (Msgr Sebastiao Rodolfo Dalgado of Assagao born 8.5.1855 died 4th April, 1922) Konknni Academy, Panaji a registered Association, at the Our Lady of Grace Church Hall Margao at 1636 hrs IST today 10th April, 2006 --- Mr John Salvador Hipolito Roquelino Gomes popularly known as Kokoy a native of --396 B Panzarcone Cuncolim Salcete presently residing at 15 Lotlikar Bldg 3rd Floor Comba Margao +91 0832 2733152, a veteran writer both in Konkani (Roman script) and English, a music composer, a singer, a tiatrist, was awarded this prestigious award instituted by the DKA in memory of late Fr Da Costa who was indeed during his life time pained at the neglect of Konkani in Roman script founded the DKA in 1989 to render justice to Konkani in the Roman script. The award which consist of a plaque and a Prize of Rs 1000/- will henceforth be awarded to any writer of excellence only in Konkani Roman script. Mr Wilson Mazarelo the President of the DKA in his introductory speech eulogised the role of Konkani writers tiatrist and others who despite set-backs rendered yeomen service to keep the Konkani language and the Roman script flag flying high. Noting the gross injustice to Konkani in Roman script he stated that he was confident that the recognition for Konkani in Roman script will be a success given the emotive contribution of all Konkani lovers. for the first time in the budget ended March Mr Tomazinho Cardozo well known tiatrist and educationist ex Speaker and ex Sarpanch in his speech also dwelt upon the injustice done to Konkani in Roman script. He said that the injustice done to Konkani in Roman script was indeed a betrayal but now there are no two ways about it -- the amendment sought to be brought in the Goa Legislative Assembly to amend the definition of Konkani to read as both Devanagari and in Roman script will be introduced in the forth coming Goa Legislative Assembly. He praised the awardee of todays function stating that the role of Mr Gomes in the field of tiatr writing and journalism was well known to all. Newspapers like Sot Uzvadd Goan Review Gulab Vavraddeancho Ixtt even Goan English dailies viz Gomantak Times The Navhind Times Herald etc witness some of his excellent thought provoking writings even to this day. Ofcourse the recognition he deserved today was only for his writings in Konkani in Roman script. Mr Gomes is comfortable on the mouth organ and violin as well. He has received several awards since 1997 till 2006 There was a request by Mr Cardozo that both Mr Gomes and veteran tiatrist Mr John Claro who was present at the gathering should pen down their memoirs so that other upcoming writers could be influenced by their works and follow into their footsteps. There was a reference made to Pai tiatrist late Mr Joao Agostinho Fernandes of Modsai Borda Margao Goa in whose memory the MLA of Margao Mr Digamber Kamat also the Minister of Culture Govt of Goa has assured to name the auditorium coming up Opp. the Fatorda Stadium (South end) who had sacredly penned down all his memoirs and this is now available at the Goa Konkani Academy. He said that ever since the movement for revival of Konkani Roman script began the authorities have realised that the no nonsense attitude of the protoganists of both Roman and Devanagari are determined to take the movement ot its logical end. There is a Government order given to the Goa Konkani Academy to ensure that the Roman script literature be also given due assistance and that before the end of March 2006 for the first time thirteen books are going to be released in Roman script funded by the GKA otherwise around 60 books of little consequence was published by the GKA only in devanagari script. Mr Tomazinho also appealed to the audience to partake in the activities of the DKA and lend financial assistance in whatever way possible. Mr Zito Almeida also spoke on the ocassion. After the presentation of the award by President of the DKA Wilson Mazarelo Mr Gomes thanked the organisors for the honours bestowed on him but he felt that there were others who deserved it. He too despite his advance age spoke with an youthful gait and vowed to ensure that the Konkani Roman script movement should be kept going and he assured that whatever be the endeavours of the DKA towards Konkani he would always be available at a beck and call. He informed the gathering that no sooner he learnt that he was being given the
[Goanet] Photographs -- SFX 500th Birth Anniversary Celebrations (7/4/1506 to 2006)
-- Domnic Fernandes continues (Part II) his reminiscence of Mapusa of the 1950s http://www.goanet.org/index.php?name=Newsamp;file=articleamp;sid=426 -- Photographs of the celebrations held at Old Goa on 7th April, 2006 http://www.goanet.org/index.php?name=Newsfile=articlesid=433 a) The Eucharistic Celebrations led by His Grace the Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Rev Filipe Neri Ferrao and others. b) The gathering of priests c) The Choral Group that did the rendition of hymns d) Seated, the delegation from Portugal led by Minguel Correia Monteiro, author of the book on St Francis Xavier released on this occasion The same may be circulated freely with due courtesies to this writer. from the Old Goa end GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9822158584 http://www.goanet.org/index.php?name=Newsfile=articlesid=433 _ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
[Goanet] 7th April 1506 to 2006 - SFX - 500 years celebration
-- Domnic Fernandes continues (Part II) his reminiscence of Mapusa of the 1950s http://www.goanet.org/index.php?name=Newsamp;file=articleamp;sid=426 -- In the backdrop of the Archaelogical Society of India (ASI) maintained Basilica de Bom Jesus , where the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier are held in a silver casket, at Old Goa (Ilhas) Tiswadi taluka Goa the western State of India, over four thousand people assembled this evening at 1734 hrs IST at a specially erected shamiana to partake in the Eucharist Mass to celebrate 500th Birth anniversary of St Francis Xavier (07.04.1506) a native of Navarre in Spain. It was perhaps destined that a native of Spain should commence his missionary endeavours and also find his sacred relics held in one of Asia's most beautiful tiny State of Goa in India which gifted by nature could easily earn the sobriquet of the Spain of the East. Many faithfiul were taken by surprise of this celebration today, which otherwise received vide publicity in the local print media and on the internet in the past few days. This is because it is not the birth day but the death anniversary of the Saint on 3rd December, (and that of another i.e his most trusted friend St Ignatius de Loyola who died on 31st July 1556 ) that is being celebrated, as feast days. This year incidentally is also the 450th death anniversary of Saint Ignatius de Loyola and 5th centenary celebrations of the birth of Blessed Peter Faber of Villaret in Savoy on 13th April, 1506. The indomitable trio were indeed the co-founders alongwith some others of the Society of Jesus, which has today over 20,000 priests of this order world wide and the Goa Province which constitutes Belgaum Pune and Ajra Sidhudurga. In Goa there are 143 Jesuits. St Francis Xavier set foot on this soil at Old Goa just 100 metres away from the Basilica (where a monument stands testimony to his visit) in then Goa which constituted only Salcete Mormugao and Ilhas (now Tiswadi) the Velhas Conquistas (Old Conquests (1510-1961) nearly 464 years ago. It is here at Old Goa that he arrived from Torre de Belem in Lisbon (where a monument is erected as well (Fr Vasco Rego sj who visited the spot in Lisboa Portugal ) after he set sail and reached Goa via the river Mandovi after 6 months of voyage according to Fr Vasco De Rego ex Rector of the Basilica, and began his works in Asia to reap a good crop of faithful for Christianity. Following his death the Saint is revered not only in Goa and India as Goemcho Saib but by people world over. The decadal Expositions where the mortal remains are brought down from the specially erected altar for veneration by the faithful is a testimony to the Saint's following even several hundred years of his death enroute to China. Many a times when tragic incidents or a natural catastrophe e.g. tsunami affect other parts of the world or India, the it is not uncommon to see Goans always heave a sigh of relief and note with pride that nothing will happen so long as amcho Goemcho Saib is there. Even the Japanese who had established the first tradelinks for mining of ore from Goa to Japan pay homage to the Saint by describing Goa in the land of Saint Francis Xavier . The mass which witnessed the Main celebrant His Grace the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, besides the Bishop Emeritus Most Rev. Dr Raul Niclau Gonsalves, Bishop of Belgaum Most Rev. Peter Machado and the Provincial of Society of Jesus (a society founded on 27.9.1540 ) was a solemn sung Mass as a glowing tribute to the Saint. It may be recalled that the members of the Society of Jesus were responsible for safeguarding the Konkani in the Roman script and setting up the first printing press in Asia to further its written communications to network with the large indigenous natives. They set up many educational institutions in Goa viz St brittos High School and Loyola High School Margao, the Baga Retreat Centre Fr Arrupe Home in Raia the Thomas Stephen Konknni Kendra the Xavier Historical and Research Centre at Porvorim are testimony of the service to the community. The newly appointed Bishop of Belgaum who partook in the celebrations was on his maiden visit to Goa and received a thunderous applause when he was introduced to the gathering by His Grace the Archbishop of Goa and Daman Filipe Neri Ferrao. A special Portuguese delegation was also present on the ocassion besides the Deputy Chief Minister of Goa Dr Wilfred A De Souza. A book on the life and times of St Francis Xavier by Minguel Correia Monteiro from Portugal was released by the Archbishop of Goa Daman Rev Filipe Neri Ferrao. Sidelights a) though the Mass was held in the evening transport arrangements were
[Goanet] LEOPARD ALARMS MIRAMAR RESIDENTS
Strange but true. With Goa turning into a concrete jungle, needless to say wild animals could as well be the pedestrians of the future. An indication of things to come was this incident that alarmed the inhabitants of the high profile locale of Miramar Panaji Goa within the precincts of Corporation of City of Panaji. This early morning while students and office goers were on their daily chores a leopard straying around Miramar finally landed into a residential apartment HOME STEAD of the Menons at Miramar. According to a top official of the office of Conservator of Forests who this writer had a teletalk with +91 0832 2223508, the leopard could have as well come from the nearby Aguada side and swam across the waters and made its way after meandering thro the Miramar area at early morning. According to him there are areas in Bardez which are witness to such leopards prowling, To a question --whether this could be a domesticated one apparently set lose by the owners ---fearing the change of guard expected in the office today with the arrival of the new incumbent Chief Conservator of Forest Mr Richard D Souza IFS who is likely to take charge,( following his transfer to Goa from Arunacahal Pradesh ), he stated that though it is illegal to domesticate such animals classified under Schedule I of the Wild Life Act 1972 atleast this one did not appear to look like one domesticated and had to be tranquilised before being nabbed and sent to the Bondla zoo. It may be recalled that during the earlier termof Mr Richard D Souza IFS in Goa as Conservator of Forests during the BJP led coalition regime, the first thing that he did was to raid all places where such prohibited animals under Wild Life Act were domesticated by people of Goa. All such animals were confiscated from these unauthorise owners and taken to the Bondla zoo. This earned the wrath of many animal lovers, though Mr D Souza was shunted out of the State after a brief innings for other reasons. It is believed that the mining lobby then feared his functioning strictly by the rule book and so that he was booted out. Efforts to contact the inmate of the house Ms Angelica Menon on +91 0832 2461143 in whose house the wild animal was found early morning by the howling of her dog were futile. Meanwhile when this writer spoke to an animal lover in South Goa who had suffered a similar fate at the hands of Mr D Souza, he agreed that this may not have been a domesticated one by the owners of the house, where it was found, but did not rule out the possibility of the leopards being domesticated by others and subsequently released out of fear of being raided-- He agreed that though one would need to excercise great caution to keep leopards as it eas necessary to keep them away from other feline genre. There was yet another animal lover who agreed that there might be a coincidence with the leopard being found and the arrival of Mr Richard D Souza in Goa. He is sure that there will be a notice issued by him directing all animal lovers in the State to surrender the all animals prohibited from being domesticated as included in the Schedule I of WLA. At the same time he wondered how the Government could fill the zoo at Bondla with domesticated animals from private owners. Does the law distinguish from Government as the owner and private individuals in matters of domestication? How then can they put such animals in its zoo? Ironically some four years ago there was a board at Bondla indicating that most of the animals held at Bondla were confiscated from private owners. GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA 9822158584 [EMAIL PROTECTED] __ Yahoo! India Matrimony: Find your partner now. Go to http://yahoo.shaadi.com _ 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] COUNTDOWN FOR ODI - FATORDA BEGINS
With temperatures at 32 degrees C and the threat of unseasonal showers in the past few days ago, the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, South Goa, India, built in a record time of six months by the then Indian National Congress Minister for Sports Government of Goa, Mr Francisco Monte Cruz then MLA of Benaulim, (where the teams are lodged at the Taj Exotica ) with an official seating capacity of 27,500 will witness the third ODI between England and India at 0900 hrs tommorrow 3rd April 2006. Incidentally the highest turnout at the stands was 43,000 at the inaugural Football match in 1989 This time the tickets sale was orderly, the designated Syndicate Bank did the honours for ticket sale in the order of Rs.400/- 750/- 1000/- and 2000/- Sale of tickets was brisk. There were volunteer passes distributed by M/s United Breweries of Kingfisher most of the Sports clubs received their quota of tickets for distribution. There were T shirts blue with the Indian logo being sold for Rs.100/- Nevertheless this morning and last evening too tickets were on sale in black the quote was Rs.700 for the lowest denomination but that figure went down to as low as Rs 600 by dusk. One of the reasons for an element of paranoi in the minds of probable spectators and the slightly less interest in witnessing the game from the Nehru stadium is a) the threat of a bomb blast at the venue (ever since the 2nd March,2006 Curchorem - Cacora - Gulemol - riots, the arrest of a terrorist in Sirvodem Margao Goa, the unaccompanied bag scare at State Bank of India Panaji the alleged terrorist scare at Military area Ponda and the recent nabbing of a Vasco da Gama Goa based terrorist in Karnataka a couple of days ago ) b) the events at the 2nd ODI in North India which witnessed a rampage of non ticket holders seeking unathorised entry which resulted in the severe lathi charge on an innocent child accompanied by her mother in North India-- being highlighted on the visual media since yesterday c) the prospects of unseasonal rains which could wash away the aspirations of ticket holders d) the first day of week long the SSC examinations many Goans would prefer to see the game on the idiot box in the confines of their homes. It may be recalled that the Lord Damodar -- Gulal festivities at Zambaulim witnessed the lowest turnover just 23% in recent times. Today morning there was crowd of spectators yearning to see the players at the practice session -- However security forces Central Reserve Police being deployed ensured that the enthusiasm of the onlookers was restricted only to outer bounds of Gate limits. Incidentally this could as well be the last ODI being played at Fatorda which forms a part of the Margao Municipal Council. If all goes well by the time the next ODI opportunity comes Goa's way it could be held at either Tivim or Guirim in Bardez Taluka in North Goa District the venue of Goa's first Cricket Stadium, promised by the Board of Cricket Control Vice President Mr Dayanand Narvekar also Minister of State for Health. For the Minister for Health Government of Goa Mr Narvekar this ODI is of great importance. The cast of the organising Committee consists of mostly the same that was unsuccessfully accused by the previous BJP led Mr Manohar Parrikar Government in the inconclusively investigated ticket gate scam involving Mr Narvekar and others. Incidentally Mr Narvekar LL.M an ex MGP MLA is credited as the architect of the downfall of the 17 year Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party led by Ms Sashikala Bandodkar( daughter of late Dayanand Bandodkar Goa's first Chief Minister )when he alongwith then Rivona MLA Mr Dilkush Desai (who survived a bullet attack and is now partially incapacitated and resides at Margao ) It was their defection from the MGP which then resulted in Presidents Rule for the first time and the electoral victory of the Congress- Urs (led by Devraj Urs) which later defected enmasse to the Congress - Indira in 1980. Therefore for Mr Narvekar and company -- they are not taking any chances and the gates will be thrown open by 0600 hrs (unlike the last time when the gates opened only an hour before the match 0800 hrs leading to a mob frenzy and gate crashers) and the approach to the venue will be restricted to genuine ticket holders only, with multiple checks. The entire stadium has been provided with a sun protective canopy, afresh paint and the ground done up with the pitch promising over 250 runs as per the considered opinion of the grounds man. There are CCTC closed circuit TV cameras in situ and lunch and snacks will be served within the stadium making movement outside restricted to some extent. This writer who visited the venue just before the England team arrived for their practice session found that there is much to be desired as far as movement of vehicular traffic is concerned and an unforseen catastrophe. The narrow roads at the Fatorda Church end should have been cleared of all
[Goanet] BOMBAY HIGH COURT -PANAJI BENCH - HELPS LITIGANTS
Lawyers are liars believe many and apparently addressing this valid concern of the numerous litigants especially those who are unable to attend the regular hearings either owing to exigencies of work or being outstation or abroad, The Panaji Bench of the Bombay High Court has since introduced Case Status System courtesy the National Informatic Centre NIC Call it an Inter active Voice Response System IVRS in technological jargon of the Information age and presto you will have the case status available. All one needs to do is dial +91 0832 2421794 or 2421795 and then follow carefully the instructions given on telephone Dial 1 for English version 2 for Hindi version Dial 1 for Civil cases 2 for Criminal cases 3 if you know the 14 digit Case Identification Number A) For civil cases Dial 1 for Writ Petition 2 for First Appeal 3 for Appeal for Murder 4 for Second Appeal 5 for Patent Application 6 for Public Interest Litigation 7 for Family Court Appeal 8 for Contempt Petition 9 for Civil Revision Application then enter case No: then enter Year viz as of now only between 1997 upto 2006 (both years inclusive) B) For criminal cases Dial 1 for Writ Petition 2 Criminal Appeal 3 Revision Application 4 Confirmation Cases 5 Criminal Application 6 Contempt Petition then enter Case No: Year viz as of now only between 1987 upto 2006 (both years inclusive ) It will then give you the case status either a) disposed and the day/month/year of disposal Or b) if pending the last date of hearing. And then perhaps you can pay up the lawyers fees not otherwise. As a matter of fact it would be of interest to litigants if the Bombay High Court provides some other information as under a) i. whether Advocate for the petitioner/respondent (absent / present) or ii . Judge (on leave/on duty/on training /on deputation) iii no judge available iv. any other reason. This is because while the Advocates are present in the Court premises or even otherwise they sometimes avoid attendance during specific hearings or unpleasant orders. Another vital information would be to provide the details of rojanama extract or otherwise as a matter of routine it should be made mandatory for an advocate to provide to his /her clients each financial year as the case progressess the roznama extract to ascertain the status of the case and whether it is worthwhile pursuing the same or call it a day by way of out of court settlement. While on the subject the litigants should stand forewarned never to part with their original documents to the advocate and make them available only at the time such documents are called for at the time of hearing only. This is to avoid numerous instances of reported loss of vital documents in transit or due to a light fingered gentry in the Court premises or the advocates office which could affect ones case. Will the Minister for Law Govt of Goa now take a cue and introduce the same for cases in the trial Courts as well and why not in other quasi-judicial bodies of the Govt of Goa. There was a time when Goans used to dread being dragged to court for that matter even a call at the Office of the Regedor would set ones feet wobbling but today at a time when one can consider himself/herself lucky to have an order delivered during one's lifetime it is the culprits and money bags who drag the innocent litigant to the Courts. GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA 9822158584 [EMAIL PROTECTED] __ Yahoo! India Matrimony: Find your partner now. Go to http://yahoo.shaadi.com _ 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] FAKE ENGINEER (CIVIL)/ARCHITECT ON THE PROWL ?
To undertake Government related civil works registration with the Government authorities is a pre-requisite. However it is now clear that the Government of Goa seldom verifies the credentials of the applicants and genuineness of the testimonials before according such registration. Even at the time of annual renewal this cross check by way of abundant caution is not resorted too. Little wonder then one realises how the post Liberation Goa is rid with such badly engineered civil works that would make a genuine professional hang his/her head in shame. This writer had almost a decade ago conclusively ascertained that a prominent (read upper caste)citizen from South Goa was indeed practicing as an Advocate without having secured the relevant degree from the Bombay University. Before the investigations could be pursued to its logical conclusion the unfortunate happened the Advocate in question expired. While the legal fraternity whispered under their breath at the time of last rites none had the courage of conviction to assit the writer to frame the Advocate for his misdemeanour, for fear of being pulled up for defamation even though solid evidence was available. Now comes yet another discovery this time of another prominent citizen from South Goa who has been masquerading as a Civl Engineer and sometimes Architect?. It has now been brought to the notice of this writer that the individual concerned has been registered as such with a Planning Development Authority, and a Municipality in South Goa District and also with the Public Works Department of the Government of Goa. However upon discreet verification of the testimonials with the Government of Kerala they have now ascertained that niether such individual bearing such testimonials has been registered with them nor is said to have successfully completed and passed the course of Diploma in Engineering (Civil) in any of their institutions in Kerala just over two decades ago. Ironically the concerned citizen is also believed to have undertaken major civil engineering works for a religious institution which was riddled in some controversy in South Goa with some questioning his credentials to undertake such sophisticated works on basis of doubtful credentials. It is now left to be seen how the Central Bureau of Investigations Altinho Panaji if directed by the Government of Goa or the Department of Vigilance Government of Goa acts on the matter. Meanwhile it is now learnt that the registration officials namely the Chief Officer the Municipal Engineer the PDA and the Registration Department of the PWD are likely cast the net to nab the culprit. It may also interest readers to note that in the early seventies (in 1974 ?) the Government of Goa had detected that a large number of graduate degrees which were in circulation and several government employees had allegedly utilised the same to advance their career prospects while in Government service or otherwise and thereby their emoluments. It is not clear whether any amnesty was granted to such employees to come off clean or were granted reversion to lower grades besides penal action of loss of increments. It is time the Government of Goa conducts a full investigation of the staff records and where there exists questionable discrepancies the employees should be asked to either produce the original documents OR instead provide the name / address of the University/Institution and the grade/month /year of passing such examinations. The Government could then verify the same with such institutions within the State or with their counter parts in other states. The same practice should also be followed at the time of renewal of such registrations beginning 2006-07 and as a matter of routine the Government of Goa should also make it mandatory to any individual in its employment or undertaking Government works to produce testimonials as and when called upon to do so or are being awarded work orders. It may also be noted that several cases of such of fraudulent testimonials to seek gainful employment have been detected by UAE countries and now the latest country to follow suite in investigating similar cases is the continent of Australia. There is already a record number of cases where persons mainly from the majority community have fudged their date of births by two years so that they superannuate on par with teachers at the age of 60 years. Atleast in one case the employee concerned is believed to have committed suicide. The modus operandi in fudging proof of age documents is to claim that their parents were unable to register the births of their wards owing to the harrassment of this community by the erstwhile Portuguese regime. On this pretext they then swear an affidavit especially at the time of marriage and produce a fresh registration, advancing their age almost as a rule by two years and otherwise by more years depending upon how the palms are greased
[Goanet] SHAME -- SHIGMOTSAV CANCELLED AT CURCHOREM ?
-- | Read V.M. de Malar's latest Column: | || | Politics of Destruction | || | http://www.goanet.org/index.php?name=Newsamp;file=articleamp;sid=416 | -- Shame on the Goa Government. The last day of the five day Goa Legislative Assembly session from 20th March, 2006 to 24th March, 2006 witnessed a near turmoil when Opposition benches demanded from the treasury benches to know the reason why the traditional Shigmotsav celebrations due to be held at Curchorem were cancelled. While the Chief Minister who is also the Home Minister feared the recurrence of icidents affecting the law and order situation following the 3rd March, 2006 riots the Opposition were in no mood to take this lying down. Unfortunately the Speaker too did not allow the discussions and this earned the wrath of the Opposition This writer spoke to several persons in and around Panaji and Porvorim late evening and they were one in ecpressing resentment about the Government's cancellation of the festivities. It may be recalled that when the Navy did not permit the faithful to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Brotas at Anjediv on 2nd February, 2004 and 2005 there was a hue and cry raised not only by the Catholic community but also the entire Hindu community from Canacona and Karwar besides other parts of Goa as this had hurt the religious sentiments of the community. Infact on 2nd February, 2003 there was a near riot near the Binaga Gate and the Navy police personnel had a tough time in quelling the crowds who remained at the gate from 0600 hrs well past 1700 hrs to register their protest. It was left to this writer to broach the issue with the higher ups the President of India the Prime Minister and Madam Sonia Gandhi during her recent visit to India and it must be said to the credit of the Rajya Sabha member Mr Shantaram L Naik who raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha by way of special mention and a reply from the Union Defence Minister Mr Pranab Mukherjee is awaited. Therefore in the same manner the cowardice displayed by the ruling party in the Goa viz the Congress led coalition is condemnable. An enquiry with the police official at Panaji Headquarters revealed that there is no reliable evidence thus far of any threat perception at Curchorem if the Shigmotsav celebrations were held. Even assuming without admission if such a threat was imminent the Government could have made this public; but merely stating that the law and order situation is not conducive to allow such an event at this juncture smacks of a weak kneed decision. For the records the Zambaulim Gulal which indeed could have been put on a high alert went of well with adequate police protection. Therefore one sees no reason for the cancellation. One street vendor put it to this writer, stating if the Government fears such threats they may well have to close shop in promoting Goa as a 365 day destination. It is therefore left to the law makers to ensure that the festivities are carried out and they should remain present at the venue to build confidence among the people. GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9822158584 __ Yahoo! India Matrimony: Find your partner now. Go to http://yahoo.shaadi.com
[Goanet] PRIEST MURDER - HELP REWARD GOA POLICE
-- | Read V.M. de Malar's latest Column: | || | Politics of Destruction | || | http://www.goanet.org/index.php?name=Newsamp;file=articleamp;sid=416 | -- Now that the duo killers (in their own admission) have been arrested, produced in the Criminal Court Margao and thereafter remanded to police custody for 14 days, the general view of the public is that the police should be allowed to complete their investigations and tighten up the loose ends to enable them make a fool proof case. It must be remembered that the rate of conviction in India is about 4 % and therefore to ensure that the ends of justice are met the people who are in the know of things could at best volunteer to make statements before the court or assist the Maina Curtorim police who have done a comMendable job in tracking down the duo. This in the opinion of well meaning citizens is the only way one could ensure conviction. Hence mere debate/clarifications and counter clarification on press reports etc would only distract the attention of the police. The Deputy Inspector General of Police Mr Ujwal Mishra is believed to have handled the case exceedingly well as on now and even if some statements as may have appeared in a section of the press or in other news media needs to be read between the lines lest the culprits wriggle out of the situation It should also be noted that the antecedents of the duo killers are yet to be identified and at this juncture it would not be possible for the Police to divulge all information. Hence the general feeling is to excercise restraint and support the police personnel. This writer assures the concerned citizens of close follow up on merits as the case progressess. It would also not be out of place if the police personnel of Maina Curtorim Salcete Goa are rewarded for their excellent job, in tracking down the culprits. GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9822158584 __ Yahoo! India Matrimony: Find your partner now. Go to http://yahoo.shaadi.com
[Goanet] OFFICIAL LANGUAGE ( AMENDMENT ) BILL - TO BE INTRODUCED?
Given the fact that there is an immediate need for introducing the Roman script in the official language act merely by a small amendment, this writer has made available a draft Bill which has since been circulated to the ruling and opposition members of the Goa Legislative Assembly, so that the same could be brought in the current Assembly session. The INC MLA's Mr Agnelo Fernandes MLA Calangute and Parliamentary Secretary, Mr Karl Vaz MLA Mormugao Mr Francis D Souza BJP MLA Mapusa and Mr Mathany Saldanha UGDP MLA Cortalim (status subjudice) have evinced keen interest in the same and could be counted to introduce it for admission from the Treasury Benches or as a private members Bill from the Opposition side. What is important is that it should be introduced now lest it becomes an emotive issue at election time. *** The Goa Daman and Diu Official Language (Amendment) Bill 2006 ( Bill No:of 2006) ABill further to amend the Goa, Daman and Diu Official Language Act 1987 Be it enacted by the Legislative Assembly of Goa in the fifty sixth year of the Republic of India as follows: 1. Short title and commencement:--- (1)This Act may be called the Goa Official Language (Amendment ) Act 2006 2) It shall come into force at once. 2 Amendment of Sections : In section 1 and in all other sections of the Goa Daman and Diu Official Language Act 1987 (Act No:1 of 1987) (hereinafter referred as the Principal Act ) i) in the long and short title where the figure and words Daman and Diu wherever it occurs, shall be omitted ii)for the expression Union Territory and the Union Territory of Goa Daman and Diu wherever they occur , the expression the State of Goa shall be substituted 3. Amendment of section 2. In section 2 of the Principal Act i) clauses (a) and (f) shall be omitted ii) clauses (b) (c) (d) and (e) shall be restructured as clauses (a) (b) (c) and (d) resply. iii)after restructure of clause (c ) of the Principal Act as clause (b) shall be inserted after the words in Devanagari and also Roman script 4 Amendment of section 3 In the section 3 of the Principal Act in the second and third proviso the Gujarati language and Gujarati respectively shall be deleted . In the same provisos for the expression languages the language shall be substituted Statement of Objects and Reasons The Marathi language has been given a certain status under the Official Language Act because Marathi is the language used for religious, cultural and business purposes mainly by the Hindu Community of Goa. Likewise over the past over 495 years Konkani in Roman script is used for all religious cultural and business purposes . The entire liturgy of the Catholic community is in Konkani in Roman script. The teatro Mando Dulpods which are cultural outpourings of the Catholic community is in Konkani in Roman script. The first book printed in the continent of Asia was in the Roman script. In sum and substance the Konkani language in Goa has been sustained and propagated invariably through the Roman script, in which a lot of literature is produced. Hence it is necessary to preserve and ecourage Konkani in the Roman script. This Bill seeks to achieve the above object. Financial Memorandum No financial implications are involved in the Bill Porvorim March,2006 MLA Porvorim Assembly HallSecretary to the Legislative Assembly March, 2006 *** The votaries of Konkani in both scripts in Goa Devanagari and Roman appeal to the Cristao MLAs to take the initiative and rest assured that the Hindu Bahujan Samaj MLA's will extend full support to the same. But only if the Cristao MLA's do their duty. There is no point in being hyporicites as many admit in private that they are totally for Konkani in Roman script but develop cold feet on the issue of admitting the Bill. Since the job has been made easy by drafting one tabling the same should not be difficult. There is a petition signed by several Goans in India and abroad which are supportive of the move and therefore MLA's would do well to introduce the same. The NRI Goans have also been advised to make sure that when the Cristao MLA's or MP's visit the Gulf or USA Canada UK Australia Portugal they should demand in writing from these MLA's MP's on their views on this amendment BEFORE EXTENDING HOSPITALITY TO THEM. Voters in Goa too have been discreetly advised to remind the MLA's about this issue and if they do not introduce the Bill and bring about the amendment before the next hustings they would surely bite the dust. GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9822158584
[Goanet] PRIEST KILLER SUSPECTS BROUGHT TO GOA
Suspected killers of late Fr Eusebio Ferrao 61 Parish priest of St Francis Xavier Macasana Salcette Goa were nabbed in outskirts of Nagpur in Maharashtra at dawn today 21/03/2006. The killers may have arrived there from Mumbai after they reached there on 18th March, 2006 and then intended to break journey at Nagpur and proceed towards their onward destination to Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh from where they hail. The Goa Police who were accompanied by an acquaintence of one of the suspects ( the alleged suspects are believed to have relatives in the in the goods transport business at Aquem Alto ) trailed the duo successfully. They were brought into Goa by air, INDIAN IC 597 at around 1710 hrs according to sources at the Dabolim airport who spoke to this writer and taken to Police Headquarters for initial interrogation as the case otherwise comes under the jurisdiction of the Maina -Curtorim police under Police Inspector Mr Harish Madkaikar. The Goa Police won the kudos of all leaving the ex CM Mr Parrikar to praise the police for their excellent achievement when the Chief Minister Mr Pratapsing Raoji Rane is reported to have made a statement on the floor of the Goa Assembly The Archbishop had on 16th March, 2006 castigated the Government of dereliction of duties in maintaining law and order in the state and protection of minorities following the spate of incidents thefts and vandalisation. The duo are being subjected to extensive questioning at Headquarters and according to the first report filtering from Headquarters indicate that job prospects ( abroad ? ) was one of the motives. Meanwhile there was a concelebrated High Mass at Macazana today following which the local Sarpanch made an announcement of the arrest. There was great relief amongs the gathering after nearly 3 days of fear and trauma for most of the villagers. As a matter of fact the communal angle that was initially suspect following the thefts in over seven churches and chapels in Goa since later part of last year, the vandalisation of crosses in Ponda Aldona and lately on Holi day 15 March 2006 at Comba in Margao and the communal riots on 3rd March,2006 over an illegal structure intended for a madrassa at Gudemol Sanvordem had led the rumour mill trade charges and counter charges against the right wing Hindu fundamentalist party in Goa of fomenting communal tensions and polarising the society. But what needs to be probed is the reasons for the intimacy that the priest had for non Goans and male youngsters given the fact that Goans did not find favour of employment in the parish house either for sacristerial functions or domestic chores. The three cooks were outsiders (Southerners ) and the two youth friends (Northeners) viz; outsiders non goans. There were other rumours that were doing the rounds that the duo suspects could have been involved in thefts of idols in the State. It is also to be established whether the alleged killers developed an accquaintance with the priest while at his last posting at St Lawrence Church in Agacaim or while at his present posting as atleast one of them was seen in the parish often according to a villager. The question that remains unanswered also is why did the priest extend dinner courtesy even during Lenten season moreover 17th March, 2006 was a Friday Way of the Cross. The indulgence in alcohol by the alleged assailants in the parochial house was not in the fitness of things especially during Lenten season and a stigma on the conduct of the religious faithful. Meanwhile a large gathering attended the religious rite at Macazana this morning followed by a mammoth gathering at the Mass held at Our Lady of Hope Chinchinim and subsequent burial . The Main celebrant was His Grace Archbishop of Goa and Daman Filipe Neri Ferrao. Most politicians and others were present. FROM THE PANAJI POLICE HEADQUARTERS END GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9822158584 __ Yahoo! India Matrimony: Find your partner now. Go to http://yahoo.shaadi.com
[Goanet] DOURADO' s tele- reply Re: -NRI -FC officials -unwanted guests in GULF ?
Following the write up by this writer NRI FC officials -unwanted guests in GULF? Mr Herculano Dourado of NRI FC in a teletalk with this writer today 20th March.2006 at 2120 hrs informed this writer apparently in reference to the first para -- that the NRI FC was NOT defunct. In his opinion this writer should have ascertained the same from the NRI FC before filing the report. However he admitted that the website of the NRI FC was NOT being updated. When asked by this writer that he should have clarified all this via the email for the benefit of all he stated that he was NOT accessible to internet and hence this writer volunteered to put up this clarification on his behalf. On his contention that the report amounted to scurrilous writing he was informed that he could hold onto his views but as far as this writer is concerned the report was based on reports recieved by this writer . In anycase the views of the NRI's is clear and stands reiterated de novo that the Government should NOT waste public funds on such jaunts which have been of no benefit to the NRI Goans, and it should be left to the Commissioner Mr Eduardo Faleiro given the Cabinet rank to look into the entire functioning of his new office. GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9822158584 __ Yahoo! India Matrimony: Find your partner now. Go to http://yahoo.shaadi.com
[Goanet] MACAZANA INCIDENT NO ARRESTS MADE
The gruesome murder of the Parish Priest of St Francis Xavier Church Macasana Salcete Goa about 18 kms from Margao has sent confusing signals, as both the villagers and police are still unclear of the motive of the crime. According to information collated by this writer in situ, this evening at Macazana church and at his native place in Chinchinim Salcete the alleged two men suspected are believed to be clsoe acquantainces of the priest Fr Eusebio Ferrao n/o Ferrao wado (Mazilwado) Deussua Chinchinim Salcete Goa It is believed that the two persons hailing from Udipi (Uttar Kannada)? or Uttar Pradesh (UP) ? still uncertain came around 2.30 p.m. on 17th March. 2006 Friday to the residence of the priest adjoining the Church and informed the cook that they would be joining the priest for dinner and stay. The present cook incidentally a temporary replacement since the last seven days or so for the earlier cook one Mr Sunil? who is alleged to have proceeded to his native place in Udipi or Karwar to answer some exams. Fr Eusebio is stated to have made all arrangements for the dinner for his guests with purchases of eggs at a local shop. The alleged assailants came dined and were reported to have had animated discusssion well until late night. Later the cook is reported to have gone to sleep and the priest too went into his room while the guests slept in the adjoining room as per the bedding seen by the villagers. Early this morning the Church bells did not toll at the appointed time and villagers who procceed for the first mass at 0630 were surprised to see the Church closed. They then heard some thumping of the door and are believed to have broken the window and found the cook locked in his room, and later the priest gagged with a pillow on his face and tongue curled up. Except for some slight mark on his side rib it appears that he was suffocated to death, in the early hours of dusk. No other injury was reported either of body being mutialated or the tongue cut as per rumours doing the rounds. The police dog sniffed the trail of the alleged assailants upto the nearest bus stop, and then lost track. It is not clear whether the assailants departed by the early 0600 hrs bus but some villagers are reported to have heard the screeching of a vehicle in the early hours of dusk. The police have taken the cook for questioning and also summoned the other who had proceeded for exams. The cook doubles up as a sacristian and cook for the lone Parish priest. There is a prayer house constructed at the entrance of the priests residence which was intact. The foundation stone for the same was laid by late Fr Eusebio in 2004 and inuagurated in April 2005. The motive seems uncertain as all his belongings were intact. Robbery therefore was not the motive. The police have carried out finger print imaging and other investigations under Maina Curtorim Police Station under PI Harish Madkaikar according to the police on duty. But since the villagers also broke into the premises before the police turned up some vital prints may have been lost. The prayer room has since been open for prayers but all other parts have been declared out of bound. The priests residence is on the top floor so is the dining room cooks room and toilet and bathroom According to some gossip doing the rounds it was reported that an article on page 3 of Vavrradeancho IXTT dated 18 March, 2006 under the caption Sanvordem Ghoddlem Purai Goem Hallam could have been the cause of the murder. But a reading of this article indicates more of several questions which remain unanswered of the Sanvordem incident But a small drawing showing a damaged pharmacy Sanvordem a General Store with a by line Are, fator kabar zait aileat. Anik pick-up dhadd does not show anything vindictive or provocative on a cursory reading in Konkani Roman script. It is not confirmed as to which community the assailants belong but they are believed to have spoken in Hindi and English. A visit to the residence of late Fr Eusebio at Mazilwaddo Chinchinim witnessed a small number of locals at his residence at 1930 hrs. In the well mosaicc tiled house of late Fr Eusebio was his brother Jacob and his wife,. A retired seamen he stated that his brother late Eusebio 61 years visited him last Friday and infact he had visited Fr Eusebio at Macazana on 15th. There was never any doubt in their minds of the impending dastardly in human attack. The funeral is slated for the 21st of March, 2006 when the mortal remains of Fr Eusebio will be brought from the Goa Medical College Bambolim morgue where it is lying after post partum investigations to his residence. From there (as per the professed wishes of Fr Eusebio during his lifetime to have the funeral services at the Dessua Chapel) he will be taken to his St Anthony's Chapel Deussua and then for the requiem High Mass at the Church of Our Lady of Hope at Chinchinim owing to the expected crowd for the funeral services at
[Goanet] PARISH PRIEST MURDERED AT MACASANA
In a gruesome act of murder some natives from UP or Hyderabad residing at the Church residential premises are suspected to have murdered the Parish Priest of St Francis Church, Macazana Salcete Goa Fr Eusebio Serrao a native of Chinchinim Salcete Goa last night on 17/03/2006 . This morning residents were shocked to hear of the tragic news and rushed to the Church. The Archbishop of Goa and Daman also rushed to the scene of the incident when this writer made frantic calls for information to confirm the news at the Paco Patriacal Altinho Panaji on +91 0832 2422652. Later after a teletalk with an individual from the Parish Church on +91 0832 2786685 it was confirned that Fr Serrao was indeed brutally murdered, and his body mutiliated. Police investigations are on. On an earlier ocassion according to unconfirmed reports the priest was similarly tied but was later released. Incidentally the Church has sounded a warning to the Goa Government to take serious note of Church burgalaries and vandalisation of crosses etc. The Comba Margao cross vandalisation on Holi Day being the latest. GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9822158584 __ Yahoo! India Matrimony: Find your partner now. Go to http://yahoo.shaadi.com
[Goanet] NRI -FC officials -unwanted guests in GULF ?
Has the Non Resident Indians --Facilitation Centre,of Government of Goa at EDC, House Panaji been disbanded following the appointment of Mr Eduardo Faleiro, ex Union Minister and Rajya Sabha member, as the Commissioner for NRI's, under the Department of Home Government of Goa? Well one would think so. Following a teletalk this writer had with the Commissioner for NRI's - to congratulate Mr Faleiro on his appointment to this office (a post with a Cabinet rank ) he stated he was not clear of his job profile as of now -- but just that he accepted this posting. Ironically the first public function the Commissioner will now inaugurate is a Seminar on Communal Harmony organised by the almost defunct NRI FC, on 18th March, 2006 with Mr Digamber Kamat Minister for Power and INC MLA Margao to preside. There is no doubt, that the appointment of Mr Faleiro who has travelled extensively world wide representing our country at the highest forum and his personal acumen and expertise would be of immense help to the NRI's (Goans) given the proper infrastructure and personnel, besides a clear cut job profile, with due budgetary support by the Government of Goa. Mr Faleiro would do well to come out with out of the box mindset and proposals that will husband the potential of NRI Goans. A more friendly and meaning ful interaction ofcourse with a patient mindset would be of great help to the NRI's of all stratas. True the NRI Goans as of now are indeed a divided lot. There are Goans who serve at the lowest level in menial jobs upto the top echelons of organisational heirarchy especially in the Gulf countries and there are others who are in Canada UK US Germany France Australia Africa New Zealand etc. While the former do cannot obtain citizenships of those countries like the latter, the aspirations of the NRI's (Goans) therefore varies. Nevertheless the NRI's (Goans) could now look upon the new Commissioner to get their demands redressed now that this posting is at best a non political posting where Mr Faleiro does not need to appease or maintain a vote bank. His only interests would be tuned towards Goa and Goans worldwide. But what is shocking is that though the NRI FC will eventually have to close shop ---following its upgradation with an official at Cabinet rank, this email sent out to Goan NRI's in the Gulf by Chairman of the NRI FC Mr Chandrakant Keni at almost the end of the financial year end March 2006 informing of an impending visit of a three member delegation led by Herculano Dourado ex MLA and Vice Chairman NRI FC has raised eyebrows and has become easily suspect as a means to squander Government funds and hence needs to be called off. Kindly read on the agenda. *** Dear Friend The last Convention organized on 3rd and 4th January 2006 at Kala Academy, Panaji was a success as it was well appreciated by all the Goans who attended from various parts of the world. The high level of organization was also noted by these delegates. However, it was observed by many that many issues are discussed at the forum although no follow-up action is taken. To meet this criticism and to ascertain the specific problems of Goans spread around the world specially those in the Gulf, it was decided to send, to start with, a delegation to Gulf countries to clearly identify the problems and difficulties faced by Goans in those countries and look forward for solutions before the next Convention. Towards this end we are pleased to inform you that a three-member delegation led by the Vice-Chairman of NRI Facilitation Centre Adv.Herculano Dourado, which is sanctioned by the Government, is proposing to visit Gulf Countries around the 4th week of March to study the problems of Goans in those areas first hand. During our visit in Kuwait which would be from 25th - 28th morning we propose to have a meeting / seminar on Problems and Aspirations of the Goan Diaspora in Kuwait / Gulf. What solutions?? We would be highly obliged if you could assist us in organizing this meeting by informing all your Goan friends and colleagues connected with you through the organizations you represent. With salutations and warm regards. Chandrakant Keni, Chairman, P. S Email of Shri.Herculano.Dourado *** This writer has been inudated with calls from NRI Goans abroad and via email that the visit is uncalled for. The reasons they state are many: a) the NRI FC has not updated its website after the 2nd Goman Vishwa Sammelan in January 2005 event although the third one was held in January 2006 b) the Chairman and others did pay a visit to the Gulf on the eve of the 2nd Sammelan but the outcome was nil c) the complaints of the NRI's have not been addressed as far as revenue (land) matters, litigations, encroachment of lands educational, NRI city, air flight fares, medical engineering college facilities and self employment or setting up
[Goanet] COMBA CROSS DAMAGE -AN ACT OF INSANITY?
Comba in Margao Goa is a know bastion of Hindu Brahmins Catholics and other non Brahmin Hindus -- mainly tenants. Most of the traders of yesteryears and who have their trading outlets in the New Market area hail from Comba. Many of them have however shifted to far off Vidyanagar or Aquem and now settled in Apartments or sleek bungalows. The over three hundred year old cross that was damaged lies in on the West end of the Rua Abbe de Faria first bylane as one comes from the Margao Old Bus Stand (Gomant Vidya Niketan) or from the interior road vie Behind Popular High School the lane proceeding North bang opposite Mahila Nutan Vidyalaya. According to a resident residing behind the damaged cross it is learnt that a passer by noticed the damage to the cross and some brick facade. With the initial round of curious onlookers there were rumours agog, that it was the work of right wing fundamentalists, some had apprehensions that it was a quid pro qua of the March 3rd riots where the Moslem community was the target. However it must be said to the credit of the residents of Comba that they did play down the issue and restored the same by mid afternoon. Politicians have reason to fish in troubled waters and this ocassion proved suitable for them. On the one hand the secular parties castigated the right wing fundamentalist party as being responsible for the attack on minorites while the right wing fundamentalists alleged that the secularists were fomenting trouble to consolidate their vote bank. Incidentally two youthful politicos hold stakes in these constituencies Ward 11 and 10 of Margao Municipal Council and hence the issue was blown out of proportion. According to a source in the police department generally such acts of vandalisation carried out are mainly by persons of an unsound mind an alcoholic. But what needs to be investigated is who caused the provocation which is vital but is often ignored in the investigations. Of the past three similar incidents at Ponda Aldona and at Navelim it was proved that persons of unsound mind had infact carried out the vandalisation but the police did not proceed beyond to nail the culprit. Another interesting thing relating to the event at Comba is that it happened on a FULL MOON night. The police dogs that sniffed the path of the culprit followed the route accross the railway lines at Pedda via the ICCI Bank Opp Benlix Bldg and towards Khareaband. Though many of the nearby residents are tightlipped on the person/s who were involved; it is clear that some known persons have committed the act individually or in concert. Residents of all communities have reason to fear that the above incident may provide the breeding ground for future communal riots, and for valid reasons. On 20th December 1986 at the height of the language agitation when young late Floriano Vaz was murdered a prominent elite businessman now deceased was being targetted by the furious mob as it was then alleged that the son of the businessmen had indeed provoked the firing by a police personnel on bandobust on young Vaz after the arson committed on a fishnet factory at Gogol. It was this that made all communities get together and restore the cross. Meanwhile the police should pursue the issue to its logical conclusion and trace the culprits. One of the reasons for the spate of such instances of attacks on minority institutions and persons of minority community is obvious. It is perhaps for the first time in post Independence History of India that the President of India, the Prime Minister, the Chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance all belong to the minority communities and hence the discomfort among those who believe in right wing fundamentalist policies. In any case there need not be panic or a paranoi as many politicians and audio visual and news media would like to blow such incidents out of proportion. Suffice it if the fabric of religious tolerance is not lost just because of stray and provocative instances as these. In the opinion of several well meaning persons on the occurence of such acts of vandalism, it is incumbent upon the residents within the area to resolve the issue by restoring the damaged works and keep at bay the politicians and outsiders in their own interests. The acts of the residents of Comba in restoring the cross without much fanfare and without the assistance of others is commendable and needs to be replicated in such situations around the state when they arise. Police should however do their best to trace the culprits and not declare the case as A final meaning incident proved to have happened but since culprits untraceble closed. One school of thought is that a devoutee may have in frustration vandalised the cross for prayers unanswered or favours not granted . Many a times it is seen that persons in dire straits rush to seek divine assistance to redeem them of their earthly misfortunes and this one could be a case where redemption was not
[Goanet] 30 CORPORATORS OF CCP
In the final tally the Mr Antanasio (Babush) Monserrate (INC) panel 19 seats Dr Wilfred A De Souza(NCP) panel 02 seats Mr Manohar Parrikar(BJP) Ms Victoria Fernandes (INC) Mr Somnath Zuarkar (ex INC )panel 09 seats However it may be noted that political parties notwithstanding the panels heads have more bearing on the elections. But it is clear that the Corporation that will rule will be the INC led panel Ward I Melita Manuel Afonso Ward II Nazareth Francisco Cabral Ward IIICarolina Raul Po Ward IV Levino Anthony Pereira Ward V Bento Silvester Lorena Ward VI Maria Regina Almeida Ward VIIAldrin Basilio Soares Ward VIII Nagesh Sidappa Karishetty Ward IX Ruth Surendra Furtado Ward X Surendra Cristovam Furtado Ward XI Sadanand Ganesham Thakur Ward XIIVaidehi Vivek Naik Ward XIII Prasad Amonkar Ward XIVYatin Ramesh Parekh Ward XV Jyoti Masurkar Ward XVITony Rodrigues Ward XVII Uday Vaman Madkaikar Ward XVIII Uma Naik Ward XIXMenino Jesus da Cruz Ward XX Krishna Ramdas Shirodkar Ward XXIShushila Chandrakant Gawas Ward XXII Mangaldas Puttu Naik Ward XXIII Rudresh Vinayak Chodankar Ward XXIV Diksha Mayenkar Ward XXVShantaram Purushottam Kundaikar Ward XXVI Avinash Digamber Bhonsle Ward XXVII Varsha Haldankar Ward XXVIII Suresh Lamiman Chopdekar Ward XXIX Rupesh Ravindra Halarnkar Ward XXXVivina Gokuldas Nasnodkar It may be noted that the wards were re-constituted after delimitation of the wards. Thus Panaji has 16 seats with Taleigao 12 and the Santacruz Constituency 2 While the MLA Panaji Assembly Constituency Mr Manohar Parrikar played down the victory of the Monserrate panel stating that it would not affect his turf. Ohters consoled themselves stating that money was distributed. This amounts to an insult to the voters who perhaps voted not because of money but they saw in Mr Monserrate a vision for the betterment of Panaji city. Incidentally the Panaji city will recieve a special urban development fund for the development of the city being one of the 60 cities selected under the central scheme. This Mr Monserrate had planned to utilize for the development of the city. Most voters also admit in private that Mr Monserate is a no nonsense leader. He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and he is known to distribute funds lavishly rather then fill it in his own coffers as others do.. Moreover he is rated as a go getter a man who speaks only what he can do and this perhaps so his commendable victory. No doubt there are concerns about PANAJI AND TALEIGAO GOING GREY FROM GREEN --- but not that the die is cast Panjimites and Taleigaocars will see how Monseratte goes ahead with developmental activities. His period of probation is short considering that elections to the Goa Legislative Assembly is round the corner. Thus before December end 2006 Panaji will need to be transformed. According one descendant an elderly resident of Panaji he believes that the litmus test of Mr Monserrates panel will be to see how the St Inez nullah will be transformed. Fortunately the husband wife duo of the Nationalist Congress Party that made it at the hustings Mr Surendra and Ms Ruth Furtado have no qualms about the emerging scenario and are confident that development will not suffer. With the victors being those first past the post the margins are thin and sometimes pale into insignificance in the sense that the electors can hardly be called representatives of the wards . The reason being that where the contests were not restricted one to one the more the numbers (7 being the highest for one ward) the votes polled by each is a two digit figure. Thus there are umpteen instances where the consolidated votes of the losers far exceeds that of the victor. To rectify such anomalies and ensure that the victor reflects the majority of the electorate in each ward that one represents it is necessary that an amendment needs to be brought in the Election laws to ensure that the victor is one who polls not less than 50% of the votes polled. This will ensure that last minute candidates are not propped up as is the practice now but only those who do service in the ward over a period of time could enter into the fray. Interestingly the antidefection laws are not made applicable to the Village Panchayats Municipalities and the Corporation therefore though there may not be defections at this stage but after the results of the next Assembly elections if the present INC led coalition government is not returned to power and the BJP individually or as a coalition comes to power then this could trigger floor crossing. There is also a prospect of curbing the developmental powers of the Corporation as the 74th Constitutional amendment which gives statutory powers to Municipalities and Corporations ordains that the power should go to the elected representatives after constituting a District
[Goanet] HURRICANE BABUSH LASHES CCP
Hurricane Babush (Antanasio Monserrate) struck the Corporation of City of Panaji when his panel won nearly 19 of the 30 seats establishing a resounding victory over the Parrikar Zuarkar Victoria Fernandes panel as official results just poured in. With this the political earthquake albeit of a mild intensity may now strike Goa, and heads (dead wood ) within the INC may have to pave the way for young and dynamic youth. More details follows. GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA __ Yahoo! India Matrimony: Find your partner now. Go to http://yahoo.shaadi.com
[Goanet] 63.63% turn out CORPORATION OF CITY OF PANAJI
Billed as the most crucial election, the voters that went to the polls today 12th March, 2006 to elect the first set of 30 corporators to deal with the future of the Corporation of City of Panaji for the next five years until March 2011 turned out in large numbers. According to a teleconversation this writer had with the State Election Commissioner Mr P M Borkar on +91 0832 2232632 at 20OO hrs today the polling was generally peaceful and the turn out registered was 63.63% The panels were backed by Minister for Town and Country Planning and MLA INC Taleigao Mr Antanasio (Babush ) Monserrate, the other by the Nationalist Congress Party of Dr Wilfred De Souza and the last by Mr Manohar Parrikar BJP MLA Panaji and Leader of the Opposition Goa Legislative Assembly, Ms Victoria Fernandes Deputy Speaker Goa Legislative Assembly INC MLA Santacruz and Mr Somnath Zuarkar ex INC MLA Taleigao MLA . Interestingly the Corporation of City has 30 wards two of which Ribander and Chimbel fall in the Santa Cruz Assembly Constituency in Taleigao Constituency and in Panaji Assembly. Elections to Municipalities and Panchayats are officially not fought on party lines despite the statutory powers given to these bodies under the 73rd and 74th Constitutional amendments since 1992 However the MLAs of relevant Assembly constituencies under which the wards of the Corporation come under try to ensure that their candidates come to power so that their position is consolidated at the time of Assembly elections. Even ex politicos and aspiring ones too ensure that their presence is felt to consolidate their vote bank. The reason why these elections assume significance is the challenged thrown by Mr Monserrate to get all the 30 seats as his full page advertisements on local dailies revealed. The others opposing his panel intend to clip his wings after Mr Monseratte a no nonsense MLA and Minister got his way around after he had part of the Taleigao wards reverted back to the Village Panchayat status from the Municipal status as a quid pro quo for extending support to the then BJP led coalition that came to power in June 2002. Mr Monserrate however had to eat a humble pie when the MLA Santa Cruz Ms Fernandes got most of the villages within and outside her constituency removed from the Planning Development areas under the North Goa Planning Development Authority after a protracted struggle ending January, 2006 and put to sleep the draconian Town and Country Planning Ordinance on September, 2005. Besides the manifesto of Mr Monserrate that promises sweeping development changes in the Corporation of City of Panaji -- Mr Monserrate is known for getting things done his way, no matter the obstacles. He is credited for keeping the entire Congress MLA bandwagon at his residence Casa Monseratte at Taleigao immediately after the Tsunami that struck the BJP lead coalition of Mr Manohar Parrikar on 27th January, 2005, and ensuring that with the support of Mr Churchill Alemao MP ex Independent MLA Loutolim Radharao Gracias Mr Filipe Rodrigues Independent MLA Velim they staged the coup for the Congress come back after a 24th October 2000 to 2nd Febraury 2005 drought the INC suffered. From the feed back obtained from voters by this writer it is clear that Mr Monseratte is well heading for a majority (16 being the half way mark). The other combine has nearly conceded defeat to some extent by their utterances post Curchorem Cacora Sanvordem riots. Interestingly there is a sizeable number of migrant voters which can twist the votes in the ballot boxes. Tommorrow is the day of counting at the Institute Menezes Braganza Hall commencing at 0800 hrs FROM THE TALEIGAO END GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9822158584 Jiyo cricket on Yahoo! India cricket http://in.sports.yahoo.com/cricket/
[Goanet] NEWS FLASH ---SUSPECTED TERRORIST NABBED AT MARGAO rly station
A suspected terrorist allegedly carrying a bomb aged 35 - 45 years lean was detained by the Railway Police at the Madgaon Railway Station. According to one Railway official as the Mangala Express Nizamuddin Ernakalum reached Madgaon at 2115hrs IST the man alighted and was nabbed on suspicion. He has since been detained. Police investigations are in progress. GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA 9822158584 [EMAIL PROTECTED] __ Yahoo! India Matrimony: Find your partner now. Go to http://yahoo.shaadi.com
[Goanet] AMENDMENT TO LANGUAGE ACT -KONKNNI - ROMAN SCRIPT
In the forthcoming session of the Goa Legislative Assembly beginning on 20th March 2006 the enclosed draft Bill prepared by this writer to amend The Goa Daman Diu Official Language Act 1987 for the grant of official recognition to Konkani in Roman script as well has been circulated to MLA's and others. The other amendments provided therein to the Goa Daman Diu Official Language Act 1987 which was enacted while under Union Territory status are now following Goa attaining Statehood sought to be carried out. It is hoped that the same is pursued in right earnest so that the movement and the issue does not turn out to be a political agenda at future elections to whip up emotions and frenzy as in the 1985 language agitation. Since the amemdment has support from all like minded Goans for the development of the mother tongue of all Goans except a miniscule few who insist on only one script mooted since 1939 the Bill ought to have a smooth passage. Meanwhile it is reliably learnt that the High Command is sensitive to this demand now that similar moves have been made from Karnataka as well to grant recognition to Konkani in Kannada script under the new dispensation in Karnataka. __ Yahoo! India Matrimony: Find your partner now. Go to http://yahoo.shaadi.com The_Goa_Daman_and_Diu_Official_Language.doc Description: pat1164483412
[Goanet] SARDINHA's double standards exposed
At a largely attended meeting held in the Curtorim Market which started at 6.12 p.m i.e late by over an hour apparently to await the locals returning from work Adv Mike Mehta, Dr Wilfred De Souza, Adv Radharao Gracias, Mr Churchill Alemao, Mr Alberto Leitao from Varca Dr Earnest Mr Menino of Nuvem and several others appealed to those gathered in one refrain MOPA NEVER DABOLIM FOREVER. It was made clear to the gathering that the airport of Dabolim was conceptualised by the Portuguese on lines with a similar airport at Mozambique and intended exclusively for civil purposes . The documentary evidence is available in Portario No:14898 of 1954. The airport construction commenced in 1954 and completed in 1955. It was also mentioned by Dr Wilfred Mesquita ex MLA Vasco da Gama that there can be no terminal within 80 kms and aerial distance of Dabolim and Mopa being just 30 kms would not therefore be feasible to continue with Dabolim if Mopa was permitted. It was also made clear that the FINAL REPORT on feasibility of Mopa airport now available with the Government of Goa makes a mention that neighbouring areas of Sindhdurga Ratnagiri Sangli Kudal will benefit hence it is obvious that the Dabolim airport will have to cease operations. Hence it will be beneficial for the Konkan areas and not Goa. Incidentally the airport too cannot be built in Sindhudurga Maharastra because with Dabolim airport in place the next airport can come up only in far off Ratnagiri but there no one wants it because the distance to Sindhudurga is far off by road. Hence the game plan of the Chief Ministers of Maharashtra is to back the Mopa airport. Incidentally land prices will appreciate around Mopa and Sindhdurga from the existing Rs.50/ and that would reap rich earnings for land tycoons like Jeetendra Deshprabhu the Viscount of Pernem besides its present MLA and other elected representatives from Maharastra. Mr Radharao Gracias explained that the interests of Goa can be protected only by a regional party. He said that the INC and BJP national parties were having both common interests. To cite a point he stated that the INC MLA of Santa Cruz Ms Victoria Fernandes was supporting a panel in tow with BJP ex CM Manohar Parrikar and ex MLA Taleigao Mr Somanth Zuarkar against the INC MLA of Taleigao Antanasio Babush Monserrate for the Corporation of City of Panjim 30 seats due on 12th March, 2006. With this unity of interests the Goa centric issues are left without a strong opposition. Mr Gracias therefore appealed to the Goans and Curtorkars to safeguard the Goan interests by electing at least 6 to 10 MLAs from any regional party UGDP or by any other name so that this group could act as a deciding factor in the INC or BJP government formation Apparently to dispel past instance when the elected members of UGDP changed sides and went alongwith the BJP to form the Government Mr Gracias stated that Mr Monserate demanded Taleigao to be reverted as a Village Panchayat from the then Panaji Municipality and he achieved the same within a month. He also threw the BJP Parrikar government when Mr Parrikar worked against Goan interests -- CD and Mopa. Mr Radharao Gracias also enlightened the gathering that after the amendment to the Anti Defection Law it is now necessary that the elected representative switching sides will now have to RESIGN AND SEEK RE-ELECTION and not defect directly. He cited the case of Poinguinin Mr Isidore Fernandes, later Mr Pandurang Madkaikar, Marcaim Mr Francisco (Miky) Pacheco Mr Digamber Kamat etc all of whom had to resign and seek re-election. Therefore the MLAs getting elected on a regional party would be able to safeguard goan interests. Before the meet photocopies of part of the text of the recorded debate made by Mr Alemao in the Goa Legislative Assembly in 2000 was circulated alongwith the Konkani in Devanagari script and a transliteration in Roman script as reproduced below to refute the charge made by both Mr Ramakant Khalap ex MLA and Mr Jeetendra Deshprabhu the present MLA of Pernem to state that Mr Alemao too supported the MOPA airport. However on reading the proceedings it is quite clear that Mr Alemao was quoted out of context. Mr Alemao however took the remarks of both Khalap and Deshprabhu with a pinch of salt and stated that both would in any case not be elected again and the next hustings. Incidentally both Mr Khalap and Deshprabhu favour Mopa All speakers appealed to elected representatives including Mr Sardinha MLA Curtorim to join the Save Dabolim movement irrespective of party affiliation as the interests of Goa and Goans was utmost. A copy of the letter of Mr Sardinha while he was CM was also distributed as promised at the Navelim meet. With these two meets Mr Alemao has now clarified with documentary evidence and meetings on home turf of the two Faleiro and Sardinha exposed their intents for MOPA as against Dabolim.
[Goanet] FIRST ST - MMC CHAIRPERSON OUSTED
Margao's first Scheduled Tribe Chairperson Ms Piedade Noronha of Ward # Fatorda was ousted after a four months. Notwithstanding the fact that in a surprise move a few days ago at the height of the communal tensions at Curchorem Sanvordem she embraced the Nationalist Congress Party. Dr Wilfred De Souza NCP President Goa, Deputy Chief Minister and MLA Saligao was overconfident that now that Ms Noronha had joined the NCP she would not be unseated. His argument was that the NCP INC forms a coalition Government and therefore none would dare unseat her. Unfortunately the die was cast and the expected happened Elections to the new Chairperson will follow next week as per tentative information recieved. Ms Noronha unfortunately had teething problems on day one when the intercine war between the CO and Chairperson broke with the CO refusing to kow tow to the dictates of the Chairperson. True the initial group of four which formed the ruling group with the tacit support of the 8 BJP councillors split over several issues until Ms Noronha was left alone to fend for herself. With this sort of political chaos the civic duties of the MMC suffers and citizens are put to grave inconvenience. It is observed that most of the time is engaged in meetings in confabulations and the media sitting for hours in the Chairpersons office. There is a demand from the citizens that councillors should be given just one hour to deal with civic matters and let the administration function. They could use Saturday's and Sunday's for such manoeuvres. In any case the Press should not be allowed the freedom to use the Chairpersons office as a recreation room post siesta. GODFREY J I GONSALVES Borda Margao Goa 98221585854 [EMAIL PROTECTED] __ Yahoo! India Matrimony: Find your partner now. Go to http://yahoo.shaadi.com
[Goanet] DAY FOUR -- BANDH EVOKES PARTIAL/FULL RESPONSE
On day four the people of Goa awoke to a spate of rumours. There were rumours in the air about an imminent bandh but it was not clear who called for the bandh. But the first signs of things to come was when the Goa Dairy at Curti in Ponda Taluka North Goa District (but under the Mormugao Parliamentary constituency ) failed to deliver milk early morning. Then the morning bus services did come with the children teachers and workers office goers and dropped them in the Margao city most schools closed early as the skeleton bus services caused anxiety to the Managements. At Shiroda there were some road blocks and one house alleged to be stoned. But the situation was other wise peaceful and life normal. In Goa many do not risk to travel to work or school on such days of bandhs because once the public transport is not in place the autorickshaws and motorcycle pilots charge astronomical rates for the helpless. But life did appear normal as the at noon and thereafter until evening. In any case the prospects of a bandh was limited to Cuncolim and Margao until the late hours of 5th March, 2006. But at around 0800 hrs IST the first company of the Rapid Action Force police were wending through the main thoroughfare of the city of Margao with the unique siren even as school children and women looked up in surprise at their new found guests. Margao town evoked a mixed response most establishments were open and some of the prominent businessmen mainly the cloth merchants preferred to down their shutters while the main commercial market also was partially closed for the day but some shops were open. The Mahatma Gandhi Market vegetable market was open and the local councillor (brother of Manohar (Babu) Ajgaonkar r/o Margao but MLA Dhargalim) of Ward 13 earlier Ward 14 was seen at his tea shop open this gave confidence to many to keep the establishments open. The RAF was posted at strategic points in the New Market to ward off any untoward incident. Similar was the situation at Monte and Housing Board area where companies of CISF and CRP were deployed. In Cuncolim there was a bandh but buses of the KTC moved selectively . Incidentally the areas of Bali etc form a part of the Quepem Taluka and apparently since the Curchorem Cacora area also comes under the Quepem taluka the bandh. But no untoward incident was reported schools opened and closed early. The Goa Government turned belatedly wiser and put out a emergency control room : Tel Nos +91 0832 2419769, 2419472 Fax 2415201 2419657 Mobile :9850474114 9850473707 at the New Secretariat Porvorim, for the information of the public, apparently to dispel rumours. The situation at Tilamol Quepem was also calm though schools were opened they wound up by 1100 p.m. Curfew was in force in the Curchorem Cacora area but there was no untoward incidents reported and normalcy was being slowly restored as others were seen cleaning the wreckage and completing the panchanama formalities. There was some respite after the Government announced the compensation for all those affected by the arson looting and violence destruction to property. Many blame the Chief Minister Mr Pratapsing Raoji Rane who also as the Home Minister ought to have nipped the issue at the beginning when one group obtained the stay order and the others retaliated taking law in their hands. But the CM has never been known to act quickly as is his style of functioning believing that if he sits on files the issues would be solved by themselves. This time it rebounded and this creates more heartburning especially this being an emotive issue many expected him to act fast. The difference of opinion of the Police and the Administration also led to the confusion. There were others who felt that the elected representatives who should be at the helm of affairs considering their government is in power were nowhere to be seen nor could be contacted on their mobiles. This made it a free for all. Many agreed this is not time to debate as to who is responsible but clearly what followed was an organised attack selectively. Being the first of its kind post 1986 language agitation, many subscribe to the view that the Government should indeed come forth with a policy on setting up of religious sites. This has become big business of all communities to collect funds for building places of worship and hence a policy needs to be put in place. For the moment with immediate effect all powers should be placed in the hands of the Chief Secretary or the Secretary (Home) to decide on grant of permission to put up an religious establishment. There is a need for a consensus to demolish or relocate all those that encroach private or public properties. The Government should begin a dialogue with the religious authorities at once. Meanwhile an advertisement released on the local dailies in public interest stated that a mosque was damaged at Guddemol this is incorrect as this writer visited the the site Guddemol and
[Goanet] CURCHOREM CALM ON DAY THREE
This evening 5/3/2006 when this writer visited the trouble torn Tilamol Sanvordem Cacora Curchorem areas at 1630 hrs the normal Sunday Bazaar at Sanvordem was missing. The road from Tilamol to Sanvordem showed signs of normalcy returning. There were some people attending a Catholic funeral service before the Tilamol junction as ususal. A national TV crew had already covered the area and was uplinking with latest reports to Headquarters at a nearby field. There were several cars burnt into ashes the smell of smouldered tyres seat covers was in the air. A car was burnt near the Laximi stores -junction Another near the Paramrapali building. Another near Praveena industries. Several pick-ups damaged glass pieces lying in smitheered state. A petrol pump bang opposite the M/s Universal Petrol Pump of Mr Durganand Sanvordencar was destroyed short of being set on fire. A shop below Dr Kudchadkar Maternity hospital was also damaged and the owners were retrieving what they could from the embers. This four road junction witnessed the cars lying burnt some scooters motorcycles all destroyed a shop was burnt goods ransacked. A house opposite the Central Bank was damaged. Towards the prayer house in Sanvordem there was a huge contigent of Goa Police relaxed but on alert. There were signs of damage some massive concrete blocks placed on the street to act as road block. A posh house belonging to a businessmen who is reputed to be owning around 6 - 8 shops had all its windows shattered the car at the porch was damaged at Pontemol. Ironically from the entire rioting that was witnessed it was clear that a particular minority was the target. This writer saw many of these middle class apartments or houses amidst a cluster of other minority and majority community but selective damage to them. The Pontemol area has a sizeable minority holdings. Just as the writer was in conversation with police personnel to get updates a bus No TN 20L 3889 came with a group of Rapid Action Force Police personnel men and women. Today 5/3/2006 was the first batch that had arrived as a precautionary measure. Almost all shops at Sanvordem were shut down and few people mostly in groups were seen. The shops near the Railway station were open and there was some activity of shopping etc in progress. There was a beeline at the only petrol pump M/s Sanvordencar which was open for the town motorist . There was Mr Ramrao Desai the BJP MLA Curchorem talking to some people and the BJP MLA from Fatorda and Mr Damodar (Damu) Naik in a white Maruti Car who greeted this writer. Being a Sunday there was not much movement. It was apparent that the rioters targetted the movable and immovable properties of only the minority community and selectively, with abundant care not to destroy that of others. Therefore the arson looting was well organised, and most of it restricted to the Curchorem Cacora Municipal areas. With stray damages done to vehicles beyond the Tilamol Church. Having witnessed the damage there the writer moved down to Gudemol in the village Panchayat Sanvordem beyond the bridge near the Curchorem Railway Station which was the cause of action on night of 2/3/2006 Just before the a bus stop there was a convoy of police all stationed and a KTC mini bus in tow. infact KTC minibuses were used to deploy police personnel. After preliminary exchange of pleasantries with the young dynamic policemen mostly youth the writer was shown the direction of the site where the structure was demolished. The place is away from the main road just a 50 metre walk in an otherwise residential area. There is an eating house with a sign board PRATIK ETE JEVAN MILE food is available here, but a resident stated that since the trouble began on the night of 2nd March the same was closed. This place is frequented by the truck owners who transport mineral ore to the nearby plots for onward movement into railway stockingpoint. Just near it there is what is believed to be an upcoming construction of a Madrassa akin to a primary school and a prayer house that was in the process of being setup. The construction work began two month ago. It is believed that the area was given to a woman under the twenty point programme who in turn had now agreed to use it for religious purpose. This is unconfirmed. The panch members were not available to confirm this niether would the others talk seeing the police personnel around. It is learnt that the despite the villagers opposing the setting up of the same in a area which constitutes of majority community the villagers did not take too kindly to the minority demand to set up the Madrassa there. One person who spoke in hushed tones stated that the area had hardly around 60 of the minority community and this highhandedness was untolerable. It is realiably learnt that despite the orders of demolition issued by the Village Panchayat Sanvordem a stay was granted by the Deputy Director of Panchayats and
[Goanet] GOA brought under KING MOMO RULE 25 to 28 Feb 06
Viva Carnaval -- rent the air this evening at the Pato Bridge -- and down India's longest promenade along the Mandovi. At 4.00 p.m. Dr Wilfred A De Souza Deputy Chief Minister also holding the Tourism portfolio flagged of the rally with the King Momo Mr Tome Fernandes of the Govt Printing Press doing the honours and Queen Momo Ms Lianne Texeira. An elated President Mr Joaquim Teles in a teletalk with this writer was overjoyed at the tremendous response this year surpassing earlier records in his own assessment. To justify he dished out figures a) traditional category 23 Clubs and institutions 14 sponsored category 8 junk category 1 clown category 30 family category 8. There were foreigners also who partook in the floats. and a huge contigent of the foreigners were provide a sit out in front of the Hotel mandovi. The crowd flanked on either side of the promenade was bustling with children huddled on to their youthful mothers in a carnaval attire some tapping their feet to the strumming and beat of the parades as they past by the Old Secretariate the Hotel Mandovi the Dempo Towers the IFFI/INOX venue and wound up at the portals of the Kala Academy in Campal. The afternoon was preety hot and it was a real treat to the eye to see small children dance the almost 2.5 km route almost exhausted and drenched but excited over the event. There were some floats which were well attired but unlike the major groups the numbers were more but the punch was lacking in most of them. Even the traditional groups danced to recorded music which kills the spirit of the tradition. An interesting feature was the birds and animals that formed a part of the entourage. Even the bird flu that has gripped a district in the neighbouring state of Maharastra found mention --- with one displaying a cock pleading to be spared the scalpel. Another one of interest was by a handicapped youngster demanding that the authorities make their establishments user friendly. The Reliance India mobile which is also sponsoring the floats organised by the PANJIM TRADITIONAL FESTIVALS CARNAVAL COMMITTEE and DIRECTORATE OF TOURISM played spoilsport by displaying prominently their logo on the floats which was in bad taste according to the viewers. But as the floats were being cheered and TV channels captured live the inspiring moments and photo shots taken by almost all and sundry the one float that was condemned was that of a Catholic priest leading a funeral cortege and a full display of a cemetry with the words 'AIZ MACA FALEAM TUCA' . Fortunately this was almost at the fag end when dusk set in but earned the ire of the citizens. When this writer asked the President to explain this entry which could hurt religious sentiments he pleaded ignorance as he said that the main groups were scrutinised between 4 to 4.30 p.m and this one could have intruded unauthorisedly. However this did not appear a valid coment given that the cartoon of Prophet Mohammed had created a ruckus worldwide. Another shocking disclosure which was being discussed at the venue was the alleged remark of the Minister for Art and Culture Mr Digamber Kamat the MLA of Margao when he is reported to have stated on a news channel that Carnaval in Goa was being promoted by the Department of Tourism and not as a culture of Goa. This comment smacks of the fact that the Goa Government is clear on its intent to promote only the pre-1510 (before advent of Portuguese rule ) culture as that of Goa and slowly but surely intending to eliminate the East and West fusion which in fact is the real culture of Goa which made the first PM of India late Jawaharlal Nehru to describe Goans as an unqiue people with an unique culture --- Ajib hai. Even though the rest of the people in India too subscribe to our East west fusion which finds mention every where one wonders ---what made Mr Kamat make this out of the box remark. The next day the floats will be held at Margao followed by traditional dances --- and ofcourse the traditional Khell tiatrs at Nuvem etc But one does miss out the traditional cocotes assalto the powdering of girls in their compounds or the throwing of water balloons these were the things which lent humour and clean fun. But with the demographic composition of the State changing -- with a sizeable migrant (vote bank) population in each of the 190 villages or atleast the 30 village panchayats of Salcette and 31 of Bardez it will reflect adversly on our boys and girls if this fun is carried out in public. HERE ARE SOME PHOTOGRAPHS --- the same can be made available free of cost on request. GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9822158584 __ Yahoo! India Matrimony: Find your partner now. Go to http://yahoo.shaadi.com
[Goanet] ATTENTION CRISTAO AMDARS - ROMI - KONKNNI
The people of Goa are agitated over the silence of a majority of Catholic MLA's on the issue of bringing about the amendment to section 2(c) of The Goa Daman Diu Official Language Act 1987. Many of these 14 MLA's irrespective of the party they belong to have in private vociferously expressed that Roman script should be given official recognition. The only difference is that some feel that a) use it as an emotive issue at the time of elections by including it in the election manifesto b) bring the amendment now itself in the 20th March, 2006 Most of the Hindu Bahujan Samaj MLA's have agreed to support this move if in the ruling side or not oppose it if in the opposition. Therfore either way -- the people of Goa would like the Cristao MLA's to make the first move. Thus far Dr Wilfred A De Souza NCP MLA Saligao and Deputy CM on his behalf and on behalf of his Ministerial colleague Mr Francisco (Mickey) Pacheco MLA Benaulim have expressed full support if the amendment is brought about as they cannot do so being Ministers. Now it is left for the others to follow suit. The reason why the community is shown distinctly is not to whip up communal passions but because it is generally the Catholics who are conversant with the Roman script and if not, obviously ought to support the recognition of this age old script while the Hindu Bahujan Samaj who are frank enough to admit that Konkani in Roman script is the natural script followed by the Catholics in Goa. Since the time is short for putting up the question before the 20th March 2006 Goa Assembly session, this message is sent out. Meanwhile Goans worldwide should question their respective MLAs on the issue and if possible post on the net the views of the respective MLAs. The same excercise will be carried out in Goa by a team of young writers shortly. GODFREY J I GONSALVES [EMAIL PROTECTED] Borda Margao Goa 9822158584 __ Yahoo! India Matrimony: Find your partner now. Go to http://yahoo.shaadi.com
[Goanet] SONIA lays RAJIV GANDHI - IT HABITAT -- foundation
This morning 23/2/2006 the UPA Chairperson and Congress President Ms Sonia Gandhi could meet only a top delegation of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Goa Mineral Ore Exporters Association and the lone pro-Indian National Congress NGO Lok Shakti of Margao besides other GPCC office bearers. There was a major hitch in the finalisation of appointments requested with Madam Gandhi by the Group headed by Mr M K Jos, and Fr Pratap J Naik TSKK Mr Wilson Mazarello President Dalgado Konknni Academy and also the undersigned which were routed through the 10 Janpath, New Delhi. The twin issues that the Group decided to take up separately with the Congress President Ms Gandhi was the a) highandedness of the Defence authorities in not permitting customary feast on the Anjediva Island and neglect of the Chapel of St Francis de Assisi and b) the demand for bringing about an amendment to clause 2(c) of the Goa Daman Diu Official language Act 1987 for granting official recognition to Roman script. Last minute enquiries made by this writer on cell this morning at New Delhi 10 Janpath Tel Nos 011 23018651, 011 2301 7047, and 011 2301 4161 from the Raj Bhavan end revealed that the same was routed through Ms Margaret Alva's office 011-23792777 at New Delhi but upon contacting them they too left it on the Goa Government and expressed helplessness. Incidentally Ms Alva an ex MP from Karnataka has been displaying lip sympathies on these twin issues, and this could have been the result of the hitch. She does not appear inclined to promote the cause of Roman and Kannada scripts nor does she wish to dwell on the Anjediva issue having lost elections on home turf part of which is Karwar. This writer had a slight inclination of the impending development given the past experience in New Delhi in November 2005 when he called on Ms Gandhi at Parliament House. Hence all relevant material and petition on these twin issues was faxed to Raj Bhavan on 22nd February, 2006 afternoon itself and it was thanks to Dr N Radhakrishna Jt Secretary to the Governor who forwarded the same this morning to Madam Sonia Gandhi through both the SPG Security Chief Mr Patnaik and Mr Sudhir overseeing her security cover in Goa (as confirmed by him today). Efforts to contact Mr Pillai at 10 Janpath New Delhi to confirm the lapse have not been successful yet. Given the developments this writer spoke to Mr Shantaram L Naik Member of Parliament Rajya Sabha and Secretary AICC and he assured to take up the Anjediva issue in all seriousness with Madam Gandhi and the Defence Minister and raise the issue in Parliament during this session itself. He himself seemed agitated on the Navys stance in Goa as well. Mr Altinho Gomes General Secretary GPCC-I co-ordinating the same from the Goa end was unable to intervene, despite his efforts even though copies were faxed to GPCC office and the Chief Minister. The time was too short just one and half hour and the security cover extensive given that Parliament is in session. In fact such was the confusion that this writer had to literally assist the security personnel and the SPG team at the entrance of the Raj Bhavan to identify the Congressmen, and industrialist for their entry as they were not provided the list of those granted appointments initially niether were passes issued to those who managed to meet Madam Gandhi. A group of Dhangars who had come well adorned in tradtional costumes and head gear to petition the Prime Minister had to be restricted to just 6 nos while another group was just rushed through at last minute to meet Ms Gandhi. Even the ex Cortalim MLA Mr Mauvin Godinho was not aware that his appointment was cleared until his emissary was informed of the same by this writer from the Raj Bhavan end. Earlier Ms Gandhi had a breakfast meet at Raj Bhavan with all the GPCC Executive Members leaders of frontal organisations and party MLA's. The Deputy Chief Minister of Goa Dr Wilfred A de Souza was also present. The Lok Shakti NGO impressed upon Ms Gandhi the need to revamp the party to meet the challenges in the changed circumstances in Goa, or face imminent wash out according Mr Cleofato Almeida Coutinho Adv and ex Judge who spoke briefly to this writer at Raj Bhavan. Later Ms Gandhi drove down to the venue of the IT Habitat at Dona Paula christened Rajiv Gandhi IT Habitat. Ms Gandhi reminded the audience of Ministers partymen bureaucrats and students of Polythecnic and Engineering Colleges in the State and other invitees that 20 years ago when Mr Rajiv Gandhi ex PM initiated the IT revolution in Goa he was bitterly criticised even mocked but Mr Gandhi stuck steadfastly to his dream as a result of which India today has ranked high in the commity of nations and earned world recognition as a growing economic power . She also stated that it was also the foresight of late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and late Ms Indira Gandhi ex PM's of India who laid the
[Goanet] SONIA WAVE ENGULFS STATE
At an impressive rally of Indian National Congress Party workers at the Campal Grounds Panaji this evening Ms Sonia Gandhi MP Chairperson UPA and Congress President in her 26 minutes address to Party workers exhorted them to be in a state of preparedness for forthcoming elections knowing full well that elections are due after an year. She was impressed by the gathering of workers and briefed them on the salient features of the Common Minimum Programme of the UPA Government while making special mention of the Employment Guarantee scheme which has statutory powers and not mere wishful thinking . She also dwelt on the Right to Information Act which now makes it a mandatory for the officials to part with information. She asked her party workers to understand the history of the Indian National Congress especially the youth. She wanted partymen to go and reach out to the masses and ensure that the party programme reaches those whom it is intended for. She cautioned Partymen not to make an promises which they could not fulfill. It was better to ensure that all the poll promises are kept. She was all praise for the people of Goa for having set aside the communal party that was trying to polarise the State. Goa she said was a cauldron of excellent communal harmony and this should be maintained at all costs. Earlier the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Mr Ravi Sitaram Naik MLA Ponda. Chief Minister Pratapsing Raoji Rane Ms Margaret Alva General Secretary AICC spoke on the policies of the Government to the workers. The meeting ended at 6.25 p.m. Earlier Ms Gandhi arrived an hour late in a special plane at 3.05 p.m at the Dabolim airfield and left by helicopter to the neighbouring district of Sindhurg for Malwan and returned back later to attend the meeting at Panaji. After the meet she is now attending a dinner hosted by the CM Minister at his official residence at Altinho Panaji. Ms Gandhi will stay put at Raj Bhavan Dona Paula for the night and is expected to meet several delegations tommorrow by 0930 at the Raj Bhavan Dona Paula besides MLA's and Ministers . Though at the time of writing the list was not yet finalised by Madam Sonia Gandhi's Secretariat. Later Ms Gandhi will attend the foundation stone laying ceremony at 10.30 a.m of the prestigious project to be christened RAJIV GANDHI IT HABITAT at Dona Paula Goa, in the presence of Mr S C Jamir His Excellency the Governor of Goa the CM the IT Minister Mr Dayanand Narvekar the Minister for Town Country Planning Mr Atnasio Monserrate aand the Chief Secretary, as per the invitation recieved by this writer issued thus far by the Government of Goa. Following the function she will leave Goa by noon and fly to Nasik in Maharashtra. SIDELIGHTS OF THE DAY: **Ms Gandhi arrived an hour late instead of the schedule 1415 hrs at the Naval base Dabolim; **Invitation cards signed by Mr Ravi Sitaram Naik President GPCC were issued to party workers to give the meet a formal touch. Many cards were found indiscriminately strewn at the venue. **There was a huge piles of used and unused PET bottles to satiate ones thirst -- all strewn at the metal detectors placed at the entrance to the venue; Chak a Chak Clean Panaji campaign notwithstanding **There were 12,000 chairs placed at the venue which gave the police estimates of the crowd at 14,000; **Ms Gandhi was presented a brass lamp valued at Rs 25,000 cost of which was reportedly borne both by MLA Mr Harish Zantye and the GPCC **Ms Gandhi recalled another instance when her late husband late Rajiv Gandhi was gifted one in the early eighties; **Ms Gandhi spoke in English and even the compere Adv Uday L Bhembre ex Independent MLA and Congress General Secretary had to speak intermittently in English and Konknni apparently to keep Ms Gandhi abreast of the happenings; **Many among the workers and others felt that Ms Gandhi should have spoken in Hindi though Ms Margaret Alva a native of Karnataka spoke some Konknni to interact with the crowd; ** several buses were placed at the disposal of Congress MLA's in all the constituencies North Goa constituencies brought the maximum workers especially from Bicholim Pernem Ponda **Food was provided to workers before they made it to the venue. Most of those in attendance were women and a large number of non goans which have spread in almost all the 190 villages of Goa did constitute a notable number. **Mr Churchill Alemao MP Mr Shantaram L Naik were present in the front row with other MLAs and Ministers. The newly appointed Secretary looking after Goa desk Mr Sidharth Patel was also present on the dais. His appointement to an extent will clip the wings of Ms Alva; **Last minute hitch in seating arrangement found the first seats occupied by different people; **Ms Alva checked in at the Cidade de Goa Congressmen had reason to cheer with the organisation many were found congratulating Mr Altinho Gama as well as Party chief Mr Ravi S Naik for the arrangements
[Goanet] KONKNNI ROMI LIPI MOVEMENT -- STEAMROLLS
The short session of the Goa Legislative Assembly concluded last week did not witness the introduction of the Goa Daman Diu Official Language Act 1987 amendment bill to grant recognition Roman script. The reasons were obvious. INC was waiting for the nod from the High Command the NCP could not raise it because both elected members in the coalition government are Ministers. The BJP was not keen to take it up in this short budget as told to this writer by Mr Francisco DSouza BJP MLA Mapusa as they wanted to have morchas dharnas outside the house to consolidate the vote bank by highlighting the shortcomings of the coalition government. Another reason was that this session was not the appropriate time according to most MLA's as it was intended only as an overdue excercise to meet the Constitutional requirement that the House meets within six months (the last time they did that was ending 31st August, 2005). The next session is convened on 20th March 2006 onwards to pass the mandatory vote of Account which means the Government could also be toppled if the same is not passed hence they MLAs and political parties feel that this will be time appropriate Meanwhile a delegation including this writer is seeking the intervention of Congress President and UPA Chairman Ms Sonia Gandhi (High Command) during her two day visit to the State beginning tommorrow to direct the Party in Goa and the coalition partners to take up the issue of amendment to the Goa Daman and Diu Official Language Act, 1987. There is another school of thought emanating from ex MLAs and potential contestants of all political parties to make this amendment an election agenda when midterm polls are expected in Goa and to include it in their manifestos with MOPA and what have you. These are emotive issues and can turn the tide against those that oppose especially in the Velhas Conquistas Coastal Talukas of Goa. With all this the Indian National Congress will be the only party who could gain from introducing the same much before the battle lines are drawn for the next elections expected by May 2006 (though due on May 2007 ) and in any case before December, 2006 end. Such being the situation the protogonists of Konkani in Roman script are not leaving any stone unturned. Following the successful rally on 10th February, 2006 at Panaji and the assurance of Dr Wilfred De Souza,Dy CM and MLA Saligao Mr Churchill Alemao MP Lok Sabha Mormugao Parliamentary Constituency Mr Radharao Gracias ex MLA Loutolim Mr Victor Gonsalves ex MLA Santa Cruz Ms Farrel Furtado ex MLA Velim to make amends and do justice to Goans this is a clear feather in the cap for the agitationists. In the days to come the momentum is being built and the ONLY ONE SCRIPT (DEVANAGARI) are feeling the heat. Another feather in the cap for Romi lovers came when Dr Wilfred A De Souza Deputy CM and NCP MLA Saligao skipped the much touted All (India) Konknni Parishad by not attending the same at Kala Academy on the 10th February, 2006 but only attended the Romi lipi (script) rally --- it sent a message to the Devanagaris that they ought to fall in line with those for diversity in script now. As another boost the now INC MLA Margao and Minister for Art Culture Mr Digamber Kamat has already promised to consider the naming of the Ravindra Bhavan auditorium at Fatorda in the name of a dramatist and playwright of yester years late Mr Joao Agostinho Fernandes Pai Tiatrist (21.12.1871 to 29.08.1947) and Founder of Concani Stage in Bombay 1892 --- a resident of H No: 306 Modsai Behind Holy Spirit Church Margao Goa now in Fatorda Assembly Constituency South Goa Parliamentary Constituency. Yet another achievement is that the Minister for Education and MLA Navelim Mr Luisinho Faleiro fearing that he may be alienated by the Romi lovers has given a premise at the Government Polytechnic for the use of the Dalgado Konknni Academy at Altinho Panaji today. Incidentally DKA under the stewardship of eminent tiatrist Mr Wilson Mazarelo and other members like Tomazinho Cardozo, Fr Pratap Naik sj TSKK are presently spearheading the movement for grant of official recognition to Konkani in Roman script. Again for the first time both Minister for Art and Culture Mr Digamber Kamat and Minister for Education Mr Luizinho Faleiro promised Rs one lac each for hosting the Mando Festival publicly at the 39th Mando Festival at Porvorim (if the same is held in Margao) or out of Goa to promote out Goan culture. (Incidentally only Rs 25,000 of the promised Rs 1 lac have been released to the Goa Cultural and Social Centre Panaji which organised the event according to one of senior members of the Mando festival organisors ) A signature campaign introduced in Mumbai by the Archdiocese is in full swing while yet another is spearheaded by an eminent activist Mr M K Jos. Incidentally he handed over the first set of over 45,000 signatures to the President of India Dr A P J Abdul Kalam during his recent
[Goanet] MYTHS OF DEVANAGARI KONKNNI UNEARTHED
There is a sustained campaign by the proponents of only ONE SCRIPT (devanagari) to counter the battle of the Romis. This time they are sure that the chicanery is being exposed with relevant information hitherto unavailable now being sourced to the Romi protoganists easily. It would be appreciated if the same is circulated to build the support required to bring the necessary amendments to the Official Language Act. THOMAS STEPHENS KONKNNI KENDR B.B. Borkar Road, Alto Porvorim, Goa 403 521, INDIA Phone: (0832) 2415857, 2415864 E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Website:www.tskk.org Pratap Naik, S.J. Executive Director Konknni (DEVANAGARI) and its scams For the last two years Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr (TSKK) has exposed a series of myths, scams, manipulations and blatant propaganda of Devanagari script proponents. In the year 2004, TSKK with its hard data informed the public that Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi on 26 February 1975 gave recognition to Konknni language and not to any particular script. It was the Advisory Board of Konknni of Sahitya Akademi which was dominated by Devanagari proponents recommended to Sahitya Akademi on 21 November 1981 that Devanagari should be the script of Konknni. In 2004, TSKK brought to the notice of the public that when on 20 August 1992 Konknni was introduced in the eighth schedule of Indian Constitution, there was no reference to the script of Konknni. On 15 April 2005 TSKK exposed various myths created and perpetuated by the Devanagari proponents. The main myth was Devanagari script is the natural script of Konknni. TSKK shattered this myth with the counter argument that nobody has invented any script for Konknni. The existing scripts including Devanagari were borrowed scripts for Konknni. The second myth was that Konknni had a lot of literature prior to 1510 which was destroyed by the Portuguese. TSKK gave counter examples to prove that till 1510 Konknni was the spoken language in Goa. Prior to 1510 in Goa those who knew to read, used Marathi and Sanskrit texts and definitely not Konknni. Hence what was destroyed by the Portuguese was Marathi and Sanskrit literature and not Konknni. When the Language Bill was passed, the Devanagari proponents manipulated and succeeded in introducing the phrase Konknni means Konknni in Devanagari script. Recently TSKK proved that All India Konknni Parishad is a non registered Society and receives Govt. funds to organize Konknni conferences. The latest scam involves a few known Konknni writers in Devanagari script. Sahitya Akademi has announced that 2005 award for Konknni will be given to Mr. N. Shivdas for his book Bhagarsall. Shivdas is a member of the Advisory Board of Konknni in Sahitya Akademi. The award winning book has been published by Asmitai Pratishthan, Margao. Mr. Uday Bhembre and Dr. Harishchandra Nagvenkar are the office bearers of Asmitai Pratishthan. Both of them together with Mr. Pundalik Naik were members of the jury panel and recommended the book for the prestigious award. Publishers of the book have taken upon themselves the role of jury and to recommend their own publication! Therefore, TSKK has demanded from the Sahitya Akademi to cancel the award announced in favour of N. Shivdas. TSKK also demanded from Sahitya Akademi to withhold further awards to Konknni till thorough investigation of the matter has been undertaken. These and many other scams which are increasing day by day have destroyed Konknni and the unity of Konknni speakers. The good of Konknni is forgotten and eyes are set on grants, awards and places of honour. To save Konknni and Goa, people of integrity should raise their voice to defend the true interests of Konknni. __ Yahoo! India Matrimony: Find your partner now. Go to http://yahoo.shaadi.com
[Goanet] EX PRESIDENT USA - BILL CLINTON IN GOA
Former 42nd United States of America President from Arkansas 59 year old Mr. William Jefferson Bill Clinton arrived in Goa today 17th February 2006 and checked in at Leela Kempinski 5 Star Deluxe Hotel at Mobor, Cavelossim, South Goa amidst tight security Clinton, is scheduled to visit the Cipla's -a pharmaceutical firm at its Goa plant at Verna South Goa District India tommorrow. The Cipla's have commenced four factories at Verna in Goa and are leaders in the lowly priced anti-retroviral drug for tackling the HIV and AIDS menance. Mr Clinton heads the Clinton Foundation which has been recieving the anti-retroviral drugs (AIDS medicines) for the AIDS and HIV programme. The Foundation handles both in India and Africa. from the Mobor end GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9822158584 __ Yahoo! India Matrimony: Find your partner now. Go to http://yahoo.shaadi.com
[Goanet] AMCAM NACA -Ek lipi (devanagari ) ek bhas KONKNNI ek sahitya ( literature) and ek samaz (community)
Elected representatives (law makers )in Goa Legislative Assembly who are expected to bring about the amendment to section 2(c) of the Official Language Act 1987 during this session should impress in the august HOUSE that all GOANS Hindus Moslems Catholics who believe they are niz goencars whether in Terrakol in Pernem (North) to Polem in Canacona (South) or Darbhondra in Sanguem (East) or Vasco-da-Gama in Mormugao (West ) of Goa believe that: a) KONKNNI is the MOTHER TONGUE of every true Goan niz goencar. b) for historical reasons some speak Konknni others Portuguese and some English; c) for historical reasons some read Konknni in Devanagari Roman script others read in Marathi, Portuguese or English; d) for historical reasons some write Konknni in Devanagari Roman script others write in Marathi, Portuguese or English; e) for liturgical purposes Catholics use Konknni in Roman script and for religious rite Hindus use Marathi or Konknni in devanagari script; f) all Hindu Bahujan Samaj (non Brahmin) community fully accept the fact that Catholics use Roman script and therefore it should also have been officially recognised as such in the Official Language Act 1987. Therefore any distortion of these facts by ex MLAs politicians out of power or aspiring to come to power that the Marathi protogonists will create a further turmoil is only a false canard a MYTH NOT A REALITY and intended to polarise the Goans, and should not be paid heed to in the current movement for recognition of UNITY IN LANGUAGE DIVERSITY OF SCRIPT Meanwhile as the script issue in favour of Roman script for Konknni besides Devanagari and Kannada in Karnataka is slowly but surely being pursued to the logical conclusion since the SCRIPT movement was revived in June 2005 several writers in various local dailies and weeklies have been advocating that the issue be SETTLED ACROSS THE TABLE. Many of the protoganists of UNITY IN LANGUAGE KONKNNI --- DIVERSITY IN SCRIPTS (Devanagari Roman Malayalam etc ) who this writer encountered at the during the long drawn movement are of the opinion that those who feel the issue should be settled across the table would do well to bring around the undermentioned tentatively listed names of protogonists who believe strongly only in Ek lipi (one script-DEVANAGARI ) ek bhas (one language KONKNNI ) ek sahitya (one literature) and ek samaz (one community) viz FROM GOA Mr Uday L Bhembre Mr Chandrakant Keni Dr Manoharrai Sardessai Mr Damodar Mauzo Mr Nagesh Karmali Ms Hema P. Naik Ms Kamalarao Deshpande Mr Manikrao Gavnekar Ms.Sunita Kanetkar Mr Satyavan Naik Mr Rajdeep Naik Mr Sudesh Lotlikar Mr Serafino Cota Mr Soter Barreto Mr S.M. Borges Mr Datta D. Naik Mr Datta S. Naik Mr Manoj Kamat Mr.Suresh Borkar Mr Damodar Ghanekar Mr Pandurang Bhangi Mr Ravindra Kelekar Ms Kiran Budkuley Dr Jayanti Naik Mr Pundalik Naik Mr Shivdas Naik Mr Bharat Naik Mr Tukaram shet Mr Dilip Borkar Ms Madhavi sardessai Ms Priyadarshini Tadkodkar Mr Sandesh Prabhudessai Mr Sridhar Kamat Mr Sridhar Kamat Bambolkar Mr Prakash Vazrikar Mr Arun sakhardande Ms Nayana Sakhardande Mr Prajwal Sakhardande Ms Anju Sakhardande Ms Jyoti Cuncolekar Mr Bhiku Bhomi Naik Mr Gurunath Kelekar Mr Sumant Kelekar Mr Ramesh Veluskar Mr Ashok Bhoslo Ms Prashanti Talpankar Ms Nayana Adarkar Ms Maya Kharangate Ms Vaijanti Prabhu Mr Srinivas Kamat Mr Mahabaleshwar Sail Mr Suresh Pai Ms Meena Kakodkar Mr Suresh Kakodkar Mr Raju Naik Mr Sanjiv Verenkar Mr Shyam Verenkar Dr Harischandra Nagvenkar Mr Bhushan Bhave Fr Mousinho Athaide Ms Maria Aurora Couto Fr Jaime Couto Fr Michael Fernandes Fr Moreno de Souza, S.J. Mr Prabhakar Bhide Mr Purnanand Chari Mr Rupa Chari Mr Babli Naik Mr Prashant Naik FROM KARNATAKA Mr Paul Moraes Mr Basti Vaman Shenoy Mr J.B.Moraes Mr Gokuldas Prabhu FROM KERALA Mr. N Purushottam Mallya Mr Sharaschand Shenoy Dr Usha Bai to accept DIVERSITY OF SCRIPTS. This will then lead to universalisation of Konknni and unity of Goans. GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9822158584 __ Yahoo! India Matrimony: Find your partner now. Go to http://yahoo.shaadi.com
[Goanet] ROMAN SCRIPT AMENDMENT 2(C) to OLA 1987 THIS SESSION?
The first Assembly session of the Goa legislative Assembly for this year begins tommorrow. The session attains significance and importance owing to the fact that following the last session ended 31st August 2005 a political storm was created as a result of the controversial Town Country Planning ordinance of 29th September, 2005 and the inclusion of the revenue villages in the PDA's dated 27.9.2005 by none other than the Deputy Speaker Ms Victoria Fernandes MLA Santa Cruz, which in itself was a record of sorts. Her making a mention of the ordinance to the President of India during his visit to the State also raised eyebrows but that would not deter the lone women legislator who proved to be a MAN in the assembly. Both issues have been resolved and the ordinance will eventually lapse as per directives of the High Command through the political advisor to the AICC and Congress President Mr Ahmed Patel to the CM of Goa following her summons to New Delhi by the High Command alongwith this writer. In the meanwhile this writer learnt that the revived CBI office in Altinho Panaji Goa (ex CM Manohar Parrikar had wound up this office during his tenure )are yet to be handed over the IFFI 2004 investigations as per latest reports. The constitution of the committee to review the 900 applications (as confirmed discreetly from that office by this writer) recieved for the Draft Regional Plan 2001 may find mention during this session. Besides that there are over 400 starred and unstarred questions raised for the five day session. In all probability following the Governors address on the first day of the session the Opposition may boycott the session as per reports recieved by this writer. There are about five bills slated thus far to do with the Corporation of City of Panaji Departmemt of Power and an interesting Bill by the Pernem MLA Mr Jeetendra Deshprabhu to prevent and check the menance of Ragging in educational institutions in Goa. According to information just recieved the sensitive amendment to the Official Language Act section 2(c) is also likely to be considered now that the meeting at Azad Maidan in Goa and Karnataka has already stirred the hornets nest. It is left to the MLA's like Francisco DSouza, Mapusa or Mathany Saldhana, Cortalim (subjudice) from the Opposition benches to either table the amendment bill to embarrass the ruling coalition INC NCP MGP Independent or raise the issue as a private members bill or at zero hours to ascertain the mind of the ruling coalition on the issue. Alternatively the MLAs viz Agnelo Fernandes, Calangute Aleixo Sequeira, Loutolim Giovanni Karl Vaz, Mormugao Victoria R. Fernandes St. Cruz Francisco Silveira, St. Andre could table the amendment for the ruling dispensation. A welcome move of the whole revival of the agitation 19 years that the Deputy Chief Minister Dr Wilfred A De Souza MLA Saligao of the Nationalist Congress Party and the coalition partner has publicly stated that he alongwith his other party MLA would support the amendment if tabled in the house at this session. Incidentally there is no word yet from other senior leaders of the Congress like Mr Dayanad Narvekar Mr Francisco Sardinha of the post 1970 batch of elected representatives or the post 1980 batch of elected representatives viz Mr Luizinho Faleiro (apparently busy with his sons impending marriage weekend) or Mr Subhash Shirodkar. The LOO has already assured this writer that his party will not oppose the amendment if tabled in the House. However it must be said to the credit of the Chief Minister that he diplomatically steered clear of the script controversy at the Akhil Bharatiya Konknni Parishad but may have to face the embarrassment of the First Information Report filed by a social activist based in Panaji Mr M K Jos questioning the approval in principle of a grant of Rs 12 lacs for the three day seesion to the institution which has not renewed its registaration since 2000 as confirmed by the office of the Registrar of Societies. Interestingly this session of a short duration is being intended to meet the statutory requirement of holding the next session within six months. Another budget session for VOTE OF ACCOUNT will be held in the last week of March, 2006. In the meanwhile it is not known whether the New Secretariat Building will be ready to shift the entire staff now operating from the old Secretariat Building. The inauguration was expected to be held on Republic Day but had to wait as finishing touches are yet underway. Meanwhile the Integreted Sevices Division is understood to have examined the entire issue of Anjediv Island and its terms and conditions with the Government of Goa following the recent outcry of failure to permit the customary feast and ruin of one of the chapels St Francis de Assissi as per reports recieved by this writer from Binaga Karwar. It is now left to the Government of Goa and the ruling party MLAs making noises on Dabolim and Mopa to
[Goanet] GOA an EAST WEST FUSION -- CULTURAL POLICY NEEDED
The Departments of a) Art Culture b) Tourism, c ) Official Languages and the other autonomous body Kala Academy semi autonomous bodies Goa Tourism Development Corporation, Goa Konknni Academy take pride in depicting our tiny 25th State of GOA on their websites www.goagovt.nic.in and related links that GOA India's tiniest 25th State is the PEARL OF THE ORIENT is a fulcrum point of races, religions cultures of East West over the centuries, that have provided Goa a multihued distinctive lifestyle QUITE DIFFERENT from the rest of India. This they say is reflected in its folk dances viz; Talgadi, Goph, Tonya Mel, Mando, Kunbi dance, Virabhadra, Hanpeth, Gauda zagor, Ranmalem, Fugdi, Ghode Modni, Lamp Dance, Musal Dance, Romat or Mell, Dulpods, Morulem,Dhangar Dance, Sanjoao, Dekhni and Zemado. (it fights shy out of ignorance? of Vira etc) It is also described as TOURIST PARADISE which besided its Nature bestowed scenic beauty also has its architectural splendours of its ---CHURCHES AND OLD HOUSES --- ( 1510 - 1961) Knowing full well that it is this fusion of culture over 451 years (Goa (Ilhas-Tiswadi)conquered 25.11.1510 -Velhas Conquistas 1763 onwards- Novas Conquistas upto 19.12.1961 Liberation?) that give Goans a personality of having communal tolerance towards one and all ---unheard of in the rest of the country. But the shocking discovery and confirmed by a senior Minister of the Goa Government is that --- the Government of Goa till today ---NIETHER HAS A CULTURAL POLICY NOR A TOURISM POLICY to reflect the above ground reality which its profess propogates but does not put into practice. Even its LANGUAGE ACT has benefitted only 3% of the majority Community viz upper castes conversant with the devanagari script. This view was also shared by a top bureaucrat of the Government of Goa who had an informal interaction with this writer at Kala Academy at the Akhil Bharatiya Konknni Sammelan on the 12 th February. 2006 He also expressed surprise that the Western Music Department of the Kala Academy appeared to have no interest in promoting the fusion music to promote the Mando Dulpods or the Vira dances etc which infact reflected the true face of Goa in rest of the world. Atleast he could vouch convincingly that domestic tourists mostly in the metropolitan cities of India know Goa for this fusion culture and therefore GOA became a MUST VISIT destination in their itenary of tours undertaken. (This is not to confuse with the narcotic drugs oriented PARTY ZONES at destinations in North Goa he added) Even the Official language Act was against the interests of 28% population of Goa in a sense that the Konkani in Roman script was not given recognition nor grants --- but MERE ASSITANCE -- as doles --- depending on the noises made -- by the Government. How also expressed surprise on how the State could advertise private old ancestral houses and Churches / Chapels coming under the Archdiocese of Goa Daman without paying them a pittance. This is crass chicanery he added and blamed the Government for playing second fiddle to the dictates of the vicious tourism lobby. Another bureaucrat admitted that today it was left to the Government viz; a) Chief Minister of Goa Mr Pratapsing Raoji Rane as Head of the Kala Academy, and holding the portfolio of the Official Languages as well, b) Deputy Chief Minister of Goa Dr Wilfred A De Souza c) Minister for Art and Culture Mr Digamber Kamat to decide on funds allocation utilisation by way of GRANTS SUBSIDY for promotion of ART CULTURE TOURISM OFFICIAL LANGUAGES. To set right this anamoly which will wipe of the image of Goans in the immediate future with its demographic composition changing rapidly ( 4.15 lacs non Goans at last count ) It is therefore necessary that a) those performing the East West fusion dances music folklore should demand that the Government of Goa enact a CULTURAL TOURISM POLICY for the STATE OF GOA AND ALSO SET RIGHT THE LANGUAGE ACT TO INCLUDE DIVERSITY OF SCRIPTS; b) all (i) owners of private houses and (ii) Chancellor of Archdiocese of Goa Daman Diocese Commission for Sacred Art Heritage viz churches chapels and other religious institutions which are liberally featured for promotion of tourism OR other cultural programmes of the State Canaval etc on their websites brochures (WITHOUT PRIOR PERMISSION OF THESE OWNERS / AUTHORITIES ) SHOULD immediately serve notices to the Directors of the various departments concerned to i)stop forwith publication of such literature photographs etc until due permission is obtained from them; ii) on granting permission they should simultaneously demand grants for maintainance or any other purpose in return for using their houses churches for advertisements c) all the cultural clubs social organisations institutions which promote the East West fusion art in song dance or any other form and music should demand immediate formulation of a policy. d) minority
[Goanet] 10/02/2006 -KONKNNI uloi KONKNNI fuloi KONKNNI amchi ganvar gazoi
As the count down begins for the rally at Azad maidan Panaji to save Goa and our mothertongue 19 years after the official language Act relegated Cristaos to second class citizens -- this is a wake up call -- its now or never-- there will be canards myths floated -- about heads being broken about marathiwadis staging a backlash. All this is hogwash --- make your presence felt and ensure the unity of Goans Hindus Catholics Muslims all. We count on your presence . At the time of writing there are encouraging signs our politicians have realised the importance of this public outcry and most of them have heeded to our call and they promise to render justice. Be there --- in large numbers Here is the official press release for the ocassion. Godfrey J I Gonsalves Borda Margao Goa [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9822158584 DALGADO KONKNNI AKADEMI (DKA) c/o Rhythm House,Below City Hospital,Opp MeenakshiHotel Margão, Goa - 403 601 Phone: +91 0832 2714299 PRESS RELEASE DKA CALL TO ATTEND KONKNNI SYMBOLIC RALLY at AZAD MAIDAN, PANAJI Dalgado Konknni Akademi (DKA), Goa, earnestly requests all Konknnis spread throughout the world and those who love and care about the survival of Konknni in Roman script, to attend its rally at Azad Maidan, Panaji on Friday, 10 February 2006 at 3.00 p.m. to show their active support to Konknni in Roman script. DKA also requests Konknni lovers to boycott and openly show their protest during the forthcoming Konknni Conference organized by All India Konknni Parishad (AIKP) at Kala Akademi, Panaji from February 10 to 12, 2006. DKA has organised this symbolic rally for the following reasons: The purpose of the Official Language Act 1987 is to protect the interests of people of Goa in the field of economy, education, culture, etc. The Official Language Act 1987 recognises Konknni written in Devanagari script only. This is a great injustice to the Goan community which reads and writes Konknni in the Roman script. Due to this Official Language Act writers, readers, publishers, artists, lovers and promoters of Konknni in Roman script are treated as second class citizens in Goa and they continue to suffer this humiliation. Therefore DKA demands from the Goa Govt. equal status to Konknni written in Roman script on par with Konknni written in Devanagari script in the Official Language Act 1987. DKA recognises and respects diversity of scripts, dialects of Konknni and cultural expressions of Konknni people. Konknni in Roman script is one of the best and effective means to unite all Konknni speakers spread throughout the world. By imposing Devanagari script and a particular dialect as the standard Konknni have resulted in driving away the minority community from the Konknni language. DKA regrets to state that the imposition of Devanagari script for Konknni has divided the Goan community. All India Konknni Parishad (AIKP) instead of respecting the varieties of Konknni and thereby forging unity among the various regions, communities, dialects and scripts viz, Roman and Kannada along with Devanagari has caused irreparable damage to the unity of Konknnis, by adopting a retrograde policy of ek lipi, ek bhas, ek sahitya, ek samaz (one script, one dialect/language, one literature, one community). Hence DKA wants to end the injustice meted out to all the scripts of Konknni except Devanagari. Through its above mentioned policy, the All India Konknni Parishad is sowing the seed of communal division, hatred and disharmony in Goa and among Konknnis spread throughout the country. Through manipulative politics AIKP has attempted to impose one script (Devanagari script) and one dialect on all others (a) at the Sahitya Akademi level (b) at the Goa Government level (c) at the other State Governments level. In the name of development of Konknni, AIKP promotes exclusively Devanagari script to perpetuate its monopoly and hegemony. AIKP does not accept the basic demand of a large section of the Goan Community. The demand is to include Roman script as the official script of Konknni side by side with Devanagari script in the Goa Official Language Act 1987. Similarly AIKP does not respect and accept the demand of Konknnis to teach Konknni in schools in Kannada script in Karnataka. AIKP is NOT registered under the Societies' Registration Act 1860. AIKP has remained an 'Exclusive Club' of a fistful of persons and organizations to get funds from Govt. and the public to organize unproductive conferences. No genuine attempt has been made either to include active registered bodies into the AIKP or promote Konknni language and literature. Since All India Konknni Parishad is NOT a Registered Society, it has no legal status and right to ask for, or to receive Govt. grants, subsidy and funds. On 23 January 1978 an institution called All India Konknni Sahitya Parishad was registered as a Society in Goa. Its Registration number was 6/78. However, this Society never renewed
[Goanet] CRISTAO AMDARS --- ani ROMI LIPI - chalo AZAD MAIDAN
On 10th of February, 2006 at the historic Azad Maidan at exactly 1530 hrs IST writers,poets, triatist, musicians, lay persons, persons from various religious denominations priests, nuns, activist and all those Konkani loving people who believe in ONE LANGUAGE KONKANI DIVERSITY IN SCRIPT --- will converge --- to reiterate our demand to: ENSURE THAT besides Devanagari any other script WILL BE ACCEPTABLE FOR THE GROWTH OF KONKANI LANGUAGE -Roman, Kannada, Urdu, Persian whatever AND THUS UNDO IMMEDIATELY what M/s 1) Ravindra Kelekar, 2)) Uday L Bhembre, 3) Chandrakant Keni 4) Dr Manoharrai Sardessai 5) Bakibab Borkar 6) Dr D Sukhtankar from Goa, 7) N Purushottam Mallya ( Kerala ) and three others as Convenor and members of the Advisory Board for Konkani did clandestinely on over twenty four years ago ---on 21st November,1981 at the Sahitya Academy New Delhi ---albeit acting unauthorisedly on behalf ALL KONKANI SPEAKING PEOPLE and unanimously recommending that DEVANAGARI SHOULD REMAIN THE SCRIPT FOR KONKANI II Demand to amend THE GOA DAMAN DIU OFFICIAL LANGUAGE ACT of 1987 to include in sec 2 (c) Definition of Konkani language means Konkani in Devanagari script --AND ROMAN SCRIPT. This show of strenght not of numbers but spirited citizens is because a gross injustice has been done a) by our then elected representatives in 1987 and subsequent elected representatives till this day b) by the Archdiocese of Goa Daman which controls over 125 diocesan schools by eliminating the use of Konkani in Roman script slowly but surely and imposing only Konkani in devanagari script . And what a shame --- look at these facts ---Of the total population of Goa in 2001 i.e 13,47,668, there are 26.68% Christians,i.e 3,59,557 odd Christians. Thus of the present members of Parliament the Goa Legislative Assembly there is 1) Mr Churchill Braz Alemao MP (Mormugao Parliamentary Constituency) to represent interests of 3,59,557 Catholics and of the 14 MLAs six (*) Ministers could easily represent the interests of 59926 catholics each. 1) Dr. Wilfred de Souza, Saligao (*) 2) Luizinho Faleiro, Navelim (*) 3) Francisco DSouza, Mapusa 4) Francisco Sardinha, Curtorim 5) Filipe Neri Rodrigues ,Velim (*) 6) Mathany Saldhana,Cortalim (subjudice) 7) Agnelo Fernandes, Calangute 8) Aleixo Sequeira, Loutolim 9) Giovanni Karl Vaz, Mormugao 10)Victoria R. Fernandes St. Cruz 11) Atanasio Monserrate, Taleigao (*) 12) Francisco Silveira, St. Andre 13) Francisco X. (Micky) Pacheco, Benaulim (*) 14) Joaquim Braz Alemao, Cuncolim (*) Take a further look of these MLA's top six qualified beyond graduation next three graduates one matriculate with certificate course and rest undergraduates and matriculates. The lone MP is upto matriculate. Assuming for the sake of argument that once elected all of the above irrespective of political party affiliation have interest of nursing their Constituencies in mind; the question foremost on the mind of the electorate that voted them to power Have these Catholics by birth (let us not go into the aspect of whether they still practice the Catholic faith) address themselves primarily to the Catholic voters? Why should the lovers of Konkani -- in both scripts need to take to the streets on every issue affecting the interests of the Catholics. Why do the these elected representatives confess in private that they support the views --- of the people on the issue of Konkani in both Devanagari and Roman script but are fight shy to bring about an amendment bill in the Goa Legislative Assembly or to undo the harm done at the Sahitya Academy in New Delhi? Do we need such spineless elected representatives to represent us? Are they fit to be called as LAW MAKERS both at the Centre and in the State Assemblies? This has shamed Goa in the eyes of the rest of the country. The conduct and performance of our Christian MLAs and MP. Therefore Goans worldwide let us not let these elected representatives doze in their slumber --- of making hay while the sun shines--- filling up their own coffers. Let us open thier eyes to the fate that will befall us if these elected representatives do not have the COURAGE OF CONVICTION to stand by what the electorate demands --- Konkani is our mother-tongue 19 years of the Official language act has benefitted only 3% of the Saraswat Hindu Brahmins and none other. They have used some Hindu Bahujan leaders who now with economic empowerment either camouflage their surnames Naik to Nayak or hide their surnames N instead of Naik to project themselves as belonging to the upper caste ---only because that alone would ensure them crumbs from the Directorate of Official Languages, the Goa Konkani Akademy and other bodies by way of doles from the Government--- and there are a few old Catholic priests as well in the evening of their lives and some uppers caste Catholics too --- propogating only one script one language ---
[Goanet] PROTEST AGAINST - NAVY REFUSAL - feast at anjediv
Godfrey J I Gonsalves B-F-4 1st Flr Hillside Apartments Borda Margao Goa 9822158584 [EMAIL PROTECTED] 05/05/2006 Commodore K P Ramachandran Naval Officer-in-Charge (KT) Naval Base PO Arga - via Chendiya Karwar 581 324 Karnataka Sir, FEAST AT ANJEDIV Kindly refer to my letter /fax messages dated 20/1/2006 addressed to self a) Ms Sonia Gandhi MP Chairperson UPA President of INC New Delhi b) Mr Pranab Mukherjee Union Minister for Defence MoD New Delhi c) Ms Margaret Alva Gen. Sec. AICC (Goa Desk) New Delhi d) Mr S C Jamir Governor of Goa Dona Paula Goa e) Mr Pratapsing Raoji Rane CM of Goa Panaji Goa f) Commodore P C Agarwal Dir.General Sea Bird Project Hq New Delhi g)Rear Admiral Anup Singh Chief of Staff Hq WNC Mumbai h)Vice Admiral Madan Singh CoC WNC Mumbai i) Capt K K Verma Deputy Director General PITeam Binaga Karwar and a) fax (reply) message dated 20/01/2006 from DG SB Project Hq ND b) your fax (reply) message dated 28/06/2006 c) my follow-up fax message (handwritten/typed ) dt 31/01/2006 further fax (reply ) dated 1/02/2006 on your behalf from Commander Vinil Venugopal Sr Staff Officer (Operations) and the personal meeting (on your behalf as you were busy with officials from Mumbai) with Commander Mr Venugopal on 2/2/2006 at Arga Base Karwar from 1650 to 1825 hrs IST . On behalf of the devotees from Goa who made it to the INS Kadamba (Sea Bird Project) entrance by public transport or in private vehicles and on foot on 2/2/2006 for the Feast of Nossa Senhora De Brotas (Our Lady of Springs) but were sent back due to a) deployment of security personnel both from your Naval authorities and the Deputy Commissioner of North Canara at your establishments and the Polem checkpost b) and your press release on the local dailies i) Karavali Munj (Coastal Morninger) Kannada edition dated 1/2/2006 2/2/2006 and Vijay Times Kannada edition stating that devotees would not be permitted for the Feast or ANY OTHER RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY ; we register our formal protest --- to what we consider as an insult -- to a) our Constitutional right to freedom of religion (albeit honouring the security considerations and national interests ) b) to your acts which is contrary to documentary evidence between the Sea Bird with the Govt of Goa and the letter of Admiral Sushil Kumar ex Chief of Naval Staff New Delhi ) to the Archbishop of Goa and Daman At the meeting on 2/2/2006 the undersigned had with your representative he was shown documents and allowed to take photocopies of a ) 3 Nos of Form I XIV to show that the Island is still under the revenue district of South Goa Canacona Taluka Survey Nos 1, 2 3 admeasuring 34.0075 Hectares Occupant Govt of India Ministry of Defence Indian Navy b) Minutes of the meeting dated 8th July, 1987 held by the Jt Secretary (Navy) with the Chief Secretary of Goa Mr K K Srivastava on 6/6/1987 c) Order from the Collector of South Goa dated 8th December, 1987 and 26/7/1989 transferring the Island to the govt of India Ministry of Defence wherein it is clearly stated among other things -- the compensation as regards the market value of the land gneral produce, structurem etc; standing therein shall be paid by the Ministry of Defence as and when the same is worked out and intimated to the Ministry of Defence. - - the Navy SHOULD allow on the Island the celebrations of customary feast of St Francis de Assisi Nossa Senhora de Brotas subject to security considerations. d) letter from then Chief of Naval Staff CNS/SB/2005 dated 24/04/2000 where the Navy will maintain the precious and historical shrines in pristine shape (yet the St Francis de Assisi Chapel is in ruins as per photographs with this writer -- and also posted on the website www.colaco.net ) e) letter from then Minister of Defence Mr George Fernandes dated 24th April 2003 to the then Leader of Opposition and present UPA Chief and President of the Indian National Congress wherein the then Station Commander had misled the Defence Minister to believe that --- over a DOZEN temples -- (it was only ghumties on the main land of Karwar and one Somnath temple which was razed to the ground and deity relocated and placed at entrance gate of Sea Bird Project at Killebag near Binaga which was perhaps agreed to by the State Government of Karnataka ) but this had nothing to do with our agreed terms and ought not to have been linked --- which has now resulted in the misplaced animosity between the two religious communities) and therefore the Defence Minister felt -- that we need to follow an uniform policy towards people of all religions.. He was also explained and simultaneously requested to make notes on the historical religious significance of the Island and the religious structures thereon viz: a) Portuguese began their adventure from this Island in September 1498 and left the Island on 22nd December 1961 b) A martyrs memorial depicting the names of 7 Indian Army soldiers
[Goanet] 19TH ANIVERSARY OFFICIAL LANGUAGE ACT - 1987
Exactly nineteen years ago on Wednesday 4th February, 1987 Konkani the mothertongue of every blue blooded Goan became the sole official language of the State after the enactment of The Goa Daman and Diu Official Language Act 1987. But that day the news turned out to be a damp squib. The oft heard comment was ami Konknni maglem ani amcam Marathi mellam this was a snide remark to the Konkani recognised only in Devanagari script. Little did the Goans especially from the coastal talukas or Velhas Conquistas under 451 years of Portuguese rule (25.11.1510 to 19.12.1961) the other talukas Novas Conquistas were under Portuguese rule beginning from 1763-1961realise that Konkani in Devanagari script --- was accepted as the natural script ---by the Advisory Committee of the Sahitya Akademi New Delhi consisting of mainly Hindu Saraswat Brahmins on 21.11.1981. Yet the Konkani Porjecho Avaz KPA heading the language agitation with Covenor Mr Pundalik Naik, a Hindu Bahujan (non Brahmin) guided by Uday L Bhembre a Hindu Saraswat Brahmin and one of the signatory to the 1981 decision made the Catholics to compromise on Konkani in the Roman script and accept Konkani in Devanagari script so that the Hindu Bahujan Samaj, would slowly but surely accept Konkani in Devanagari script. It was also stated that it would act as a deterrent to the influx of those from outside the State. That never happened even in this 19th year after recognition of Konkani and will never ever happen but what eventually happened was that children of Cristaos conversant with the Konkani in Roman script since the 16th century were made guinea pigs in laboratories (schools) where teachers in the English medium primary schools were made to overnight since 1989-90 teach children in 125 primary Diocesan run schools Konkani in Devanagari scriptat the same time themselves learning the script. Moreover there is a mushrooming of English medium primary schools where admissions are open for all and sundry. This resulted in the standard of education in diocesan schools coming down, the quality of students produced was below standard; but ironically, in the last 18 years the protoganists of KONKANI in only Devanagari script which constitute 3% of the population of Goa 13,87,807 (2001 census) succeded in having the first Doctorate being awarded to a student of Konkani literature in Devanagari script, by the Goa University last winter 2005, while Konkani in Roman script is dying a cancerous death. The seriousness of the issue is such that in all matters of employment where advertisements for placement in the Goa Government and its allied bodies appear there is a mention of language Knowledge of Konkani compulsory Marathi desirable but sadly that Konkani is in Devanagari script as per section 2 of the Official Language Act, 1987 which does not recognise the Roman script. And while Cristaos have realised this late now mourn this day or for that matter 20th August 1992 when Konkani was included in the VIII Schedule of the Constitution --- ( VIII Schedule --refers to all languages which are recognised by the Union of India) ironically the Hindu Saraswat Brahmins are celebrating today at the 3rd Saraswat Festival at BPS Club grounds Margao Goa. The Archdiocese of Goa Daman is primarily responsible for this grave injustice done to the Catholic community who are mainly conversant with Konkani in Roman script, for relying heavily on the wisdom buddhi of Mr Uday Laximikant Bhembre (Advocate) and ex Independent MLA Margao, little realising the undercover clandestine long term machinations and designs intended to relegate the Catholic community to second class status after the Portuguese left in December 1961. As a matter of fact it was one Mr Manjunath who at the first All India Konkani Parishad held at Karwar mooted the idea of universalisation of Konkani and recommended devanagari script as the natural script for Konkani. Can the harm be undone. Yes certainly. Fourteen Catholic MLA's in the Goa Legislative Assembly all conversant with Konkani in Roman script irrespective of party affiliation (please note the Constitution of India does not recognize any political party it only recognises the majority elected members of the House -Assembly/Parliament- who can cobble a majority and come forward to occupy the treasury benches in the House.) who can do justice --- for its now or never. Amend the Goa Daman Diu official language Act 1987 section 2 Konkani means in Devanagari script to this just add AND in Roman script This amendment will not only do justice to Konkani mai but it will also bring forth UNITY IN LANGUAGE --- DIVERSITY in scripts --- let Konkani scripts be Devanagari and Roman in Goa, Kannada in Karnataka and Malayalam in Kerala etc. The Archbishop of Goa Daman should also petition to the President of India, (this is besides the voluminous signatures that have been sent to his office by a local group) the
[Goanet] INS KADAMBA (SEA BIRD ) OFFICIALS GOOF UP ISSUE
For the second year this 2nd February,2006 the authorities of the Sea Bird at Arga Karwar now christened INS Kadamba did not permit the customary Feast of Nossa Senhora de Brotas at Anjediva Islands off Canacona taluka. This morning there was tight police and naval police security personnel posted at the various sites beginning from the Polem checkpost 60 kms from Margao (border of Goa)an at Baitkol the Administrative office the Project Sea Bird Office enroute Binaga and the Karwar city. However many people who came and called at the Sea Bird office were made to return. For locals the daily Karavali had carried a press release cautioning the locals that they would not be permitted on the Island for the feast. This writer who was camping in the city of Karwar was in constant touch with Ms Margaret Alva AICC General Secretary, at New Delhi for directions to the Sea Bird authorities to allow entry into the Island but she was either not available and at one instance her office claimed she was either busy attending a meetin or indisposed. Apparently a common alibi with her looking after the Goa desk. Since the 1000 a.m. Mass could not be held there were several people from Goa who made enquiries at the Paco Patriacal Bishops House at Panaji in Goa many contacted this writer on 9822158584 (Helpline) for updates. The Chief Ministers office in Goa was also being contacted for any efforts on his part to get the authorities to move but the CM was reported to be attending a Cabinet Meet slated for the morning. Last night the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Uttar Kanara made sever telephonic calls with this writer to ascertain the number of buses coming from Goa to attend the feast. His office was told by this writer that it was impossible to gauge the numbers who would attend and at the same time told that the fact that the Navy should allow the customary feast to be celebrated in terms of the conditions of transfer dated 8/12/1987 26/7/1989 with due security considerations was a clear sign that the Navy could not refuse allowing the devoutees to celebrate the same. When they stated that Navy had directed them to take preventive measures he was told that it was not of our concern -- because the Navy was clearly violating the terms agreed upon and they would be held responsible for any law and order problem. Left with no other alternative the Navy was asked to clarify in wrtiting on their insistence that permission was not to be granted for the feast and also any other religious activity This they omitted and sent a fax late night at 2310 hrs stating only that the customary feast could not be permitted due to operational and security reasons This again was a lapse on the part of the INS Kadamba officials.. Finally the writer demanded to see Commodore K P Ramachandran Naval Office-in-Charge but he claimed to be busy in a meeting with officials from Mumbai As the writer promised to wait until the end of the meet even though called at around 1630 hrs, they finally relented and Vinit Venugopa Commander Senior Staff officer (Operations) met the undersigned at Administrative office Arga for a detailed one and half hour discussion and made available all the fascimile copies of the documents which clearly proved that the Navy was linking unneccesarily the demands of a moffusil local group who claimed that temples existed on the island and were removed to mainland and hence the two feasts should similarly not be permitted. To an extent the Navy agreed in principle to the need to restore the festivities and promised to build up the relations and dialogue to ensure holding of the Feast. Later this writer met the Managing editor of the local Kannada daily Mr Gangadhar Hiregutti 9845071267 and also clarified that the Anjediva Island was still a part of Goa and except for the two feasts celebrated on 2nd Febraury and 4th October no other feasts of any other religious function was ever held on the Island ever since the Portugues took over the Island in 1948. Mr Hiregutti was fully in support that the Feast should continue as before and he promised to place the entire issue in the proper perspective based on this documents which the writer handed over He was also asked to visit www.colaco.net for other details on Goa its Liberation and Anjediv Island. The writer could not meet Mr Mutalik alleged to be spearheading the movement against the Feast being conducted, if worship of a deity on the Island was not permitted When the Managing editor was told that there was never such demand from the people of Goa how could a person from Karnataka make such a claim he merely stated that is political moves Meanwhile following the fax message to the Defence Minister the Chairperson UPA and Congress President Ms Sonia Gandhi the Prime Minister of India and the President of India it is confirmed from sources in the INS Kadamba (Sea Bird Project) that the officials of the Integreted Headquarters Ministry of Defence
[Goanet] FEAST AT ANJEDIVa 2/2/2006 LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
The issue of Anjediv Island celebration of the Feast has now been referred to the Chairperson Ms Sonia Gandhi MP Mrs Margaret Alva looking after Goa desk, Dr John Dayal All India Catholic Union, the Union Minister for Defence. In the meanwhile the Naval authorities are believed to have taken all security measures and also alerted the District Police to avert any untoward incident at the Karwar end. When the office of the District Police contacted this writer 1940 hrs today he was told clearly that as per the order dated 8/12/1987 26/07/1989 of the Government of Goa while transferring the island and the letter dated 24/4/2000 from then Chief of Naval staff NAVY SHOULD PERMIT THE CUSTOMARY CELEBRATIONS OF THE two feasts on 2nd Feb and 4th october that of Nossa Senhora were to be permitted, with due security considerations. Therefore the reference to prohibition of the Feast and any other religous activity is apparently taking consideration of the demand of the moffusil collective from Karwar demanding their right to hold similar festival there of their deity (which never existed since the Portuguese came to the Island in 1498) Hence the Navy officials were asked to clarify on this aspect and permit the feast. No communication has been received so far on the points raised by this writer in reply to their fax message of 28th January, 2006 to the undersigned and therefore the visit to the Island for the Feast stands until the time of this posting. Upon their requests they were faxed the same clarifications thrice since 23 hrs to 24 hrs on 31.1.2006 and today also at 1830 hours since they claimed that the fax was not legible. Incidentally the Rear Admiral Western Command was posted of the developments vide fax for a clarifications and his office too did not reply till now 2300 hrs IST The Chief Minister of Goa has the entire file examined by the Secretray Revenue and will take up the matter with the Sea Bird tough it may be late, even the Governors office has been posted of the developments but he is away and will return only on 3rd February, 2006. Meanwhile the Archbishop of Goa and Daman has yet to decide on the contents of the reply not to permit the feast as recieved by the Archbishop last evening on his return from Canacona as conveyed to this writer by Fr Loyola Pereira telephonically. They too have taken not of the addition of any other religious activity and have assured to puruse this issue at the highest forum. Meanwhile Dr Dayal mooted the idea of filing a public interest litigation against the Defence Authorities in the Supreme Court though he agreed to take up the matter with both Mr Oscar Fernandes and Madam Sonia Gandhi Ms Alva could not be contacted despite frantic calls to her office in New Delhi by this writer . For Goans this is a historical site and hence all efforts must be made to reiterate our rights on the customary feast. The Catholics have been taken as gullible citizens and the highandedness of the Navy needs to be checked. The Navy should realise that unless they have the co-operation of the citizens they will never achieve their agenda. GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9822158584 __ Yahoo! India Matrimony: Find your partner now. Go to http://yahoo.shaadi.com
[Goanet] MISUSE OF GOVERNMENT FUNDS FOR kONKANI (ONLY devanagari) PARISHAD?
The votaries of ONLY Konkani in devanagari script feel threatened by the groundswell support for the demand for recognition of Konkani in Roman script besides Devanagari since June 1987 spearheaded by TSK Porvorim and others besides the exposure of their clandestine covert designs on 21st November 1981 by the pro ONLY Konkani in devanagari script members in the Advisory Committee of the Sahitya Academy New Delhi. The propects of an amendment bill being tabled in the coming Goa Legislative Assembly session from 13th February, 2006 to 17th February, 2006 to the Goa Daman Diu official language act 1987 definition of Konkani to now read as in Devanagari and also Roman by an MLA has also unnerved them. The latest developments to reinforce their grip over devanagari script only is that with the support of the Government a_ succeeded in getting the Mr Pundalik Naik being re-appointed as the President of the Goa Konkani Academy b) holding of the Seventh Konkani Sahitya Sammelan at Rosary Hall Navelim c) Konkani Yuva Utsav at Pilar Tiswadi d) Sahitya Akademi award to a literary writer Mr Shivdas N (Naik) under dubious circumstances ( however this is not to deny the fact that Mr Shivdas is indeed an excellent Konkani writer To make it appear that devanagari script votaries are not only essentially Hindu Saraswats they have made use of some catholic priests who are for only devanagari, use bahujan samaj Hindus who otherwise speak Konkani as their mothertongue but write in Marathi to be in the organising committees of such pro only devanagari activities, and also used Catholic MLA's like Mr Luisinho Faleiro who is now prepared to compromise on Roman script for only devanagari script. Most of these functions too are held in Christian run institutions. These people seldom realise that they are being used as pawns or even if they realise that they do not mind because this perhaps gives them social status. The latest however is a shocking attempt of the Government to grant Rs 12 lakhs to the organisors of the 25TH session of the ALL INDIA KONKANI PARISHAD to be held from 10th February, 2006 to 12th February, 2006 at the Kala Academy Complex at Campal Panaji Goa. The extravaganza to be headed by Mr Shantaram L Naik (Dessai) MP Lok Sabha with nearly two thousand delegates expected from Karnataka Maharashtra and Kerala will be only to consolidate the prospects of the ONLY KONKANI IN DEVANAGARI SCRIPT although the pro Roman votaries will be given a second place status in the scheme of things. But an interesting facet has been revealed. According to an ex judge there is no society registered under the name of Akhil Bharatiya Konkani Parishad All India Konkani Parishad Konkani Sahitya Parishad and at least one Society All India Konkani Sahitya Parishad is was registered under No: 6/78 but its registration HAS NOT BEEN RENEWED since 11.6.2000 till date If this be so, this writer enquired on telephone on 31st January, 2006 of Mr Gopalkrishna D Padgaonkar Director, Official Language telephone number +01 0832 2420071 how the amount of Rs 12 lacs could be granted to a body AIKSP which has not renewed its registration? Normally a running organisation has to have audited accounts Annual general body meetings etc and file the returns before Registrar of Societies. This has not been done by AIKSP since 2000. While Mr Padgaonkar feigned ignorance of the fact of registration etc he stated that it is for the cause of propogating the cause of Konkani -- when asked further whether this is justified -- he put the blame on the Government to mean the Chief Minister Mr Pratpsing Raoji Rane who holds the portfolio for Official Languages. This writer therefore told Mr Padgaonkar that no sums should be released or else the same will figure during the Assembly session and also enquiry instituted into this fraudulent act. At the time of writing it is confirmed that the amount has not been released and investigations are underway to ascertain how the amount can be given to conduct the 25th AIKP. It is also incumbent upon the Governor of Goa to order and investigations into this matter as the same is a serious case of misappropriation of government funds. GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9822158584 __ Yahoo! India Matrimony: Find your partner now. Go to http://yahoo.shaadi.com
[Goanet] FEAST AT ANJEDIV 2/2/2006
Officials at the office of the Rear Admiral Western Command Mumbai who oversee the functioning of the Naval Sea Bird at Anjediva off Canacona coast are probably unclear of the conditions or rather appear to ignore (as has been their strategy in dealing with civilians wherever they venture ) the ground realities under which the Island had been handed over to them for the Sea Bird Project in 1987 now commissioned as INS KADAMBA . They never take kindly to the letters exchanged by the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman. Last year 2005 they did not permit entry to the island allegedly because a mofussil group was claiming that they should be permitted on the Island to celebrate a feast of a Hindu deity. But did not have the courtesy to put the same in writing and merely conveyed it telephonically to the priest overseeing the activities of the Church. The Navy fell head over heels to accept this new theory so also the District Commissioner of Uttar Kanara. They vowed to accept this demand and equated the terms and conditions of Goa Government to permit celebration of feasts of Our Lady of Brotas and St Francis de Assisi with that demanded by this unregistered mofussil group from Karwar, apprehending law and order situation which was off their own making and foolishness. This itself was wrong but then Station Commander Sea Bird Commodre B R Rao created this mess fed false information to Mr George Fernandes then Union Defence Minister and informed both Ms Sonia Gandhi then Leader of Opposition and the ex Chief Minister of Goa Mr Manohar Parrikar that temples were demolished on the Island and reconstructed elsewhere all this was rubbish as proved by the undersigned in letters and documentary evidence to the President of India the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister. But yet the Navy uses this alibi. The Archdiocese of Goa Daman does not wish to ruffle feathers for fear of communal backlash. Agreed but why compromise on our legitimate right our historical beginnings of the Portuguese advent to Goa , the construction of the first Church which bears the insignia of the Mother Church ( the second one was St Catherine Chapel / Church at Old Goa) Now to repeat this same alibi this year too we understand that notwithstanding the traditions and sentiments involved in visiting the church (they have already ruined one chapel of St Francis de Assisi owing to neglect by navy) for customary feast they are perhaps inclined to direct that the visit to the island for the feast OR ANY OTHER RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY will be turned down for operational and security reasons by the officials of the Western Command Mumbai their higher ups. This writer contacted officials in New Delhi Karwar Mumbai and the offices of the President Prime Minister Chairperson of UPA Ms Sonia Gandhi Dr John Dayal, Ms Margaret Alva to clear the point that : 1. any decision not to permit the people of Goa and others to celebrate the feast AMOUNTS TO VIOLATION OF AGREED CONDITIONS 2. as regards reference TO ANY OTHER RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY ONE IS NOT CLEAR .ONLY TWO FEASTS NOSSA SENHORA DE BROTAS ON 2ND FEB AND FEAST OF ST FRANCIS DE ASSISI 4TH OCT WERE CELEBRATED ON ANJEDIV ISLAND SURVEY NOS 1 , 2 , 3 CANACONA TALUKA AREA 34 0075 HA AND NONE OTHER UNTIL 2004 4. MEETING OF JT SEC (NAVY) WITH CHIEF OF SEC GOVT OF GOA ON 6.6.1987, ORDERS OF TRANSFER BY GOA GOVT DATED 8/12/1987 26/07/1989 AND LETTER DATED 24/04/2000 FROM CHIEF OF NAVAL STAFF IS VERY CLEAR --- NAVY SHOULD ALLOW CUSTOMARY FEAST OF BOTH AS ABOVE --- SUBJECT TO SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS. 5. FEASTS AND ISLAND RELATE TO GOA THOUGH PASSAGE TO THE ISLAND IS THRO KARWAR KARNATAKA 6. REFUSAL AMOUNTS TO VIOLATION OF AGREED CONDITIONS AND SMACKS OF HIGHANDEDNESS OF NAVY A VOLTE FACE BESIDES HURTING RELIGIOUS SENTIMENTS . RUIN OF ASSISI CHURCH IS YET ANOTHER VIOLATION. FORTY FOUR CANNONS ON ISLAND ANOTHER CASE OF VIOLATION OF TERMS DEMANDING PRESERVING THESE ITEMS Therefore notwithstanding what may be the view point of the Navy as done last year 2005 ALL ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN FINALISED AT OUR END. DEVOTEES WILL VISIT CHURCH AN HOUR BEFORE THE FIRST MASS AT 1000 AM AND SECOND MASS AT 1300 HRS AND RETURN . ONLY TRANSPORT, DRINKING WATER AND MOBILE TOILETS NEED TO BE ARRANGED by the NAVY. It is reliably learnt that the office of the Secretary Revenue Government of Goa has put forth his comments and placed the same for the directions of the Chief Minister. It is expected that the Chief Minister will contact the Union Defence Minister and ensure that the terms of the agreement are abided with. incidentally the Secretary Revenue also doubles up as Secretary to the Governor, but as the Governor is away until 3rd February, 2006 contacts are being established with is OSD Mr Sebastian Z. It is a fact that CM Rane too had made a blunder in stating that temples were shifted from the Island and that led to further confusion. The officials at the
[Goanet] CHURCHILL MISSES UNION CABINET BUS -ONCE MORE
The Mormugao Parliamentary Constituency Member of Parliament Mr Churchill Alemao ex Chief Minister and ex MLA Benaulim Assembly Constituency, suffered a major humiliation this morning as he has not been included in the latest Union Cabinet re-shuffle of the UPA Government effected by the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. Goa was expecting a berth this time round and both Mr Shantaram L Naik MP Rajya Sabha and Mr Alemao of the INC were strong contenders for the same. In fact after the death of MP Sunil Dutt who was Minister for Sports Mr Alemao felt that he could fit the bill but that evaded him completely as Mr Mani Shankar Aiyer is the new Minister for Sports in addition to his earlier portfolio of Panchayati Raj -- Petroleum has been removed. To an extent Mr Naik of the Rajya Sabha has been well accomodated with his induction in the All India Congress Committee and therefore may not have much to grumble, in fact his services have been utilised for the Kerala and Tamil Nadu desk. Similarly arch rival of Mr Alemao and ex Union Law Minister and ex MLA Mandrem Mr Ramakant Khalap has similarly been alleviated in the Central organisation of the INC. Mr Alemao despite his crowd pulling capacity now heading the Save Dabolim Airport Action Committee will surely be disillusioned with the INC and there may be merit in the video news clip of a TV channel wherein he is seen castigating the INC as a party of Laloos and Baloos . Whatever be the genuine reasons that provoked the off the cuff comment (according to Mr Alemao the comment amde in the context of the Railway Ministers firm nope to the demand by Mr Alemao for a train from Margao to Velankani -incidentally Mr Alemao is a devout follower of Our Lady of Velankani carrying her photograph in his top pocket always) As a matter of fact unlike younger brother Mr Joaquim Alemao MLA Cuncolim the Minister for Urban Development Labour who has always found the INC a comfortable party to park his political ambitions Mr Churchill always felt comfortable with regional parties. As a matter of fact the Independent ex MLA Loutolim Mr Radharao Gracias spares no ocassion to chide Mr Churchill on the humiliation he has been meted by the INC and advised him time and again on all public foras to rejoin the UGDP a regional force which given the eight Assembly segment seats in Salcete with three in Mormugao thrown in as bonus, could well place them in a comfortable position to dictate the Government on the treasury benches in the State more so in the era of coalitions. It is not clear what would be Mr Alemaos next move now that he is ceased with the issue of Dabolim YES Mopa NO. But on the day 20th January, 2006 Mr Francisco (Micky) Pacheco was issued the show cause notice this writer saw Mr Churchill Alemao with Dr Wilfred De Souza Deputy Chief Minister of Goa and NCP MLA of Saligao. It was stated that Mr Alemao was meeting Mr De Souza as a member of the co-ordinatination committee of the coalition partners INC NCP MGP but none from the INC and MGP were present. Surprisingly in an unprecedented developmenbt youngest brother Kennedy Alemao joined the NCP two days ago and vowed to concentrate on Navelim Constituency incidentally represented by Mr Luisinho Faleiro Minister for Education. It may be noted that though Mr Faleiro is the godfather of Mr Churchills only son there are strong political differences which came to surface at a public meet at Lohia Maidan where Mr Alemao indirectly blamed Mr Faleiro for the Mopa airport issue. Meanwhile the pro MOPA airport committee headed by BJP MLA Mandrem Mr Laximan Parsekar has planned a massive rally at Pernem today evening and invited all political parties their elected representatives and others to come under one umbrella for the development of Pernem by supporting the MOPA airport cause. However it is confirmed that niether Mr Jeetendra Deshprabhu MLA Pernem nor ex MLA Mandrem Mr Ramakant Khalap will attend the same though they too support MOPA airport. Given the latest political developments and the BJP trying to destabilise the Government before the 13th February, 2006 budget with a number of agitations planned beginning with Pre-Employment Training Scheme, the cold blooded Saleli Sattari murder, MOPA, the discomfort between Mr Pacheco MLA Benaulim and Party Chief NCP Dr Wilfred De Souza and the coup d etat in neighbouring Karnataka where the JD(S) BJP will form the new government within 20 months of the INC JDS rule of Mr Dharam Singh. With Goa becoming a prime destination not only for tourism but in the words of the Governor Mr S C Jamir and the Chief Minister Mr Pratapsing Raoji Rane -- that every one from North and South India were scrambling to have a piece of land in Goa only a Goan centric regional party can best look after the interests of the 10 lakhs Goans leaving aside the over 4 lakhs migrants that have swarmed in the state post Liberation of Goa. Mr Churhill Alemao therefore stands advised to
[Goanet] CURTORECHIM SALKAM BAGS LAURELS DE NOVO
Curtorechim Salkam bagged the overall performance prize for the second year in succession at the 39th Mando Festival held at Hotel Majestic lawns Porvorim Goa last night. Besides that they also won the 1st prize in both traditional and original category. Other winners were Merxechim Salkam Merces 1st prize Junior 3rd prize both traditional cartegory and original category. Mungulchim Fultim Salkam Margao --2nd prize Original category Holy Rosary Convent Nuvem --2nd prize Junior category Vellechim Salkam Velim 3rd prize Dance category Perpetual Succour Convent H School Navelim 3rd prize Junior category Fatordechim Fullam Fatorda 2nd prize Dance category St Xavier Collejicho Nad 2nd prize Traditional 1st prize Dance Meanwhile as boost to the Mando lovers the Lions Club of AVC Assolna Velim Cuncolim, will organise the All Goa Mando Festival for the 2nd year at Gomant Vidya Niketan A/C auditorium on 4th February, at 1600 hrs. Unlike todays dilema of the participants, the ex President Mr Francisco Braz stated that all participating groups will be reimbursed transport expenses, and provided with cost free snacks and refreshments. In all probability the Minister for Culture Mr Digamber Kamat will make his presence felt as the Chief Guest to grace the ocassion. GODFREY GONSALVES J I BORDA MARGAO GOA 9822158584 __ Yahoo! India Matrimony: Find your partner now. Go to http://yahoo.shaadi.com
[Goanet] 39TH MANDO FESTIVAL EARNS WRATH OF LOVERS
The decision to host the 39th Mando Festival organised by the Goa Gultural and Social Centre earned the criticism of most of the audience and mando lovers in the State. This evening at 6.00 p.m the festival got underway, at Hotel Majestic at Porvorim but several affecianados of the Mando were deprived of this annual function which otherwise is held in Kala Academy in Panaji. Not only was the function held in the suburbs of Panaji but it was also late in the evening as the area around the pool side was a open venue and one had to obviously wait for the sun to set. Worse was yet to come the participants did not have proper arrangements to dress up most had left places as far as Velim Navelim Fatorda. There was no refreshments provided to the participants, and even if one had to pay for it the cost of refreshments was Rs 20/- and snacks at Rs.60/- When the participants were pressing for some water to drink the organisors would play the vanishing trick and pass the buck to another. This writer spoke to the Treasurer Mr Octavio Rodrigues, Mr Rodrigues bluntly stated that the decision of the President Mr Antonio I Barreto (en employee of the Department of Electricty Govt of Goa ) and the Vice President Mr Issac H Dias to commercialise the event was condemnable. He stated that in the past the festival used to be held in Panaji VascodaGama and Margao in short North and South for the benefit of all. But since the above two do not wish to travel beyond the limits of Panaji they try to supercede his decision and ahve their way. Fr Romaldo Gonsalves who is a veteran Mando Festival participant heading the Fatordachim Fulam Fatorda Group which participated in the Traditional and Dance Category told this writer at the venue that the organisation was in shams. He launched his tirade against one Mr Colin Savio Coelho iCOE Creative Resources who is believed to have spoken to him arrogantly, when asked for refreshments free or at costs for his group. Incidentally Mr Coelho is the entertainment group along with nother Hype Entertainment both from Margao that took upon the organisation the entire function. In the presence of Mr Octavio Rodrigues he threatened to withdraw his group from the function but finally cooled down when Mr Octavio promised to pay for the drinks. Meanwhile Mr Luisinho Faleiro Minister for Education assured a sum of Rupees one lakh for hosting the same function preferably in the villages (apparently he had not taken kindly to the festival being held in a private hotel) Mr Digamber Kamat the Minister for Art and Culture assured that the amount of Rupees one lakh for the festival had been sanctioned this year. He also assured the organisors that after assessing the potential groups they could perform in places like Mumbai Delhi etc to promote this traditional Goan culture and all expenses will be borne by the Government. Ironically however niether the Department of Art and Culture nor the Kala Academy have framed the Policy guidelines on what constitutes Goan culture. In the absence of this policy which essentially is a fusion of East and West constituting the pre 1510 era and the post 1510 era until Liberation in 1961, but as already reported successive Governments have clandestinely promoting only the pre 1510 Indian culture as Goan culture. This year with the agressive movement for recognition of Konkani in the Roman script as well gaining full steam and support from all quarters. Mr Luisinho Faleiro and Digamber Kamat both MLA's as well as other MLAs nearly 25 of them from the Velhas Conquistas fear a backlash from the voters and hence spare no ocassion to support the true Goan culture which makes this State unique in the eyes of the whole world. The Groups which participated were Mungulchim Fultim Salkam Margao --Junior and Original Holy Rosary Convent Nuvem --Junior Vellechim Salkam Velim Junior, traditional Dance and Original Perpetual Succour Convent H School Navelim Junior Merxechim Salkam Merces Junior Traditional Dance and Orignal Fatordechim Fullam Fatorda Traditional Dance and original Mando Mogi Margao Traditional and Original Curtorechim Salkam Curtorim Traditional Original St xavier Collejicho Nad Traditional Dance The presentation was good and upto the standard though many needed to improve upon their rehearsals before public presentation. The settings was atune to star hotels -- by the pool side atmosphere. Several cable operators and news media personnel covered the function. For many of the inhouse occupants of the Hotel Majestic it was a treat albeit 'sponsored by the State Government' while others had to pay Rs 100/ or Rs 50 / for surprisingly first come first serve sitting arrangements. A 26 page souvenir was released and sold for Rs 30/- with hardly any worthwhile literature therein t appraise the audience of the festival. Except that the first festival was held on 29.8.1965 under the auspices of the Clube Nacional later alongwith the
[Goanet] TOP PRIORITY --- Feast at Anjediv Island
Kind attn Commodore K P Ramachandran Station Commander Sea Bird Sir Kindly refer to my email dated 19th January, 2006 and fax message recieved by me from Director General Sea Bird Project. We appreciate your NOIC stand to partake in the Karavalli festival at Karwar Beach, commencing from tommorrow 27th January, 2006. This way the Sea Bird can establish a close relation with the people of Uttar Kannada mainly Binaga, Baithkol Ankola Karwar etc from whom large tracts of land have been usurped as well as the Binaga stretch of the Beach, depriving the locals of their ancestral lands to enable the staff and officers of your esteemed establishment and their families of to have a splendid comfortable stay at Binanga in the service of the nation. It is also appreciated that the Sea Bird authorities permit the visit to the project of civilians on Navy Day for successive years now. As you are kindly aware that for the people of Goa for whom the Anjediv Island is still a part of the territory and has both historical importance and religious significance, we await your immediate action, on the arrangements made to allow the conduct of the Feast of Our Lady of Springs Nossa Senhora de Brotas on 2nd February 2006. Kindly convey the decision immediately as the Director General of Sea Bird Project New Delhi has in a faxed communique dated 20/1/2006 addressed to me and sent to your office requested the undersigned to seek the assistance of your esteemed office for doing the needful as following the commissioning of the Phase I Sea Bird as INS Kadamba arrangements for the Feast remain your perogative and not of New Delhi. Meanwhile the details of the religious programme the guidelines for the visit to the Island and other advisory needs to be released latest by 28th January, 2006 hence the urgency. With kind regards GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9822158584 Send instant messages to your online friends http://in.messenger.yahoo.com
[Goanet] AMENDMENT BILL to --OFFICIAL LANGUAGE ACT 1987
It is now reliably learnt that the Cristao MLAs duly supported by some Hindu Bahujan Samaj MLAs within the ruling coalition have discreetly demanded the Chief Minister Mr Pratapsing Raoji Rane and the Goa Pradesh Congress Commitee President Mr Ravi Sitaram Naik also MLA Ponda --to bring an amendment to the Official Language Act 1987 during the ensuing winter session of the Goa Legislative Assembly from 13 th February, 2006 to 17th February, 2006 to undo the damage done to Konkani language for the last over 18 years by giving recognition only to Devanagari script and not the Roman script. The amendment plans to incorporate the words AND ALSO ROMAN SCRIPT in the definition of Konkani which as of now states on ly in devanagari script. Giving this information to this writer the MLA concerned from the ruling coalition INC/NCP/MGP/Independent coalition stated that he was confident that if the present Government did not bring forth the amendment then it will definitely be an issue at the next election, which in any case will be held before the onset of the monsoons, which will have a drastic negative effect on the ruling coalition especially in the Novas Conquistas which are the bastion of the INC and NCP. The MLA also noted that in principle the Leader of the Opposition Mr Manohar Parrikar were also strongly in support of this amendment, and stated that they would NOT OPPOSE any such amendment, if brought about, as they are convinced that there is some injustice meted to a section of over four lacs of the population which are conversant viz; Cristaos who are conversant with the language. This MLA also informed that the Presidents office was ceased of the representation given to him by a local group headed by Dr Joe De Souza Prof of Microbiology Goa University Ms Rhoda Almeida ex lecturer Nirmala Institute of Education and others during his visit to Goa on 18th October, 2005 and was aware of the signature campaign by Goans both in Mumbai and Goa which though does not have the overt sanction of the Archdiocese in Goa and Daman have the covert sanction of the Diocesan Society of Education. In fact the President's attention has been invited to Article 347 of the Constitution of India, wherein he enjoys powers to direct the State to allow for the use of a language spoken by a section of the population of a State It is also reliably confirmed telephonically by a priest from the Paco Patriacal who preferred anonymity at this juncture that there is a clear divide among the priests on this issue. While some non Brahmin priests blame the Diocesan Society for blinding changing the medium of instruction of their schools to Konkani in Devanagari script post haste only for fear of not recieving Grant in aid from the Government (it may be noted that State Government then promised aid only if schools adopt Konkani or Marathi as the medium of instruction at primary level ) While some of the senior Brahmin priests maintain that the Devanagari script should continue. Their anger against the Roman script has been partly because the Bahujan Samaj Hindu leaders like ex MLA Mr Ramakant Khalap a diehard Marathi protoganist has also supported the demand for Konkani in Roman script. But now that the writing on the wall is clear and the Church would have to face the onslaught of its followers (as it is there is a vast section of the Cristao population who despise the interference of the Church in political matters) it is promoting the signature campaign clandestinely mostly in villages because it is here that the parents of such wards cannot afford the astronomical fees for English education and are forced to teach their wards in Konkani in Devanagari script and then have their wards end up as drop outs. In fact parents in villages prefer the Konkani in Roman script or alternatively English medium with only Konkani in Devanagari script as one subject according to this priest. Hence the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman is now caught in a dilema of its own foolish decision. It may be noted further that owing to the recognition of Devanagari as the sole script even though the same is not standardised, a lot of primary teachers who were not conversant with the script were overnight were made to teach when they themselves were learning the Konkani language in Devanagari script --in the 125 diocesan schools which fell prey to the manipulation of a section of the Hindu Brahmins. With the recent developments in Karnataka, where the Congress led coalition is facing a vote of confidence despite its fantastic performance in December, 2005 zilla parishad elections there was a great opposition from the votaries of Konkani only in devanagari script after the Government agreed to Konkani in Kannada script. The order will be issued by the Secretary Education before February, 2005 end. Hence this too has forced the Cristao MLAs to do a rethink in introducing the amendment bill this winter session. However if the ruling
[Goanet] ANA FONTE SPRING TO SHINE WHILE TOLSANZOR IN RUINS
While Mr Digamber Kamat MLA Margao and Minister for Art and Culture in his new avtar now re-doning the Congress mantle after over 51 months in the BJP takes credit for the modernising the Ana Fonte Spring (see photograph) near the Bernardo Peres da Silva Club grounds at Margao scheduled to be inaugurated on 25th January 2006 by both the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister of Goa with cultural programmes planned until 26th January 2006 Republic Day, what has irked citizens of Margao and especially Aquem Alto is that the spring developed at Government cost at Tolsanzor Aquem (see picture)is is total neglect when this writer visited the area. The area is now being used by migrants some who defeacate around the premises. The lamps are broken and water though flows perpetually is misused for washing anything and everything. None venture to sit around the long drawn steps and the benches which are dirty. In fact it was the ex Chief Minister of Goa Mr Manohar Parrikar who took credit for the development of this spring promising a series of springs to be developed all over Goa under the Department of Tourism. But the lackadaisical attitude of successive Governments towards the Merces spring (polluted by sewerage discharge from the Military Camp at Bambolim and the Curca spring (which is polluted due to the Garbage dump site does not augur well for the revival of these springs. It may be noted that if only the gift of nature to this tiny land Goa is preserved viz; its hills mountain range (Sahayadri range) the water falls springs lakes etc without much ado tourism can increase multifold and prosper the economy of the state specially in the hinterlands of Sattari Canacona and Sanguem. The Ana Fonte Spring which will be used essentially for children it is hoped will not follow the same fate of the Tolsanzor spring. There is yet another lake at Fatorda Opp the new Ravindra Bhavan which was on the cards for development but has suffered neglect. The Government of Goa has not been enthusiastic in framing a policy on preservation of all natural resources and there lies the problem. Yet another problem is that the procedures for maintainance are cumbersome. There is no allocation of funds for maintenance and the calling of tender procedures even to fit a latch results in the ill maintained structure. Mr Kamat should therefore address himself to this aspect and ensure that both the springs in Margao and the one planned for Fatorda is developed and maintained. From the Ana Fonte/Tolsanzor end Godfrey J I Gonsalves Borda Margao Goa [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9822158584 Photos: http://www.goanet.org/gallery/displayimage.php?album=17pos=0 http://www.goanet.org/gallery/displayimage.php?album=17pos=1
[Goanet] 39TH MANDO FESTIVAL -- STRUGGLES FOR DOLES
On Saturday, 28th January, 2006 (coincidentally the 67th birthday of Goa's longest serving Chief Minister Mr Pratapsing Raoji Rane b: 1939 ) the Goa Cultural Social Centre will be organizing the 39th Mando festival competition of Mandos, Dulpods etc at Hotel Majestic at Porvorim. This time two service providers in the field of entertainment Hype Entertainment and iCOE Creative Resources will assist in the organisation hopefully to upgrade the otherwise poor quality of the presentations seen in the last few years. Despite the indomitable spirit of the organisors to stage this competition for the past 38 years, paucity of funds and lack of Governmental support has been the complaint of the organisers Executive Body Goa Cultural and Social Centre Mr Antonio Barreto President, Mr Issac Dias, Vice President Mr Simplicio Fernandes General Secretary, the dimunitive suited and booted Mr Octavio Rodrigues, Treasurer. But many do not realise why this step motherly treatment at the hands of the Government when it comes to these functions. This writer has made an indepth study of the entire issue and is strongly convinced that successive governments in power in Goa through both its Department of Culture (now represented by Mr Digamber Kamat MLA Margao and Minister for Culture ) and the Department of Official languages, (now headed by Chief Minister Mr Pratapsing Raoji Rane MLA Poriem ) have clandestinely been promoting only pre-advent of Portuguese - 1510 culture viz Indian culture in Goa and they fail to recognise the historical reality of cultural assimilation by Goans mainly of the Velhas Conquistas viz the Old Conquests (1510-1961) which has given birth to Mandos, Dulpods, tiatros khells cantaram etc. In short anything with Roman and Western slant is looked down upon. This despite the fact that Goa is known worldwide for its ' East meets West' (not kashi of the south ) fusion of culture and its mainstay economy viz Tourism all depends on this face or cultural image of Goa (also not present day party zone)which has resulted in the communal tolerance of all communities unheard of in the rest of the country. In fact when Konkani in Devanagari script was on 21st November, 1981 unanimously adopted by a majority of the Advisory Council for Konkani of the Sahitya Akademi New Delhi as the 'natural script' for Konkani --- (incidentally majority members were pro devanagiri votaries ) though only the uppercaste Hindus alone are familiar with this script this section CUNNINGLY imposed their script (devanagari) on those familiar with Roman script when the Official Language act was enacted in 1987. Lest the Roman script votaries demand at a later stage recognition of Roman script for Konkani they also included it in the VII schedule of the Constitution and got the Konkani language in the devanagari script included on currency notes etc, to make things a little difficult. The consequences of this mischief viz sidelining the Roman script resulted in a) all vacancies notified by the Government of Goa placing a demand for knowledge of konkani -means only in devanagari script b) the budget allocation officially (Rs. 1.28 crores for 2005-06) can allot funds only for Konkani in devanagari script; though after much hue and cry since June 2005 ---demanding for recognition of Roman script the Government partially bowed down and promised only 'ASSISTANCE' NOT GRANTS for improvement of Roman script which implies assistance for promotion of language and literature in the Roman script c) the Department of Culture again provides financial assistance for promotion of arts .. music (vocal/instrumental) classical dance drama etc preference for Indian culture to schools and others in Goa for purchase of musical instruments, music teachers accompanists. d) lavish grants for the Sangeet sammelans, (Samrat Club of Ponda is a case in point) nataks (concerts musical recitals in both Marathi and Konkani (which features the devnagari slant)ample funds are made available. Even outstation groups are given these grants and cultural troupes - Konkani (devanagari slant ) have been sent to New Delhi expenses all found e) funds are alloted by government to those desirous for purchase of tabla harmonium dholak etc f) for temple groups similar funds are made available It is owing to this ground reality a clear bias, which many are unaware of, that deprive lovers of Roman script, teatros, khell, mandos, dulpods,cantarams, igorjeche band etc of financial grants --- from the Government of Goa leave aside getting it from the Central Government Ministry of Arts and Culture. There is niether financial grants to schools nor does the Govewrnment have any scheme for tiatrists musical groups dance groups orchestras promoting the east/western fusion culture. There is no funds provided for musical instruments viz violin drum set mandolin guitar tamborine organ trumpet saxaphone base drum side drum. The Choirs or the six
[Goanet] Feast at Anjediv
20/01/2006 Commodore K P Ramachandran Station Commander Sea Bird Binaga Karwar [EMAIL PROTECTED] Tel: 08382-263454 Fax: 08382-263403 Sir, Kindly note that the customary Feast of Nossa Senhora de Brotas will be celebrated at Anjediv Island on 2/2/2006. There will be two masses at 10 a.m. and 1.00 p.m. Transport, and water arrangements may kindly be made. The devotees will only attend the Mass and return. No eatables etc will be taken by any of the devotees as visit is strictly for religious rites only. Also kindly arrange to issue entry passes to the select group of persons from, St Annes' Church Binaga Karwar headed by Fr Britto D Silva who oversees the activities of the Church of Nossa Senhora de Brotas on behalf of the Archdiocese of Goa Daman to clean the premises and make necessary arrangements atleast two days in advance. Kindly note that this feast has a significance for Goans and also the Island admeasuring 340 075 hectares is still under the Government of Goa Canacona Taluka . Thus niether the Government of Karnataka nor Ministry of Defence can undo what has been agreed upon in 1987, unless it is ceded by an Act of Parliament. Necessary formalities to inform the authorities have been made viz a)Chief of Naval Staff b)Cdr P C Agarwal Director General Sea Bird Project c)Rear Admiral Anup Singh Chief of Staff Mumbai d)Vice Admiral Madanjit Singh Flag officer C-in-C W N C Mumbai besides a)Chairperson United Progressive Alliance Madam Sonia Gandhi b)AICC General Secretary Ms Margaret Alva -looking after Goa Desk and a) President of India b) Prime Minister of India c) Defence Minister The devotees in Goa have not taken kindly to the sudden decision not to permit the customary feast last year without proper notice. As several devotees had to return back from Polem checkpost due to interference of the District authorities at Karwar. Kindly take note that the District authorities cannot impose any restrictions on the people of Goa visiting the Island for the Feast as State Government of Karnataka is not a party to the terms and conditions of transfer of island to the Sea Bird. Niether can the people of Karnataka impose their views or sentiments on the conduct of the customary Feast on our Island. As notwithstanding security considerations, this would clearly amount to violation of the terms under which the Government of Goa in 1987 had permitted the use of the Island. Further if the Naval authorities could permit the civilians for sucessive Navy Day celebrations at the Sea bird project denial of right to practice one's religion is definitely seen in bad taste. Moreover the Church is a living monument till date, and existed since 1500 with the present edifice re-built in 1729. Hence kindly do the needful Godfrey J I Gonsalves B-F-4 1st Floor Hillside Apts Borda Margao Goa [EMAIL PROTECTED] Fax 0832 2712430 Send instant messages to your online friends http://in.messenger.yahoo.com
[Goanet] SANTA CRUZ CONSTITUENCY CITIZENS COMMITTEE VICTORY RALLY
-- | Wishing all Goanetters | | a Prosperous | | and | | Happy New Year - 2006 | |Goanet - http://www.goanet.org | -- A motorcade rally was held this Sunday afternoon since 1530hrs vending its way through the constituency of Ms Victoria Fernandes MLA Santa Cruz, Deputy Speaker Goa Legislative Assembly by the Santa Cruz Citizens Action Committee to congratulate Ms Fernandes and all those who fought relentless to remove the revenue villages from the PDAs of Panaji and Mapusa Planning areas. It may be recalled that following a two month rally which included a Jail Bharo Andolan two morchas held in Panaji the citizens of Goa opposed tooth and nail inclusion of revenue villages in the planning areas. It was felt that with the 73rd and 74th Constitutional amendments empowering the village panchayats and municipalities the Government could not usurp powers given to the people and impose upon them developmental activities by covering such areas under the Planning Development Authorities. Incidentally though Ms Fernandes belongs to the ruling Congress coalition in the State it was a unique tussle in the sense that Ms Fernandes had to fight against the adamancy of her own government and this she did by seeking the blessings of Ms Sonia Gandhi Chairperson United Progressive Alliance and Mr Ahmed Patel the political advisor of the Party President Ms Gandhi. Having her assurance it was left Chief Minister to do the needful and accordingly the notification dated 3.1.2006 was issued repealing 24 revenue villages leaving only Chicalim, Chicolna Dabolim Sancoale Issorcim under the Vasco da Gama Planning area PDA headed by Mr Karl Vaz MLA Mormugao Assembly Constituency and revenue village Taleigao te fiefdom of Town Country Planning Minister Mr Atnasio Babush Monserate who is also the MLA of Taleigao. It may be noted that Mr Monseratte also controls the Village Panchayat at Taleigao. Reacting to the query as to the reason why some revenue villages as above were not excluded Ms Fernandes felt that it was for the respective Villaga Panchayats concerned to move resolutions to that effect and hand them over to the Chief Minister. This is because the CM had clearly stated that unless the resolutions come from the respective village Panchayats he would not withdraw the same. Meanwhile though the issue has now been set at rest, Ms Victoria responding to the long drawn celebrations assured the voters that she would always stand by the wishes of the people come what may irrespective of the political dictates. She bluntly stated that for her the peoples aspiration comes first and then political compulsions. It is now gathered that some citizens groups are also intending to felicitate her on here bold achievement and her valiant struggle. Among those present on the specially arranged vehicle for the long morcha Ms Jyoti Palyekar ex Sarpanch Merces, Mr Chandrakant Kuncolienkar of Merces Mr Agnelo Oliveira Chairman of the Santacruz Constituency Citizens Committee, and other supporters who came on their own two and three wheelers and participated in the entire procession which wound up at 2030 hrs. Side lights of the celebration despite her age over 70 years Ms Fernandes reponded to the the cheers of her voters in the scorching afternoon post siesta session unfazed; as the people of her constituency awoke to the song of CONGRATULATIONS they came running on the streets and waiwed the convoy which Ms Fernandes and others responded too; some of the narrow lanes provide anxious moments for the vehicles to take a detour; it was a pitiable sight to see that plastics and garbage were strewn all over and garbage flowing around unattended was a menance; cattle was seen eating the plastic garbage in almost most parts of the constituency; at Indira nagar chimbel which is akin to asias biggest slums it was a pity to see children who outnumbered the adults they were treated to sweets while the women folk mainly migrants cheered the convoy; Ms Fernandes was profusely garlanded at Chimbel and other places Revellers smeare all those atop the specially decorated vehicle with gulal vermillion powder; It was a sad site to see a hill being razed to the ground to make way for construction at Banda; From the response Ms Fernandes got at all corners it was clear that women admired her the most; Santa Cruz village has a great influx of migrant labour and some of them stay in humble dwelling reminiscent of a chawl in unhygienic surroundings; being a suburb town of the capital city of Panaji one can be sure that the demographic composition of this
[Goanet] GOA HEADING FOR MIDTERM POLLS - MAY 2006
-- | Wishing all Goanetters | | a Prosperous | | and | | Happy New Year - 2006 | |Goanet - http://www.goanet.org | -- Notwithstanding claims of CM of Goa Mr. Pratapsing Raoji Rane, or CM of Karnataka Mr Dharam Singh both who head coalition Governments in their respective states that there will be no midterm polls in their States it is clear that as of now both Goa and Karnataka are heading for polls by first week May 2006. Buoyed by its thumping success in the recently concluded local bodies elections in Karnataka and the dilema it has put its coalition partner headed by the ex PM Mr H D Deve Gowda in Karnataka followed by a similar situation for the Opposition BJP in Goa ; the INC feels its time opportune to go to the polls and win with a convincing majority to run a Government on its own rather than be pulled by the pressures from coalition partners which the Congress has accepted only owing to political expediency and not as a rule. While on a two day visit to Goa the All India Congress Committee General Secretary looking after the Goa Desk Ms Margaret Alva,brief appeared to be : a) to douse flames sparked by Mr Ravi Sitaram Naik's GPCC President, MLA Ponda Chairman of the Economic Development Corporation ---viz to clear proposal of a ONE TIME SETTLEMENT plainly speaking a waiver of loan outstandings of some business houses loanees which the Cabinet had disapproved last November, 2005, and is now sought to be approved to please Mr Naik; The list of such beneficiaries incidentally till today is a guarded secret -- but is being ferreted out, by some interested quarters, under the RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT ( in force on 12th October, 2005 ) to make it an election issue. This deal of Mr Naik seems to fall through as it could also fill the coffers of the Party which has been out of power from 24.10.2000 until 2nd February, 2005 or 7th June 2005 b) to placate Mormugao Parliamentary Constituency MP Mr Churchill Braz Alemao heading the Yes to Dabolim No to Mopa issue that the matter is being examined by the PM Dr Manmohan Singh and a committee will be appointed to ascertain the tourist projections for the next three four decades to gauge the need for another airport which translated means after six months reviving Mopa de novo Under these circumstances land acquisition proceedings may only be stayed temporarily but not dropped in toto as demanded by Mr Alemao. But this move is akin to the case of the then PM late Mr P V Narasimha Rao Prime Minister of India who in 1991 appointed the Justice Oza Commission to examine the route of the Konkan Railway and finally went ahead with the project WITHOUT diverting the route for a stretch of 21 kms in the interiors which was the demand of the agitators. The issue of Mopa will be the same and after six months period we could expect Mopa to go in full steam. Unless Mr Narayan Rane ex Shiv Sena CM of Maharastra and now in the Congress ---the new found Messiah of the Konkan region of Maharashtra finds land in Sawantwadi. Incidentally it was Ms Margaret Alva who as observer of Maharastra desk as well is credited for his resounding victory against the Shiv Sena candidate who lost his deposit. Hence Ms Alva may be inclined to have Mr Narayan Rane scout for a place in Sindhurga Maharashtra to have an airport and thereby empower the people economically of this backward region. This seems more convincing because the Ministry of Civil Aviation has cleared the over 500 crore upgradation of the Dabolim terminal by 2007 and is awaiting the Defence authorities to part with some more land held by the Navy in Goa. The silence of Mr Churchill Alemao could be read as a confirmation of this prospect. The CM Mr Pratapsing Rnae has also been asked to expedite administration which is a clear indication that the non performance of the present coalition government has been taken note of seriously by the High Command in comparison to the administration of Mr Parrikar headed coalition Government. But what earns legitimacy to this belief is that the entire intensive revision of electoral rolls for 2006 will be completed on 24 April, 2006. Another reason for the mid term polls is to offset the prospects of going to the polls before the new delimitation of constituencies comes into force with 20 constituencies in the North and South respectively unlike the present 21 and 19 constituencies. If delimitation comes about then the prospects of Mr Jeetendra Deshprabhu MLA Pernem a pro Mopa votary could be affected with his present Pernem constituency
[Goanet] GOA SAYS NO TO MOPA -- MP Churchill Alemao
-- | Wishing all Goanetters | | a Prosperous | | and | | Happy New Year - 2006 | |Goanet - http://www.goanet.org | -- At a massive meeting at the Lohia Maidan Margao the ex CM and Mormugao Parliamentary Constituency MP Mr Churchill Braz Alemao clarified on the sting operations. It was at a Konkani cultural function held at Fr Agnel Hall New Delhi organised by the Goenkarancho Ekvot an NGO based in New Delhi under Chairperson Ms Suman Kurade, for which Mr Alemao donated Rs 15,000, and Mr Oscar Fernandes presided over that he met the journo Mr Mayabhushan Nagvekar a native of Priol Ponda Goa, now based in New Delhi. At that function Mr Alemao himself spoke of how Goans should preserve their identity. Later Mr Nagvekar applauded his speech and later made a request for funds under the MPLAD scheme for setting up a library for Konkani in Goa. Mr Alemao assured him that if the same falls within the purview of the scheme the same could be alloted but only in 2006, the project could materialise owing to other projects on hand and subject to the District Collector (South Goa ) who incidentally administers the same. The next ocassion the same reporter Mr Nagvekar came to him and insisted that a letter to that effect be made and given to him as an assurance. But Mr Alemao felt that if he could not be trusted than he was not interested. On another ocassion Mr Alemao asked Mr Nagvekar if he had obtained the land. When Mr Nagvekar replied in the negative he stated that he (Alemao) had a land which would be given at a low price but on condition that the Library would be in the name of Churchill Brothers at this juncture Mr Nagvekar agreed and offered to pay him Rs one lac but he refused to accept the money. In fact three of Mr Alemaos assistants M/s Raul, Daggar and Singh (who incidentally is a witness in the FIR filed by Mr Alemao in New Delhi was present on the dais today)were witness to this dealing and they were not in favour of the way Mr Nagvekar was pursuing the issue. However Mr Nagvekar took Mr Alemao aside in his bedroom and opened brief case containing the money which Mr Alemao refused. Mr Nagvekar is then alleged to have an altercation with Mr Daggar over the matter and he reportedly told Mr Daggar that the entire proceeding were recorded and he would blackmail him demanding two lacs. With this Mr Alemao later filed a FIR to confirm his non involvement. Later Mr Alemao spoke on the assurance given him by UPA Chairperson Ms Sonia Gandhi that Dabolim airport would be developed and that the PM Dr Manmohan Singh had told him that if the Dabolim airport was shifted the economy would be paralysed. He stated that his confidence that Dabolim airport would be retained is because of the assurances of these two persons and not of the Party. As regards to the sting operation where he is alleged to have castigated the Goans and the Congress Party Mr Alemao clarified that he had put up a proposal for a train from Goa to Velankani in Tamil Nadu with the Union Minister for Railway Mr Laloo Prasad Yadav an MP of Bihar. To his surprise on the day of the Feast of Our Lady of Velankani in September 2005 Mr Alemao recieved a reply that the matter is under consideration this annoyed Mr Alemao and in this context Mr Alemao stated that his remarks that the Congress is run by Laloo and Baloos and Tamils was made. However in the sting operation aired on Star TV the news channel that implicated Mr Alemao he states that the same was doctored to give it a different meaning. Mr Alemao stated that the local daily the Gomantak Times was served a defamation notice and the same would be pursued to its logical conclusion. As regards Star TV the same would follow suit shortly. Mr Alemao reiterated that come what may Dabolim must stay and Mopa airport land acquisition under section 4 of the land Acquisition Act must be would up before the 26th January, 2006 or else the Government goes. Initially Mr Alemao stated that he started life as a seaman but continues to live in the same house unlike what a writer and ex President of Margao Municipal Council Mr Socarates Valmiki Faleiro who wrote of a MLA who started with an asset of a scooter without a stand but today in a self confessed statement claims to be the highest tax payer in the state. The reference was directed to Mr Luizinho Faleiro Minister for Industries and Education who is the godfather of his son. Mr Alemao also chided Mr Girish Chodankar ex MMC Councillor who had spoken against him following the sting operation. He also levelled charges against the Fatorda BJP MLA
[Goanet] AGENDA FOR MP ALEMAO
-- | Wishing all Goanetters | | a Prosperous | | and | | Happy New Year - 2006 | |Goanet - http://www.goanet.org | -- Member of Parliament Mormugao Parliamentary Constituency Mr Churchill Braz Alemao, threatens to upset the Indian National Congress coalition (NCP MGP)on the issue of Dabolim Airport and scrapping of Mopa Airport. For Mr Alemao --- he believes a) Navy has unauthorisedly occupied Dabolim civilian airport post Liberation -- he has a document to prove this point (Mr Mathany Saldanha too supports this view ) Therefore its now or never Navy should move off to Sea Bird Project b) Mopa will help neighbouring Maharashtra regions like Sawantwadi Konkan etc therefore the land acquisition proceedings underway as notified should be anulled. But besides this Mr Churchill Alemao should ask the Navy why the traditional Feast of Nossa Senhora das Brotas (Our Lady of Springs ) is not permitted at Anjediv. If the Navy can permit civilians to enter the Sea Bird Project on Navy Day they better do so on the Feast Day 2nd February as well. Besides this there is a clear agreement with the Naval authorities and the island still shown in the revenue area of Canacona On the issue of Konkani in Roman script, Mr Alemao knows well that when advertisement of the Goa Government call for applicants for various posts and Konkani language is mentioned as one of the qualifications for applying it is Konkani in the Deavanagari script as recognised by the Official Language Act of 1987. Therefore those knowing Roman script cannot apply. Again cultural programmes mandos tiatrs etc and religious functions in Roman script does not get budgetary funding. Even the church choir, traditional brass bands etc are niether provided grants nor equipment as in the case of bhajans and other such activity. Mr Alemao is all the more responsible for this for he was ignorant of the fact that the Sahitya Academy had on 21st November 1981 much before he became a political representative had calndestinely ensured that Konkani only in Devanagari script was acceptable, and that he was misled to believe that the devanagari script would help unity among Goans. Therefore he should also put up a spirited fight for such injustices meted out to a section of the Goan community. Mr Alemao should also ensure that the Government of Goa which is the largest employer should ensure that right from the village Panchayat Municipalities and in all Government bodies the Goan First policy should be followed strictly. The arguments that Goans dont come forward is a false canard spread by vested interests who pilfer government funds by paying non Goan labour at half the minimum wages in Goa.. To confirm this Mr Alemao should visit the Panchayats. One way of tackling this problem the people feel is to levy a cess on those engaging non Goans where Goans are available. Mr Alemao as MP should realise that all over India the Goan is held in high esteem, and many non Goans themselves believe that the demographic composition of Goans should not be diluted with the influx of non Goans as this would spoil our land. The people of Goa expect his utterances on these issues on 7th January, 2006 when he addresses a public meeting at the historic Lohia Maidan Margao in the evening. Finally Mr Alemao should make a beginning to ensure that politicians themselves should relieve themselves of being hosts to non goans only to safeguard their votebanks, as sooner or later the non goans now about four lakhs of the population will unite to demand their pound of flesh and in a coalition their numbers if elected could upset the apple cart of Goan politicians. A case in point is the VP of Sancoale. The Railway establishment and stations of SC and KRC in Goa are a clear indication where all the taxi , autorickshaw and motorcyle pilots are non Goans, and this has spread to the tour operators and private taxi business as well. There is already a grouse against Mr Alemao from the people of Goa that whether in his football team or his trawling activities the number of non Goans employed each season are in thousands. GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA Send instant messages to your online friends http://in.messenger.yahoo.com -- |Goa - 2005 Santosh Trophy Champions | || | Support Soccer Activities at the grassroots in our villages | | Vacationing in Goa this year-end - Carry
[Goanet] FEAST OF THREE KINGS -- CUELIM
-- | Wishing all Goanetters | | a Prosperous | | and | | Happy New Year - 2006 | |Goanet - http://www.goanet.org | -- The traditional Feast of Three Kings Feast of Epiphany was celebrated today at the Chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios, Our Lady of Remedies atop the picturesque Cuelim hilltop, at Cansaulim Mormugao Taluka Velhas Conquistas today 6/6/2005. King Gaspar was Emperor of the Orient who presented the gift of frankincense. King Melchor was King of Ethiopia who presented myrrh. King Baltazar was King (Sultan) of Arabia, who presented gold. The Feast of each of them as Saints is celeberated on 6th 7th and 8th January each year. This year three children did the honours for the role of Kings (Maggi)Joshua Rodrigues s/o David Laura Rodrigues Nikhil Tavora s/o Francisco Vrida Tavora and Shane Apollo Fernandes s/o John Paul and Holima Fernandes are invariably from CAC viz Cansaulim Arrosim and Cuelim. These children came atop horses ( brought from Belgaum ) and the hot temperature probably left the youngsters exhausted. The traditional brass band was provided by San Gonsal of Cujira Santa Cruz a 7 piece band with Ms Dona Maria Pereira an XI standard student (trumpet) and another 6 piece band headed by Agnelo Rodrigues. The traffic arrangements were good despite the crowd thanks to a two way lane constructed a few years ago by the MLA Mr Mathany Saldanha which has been a boon for those attending the feast. The Chapel site provides an excellent panaromic view of the entire Salcete and Mormugao (to some extent). It may be noted that it was the desire of the present MLA to instal the statue of Christ Rei Christ the King (like in Portugal) at this site to make it a tourist centre. Needless to state that this plan did not materialise, but it would be worth considering by the present Minister for Tourism Dr Wilfred A De Souza. The Parish priest of Cansaulim, rebuked the parents of the children for failing to initiate them into the meaning of the mission they were entrusted with --- According to him he felt that it was essential to do so as the significance needs to be inculcated in the child. There were many faithful mainly from the cultivators and the schedule tribes who kissed the trio as it wended its way down hill after the concelebrated Mass. The Main celebrant of the Feast Mass at 1000 hrs IST also cautioned the faithful not to concentrate much on the young Maggis but instead look for whom they have come to see viz Baby Jesus. Unfortunately notwithstanding this diatribe the three kings became the cynosure of all eyes with camera flash bulbs coming active and the four cable operators featuring events in Goa wholly obsessed by the three kings. There are several myths surrounding the church. Except for the novenas preceding the Feast day no one ventures atop the steep hill or chapel. It is believed that Our lady provides a healing touch to those afflicted by diseases and hence it is incumbent upon those that receive favours to repay the same. There was a list of names of donors of cash and gold announced by the Parish Priest but he repeatedly told the faithful to desist from providing gold as its accounting for the same was cumbersome and could be undervalued. Incidentally the approach road to the hillock usually deserted was a scene of a heinous crime committed by a Catholic youth from Porvorim along with others where they systematically put to death his father-in-law following strained relations with his daughter (a non Catholic) by the accused last year who since then behind bars. Meanwhile a similar feast celebration is held in Chandor and Reis Magos Betim Goa. from atop the Cuelim Hill GODFREY J I GONSALVES [EMAIL PROTECTED] Borda Margao Goa 9822158584 Send instant messages to your online friends http://in.messenger.yahoo.com -- |Goa - 2005 Santosh Trophy Champions | || | Support Soccer Activities at the grassroots in our villages | | Vacationing in Goa this year-end - Carry and distribute Soccer Balls | --
[Goanet] NEWS FLASH - some revenue villages off PDA'S
-- | Wishing all Goanetters | | a Prosperous | | and | | Happy New Year - 2006 | |Goanet - http://www.goanet.org | -- Vide an extraordinary government gazette notification Series I No: 39 dated 3rd January, 2006 issued by the Chief Town Planner ex Officio Joint Secretary, Mr Morad Ahmed, received today (5th January, 2006 afternoon ) by this writer the government has in PUBLIC INTEREST WITHDRAWN certain revenue villages from the planning areas of A) Panaji viz; Morombi o Pequeno and Grande, Renowadi, Murda, Chimbel, Panelim,Bainguinim,Ela, Telaulim, Curca, Bambolim, Calapur, Cujira retaining Taleigao Durgawadi B) Mapusa all revenue villages viz; Anjuna, Verla, Canca, Calangute, Candolim, Marna, Pilerne, Reis Magos, Soccorro, Salvador do Mundo and Penha de Franca; retaining Municipal areas of Mapusa With this, the notification dated 27th September, 2005 covering planning areas in Margao - viz areas under Margao Municipal council Vasco-da-Gama viz areas under Mormugao Municipal Council besides revenue villages of Chicalim, Chicolna, Dabolim, Sancoale Issorcim Ponda viz areas of Ponda Municipal Council. Panaji Corporation of City of Panaji are retained. This was confirmed vide a teletalk this evening this writer had with the Chief Town Planner Mr Morad Ahmed. With this the three month long agitation spearheaded by the MLA Santa Cruz Deputy Speaker Ms Victoria Fernandes and other NGO's has achieved a victory of sorts. It now remains to be seen when the controversial Town Country Planning Ordinance of 29th September, 2005 will be repealed. Incidentally this writer had an informal tete a tete with the new incumbent Law Secretary Mr U V Bakre (ex District Judge ) at his residence at Aquem Margao to confirm whether he had indeed been asked by the Chief Minister to examine the modalities of repealing controversial TCP. But he feigned ignorance of the same and stated that he had only read that the same was handed over to him in the local dailies. Instead he confirmed to this writer that after he resigned from the Judiciary he took up his new posting for only two days 24th 25th November, 2005 and then proceeded on leave until the 2nd January, 2006 owing to his daughter's marriage on 25th December, 2005. Notwithstanding all this the agitators would prefer to keep their fingers crossed and await the assurance of the CM to fullfill his promise to repeal the controversial TCP ordinance. GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send instant messages to your online friends http://in.messenger.yahoo.com -- |Goa - 2005 Santosh Trophy Champions | || | Support Soccer Activities at the grassroots in our villages | | Vacationing in Goa this year-end - Carry and distribute Soccer Balls | --
[Goanet] WORLDWIDE GOAN CONVENTION -- NO LARGE CHANGE
-- | Wishing all Goanetters | | a Prosperous | | and | | Happy New Year - 2006 | |Goanet - http://www.goanet.org | -- NRIs and NRG's this evening on the concluding day of the third Gomant Vishwa Sammelan (Worldwide Goan Convention) had an interface with the Leader of the Opposition Mr Manohar Parrikar of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Chief Minister of Goa in the Black Box of the Kala Academy. It was lawn tennis as its best with the NRI NRG's fielding questions which remained unattended and the LOO and the CM diplomatically blaming each other for the inaction or lack of it. Sample a few: a) on garbage disposal -- LOO felt that his government clubbed some villages in a cluster and provided for garbage disposal CM felt that the Candolim or the Panaji (represented by LOO in the Goa Legislative Assembly )may have succeeded in a bin free Panaji or vermicomposting but the nuisance the garbage collection had created on the Curca hilltop had ruined the wells in the village. CM felt that the Urban development Minister Mr Joaquim Alemao and perhaps the Panchayat Minister Mr Subhash Shirodkar were working on a Japanese project in progress to find a permanent solution. b) on garbage prevention--- CM felt that though a law was in force to ban less than 40 microns in place its implementation was difficult because it would render people jobless and worse what would happen to the machinery--- this was a ridiculous answer considering that POLLUTER PAYS norm where the Government is the worst violator --- with the use of milk sachets--- they do have a scheme to collect and pay -- but for the masses flinging them away is easier. He agreed that Garbage disposal will be his one point priority before the next Sammelan and his Government did not need any money from the NRI/NRG's for the purpose However he would welcome innovations suggestions in the field. On Dabolim airport -- LOO was clear that the land belongs to Goa Navy is occupying it --- CM stated that double decker airbus would not be able to land in Dabolim and therefore needed a much bigger terminal -- He stated that Defence priority comes first and therefore -- the land which was in the possession of the Navy ought to have their priorities first. About the continuation of Dabolim when Mopa is in place a delegation has placed the proposal before the PM and the Defence Minister and their views are awaited. On Tillari and inadequacy of water in the state: LOO felt that plans were afoot to augment the water supply and there is scope for a 24X7 supply with various projects undertaken by his government.CM felt that the Tillari project when completed in 2007 apparently by end of Plan period (2002 - 2007) would meet the needs of the state - besides the other projects too will make it self sufficient. Special Commissioner for the NRI/NRG'S -- CM stated that an IAS officer would be appointed soon and he would interact between the NRI / NRG's and the Government On the Communidades -- CM blamed the clerks of the Communidade who are corrupt. In the absence of the shareholders and disinterest shown by the members of the communidades government could not protect the encroachments. He stated under the Code of Communidades a minimum fifteen years domicile was required to acquire land tenement but there were more encroachments and corruption. He pleaded helplessness and felt that some thing needs to be done On the population front: LOO stated that of the 14 lac odd population in the State nearly 4 lacs were outsiders -- In law one can not prevent their migration into the state. Therefore his Government worked for ways and means to promote industries which would only attract those industries where locals (defined as Goans and those having the 15 year domicile in the State) Or hitech machinery to be utilised like pre-mix concrete in the construction industry to curb excessive labour. It was because of this that he never welcomed the Soft ware park etc becuse he was aware skilled personnel were not available then. CM pointed out to the various slums in Mapusa Margao etc and the nuisance and pressures they create on the budget and he felt that steps to be taken by local self governing bodies municipalities panchayats to avoid the same. Earlier in the day Dr Wilfred De Souza Deputy CM clarified as under: on River Princess: the same would be removed soon but would not hazard a guess on how soon it was for the competent persons who are examining whether it should be towed and broken or broken as is where is and scrap disposed thro land or at sea. on taxi and tour
[Goanet] GOANS SAY NO TO HUPPY NU YAAR
At the stroke of midnight Goa like the rest of the world will enter the next half of the first decade of the new millenium. The year that went by had one landmark memorable event at the national level--- for the first time the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha disqualified one member from RS and ten others from the LS, for demanding cash (seen on video tapes following a sting operation) for Questions to be raised on the floor of Parliament. On an earlier ocassion when a similar incident took place the Lok Sabha MP concerned resigned. It bodes well for the UPA Government and exposes the Leader of the Opposition Mr L K Advani BJP who shockingly found the punishment of expulsion disproportionate to the misconduct involved. The significance of this action is if corruption in high places is nipped in the bud others would eventually follow suit. On the other hand the quake tragedy deaths in Jammu Kashmir a natural catastrophe which churned the hearts of many indiscomfort. And tonight for Goa and its niz Goencars it is a sad moment a moment when one realises that the controversial Town Country Planning Ordinance and the draft Regional Town Country Plan will need to carve zoning areas are not only for Settlement Industrial Mining etc --- but also a new zone PARTY ZONE --- Like it or not - The whole of India's who's who has descend to celebrate the New Year 2006 -- a la dance karo or mazak karo to dance and make merry . The numerous advertisements announce NEW YEARS CELEBRATION 2006 commencing from 2000 hrs to 0200 hrs with entry fees ranging from as high as Rs 5000/- per couple all found, to as low as Rs 100 per table (four seats), adults (incld ladies as well to be charged separately) Rs 150/- and children above 12 years Rs 50/- at the lowest. It is not clear how many will get to dance on these dance floor which will be overcrowded to meet the demand. The venue are the starred Hotels of Goa for the elite and for others the many beach shacks along the 101 kms coast line or the the numerous restaurants in the coastal talukas of the Velhas Conquistas etc But the guiding key to the celebrations ---are the FIVE POINTS BELOW found on one such advertisement --- of entertainment on the Candolim - Baga - Calangute stretch: ** wear tiny clothes to beat the heat ** intake fluids every few minutes ** take a break from dancing every half an hour (get some action in our comfortable private tents) ** eat small portions (best to keep mouth free for better activities) ** if all else fails --- hallucinate your in Antartica Brrr (Hey dont jump the poor uncle in a FORMAL SUIT He is not a penguin) Sad sad sad is this what Goa needs to host for the rest of our country men and on a festive ocassion like NEW YEAR in our beautiful land -- which has an excellent fusion of the west and east? Goans will wow in 2006 enough is enough things must change for a clean decent celebration to usher the New Year ---No more crowds -- or hordes of them coming to town next year This extravaganza is only to extract your money and lure one to dine wine and dance and ?? PERVERSION VULGARITY THIS IS NO WAY TO CELEBRATE NEW YEAR 2006 WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY NEW YEAR 2006 From the dancing floor on my terrace GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9822158584 -- |Goa - 2005 Santosh Trophy Champions | || | Support Soccer Activities at the grassroots in our villages | | Vacationing in Goa this year-end - Carry and distribute Soccer Balls | --
[Goanet] NERI DENIED DY CM CAP
-- || |Goanetters annual meet in Goa is scheduled for Dec 27, 2005 @ 4pm | || |The Riviera Opposite Hotel Mandovi, Panjim (near Ferry Jetty/Riverfront)| | Attending...drop a line to [EMAIL PROTECTED]| -- Days after Mr Filipe Neri Rodrigues MLA Velim celebrated Christmas donning the Ministerial tag, CM Pratapsing Raoji Rane at a Cabinet meeting this morning announced allotment of two portfolios to Mr Rodrigues the Water Resources and Legal Meterology (earlier known as Weights and Measures). However the decision on Deputy CM's post which Mr Rodrigues held post vote of confidence on 2nd February 2005 (which saw Mr Rane back in the saddle with the Party taking office after a long break 24.11.2000 ) was left with the High Command. In fact Mr Rane has a penchant to place all unpleasant decisions on the lap of the High Command which actually means Ms Margaret Alva described as the eyes and ears looking after the Goa Desk. Alternatively placing decisions at the hands of the High command is to absolve himself of any backstabbing from his party men. Incidentally Ms Alva has told this writer in the past that Mr Rane was competent to take decisions on behalf of the State and there was no reason why the High Command should intervene. But when advised to issue a directive on this score viz; ensuring that Mr Rane does not at random when faced with unpleasant decisions quote the name of the High Command in vain, she was reluctant to do so. Clearly the opposition to this portfolio being granted to Mr odrigues as what many allege comes from besides the NCP, a senior politician from South Goa an ex CM who feels that this status may belittle his clout in South Goa especially Salcete having eight Assembly seats. While granting Dy CM status then to Mr Rodrigues was a quid pro qua when the BJP led coalition was unseated on 27.1.2005 Mr Rane may not be inclined to grant this status to Mr Neri in the present circumstances when the INC is well placed. Meanwhile Mr Neri has taken over office this morning in right earnest. Obviously the NCP Deputy CM Wilfred De Souza may still have to spend some more sleepless nights because by conferring the status of Deputy CM to Mr Rodrigues, Mr Rane could well try to nip the growth of the NCP and their demand for seat sharing in the event a midterm poll is announced. GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send instant messages to your online friends http://in.messenger.yahoo.com -- |Goa - 2005 Santosh Trophy Champions | || | Support Soccer Activities at the grassroots in our villages | | Vacationing in Goa this year-end - Carry and distribute Soccer Balls | --
[Goanet] MYTHS OF FR JAIME COUTO SHATTERED
-- |Goanetters annual meet in Goa is scheduled for Dec 27, 2005 @ 4pm | || | Watch this space for more details | || -- Here below is a MEMORANDUM featured on the internet by Fr. Jaime Couto, M.S., B.Ed,. It appears as a follow-up of a new collective Goan Catholics for Devanagri who recently paid their tributes to Mons. Sebastiao Rodolfo Dalgado, a diocesan priest (belonging to the Cristao Bamonn caste) on the occasion of his 150th Birth Anniversary, at a function on Dec.20, 2005, at the Menezes Braganza Hall, Panjim, apparently to counter the growing worldwide support for UNITY IN LANGUAGE (Konkani) DIVERSITY in SCRIPT and the imminent recognition shortly of Konkani in Roman script besides the present Devanagiri by an amendment to the Official Language Act 1987 in the forthcoming Assembly session in January 2006. This is all the more certain, now that Government of Karnataka has accepted Konkani in Kannada script and a notification will follow soon before the next academic year. This writer desires to clarify on a few statements in the MEMORANDUM to set the record right, without malice to the views of Fr. Couto ---as he has every right to hold to his personal views. ** Re: Konkani in Roman Script is being projected as the language of the Goan Catholics. Ans: Surely no Goan in his right senses will deny this although there are many Hindus who too subscribe to both Devanagari and Roman. ** Re: The contenders for the Official Status for Marathi are overjoyed for the present agitation will surely help them achieve their goal! Ans: This is a myth floated by a section of the Hindu Saraswat Brahmins, during the language agitation, to divide the Catholics and the Hindu Bahujan Samaj. It is well settled that Konkani and Marathi are two distinct languages and there is no dispute on this count. The Hindu Bahujan Samaj in Goa from as far as Pernem to Canacona ACCEPT Konkani as their mother tongue (excluding perhaps those from Maharastra who have settled in Goa)but they wanted the recognition of Marathi, because they did not want to accept the sanskritised devanagari script of which the Saraswat Hindu Brahmins were familiar with and have a monopoly. Had the Cristaos familiar with the Roman script stood by their script them and not fallen into the trap of a section of the Hindu Brahmin community by compromising on script i,e accepting Devanagari much of the problems faced by the Cristaos would not be there. Remember today it is only the Diocesan schools that force the Cristaos to teach their children in Devanagiri because of the likes of Couto that are at the helm of policy making for the Church. The sooner the Catholic priests like Fr Couto, remove this fear of Marathi protogonists from their minds, they will understand the ground reality. Fr Couto would do well to accompany this writer and get a clarification on this from Mr Ramakant Khalap, and believe me Mr Ramakant Khalap himself will prepare the Official language (amendment) Act to include Konkani in Roman script as he had always advocated even during the language agitation (ask Mr Tomazinho Cardozo) but the priests like Fr Couto were misled by the likes of Uday L Bhembre (Adv) to achieve their Hindu Saraswat Brahmins agenda of 1939 conceptualised by Adv Manjunath at Karwar and further formalised clandestinely (even without the knowledge of Fr Jaime Couto) by Mr Bhembre and his lobby through the Academic Council for Konkani of the Sahitya Academy New Delhi on the 21st November, 1981,. ** Re: The promoters of this movement also demand that the Schools - which have been teaching Konkani in Devanagri Script for 30 years, amounting to a generation -should switch over to Konkani in Roman Script. Ans: This is untrue and a clear misunderstanding --- let it be clarified again the votaries of UNITY IN LANGUAGE (Konkani) DIVERSITY in SCRIPT (Devanagari/Roman) want both Devanagari and Roman script to move hand in hand. Let the Konkani language taught in primary schools continue to have classes both for Devanagari and also in Roman. But if the Devanagari classes close for want of minimum number of students then Fr Couto should not blame the Catholics for this unfortunate dilema of the votaries of ONLY ONE LANGUAGE ONE SCRIP(devanagari) Re: History shows us that the Catholics, other than the elite, clung to Konkani, that too mostly the spoken one, for want of other options. Ans: True it was the Cristao Bamonns and this includes the
[Goanet] NERI SURE OF MINISTERIAL BERTH
-- |Goanetters annual meet in Goa is scheduled for Dec 27, 2005 @ 4pm | || | Watch this space for more details | || -- With the High Court pronouncing the verdict today 21st December 2005 on the disqualification petition of Shri Filipe Neri Rodrigues MLA Velim, the twelfth Cabinet berth is likely to be filled in before the year end. The present Cabinet strenght is 11 (including two of NCP and i of MGP) excluding the Parliamentary Secretary. Under the amended format Goa is entitled to 12 Cabinet Ministers. Shri. Pratapsingh Rane Chief Minister Dr. Wilfred De Souza Dy. Chief Minister (NCP) Shri. Luizinho Faleiro Shri. Digambar Kamat Shri. Dayanand Narvekar Shri. Ramkrishan Dhavlikar (MGP) Shri. Subhash Shirodkar Shri. Atanasio Monserrate Shri. Pandurang Madkaikar Shri. Joaquim Braz Alemao Shri. Francisco (Mikey) Pacheco (NCP) vacant Shri. Agnelo Fernandes Parliamentary Secretary (not considered in the twelve Cabinet Ministers ) In the present House the members of the Legislative Assembly qualified to vote are INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS PARTY (19) Shri. Pratapsingh Raoji Rane Poriem Shri. Ravi S. Naik Ponda Shri. Agnelo Fernandes Calangute Shri. Aleixo Sequeira Loutolim Shri. Atanasio Monserrate Taleigao Shri. Chandrakant R. Kawlekar Quepem Shri. Dayanand Narvekar Aldona Shri. Digambar Kamat Margao Shri. Francisco Sardinha Curtorim Shri. Francisco Silveira St. Andre Shri. Giovanni Karl Vaz Mormugao Shri. Harish N. P. Zantye Mayem Shri. Jeetendra Deshprabhu Pernem Shri. Joaquim Braz Alemao Cuncolim Shri. Luizinho Faleiro Navelim Shri. Pandurang Madkaikar Cumbarjua Shri. Subash Shirodkar Shiroda Smt. Victoria R. Fernandes St. Cruz Mr Filipe Neri Rodrigues Velim *** Nationalist Congress Party (2) Dr. Wilfred de Souza Saligao Shri. Francisco X. (Micky) Pacheco Benaulim ** Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (1) Shri. Ramkrishana Dhavlikar Madkai Bharatiya Janata Party (15) + ( ### 2 not eliglible to vote) Shri. Manohar Parrikar Panjim Shri. Damodar (Damu) G. Naik Fatorda Shri. Dayanand Mandrekar Siolim Shri. Francisco DSouza Mapusa Shri. Laximikant Y. Parsekar Mandrem Shri. Manohar Azgaonkar Dhargalim Shri. Narahari Haldankar Valpoi Shri. Rajendra Arlekar # Vasco Shri. Rajesh Patnekar Bicholim Shri. Ramesh Tawadkar Poinguinim Shri. Ramrao G. Dessai Curchorem Shri. Sadanand Mhalu Shet Tanawade # Tivim Dr. Suresh Amonkar Pale Shri. Vasudeo M. Gaonkar Sanguem Shri Vijay A. Pai Khot Canacona Shri. Vinay Tendulkar Sanvordem Shri. Vishwas Satarkar Priol ++ United Goans Party (1) ### not eligible to vote Mr Mathany Saldanhamatter subjudiced Cortalim Thus with an effective strenght of 37 MLA's in the House the INC has a majority 19 of its own. In this situation the NCP and MGP presently supporting the Government and in the Cabinet may be sidelined. As it is the NCP Mr Pacheco has been blowing hot and cold over inaction over his files and to add to his misery there is an issue of bigamy being now probed by the Director General of Police following a complaint filed by Mr Pacheco's first wife against him for not agreeing to a divorce on the alleged grounds of his acquiring a second wife. The BJP with 15 MLAs and two without the power to vote is at its lowest ebb following the prospects of imminent imprisonment of Mr Sadanand Shet Tanawade implicated in the forgery of the document which was the vital issue in the disqualification case of Mr Rodrigues. Though the BJP has pursued the issue of a stay which was summarily rejected the BJP could well move the SC on the issue. Incidentally 27th December, 2005 is an important day too. The Ponda MLA and GPCC President Mr Ravi Sitaram Naik wpuld well like to see himself in the CM's chair now that a grand marriage ceremony of his son on 27th December, 2005 is on the anvil. For the INC too that is a day of reckoning for the Karnataka Zilla Parishad and Taluka Panchayat election results will be out and the Congress may prefer to go in for a fresh poll in Karnataka to spite its present coalition partner Mr Deve Gowda ex PM and Janata Dal (S). It is in this context that there is a feeling that Goa may go in for a midterm poll if the dissidence within the Congress raises its ugly head. As it is the likes of the Madkaikars the Monserrates and others have not taken too kindly over Mr Ranes functioning and there is another lot demanding the head of Mr Parrikar by demanding for a CBI enquiry into the IFFI 2004. But clearly any
[Goanet] GOAN CATHOLIC FOR DEVANAGARI KONKANI MEET
-- |Goanetters annual meet in Goa is scheduled for Dec 27, 2005 @ 4pm | || | Watch this space for more details | || -- With the ongoing demand for official recognition for Konkani in Roman script by an amendment to the Official Language Act the ONLY ONE SCRIPT (DEVANAGARI) ONE LANGUAGE (KONKANI) lobby mainly of some Hindu Saraswat Brahmins have apparently clandestinely the formation of newly sprouted organisation Goan Catholics for Devanagari on 7th October,2005 with Fr Jaime Couto as its Convenor and other members viz; Fr Moreno De Souza sj Prof S M Borges (ex Lecturer Chowgule College Margao ) Denzil Dias Xaverito da Costa Fr Michael A Fernandes This evening 20th December, 2005 this group organised an hour and fifteen minutes meet at the Institute Menezes Braganza Hall on DALGADACHO SANDESH GHODUN HADPI meaning those interested in bringing forth the message of Msgr. Sebastiao Rodolfo Dalgado of Assagao Bardez linguistic scholar of international repute who was born on 8th May 1855 and died on 4th April 1922. His 150th birth aniversary is being celebrated to remember the great works of this linguist in the field of Konkani. Though the UNITY in LANGUAGE and DIVERSITY of scripts --- votaries are purusing the issue of recognition of Roman script for Konkani while historically the other camp has been favouring Shenoi Goembab, apparently to draw a wedge between the Cristaos the Shenoi Goembab votaries have now resorted to paying lip sympathy to Msgr Dalgado. At the introduction Fr Jaime Couto spoke of the need to fulfill the unacomplished dream of Msgr Dalgado. Prof S M Borges spoke on the life and works of Msgr Dalgado (for more on Msgr Dalagado www.colaco.net offers details ) and regretted that since most of it was in Portuguese language it was incumbent to have his works translated. Later Mr Uday L Bhembre (Advocate) stated that the age difference between Msgr Dalgado and Shenoi Goembab Shri V Valaulikar of Bicholim was just 22 years, and his works in Konkani adopting the Devnagari script could well be considered the beginning of the nagri script for Konkani. Surprisingly this remark from a votary of ONLY ONE SCRIPT ONE LANGUAGE came as a surprise because all along they heaped accolades only on Shenoi Goembab at all fora and now this U turn clearly shows that this group is fighting desperately to avoid recognition for Roman script. Mr Bhembre clearly indicated that plans are afoot to translate soon the works of Msgr Dalgado to expose those who under his name have been advocating the cause of Konkani in Roman script when according to him Msgr Dalgado was for Konkani Devanagari script. But one this is clear those for Konkani in Roman script clear state that Konkani must be in as many scripts as possible and have no hatred towards Devanagari -- but are definitely against those who advocate one script only for Konkani -- this according to them will spell the down fall of Konkani or make it the monopoly on only the Hindu Saraswat Brahmins specially for matters of budgeted funds and matters of employment. It was clearly a case of the Devil quoting the scriptures. It is time Cristaos in Goa realise that they have been lending their shoulders for holding the guns from which the ONLY ONE SCRIPT ONE LANGUAGE votaries fire to achieve THEIR OWN ENDS. At today's meet there was hardly the numbers to call it a GOAN CATHOLIC for DEVANAGARI collective or that could be counted --- atleast from amongst the 16 Catholics that this writer could identify Mr Alban Couto ex IAS , Ms Aurora Couto writer , Mr Percival Noronha Astronomer Fr Joao Pedro Fernandes ex Parish priest Our Lady of Grace Church Margao, Mr Miguel Braganza Botanist etc it was difficult to believe that they supported Konkani in Devanagari script. The other persons included the press and Mr Pundalik Naik President of Goa Konkani Academy and his spouse Ms Hema Naik, Ms K Budkuley, Mr Gurunath Kelekar, Mr Naik Shivdas Mr Dhume and the usual bandwagon that Mr Bhembre escorts when he is around at such meets. It was even more strange that those among the Catholics like Fr Couto Fr Moreno and Prof Borges spoke Konkani with in a tone adopting a Roman accent instead of the sanskritised version of Konkani in devanagari otalo votalo ashirle etc wer all missing in their vocabulary. Moreover they were seen looking blank when a two legal size paper typed document in Konkani devanagari version entitled Msgr Dalagado -Konkanikhatir vavr ani haves in the name of S. M Borges was circulated to the audience--- apparently the contents were gibberish to the Cristaos present and the padres. Another 19 page booklet titled
[Goanet] CHURCHILL ALEMAO PLAYS SAFE
-- |Goanetters annual meet in Goa is scheduled for Dec 27, 2005 @ 4pm | || | Watch this space for more details | || -- The reported sting operation showing seven MP's including Mormugao Parliamentary Constituency, Member of Parliament Lok Sabha (House of People) Mr Churchill Braz Alemao ex Chief Minister of Goa of Novangully Varca Salcete Goa demanding three lakhs commission for granting a project under Members of Parliament Local Area Develpment Scheme (MPLADS), whereby each MP has the choice to recommend to the District Collector works to the tune of Rs.2 Crores per annum to be taken up in his/her constituency has surprised many who saw the footage on the STAR NEWS NETWORK last night and the front pages of todays dailies in Goa. While the Speaker of the Lok Sabha has thus far directed an enquiry into the matter and also debarring the concerned MP's including Mr Alemao from attending the current winter session until the end of the session on 23rd December, 2005, the news has not rattled many of Mr Alemao's supportersm niether the Congress Party members who are awaiting for more details. For one the sting operation did not show the exchange of money alleged to be demanded by Mr Alemao for the project which the undercover NGO team consisting of an ex reporter of the local English daily Herald and now based in New Delhi (while with the Tehelka group which covered the famours Mr Bangaru Laxman President of the BJP accepting money in full public gaze (in camera) It is now understood from sources in New Delhi by this writer telephonically that Mr Alemao was until late afternoon contemplating to file a police complaint as he clearly realised that the sting operation was premediated and hence was suspect of the whole modus operandi involved. There is also some merit in the rumours now doing the rounds that there are attempts to thwart the chances of Mr Alemao being amde an Union Minister considering his closeness with the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. There is bound to be a Union Cabinet reshuffle after this winter session . This writer was in New Delhi when the last stages of the sting operation were enacted. It was also during this time 22nd 23rd 24th November, 2005 that the Congress Legislative Party MLA Mr Jeetendra Deshprabhu was in New Delhi at the Goa Sadan. Mr Shantaram Naik Member of Rajya Sabha who is also tipped for a Ministership given his professional qualifications past record in the Lok Sabha and is incidentally staying in Goa Sadan for want of allotment yet to be done for an official residence for him. But there is also a needle of suspicion over which land the MP Mr Alemao had in mind for the project assuming that the deal was through genuinely. It is rumoured that the land in Margao near the KTC stand was being considered for the project and the surprise victory of his candidate voer twelve others including another Congress nominee form the Ward No 2 Margao Municipal Council had much to do with the sting operation. As things stand much more information is awaited to piece the pros and cons and ascertain the involvement of Mr Alemao. GODFREY J I GONSALVES [EMAIL PROTECTED] Borda Margao Goa Send instant messages to your online friends http://in.messenger.yahoo.com -- |Goa - 2005 Santosh Trophy Champions | || | Support Soccer Activities at the grassroots in our villages | | Vacationing in Goa this year-end - Carry and distribute Soccer Balls | --
[Goanet] URGENT - SECOND LIBERATION OF GOA NEEDED
What do Goans think this 44th Liberation Day? Well, they unanimously, look forward to yet another LIBERATION DAY from the forces that took over since 19th December, 1961. In short a Liberation from Ghantianchem Raj a sobriquet for governance under the style of Indian rule (essentially dictated by British law of divide and rule, besides legislations (laws ) under the India Code which are synonymous to an undergarment filled with holes only increasing the backlog in the Courts of Justice) After Portuguese rule( 25.11.1510 to 19.12.1961) 451 years -- Old Conquests Salcete, Mormugao, Bardez, Tiswadi, (Ilhas) 1510 to 1961 and New Conquests Ponda, Quepem, Canacona, Sanguem, Pernem, Bicholim, Sattari 1763 - 1961 -Liberation or call it Conquest Annexation, if you wish, - The first blot post liberation was that the Caste or Varna or Jati System as ordained by Manu in his scriptures Smritis was put in force albeit in a sublime manner, (actually it commenced clandestinely in 1925 with the formation of the Rashtriya Swamsevak Sangh and also the Goa Hindu Sabha) in this then Union Territory of Goa Daman Diu, as prevalent in the rest of the country, which got its Independence on 15th August, 1947 from two hundred years of erstwhile British Rule. This meant a social engineering wherein a) Brahman, b)Kshatriya, c) Vaishya, d) Shudra, and e) Harijans. Not that such profession . traditional occupation based divisions do not exist elsewhere, but in India this social engineering depending on ones vocations by birth put humans on a VERTICAL ladder. Merit by worth became extinct and those performing lower jobs were scorned at and expected to be subservient to the needs of those at the top Thus the priestly caste the warriors the merchants the artisans labourers the untouchables harijans children of a lesser gods were all according to their placement on the ladder of heirarchy expected to serve the priestly caste. Christians too suffered the same though the church preaches a casteless society. But given the facts the Catholics in Goa are essentially converts there is no escape of the caste syndrome. Unfortunately till this date the indigenous people of Goa the niz goenkars the Gawdas Kunbi Velip and Dhangars have still not found their numbers represented in the Goa Legisaltive Assenbly while the Scheduled Castes from outside the State have found representation and even jobs in Government. This being the FIRST blot on POST LIBERATED GOA it can and needs to be eliminated totally only by economic, social empowerment and representation to those at the lower rung of the ladder and the ST ** The last Portuguese Governor General Mr Manoel Vassalo e Silva on 15th April, 1961 signed a historic declaration wherein it was finally established that all the over 221 Comunidades (Gaunkaries)in Goa, were to become absolute owners of their lands without element of State Grant or Land Tenure which simply meant these village republics being self sufficient -- permitted a susegad lifestyle unlike the present stress ridden times due to maladministration and divide and rule policies of the government--are private and are not owned by the State even after Liberation on December 19, 1961, to be succeeded by any Government. Under the U.N.Charter for protection of Indigenous People in terms of Article 26 of the Draft Declaration on Rights of the Indigenous Peoples --quote ---Indigenous people have the right to own, develop, control and use the lands and territories including the total environment of the lands, air, waters,sea-ice coastal seas,flora and fauna and other resources which they have traditionally owned or otherwise occupied or used. This includes the right to the full recognition of their laws, traditions and customs, land-tenure systems and institutions for the development and management of resources and the right to effective measures by states to prevent any INTERFERENCE with, ALIENATION of or ENCROACHMENT upon their rights. It is therefore clear that following Liberation of Goa the Union of India or thereafter the State of Goa is NOT the owner of the Communidade (Gaunkari) land as is envisaged in Article 294 and 295 Chapter III.-Property. Contracts, Rights, Liabilities, Obligations and Suits. and 31A. Saving of laws providing for acquisition of estates(ref:http://indiacode.nic.in/coiweb/welcome.html).Therefore the the then Goa Daman Diu Village Panchayati Raj Act 1963 the Goa Daman and Diu Agricultural Tenancy Act, 1964, the Goa Daman Diu Land Revenue Code 1968 ( a photocopy of the Bombay Land Revenue Code of 1879 ) made applicable to the land owned by the Comunidades without ANY State land tenure relationship with them is unconstitutional and a fraud by successive Governments in Goa, viz; the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party the Indian National Congress Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party which have either individually
[Goanet] OFFICIAL RECOGNITION FOR KONKANI IN ROMAN SCRIPT MAKING WAVES.
On 8th August 2005 Konkani supporters of Roman script met at Our Lady of Grace Church Hall Margao Goa and unanimously decided to demand equal status for Konkani in Roman script (KRS). With the email messages sent to the Chief Minister of Goa and others by the supporters of Unity in LNGUAGE diversity IN SCRIPTS from India and abroad the movement got an encouraging start. Political leaders from the Coastal talukas or Old Conquests (Velhas Conquistas) were reluctant to revive the language issue now after 18 years. However notwithstanding their eerie silence since then the following have been achieved thus far: 1. In the last Budget session of the Goa Legislative Assembly i.e on 30th August 2005 Mr Jeetendra Deshprabhu, MLA Pernem raised the issue of KRS, this provoked the CM Mr Pratapsing Raoji Rane of the Congress led coalition Government in Goa (MGP and NCP) to assure on the floor of the House when the demands for Official Language were passed that financial assistance will also be given to KRS. The Opposition BJP did not oppose this assurance. 2. Following this announcement Kala Akademi, Campal Panaji Goa which had discontinued giving awards to books published in KRS have reverted their earlier decision and decided to consider books in KRS for awards together with books published in Konkani in Devanagari script. 3. On 15th August 2005TSKK published its TSKK Romi Lipi booklet. It contains the modified orthography to write Konkani in Roman script. On 2nd October 2005 the second revised edition of this booklet was released. 4. Goa Government also directed Goa Konkani Akademi (GKA) through Directorate of Official Language to give financial assistance to KRS. Accordingly GKA has announced a few schemes for KRS for the current financial year 2005-06 5. Diamond Publications a private organisation have started a new Konkani fortnightly of tabloid size in Roman script Goencho Ulo 10,000 copies were distributed free of cost all over Goa to inspire the revival of KRS. 6. Vishwa Konkani Parishad (World Konkani Federation) is formed to unite all Konkani institutions which believe in the universal principle Unity in diversity. Mr. Eric Ozario of Mandd Shobann fame of Mangalore is its President and Mr Tomazinho Cardozo is its Secretary. Tentatively its office is situated at Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr, Alto Porvorim, Goa premises 7. History Hour Xavier Centre of Historical Research Porvorim Goa. provided a platform to Mr Uday Laximikant Bhemmbre (Advocate) ex Independent MLA Margao to present his paper :Road Map for the development for Konkani (Devanagari) script 2050 and on another ocassion Mr Tomazinho Cardozo, ex-MLA, ex-speaker of Goa Legislative assembly and ex-President of Dalgado Konknni Akademi read a paper on Socio-Economic Growth of the Goan Community through the Konkani Language. Mr Bhembre is a votary of the ONLY ONE SCRIPT ONE LANGUAGE (Devanagari) while Mr Cardozo is a votary of UNITY IN LANGUAGE DIVERSITY IN SCRIPTS. Many myths of the ONLY ONE SCRIPT ONE LANGUAGE (Devanagari) were exposed, by the audience. 8. A vital decision dated 21.11.1981 and obtained from the Sahitya Academi New Delhi which was taken by Advisory Committee for Konkani of the Sahitya Akademi New Delhi was made public. This decision exposed clearly that the ONLY ONE SCRIPT ONE LANGUAGE lobby masterminded their monopoly over the script to slowly but surely crush the lobby of UNITY IN LANGUAGE DIVERSITY IN SCRIPTS thereby getting Konkani only in Devanagari script recognised as the Official language on 4.2.1987 9. After 18 years there is a clear realisation among the votaries of UNITY IN LANGUAGE DIVERSITY IN SCRIPTS that all the jobs announced by the Government of Goa which specify Knowledge of Konkani essential -- means Konkani only in Devanagari script and therefore those knowing Roman script mainly Catholics are not qualified to apply for Government jobs. Niether are tiatrs mando festivals entitled for grants from the government at best they may get assistance as doles - charity. 10. Mr Ramakant Khalap ex Union Minister for Law and ex Congress MLA Mandrem Constituency has now publicly reiterated on more than one ocassion that even to this day he has been supporting KRS and it was only some Catholic political leaders like Mr Tomazinho Cardozo, Mr Churchill Alemao and others who at the height of the language agitation of 1985 under the banner of KPA who were misled by the ONLY ONE SCRIPT ONE LANGUAGE lobby to suscribe to Konkani only in Devanagari script. While the movement to demand an amendment to the Official language Act 1987 to give equal recognition to KRS is being pursued in right earnest with the support of political parties like the MGP NCP UGDP and BJP if the Congress fails to rectify the harm done to the UNITY IN LANGUAGE DIVERSITY IN SCRIPTS lobby; there is encouraging news from Karnataka. The Secretary (Education) Government of Karnataka Mr T M Vijaybhaskar (tel 080-22257334) in a
[Goanet] GRAM SABHAS ON 19TH DEC -TO OPPOSE REGIONAL PLAN 2011
At a meeting held at the residence of Ms Victoria Fernandes MLA Santa Cruz this evening in the presence of members of Village Panchayats NGO's Ms Fernandes briefed those present on a) her meeting with the Chief Minister on 15th December, 2005 alongwith the Chairman Santa Cruz Constituency Action Committee and this writer b) Congress Legislature Party meeting held today Ms Fernandes told the members that the CM has reiterated once again that all revenue villages excluding Taleigao will be removed from the PDAs. The file to that effect has been moved and the notification to that can be expected by 20th December, 2005. This was also confirmed from the Law Department and the TCP office Town Planner the dealing hand in this matter. Mr Rane assured her that the Sub Registrar Panaji (who was on leave today) would be directed not to insist on NOC's for registering documents sale deeds ect from the NGPDA as in principle the Government has already agreed to scrap all revenue villages (exluding Taleigao) from the PDA's. As regards the ordinance Mr Rane re-assured that it is a dead issue and that repeal of the ordinance is a mere procedural aspect and is awaiting the legal opinion of Mr U V Bakre the ex Judge who has now taken over as the Law Secretary Government of Goa. Mr Rane also stated that having recieved directives from the High Command there was no going back on these directions and hence the scrapping of the ordinance is obvious and a fore gone conclusion. The next issue taken up was the extension of time for examining the draft regional plan 2011. She once again demanded that the Panchayats and Municipalities should be permitted to examine the plan at the village level in accordance with the 73rd and 74th amendment to the Constitution which empowers the people in matters of development. She also objected to the scale 1:25,000 and with this it was not clear what activity would come up in the villages. She stated that most party MLA's vociferously opposed the extension prominent among them was Mr Dayanand Narvekar Mr Luizinho Faleiro Mr Joaquim Alemao who felt that the projects under their respective portfolios would suffer, viz the IT park the Food Processing Park etc; Ms Fernandes however stated that she stood her ground and refused to accept the Regional Plan in its present form which was not upto scale and could not spell out clearly what the Plan holds in store for the respective villages. She pointed out that while the previous Government gave two months amidst another unrest then caused by the inclusion of revenue villages of Salcete in the Margao PDA, her Party has during the agitation to scrap the ordinance and the inclusion of revenue villages in the PDAs quietly extended the time for receiving comments from the persons likely to be affected by the Regional Plan 2011. In any case when the RP 2001 was redundant for the past four years the Government did not find it easy to change the zoning and therefore it could continue until this Plan is thoroughly examined by all village Panchayats. Hence she demanded that the Plan be made available for another few months until 31st March 2005. She said the TCP Board would review the same at its meeting on 27th December, 2005. She stated that she warned the Party members at the CLP that her supporters were ready to stage a fresh agitation if need be and this time the Government would be caught on the wrong foot. However she did not clarify to the Party the type of agitation stating that it would be the first of its kind in the history of Goa. Following the above all the Panchas other NGOs and like, minded citizens have decided to hold Gram Sabhas on 19th December, 2005 at all Village Panchayats giving the Government a clear notice that the Village Panchayat of Goa in public interest condemn and strongly object to the Regional Plan 2011 in its present form since the Plan was not made available to the Panchayats. Immediate contacts will be established with Panchayats in all the 11 Talukas and based on this the resolutions will be moved. All those present agreed to ensure that atleast two village Panchayats in each taluka move the resolution to force the Government to act. Most of the members expressed disgust over the functioning of the present Government and the unholy intentions of the MLA's who niether come out openly or against the issues involved, giving an impression that the present dispensation is out to rip the Treasury for their own personal gains. The meeting ended with a firm resolve that the forces be mobilized for a final show down if the Government dilly dally's on the issue any longer. Ms Fernandes is likely to leave for New Delhi in a day or two to present a report on Child development which will be deliberated by Parliament later. In the meanwhile the South Goa Public Interest Action Group NGO has decided to investigate into the credentials of the Consulting Engineering Services Limited Mew Delhi for their expertise
[Goanet] TOMAZINHO CARDOZO LAMBASTS ONLY NAGRI - KONKANI PROTOGANIST
According to excerpts from a recorded version this writer received late evening from the History Hour at Xavier Centre of Historical Research Porvorim Mr Tomazinho Cardozo, ex-MLA, ex-speaker of Goa Legislative assembly and ex-President of Dalgado Konknni Akademi read a paper on Socio-Economic Growth of the Goan Community through the Konkani Language. About 80 people were present for the talk. The paper reading was followed by lively discussion. The speaker answered all questions which were asked to him. His adversaries had no arguments to ask counter questions. The gist of the speaker's main points were the following: 1. During the Portuguese regime in Goa, Konkani was not given any importance. the elite of Goan society used it only to converse with their servants. They felt ashamed to make use of it in public. The elite of the Christian community who used to speak in Portuguese in their daily life, did not favour Konkani culture except for the promotion of Mando and Dulpods. While the entertainment for the poor masses was tiatr. 2. During the Portuguese regime the church schools, besides Portuguese and Konkani in Roman script used to teach music. He was the product of this system. 3. During the KPA movement supporters of Konkani fought the battle to make Konkani the Official Language of Goa. At no point of time the script for the language was discussed. the agitation culminated in making not Konkani Language the Official Language of Goa but in making Konkani in Devanagari script the official language of Goa. this was the greatest fraud of the 20th century committed on the Goan Konkani community. 4 The Official Language Act promotes the interest of very few people while it works against the interest of majority of Konkani people. 5. The architects of this fraud very well knew that the followers of Konkani in roman script will never be able to match them in literary activities. 6. Sahitya Akademi, 8th schedule and Goa Konkani Akademi constitution does not mention the script of Konkani. It is only the Goa Official Language Act which states Konkani language means Konkani in Devanagari script. Why is this so? 7. In various Konkani committees you find 80% Nagari supporters. He called these acts as 'manipulations'. 8. It is a fact that today, it is only the schools managed by the Christians that promote primary education in Konkani. He supported this statement with factual data. 9. Konkani in Devanagari script and in a particular dialect is forcibly imposed on Christian managed schools. 10. If the use of Marathi in religious field is considered as a sign of unity among Goan Hindus by the supporters of Konkani in Nagari script, why not Konkani in Nagari script and Konkani in Roman script be a sign of unity of Goan Konkani community? 11. the policy one language, one script, one society is divisive in natureand hence needs to be discarded. 12. India is standing tall on the world map due to the concept of unity in diversity. Goa cannot be an exception to this fact. Hence let us respect both scripts of Konkani and let us treat Konkani in both scripts equally. This writer could not attend this meet owing to his meet alongith some others with the CM on urgent issue TCP PDA's and the Regional Plan. From the Panaji end GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA __ Yahoo! India Matrimony: Find your partner now. Go to http://yahoo.shaadi.com -- |Goa - 2005 Santosh Trophy Champions | || | Support Soccer Activities at the grassroots in our villages | | Vacationing in Goa this year-end - Carry and distribute Soccer Balls | --
[Goanet] PROBLEMS APLENTY --NON ISSUE OF NOTIFICATION
With the Chief Minister Mr P S Rane reiterating de novo his Governments decision to remove all revenue villages (excluding Taleigao) from the PDA's but yet dilly dallying to issue a fresh notification to that effect viz; withdrawing these revenue villages notified on 27.09.2005 from the PDA's ; a number of persons from revenue villages coming uder the Panaji and Mapusa Planning areas (North Goa Planning Development Authority NGPDA) have brought to the notice of the Santa Cruz MLA Ms Victoria Fernandes that the Sub Registrars of Panaji and Mapusa still insist on NOC under 49(6) under the TCP from the NGPDA for registering their documents, while others desirous of development / amalgamation under section 44 of the TCP have complained that they have to obtain the same from the North Goa Public Development Authority (NGPDA). Nothwithstanding the CM's assurance to do so, they demanded that the notification should not be delayed any longer . Therefore all affected persons are now requested to forward such grievances to the MLA Santa Cruz Ms Victoria Fernandes and should also attend the press briefing at her residence at Santa Cruz at 1900 hrs on 16th December, 2005 in the presence of all Sarpanchas NGOs other well meaning citizens who have been spearheading the TCP ordinance and the PDA's agitation thus far to bring to the notice of the Government the hardships caused to the common man. Meanwhile Ms Fernandes who was assured of a reply within seven days by the Chief Minister at his residence when she alongwith a delegation met him earlier on 5th instant met the CM again today 15th December, 2005 at his residence along with others including this writer for the action taken report on his 5th December, 2005 assurance. The outcome of this meeting will be explained by her tommorrow evening 16th December, 2005 at the Press briefing to be held at her residence at 7.00 p.m. Incidentally today being the last date for filing of comments on the Regional Plan 2011 the Santa Cruz Constituency Citizens Action Committee headed by the Chairman Mr Agnelo Oliveira demanded extension of the date from 15.12.2005 to 31st March 2005 as the same was not discussed at the Village Panchayats which would be affected by such changes and moreover the Plan is drawn on scale of 1:25,000 while if the same changes were incorporated in the village Plans with survey numbers and sub-divisions there would be more clarity. Ms Fernandes also demanded the extension of the same to 31st March 2005 as she had herself requested for the CD ROM of the Regional Plan 2011 but was informed that the same is available only at a particular business premise in Panaji and the same could be down loaded for scrutiny at the business premises itself and not for sale. Similarly other Panchayats too have filed letters demanding extension of the date for another two months according to reports recieved by this writer. Meanwhile the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting has been slated for tommorrow at 1130 hrs. Ms Fernandes will bring to the notice of her colleagues in the Government the discussions held with the CM today and then brief the Press on the same later in the evening. From the Panaji end GODFREY J I GONSALVES BORDA MARGAO GOA [EMAIL PROTECTED] __ Yahoo! India Matrimony: Find your partner now. Go to http://yahoo.shaadi.com -- |Goa - 2005 Santosh Trophy Champions | || | Support Soccer Activities at the grassroots in our villages | | Vacationing in Goa this year-end - Carry and distribute Soccer Balls | --
[Goanet] CM RANE's PROBATION PERIOD RATED UNSATISFACTORY
-- |Goa - 2005 Santosh Trophy Champions | || | Support Soccer Activities at the grassroots in our villages | | Vacationing in Goa this year-end - Carry and distribute Soccer Balls | -- On 6th December, 2005 Goa's and also India's longest reigning Chief Minister, Mr Pratapsing Raoji Rane, (an MLA since 1972 first in the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party ) a science graduate and qualified in business management aged 66 years completed his six month probation period as the Chief Minister of Goa. How has Rane fared during the six months? and how does one expect him to perform in the remaining term until May 2007 ? Health wise Mr Rane appears to be overtly fit -- remember he is a nature lover and prefers his Golden Acres farm at Sanquelim than the cosmopolitan city of Panaji. But this writer discovered that covertly he appears worn out, running out of breath at times as he talks Perhaps it could also be stress, from a) heading the coalition of MGP (1) Mr Sudin Dhavalikar and NCP (2) Dr Wilfred A De Souza and Mr Francisco (Micky) Pacheco, and b) annoyance at the fact that his own party men have their daggers drawn as always in the past viz the aspirants to Chief Ministerial chair Mr Luizinho Faleiro, Mr Ravi Sitaram Naik (also GPCC President)Mr Digamber Kamat and Mr Dayanand Narvekar and Atanasio (Babush) Monseratte and the young aspirants to the ministerial berths viz the near Siamese twins look alike Mr Jeetendra Deshprabhu (Pernem) Mr Aleixo Sequeira( Loutolim) Mr Chandrakant Kavlekar (Quepem) Mr Francisco Silveira (St Andre) Mr Giovani Karl Vaz (Mormugao)and the most upset lone woman MLA Santa Cruz Ms Victoria Fernandes who still feels that she was given the Deputy Speaker's post only to shut her mouth (but she has proved to be the only MAN in the ruling lot thus far in the TCP ordinance and PDAs over two month long agitation while others were silent like mice who spoke niether for or against the ordinance or the PDA;s ) Or it could be his unsuccessful attempt at getting some MLA's from the BJP side onto the Congress side five were expected but this has not materialised yet even after six months. In fact the Congress men themselves are in no mood for this given the fact that they tend to lose their seniority for ministerial berths as these defectors put up their price now that resigning is a must. Hence they prefer to get re-elected as Ministers. And finally what bothers Mr Rane most is the congratulatory message from President of the Indian National Congress Ms Sonia Gandhi on taking over the Chief Minister seat on 4rh February 2005 that he must keep up the performance a reference to pace of development by the ex CM Manohar Parrikar of the BJP led coalition in power since 24.10.2000 to 2.2.2005. But here too his performance has been dismal at least in the eyes of the voter. Whether it was the ongoing projects since 27.1.2005 when the first tsunami struck the BJP led coalition with the removal of the TCP portfolio from Antanasio Babush Monseratte then in the BJP, which are moving at slow pace. There is literally no development and this has consumed the full year now as we near 27.1.2006. Then the money in the treaury Rane had to cancel the National sports meet on this count last week. The issue of computer teachers, the recruitment drive police force the teachers the disbanding of the pre-employment training scheme the discontinuation of the Dr Ambedkar housing scheme, the failure to institute an enquiry into the IFFI ruckus of 2004 the over growing outstanding payments and the lack lustre IFFI 2005 the TCP draconian ordinance with amendments that could destroy Goa and put it up for grabs to land sharks from all over, the PDAs removed on 4.2.2005 and its re-introduction on 27.9.2005 for reasons unknown the threat to hold midterm elections all this does not augur well for the Party, and the coalition government which has been seen as a Congress government with no credit to the MGP and the NCP partners. Then next week is the prospects of the verdict from the Court going against Filipe Neri Rodrigues (Velim) in the forgery case, and the prospects of Mr Mathany Saldhana getting a favourable verdict from the Court on his petition of being disallowed to cast his vote in the vote of confidence on 4.3.2005 Then there is also the private taxi v/s the tour operators the issue of continuation of Dabolim airport when the MOPA airport is finalised. The demand for hike in bus autorickshaw taxi and motorcycle fares. The demand for amendment to the official language act to include Konkani in Roman script as well which the ruling Opposition BJP has promised to introduce in the coming session as and when held if the ruling coalition
[Goanet] CM's tete-a-tete with Ms Victoria and others TCP ordinance PDAs
-- |Goa - 2005 Santosh Trophy Champions | || | Support Soccer Activities at the grassroots in our villages | | Vacationing in Goa this year-end - Carry and distribute Soccer Balls | -- At a meeting held this evening 5th December, 2005 with the Chief Minister of Goa, Mr Pratapsing Raoji Rane at 2016 hrs ( the scheduled time was 1900 hrs but the CM was away at Selaulim in Sanguem) Ms Victoria Fernandes MLA Santa Cruz and Deputy Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly who has been spearheading the over two months agitation on the twin issues of withdrawal of the draconian Town and Country Planning Ordinance of 29/9/2005 and removal of all revenue villages from, the PDA's (incidentally on 4.2.2005 Mr Rane had in public interest scrapped all the PDAs and and suddenly brought them back for reasons unknown on 27.9.2005 after Presidents Rule bye elections and the month long budget session selectively including some revenue villages in Panaji and Mapusa excluding all revenue villages from Ponda and Margao, though his INC party had opposed revenue villages in PDA's while in the Opposition) Mr Rane clarified to Ms Fernandes in the presence of the President of the Santa Cruz Constituency Citizens Action Committee Mr Agnelo Oliveira, Mr Agnelo Pereira of the Penha de Franca Citizens Forum Mr Nitin of Salvador do Mundo and this writer that the new incumbent Law Secretary to Goa Government Mr U Bakre ( ex District Judge )was asked to examine the legal aspects of repealing the controversial Town Country Planning Ordinance of 29/09/2005 and he was awaiting his report thereon. Owing to this Mr Rane clarified he could not reply to the letter of Ms Fernandes wherein she sought written assurance from the CM on the fate of the ordinance and the withdrawal of revenue villages from PDA's It may be noted one NGO People's Movement for Civic Action has received a clarification signed by P S Rane handed over to the NGO by the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee Chief Mr Ravi Naik (Ponda MLA) earlier and they have asked for further clarifications from Mr Rane which is awaited. As regards the exclusion of revenue villages from the PDAs Mr Rane told Mrs Fernandes that her villages of Santa Cruz were already excluded, when pointed out that she had forwarded the resolutions of over seven Village Panchayats who too have approved withdrawal of the villages from PDAs's Mr Rane feigned ignorance of such demands and enquired as to when the same was forwarded to his office. He was told by Ms Fernandes that the same was forwarded to his office on Friday 2nd December, 2005 Mr Rane then agreed to take up this issue with the Cabinet and said it could take a seven to eight days when pressed for a firm committment. However Mr Rane categorically warned the Village Panchayats that demands for exclusion of revenue villages from the PDA's would entail problems of garbage He also referred to the rampant corruption of giving House Numbers to illegal construction and cited the instance of his own constituency where such activity was going on. He further added that his government would bring an amendment to the Village Panchayat Act to ensure that all such Panchayats promoting illegalities would be dissolved. He also bluntly stated that the Calangute Panchayat was indulging in rampant corruption. When asked by this writer that when such positive measures to stop illegalites were appreciated by citizens from all over Goa why no ordinance was brought on this count instead of the controversial TCP ordinance Mr Rane remained mum. Mr Rane also stated that it was late Rajiv Gandhi's desire to have direct elections for Sarpanches so that they could be summarily removed for promoting illegalities as they would be answerable to the entire village Panchayat. The delegation listened to his observations however given the fact that the revenue villages have been selectively included and PDA's hardly bother about the garbage problem one of the members suggested immediate implementation of the 73rd and 74th Amendment to the Constitution. When this writer amd President of SCCAC Mr Oliveira brought to the notice of the Chief Minister that while Santa Cruz Villages were excluded from the PDA's but there was no notification to that effect and as a result from 27th Spetember, 2005 to date the villagers are inconvenienced as they have to obtain clearance NOC under section 49(6) of TCP Act 1974 or development and other permissions under section 44 of TCP Act 1974 from the North Goa Planning Development authority for registration of documents Mr Rane stated that the file has to be moved by the TCP Minister Mr Atanasio Babush Monseratte and he would take up the matter with him to expedite the same. It may be
[Goanet] PLANE CRASH AT DABOLIM AIR STRIP
-- |Goa - 2005 Santosh Trophy Champions | || | Support Soccer Activities at the grassroots in our villages | | Vacationing in Goa this year-end - Carry and distribute Soccer Balls | -- A naval plane crashed this morning at 1108 hrs killing one pilot on board Details of the accident are not clear but it is reliably learnt that the plane crashed on the Bogmalo wall missing several residents who use this route GONSALVES GODFREY J I BORDA MARGAO GOA [EMAIL PROTECTED] __ Enjoy this Diwali with Y! India Click here http://in.promos.yahoo.com/fabmall/index.html
[Goanet] SILVER PEACOCK TWO AWARDEES - iffi 2005 goa Finale
-- | Add your name to the CLEAN GOA INITIATIVE | || | by visiting this link and following the instructions therein | || | http://shire.symonds.net/pipermail/goanet/2005-October/033926.html | -- And as the declaration of awards winning feature films turned into a nail biting finish there were two recepients for the the Silver Peacock --Kept and Dreamless in Spanish Director Vera Fogwill Martin Desalvo of Argentina the movie centres around a junkie mother who tries to kick the habit with an young daughter who has to not only look after herself but also her intoxicated mother. A real life situation captured well on reel. The other was Red Dust in English Director Tom Hooper South Africa This movie based on the Gillian Slovo's novel centres around the emerging democracy in South Africa a suspense courtroom drama enacted well to reveal the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions role in bringing justice to local community through a confessional from Alex Mondo tortures and travails. With the curtains down on the 11 day extravaganza and Goa Music Day as the last entertainment buster in all corners of Goa with the main celebration at Campal Parade ground this evening its hats off to the Director of Films Festival New Delhi the Entertainment Society of Goa Mr Sanjith Rodrigues the young versatile dynamic no nonsense attitude supremo and Wiz craft that help make this event a success.This is despite the lack of positive support from the Goa Government towards the IFFI. Money there was a plenty but where did all this money go -- this writer who visited the venue for a full two days noted with concern that some of the uncompleted works pavers on the promenade were yet undone. Finishing touches to some of the old houses along the Pato Kala Academy were incomplete. A top official of the Kala Academy showed this writer a structure just infront of the Canteen which was put up but no one knows who cornered the amount. Until this evening the structure remained unused. And he pointed to a floating restaurant a ship which was parked near the landing platform a la jetty (for the actors and actresses done last year but not put to much use ) which was finally shifted to the steamer jetty near the Customs house to organise the French films festival and later that night 3rd December, 2005 for a dinner party after its formal inauguration by Mr Pratapsing Raoji Rane the CM of Goa. All these will be investigated into said the official and now from tommorrow begins the post partum investigations. How did the Goans react to IFFI 2005 -- well last year was excellent despite the pins and needle situation the IFFI 2004 had class and culture well on display even foreign and local media had a thing or two to comment on the CEO Mr Manohar Parrikar even the Kala Academy was given an excellent aura which international guests relished and even envied Cannes will be completing 60 years of the Film Festival but Goa measured well to earn it high billing from Cannes itself -- that Goa has been declared as a permanent venue speaks volumes -- but then why did IFFI 2005 fail to make it look better -- political instability MOPA TCP ordinance and PDA's took the Government on the wrong foot and Rane apparently had his mind on the Chair, with unfamiliar noises from his own party men and the lone woman (the actual man around) But others said there were no programmes the Children's Park christened Bhagwan Mahaveer Park the venue provide good entertainment but the idea of Caranzalem did not appeal much to the crowd. Miramar beach was given a rest this time the High Court order was implemented in letter and spirit. Hence there was lack of enthusiasm. But last Saturday Sunday and this Sunday too there were milling crowds just to take a look -- you know the Goan tendency if Atul can see why not Anthony. Then many are not filmi buffs they went to get a glimpse of the actor actresses just to have a close looka but the SECURITY pronounced in ordinary lingo SAY CU RITY was a dreaded word these North Indians take their jobs seriously and even a mouse had some gun trotting eagle beagled monsters preventing their prized guarded man from the public. This discouraged many from visiting the venue last years experience. Then there were irritants it is well known that Indian films alone and Hindi at that get box offices full not the foreing films but the disgusting thing was any Tom Dick or Harry would enter the multiplex INOX for any foreign movie and half way through walk out or yawn make noises not only depriving the genuine visitors of their viewing but disturbing the genuine viewers Next time the organisors should
[Goanet] TRAFFIC SNARL MARS FEAST AT OLD GOA
-- | Add your name to the CLEAN GOA INITIATIVE | || | by visiting this link and following the instructions therein | || | http://shire.symonds.net/pipermail/goanet/2005-October/033926.html | -- Photos: http://www.goanet.org/gallery/displayimage.php?album=12pos=2 The joyous Feast of St Francis Xavier was celebrated this morning at the Bom Jesus Basilica at Old Goa. St Francis Xavier was born on 7th April 1506 at Navarre in Spain and came to Goa in May 1542. This mass was dedicated to his 500 th birth anniversay next year on 7th April 2006. He died on December 3rd, 1552, and ironically it is the day of his death that is celebrated as the Feast day owing to his attaining sainthood. Next year 3rd December, 2005 being a Sunday the Feast will be celebrated on 4th December, 2006 (Monday) But the celebrations this year were dampened owing to traffic snarls which kept the devotees away from the celebrations. It all started with mismanagement of traffic, first from the Old Goa via Ela and Pilar side where traffic was blocked for over an hour in the early hours of the morning i.e. 0605 a.m. The Masses commenced from 0400 a.m. and those that stayed over night were in a strange dilema on their onward journey home.There were two vehicles which caused the traffic snarl. Later the traffic Police at Pilar diverted the traffic at 0900 hrs from the NH 17 along the newly constructed 9 km bye pass of NH 4A. On covering 5.8 kms on this bye pass the traffic was paralysed both ways and devoutees could not make it to the Eucharistic Feast Mass at 1030 hrs. So grave was the commotion that several devoutees women children young and old several foreigners and the news and TV crew were stranded and some had to travese the three km route on foot. It was ridiculous that the SP Traffic Mr Deshpande could not co-ordinate the traffic movement. The Mass was postponed by 15 minutes to cope up with the situation and eventually started at 1045 a.m. according to the voulunteers. It was Archbishop of Goa Daman His Grace Filipe Neri Ferrao who took note of the grave inconvenience caused to the devoutees and changed the schedule, but not beyond 15 minutes as others who had come from afar and were seated would be put to more inconvenience. The main celebrant was Bishop Allwyn Baretto of Sindhdurg Maharashtra along with Archbishop of Goa Daman Filipe Neri Rodrigues and others. Later there was a special Mass held at 1300 hrs for the benefit of those devoutees who were stranded. Incidentally one does not know the exact reason for such a mess up and it would need investigations at the highest level. It is expected that the authorities at the Paco Patriacal will lodge a formal protest with the Chief Minister over this dilema and demand an enquiry into the episode. In fact the Minister for Transport Mr Pandurang Madkaikar who resides behind the Basilica in a structure that is illegal by all counts as it is within the 100 metres of the ASI notified heritage area ought to have seen that things were in an orderly manner. Even the Home Minister Mr Pratapasing Rane should pull up the Director General of Police and perhaps sack the SP traffic for gross dereliction of duties. Last year the year of the Exposition every thing went smoothly and with the new bye pass on NH4A there was easy flow of traffic which was welcomed by everyone critical otherwise of the ex CM Mr Manohar Parrikar's government. What was the cause for the snarl this year then? Incidentally fingers point out to an incident which took place earlier when a sweet meat kadio bodi from nearby village of Chodan was asked to remove his shop from the corner of the pavement just opposite the Gandhi statue where a police is positioned atop a look out security structure. It is believed that the last minute encroachment by the vendor had the blessings of the powers to be and the local outpost PI Mr V P Karpe manhandled the Church volunteers who forced the exit of the vendor from the unauthorised place. The young PI however did not take kindly to the acts of the Church volunteers and is believed to have preferred the vendor to continue in the same place. But following intervention by other Ministers it is believed that the PI was pulled up and hence it is alleged that the fiasco today could have been his creation though this needs to be investigated. When this writer spoke to several of the traffic police they were unnerved at the situation but placed the blame on some road blockade but clearly they were telling an outright lie. Some two years ago a similar incident took place when the water supply failed
