########################################################################## # Don't just read the news...discuss it. Learn more about Goa via Goanet # # Goanet was setup in 1994 and has spent the last decade building a # # lasting Goan non-profit, volunteer-driven network in cyberspace. # # Visit the archives http://www.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet/ # # To join, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and ask to join Goanet. # ########################################################################## Newspaper reading habits catching on in (parts of) Salcete SOURCE: Herald
By Herald Reporter MARGAO: A newspaper stand for public reading may not be a common sight in Goa as yet, so to say. But, welcome to the interiors of the Velim-Ambelim belt, where one Could huddle around a small shed -- housing a newspaper stand -- to have a glance at the daily news. So far, about 10 such stands have come up across these villages and plans are afoot to spread the movement in neighbouring Assolna village as well. Says the architect of the movement, Anthony D'Silva, a tutor by profession, "The idea is to inculcate a newspaper reading habit amongst the locals during their idle time. My plan is to open newspaper stands every two kilometres in these three villages." And, if D'Silva is to be believed, the response for the novel concept is fast catching up amongst the local populace. "We found that people literally wait for the morning newspaper on the stands, especially in the Other Backward Communities (OBC) dominated areas," he said. D'Silva hit on this novel idea after the local Chaplain, Fr Eusico, asked him to do something to inculcate reading habits amongst the younger generation. "This concept is being successfully put into practice in the Shiv Sena shakas (centres) in Mumbai and I thought why not give it a try in my own village," D'Silva maintained. The whole prupose is simple: "I give the people an opportunity to go through the daily news at a place where they while away their time. Just by standing near the public place, I am sure people will read news by default." According to him, the people, no doubt, can afford to buy a newspaper, but either find no time to buy it or go through it at home. But how long will this movement continue, especially when it requires funds to keep it going? Says D'Silva: "I have only provided the stands and the sheds. While the cost of newspapers have been borne by some individuals." And, he says, he can continue with the concept at least for the next one year, after which he intends to make the people contribute for the facility. ENDS
