[Goanet-News] Casino ships line up along the Mandovi, as more join the race
Casino ships line up along the Mandovi, as more join the race From Pamela D'Mello [EMAIL PROTECTED] Panaji, Oct 10: By this October end, three additional ship-based casinos could join an existing fleet of three offshore casinos, marking Goa's entry into a new tourism niche. Two live gaming casinos began soft operations late last month, ending the monopoly of the Sunder Advani owned Casino de Goa. The Leela group's Casino Rio, began ferrying clients last month by boat to its white catamaran, moored midstream in the Mandovi, to meet mandatory offshore conditions. Piramal group owned King's Casino, on board a yacht, also moored midstream, announced itself open in the last week of September. Set to roll shortly, is a casino on board a three storey Mississippi River-type paddle boat, to be operated by Nepal casino pioneer American Richard Tuttle, in collaboration with an Indian partner. Licenses to the MV Pride of Goa were cleared in September, when the state home department issued two fresh casino licenses to Goa Coastal Resorts and Recreation and Victor Hotels and Motels Ltd (now owned by Piramal group's Arrow Webtex). Arrow Webtex's Highstreet Cruises' company has applied for a second offshore casino license as well. The state government has decided to permit six licenses at a Rs 5 crore (Rs 50 million) annual fee, on a first come first served basis. Four licenses have been allotted, while a race is on for the remaining two. Vying for these are V M Salgaocar, who have a paddle boat outfitted for the purpose, and awaiting permissions from the director general of shipping. Zee group's Creative Gaming Solutions is refurbishing a Panamanian vessel in Mumbai for its Maharaja Casino. So far, Sunder Advani, Hotel Leela, Goa Coastal Resorts and Victor Hotels have been granted licenses, sources in the home department confirmed. Meanwhile, Nepal's casino business rivals Richard Tuttle and his former protege partner Rakesh Wadhwa are carving out part of Goa's on and off shore casino operations among themselves. Wadhwa's gaming companies, manage at least three onshore casinos besides ship based ones, while Tuttle's companies are consultants to run another set. The state government meanwhile has yet to frame new legislation to regulate the business. In addition to license fees and excise duties, commercial taxes are levied per entry ticket sold. -- Contact the writer: Pamela D'Mello Cell 9850 461649, Blog at http://pameladmello.wordpress.com and see http://www.youtube.com/user/pameladmello
[Goanet-News] Goa archbishop to visit Oman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah
PROGRAMME OF THE GULF VISIT OF ARCHBISHOP FILIPE NERI FERRAO SULTANATE OF OMAN 1. Oct 08 (Wednesday) – Arrival in Muscat. Blesses the sick at the Church in Ruwi. Mass in English and Meeting with the Goan community at Ghala Church. 2. Oct 09 (Thursday) – Mass in English at Ruwi Church. Meets the Goan community there and addresses the Youth, the Catechists and Catechism children. 3. Oct 10 (Friday) – Masses in Konkani and English at Ruwi Church. Cultural Programme. Leaves for Dubai at 2.30 p.m. U.A.E. 1. Oct 10 (Friday) – Arrival in Dubai. Visits the Parish Church. Attends Goan Inter-Village Football Finals. 2. Oct 11 (Saturday) – Meets the Goan Sodality Core Team, various Club heads and others. Celebrates Konkani Mass at Dubai Parish Church. 3. Oct 12 (Sunday) – Travels to Fujairah, celebrates Mass in English and meets the Goan community. 4. Oct 13 (Monday) – Travels to Ras Al Khaimah, celebrates Mass in Konkani and meets the Goan community. 5. Oct 14 (Tuesday) – Returns to Dubai. City tour. Evening: Visits Jebel Ali Parish where he celebrates Konkani Mass and meets the Goan community. 6. Oct 15 (Wednesday) – Travels to Abu Dhabi: Konkani Mass and Cultural Programme. Visits the Bishop of Arabia. 7. Oct 16 (Thursday) – Travels to Sharjah and meets the Goan community. Konkani Mass and Cultural Programme. 8. Oct 17 and 18 – In Dubai. Celebrates Mass for over 3000 Catechism Children and another Konkani Mass. Oct 18: Celebrates Mass and addresses the Youth in English. Felicitation Programme and Dinner with the Goan Community. 9. Oct 19 (Sunday) -- Leaves Dubai for India at 10 a.m.
[Goanet] FEPPI BODDEI NIZ GOENKARs JOE-GOA-UK ANI BOSCO D'MELLO! VIVA!
1) Mogall Joe-Goa-UK, Devan tujer ani tuje familicher aplim kurpechim beddsanvam ghalun tuka bore bolaiken dovorlear puro mhun magtam! May you always continue with good health and happiness, so we can be happy too watching your latest Konkani videos, Tiatr, songs and photos and hear Konkani songs, etc right away as it happens in Goa! We need more people like you! Arre Baba, Goenkarank kettam murre Joe-Goa-UK? Last April when I came to Goa, first thing I did was to email you inviting you to meet me in Miramar, as you were just there next door, and still YOU DECLINED TO MEET ME. KESSO PICASSAUM RE ANI OFFENCE RE MAKA. Ani oilean mutta, mak mellear soglea mellom potto munnu? Esh korop murre amkam? Anyway I respect your decision for your privacy. Anyway later I met with Fred and we went for that xit-koddi just close to Venite and we had a great time there. Like you said may be in 4 years w'll meet each other when you said you will take out that rupnnem of yours! Good luck! Good health and God bless you Joe-Goa-UK. 2) Dear Bosco, Wishing you too a Very Happy Birthday. May you too continue doing for Goa and Goan culture all the good things and free things that you do on your own, even when you don't have the time. We admire you and love you and are very grateful! So double shot of fenni tonite! VIVA GOA! Silviano _
[Goanet] The Printed Word: 1961, an (almost) official look at Goa's story
1961, an (almost) official look at Goa's story It's time Goa undertook some realistic and unemotional views of its recent past, writes Frederick FN Noronha, in a review of some recent books on the region. On the internet, a friend wrote: Always interested in Operation Vijay and the inherent secrets therein. He had heard about the release this month of the book 'Operation Vijay: The Ultimate Solution'. Nearly five decades after 1961, we are still struggling to understand a military, political and de-colonisation experience in context. Shrikant Y Ramani's latest book, out on the weekend, is a hardbound, 402-page, Rs 495 priced book. It is published by the 18th June Road-based Broadway Book Centre. (ISBN 978-81-905716-6-1) To start with, the book says, This book is dedicated to (the) sons and daughters of this country who dedicated themselves to break the last shackles holding our motherland in bondage. And the valiant armed forces who liberated our Goa in (a) swift action during Operation Vijay. Ramani's book is suffused with nationalism, in times when ultra-nationalism has become suspect. The preface, for instance, ends with a Vande Mataram. Nothing wrong with that, but it just gives a hint of the author's ideological approach on an issue which we are still yet to adequately understand related to Goa. There is even a thank you to the INS Gomantak naval authorities for permitting the photography of the memorial to the fallen seamen at Angediv. Of this book's 15 chapters, three are background on the Portuguese enclaves in India, and the 1947-1961 tug-of-war in a just-then decolonising world. Chapter IV is about Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and the Satyagraha of 1955. Other chapters focus at the provocation from Angediv, the Portuguese plans for the defense of the Estado Portugues da India (sic), and quite elaborate details of the military operations. The strong point of this book is probably the plethora of military details that emerge from it. Maps and images scattered across its pages add value to it. But it would certainly be better if Ramani had put the past where it belongs, and taken a more distanced view of 1961. Of course, historiography has its own politics. The choice of BJP leader of the Opposition Manohar Parrikar to release the book is a statement in itself. Goans, regardless of their political views, are probably still searching for valid explanations into their recent past. In cyberspace, here's a translation of an article that tells the Portuguese side of the story: goancauses.com/gabriel_figueiredo/ It is now time to go beyond sides, and get more academic research. APPIKO, AND MORE When I rang into Pandurang Hegde recently, we revived an old friendship. He mentioned to me that it was 25 years since the Appiko movement had been organised in North Karnataka, close to Goa. It has been almost the same period of time that I entered journalism. As a young scribe then, one had kept track of Appiko, which incidentally means 'hug the trees' in the local dialect. It is the South India equivalent of the Chipko movement that is more famous across the globe. These issues are relevant to us in Goa. We can learn about social protest, and the experiences of others. Moreover, any stone falling in our neighbourhood could have ripples in Goa too. One cannot understand migration into Goa without looking at the violence against the poor (not necessarily physical, but even in terms of a destruction of their livelihood) in the rural areas outlying our region. 'Paradise Lost... Almost' is a 50-page well-illustrated book on the Western Ghats on an as is where is basis. It is a travelogue, assessment and analysis by Dr Sudhirendar Sharma, who one earlier knew as the science editor of the Vinod Mehta-edited Pioneer, if one recalls rightly. It lists its information under four well-illustrated sections -- perceptions, The Sahyadris, the diagnosis, and what next? Sharma writes, This report is not about John Milton but about forces that haven't yet ceased to exist. In contrast, these have returned with vengeance in the most pristine of natural settings, the tropical forests of the Western Ghats, the proverbial Garden of Eden. It touches on themes ranging from saving traditional honeybees of the region, the disparate and diverse nature of the Western Ghats (spread across many states), the need for comprehensive Western Ghat perspectives, diverse food items, adapting land and water and work to local needs, rich biodiversity, the region's role as the monsoon gateway, and threats coming up in the five Ghats states (Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu). For Goa, the latter gets translated into mining, tourism in the wildlife sanctuary, mono-culture plantations, and river diversion plans. This is a book worth reading, for anyone with an interest in the environment. Publishers: Prakruti, Hulemalgi Brothers, Chowkimath, Sirsi 581401, Uttara Kannada, Karnataka [EMAIL PROTECTED] JAAI For a place
Re: [Goanet] Nostalgia #26
Isn't this the site where some Polish princess is supposed to have been buried? --- On Fri, 10/10/08, Francis Rodrigues [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: Francis Rodrigues [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Goanet] Nostalgia #26 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Received: Friday, 10 October, 2008, 5:18 PM Nostalgia Pic #26 ___ 1957 - 2005: then and now: almost 50 years apart, 2 views of the historic ruins of the Church of St. Augustine in Old Goa. For some reason it actually seems a little greener now, possibly moss and surrounding foliage. Constructed through the joint efforts of 12 Augustian Friars, the church was completed by 1602 AD. Interestingly they eventually ran afoul of the authorities, and a ban was imposed by the Portuguese government against the Augustines. The church and the convent thereafter were deserted, only this lofty 46-metre high tower, one of four, remains. There were eight richly adorned chapels and four altars, and the convent had numerous cells and artistic columns attached to the church. http://2008goanconvention.com/nostalgia.php Pics: courtesy used by request - moitas61 on flickr; suresh_krishna; FR _ Make the switch to the world#39;s best email. Get Yahoo!7 Mail! http://au.yahoo.com/y7mail
[Goanet] Cardinal Gracias Suffering From Cancer (SAR News)
*Cardinal Gracias Suffering From Cancer* *By SAR NEWS* *MUMBAI, **Maharashtra** (SAR NEWS) --* Cardinal Oswald Gracias, the Archbishop of Bombay, is suffering from a rare form of cancer, it was revealed here. The 63-year-old prelate underwent surgery in Washington, September 18. His illness, which was kept confidential till last week, was made public by Auxiliary Bishop Bosco Penha of Bombay. The news was also published in the archdiocese's official weekly 'Examiner'. The cancer is said to have affected the archbishop's appendix. In the circular posted on the archdiocesan website October 4, Bishop Penha said, I feel sad and distressed to inform the clergy, the religious and the faithful of the archdiocese that Cardinal Oswald is suffering from health problems. Some weeks ago, he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, for which the best treatment available is in Washington (United States). At that time it was thought better to keep the matter confidential. The surgery took place on Thursday September 18, 2008 and we are informed that he is responding well to the treatment. Keeping in mind the importance of Cardinal Oswald's position in the archdiocese (as archbishop), in the country (as president of the CCBI and vice-president of the CBCI) and in the Universal Church (he is now cardinal), it is imperative that we enter into a period of fervent and sustained prayer for Cardinal Oswald's quick return to complete health and strength. I request that all parishes conduct a holy hour as soon as possible for this intention. He is a young Cardinal and needed in the Church for many more years to come. Archdiocese's spokesperson Father Anthony Charanghat said that before the archbishop left for Rome, he was diagnosed with cancer and it was suggested that he get treated in Washington. The cancer was in the initial stages and there is no cause for worry. Cardinal Gracias is expected to leave Washington for Rome on October 18 and will return to Mumbai 10 days later.
[Goanet] An interesting article
Mario Goviea wrote: Unfortunately, Francois Gautier is like a drive-by attacker - he hits and then he runs and hides. I have had to rebutt his bile before, and the reprobate never responds. However, instead of questioning Anil's motives and bloviating on Goanet where he will never see what you think, why haven't more of you written directly to him and systematically demolished his absurd and fact-free ideas? That is precisely why I had included his email address when I posted my response to him. Comment: I must congratulate you for your very succint post to Francois Gautier. I am not surprised that he never replies. He just cannot. He doesn't have legs to stand on. This is typical of all these hindutvawadis. They thrive on brainwashed minds. However, I was a bit surprised to find Dr Anil Desai posting such thrash. I somehow expected something better from him. He too has yet to respond to the questions I placed before him. This time I will not be surprised if he too runs and hides. Regards, Marshall -- Will the all new Indica Vista zip ahead of the Suzuki Swift? Read the expert review on Zigwheels.com http://zigwheels.com/b2cam/reviewsDetails.action?name=Ro11_20080829path=/INDT/Reviews/Ro11_20080829page=1pagecount=9
[Goanet] I heart Aparanta
I heart Aparanta Been there, bought the Goan T-shirt By Cecil Pinto Once again I met up with my entrepreneur friend Michael D'Costa who insisted that I accompany him to his workshop and warehouse in Moira. The signboard said - APARANTA T-SHIRTS. The slogan below read 'For Goans, with love' You see Cecil I looked around and saw only two types of T-shirts. One is the type sold to tourists, which basically says 'I love Goa'. The other has the name of some sports team or maybe something cryptic like 'Just do it' or 'Kerosene' or… Michael, surely you mean 'Diesel'? Whatever, my point being that why should we Goans be doing free advertising for some alien brand or even celebrating somebody like Che Guevara? We have our own Goan heroes and slogans and art and folklore. Why don't we celebrate ourselves? By this time we were inside Michael's gigantic warehouse which had row after row of racks with folded t-shirts. Through a glass partition we could see the workshop where uniformed women were busy manually screen printing T-shirts. Beyond that were closeted cubicles with lots of energetic smart people huddled around computer screens. Basically, explained Michael, all orders are received online through our website. Our Chintop Department creates images and slogans for our T-shirts. Wow! You have the silhouette of the Abbe Faria statue on these T-shirts! Yes. That's our very popular Hip-No-Tic range, with kaleidoscopic backgrounds. In the Amcho Munis range we have caricatures of T B Cunha, Jack Sequeira, Bandodkar, Kosambi, Loyola, Gaitonde, De Mello … Don't you have any contemporary politicians featured on T-shirts? Come Cecil, we celebrate greatness – not greed. But we do have a 'On what grounds?' slogan printed on a backdrop of the Fatorda Stadium with a church on a hill in the background. Walking down another well stocked passage Micheal gestures, Our extensive Kala Sutra range of T-shirts has works by, and line drawing of, Mario Miranda, Fonseca, Souza, Pai, Theodore Mesquita, Kambli, Qureozito Liesl, Rajan, Nirupa, Sonia, Chaitali, Morajkar, Antonio, Usapkar, Yolanda, Subodh, Harshada, Viraj, Alexyz… just everyone who matters in Goan art – even Vivek Menezes. In the Konn-Temporary range we have living legends like Mashelkar, Oscar Rebello, Isabel Vas, Nandakumar, Tomazinho, Teotonio, Percival, Wendell… Who is this spectacled guy with a large beard checking his mail on a Blackberry while riding his motorcycle? That's Frederick Noronha, the Che Guevara of the Goan Internet generation. Speaking of which we have cryptic bi-lingual slogans for the younger generation. Meaning? Like take this one, 'Voir Tujem!' which translates as 'Up yours!'. Only Goans get it. We also have 'Ton munshya, kitem ek jodd dekhavo!' which is 'Hay man, what a heavy scene!' Here's the latest one, 'Tond Pustok Fator!' What? Facebook rocks! Ha! Our E-Sport range celebrates Goans like Leander Paes, Ivana Furtado, Brahmanand, Bruno etc. For some reason the T-shirt with Climax Lawrence's name printed bold is very popular among foreigners. Give me two, small size, of Ivana for my sons. Hope she inspires them to greatness. And for you, Cecil? We have the Boroi-Now range featuring caricatures of Maria Aurora, Margaret, Damodar Mauzo, Lambert, Uday Bhembre, Victor Rangel, Pundalik Naik, Peter Nazareth… Naaah! Those people write literature. I identify with entertainers. Don't you have a tiatrists range? Of course we do!, says Michael as he leads me down yet another passage. In fact one of our t-shirts has 'Hanv Goenkar' in the front and 'Tu Konn?' at the back and is popular for all the wrong reasons. It was actually from our Ti-Artiste range that celebrated popular tiartists and tiatr lore. Another popular one had Prince Jacob's face with 'Padre mia!' below it. Here's a selection which just has classic tiatr posters printed on T-shirts. This particular one 'Cun Head' is also very popular with foreigners for some reason. Look at this! I instantly fell in love with and bought the T-shirt with a line drawing of Charlie Chaplin with my hero Jacinto Vaz's face superimposed. Michel tells me that M Boyer, Chris Perry, Lata, Alfred Rose, August Braganza, Roberto Alvares etc will feature in the 'entertainment' section which is still being developed. The T-shirts in this section have slogans that were initially printed with overseas Goans in mind. Take this one for example. Imagine walking down a busy street in Toronto with 'Paad Poddom!' on your t-shirt. Only a fellow Goenkar would understand and acknowledge your presence. Here we have 'Dukra, mhojea bhava', 'Dukni, mhoje bhoine', 'Kitem poitai, modem?'… We also printed some in Devnagri script hoping to get some Government grants but nobody is buying those T-shirts. The funny thing is now Goans in Goa are buying these same T-shirts to identify each other from the influx of non-Goans. Isn't it curious that you will find migrant labourers wearing T-shirts saying 'Babush' or
[Goanet] Devan Dilem Denvcharan Velem - Joke
*Devan Dilem Denvcharan Velem - Joke* a href= http://edwardlopes7.multiply.com/video/item/230/Devan_Dilem_Denvcharan_Velem_-_Joke_02Devan Dilem Denvcharan Velem - Joke 02/a *GOENCHE SOTH - KONKANI SONG VIDEO* a href= http://edwardlopes7.multiply.com/video/item/227/GOENCHE_SOTH_-_KONKANI_SONG_VIDEOGOENCHE SOTH - KONKANI SONG VIDEO/a Visit my website on MULTIPLY http://edwardlopes7.multiply.com
Re: [Goanet] What To Do In Falling Markets - Off topic
One analyst quoted by the BBC International webiste today, has put it very succinctly: QUOTE We're way beyond fundamentals, said Chris Orndorff, head of equity strategy at Payden Rygel, in Los Angeles. This is just pure panic, that's all it is. UNQUOTE Roland.
[Goanet] Why the seemingly benign is important in Goa
Dr Anil Desai forwarded an interesting article by Francois Gautier, which in no uncertain terms told us that Christians themselves were to be blamed for the recent atrocities committed in Orissa and Karnataka. It takes a certain amount of courage to forward a right-wing article just weeks after Christians had suffered the worst attacks against them in the recent history of India, or possibly in the history of India. If Hindutva propaganda elsewhere is to be believed, the ultimate goal of Christian conversions is to render India a Christain state with Sonia Gandhi as its Christain head of state. A few months ago, Dr Anil was grossly offended by Miguel Braganza, who inadvertently mispoke and said Parikar was of one particular Hindu affiliation when infact he was of another. Dr Anil demanded an apology from Miguel, saying he had offended Hindu sensibilities across the spectrum. Was forwarding such an article considered a balm on Christian sensitivities? Rajan Parrikar, profusely thanked Anil Desai for his assistance in putting together the Parrikar interview. For anyone who thinks that Manohar Parriker comes to us with clean hands, distanced from any right-wing sentiment or funding, please follow the trail and all will be crystal clear. selma
[Goanet] Busting a monopoly: HERALD(Goa), Oct 10, 2008
BUSTING A MONOPOLY By Valmiki Faleiro (Published: HERALD, October 10, 2008) It was the early Eighties. Happy days were here again for Goa's first English-language daily, The Navhind Times (NT). After a brief challenge of being the only English- language daily, from Goa Monitor in the late Sixties, the NT had just staved off another. West Coast Times (WCT), launched in July 1978, blazed a luminous trail in quality journalism, but, like a comet, after a brief showing, vanished into oblivion. NT was once more a smug monopoly. A slave of the economic thought of Adam Smith, David Ricardo and John Stuart Mill, or our very own Nani Palkhivala, JRD Tata and MR Pai, I have been a votary of free enterprise and competition; and allergic to monopolies. A monopoly is bad for any consumer. And infinitely worse if it’s a crucial commodity that helps mould a society's opinion. I had been speaking to some wealthier Goans, sharing my idea of launching a broadsheet weekly, that would, over a period, be converted to a full-fledged daily. But, not many Goan businessmen I was in touch with were willing to risk any substantial venture capital. It was around this time, June 1983, if I recall the month correctly, that a mutual friend in the printing business in Mumbai and Goa, told me that AC Fernandes, Patrao of the Panjim stationer Casa JD Fernandes, was toying with the idea of an English-language daily. He suggested I discuss my ideas with Mr Fernandes. AC Fernandes wasn't a mineowner; but he was a shrewd businessman. He had purchased Goa's only existing Portuguese-language daily, O Heraldo. Moreover, the Patrao had his priorities right. His love Goa and her way of life, his concern about increasing corruption in Goa's polity, and his aspirations for rightful honour to our mother tongue, Konknni, were transparently genuine. Over lunch at the AC Fernandes residence at Santa Cruz one rainy Sunday, the Patrao, his demure wife and sons, John, Raul and Oswald, with the mutual friend and I sat across a carefully laid table. I spoke about WCT and why it failed, my ideas for a successful daily and my business plan for the venture. AC Fernandes, I think, was impressed. Thus began a relationship where I did my best to midwife a second English- language daily for Goa -- or almost. The search began for an Editor. Ads were placed in major national dailies. Surprisingly, only about a dozen pros were willing to come to Goa! But the biggest names between them were out of reckoning; they expected salaries that just did not exist in the Goa of those days. Ervell Menezes was our best bet. When I covered Goa for the Indian Express (IE) a couple of years earlier, Ervell was Chief Sub Editor at IE’s Mumbai edition. He was promoted to News Editor, and was in that position at this point of time. I had hoped that Ervell it would be, to launch the new English language Herald as its founding editor. A professional and a Goan, he was a suitable choice. I never met or spoke to Ervell, but Raul did, and Ervell was interested. He had even come to Goa to check things out. Ervell, of course, is around, and it would be for him to say why he finally declined. Then, he said it had something to do with his mother's illness. There was just one last application left in Raul's file. I had not urged its consideration earlier, because the applicant lacked experience with a daily newspaper. His only exposure to a daily was a brief stint at the Financial Express – a business daily, not a mainstream newspaper. His c.v. listed his experience at Mirror, but magazine journalism is not quite the same as a daily newspaper. Besides, for some time, he was into advertising and public relations, at one of Mumbai's lesser-known firms. I convinced AC Fernandes that we should invite the man and take a closer look at his credentials. Rajan was lodged at Panjim's Hotel Mandovi. The parleys went on so long that there was no restaurant open for lunch. Rajan and I had to make do with puri bhaji at Cafe Real. Rajan seemed clever and crafty. But what the heck; the NT too had a clever and resourceful skipper at its helm. I had known Bikram Vohra from my IE days. When posted in Ahmedabad as Resident Editor to take on the formidable Times of India, Bikram came up with off-beat ideas and the slogan: “Keep ahead of the Times, read the Express!” We would need an equally crafty mind, and Rajan fitted the bill. The next morning, we met with the Fernandes’ again, to work out a blueprint for the newspaper's editorial requirements, right down to a list of furniture! In time, Rajan returned to Goa -- bag and baggage. His Mumbai team was to follow once we were staffed and ready to run dummies. At the wooden-floored first storey Herald office opposite Panjim's Municipal Garden, work was on at a feverish pace. Rajan and I conducted interviews for 'subs', reporters and correspondents. We bagged some gifted hands. There was Frederick Noronha
[Goanet] How to Manage Waste on Your Own In Goa - A Guide..
Dear Goanetters, this email is more than a month overdue, so apologies for the same. In an attempt to share practical information in simple waste management techniques, I've started an interactive column on Gomantak Times that readers can learn from as i'm sharing information that's currently usable and valid. The column appears every Thursday on pg A10, and usually has an environmental focus, so do read it if you are interested and let me have your feedback as well. If any of you would be interested in reading the ones that you missed in print, I've put them up on my blog, so you can view them at the link mentioned below... This is a sincere attempt to get people to something, rather than just create reading material. So please do let me know what you want to know about, or if you have any suggestions, tips, or need any advice in setting up your own waste management plan. Have a nice day! Clinton.. +91 9890936828 Goa Going Green - 11th Sept'08 1st of the series, where I introduce the column, as well as talk about the current status of environmental problems in Goa, partiularly with waste management. http://klintvaz.blogspot.com/2008/10/goa-going-green.html Time to Quantify Your Waste - 19th Sept'08 Following the series, I speak about how one can begin, with a home waste inventory, that makes recycling easier to be done on your own. http://klintvaz.blogspot.com/2008/10/time-to-quantify-your-waste.html A Little Less Conversation, More Action - 25th Sept'08 Probed on by Sorella, the daughter of goanetter Alfred Tavares, I wrote about how easy it is to just start waste management on your own, and I cited examples from my own life and background. http://klintvaz.blogspot.com/2008/09/little-less-conversation-more-action.html Learn the Art of Separation - 3rd Oct'08 Back on topic, I cite examples in Goa where recycling is already happening. I go on to explain how one ought to separate recyclable waste and list the different waste separation categories in Goa. Also a sneak peak of goanetter's Livia Abreu's recycle bin in Portugal! :) http://klintvaz.blogspot.com/2008/10/learn-art-of-separation.html Get on the Recycling Cycle - 9th Oct'08 The latest in the series focuses on comparisons between Recycling in Europe and Goa, and then goes on to specify how one can recycle in Goa, benifits of recycling and various recycling schemes in operation in Goa today. http://klintvaz.blogspot.com/2008/10/get-on-recycling-cycle.html Get on the Recycling Cycle Summer sun down on my back and slurping away some vanilla ice cream, I found myself laying in a green meadow, engaged in a deep conversation on the subject of ‘recycling’ with Sorella, a close friend in Sweden. We were just back from an environmental discussion about consumerism and we were both upset about the continual increasing quantum of waste being produced by us humans world over. While I still think that we ought to first reduce our unnecessary consumption and reuse stuff as far as possible, the concept of recycling makes sustainable sense rather than disposing non organic waste in any other way. “Here in Sweden, we try to recycle as much as we can.” explained my friend. She continued, “We put in our waste into different bins, and the municipality comes by and picks it away. Even bigger items like furniture and electronic appliances get recycled, but then we need to take it to a recycling center instead.” I’ve always tried to find out what happens to inorganic waste in every country that I visit and so, during my travels, I had seen many of these systems operate. In the city of Gothenburg in western Sweden, citizens pay a fixed fee to the municipality for recycling. Similarly, in Zurich, Switzerland, citizens pay as per the quantum of recyclable waste that they individually generate and the city authorities recycle waste for their citizens. In all cases, including in Portugal and Germany, the system worked only if people separated their waste into different categories. Countries similar to ours like Nepal and Egypt may seem years away from catching up, however this is where a lot of interesting developments by concerned individuals seem to take place in the field of recycling. My friends there were surprised to know that here in India, it’s the other way around. Here, we don’t have any recycling system supported or set up by the government. And while we wait for that to happen, a few concerned citizens have already setup informal recycling systems that work better than the west. My friend however, was most interested to learn that we actually get paid to get rid of most of our recyclable waste!! The difference is that recycling is not some new trend or some kind of activity that is imposed by law, as in the west. Here in India, it is a way of life. Recycling seems to be embedded in our Indian genes! Here everybody recycles our newspapers to the nearby grocer, and ensure that old clothes are
[Goanet] [EMAIL PROTECTED] PEN All-India Centre: Distinguished writers condemn continuing attacks on Christians
Dear Editor, The PEN All-India Centre has issued the following statement (please see below), condemning the attacks on Christians in India in recent weeks. Among its signatories are some of India's best known and most public-spirited literary figures: Girish Karnad, Amitav Ghosh, Ramachandra Guha, Kiran Nagarkar, Amit Chaudhuri, Mukul Kesavan, and Suketu Mehta. We would request you, most collegially, to consider carrying this letter in the Letters Column of your publication; or to carry it on your blog or list. With best wishes, Ranjit Hoskote Hon. Secretary-Treasurer The PEN All-India Centre * Dear Editor, We write to express our anguish and outrage at the continuing brutalities visited upon Christian communities and places of worship in Orissa and Karnataka, and elsewhere, as well as at the pusillanimous attitude of our political leaders towards the perpetrators of these atrocities. While the police have stood by and watched churches being desecrated and acts of assault and rape carried out, the Central Government has reacted vigorously only after representatives of the European Union expressed their concern. Apparently, the perceived damage to India's international image is a greater concern than the actual damage that such violence causes to the inclusive, multi-religious and multi-ethnic character of Indian society. This violence is a failure of our political institutions and of civil society. It is a consequence of our failure to uphold the principles of the rule of law, mutual understanding, and civil dialogue. Eventually, such violence does not remain confined to a few clearly targeted victims. Rather, it spreads to engulf and destroy the entire society that spawns it, as is evident in neighbouring Pakistan and Sri Lanka, for instance. The worst contributors to this scenario are politicians who dream of electoral victory at the cost of social catastrophe. The powerful ideal of 'unity in diversity', which has held this country together for six decades, has been seriously imperilled by the use of religious and ethnic prejudice as a political weapon. Intolerance of those different from ourselves, and the abandoning of reasoned discussion to deal with differences, spells the end of the India for which the freedom struggle was waged. More and more of us must come out and say clearly that we do not share the dreams of these cynical opportunists. Their India is not the India we dream of. The India we dream of is a just society, not an aggressive power. We call upon the Indian Government to ensure that hate speech is outlawed from the domain of public discourse. We also call upon the Indian Government to outlaw those political parties which, directly or through their cohorts, promote communal discord and encourage violence. The rule of law implies that every citizen's life is sacred. Let the law act decisively to punish those who perpetrate the appalling crimes of pogrom and murder. Girish Karnad Amitav Ghosh Ramachandra Guha Kiran Nagarkar Amit Chaudhuri Mukul Kesavan Suketu Mehta Ranjit Hoskote Arundhathi Subramaniam Sampurna Chattarji Shobhana Bhattacharji Romesh Bhattacharji Nancy Adajania THE PEN ALL-INDIA CENTRE Contact: Ranjit Hoskote Hon. Secretary-Treasurer The PEN All-India Centre 40 New Marine Lines Bombay 400 020
[Goanet] Goa archbishop to visit Oman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah
PROGRAMME OF THE GULF VISIT OF ARCHBISHOP FILIPE NERI FERRAO SULTANATE OF OMAN 1. Oct 08 (Wednesday) – Arrival in Muscat. Blesses the sick at the Church in Ruwi. Mass in English and Meeting with the Goan community at Ghala Church. 2. Oct 09 (Thursday) – Mass in English at Ruwi Church. Meets the Goan community there and addresses the Youth, the Catechists and Catechism children. 3. Oct 10 (Friday) – Masses in Konkani and English at Ruwi Church. Cultural Programme. Leaves for Dubai at 2.30 p.m. U.A.E. 1. Oct 10 (Friday) – Arrival in Dubai. Visits the Parish Church. Attends Goan Inter-Village Football Finals. 2. Oct 11 (Saturday) – Meets the Goan Sodality Core Team, various Club heads and others. Celebrates Konkani Mass at Dubai Parish Church. 3. Oct 12 (Sunday) – Travels to Fujairah, celebrates Mass in English and meets the Goan community. 4. Oct 13 (Monday) – Travels to Ras Al Khaimah, celebrates Mass in Konkani and meets the Goan community. 5. Oct 14 (Tuesday) – Returns to Dubai. City tour. Evening: Visits Jebel Ali Parish where he celebrates Konkani Mass and meets the Goan community. 6. Oct 15 (Wednesday) – Travels to Abu Dhabi: Konkani Mass and Cultural Programme. Visits the Bishop of Arabia. 7. Oct 16 (Thursday) – Travels to Sharjah and meets the Goan community. Konkani Mass and Cultural Programme. 8. Oct 17 and 18 – In Dubai. Celebrates Mass for over 3000 Catechism Children and another Konkani Mass. Oct 18: Celebrates Mass and addresses the Youth in English. Felicitation Programme and Dinner with the Goan Community. 9. Oct 19 (Sunday) -- Leaves Dubai for India at 10 a.m.
[Goanet] Daily Grook #243
DAILY GROOK #243 ___ ZIPPY V.P. ___ by Francis Rodrigues sara palin got into nascar? you know what, alaska! __ puns word-play of all kinds, if you read between the lines! _ http://2008goanconvention.com/nostalgia.php _
[Goanet] Nostalgia #26
Nostalgia Pic #26 ___ 1957 - 2005: then and now: almost 50 years apart, 2 views of the historic ruins of the Church of St. Augustine in Old Goa. For some reason it actually seems a little greener now, possibly moss and surrounding foliage. Constructed through the joint efforts of 12 Augustian Friars, the church was completed by 1602 AD. Interestingly they eventually ran afoul of the authorities, and a ban was imposed by the Portuguese government against the Augustines. The church and the convent thereafter were deserted, only this lofty 46-metre high tower, one of four, remains. There were eight richly adorned chapels and four altars, and the convent had numerous cells and artistic columns attached to the church. http://2008goanconvention.com/nostalgia.php Pics: courtesy used by request - moitas61 on flickr; suresh_krishna; FR _
[Goanet] Birthday special: Am I a fool o what?
Click on pics for bigger view Birthday Special: Am I a fool o what? http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk5/2431729609/ About 4 years ago, me and this young Rosy (name changed) were good (I mean close) friends. At first, we exchanged emails, Instant Chats, SMS, Pics etc etc. After about 6 months we met in Goa for the first time (I was in UK remember?). We were so nervous that both of us had developed sort of inferiority complexes i.e. each of us thought ‘you are too good and I am not’ First meeting lasted only 10 minutes. Few hours later, I got a txt saying ‘very sorry, I know I am not as per your expectations’. I was bit over the top but again I was confused as the SMS could mean the other way round. I replied ‘but I like you a lot’, then comes ’Really?’ – ‘Yes’ - then again ‘Do you really mean that?’- ‘yes, I do’ Then come the ‘miss call’ And we exchanged al least 10 miss calls. I took courage, and phoned (I mean, not a miss call this time). It was night time around 8pm – My entire Rs.500 worth talk time vanished (pre-paid mobile I mean). Then her 150 worth gone. I have no other way to talk now. At around 11pm I got a call with a very soft or low voice this time, this is because the call was made from the landline (from living room) while everybody else in the house were sleeping. My cell battery run down now.. I quickly plugged it to a charger and we continued till 5am. Would you believe? We were on phone for about 9 hours almost non-stop. What we were really talking about? I am sure, you too ( I mean most of you) have been there some way or the other, so I wont discussed it all here. One of the things we discussed was next meeting, I mean the next day which was the same day around noon. Then what? Ans: MOG. Foddekant mog, zumzumit mog, ekdom forrr mog. Kitem re mog amcho boom boom, tara-rara boom-boom-boom We met everyday for 6 days Why not more than 6 days? I had to go back to UK remember? Our next meet was after about 5 months then 4 months then again 4 months. At this time ‘mogacho zata fog’ The two things always worried me: 1. The huge age gap 2. The parents, the religion etc I took a silly issue (like an excuse) and decided finish it once for all. So, did it with style. I mean, I did it via SMS. ‘Sorry. It’s all over, I mean, you me’ (she knew that I was upset with her for some reason), she replied back. ‘I know you are joking’ – ‘I am not’ – ‘Do you really mean that?’ – ‘yes, I do’ After that, for more than 2 years, I received so many mails, birthday wishes, sms and even phone calls but I did not bother to respond any—because I was trying to forget the 'mog' we ever had. However, few weeks ago (after about 4 years), I had txt her to wish her on the festival and as there was no reply, then I sent an email of which I got no reply either. By doing so, I was only trying to say 'hi' to her and had no intetion to get back to her again. http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk5/2431727319/ Recently, I found another one. I spotted her in Margao while waiting for her bus around 6.30pm. Her simplicity/style, decency, quietness etc made me to fall for her. Although I was there for about 7 days (travelling by bus over 20+20kms everyday), she only found out on the 3rd day that I am actually after her. On the 4th day I took some courage – ‘Hi. You working in Margao o what?’ – ‘yes’ - ‘you always go by this bus?’ – ‘yes’ that’s it… (the bus just come). 5th day, I had a good chance…. She was alone, I mean there were no one around. ‘Hi’ then again ‘hi, what happen?’ –‘nothing’ - ‘Look I want to be your friend, just friend’ – ‘sorry’ - ‘at least go for a cup of tea somewhere’ – ‘sorry, may be some other time’ Her ‘May be some other time’ gave me high hopes that there is a chance.. 6th day. It seemed that she was trying to ignore me this time. I said ‘ Am I harassing you?’ – ‘no answer’ - ‘will you come a cup of tea today/now?’ – ‘no’ - Is that no for just today or always?’ - ‘always’ - I said ‘thanks’ and disappeared. I really felt it so bad. Actually, I am a very sentimental person. Even when going for weddings and when I ask a girl ‘may I have a pleasure of dance with you?’ and if she says ‘sorry, I am engaged’ (here, ‘engaged’ means already booked for the next dance) I used to feel it bad and I would not go to or try next one. http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk4/262067315/ But I would still not give up on this ‘Modgovam bosi prasar mog’ 7th day We had a long conversation this time. Actually, I manage to trace where she works. There we spoke about 10 minutes. I said ‘just want to be your friend, just to talk’ - ‘there is nothing left to talk’ – ‘what you mean? As if we had something before’ – ‘are your Goan?’ - ‘You know very well’ – ‘ how do I know, you never told me nor I ever asked you’ – ‘no answer’ – ‘ I got the message loud and clear. Ok, from now onwards, I will not come in your way, can I walk with you up
[Goanet] Don't Target Converts - article by Michael Pinto
This response is in connection with Message: 1; Dated: Wed, 8 Oct 2008 under subject title as is mentioned above. Writer appears to be pouring his venom towards Hindus in Goa. I request Goanet members not to chop his writing. The writer needs to be given a long rope. Let him drain down and then lets see his intellectual weight thereafter in Goanet!!! ??? Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Dollar rally unstoppable ???
The financial markets are always fickle. However, I cannot say I am unhappy with the current situation, as my dollars buy a lot more than they did 4 or 5 months ago, prompting me to move some of my money into Inian rupees for my living expenses for the next few years and as a hedge against the inevitable decline of the dollar. It will be many months if not years before the world economies get back on track. India with its consevative fiscal policies and a growing economy will begin to attract Foreign Direct Investments again and the inflows will lead to a rise in the value of the rupee vs the dolar. Vivian
[Goanet] SongUZVADD Music Video Album Goan Konkani
a href= http://edwardlopes7.multiply.com/video/item/218/SongUZVADD_Music_Video_Album_Goan_KonkaniSongUZVADD Music Video Album Goan Konkani/a -- Visit my website on MULTIPLY http://edwardlopes7.multiply.com
Re: [Goanet] FEPPI BODDEI NIZ GOENKARs JOE-GOA-UK ANI BOSCO D'MELLO! VIVA!
A very happy birthday to Joe Gonsalves (JoeGoaUK) and Bosco D'Mello. May your stars shine even brighter on the Goan firmament. The last dregs of my feni bottle will be drowned in a toast for you tonight. Roland. Toronto.
[Goanet] Goenkars: No problem with ICICI Bank, says Finance Ministry
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/No_problem_with_ICICI_Bank_says_Finance_Ministry/articleshow/3580341.cms No problem with ICICI Bank, says Finance Ministry 10 Oct 2008, 1414 hrs IST,AGENCIES NEW DELHI: The government on Friday said there is no problem with the leading private sector lender ICICI Bank, shares of which tumbled more than 20 per cent in the early trade, while the bank asserted it had adequate rupee liquidity. We do not see any problem with the ICICI Bank, said a senior Finance Ministry official, adding, all Indian banks are well-capitalised and well-regulated. He added the Capital Adequacy Ratio of each bank is above 10 per cent, well above the regulatory requirement of nine per cent. ICICI Bank Joint Managing Director and CFO Chanda Kochhar said the bank is facing no liquidity crisis and has as much as Rs 12,000 crore liquidity even in international markets and the bank does not use rupee liquidity to find the growth of its international operations. Stepping in to clarify rumours that have lead to a near 26 per cent dip in the ICICI Bank stocks on Friday, Kochhar said: We have no sizable international investments and the ones that are present are in the form of international loans to Indian companies to fund their international operations. As far as the UK subsidiary is concerned, yes we have investments but the exposure is very small for a company with a networth of Rs 47,000 crore. Commenting on rumours that ICICI Bank's exposure is large as it has given easy loans with inadequate collaterals in form of shares, and with the shares taking a beating, the Bank's loss may be more than is made obvious, Kochhar said: All the loans are secure and we have enough cash against them that will help us tide over any uncertainly in their share values. Our NPAs are zero even in the UK subsidiary and we have a cash collateral of $45 million from Bumi on a loan amount of $100 million, which is being cited as a risky case for ICICI Bank in UK, she added. -- DEV BOREM KORUM. Gabe Menezes. London.
[Goanet] Brilliant Goenkar's skewed thinking
Along with the other flawed pro-US and pro-Christianity writings the fertile award winning imagination of this niz Goenkar has produced (like What's so Great About America) , I stumbled across one of his earliest seminal works The End of Racism: Principles for a Multiracial Society. Here is a critique: http://www.vdare.com/pb/dsouza.htm Putting stray thoughts cogitations into print with some slick editing- Dinesh discovered early on the path to millionaire land. Write a book with a feel good factor and inherent human (American?) bigotry will ring in the profits.
[Goanet] Casino ships line up along the Mandovi, as more join the race
Casino ships line up along the Mandovi, as more join the race From Pamela D'Mello [EMAIL PROTECTED] Panaji, Oct 10: By this October end, three additional ship-based casinos could join an existing fleet of three offshore casinos, marking Goa's entry into a new tourism niche. Two live gaming casinos began soft operations late last month, ending the monopoly of the Sunder Advani owned Casino de Goa. The Leela group's Casino Rio, began ferrying clients last month by boat to its white catamaran, moored midstream in the Mandovi, to meet mandatory offshore conditions. Piramal group owned King's Casino, on board a yacht, also moored midstream, announced itself open in the last week of September. Set to roll shortly, is a casino on board a three storey Mississippi River-type paddle boat, to be operated by Nepal casino pioneer American Richard Tuttle, in collaboration with an Indian partner. Licenses to the MV Pride of Goa were cleared in September, when the state home department issued two fresh casino licenses to Goa Coastal Resorts and Recreation and Victor Hotels and Motels Ltd (now owned by Piramal group's Arrow Webtex). Arrow Webtex's Highstreet Cruises' company has applied for a second offshore casino license as well. The state government has decided to permit six licenses at a Rs 5 crore (Rs 50 million) annual fee, on a first come first served basis. Four licenses have been allotted, while a race is on for the remaining two. Vying for these are V M Salgaocar, who have a paddle boat outfitted for the purpose, and awaiting permissions from the director general of shipping. Zee group's Creative Gaming Solutions is refurbishing a Panamanian vessel in Mumbai for its Maharaja Casino. So far, Sunder Advani, Hotel Leela, Goa Coastal Resorts and Victor Hotels have been granted licenses, sources in the home department confirmed. Meanwhile, Nepal's casino business rivals Richard Tuttle and his former protege partner Rakesh Wadhwa are carving out part of Goa's on and off shore casino operations among themselves. Wadhwa's gaming companies, manage at least three onshore casinos besides ship based ones, while Tuttle's companies are consultants to run another set. The state government meanwhile has yet to frame new legislation to regulate the business. In addition to license fees and excise duties, commercial taxes are levied per entry ticket sold. -- Contact the writer: Pamela D'Mello Cell 9850 461649, Blog at http://pameladmello.wordpress.com and see http://www.youtube.com/user/pameladmello
[Goanet] Dollar rally unstoppable
Gabe Menezes gabe.menezes at gmail.com Thu Oct 9 03:45:02 PDT 2008 Dollar rally unstoppable...please read on:- http://uk.reuters.com/article/stocksNews/idUKLNE49800O20081009 I have already written on this - Perhaps the Financial People are also reading Goanet! On September 26, 2008, Mervyn Lobo wrote: http://lists.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet-goanet.org/2008-September/081143.html What is worth reading now is that the US has been debauching its economy for the past eight years as: 1) A currency is only valuable if it is in limited supply. 2) Lowering interest rates effectively devalues your currency. 3) No country, ever, has built a strong economy on a weak currency. 4) Printing more bank notes leads to inflation. 5) And sometimes, STAGFLATION. If you think the above makes sense, look for a instrument other than the US dollar to store your wealth. Mario observes: Mervyn, I guess it does not make sense to anyone other than you in the financial markets based on the report that Gabe has just posted above:-)) Excerpt from the report posted by Gabe above: A dwindling supply of U.S. dollars in foreign exchange markets has been making the greenback more expensive to buy relative to other currencies. And at the same time, the greenback has also regained its status as a safe haven asset, in part due to deteriorating economic outlooks elsewhere in the world. The U.S. dollar just rounded out its best quarter against the euro, the British pound and the Swiss franc since 1992. At the same time, the greenback regained some of its status as a safe haven asset as global jitters intensified and the credit crunch spread through European banks. The dollar has come back big time, said Samarjit Shankar, director for global strategy at The Bank of New York Mellon in Boston. Sentiment on the currency has shifted and investors, in particular from the U.S., have been sending money back home selling pretty much everything else along the way. [end of excerpt]
[Goanet] Build up Zero Chances within Zero Tolerance
Dr. U. G. Barad wrote: Writer appears to be pouring his venom towards Hindus in Goa and equally says he does not except GIFT!! What as joke!!! Comment: 1.I was not aware that Dr Barad represents all the Hindus of Goa. Thank you for this invaluable information. Where he saw the venom in his infertile mind is best known to him. Dr UGB wrote: ...when he has already accepted the gift..and not even had the courtesy to thank or otherwise for the wonderful gift he received?? Comment: Please do not speak in riddles. I am too dense to understand. I would appreciate if you could kindly put it in plain simple language. Dr UGB wrote: I request Goanet members not to chop his writing until he drains his intellectual weight? Comment: Sorry, I do not understand your pharmalogical english. Pl speak in English english. Dr UGB wrote: The writer needs to be given a long rope.and only there after..!!!??? Comment: Is this a threat? This is my last post on this thread. I do not wish to waste my time and that of other goanetters on inane matters. Let sleeping dogs lie. Regards, Marshall [Goanet] Build up -- Will the all new Indica Vista zip ahead of the Suzuki Swift? Read the expert review on Zigwheels.com http://zigwheels.com/b2cam/reviewsDetails.action?name=Ro11_20080829path=/INDT/Reviews/Ro11_20080829page=1pagecount=9
Re: [Goanet] The Printed Word: 1961, an (almost) official look at Goa's story
--- On Fri, 10/10/08, Goanet News [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: Goanet News [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Goanet] The Printed Word: 1961, an (almost) official look at Goa's story To: Goa's premiere mailing list, estb. 1994! goanet@lists.goanet.org, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Received: Friday, 10 October, 2008, 11:48 PM 1961, an (almost) official look at Goa's story It's time Goa undertook some realistic and unemotional views of its recent past, writes Frederick FN Noronha, in a review of some recent books on the region. ... Nearly five decades after 1961, we are still struggling to understand a military, political and de-colonisation experience in context. ... Other chapters focus at the provocation from Angediv, the Portuguese plans for the defense of the Estado Portugues da India (sic), and quite elaborate details of the military operations. Folks, The past is past, and nothing, sweet or sour, will bring back the past. However, we need to understand that Goa's freedom was not won, nor was India's for that matter. I won't talk about the latter, but suffice to say, the British could no longer trust their well-trained WWII British-Indian armed forces to do their bidding, nor were there enough British officers to go around, and British-India was a large country (just finished watching a documentary on Bose Hitler, which adds credence to what I've just said). Goa's freedom was not won - Goans are a conquered people. Once again. India's use of Force in Goa by Arthur Rubinoff (available in India at Purana books) indicates views from a number of entities, including Communist Russia (a load of exagerated allegations from my point of view). It appears that the October 1961 Afro-Indian seminar turned into an attack on India's Goa policy, which commenced the whole invasion process. Nehru then talked of cases of torture and a wave of terror in Goa. Then came, of course, Nehru's visit to the US, presumably to obtain assurances of support in the event of military action. What followed was an intense but often inaccurate and self-contradictory press campaign designed to make it appear as though Portugal was giving India provocation for an attack. In reality, this clumsy endeavour served to discredit the Indian position... It was reported in the daily [Indian] press that Goa was an armed camp of 12,000 troops, where roads were mined and bridges guarded. In addition, the preposterous claim was advanced that Radio Goa threatened to bomb Indian cities. Indeed, it was even asserted ... that the Portuguese troops raided a village inside the Indian border.. The book states that the magazine Link also published an imaginative story so as to rouse up people on the Indian side, such as ... mass-arrests, flogging and locking up of people unable to comply with army orders. The reality, was of course to seek an excuse to take action in Goa. The book further states that From what they [international journalists] saw, the journalists painted a far different picture than the one presented by the Indian Government. Sir Walter Crocker, the then Australian ambassador to India, in his book Nehru - A Contemporary's Estimate, writes Certain foreign newspapers of standing, like New York Times, the Baltimore Sun, the Daily Telegraph, and the Times, happened to have their correspondents, responsible and trained observers, in Goa at this time ... What struck them all were the lies - 'fantastic lies' was the term used to me by two of them - about the internal situation in Goa being poured out over the Indian radio and in the Indian press prior to and during the invasion. Some of the correspondents doubted if there were any volunteers [supposed to be between 15,000-20,000 volunteers and Goa commandoes at Belgaum ready to invade Goa] at Belgaum at all. One thought there might have been a handful there, mostly clerks and minor political types brought down from Bombay and dressed up for the occasion, for photographic propaganda purposes. ... Most of the Indian newspapers did their best to glorify the invasion, including spreading misinformation about the Portuguese, such as that they had carried out a 'scorched earth policy'. Indian journalists in fact were not allowed into Goa for nearly a week after the invasion.. Carrying on with Rubinoff's book, ... The Portuguese defenders ... numbered less that 3500 that had been stationed in Goa two years before. Those that remained were under no illusions. They constituted a force only large enough to put down an internal uprising, and there was no evidence of such a rebellion. Similarly, evidence in Goa contradicted charges of an imposed curfew, just as it refuted the projected military build-up. In order to assure they would not be responsible for any military contact, the Portuguese forces withdrew from four strategic border positions. Furthermore, they were told not to fire first, but only to defend
Re: [Goanet] Goanet Top Posters (2004/July)
Dear Mario, You are entitled to your opinion, just as the others are entitled to theirs. I believe, that people also change the restaurant they frequent, or change the dish they order, when the original favourrite dish no longer tastes the same [although the menu remains unchanged] ... due to a change in the ingredients or the cook. To the readers goanet is the restaurant and to the posters it is a 'sink' or consumer of their products;it is the Admin Team that is in the kitchen and decides what cook and to serve. -) Mog asundi. Miguel Date: Mon, 6 Oct 2008 23:22:13 -0700 (PDT) From: Mario Goveia [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Goanet] Goanet Top Posters (2004/July) Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Earlier wrote.. I actually know 6 people who have withdrawn their membership from Goanet, Now i occasionally post to goanet...as its no longer the same as 5 years back. Date: Mon, 6 Oct 2008 01:02:13 +0530 (IST) From: Miguel Braganza [EMAIL PROTECTED] I do not know if that calls for introspection by the Admin Team or criticism of the posters. Mario observes: Those who drop out are demonstrating a process called natural selection, whereby people who cannot stand the heat get out of the kitchen. Add more friends to your messenger and enjoy! Go to http://messenger.yahoo.com/invite/
Re: [Goanet] What To Do In Falling Markets - Off topic
Roland Francis wrote: That's changing, now there will be severe regulations put into place. Date: Tue, 7 Oct 2008 20:35:10 -0700 (PDT) From: Mervyn Lobo [EMAIL PROTECTED] Regulations were in place. The current US administration removed them and asked the industry to self-regulate. Mario observes: Here we go again. Another great opportunity to straighten out a false comment, out of context, and educate Goanetters about how the US system of government works. The day-to-day oversight of the US Financial Services industry since early 2007 has been in the hands of the Democrats who control the US Congress, Congressman Barney Frank in the House and Sen. Chris Dodd in the Senate. The latter was also the largest recipient of political contributions from Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac political action committees, with Barack Obama as number two, ostensibly to soften their oversight, which succeeded. In addition, the seeds of the problem were sown in 1977 under the Carter administration and expanded under the Clinton administration which pushed the American banking system to provide home loans to low income Americans to encourage tham to own their own homes instead of renting, often threatening the banks with legal action if they did not lower their credit standards so that more low income people could qualify for a loan. This is vote bank politics no different than what we see in India. When the seven year business cycle slowed, as it always does, many of these people were unable to repay their home loans and the system crashed. Here are two columns written by a respected economist, Thomas Sowell, describing the genesis of the financial crisis. He is currently a senior fellow of the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. http://townhall.com/columnists/ThomasSowell/2008/09/30/bailout_politics http://townhall.com/columnists/ThomasSowell/2008/10/03/do_facts_matter
Re: [Goanet] The Printed Word: 1961, an (almost) official look at Goa's story
Hi Gabriel, Well said. Yes, you are right, the past is the past and there is no going back but it is important that we are all aware of the truth. More and more people are learning about the truth. It is very important to understand the different positions, how the events happened and why. Was Goa rich in natural resources in 1961? Yes, you bet it was and it still is. What should have gone from the hands of the Portuguese to Goan hands in 1961, went instead to Indian hands. The results we are witnessing today with Goa and our identity disappearing from the map. Your references are excellent. Many of these publications were banned in India and many remain banned such as Leo Lawrence's Nehru seizes Goa. Best wishes Paulo. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:goanet- [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Gabriel de Figueiredo Sent: 10 October 2008 15:53 To: Goa's premiere mailing list, estb. 1994! Subject: Re: [Goanet] The Printed Word: 1961,an (almost) official look at Goa's story --- On Fri, 10/10/08, Goanet News [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: Goanet News [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Goanet] The Printed Word: 1961, an (almost) official look at Goa's story To: Goa's premiere mailing list, estb. 1994! goanet@lists.goanet.org, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Received: Friday, 10 October, 2008, 11:48 PM 1961, an (almost) official look at Goa's story It's time Goa undertook some realistic and unemotional views of its recent past, writes Frederick FN Noronha, in a review of some recent books on the region. ...
[Goanet] Goa news for October 11, 2008
Goa News from Google News and Goanet.org Visit http://www.goanet.org/newslinks.php for the full stories. *** Goa bar brawl: three held over death of WA tourist - The Age [20 hours ago] More details have emerged about the Australian tourist killed in a bar brawl in the Indian resort state of Goa. Two waiters and a security guard have been ... http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=Tct=us/0-0fd=Rurl=http://www.theage.com.au/world/goa-bar-brawl-three-held-over-death-of-wa-tourist-20081010-4xxg.htmlcid=1255651276ei=euXvSPCAPYGUhAPXluXPBwusg=AFQjCNH0dqXk1SW_9NnjN7Pbl6HkZ3BjOg *** Goa police to probe against Scarletts mother - Expressindia.com [12 hours ago] Panaji, October 10: Goa police on Friday said it would investigate into the case of neglect filed against British national Fiona Mackeown, mother of slain ... http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=Tct=us/1-0fd=Rurl=http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Goa-police-to-probe-against-Scarlett-s-mother/371721/cid=1256071186ei=euXvSPCAPYGUhAPXluXPBwusg=AFQjCNFoxvAusLuaKYhoqV4o9rm9wqwvpw *** Hard for city duo - The Statesman [1 hour ago] On the other hand, Sporting Clube de Goa are on high after two successive wins over Vasco and Mohammedan Sporting and are looking to keep their momentum ... http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=Tct=us/8-0fd=Rurl=http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=5theme=usrsess=1id=226348cid=1256090338ei=euXvSPCAPYGUhAPXluXPBwusg=AFQjCNGVqlTnJyZSfarILuOICK3JbjcMhg *** Cocktail of cricket, \'masti\' for Aussie fans in India - Sify [11 hours ago] We have already enjoyed the hospitality of Mumbai and Goa before coming to Bangalore. We plan to tour southern and northern parts of India, ... http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=Tct=us/9-0fd=Rurl=http://sify.com/sports/fullstory.php?id=14774315cid=1256205940ei=euXvSPCAPYGUhAPXluXPBwusg=AFQjCNGV46PmFrIXU3OWGG22iA8g2Ud7Ig *** International tourist season kicks off with first flight from ... - TravelBizMonitor [10 hours ago] Goa receives around four lakh foreigners every year, of which majority, almost 42 per cent are Britons. Russians rank second contributing for nine per cent ... http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=Tct=us/6-0fd=Rurl=http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/international-tourist-season-kicks-off-with-first-flight-from-moscow-to-goa-3790cid=1256083091ei=euXvSPCAPYGUhAPXluXPBwusg=AFQjCNFjwdkGkC6RlkWG4cqQBm2PKdo-4Q *** As tourist season starts, Goa fights fresh embarrassment - Indian Express [Oct 9, 2008] John Kellie, who was assaulted in a bar, succumbed to injuries at the Goa Medical College and Hospital here. The last tourist season was marred by the rape ... http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=Tct=us/3-0fd=Rurl=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/As-tourist-season-starts--Goa-fights-fresh-embarrassment/371451cid=1255902498ei=euXvSPCAPYGUhAPXluXPBwusg=AFQjCNGuDiIfThhc7Mh83NCqDunV64_oSQ *** Goa: New Variety of Mongoose Found in Mhadei - Daijiworld.com [12 hours ago] The village borders both the states and is a part of Mhadei wildlife sanctuary, which has majority of forest cover in Goa. The citings attains importance ... http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=Tct=us/7-0fd=Rurl=http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=52161n_tit=Goa%3A+New+Variety+of+Mongoose+Found+in+Mhadeicid=0ei=euXvSPCAPYGUhAPXluXPBwusg=AFQjCNFJqcCLDxgQ-0nvjc2UcfsCUYh2LQ *** Goa Minister\'s son accused of sending lewd SMS - IBNLive.com [2 hours ago] New Delhi: A 14-year-old German girl has accused the son of Goa's Education Minister Atanasio Monserrate's son of sending her obscene SMS. ... http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=Tct=us/4-0fd=Rurl=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/goa-ministers-son-accused-of-sending-lewd-sms/75560-3.htmlcid=1256225368ei=euXvSPCAPYGUhAPXluXPBwusg=AFQjCNFfx7fNY9q7DWSKLo9pxNnYcxm2Dw *** Goa ministers son accused of sending lewd SMSs to German girl - Thaindian.com [6 hours ago] Panaji, Oct 10 (IANS) GoaEducation Minister Atanasio Monserattes son has been accused of sending lewd SMSs to the teenaged daughter of a German national ... http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=Tct=us/5-0fd=Rurl=http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/goa-ministers-son-accused-of-sending-lewd-smss-to-german-girl_100105845.htmlcid=1256156959ei=euXvSPCAPYGUhAPXluXPBwusg=AFQjCNGpx3cOxPMoxh6Wp_4I58HrElI1hw *** Goa medical council flayed for calling qualified doctors quacks - Times of India [22 hours ago] MARGAO: The Goa Board of Indian System of Medicine and Homeopathy (GBISMH ) has severely criticized the survey conducted by the disciplinary and ethics ... http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=Tct=us/2-0fd=Rurl=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Goa/Goa_medical_council_flayed_for_calling_qualified_doctors_quacks_/articleshow/3578513.cmscid=0ei=euXvSPCAPYGUhAPXluXPBwusg=AFQjCNGYLxV1azMXmT-2mHPAW1J32x3POg Compiled by Goanet News Service http://www.goanet.org/newslinks.php
[Goanet] Insufficient Funds - Off topic
Folks, I am told that if you get a cheque back from the bank, nowadays, with an insufficient funds stamped on it, you have to query if it is the account or the bank that has insufficient funds. Mervyn3.0 __ Yahoo! Canada Toolbar: Search from anywhere on the web, and bookmark your favourite sites. Download it now at http://ca.toolbar.yahoo.com.
[Goanet] Brain cells begin a workout
One more comment (from an Indian supposedly in Montreal) has appeared in the ET article on 'Goa's airport needs urgent expansion'. It is as follows:In the final analysis two considerations must override any other: national defence and long term civil aviation development strategy. From both considerations a new airport capable of expansion in phases to meet long-term traffic demand forecast would seem a must. Sub-regional considerations in a relatively small State like Goa should have little relevance. [6 Oct, 2008 2050hrs IST] http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinions/3559253.cms#top0 I tried to respond saying that it is high time India went in for Base Realignment And Closure (BRAC) since the problem at air bases including civil enclaves is a national, not just a local, one. But it does not seem to have been accepted. Does any one have any suggestions regarding the point in the above snippet about 'sub-regional considerations in a relatively small state like Goa'? It gives the impression that Goa is a soft target for arbitrary central government decision making in military and civil aviation matters. _ Search for videos of Bollywood, Hollywood, Mollywood and every other wood, only on Live.com http://www.live.com/?scope=videoform=MICOAL
Re: [Goanet] Damage to Places of worship - Cuncolim
I wonder ... Is this somebody's idea of implicating those 'Christians' in this deed? In a similiar manner that Indian troops crossed the border and returned back firing their machines guns (as if the Portuguese sodiers were doing the firing and attacking Indian troops), in pre-61, are these agents provocateurs stirring up the pot in Goa? Reading the latest findings on the Godhra incidents also sends a very fishy smell indeed ... --- On Fri, 10/10/08, godfrey gonsalves [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: godfrey gonsalves [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Goanet] Damage to Places of worship - Cuncolim To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Received: Friday, 10 October, 2008, 3:23 AM Temsion was averted this forenoon when some persons discovered some damage to the ghumti ( rakhondar) and a temple just 100 meters away from the Petrol pump at NUSI Cuncolim. Though buses were off the road for some time normalcy was restored. Make the switch to the world#39;s best email. Get Yahoo!7 Mail! http://au.yahoo.com/y7mail
[Goanet] Talking Photos: Thanks for your lovely wishes
Talking Photos: Thanks for your wishes We were out for lunch, we got a call from our neighbour saying that there is a big parcel for me and that they should accept it or not (since we were out), I asked to check the sender’s name, it was anonymous, then I asked where it come from? The guys says it was from Mapusa., accept it. Maxpxem sonu? Saiba bogosh!! I don’t know any one from Mapusa. A secret admirer (?) with a special message Check this big parcel http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoaukextras/2928607081/sizes/l/ The sender please come forward. Here I like to thank each of you – Particularly the internet friends Mr. Francis, Roland, Silviano, Lino, Eddie, Renson, Julliet, Olga, Isidore, Richard, Stephen, FN, Jose/Joana, Jessica, Mary, Lourdes, Robin, Nikhil, Poapa, Kenny etc They say ‘one picture is worth thousand words’ It’s me here who like to say ‘___‘ http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoaukextras/2929469668/sizes/l/ Me again… saying ‘je t’aime’ http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoaukextras/2929469488/sizes/l/ [EMAIL PROTECTED] for Goa NRI related info... http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/GOAN-NRI/ For Goan Video Clips http://youtube.com/joeukgoa In Goa, Dial 1 0 8 For Hospital, Police, Fire etc
[Goanet] Inter-religious dialogue?
Would like to post this mail received by feminist theologian, Cynthia Stephen, in Bangalore( Cynthia Stephen [EMAIL PROTECTED]) : Dialogue: With whom? Will the Real Leaders please stand up? The situation in our country is poised over the brink: even as a section celebrates the successful signing of the N-deal, many others are exercised over the violence of the Sangh Parivar stormtroopers, spreading from Orissa to Karnataka, Kerala, MP, Jharkhand, and other states ruled by the Parivar or in coalition. Many people's groups and mass organizations including left-leaning, secular and human rights groups are organizing fasts, rallies, and protests against the assaults on fundamental freedoms in the country. Though belated, Christian groups, both lay and clergy-led are finally taking positions against the unprecedented violence against Christians in India, a departure from the usual silence or turn the other cheek response by Christian leadership. A third section among the Christians calls for a halt to all the protests by the Christians and for forgiveness to the perpetrators, as if protest means one is being unforgiving. But there are two sections of Christian society who have been relatively silent in all this: one, members of the Christian community who are in political office and the actual victims of the violence. Of these, one person has been vocal – Dr. H T Sangliana, BJP MP the Bangalore North constituency, now suspended by the party, and one sympathises with his dilemmas – known for his clean record and notable success during his distinguished tenure in the Indian Police Service, clearly he is out of his depth in the morass of Indian National Politics. The second silent group is that of the victims of the violence, (barring the voice of the nun who was raped and around whom her community and church have rallied, and the priest who was also tortured). The Digals, Sunas, Bariks, Nayaks – men, women and children who are in hiding in the forests in Orissa – have not been asked what they are going through. And nobody wants to know. Has anyone asked the tribals and Dalits in the poorest districts of Orissa - itself one of the poorest states in India, a country again so low on the global Human Development Index why they saw the need to change their faith? Will anyone respect their reasons? Is anyone willing to have a dialogue with them? The Central government sent five warnings to the State government but claims to still lack conclusive evidence to ban the Bajrang Dal for indulging in violence which has gone on for weeks. A section of those speaking and writing on the subject are engaged in trying to establish their secular credentials by proposing dialogue with the perpetrators of the violence. We all know the communist dictum that Power flows from the barrel of a gun. So now we are asked to engage in a dialogue with those who have the cynicism to talk of the Constitution in the same breath as the (non) issue of forcible conversion and who indulge in trishul dikshas. The whole world knows who is engaging in forcible conversion. In over three decades of the mis-named Orissa Freedom of Religion Bill's existence, there is not a single successful prosecution on the charge of Forcible conversion against Christians. Sr. Nirmala went to meet Naveen Patnaik and ended up giving his government a certificate. The venerable archbishops of the Catholic Church have already had a dialogue, at the initiative of the with the leadership of the BJP and issued a joint statement that all efforts should be made to restore peace and a sense of security with the cooperation of the governments concerned and the leadership of the Hindu and Christian communities. Justice must be done to the victims of violence expeditiously. But even as these statements are made, we see reports that violence in Kandhamal continue and has spread to other districts. So what is the value of the assurances give by the Hindu leaders to the Christians? Can we trust these leaders to deliver on their assurances? Cynthia Stephen 10th October 2008 -- Cynthia Stephen Independent Writer and Researcher And may you be blessed with the foolishness to think that you can make a difference in the world, so that you will do things which others tell you cannot be done
[Goanet] Christian Leaders in Orissa to condemn the malicious hate compaign
Here is the press release by Christian Leaders in Orissa to condemn the malicious hate compaign unleashed againest christians with false allegations levelled against the church by Hindu fundumentalist groups The press conference held on 9 Oct 2008 at 3pm at Swosti Hotel, Bubaneswar Date: 9 Oct 2008 Time: 3.00 pm Venue: Swosti Hotel, Bubaneswar CHRISTIAN LEADERS - MEET PRESS Christian Leaders condemn the malicious hate compaign unleashed against Christians with false allegations levelled against the church by Hindu Fundamentalist groups Following the heinous killing of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati on 23rd August 2008, a Maoist group claimed responsibility, which was denied by Hindu Fundamentalist groups and a mallicious hate campaign orchestrated against Christians. Christians of Kandhamal and other places in Orissa were attacked as the pre-mediated attacks continued village after village on the Christian homes, churches and institutions. As the violence ws receding following appropriate law and order enforcement, an on-television confession by a Maoist leader on 5th October 2008 claiming responsibility for the killing of Swami Saraswati further came as a relief because the hate compaign lost its violent impact. Painfully the hate campaign reignited as the Hindu Fundamentalist groups on 6th October 2008 produced a document in Press Conference claiming involvement of church in the criminal activities. To our utter astonishment, the said claim was found to be baseless as the Betikala Church, Kandhamal which is mentioned in this document did not conduct the alledged meeting on 25th day of May 2008. Further, the concerned Church's leaders (President and General Secretary) after perusing this document found the content to be entirely fabricated and their signatures had been forged. We strongly condemn this attitude of the Hindu fundumentalist organisations attempting to drag Christians and the Church into this chrime purposefully by fanning elements of hate to sustain the campaign against Christians signed by Fr. Joseph Kalathil, Vicar Generalm Bubaneshwar Arch Diocese Dr. Swarupananda Patra President Orissa Minority Forum Fr Savari Mathu SJ, Catholic Church Bubaneshwar Fr. Prafulla Ku Sabhapati, President, Bethikala Parish Council, Kandhamal Mr. Bibhudatta Das, CEO, CNI, Utkal Christian Council Mr. Prafulla Ku Nayak, General Sec, Bethikala Parishi Council Kandhamal.
[Goanet] Plug for BRAC -- barely
I just about managed to squeeze in a plug for BRAC (due to length limits) in the following comments on an article in rediff. Need for a balanced view by philip thomas on Oct 10, 2008 02:22 PM The word bailout may be a misnomer. ATF prices are too high due to crazy taxes. The price should be adjusted downwards according to international benchmarks. Besides competing modes like rail and bus benefit from subsidised diesel resulting in loss of short haul traffic to trains and buses. Apart from the price factor there is the waste factor regarding fuel. This is due to restricted airspace which results in circuitous routes. At least 15% of operating cost can be saved on this account. Waste is also due to slot restrictions at civil enclaves which results in congestion, circling in holding patterns and queuing for take-off in the network. Then there is waste on capital account. Airports are built in remote locations with concessions to close busy civil enclaves. Not only do these airports become costly due to add-ons like user development fees for passengers, airlines,retailers etc but there is a great need to invest in high speed surface transport links. The cost of disrupting convenient though congested airports is rarely considered. Airline schedules go for a toss because some carriers drop flights but others are unable to fill the gap. Aircraft utilisation decreases increasing airline costs. All this is antithetical to low cost connectivity by air which is the need of the hour in India. Our competitiveness in low cost carriers vis a vis China etc deteriorates. Why airlines are unable to make such arguments is difficult to fathom. We need U.S.style BRAC urgently. http://www.rediff.com/money/2008/oct/10air.htm In a reply and my rejoinder the following has appeared: Re: Need for a balanced view by RAJESH MEHTA on Oct 10, 2008 05:49 These airlines give 5-10 times high salaries to their staff compared to officers in goverment organisations. They stay in Five staff hotels and now they want a bailout from poor tax payers money. Can't these airlines reduce such stupid costs rather then asking for a bailout. Re: Re: Need for a balanced view by philip thomas on Oct 10, 2008 07:48 PM The cost of ATF has to be reduced by the government. The subsidisation of diesel for A/C travel has to be stopped by government. The air space restrictions have to be lifted by the government. The slot restrictions at civil enclaves have to be lifted by the government. The closure of civil enclaves as concessions to new airport developers has to be stopped -- by government. The slot utilisation for sustaining connectivity has to be ensured by government. Developing a competitive advantage in low cost aviation has to be actively promoted by government. Let's get real, OK?
[Goanet] Two Sides Of The Same Coin- article on communalism by HarbansMukhia
I saw this very thought provoking article in the Times. Thought of sharing with you. The reason for the violence against christians/ minorities has little to do with religion or ' conversions'. It is all about power and getting votes. That is the reason for increase in religious strife just few months before the next general election. Religious minorities are fair bait for both the main players.Expendable and collateral damage. Regards, Marshall Two Sides Of The Same Coin by Harbans Mukhia (Times of India dt. 10.10.2008) On the communalism front, two divergent yet complementary strategies seem to be under way in India, both inspired by utter contempt for the nation's democratic polity as well as for the country's historical and cultural traditions: one envisioned and undertaken by the sangh parivar, the other by the various arms of minority communalism. On the one hand, the sangh parivar, working through its myriad branches, has learnt its lesson well from the Nazi experiment: gradually, spread communalism in society's nooks and corners, come to power in the states, and, under the government's protection go all out to wreak on the social fabric, an unambiguous, aggressive communal divide. Using their various organisations like the RSS and the Bajrang Dal, they unleash vicious and often wild propaganda against the minorities and organise riots, kill people and demolish properties. The perpetrators move with the confidence that when the state acts it will be on their behalf. The law of the land is the last concern on their minds. Indeed, Narendra Modi has demonstrated through the travesty of truth that goes under the name of the Nanavati commission that law should be treated like an ass. Once you have succeeded in creating durable fissures in society through long, sustained hard work, political power follows in its wake even in a free and fair election. Elections won, the rule of law can be laughed at in different forums. The parivar has had to effect an improvement on the Nazi experiment here: it can claim electoral legitimacy for all its illegitimate actions. But the essence is the same - power remains the central feature. Law will always be its servant. If some day the parivar were to capture full control of the state in New Delhi, all its virulent constituents could be given free run. Minority communalism, on the other hand, does not go by any of these pretences. Terror is its chosen weapon. The more the parivar succeeds in marginalising and punishing the minorities by using the state's organs, the more legitimacy it creates in the minds of militancy's adherents and followers. Even its failure to create widespread communal tensions by carrying out terror strikes on temples, mosques, bazaars and streets does not seem to deter it. Its strategy is to persevere in this endeavour and wait for simmering tensions to grow until they reach a tipping point. Conversely, militancy of the minority in turn lends force to the parivar. It is thus that the parivar and militant minority communalism are each other's firmest allies. But then minority communalism is not the by-product of the sangh parivar's politics alone, even though militancy may have been fed by the parivar's stridency. Indeed, it has a much longer history, although it does not go back to India's five and a half medieval centuries, when the Muslims ruled over much of the land. In fact, this period was remarkably free of communal rioting, as we understand the phenomenon today. The first recorded riot occurred in 1693 in Ahmedabad, when Muslim rule was nearing its end, and the whole of the eighteenth century was witness to five cases of rioting. In the later nineteenth century and especially in the twentieth, on the one hand a siege mentality grew among Muslims and on the other the freedom struggle, which mobilised masses of people, reinforced the siege mentality. This resulted in the country's partition. Since independence, such an attitude has found strength in various sources and challenges from none. If there was the constant RSS-Jan Sangh and subsequent BJP threat, the Congress has revelled in keeping this threat alive to corner the Muslim vote. The community's own leadership too had a strong stake in indulging in rhetoric, and its liberal leaders never tired of crying themselves hoarse at the supposed decline of Urdu, etc. The Left, ideologically most well-equipped to contest communalism, made a very questionable distinction between majority and minority communalism on the plea that the former alone was capable of turning fascist. Hence one could overlook the latter. In the process, it ignored the integral link between the two, with one feeding off the other. The result: the Left could effectively challenge neither. Today, as a feeling of helplessness of the state and the citizens seems to stare us in the face, the writing appears on the wall highlighting two
[Goanet] New Variety of Mongoose Found in Mhadei
New Variety of Mongoose Found in Mhadei Panaji, Oct 10: For the first time, the environmentalists have documented the stripe necked mongooses in the forest region of Goa-Maharashtra border in the Mhadei wildlife sanctuary. Incidentally, the citings have come on the backdrop of wildlife conservation week, which culminated on October 8. The environmentalists during their track to this belt found two individuals of stripe necked mongoose (Herpestes vittcollis) in the forests of Virdi village of Dodamarg taluka in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district. The village borders both the states and is a part of Mhadei wildlife sanctuary, which has majority of forest cover in Goa. The citings attains importance as the world celebrates wild life conservation week, preaching the concept of wild life conservation for our better tomorrow. We used to see gray mongoose in this area but never had citing of this species. This is an addition to the bio diversity of Mhadei wildlife sanctuary, an environmentalist Nirmal Kulkarni who has documented this species said. Kulkarni said that this area is contiguous to the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary of Goa and the Proposed Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary of Karnataka. The Stripe necked mongoose is a stocky mammal and is considered one of the largest mongooses in Asia, he said. The environmentalist added that while specimens from South India are a darker rufous color, while those sighted in the Virdi forests were yellowish grey in color. The field identification for this large mongoose is the tail- which is three fourths of the body length and has a black tip which is pointed upwards. The prominent brownish black stripe running from the ear to the shoulder gives it the name the Stripe Necked Mongoose. It feeds on small mammals and young ones of other creatures including birds and crabs and others and is ostensibly is a shy elusive creature, kulkarni added. The environmentalist who is working on the herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) of the Mahdei Region said that these individuals were seen foraging for smaller life forms in a clearing in the forests. Picture at: http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=52161n_tit=Goa%3A+New +Variety+of+Mongoose+Found+in+Mhadei ~(^^)~ Avelino
