RECENT ITEMS OF PARTICULAR INTEREST ON GOANET. BY CORNEL DACOSTA
Is there such a thing as a "crab mentality" among the Goans? And if so, what exactly is this so called crab mentality that is so often referred to by Goanetters? A discussion on this theme is continuing on Goanet currently and Goan Voice (UK) readers are particularly welcomed to contribute to this lively discussion. The sorry tale of lifeguards (or their absence) on the beaches of Goa has been examined rather seriously recently following a concern for so many tourist deaths as well as those of indigenous peoples. Articles in the Western media have also focused on this issue, leading many to ask if there is a risk that foreign tourists may seek alternative beaches, where they may be safer, rather than the ones in Goa. By way of an opinion, even a relatively poor country like Cuba, invests heavily on very well trained lifeguards on beaches that are much like those in Goa. Consequently, one can feel quite safe generally, and particularly when walking to and along a well lit beach at night. Clearly, there is much for Goa to emulate on this issue, from some foreign tourist destinations. Israel issued a rare terrorism alert of a planned Al Qaeda attack on tourists in Goa during the current holiday season. Indeed, the New York Times reported that Israelis have been warned to avoid Goa ---a long time favourite tourist destination for young travellers. However, the police in Goa have rejected the Israeli warning of a "severe terror threat." Goanet-Reader, an adjunct of Goanet, welcomes contributions from its readers by way of essays, reviews, features and think-pieces. One recent piece was from Canada-based Tony Fernandes. It is titled "On that cold, winter morning...a childhood memoir." The piece tells us about the events experienced in Goa when Indian forces overwhelmed Portuguese forces on December 19, 1961. The impact of this on the local residents is recalled very vividly and GV(UK) readers are encouraged to submit interesting pieces to Goanet-Reader for the 8000 strong Goanet readership. Goanet reports that, Pope Benedict XVI has appointed the noted Indian space scientist K. Kasturirangan as a member of the prestigious Rome-based Pontifical Academy of Sciences. The new member has expressed his delight at his appointment by the Academy where over 35 per cent of the members are distinguished Nobel Laureates in various natural science disciplines. Kasturirangan is only the fourth Indian scientist to be so appointed from his Bangalore base at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS). Dominic Fernandes can be relied upon to treat us with a seasonal gem. This week he captivates us with an account of the Goa Christmas celebrations in the 1950's. From the making of the bamboo & paper stars, the crib, home made sweets (he even includes a recipe for nevreos), the Xmas Church service, etc. Pure nostalgia! Finally, GV(UK) readers are urged to read a piece by Godfrey Gonsalves titled "Goans Say No to Regional Plan 2011." This piece encapsulates much of the sentiment expressed by several other writers who have rejected, almost wholly, the Government's Regional Development Plan for Goa. As so many GV(UK) readers own ancestral homes in Goa, it becomes critical that they are fully informed about the Regional Development Plan for Goa 2011. More details can be found at the Goanet archives at http://lists.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet-goanet.org/ Or to subscribe to Goanet, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reviewed by [http://www.goanvoice.org.uk]
