[Goanet] 19TH ANIVERSARY OFFICIAL LANGUAGE ACT - 1987
Exactly nineteen years ago on Wednesday 4th February, 1987 Konkani the mothertongue of every blue blooded Goan became the sole official language of the State after the enactment of The Goa Daman and Diu Official Language Act 1987. But that day the news turned out to be a damp squib. The oft heard comment was ami Konknni maglem ani amcam Marathi mellam this was a snide remark to the Konkani recognised only in Devanagari script. Little did the Goans especially from the coastal talukas or Velhas Conquistas under 451 years of Portuguese rule (25.11.1510 to 19.12.1961) the other talukas Novas Conquistas were under Portuguese rule beginning from 1763-1961realise that Konkani in Devanagari script --- was accepted as the natural script ---by the Advisory Committee of the Sahitya Akademi New Delhi consisting of mainly Hindu Saraswat Brahmins on 21.11.1981. Yet the Konkani Porjecho Avaz KPA heading the language agitation with Covenor Mr Pundalik Naik, a Hindu Bahujan (non Brahmin) guided by Uday L Bhembre a Hindu Saraswat Brahmin and one of the signatory to the 1981 decision made the Catholics to compromise on Konkani in the Roman script and accept Konkani in Devanagari script so that the Hindu Bahujan Samaj, would slowly but surely accept Konkani in Devanagari script. It was also stated that it would act as a deterrent to the influx of those from outside the State. That never happened even in this 19th year after recognition of Konkani and will never ever happen but what eventually happened was that children of Cristaos conversant with the Konkani in Roman script since the 16th century were made guinea pigs in laboratories (schools) where teachers in the English medium primary schools were made to overnight since 1989-90 teach children in 125 primary Diocesan run schools Konkani in Devanagari scriptat the same time themselves learning the script. Moreover there is a mushrooming of English medium primary schools where admissions are open for all and sundry. This resulted in the standard of education in diocesan schools coming down, the quality of students produced was below standard; but ironically, in the last 18 years the protoganists of KONKANI in only Devanagari script which constitute 3% of the population of Goa 13,87,807 (2001 census) succeded in having the first Doctorate being awarded to a student of Konkani literature in Devanagari script, by the Goa University last winter 2005, while Konkani in Roman script is dying a cancerous death. The seriousness of the issue is such that in all matters of employment where advertisements for placement in the Goa Government and its allied bodies appear there is a mention of language Knowledge of Konkani compulsory Marathi desirable but sadly that Konkani is in Devanagari script as per section 2 of the Official Language Act, 1987 which does not recognise the Roman script. And while Cristaos have realised this late now mourn this day or for that matter 20th August 1992 when Konkani was included in the VIII Schedule of the Constitution --- ( VIII Schedule --refers to all languages which are recognised by the Union of India) ironically the Hindu Saraswat Brahmins are celebrating today at the 3rd Saraswat Festival at BPS Club grounds Margao Goa. The Archdiocese of Goa Daman is primarily responsible for this grave injustice done to the Catholic community who are mainly conversant with Konkani in Roman script, for relying heavily on the wisdom buddhi of Mr Uday Laximikant Bhembre (Advocate) and ex Independent MLA Margao, little realising the undercover clandestine long term machinations and designs intended to relegate the Catholic community to second class status after the Portuguese left in December 1961. As a matter of fact it was one Mr Manjunath who at the first All India Konkani Parishad held at Karwar mooted the idea of universalisation of Konkani and recommended devanagari script as the natural script for Konkani. Can the harm be undone. Yes certainly. Fourteen Catholic MLA's in the Goa Legislative Assembly all conversant with Konkani in Roman script irrespective of party affiliation (please note the Constitution of India does not recognize any political party it only recognises the majority elected members of the House -Assembly/Parliament- who can cobble a majority and come forward to occupy the treasury benches in the House.) who can do justice --- for its now or never. Amend the Goa Daman Diu official language Act 1987 section 2 Konkani means in Devanagari script to this just add AND in Roman script This amendment will not only do justice to Konkani mai but it will also bring forth UNITY IN LANGUAGE --- DIVERSITY in scripts --- let Konkani scripts be Devanagari and Roman in Goa, Kannada in Karnataka and Malayalam in Kerala etc. The Archbishop of Goa Daman should also petition to the President of India, (this is besides the voluminous signatures that have been sent to his office by a local group) the
Re: [Goanet] Re: Cricket Fiasco!
Why ruin everything ? Cricket on a sunday morning in shivaji park as a 15 year oldLot of memories will fade but that one evokes pleasure. Dont be a spoil sport with brahmin this and that and cricket. --- George Pinto [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Tony, 7 years ago, Pakistan was 26 for 6 before Moin Khan scored 70 and Pakistan beat India at Calcutta (deja vu!). The present Indian team has never scored more than 300 to win a test in the 4th innings, they scored about 250 in 2001 (Sri Lanka) and about 230 in 2004 (Australia) so there wasn't much of a chance they would score 600. Sometime ago, I posted an article which said cricket is a brahmin's game in India. May be time for the other castes to have a chance to redeem this dubious distinction. Regards, George --- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: DUBIOUS DISTINCTION: We must be the first country in cricketing history to have lost a Test Match by 314 runs on the fourth day after winning the toss, putting the opponents in to bat, getting a hat-trick for no score in the very first over and having the opponents reeling at 26 for five and 90 for seven wickets at one stage! Some record indeed for a team claiming to have a formidable batting line-up. It is time for a reality check and some serious introspection. Forget the TV advertising shoots and get back to some serious practice sessions at the nets! __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
[Goanet] Sonia book reading in Mumbai
GREGORY DAVID ROBERTS Author of the best-selling Shantaram, and Sonia Faleiro will read from the book. on Friday, February 10, at 6.30 p.m. at Oxford Bookstore 3 Dinsha Vachcha Road, Churchgate, Mumbai RSVP Harish Shenoy 98210 14546, Shraddha Chopra 98203 26240 __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
[Goanet] MUMBAI'S HAWKERS RULE THE ROOST
Mumbai's underworld and omnipresent pick-pocketers are more organised than the metropolis' pedestrians who seem to be a neglected lot. In spite of so many high court directives the encroachments by hawkers on the footpaths continue to rule the roost while the pedestrians at most times have to walk on the roads. Hawkers do have a right to a livelihood but this cannot be at the cost of the pedestrians. They have to be assigned a designated area to legally conduct their trade. The foot bridges at the railway stations need to be kept clear so that people, after having to travel in sardine like packed trains get a breather. Some of Mumbai's footpaths are in such a dilapidated condition that they are not user friendly to an average person, leave alone the old and the handicapped. Every ward officer within Mumbai's Municipal Corporation should be made responsible and held accountable to ensure the footpaths and walkways under his area are rightly left to the sole use of pedestrians. Restoring footpaths to the pedestrians may be one little step towards our Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh's dream to turn Mumbai into Shanghai. Aires Rodrigues Mumbai ___ To help you stay safe and secure online, we've developed the all new Yahoo! Security Centre. http://uk.security.yahoo.com
Re: [Goanet] INS KADAMBA (SEA BIRD ) OFFICIALS GOOF UP ISSUE
--- godfrey gonsalves [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: For the second year this 2nd February,2006 the authorities of the Sea Bird at Arga Karwar now christened INS Kadamba did not permit the customary Feast of Nossa Senhora de Brotas at Anjediva Islands off Canacona taluka. ... Last night the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Uttar Kanara made sever telephonic calls with this writer to ascertain the number of buses coming from Goa to attend the feast. His office was told by this writer that it was impossible to gauge the numbers who would attend and at the same time told that the fact that the Navy should allow the customary feast to be celebrated in terms of the conditions of transfer dated 8/12/1987 26/7/1989 with due security considerations was a clear sign that the Navy could not refuse allowing the devoutees to celebrate the same. When they stated that Navy had directed them to take preventive measures he was told that it was not of our concern -- because the Navy was clearly violating the terms agreed upon and they would be held responsible for any law and order problem. ... Meanwhile this writer while in the Sea Bird office learnt that nearly 100 landloser of Karwar were provided employment in menial cadres. But many people from Karwar loathe the Naval personnel as they have usurped large tracts of land along the coast line the beach and now the navy is constructing a 18 hole golf course. I wonder what our Navy man, Mr. Gilbert Menezes has to say about this, especially as to blatant violation of the terms that were agreed upon on the handover of Anjediva to the Navy. Also, looks like it is not just a minority set of Goans who are annoyed at the Navy's usurping attitudes either. Cheers from downunder, Gabriel de Figueiredo. Do you Yahoo!? The New Yahoo! Movies: Check out the Latest Trailers, Premiere Photos and full Actor Database. http://au.movies.yahoo.com
Re: [Goanet] Effluents pose threat to Quepem farmers
Gabe Ali kum salaam and thanks for all the recent knews from Goa. Please keep it up. Cornel - Original Message - From: Gabe Menezes
[Goanet] WHY GETTING AVIATION RIGHT IS VITAL FOR GOA!
http://in.rediff.com/money/2006/feb/04airport.htm Indian airports grounded by poor infrastructure Devangshu Datta in New Delhi | February 04, 2006 04:37 IST In 2004-05, Indian airports handled around 6 crore passengers, a growth of 21 per cent in terms of traffic volumes over 2003-04. Between April-October 2005, traffic climbed another 19 per cent (over April-October 2004) with 3.85 crore check-ins. Analysts expect growth at a CARG of 25 per cent over the next five years. Indian (erstwhile Indian Airlines) operates over 300 daily flights. Jet operates 290 and its new acquisition, Sahara, another 250-odd. Kingfisher has 100-odd daily flights and Air Deccan has 200 while SpiceJet has around 40. Even Air India operates over 200 flights per week from Indian cities (Air India Express, the low-cost subsidiary, operates another 38 flights/week). This has meant better connectivity to Chandigarh, Jaipur, Jammu, Nagpur, Gwalior, Indore, etc. In 2005, India provided the bulk of new aircraft orders. Air India put down $8 billion on 68 new Boeings. Indian has ordered 43 Airbuses. Air Deccan will expand to 30 aircraft while SpiceJet plans to induct 20 new Boeing 737-800s. Kingfisher has announced the purchase of 30 Airbus A320s and 20 ATR 72-500s. All this grandiose expansion requires huge investments. Some half-a-dozen airline IPOs (including a couple from operators, who are yet to launch services) are in the pipeline for 2006-07 and Indian and Air India could finally see disinvestment as well. So far, aviation presents a pretty picture, combining higher demand, more competition, lower fares, more connectivity, large investments, IPOs; the right ingredients for strong growth and an opportunity for the investor to participate in that growth. The problem is the lack of infrastructure to cope with the projected explosion. There isn't a single Indian airport with more than one runway, and none of the runways can handle wide-bodies like the A380. There aren't enough parking bays. Air Traffic Control is swamped trying to manage so many flights. Ground facilities are insufficient to process the current passenger volume. There aren't even enough pilots or traffic controllers! Thus, delays are endemic. Aviation Turbine Fuel costs about thrice as much in India as it does internationally due to huge state excise imposts (averaging 25-30 per cent). The extra holding patterns on delayed flights add several thousand crores to fuel bills. Cutting state excise rates (perhaps by notifying ATF a declared good, at a uniform 4 per cent excise) is a political hot-potato because of Centre-state relations. There isn't much scope for operators to pass on costs because the demand has been created by price-cuts. A low-cost Delhi-Bangalore-Delhi ticket (each way 2,600 km) is available between Rs 7,000-7,500, which compares reasonably with a low-cost New York-Los-Angeles-NY ticket at $265-300 (distance each way 4,500 km). If anything, competition may force rates down further. Hence, India's airlines will operate on thin margins with big infrastructure constraints for several years. Let's assume the government pushes its modernisation plans through in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, etc. **It will still take anywhere from 3-5 years for improvements in airport infrastructure to be put in place if the contracts are all awarded tomorrow.** In the best environments, with low ATF tariffs, large traffic volumes and great airport infrastructure, aviation is a marginally profitable business. Airlines have a history of reporting large losses and declaring bankruptcy in developed economies. In India's current environment, there could be a catastrophic shakeout. More people will indeed travel by air but it would be a huge risk to bet on the future of air-travel operators. -- Will GOG and our state MPs ever take the lead in charting the proper flight path for the long suffering people of the state and the armies of visitors to it? It requires vision, determination and persistence against great odds.
[Goanet] HAS CHURCHILL THOUGHT OF THIS -- FOR GOA?
Recently Churchill Alemao suggested (maybe tongue firmly in cheek) that Mopa should be used for a flying academy (i.e. pilot traning). It shows that at least he is thinking of civil aviation uses for Mopa. Unless he takes a page from his friend Matanhy Saldanha's book and calls for swapping the naval air station at Dabolim for one at Mopa! Here is a link to a reprt about so-called MRO facilities (for aircraft Maintenance, Overhaul and Repair) in the country. Nagpur is reportedly bidding for one from Boeing in conjunction with a proposal for an SEZ etc. So the race is on. Maybe Churchill should spearhead a campaign to get a global biggie to show interest in Mopa. A $100-200 million investment would be similar to the amount planned for the new airport at Mopa. http://www.business-standard.com/common/storypage.php?hpFlag=Ychklogin=Nau tono=214068leftnm=lmnu1leftindx=1lselect=0 Scramble for MRO pie hots up P R Sanjai / Mumbai February 04, 2006 Jet, Kingfisher, SpiceJet, Air Deccan in talks with global majors to set up JVs. MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) is the buzzword in the domestic aviation industry now even as private and national airlines are busy expanding their fleet size. Jet Airways, Kingfisher Airlines, SpiceJet and Air Deccan are in talks with foreign MRO companies. Not to lag behind, domestic MRO players are also looking for strategic alliances for upgrading their facilities. Airlines are keen on setting up MRO facilities since a typical D-Check (heavy maintenance of aircraft) results in 45 days of loss of service for a Boeing 737 aircraft. According to industry analysts, **there are tremendous opportunities for MROs with domestic airlines all set to acquire over 450 aircraft within five years. ** Average cost of a full-fledged MRO would be in the range of $100-150 million. Jet Airways is in talks with German company Lufthansa Technik AG for setting up of a full-fledged MRO in the country. Talks are on with three other companies too. However, nothing has been finalised yet, said a senior Jet Airways executive. The executive pointed out that the proposal is to set up a joint venture or to put in place a special arrangement to share infrastructure and assets. We already have a maintenance facility in New Delhi and another leased facility in Bangalore. We are setting up a facility in Mumbai also. Moreover, we had entered into a contract with Lufthansa for repair and maintenance of spares for Boeing fleet, the executive added. Kingfisher Airlines is also scouting for a strategic partner for setting up an MRO. Kingfisher Airlines Chairman and Managing Director Vijay Malliya denied that his company was in talks with a domestic aerospace company, but industry sources say the company is talking to a few overseas MRO majors. **SpiceJet is planning to set up an MRO in Kolkata.** Though there were discussions with a global major, now the low-cost carrier is planning to go alone for establishing the facility, a source said. Other airlines, including Air Deccan, are also on the lookout for suitable MRO partners. Earlier, Boeing and Airbus had decided to set up an MRO in the country with an investment of $100 million each. International MRO majors - Jordan Aircraft Maintenance, Singapore Technologies Aerospace and Singapore International Airline Engineering Company - have also lined up for a share in the MRO market. The Foreign Investment Promotion Board has already cleared the proposal of Lufthansa Technik for setting up a wholly-owned subsidiary, One Stop Airline MRO Support Pvt Ltd. Domestic MRO players are exploring possibilities for strategic alliances with overseas firms. We are looking for alliances, which will give us better infrastructure, technology and brands for serving the industry, Air Works India Director Ravi Menon said. Industry observers point out that 100 per cent foreign direct investment in MRO would eventually kill the domestic players. The boom in domestic aviation is a recent phenomenon, and the industry is yet to attain maturity. Moreover, the certification of Indian MROs is not accepted globally while India accepts foreign accreditation, an observer said.
[Goanet] Now PWD Water Power:Two water pipelines burst in Mormugao
--Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/-- - Two water pipelines burst in Mormugao -- Two pipelines, supplying water to Vasco town and surrounding areas, and Chicolna-Bogmalo in Mormugao taluka, burst today causing hardship to people. The 500-mm pipeline, which is connected to Opa water facility and supplies water to Vasco town and surrounding areas, burst at Chicalim at around 1.30 p.m. While the second burst of a sub-pipeline connected to Selaulim water facility took place at Gallin-Bogmalo at around 6 p.m. The Chicalim pipeline started leaking and eventually burst, the assistant engineer, public works department (water), Mr Uday Kumar told The Navhind Times. Mr Kumar informed that the PWD had taken repair works of the pipeline on war footing, which is expected to be completed by Friday evening. Mr Kumar attributed the Chicalim pipeline burst to sudden heavy pressure which was witnessed when the water from the Verna pumping station was released. The Bogmalo pipeline also burst due to heavy pressure of water.Mr Kumar further said the PWD would replace about six-metre-long pipeline. The Opa pipeline burst affected residents of the area and vehicular traffic as water spouted out. The Navhind Times 3/02/06 page 1 --- ---GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK ---promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa---GOACAN Post Box 187 Margao,Goa 403 601 GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]website: www.goacan.org---
[Goanet] PWD WATER WOES:Bogmalo residents protest against irregular water supply
--Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/-- - Bogmalo residents protest against irregular water supply -- Agitated over irregular water supply since last one week, around 250 residents of Bogmalo area today blocked the road leading to Bogmalo beach causing obstruction to traffic.The villagers revealed that they had earlier requested the Minister for PWD besides the assistant engineer, PWD, Vasco, to redress their grievances.The Sancoale zilla panchayat member, Mr Vasant Naik and Chicolna-Bogmalo panchayat sarpanch, Mr Gabriel DCruz were among the agitators. Speaking to The Navhind Times, Mr Naik stated the government have not done anything to provide regular supply of water.The executive magistrate, Mormugao, Ms Sheru Shirodkar intervened in the matter and requested agitators to solve the issue amicably. She called the assistant engineer, PWD, Mr Uday Kumar and had talks with him. She also asked the assistant engineer to provide water at least for 2 hours a day. Mr Uday Kumar said the problem is due to low supply of water from Selaulim. The Vasco needs about 65 MLD of water, however, it gets only 51 to 52 MLD water per day, which is not sufficient to cope up with the need of entire Vasco city. The Chicolna-Bogmalo village panchayat gets water pumped from the master-balancing reservoir, Verna. It requires regular pumping with high pressure of water provided from the Selaulim. The problem of the Chicolna- Bogmalo panchayat villagers can be solved if the 200 mm branch pipeline is replaced by large pipeline connected to the 900 mm pipeline of Selaulim. With the assurance of providing water minimum for 2 hours a day from the assistant engineer, PWD, Mr Kumar, the villagers cleared the road at around 4.15 p.m. The villagers have also threatened to resort to rasta roko, if the problem persists. The Navhind Times 3/02/06 page 2 ---GOA CIVIC AND CONSUMER ACTION NETWORK ---promoting civic and consumer rights in Goa---GOACAN Post Box 187 Margao,Goa 403 601 GOACAN Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]website: www.goacan.org---
[Goanet] Goanet News Bytes * Feb 3, 2006 * Speakers disagree over who is father of Opinion Poll...
Goanet News Bytes Summaries Feb 3, 2006 - o Speakers at a symposium on Opinion Poll, voice concern over influx of migrants into Goa. Disagree on who is father of Opinion Poll -- Jawaharlal Nehru or Jack Sequeira.(GT) o GMC has tied up with Global Cancer Concern India (GCCI) to provide home care services for cancer patients. (GT) o Panchayats to get more funds; state health mission promised.(NT) o Hooters of India, Atlanta-based restaurant chain,is considering setting up base in Goa. (GT) o Dr Celsa Pinto to hold additional charge as Director of Education, Govt of Goa. (Herald) o 22 students receive Pe. Chico Monteiro scholarships. (GT) o NCP says BJP made 3000 voters disappear from Panjim. (GT) o Career fair opened at Quepem. (GT0 o Book on mando released by C M Estibeiro. Titled 'Doriachem Lharari, Chondrimanchea Uzvadari'. (GT) o TV reports talk of protests against introduction of English as a compulsory subject in Std II. o Petrol pumps are prone to thefts in Goa. (H) o Jeff Demonte has made the Goa-Bombay trip on scooter, 51 times! o Cox and Kings is offering 7 day Europe tour for Rs 89,999. o Cello-sitar performance at the 400-year-old restored Solar Suoto Maior manor along the river at Ribandar. (GT) o Grand khadi sale, Clube Nacional Feb 4-10, Panjim. o Consumer complaints? Toll-free helpline 1800-11-4000 http://www.fcamin.nic.in (Government of India) o Consumer shoppee, sale. Campal grounds, Feb 1-5, 2006. o Mapusa Carnival, Feb 24-28. o Saraswat Food, Cultural Fest, Feb 3-5 BPS Club Margao. o Mormugao's Rich Heritage, a new book by Fr Nascimento Mascarenhas, to be launched on February 5 at Vasco. (NT) The oldest extant building in the area is St Andrew's Church, where Fr Mascarenhas is currently posted. His book focusses on this church and its parish, without isolating them either from the people of other faiths or from the notable events of Mormugao's secular history. Email [EMAIL PROTECTED] o Liquor addict Joao Anthony Cardozo (32), police said, confessed to stealing a cross from a graveyard, and confessed on interrogation that he had dumped it near his residence to be used on his grave after his death. (Navhind Times) QUOTE... UNQUOTE: Goa's exemplary communal harmony has served to inspire the rest of the world. The tremendous level of tolerance and participation in each others' festivities and respect for religious structures has been the hallmark of the convivial atmosphere in the state. And acts of vandalism in any place of worshop, given the pleasant way of life in Goa, were unheard of in the recent past. But since a few years back, the incidents of desecration and fires at places of worship have started happening. It began with the burning of the mosque at Socorro, followed by the gutting of a chapel at Curdi and the desecration of a small temple near Uguem in Sanguem. The vandalism has continued with the demolition of crosses in Ponda, Raia, and the latest incident was reported a couple of days back at Aldona. Whether the gutting of places of worship was purely accidental or wilful attempts to forment communal trouble could not be conclusively ascertained due to the government's lack of political will and lethargy on the part of the police to probe the cases properly. -- Edit in Gomantak Times. AFVERT in a local paper: We promise sheer hedonistic delight as you indulge yourself in riotious, wild and pleasure-seeking evenings... clarionthebeachgoa.com o Vendors welcome use of paper bags in Panjim. This is part of eradicating plastic bags campaign, as part of the Chaka Chak Panaji (Clean Panjim) campaign. Inmates in the Aguada prison are making paper bags, and as many as 8000 of these will be distributed, Panaji corporation chief officer Sanjith Rodrigues said. (H) o Margao: differences crop up within ruling councillors. (H) o Two water pipelines burst in Mormuga. (NT) - DEATHS AND REMEMBRANCES: - o BENAULIM: Domnic Fernandes, b 1939. Brother of 7 Brothers. o CANDOLIM: Joanita D'Sa, Confraria b 1933 o CHORAO: Maria Merciana Colaco, b 1930 o VERNA: Roque Marcel Carvalho, Danddo b 1935. o AQUEM: Margarita D'Silva, 3rd anniversary o CAVELOSSIM/COMBA: Veena, b 1978, birthday remembrance. o CHINCHINIM: Eldoma da Costa Furtado, Palmargrande, 1st anniv o CHINCHINIM: Felicia Lacerda, 2nd Pavlem, 1st anniv o CUNCOLIM: Santana Sacramenta Moraes, Sallemadem, 3rd anniv o MERCES: Valentino Fernandes, Vaddy. Ex Navgn Dept, 1st anniv o MOIRA: Gloria Noronha, 3rd anniv. o PARRA: Francis Augustine Fernandes, Canca, 1st anniv o UGUEM: Luis Lisu Fernandes, of
[Goanet] Clinton... back from Morjim
It's 3:30 am almost, and I've been chatting with Clinton (not the prez!) Here's what the young man wrote... --FN http://klintvaz.blogspot.com/ 2.54am, 130kmph, and 13 turtle hatchlings Thought i'd pass the blog phase in my life but i guess i was wrong. Got persuaded by a friend that blogs were worth trying out. Perhaps that it is 2.54 am in the morning and i don't know if i'm sleepy or not, but i won't put too much thought into that... I've just returned home speedily from a beach in North Goa, called Morjim. So what was a benaulikar doing 70 kms away from his hometown at that ungodly hour you ask? Watching turtles hatch and crawl to the sea ofcourse! Well it's not everyday that you see such a happening, so armed with a camera and a 4 wheeler, i made my way to Panjim for dinner and then to Morjim where i would witness this for the first time in my life. Sujeet, one of those in charge had informed me earlier that i would be just one of the 5-6 people that night, and you can perobably imagine my horror when i saw over 150 people at a desolate beach close to midnight. It's a sad sight to see people jostling with each other trying to get a better view perhaps, a better camera angle and this special moment becomes just another touristic sideshow. At birth, hatchlings make their way upwards, crawling through the sand with their flippers. Instinct tells them to follow the moonlight towards the sea. But with so many meddilng tourists, and flashing cameras, they get disoriented and move in circles, wearing themselves out even before they enter the sea. It was a disa pointing experience as I could not get a picture in a natural setting with the crowds milling about, nor could i enjoy the sight. At times like this I wish we ddin't have so many tourists or perhaps these hatchings should be kept secret, at least for the sake of the turtles. This night just 13 turtles made it into the sea. I wonder how many will survive till they return back to Morjim to lay some more eggs. Probably none, but by then i guess Morjim would probably be another Calangute. Clinton.. klintvaz at gmail.com posted by klintvaz at 1:25 PM | 0 comments
[Goanet] Debate
Debate on 'Conversions' on JANMAT HINDI TV NETWORK You are kindly requested to watch the debate on 'Conversions' which will be telecast on JANMAT TV NETWORK on Sunday, February 5 at 10.00 p.m. The members of panel are Mr. Oza a veteran journalist, Mr. Shankar Gaikar, Regional Head of Bajrang Dal and Mr.Dolphy D'souza, President of The Bombay Catholic Sabha. The anchor person is Mr. Rahul Dev. Please circulate this information to your network and friends. Chris Fernandes
[Goanet] Amazing Goa .............' Suvari'
In 1970s, on feast days etc , locals used to organise a dance not open air but in larger goan houses etc, with patromax (no electricity that time, sound system with battery, and live brass band with no electric guitar or bass but just drum, trumpet, clarinet, saxaphone and marakash. Popular amongst them were Fidelis, Ringo Sound etc That was also called 'suvari' (suvari=dance) Where will you go tonite ? Tiatr or Suvari ? = What is a 'suvari'? Traditional music performance, tone-setter for festive events in temples. [EMAIL PROTECTED] for Goa NRI related info... http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/GOAN-NRI/ for Goa Goa Flights info.. http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/LetsGotoGoa For info on Konkani VCDs etc ___ Yahoo! Photos NEW, now offering a quality print service from just 8p a photo http://uk.photos.yahoo.com
[Goanet] Grumbles in Goa: Book Review of Guardian of the Dawn by Richard Zimler (by Ashok Banker)
http://www.epicindia.com/indianenglish/2005/11/grumbles-in-goa-book-review-of.html [Indian English spoken here -- a blog about books, movies and music - from a total desi point of view - the ones we loveofy and the ones we'd like to killofy (but won't really)] 07 November, 2005 Grumbles in Goa: Book Review of Guardian of the Dawn by Richard Zimler Guardian of the Dawn Richard Zimler Constable Robinson Ltd; 372 pgs; L 5.95 Guardian of the Dawn hasn't really raised any hue and cry anywhere. It's not even made any major ripples in literary circles, let alone irked the overlords of organized religion. In contrast, other works that dealt strongly with the Jewish-Christian divide have traditionally attracted great media attention. Palestine, Joe Sacco’s brilliant work of journalism in graphic novel form, was simultaneously hailed as an important expose of Israeli occupation of the West Bank as well as derided for its allegedly one-sided view. Dan Brown’s Da Vinci's Cold--achoo! achoo! excuse me, I mean The Da Vinci Code, of course--was famously the subject of much furious debate in the Vatican and various Christian forums, even as it broke publishing records and sold some 26 million copies (and still counting). But I sincerely doubt you’ll see Guardian of the Dawn embroiled in any such media controversy, even though, by his own admission, the author would like the world to take his book as seriously as any work of journalism or historical expose. Why, you wonder? Well, a bit more about the book itself: Guardians is a work of historical fiction, the third in a trilogy by Portugese-Jewish author Zimler (his description of himself, not mine) about a Portugese-Jewish family (of course) in various time-periods. The previous two books, The Last Kabbalist of Lisbon, and Hunting Midnight were set in the 16th and 19th centuries, and dealt with various branches and generations of the Zarco family in several continents. This third book (but not last, it would seem) is set in 16th century Goa, during the period of Portugese colonialism. The main characters are the first-person narrator Ti (short for Tiago) and his sister Sofia, and their father. The three of them live simple, idyllic lives on a plantation just on the outskirts of the colony of Goa, hewing to their Portugese-Goan faith, while dabbling freely in the Hindu festivals and rituals of their friends, neighbours--and later, lovers. On one hand, it's a more or less typical coming-of-age story about adolescent lust and love, youthful adventures and friendships, and the warm yet sadness-tinged relationship between father and son. The prose is simple and the narrative pleasant without any overly dramatic highs or lows, and there's a great emphasis on emotional states and sometimes oddly nuanced feelings that a Freudian psychiatrist could probably have a field day interpreting. But then comes the event that turns this deceptively simple historical family saga into something more sinister: First the father, then the son, are arrested and imprisoned by the Inquisition. And then begins a tale of torture and suffering, misery and betrayal that would make the Count of Monte Cristo cringe (but without the adventure and high drama of Dumas's classic). The Catholic priests who have been 'informed' of the heresy committed by the Zarcos in intermingling with their Hindu friends--and by simply being Jewish to begin with--are painted as utterly evil sadists, with only a few human characteristics. And the Catholic priest at the helm of this campaign of torture and ethnic cleansing of sorts is none other than Francis Xavier, who was later sainted largely for his achievements during this very campaign. In an Afterword, author Zimler sets forth his outrage and shock at researching this period of Portugese-Jewish history (and Indian history too, of course) and learning of the tens of thousands of innocent Hindus and Jews who were tortured and slaughtered by the fanatical priest Xavier. And he even dedicates the book itself To the many thousands of men, women, and children who were imprisoned by the Inquisition in India. This is all very well, and had Zimler authored a scholarly study of the period and events, we might be able to share his outrage and horror as he unfolded research proving said events and acts. But as a work of historical fiction, and by a Jewish author at that, it's difficult to know how seriously to take him, or the book. As a historical novel, it's not really something you'll enjoy much, take it from me, unless reading sadomasochism is high on your literary priorities. It certainly doesn't live up to Zimler's own goal of reinterpreting Othello in the tradition of Jane Smiley's A Thousand Acres or Jean Rhys' The Wide Saragossa Sea. And as a religious-social polemic, attempting to expose so-called Catholic fanaticism and sadistic excesses against non-believers in 16th century Goa, even if it has its facts right, it still has its heart in the wrong place. But
[Goanet] Contacto Goa v/s. Bolliwood
This is a strange comparision nevertheless Goans have been displayed as a degenerative and depraved culture for decades via the india cinema propaganda. Our women and religion have been shown in very poor light. Yet our gullible Goans still continue watching these stupid films even though our women, men and Catholic religion is dispised. Also bharati writers such as Rushdie have written very poor stuff about our culture. Step in Contacto Goa, one episode has already has shown our richness in culture, cusine and lifestyle. How many Goans have watched this program although it is conducted in Portuguese? Maybe the program should also have an English and Concani version for all the spectra to watch. Many Portuguese people told me that they wanted to visit Goa after watching this progam. But I told them caveat emptor, because Contacto Goa is only a tiny percentage (Goodness) of the what is left (61) of Goa. BC ___ To help you stay safe and secure online, we've developed the all new Yahoo! Security Centre. http://uk.security.yahoo.com
[Goanet] BOOK REVIEW: Criminal justice system in Goa
[Strange. I had not noticed this book nor the review earlier! FN] http://www.hindu.com/br/2004/11/09/stories/2004110900101600.htm Criminal justice system in Goa CRIMINAL JUSTICE INDIA SERIES — Volume 9 Goa: N. R. Madhava Menon — General Editor; Allied Publishers Pvt. Ltd., National University of Juridical Sciences, 17, Chittaranjan Avenue, Kolkata-72. Rs. 240. INDIA'S CRIMINAL justice system, with its deep and pervasive problems, is largely the province (pun intended) of the states, and as N. R. Madhava Menon points out in the preface to this book, the absence of reliable data inhibit[s] intelligent reform. The book focusses on Goa but contains many insights of wider application. Apart from historical and current facts and figures relating to the police, prosecution, courts and prisons, it documents nuggets of unofficial data such as the fact that each court puts 40 cases on the cause list daily, summons about 100 witnesses but hears only a few. Inquisitorial system Interestingly, Goa has a uniform civil code. However, to the non-Goan reader, the best part of the book is elsewhere. The Justice V.S. Malimath Committee has proposed a shift towards a quest for the truth, away from the magistrate's passive umpire role and recommended changes to the law of evidence and criminal procedure pointing out that the inquisitorial system is practised in several democracies. The Committee's Report is considered almost blasphemous by many brought up on the Anglo-Saxon adversarial model. This is where this book is important — Goa for 451 years had an inquisitorial system. Some interesting features — there were no restrictive rules of evidence; statements to the police were admissible; if witnesses contradicted each other, the magistrate could summon and question them together; adjournments were rare. The book concludes that there is no reason to think that the Portuguese system was worse — and it was faster. The introduction contains unusual and unconventional ideas derived from lateral thinking, drawing on the rich practical experience of the contributors, J. K.Thampi, P.V. Sinari, L.L.T. Gracias, V.V.Vernekar and Ajay Thomas. It is worth reading by anyone interested in cleaning the Augean stables of our criminal justice system.
