goanet-digest Tuesday, May 21 2002 Volume 01 : Number 3997
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In this issue:
Re: [Goanet] Vedas, Antibiotics, etc
[Goanet] re: Scientific Method
[Goanet] INDIAN AMBASSADOR CROWN'S G.O.A'S MAY QUEEN 2002 IN QATAR.
[none]
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Date: Tue, 21 May 2002 14:34:51 -0000
From: "santoshhelekar" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Re: [Goanet] Vedas, Antibiotics, etc
- --- In [EMAIL PROTECTED], "Sunila Muzawar" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
>But one of the reasons I asked is to show you how illogical your
>approach is. Just because you haven't read it and don't know more
>about it does not mean it does not exist. :-)
>
Sunila, you have covered a lot of ground in the above post. I cannot
deal with all the issues that you have discussed. I am a simple-
minded kind of guy. I can think of only one thing at a time.
I think it is not very useful or logical to take seriously things
that are not known to exist, only because they might just possibly
exist. This is called the flying pink elephant argument. Sure, such a
creature might exist. But Would you pay somebody who claims to have
it a hefty cash advance to buy such a unique and special pet?
My reference to Vedas was specific to the speed of light. And having
read about this matter I can assure you that I am not convinced that
the Vedas tell us anything about this speed, as has been claimed.
Regarding your other statements, bacterial resistance to antibiotics
is a well-known and well-studied phenomenon for the past 50 years.
The evidence for telepathy is shaky or non-existent. Medical science
knows quite a bit about recovery from illness due to personal faith.
There is a branch of science, Neuroimmunology, that studies this
issue. Meat is still good for your body.
The only thing that you have justification for is your belief in God,
which I assume is based on faith and quite admirably so.
Cheers,
Santosh
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Date: Tue, 21 May 2002 08:28:24 -0700 (PDT)
From: "J. Almeida" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: [Goanet] re: Scientific Method
Dear Santosh,
You wrote of religious belief:
"something to cling to in spite
of contrary evidence"
If I understand correctly, you have now clarified that
this was not a description of some particular
believers (in which case I had no objection), but your
blanket generalization about ALL religious belief.
As far as my own religious belief goes, I suggest that
you first present some contrary evidence, then decide
whether I cling or not. I will repeat: I have never
knowingly clung to any belief refuted by evidence, nor
do I plan to start now. I permit myself only that
religious belief which does NOT require me to cling to
anything refuted by evidence.
Therefore your blanket statement quoted above is
false. I hope you can see why it appears to me no more
than prejudiced stereotyping: of all religious belief
and all religious believers without
exception(including myself).
Regards,
Joel Almeida
PS It may be fun to "commit nuisance" in people's
drinking water, by deriding their beliefs, whether
intentionally or unintentionally (perhaps even more
fun when you permit yourself misrepresentation of
their beliefs such as the one above). If you have
found a better way, let's hear it: give us better
water to drink. I am far more interested in hearing
what you propose than in hearing what you oppose. If
you prefer to refute, rather than conjecture (which
many of the best scientists do), I urge you to do it
competently: use evidence, not careless generalizations.
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
LAUNCH - Your Yahoo! Music Experience
http://launch.yahoo.com
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Date: Tue, 21 May 2002 08:50:54 +0200
From: Viviana <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: [Goanet] INDIAN AMBASSADOR CROWN'S G.O.A'S MAY QUEEN 2002 IN QATAR.
>From Simon D'Silva, Qatar
Date: Tue, 21 May 2002 08:56:29 +0300
From: "Simon D'Silva" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: INDIAN AMBASSADOR CROWN'S G.O.A.'S MAY QUEEN 2002 IN QATAR.
INDIAN AMBASSADOR CROWN'S G.O.A.'S MAY QUEEN IN QATAR
Based on its huge success last year, the Goan Overseas Association (G.O.A.)
held its May Queen Pageant 2002 on 16th May 2002 at the Giwana Ball-room,
Ramada Hotel from 8.00 p.m. onwards with over 500 guests, well-wishers and
sponsors from all walks of life in attendance.
The Chief Guest for the Evening was His Excellency Ranjan Mathai, the Indian
Ambassador to Qatar. The compere Mr. Savio D'Silva who flew specially from
Dubai for the event set the mood and the tone for a fun packed evening with
his inimitable style and performance.
His Excellency in his message congratulated the Goan Overseas Association,
also rendering his thanks for inviting him and his partner to this wonderful
event. In particular he appreciated the G.O.A.'s effort in organizing this
mega event saying that the dancing was definitely very impressive and it
brought back fond memories of his youth.
Mr. Simon D'Silva, the president of the G.O.A. welcomed everyone warmly and
thanked them all for gracing the occasion. Just the presence of such large
numbers was a strong and clear indication of the enormous value that they
held for each other and it is a great honor to lead the Goan Overseas
Association in Qatar which had such a strong presence and firm links with
other Goan Associations all round the world, said Mr. D'Silva. He also
applauded the managing committee and the core group of the G.O.A. without
whose cooperation and massive support this huge success would have been but
a dream and not such a wonderful reality.
GOA's leading band the ARCHIES satiated the music buds of all the guests by
playing fantastic music catering exclusively to taste and choice of all and
sundry. The floor was jam-packed constantly with crowds of people and theirs
partners dancing the night away, some taking away valuable spot prizes
donated by the various sponsors. Alex Gonsalves the DJ of Desert Thunder
with his exquisite choice of music ensured that everybody had a tumultuous
time clamoring for more and more.
The May Queen Pageant was very glitzy and conducted in a highly professional
style. Each contestant was a winner in their own way with their alluring
smile, slinky looks and proud walk making it very difficult for the esteemed
judges in attendance Mr. Donald Pereira, Mr. Archie D'Mello and Ms Paula
Myers to make their decision. It has always been the G.O.A.'s principle
that every woman is Beautiful and Special, what set the winners apart from
the rest of the contestants was the power of their grace, personality and
exclusiveness. In all the charm and glamour of all the lovely contestants
only 12 made it to the final round, where Ms. Sabina Fernandes and Ms. Valia
Gonsalves were crowned May Queen 2002 and Runner-up by H.E. Ranjan Mathai,
Ambassador of India and Mrs. Maria Rodrigues who was May Queen 2001
In summary, the May Queen 2002 was a huge success where everybody had a
rollicking time. Kudos to all who supported the event in their own way.
Special Mention must be made about the sponsors whose cooperation and
support is highly appreciated. They are Qatar Airways (Official Carrier),
Gulf Times (Official Newspaper), Trelco, Said Gul, Nazih Al-Khoury, QTTC,
TISCO, Blue Salon, SBK Oil Field Services, National Computer Centre,
Petroserv, Mannai Corporation, GITIC Engineering, Modern Electrical
Supplies, Gulf International Enterprises, Shahjan Trading, Al-Saif Trading,
Brunel Energy, KOMPASS International Trading, Almana & Partners, Inchcape
Shipping Services, Refrigeration World, Prakkat Jewellery, Overseas Travel
Bureau, Q-Soft, DOMASCO, Marzooq Al-Shamlan, Ritz Carlton, Sheraton Doha,
Doha Marriott, Ramada Hotel, Qatar Palace Hotel, Budget Rent a Car,
Al-Mukhtar Industrial & Oil Field Services, Excel Trading Co., Q-Cal,
CAPEAST, Canara Jewellery, Kebab King, Wency D'Souza, Anabeeb Services,
Computer Arabia, MEBD, Safari Kansai, Designers Tailors & Textiles, QCC,
Qatar Quality Products, Al-Obaidy Printing & Advertising, Ras Laffan Goans,
Foto Gulf, Remos D'Costa, Desert Thunder D.J. Alex, Archies, Crown Imperial,
Savio D'Silva, Fr. John Vanderlin, Donald Pereira, Archie D'Mello and Paula
Myers. G.O.A. profusely thanks and wishes them the very best in all their
endeavors.
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 21 May 2002 23:14:36 +0530 (IST)
From: Frederick Noronha <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: [none]
approvedc: TouaregVr6
From: "sarnews" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: GoaNet <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Pakistan blasphemy laws -- state willing, political flesh weak
Date: Tue, 21 May 2002 09:28:15 +0530
SAR News May 21, 2002
Pakistan Blasphemy Laws: State Willing, Political Flesh Weak
By Robin Fernandez
Marginalised communities are often disappointed by the inadequate legislative
protection given to them by governments. Their lobbying attempts to enlarge the legal
umbrella that barely covers their heads are doomed from the start. The State is
willing but the political flesh is weak. Perhaps in no place is that more apparent
than in Pakistan where the majority of Muslims do recognise the need to protect
Christians and other religious minorities from discriminatory laws.
But the Government is paralysed by fear of what it has identified as far-right
extremists. A small illustration of their grip on the power levers came in May 2000
when no less a person than military ruler, General Pervez Musharraf, announced the
withdrawal of a proposed amendment to the blasphemy law. (Musharraf had earlier
offered to revise clause 295-C of the penal code which deals with blasphemy).
Christians in Pakistan, as a matter of principle, are not opposed to the original 1860
penal code clauses of 295 and 298, both of which are intended to prevent religiously
motivated violence and hate crimes. Nor do they dispute the efficacy of the 1927
amendment to clause 295 incorporated as 295-A which reads: "Whoever, with deliberate
and malicious intention of outraging the religious feelings of any class of
citizens...by words, either spoken or written, or by visible representations, insults
the religion or the religious beliefs of that class, shall be punished with
imprisonment...for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both."
Their grouse lies mainly with the legal insertions made by the late military ruler
Zia-ul-Haq in the 1980s. These amendments, introduced as 298-A, 295-B and 295-C, for
one, do not mention malicious intent to rake up religious sensitivities as a condition
for an action amounting to criminal offence. They also prescribe stiffer penalties for
blasphemy and focus almost exclusively on the religious sentiments of Muslims, instead
of "any class of people."
In 1990, the Federal Shariat Court upheld the punishment recommended for blasphemy
under clause 295-C. It ruled that the only punishment available for anyone convicted
of blasphemy is death.
Christians have argued in vain on two counts. They say that no member of their
community would ever willfully insult or defile the name of Prophet Muhammad or any of
his companions. Nor would they ever malign Islam or rebuke adherents of the Muslim
faith. Their community leaders say they merely want the Government to prevent people
from lodging false blasphemy cases against non-Muslims.
Lawyers say the country's blasphemy laws have all too often been invoked for the
purpose of grabbing prized land, settling personal scores and eliminating competition
for lucrative posts. The human rights watchdog, Amnesty International, lists yet
another cause: "Charges against Ahmadis (an Islamic sect) and Christians appear to
have been brought solely because of their membership in these minority groups." While
this is undeniable in several cases, one must differentiate between the obscurantists
and the moderates, and the literate and the uneducated - a distinction that was first
made by senior administration officials following last September's terror attacks on
the United States.
The intolerance for which the Muslims of Pakistan are blamed stems from a fringe
fundamentalist element. So the State or Government, instead of its powerless masses,
is obliged to tame the obscurantists and take concrete measures to protect religious
minorities.
Apart from throwing into prison dozens of people, the controversial amendments in the
penal code have claimed an important life. Bishop John Joseph, the first native
Punjabi bishop, committed suicide in May 1998 to protest against the death penalty
awarded to a Christian youth for blasphemy.
One of the noticeable trends emerging from the misuse of blasphemy laws is the fact
that the average victim - in the case of Christians especially - is disadvantaged,
barely literate and resident of a rural town in Punjab or Sindh. This is again proof
that discriminatory laws are far more menacing to the poor.
Thus it falls upon the Government to create legal structures to protect the poor and
the defenceless. Human-rights activists believe the charge of blasphemy ought to be
thoroughly examined before criminal prosecution can get underway. In most of the cases
documented by human rights organisations, the complainant himself is the sole witness
to the act of blasphemy that could include desecration of the Koran and insulting or
defiling the name of the prophet Muhammad. The verbal testimony thereof is rarely
corroborated by other sources. By the time court proceedings are instituted, however,
more witnesses mysteriously step forward.
It is not uncommon for the judge hearing the case or the defence lawyer to receive
death threats. Often mobs are seen assembled outside courthouses hearing blasphemy
cases, as if to reinforce the message that they would not accept anything less than a
conviction. Other intimidatory tactics usually follow.
Against this background, 30-year-old Ayub Masih was sentenced to death by a court in
Sahiwal two years ago. The deceased bishop of Faisalabad, Bishop John Joseph, fought
off the blasphemy allegation against Ayub. The charge was in fact motivated by a
dispute over land allotment for Christian families. Once the blasphemy charges were
filed against Ayub, several Christian families that hoped to win land under a
government programme for the landless peasants were beaten and forcibly evicted. Ayub
is still in prison since the appeals filed against his sentencing are pending.
Beyond mere appeasement of religious minorities is the possible measure of widening
the scope of the blasphemy law, making it a punishable offence to malign religious
personages of all other faiths. That is likely to heal many of the long-festering
wounds of the minorities, and ensure that their religious sentiments are accorded the
respect they deserve. END
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End of goanet-digest V1 #3997
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