[Goanet-News] Backstage ... at the mando fest (video reports from Goa)
Last evening (Dec 9, 2008) was the first of the two-day mando festival at the Kala Academy in Panjim. What is the scene like backstage? Check three videos (two up already, the third is on its way): Backstage... at the mando fest (should be up in an hour or two) http://www.youtube.com/user/fredericknoronha Michael Gracias group sings... the mando (a traditional Goan song) http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=dP9egDW2jLA On Goa's traditional drum, the gumot: Seby Pereira from Nuvem Seby Pereira, from Nuvem village, explains the how's and why's of Goa's traditional drum, the ghumot. Recorded at the backdrop of the 42nd mando festival at the Kala Academy, Dec 9, 2008. http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=k70v-T3pjdQ -- FN * Independent Journalist http://fn.goa-india.org M: +91-9822122436 P: +91-832-2409490
[Goanet] Meet young Aliston Colaco
VCD Cover http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk12/3031445595/ Young Aliston Colaco (from Fatorda, Margao) has just come out with his first VCD – EKSURO. I saw him for the first time on VCDs in 2004, I guess he was then 11 or 12. I guess Aliston was into tiatr/singing long before that. Then I saw him on stage mid 2005 – See a clip (below) of all TOP young or Kid tiatrists. His younger brother Aaron too has become a star now and was seen in Roseferns’s tiatr as a young comedian. http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk/117662256/ This one with bro. Aliston and Jr. Chico http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk/117660728/ EKSURO -VCD Beautiful outdoor shooting/scenes such as Amona bridge, Amboli Falls, Monte de Guirim-Boarding school, Campal Park, KA IFFI Jetty, Miramar, Goa Airport, Panjim Church, Old Goa, Ferryboat, Sunset, Mayem Lake, St.Augustin Tower, Inox, Konkan Railways etc etc Aliston’s Mom (late Dad), bro Sis also (briefly) seen in this VCD/Trailer Beautiful songs of which I like ‘brother-sister’ song the most. Watch it here and please buy Original VCD and support Goa and Tiatrists. http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=Cl-AZgGS1eA Congratulations to Aliston and the producer/actors/Musicians etc For best quality, always watch my video clips in high quality video mode using the option/link located just abv the view count http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=Cl-AZgGS1eA Aliston also seen here 3.5 years ago http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=CmqhoBm3s8I [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
Re: [Goanet] Introductory Lecture on VEDIC MATHEMATICS held
--- On Mon, 12/8/08, Goanet AE [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Sadhanalaya and The International Centre, Goa organised an Introductory Lecture on VEDIC MATHEMATICS by Dr. Debmalya Banerjee on Friday, 5 December 2008. Dr. Banerjee spoke about the basics of Vedic Maths. He gave the history of Vedic Maths and then gave illustrations of various sums. Dr. Banerjee also expressed his willingness to conduct a full 1-2 weeks workshop on Vedic Maths for teachers as well general public in the recent future. Here is a statement signed by several eminent Indian mathematicians and scholars to prevent this mockery of our Vedic heritage from being thrust in our schools: http://www.sacw.net/DC/CommunalismCollection/ArticlesArchive/NoVedic.html The title of the statement is Neither Vedic Nor Mathematics. Here is a pertinent excerpt from it: BEGIN QUOTE The book Vedic mathematics essentially deals with arithmetic of the middle and high-school level. Its claims that there is no part of mathematics, pure or applied, which is beyond their jurisdiction is simply ridiculous. In an era when the content of mathematics teaching has to be carefully designed to keep pace with the general explosion of knowledge and the needs of other modern professions that use mathematical techniques, the imposition of ``Vedic mathematics will be nothing short of calamitous. India today has active and excellent schools of research and teaching in mathematics that are at the forefront of modern research in their discipline with some of them recognised as being among the best in the world in their fields of research. It is noteworthy that they have cherished the legacy of distinguished Indian mathematicians like Srinivasa Ramanujam, V. K. Patodi, S. Minakshisundaram, Harish Chandra, K. G. Ramanathan, Hansraj Gupta, Syamdas Mukhopadhyay, Ganesh Prasad, and many others including several living Indian mathematicians. But not one of these schools has lent an iota of legitimacy to `Vedic mathematics'. Nowhere in the world does any school system teach Vedic mathematics or any form of ancient mathematics for that matter as an adjunct to modern mathematical teaching. The bulk of such teaching belongs properly to the teaching of history and in particular the teaching of the history of the sciences. END QUOTE Cheers, Santosh
[Goanet] GBA to facilitate People's understanding of Regional Plan 2021
GBA to facilitate People's understanding of Regional Plan 2021 An interactive meeting on Participatory Village Level Planning is being facilitated by the Goa Bachao Abhiyan with Mr. Vinod Kumar from Maitri-Kerala, as the resource person. Members of the GBA Core Group and Taluka Coordinators will attend and participate in the deliberations. Members of Village Committees and others interested in understanding planning are welcome to attend by prior registration. Please reply to GBA office [EMAIL PROTECTED], or SMS, phone on 9767701245 to reserve a seat as space may be a constraint. The meeting will be held from 4.00 P.M. on Saturday 13 December, 2008 at Institute Piedade hall, Near State Bank of India, Panaji.[entrance near Cafe Coffee Day and Bread More, adjoining Virani Sales Corporation] If the number of participants is more, a bigger space and more chairs will need to be arranged. Please confirm by 11 December, 2008, so that arrangements can be made. Mr. Vinod Kumar has done Post Graduate studies in Local Administration and has been involved with Village, District and Perspective Planning for the State of Kerala for the last ten years. He will be bringing along plans prepared through people's participation and implemented in Kerala after the passage of the 73rd and 74 th amendments to the Constitution of India. Those who would like to interact with him are requested to do so by appointment prior to the meeting. He will not be available for consultation after the meeting. The above is the official message. The note below is only indicative nothing official about it. It is proposed to have the meeting structured with a brief presentation of DRP 2021 maps and plans followed by the Keynote address by Mr. Vinod of Maitri [30 minutes] and a Question and Answer Session. The proceedings will be summed up before the adoption of resolutions on the way forward. Time is the essence. Please be on time at 4.00 P.M. An exhibition containing. Taluka level plans as per DRP 2021 of each of the eleven talukas and corresponding Google/ Digital Globe image will be set up, if possible. Participants who have obtained copies of DRP 2021, village maps, etc either by application or through RTI are requested to bring the copies along for discussion and sharing with others. The DRP 2021 Village Plans are quite indicative of what type of land is available and to what uses it can be put. It is for the people to decide on the final land use pattern for their villages in the next five to dozen years. We hope that the interaction will neither lay waste the work put in by the Task Forcenor the land that we love, Goa. This interaction is FACILITATED by the GBA to help reach a common understanding of the WAY FORWARD. The time to score Brownie points is over. It is a time to come together. Together Everyone Achieves More. Let that be our T.E.A.M. spirit. Feedback is solicited. Mog asundi Miguel -- -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-. Miguel Braganza, S1 Gracinda Apts, Rajvaddo, Mhapsa 403507 Goa Ph 9822982676 [EMAIL PROTECTED] -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
[Goanet] on Mumbai
http://www.nplusonemag.com/how-bombay-became-mumbai
[Goanet] The Annual Christmas Tree Party - Goans of Dubai
What's On and where in the GOANWORLD http://whatsongoanworld.blogspot.com/ 0 Goan Sodality invites All Goan Children and their families for The Annual Christmas Tree Party On Saturday, 13th December 08 From 7 pm to 9.00 pm VenueSt. Marys Church Mini Hall Kindly click to register your kids on RadioGoa.net to recieve gifts from Santa http://www.radiogoa .net/gifts. htm -- RadioGoa.net For the love of Konkani WORLD ALLIANCE OF GOAN ASSOCIATONS http://whatsongoanworld.blogspot.com/ 0
[Goanet] Annie's Song for Jasmine
Source: http://www.thestatesman.net/page.arcview.php?clid=1id=260139usrsess=1 -- Don't shoot the pianist... 50-year old Schubert Vaz, pianist at the Oberoi-Trident, Mumbai, narrates his nightmarish night of 26 November when terrorists seized the hotel: I was playing the piano as usual as I have for 27 years at the sea-facing lobby of the Oberoi, when I heard gun shots. As soon as I realized that gunmen had entered the lobby and shooting people, I ran into the Opium Den bar. They had already killed two bell boys. Other bodies were on the floor. But the terrorists were going into restaurants and firing. Along with some Oberoi staffers and guests, we next ran into the computer room. We felt that was also not safe. We next headed for the back-up systems room which had batteries and so on. I could continually hear gunshots. I called up my brother-in-law over the cellphone and spoke softly to tell him that terrorists had taken over the Oberoi, but not to tell my wife. If I was delayed, I asked him to tell her that a guest had invited me to play in his house after my duty hours at the Oberoi. If I did not come home by morning, it meant I was in serious trouble. We were hiding in the back-up systems room when one of the terrorists entered. He started firing from his machine gun. He shot a 20-year old Oberoi management trainee, Jasmine. She died. He killed some guests at point-blank range. I thought my time had come to die. I could see the image of my family flash before my eyes. At that time I prayed, Lord, save me. The terrorist stopped firing. We were very lucky as for some reason he did not spray the room with bullets as he could have done with a machine gun. He just fired single shots. I could not see him, but could see the muzzle of the gun from where I was hiding. If he had sprayed bullets all of us in the room would have died. The terrorist did not say a word while he was killing people. He was not angrily shouting, but appeared calm and methodical as he was shooting at us. That made him scarier. The terrorist left the room. I asked others in the room, including some foreign guests, to put their mobile phones in silent mode. We waited. After about 30 minutes, we began to think of how to leave the hotel. We decided to leave for the Regal Room, and there we found our senior managers who were wonderfully helpful. They asked us to keep calm, and told us security forces will rescue us. We were then taken in groups out of Oberoi, to the nearby INOX theatre where we waited until morning. At about 5.30 am, I took a local train to my home in the suburbs. I have been through the Mumbai bomb blasts also in 1993. Mumbai suffers from two kind of terrorists: the terrorists who come from outside the country, and our political terrorists within the country who take advantage of our tragedies. Our politicians have only destroyed the country with their divisive politics. We don't need any political yatras; we have the Jazz Yatra, and that's good enough! I know I am alive now only because the terrorist did not spray bullets as he could have done. Yesterday, I attended the funeral of an Oberoi colleague, John, even though I did not personally know him. I know it could have easily been my funeral. Mumbai is not afraid. I am determined to get back to work at the Oberoi that is my second home for the past 27 years, to playing the piano that is my second wife. The first song that I will play is Annie's Song by John Denver. It was the favourite of the 20-year old Oberoi management girl, Jasmine, who died in front of my eyes. She was such a sweet, wonderful human being and killed for no reason by madmen from Pakistan.
[Goanet] Country First: Homage paid to Mumbai Terror victims at Candle Light Rally/ Programme
To mark the 12 day remembrance and to strengthen the flame of solidarity, a huge Candle-light Rally was held in the streets of Panjim on Sunday evening, paying homage to those who had lost their lives in the Mumbai Terror attacks. 600 plus city residents took part in the Country First Rally Patriotic programme organized by Shri Yatin Parekh, Dy. Mayor CCP, jointly with other socio-cultural clubs, namely St. Inez Sports and Cultural Club, JCI St. Inez, Rudreshwar Panaji, Rudreshwar Yuvak Sangh and Panjim Gujrati Yuvak Mandal. The Rally commenced at St. Inez and proceeded towards Azad Maidan, where the citizens took a joint pledge to raise a collective spirit and fight against terrorism, corruption and hate propaganda. The citizens then converged at the venue near the Municipal library at St. Inez, where they lit candles on a Map of India. Rich tributes were paid to the Indian Nation and to the martyrs by young school children Devashree Kamat and Aarti Goude, while Hrusha Amonkar touched the citizens with an emotional rendition of Ae mere watan ke logon. Mr. Bharat Desai paid a tribute by reciting a poem of solidarity. Posters/ Banners by school children and other citizens, condemning the violence and celebrating the spirit of India were also prominently displayed at the venue. Later while addressing the gathering, Shri Jagirdhar, retired Government Polytechnic lecturer, hit hard at the terrorists for bringing a bad name and disrepute to Islam which he said signified Peace and appealed to the people to maintain brotherhood and unity in this moment of crisis. Mr. Mathany Saldanha, ex Tourism Minister, blamed Society's degrading values especially the lust and lures to make easy money as one of the reasons behind the terrorist attacks in the Country and urged the people to bring about a change in the society through positive action. Social Activist and Lawyer Satish Sonak lambasted the Government for going soft on terrorism and said that the only way to stop terrorism was by attacking the terrorist camps in the enemy territory. Mr. Sonak also said that it was high time for the people of the Nation to stand up and demand answers from the people who came by vote and who had proved to be as dangerous as the terrorists who had come by the boat. The programme Convener Shri Yatin Parekh later read out a 3 Point Resolution demanding that: 1. Security agencies be equipped with modern arms, equipment and protective gear to defend lives of citizens and combat terrorism, 2. There be more transparency in governance and more so in matters of security concerns and 3. The perpetrators of every Act of Terrorism and Religious Violence be speedily brought to book through the setting up of fast track Courts. In his address, Mr. Parekh also urged the people to vote for good and efficient leaders. Shri Deepak Amonkar compeered while Sandeep Heble proposed the Vote of Thanks. yours sincerely Sandeep Heble Panjim-Goa
Re: [Goanet] Talking Photo: Spider Web like pattern
Panjim Church steps maybe? --- On Tue, 9/12/08, JoeGoaUk [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: JoeGoaUk [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Goanet] Talking Photo: Spider Web like pattern To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Received: Tuesday, 9 December, 2008, 8:40 AM Talking Photo: Spider Web like pattern http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk15/3093847066/sizes/l/ What or where do you this is this? [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 Start your day with Yahoo!7 and win a Sony Bravia TV. Enter now http://au.docs.yahoo.com/homepageset/?p1=otherp2=aup3=tagline
[Goanet] PREVIEW: The Goa Museum (Name not decided), Benaulim
Dear friends, Writing this letter I wish to make this invitation as personal as the realization of my dream. Those of us who have lived in Goa in the past few decades have witnessed a period of great change, from living in contented self sufficiency to an over-dependence on modern amenities and technology. Many years ago I began collecting old, discarded implements and tools from attics and storerooms simply because I felt they were reminders of a way of life that I was sad to see go. But as the collection grew, it opened my eyes to the richness of the culture and heritage that these objects represented, and to the depth of knowledge and skills that produced them. Since the last eight years, while restoring old houses, I embarked on a personal quest to collect, restore and preserve traditional agrarian practices, their tools, seeds and knowledge involved that were fast being lost to contemporary lifestyle. My collection has led me to travel the length and breath of our state, making my way to the remotest of villages, speaking to the village elders, capturing and documenting the ethnicity and rituals associated with every item. In these travels I recognized that a lot has already been lost, and is fast disappearing. I realized that we were losing much more than historical artifacts - we are losing evidence of the wisdom that informed the lifestyles of our forefathers. This anthology tells a story, a story that I wish to share with you in hopes of awakening a sense of pride, an awareness and appreciation of our rich culture and heritage. I was faced with an important question, How will the children of Goa ever know what their ancestors lived like? What kind of security are we living behind for them if they are unable to know their roots? My efforts are for this future generation. This was the genesis of the The Goa Museum (Name not decided)- an ethnographical museum, a walk down a way of life that is rapidly receding into history. The museum is set against the backdrop of an organic farm. My dream is that Goa Museum will serve as a place to collect, preserve and pay tribute to Goa's unique heritage. Most of the exhibits you will see are rare and were difficult to find and many needed extensive restoration. My expertise as a conserver has permitted me to craft most of the pieces to their original glory. The collection is large and varied, but I cannot say it is complete. In the first phase, it will feature religious objects, agricultural implements, weights and measures, kitchen and household implements, modes of transport, craftsmen's tools, besides a few selected pieces of furniture, jewellery, costumes, musical instruments etc. Almost every discovery in my search, every conversation with a village elder, has pointed me in the direction of new facts that need to be recorded, more artefacts that need to be found and preserved. This has been a one-man effort so far, but the immenseness of this project humbles me to ask for help. I need us to communally look at this collection and decide the journey it should take. I look forward to showing you around the museum personally on any day convenient to you between December 7th and December 15th, preferably between 4pm and 6pm, and also between 10 am to 12 noon on Sundays, in the hope that you will be as inspired by what you see as I have been in working to bring this collection together. Please call me on the following number to confirm your visit: 9850466165 / 08326570877 / 9970446065. Directions to the museum are as follows: ·From the Margao Old market round about take the road leading to Colva. ·Past the overhead train bridge, and Hotel Colva plaza.(1 .5 km from Margao) · About 50 metres Take first left turn to St. John the Baptist church. · Follow the road, cross the Church, ·Move till you cross two stretches of fields, keep left. ·About 500 metres after the field to the left is a bar called Sun and Rock. · Across it, look for signage that leads to the museum. Sincerely yours Victor Hugo Gomes (Conservationist and Restorer, Founding Curator of the Museum Of Christian Art) Victor Hugo Gomes House No. 498 Pulwaddo, Benaulim Salcete, Goa - 403716 mobile:09850466165 landline:0832-6570877
[Goanet] Minority appeasement and pardon for terrorists
Sir, In the wake of the 26/11, terror attacks in Mumbai, the Congress govtmt will now go into 100% MUSLIM APPEASEMENT POLICY starting with Mr Arjun singh Congress, HRD minister who will immediately grant 100% reservations for muslims in education, jobs, housing loans and business loans, etc. in India. It will be a good package. Congress govtmt will once again go soft on perpetrators of the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai and may even give the terrorists an official pardon, as they have been doing for the last 16 years. John Fernandes
[Goanet] Sticks vs AK47s - Ombale the Man of Courage
Please see the page 2 of the Bombay edition of the electronic Times of India - article entitled How lathis and revolvers defeated AK47s. The best blow by blow description of heroism by the Bombay Police. http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Daily/skins/TOI/navigator.asp?Daily=TOIMlogin=default -- Roland Francis Toronto +1 (416) 453.3371
Re: [Goanet] Who speaks for us Hindus ?
From: Samir Kelekar : Mario dont talk crap. Where did I talk of censoring or ostracizing? Mario responds: OK, but is it alright if I illustrate your crap? I am only urging the public to note the above. From: Bosco D'Mello Why are you urging the public to note the above. Mario responds: Bosco, Do you have anything specific to say about the points raised by Samir Kelekar and myself in this exchange, or anything that would add to the discussion? Or is that you must see your name in every Goanet Digest?? RESPONSE: Mario...Its obvious you missed my contribution to the discussion...Pls review Goanet Digests for the past week and tell us what you learn about your your number of postings. It was you who was reminded this past week on more than one occasion of your lapses. On second thoughts, you are best advised to take an early Christmas break for the rest of the year. Game's up!!! - b
Re: [Goanet] where is he from?
I read in yesterday's Kuwait Times a story by a McClacthy (spelling?) journalist that he found the village the captured terrorist hails from. The reporter said that after his initial interviews with villagers many changed their stories later on, probably because of police intervention. He said there was a large presence of security personnel in the village. He also acknowledged that there are three Faridkots in Pakistan. Probably the story in still there in the online version of Kuwait Times. Eugene
[Goanet] Goa Tourism - Alive Kicking for the Big Week
Economic downturn and terror attacks notwithstanding Goa's 5* hotels are ready for the season. Here are their distress prices for 9 nights of double occupancy (incl 10% tax): Check In: 24-Dec Check Out: 02-Jan INR 239,000 Marriott INR 309,000 Park Hyatt INR 345,000 Taj Exotica Mariott generously includes breakfast. New Years Gala Dinner is INR 5,000 pp The others do not include breakfast and charge INR 15,000 for the gala dinner
[Goanet] Cheers Sonia!!
The assembly results of Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram are out. The score is 3-2 in favour of Congress. I am sure one Dr Barad had a sleepless night or two. Terrorism as a success fromula has failed and terrorists are bound to lose -- whether they are international or home-bred. Cheers Sonia! Tony Martin
[Goanet] GOA SUDHAROP AWARDS: Jan 6, 2009 - Save the date
The annual Goa Sudharop awards will be held on Tuesday, Jan 6, 2009, from 4-6pm at Hotel Mandovi, Panaji. Programme details to follow. There is no cost to attend. All invited. Please mark your calendars and we look forward to seeing you. Thank you to the donors, supporters, well-wishers, and volunteers of Goa Sudharop. Goa Sudharop www.goasudharop.org
[Goanet] Two day 42nd Mando Festival gets underway
The Dinanath Mangueshkar Indoor auditorium at the Kala Academy Campal Panaji reverberated with the sounds of Mandos Dulpods heralding the two day ( 9th and 10th December, 2008) 42nd Mando Festival organised by the Goa Cultural and Social Centre in collaboration with the Directorate of Art and Culture Govt of Goa and the Kala Academy, where a record 37 groups (last year there were 30 groups) are participating. Opening the first day event the Guest of honour Vice Chairman of the Goa Tourism Development Mr Lyndon Monteiro (who also doubles up as the Officer on Speical Duty OSD to the Minister of Tourism Mr Francisco (Micky ) Pacheco, ) was thrilled at the turn out and the participation of a good number of youth . He reiterated that true Goan should support and keep up the Goan tradition and promised all help to the success and continutiy of the festival which the Organisors have been organising since January, 1974 (earlier it was Clube Nacional the oldest club in the capital city that did the honours since August 1965.) It may be recalled that it was the present Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly and then CM of Goa Mr Pratapsing Raoji Rane who two years ago ensured that State patronage was extended to the festival. Henceforth there has been State funding. The organisors were also enthused by the encouragement from the Government and they have organised workshops as well as part of their other activities. Their i souvenirs spell out the nitty gritty of the mandos and dulpods and also give an incite into the traditional instruments viz the violin ghumot mandolin etc . That mandos are traditionally emotive song and dance associated with the passion of love in its true form. The rhyming music is in consonance with the heart throb. There was a time in yester years where lack of communication left lovers forlon or separated by distances some overseas and this was reflected in the song and dance according to Ms Irene Cardozo from Candolim one of the four comperes on the ocassion the others being Dr Bicaji Ghanekar Mr Thomas Fernandes Mr Jones Correia, Another interesting development this year is that the monotony of repetitive mandos and dulpods being sung by almost all the 37participating groups of the Childrens , Teenager Senior groups Original Dance and traditional category ) and one added feature to provide an opportunity for the oldies a Senior citizens category, is that a record nine New Mandos have been listed for the Competition. This indeed is a healthy development according to Dr P Faldessai the Member Secretary of the Kala Academy who also spoke on the ocassion and promised all support to this traditional culture of the Goans like the cantaram khells tiatrs etc. The 17 groups participating today began with the Childrens Group (6 Nos) at exactly 1813 hrs this evening and others in the teenager and senior groups were in progress at the time of filing this report. The the Mayor of Corporation of City of Panaji Mr Tony Rodrigues Special Guest and the Chief Minister Mr Digambar Kamat , Chief Guest on the ocassion both, did not turn up souring the enthusiasm of the organisors. Today being a public Holiday on account of Bakri Id the streets of Panaji wore a deserted look but the audience at the Kala Academy was encouraging. Tommorow the remaining groups will perform and Chief Guest will be the Salcete strongman Mr Churchill Alemao the Minister for PWD. Science Technology while the Director of Tourism Mr Elvis Gomes will be the Guest of Homour and Special Guest Mr Prasad Loliyaker Director of Art and Culture. Most of the groups were from the Velhas Conquistas which was under the Portuguese rule for 451 years viz the talukas of Salcete Mormugao Ilhas and Bardez, notably Merces , Mapusa Majorda Utorda Nuvem Carmona Fatorda Velim Margao Sarzora and Porvorim. A souvenir was released on the ocassion by Mr Lyndon Monteiro the Guest of Honour of the day. Tommorrow will be a day of reckoning for all the competing groups and the results are expected to give the judges a trying time. Meanwhile at the request of some well meaning Mando and Dulpods enthusiasts this writer has made available the Mandos and dulpods available to those desiorus on request, with the intent that the younger generation and Goans world wide should include in their itinery of functions be it a baptism, communion confirmation marriage anniversary to sing atleast a couple of songs to keep up the Goan tradition which is under threat owing to the fast changing demographic composition of the State and inroads being made by filmi music song and dance which will alineate us from our Goan identity. from the D M Indoor Stadium Campal GODFREY J. I. GONSALVES, BORDA, MARGAO, 403 602, GOA. (INDIA) +91 98221 58584 (24 HRS) [EMAIL PROTECTED] Add more friends to your messenger and enjoy! Go to http://messenger.yahoo.com/invite/
[Goanet] Godhra and Kashmir
9th December, 2008 Sir, It is very surprising that while Fr. Cedric Prakash s.j. repeatedly speaks about the atrocities against Muslims in the Gujarat carnage of 2002, he never has a word of sympathy for the 59 Hindus who died in the burning of the train in Godhra. He has never condemned the brutalization, rape and murder of the 4 lakh Kashmiri Hindu Pandits by Muslim militants forcing them to flee the Kashmir valley and take refuge in camps in other parts of the country. As a man of God, and a representative of the Christian community, he should be unbiased in his approach to these disturbing events. Unfortunately, it appears he has a very one-sided view, which, is definitely not becoming of a man of his stature. It is hoped he has a more even handed approach, in the future. Best Wishes, John Fernandes
[Goanet] govtmt sponsorship for minority students
The Director Our Lady's Home 205, Dr. Ambedkar Road, Dadar(E) Mumbai-400 014 Sir, I had read this article on a website and had saved it for you. You are hereby requested to please take advantage of government benefits, for your students belonging to Muslims,Bodhs,Christians, Sikhs, and Parsis, who need sponsorship for school and tuition fees, as per your advertisement in the Examiner dtd 6/12/2008. JOHN FERNANDES == As per article appeared in - Asian Age Newspaper, dtd 7th Aug, 2008. Please take advantage of the following government scheme:- The pre-matric scholarship scheme for minority community families earning less than Rs. 1 lakh per year, in Maharashtra. HOW TO APPLY:- The parents of minority community students are supposed to give declarations about their (1) community and (2) income on separate Rs. 10 stamp papers. However, now the state government has decided to accept the declarations on plain papers. PLEASE CONTACT:- School Principal The school education and sports department, Mumbai. NUMBER OF SEATS AVAILABLE - The centre has granted only 36,800 scholarships for Maharashtra:- Muslims 21,680 Bodhs 12,340 Christians 2,240 Sikhs 460 Parsis - 80 WHO CAN BENEFIT :- The families with least income will be provided a scholarship. Declarations will be taken from students after they are declared eligible for the scholarships so that people dont end up spending Rs. 200/- unnecessarily. The scholarships for minorities were approved in July under the Prime Ministers 15-point programme for the welfare of minority communities.
[Goanet] JP's swan song ......The Lying kind?
Dears, Close on heels of the news report in the NT [see clip below]of two fishing trawlers being intercepted by the Coast Guard/MPT and/or Coastal Police at Marmagoa Harbour, comes a report filed by my pretty debonaire friend in the ToI that is headlined Stop watersport activities by sunset:Police to operators followed by a TNN follow-up on the CS-gate that is titled There's hardly any reserve force in Goa. that informs us that even security of the Goa Governor [and former ICAO General Secretary] S.S. Sidhu, has already been outsourced to the CISF . as if Goa's Raj Bhavan was an industrial establishment [CISF = Central Industrial Security Force]. Two more companies of CISF have been requisitioned to bolster the two guarding our Dabolim airport and dear Governor, on either side of the Zuari river. In the meanwhile the USA, notably Ms. Condoleeza Rice, has stirred up the Pakistani curry with big piranha and barracuda-like fish being netted in Muzzafarabad's murky waters. All efforts are being made to clean up the waters of the Arabain Sea and the terror-tainted air above. On the festive day of Bakra Id today comes the story in the GT headlined Security beefed up for foreign tourists.starred hotels. Therein lies the tail of this story in which the tail wags the dog. GT report reads thus:The Mormugao PI, Sagar Ekoskar,informed that two American ships which arrived at Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) with 1300 American crew in goa were given police protectionfrom the time of arrival. A total of 10 police guards and armed personnel accompanied the Americans during their tour on Monday in Goa. Two things are clear: 1. The Goa Police Force is woefully stretched ...ten men to protect 1300 sailors and airmen on shore leave. 2. The US Sevent Fleet is here in Goa for Repairs and Refitting while the sailors head for Rest and Recuperation and the Goans learn to Rock and Roll. Did I hear a whoop? R, R Maha Dave! Let's sing The Al Qaeda does not know to Rock Roll to the tune of a similarly titled song in Goa. Happy C.S. ta! Mog asundi Miguel Coastal police intercept two fishing trawlers NT NETWORK Posted on 2008-12-05 VASCO Ensuring that no stone remains unturned in view of the security aspect in the coastal belt of Mormugao, the MPT, central industrial security force, Harbour Coastal Police, Mormugao police and Vasco police in a joint operation, intercepted a fishing trawler from Alleppy, Kerala on Thursday, and have booked the crew onboard, on suspicion and failing to produce identity cards. Date: Sun, 7 Dec 2008 22:23:32 -0800 From: Miguel Braganza [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Goanet] JP's swan song ..The Lying kind ? Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 Dears, The front page news reports in today's newspapers in Goa have just stopped short of calling the Chief Secretary of Goa a Liar. That is the truth! If there is no Al Qaida terror threat to Goa, the Chief Secretary's note to the Cabinet Ministers, including the CM, is a deliberate attempt to mislead the Government ...officialese for a WHITE LIE. Secret Cabinet note warns of Qaida threat 8 Dec 2008, 0152 hrs IST, TNN PANAJI: The note (No. 1/13/2003-HD(G)/PF2), which was marked secret, states at item no 3 (a), Today Goa faces serious threat from terrorists and there were specific inputs that Al-Quada (sic) would target certain installation/target in Goa. The state of Goa has a vast coastline of 105 km, which has major sea posts and famous beaches. The note was signed by Singh. Get an email ID as [EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED] Click here http://in.promos.yahoo.com/address
[Goanet] help xtian victims of 26/11 urgently
Sir, The surprise is of Bombay Catholic Sabha President, giving interviews in Times of India of 9th December, 2008, putting pressure on government not to take action against terrorists. This is sending a wrong message to all youth, including, christian youth. Is not the President of Bombay Catholic Sabha aware, that young innocent Christians were begging of the terrorists on 26/11, at Taj and Oberoi, to spare their lives, but terrorists showed no mercy and shot them dead. The President of Bombay Catholic Sabha and Priest have neither visited the homes, nor offered condolence, sympathy,money to injured or dead christians in the attack by terrorists on 26/11 in Mumbai, it is probably because they are not from rich, well-known, christian families. Although the President and his family members and all members of the Bombay catholic Sabha and their families did not suffer at the hands of terrorists on 26/11, it is shocking to know that neither President of Bombay Catholic Sabha, nor any of the Chairmen of Bombay catholic Sabha Church units or any Priest, has bothered to offer Mass, in any Church in Mumbai, for the dead christians in the 26/11 attacks. My urgently request is for Bombay catholic Sabha and each one of their members to please let the government do the job of catching the terrorists, otherwise Bombay catholic sabha is giving wrong message to terrorists. Please immediately Bombay catholic sabha should offer Mass for the dead and injured christians, as well as financial help to all christian families who lost their children, and family members in the recent 26/11 attacks, instead of hand-holding on the roads of Mumbai. John Fernandes
Re: [Goanet] Old Practice as New Science
--- On Mon, 12/8/08, Gilbert Lawrence [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Threat of Punishment Works, Study Suggests http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20081204/sc_livescience/threatofpunishmentworksstudysuggests If one reads this report carefully and tries to understand what it says, it becomes obvious that neither the silly title of this thread nor the frivolous generalizations in the form of rhetorical questions below, are warranted by any stretch of reason or imagination. If the authors had made these types of harebrained ideological extrapolations from their rather nuanced results, their paper would not have been accepted for publication in Science, or any other peer-reviewed journal, for that matter. The attempt to justify and condone the crimes of the inquisition is especially grotesque in this regard. But so is the absurd point about sparing the rod. Corporal punishment is not only found to be ineffective in children, but it has been shown to have deleterious effects on subsequent behavior. This form of disciplining has been banned in public and Catholic schools in 102 countries across the world. Here is an American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement on banning of corporal punishment in school children: http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics%3b106/2/343 Cheers, Santosh Gilbert Lawrence [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Is this not commonly called Spare the rod and spoil the child? In the 17th century was this not called The Inquisition?
[Goanet] Obama urged to probe pro-Hindu groups' Indian link
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/World/USA/Obama_urged_to_probe_pro-Hindu_groups_Indian_link/articleshow/3808049.cms http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/35525249.html
Re: [Goanet] Terrorism
Antonio Menezes wrote: I am of the opinion that armed forces of any country cannot be very effective against treacherously sudden attacks by well motivated cutthroats. The onus for fighting terrorism in the Indian sub-continent rests in the hands of the armed forces who have to a lot of brainstorming in devising ways and means to meet the challenge of the new scourge. Mario observes: Antonio, There seems to be some confusion here as you first say that the armed forces cannot be very effective against sudden attacks by cut-throats, then you say that the onus is on them for fighting terrorism. Actually, the elements of what you are suggesting do exist in India, but need to be seriously expanded as far as their equipment and training and locations are concerned. In India there already exists a rapid response agency called the National Security Guards [NSG], a.k.a. Black Cats, which works within the Indian Armed Forces structure. However, The NSG operates under the oversight of the Ministry of Home Affairs and is headed by the Director General of the Indian Police Service so their primary responsibility is internal. See, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Security_Guards. Currently, the Black Cats are located in Manesar, Haryana, and it took them several hours to get to the site of the Mumbai atacks. This is unacceptable. Following this attack, the Government of India has decided to set up additional units of NSG in various cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. This will improve their response time considerably. However, the Black Cats need to be far better equipped than they were in Mumbai. They did not have night vision goggles or body-heat detection equipment to locate where humans were located within the buildings, nor did they have equipment to intercept phone communications and jam these when necessary to confuse the attackers. In addition, the local police in India need to have special response units of their own which are called SWAT teams, for Special Weapons And Tactics, which are elite local teams that are the first responders during any event that the normal policeman is not trained or equipped to handle. In Mumbai as we saw from the reports of photographer Sebastian D'Souza there were dozens of policemen at the CS Train Terminal, who were neither equipped nor trained to confront the two terrorists who killed some 50 people, and the few with WW-II era weapons refused to even shoot at the terrorists. Date: Sat, 6 Dec 2008 06:48:28 -0800 (PST) From: Mervyn Lobo [EMAIL PROTECTED] People resort to terrorism only when oppressed, or when they perceive themselves to be oppressed. The more the public understands this, the more secure the society becomes. The armed forces has never been the answer to social or religious problems. Mario responds: This is a questionable and dangerous assumption unsupported by the evidence. Only a very few Indians resorted to force in opposing British, French and Portuguese domination during the colonial era. Only a very few blacks resorted to force before gaining full civil rights in the US. It was armed forces that defeated the Nazis, Fascists and Imperialists during WW-II. It was armed forces that withstood and finally defeated the Communist threat to dominate the world by force until communism imploded from its own economic inconsistencies. I'm not sure why we need to make excuses for these terrorists since there is no excuse for targeting and killing innocent civilians. While no one can account for delusional perceptions, not a single one of the 19 terrorists that attacked the US on 9/11 had ever been oppressed and all came from middle-class and upper-middle-class families. There were no demands or attempts to negotiate by the terrorists in Mumbai. They came to kill as many people as they could before they got killed. Very few of the millions who were oppressed by Saddam Hussain and the Taliban became anti-Muslim terrorists. In the middle-east it was the radical Arabs who refused to negotiate their grievances through the UN after the formation of Israel in 1947. They simply decided to take the law into their own hands and have been trying to wipe Israel off the map ever since. The Lashkar-i-Taiba who are responsible for many of the terrorist attacks in India have not been oppressed by anyone in India. Their frustration comes from their inability to conquer Kashmir by force, which Pakistani insurgents have been trying to do since 1947. The paradox is that they would almost certainly have had the entire state peacefully if they had only waited for the planned plebiscite to have taken place as part of the resolution of the Kashmir dilemma during partition of India. It is high time that people of good will began to take seriously the frequent reminders we are sent by audio and video tape from some hole in the ground in Waziristan from Osama Bin Laden or
[Goanet] India's 9/11 - not exactly - Amitav Ghose in the New York Times
Article posted by Cecil Pinto: By AMITAV GHOSH Published: December 2, 2008 This has been another terrible year: even before the invasion of ...this is a moment when India can forge strategic alliances with those sections of the Pakistani government, military and society who understand that they, too, are under fire. Mario responds: No one in the Pakistani government is interested in allying with India. Amitav Ghosh wrote: For if there is any one lesson to be learned from the wave of terrorist attacks that has convulsed the globe over the last decade it is this: Defeat or victory is not determined by the success of the strike itself; it is determined by the response. Mario responds: The US showed that having no response throughout the 90's resulted in the terrorists being emboldened to escalate their attacks culminating in an attack on the US mainland on 9/11. After the US responded forcefully, the terrorists have been on the defensive and their leaders have been unable to show themselves since 2003. India has shown no inclination to respond forcefully or to join the US-led worldwide war on terror, and the attacks on innocent Indians continue in increased frequency and force. India will continue to be attacked by terrorists as long as people follow the false prophets like Amitav Ghosh who ignore all the evidence in favor of their worthless and impractical solutions.
[Goanet] Finally, a sensible Pakistani perspective on terrorism
http://www.dawn.com/weekly/mazdak/mazdak.htm Excerpt: The existence of these dangerous groups, and the impunity with which they have been operating for two decades, all serve to underline the steady meltdown of the Pakistani state. Instead of treating the cancer of terrorism as a law and order issue, the army has viewed it as a political and military opportunity. Lacking legitimacy and a constituency, both Zia and Musharraf depended on religious groups for support. These parties, in turn, gave militants cover. Thus, the Islamic coalition of the MMA allowed the Taliban to flourish when they governed the Frontier province between 2002 and 2007. We are now struggling with the fallout of their policies. As we are caught up in this vortex of ideology and violence, we often shoot ourselves in the foot. For instance, when Prime Minister Gilani declared that he would send the head of the ISI to India, this move was widely welcomed. All too soon, however, the reality of the power balance in Pakistan raised its ugly head, and the offer was withdrawn. Clearly, the army did not relish one of its own being placed on the mat in New Delhi. Nevertheless, the instinct was the right one, and had the PM been able to prevail, General Pasha’s mere presence in India could have helped defuse much of the tension. Many Pakistanis have become so accustomed to terrorist attacks on their soil that they have forgotten that this is not the norm elsewhere. Instead of asking “What’s the big deal?” they should be putting themselves in the place of the victims. If, as seems very likely, the group that attacked Mumbai was trained and armed by the Pakistan-based Lashkar-i-Taiba, it is a very big deal indeed.
[Goanet] Why India does NOT need Narendra Modi
Date: Thu, 4 Dec 2008 13:39:09 +0100 From: Yogesh Desai [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.financialexpress.com/news/why-india-needs-narendra-modi/375103/0 Mario responds: In his opening sentence the author of this article of pragmatism over righteousness calls Narendra Modi a modern Hitler. While this comparison is absurd as are almost all comparisons with Hitler, it shows the hysteria and hyperbole this author is capable of, which is further illustrated when by the end of the article he is referring to his erstwhile Hitler, Narendra Modi, as a veritable God. Revisionists who sympathize with tyranny often point out to the good things the tyrants have done, as if this can cancel out the bad things they have done, especially when they have not repudiated violence against their own citizens that they were responsible for or shown any remorse for the deaths and destruction they caused. The new mantra among these pragmatists is that Modi was not as bad as the Congress Party because they were responsible for many more deaths against Sikhs in the aftermath of the Indira Gandhi assassination. The problem with this ridiculous comparison is that one wrong action by one group, makes that group wrong - it cannot be used to justify wrong by another group. In most civilized countries Narendra Modi would have been convicted to death or life in prison for his involvement in the deadly aftermath of the Godhra train burning. Now, he is being hailed as a modern God by some pragmatists who want to ignore his communalism and Hindu-supremacism. India has enough problems with communalism without a Hindu-supremacist like Modi in a national leadership position. Whatever he has done for the economy of Gujarat is not rocket science and can be duplicated by any state governor or national leader with a soupcon of common sense.
Re: [Goanet] Obama urged to probe pro-Hindu groups' Indian link
Please note the deliberate use of the term pro-Hindu in the title to this thread and to the Times of India propaganda piece on behalf of an insignificant fringe group. This is how communal these secular activists have now become. Also, please note that the smear in Philadelphia Inquirer this time is by the infamous Rick Santorum. One does not have to apply the guilt by association standard to him to know how secular his politics is. It is funny that there is at least one guy in India who finds his opinion credible. Cheers, Santosh --- On Tue, 12/9/08, Marshall Mendonza [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/World/USA/Obama_urged_to_probe_pro-Hindu_groups_Indian_link/articleshow/3808049.cms http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/35525249.html
[Goanet] letter with mog
Hi guys This is what i found when i was surfing the net. I thought that some of you might want to see it. Mog from jjandson http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=uXJ3WK9Il6Yfeature=related Indian Invasion Of Portuguese Ocuupied Goa http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=LFCSkswqU_cfeature=related Portuguese-Indian conflict http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Lv4cbbR3Xc4feature=related The Churches of Old Goa
[Goanet] VOA News - Mumbai Attack Tests City's Reputation for Resilience
Good Morning Bombay. http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-12-09-voa14.cfm rubygoes
[Goanet] Minority appeasement and pardon for terrorists
John Fernandes : In the wake of the 26/11, terror attacks in Mumbai, the Congress govtmt will now go into 100% MUSLIM APPEASEMENT POLICY starting with Mr Arjun singh Congress, HRD minister who will immediately grant 100% reservations for muslims in education, jobs, housing loans and business loans, etc. in India. It will be a good package.Congress govtmt will once again go soft on perpetrators of the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai and may even give the terrorists an official pardon, as they have been doing for the last 16 years. Response: I am not too sure whether you are John Fernandes or someone else masquerading under that name. Now for some facts: 1. The attackers as have been identified so far are all Pakistanis. 2. You need to read the Sachar Commission report to understand whether the 'muslims have been appeased at all. They lag behind on all human development indices. The only place where they are above the national average is in their numbers in jails. 3. Terrorists have no religion. They only believe in spreading hate and violence. 4. Your statements are not based on facts but rhetoric. Your mindset and attitude is not conducive to building harmonious relations among communities in India, especially in trying times as now. Regards, Marshall
[Goanet] Goa: A haven for anti-social activities
The following article by Indira Satyanaraynan truely reflects the current situatin in Goa. We can not deny the facts in this article terming it was published by RSS mouthpiece Organiser Regards Vinay http://www.organiser.org/dynamic/modules.php?name=Contentpa=showpagepid=267page=11
[Goanet] father cedric prakash
as a gujarati with a goan wife and a rlong-time esident of goa, i totally agree with john fernandes (subject: godhra and kashmir). cedric prakash has siangle-handedly destroyed the secular cause in gujarat. even those of us who hate narendra modi find it difficult to deal with cedric prakash's unidimensional leftist, jholewala line. he has done more to destroy the secularist line in gujarat than modi. cedric prakash, who i have met, is a disgrace to the jesuits and a negative factor for those of us who are trying to fight modi in gujarat. people like this so-called jesuit priest are responsible for the rise of mutant hindus like modi.
[Goanet] TELECAST:Panaji DD Wed 10 Dec. 6pm Zaag Girayka Zaag to cover Consumers Health Services.
-- Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your family members, relatives, neighbours and friends.Help others be better informed -- The 5th episode of D.D. Serial Zaag Girayka Zaag produced by the Department of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs will be telecast on Wednesday 10th December' 08 at 6 pm on Panaji DoorDarshan in which Dr. Deepak Kabadi, Dy. Director of Health Services Goa will guide the consumers on problems related to Health Services. Mrs. Amita Salatry, member of the Consumer Conciliation Committee will compere the said programme. --- 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 403 507 mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED] --
[Goanet] Old practice as a new Science.
Dears, Close on heels of what Dr. Anthony da Silva SJ, Jesuit Provincial of Goa said at the Principal Eduardo Soares Memorial lecture at St. Thomas HSS, Aldona, on Sunday 07 December, 2008, is this discussion that shows how ineffective corporal punishment is in bringing about desired change in behaviour. Dr Anthony da Silva SJ studied Philosophy in Munich-Germany and completed his doctorate in Psychology from University of Michigan-USA. His students are Pricipals and Headmasters of many institutions and the success of corporal punishment-free institutions has only to be seen. Belief comes immediately. Threat of punishment cannot achieve half of what love and consideration can. India and Pakistan are beginning to learn this, it seems, in dealing with terrorists. Both Asif Zardari and Sonia Gandhi have lost their spouses to terrorists. They know better than to fight terror with terror. If one of the advoctes of corporal punishment is made to kneel down on sand for an error of judgement, he or she will immediately see the other point of view. Mog asundi Miguel Date: Tue, 9 Dec 2008 07:47:27 -0800 (PST) From: Santosh Helekar [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Goanet] Old Practice as New Science Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] --- On Mon, 12/8/08, Gilbert Lawrence [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Threat of Punishment Works, Study Suggests http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20081204/sc_livescience/threatofpunishmentworksstudysuggests Corporal punishment is not only found to be ineffective in children, but it has been shown to have deleterious effects on subsequent behavior. This form of disciplining has been banned in public and Catholic schools in 102 countries across the world. Here is an American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement on banning of corporal punishment in school children: http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics%3b106/2/343 Santosh Connect with friends all over the world. Get Yahoo! India Messenger at http://in.messenger.yahoo.com/?wm=n/
[Goanet] VOA News - Pakistan President says India Peace Talks Must Move Forward
For your information. http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-12-09-voa8.cfm rubygoes
Re: [Goanet] father cedric prakash
2008/12/9 Rajiv Desai [EMAIL PROTECTED] cedric prakash, who i have met, is a disgrace to the jesuits and a negative factor for those of us who are trying to fight modi in gujarat. people like this so-called jesuit priest are responsible for the rise of mutant hindus like modi. I have not met Cedric Prakash I have however seen his pronouncements I agree with Rajiv. When will learn that we need to work together and build on what good we have instead of forever being anti-this or anti-that. That sort of behaviour gives the Modis of this world credibility and provides entry to the enemies of peace into our lives. I do need to ask a question: Is the Indian Navy base in Goa a deterrent or an invitation? What benefit were they to Bombay ? jc
[Goanet] Indian Police Disclose More Suicide Attackers - NYTimes.com
Has the Indian Navy Chief resigned as yet? http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/10/world/asia/10pstan.html?ref=world rubygoes
[Goanet] Op-Ed Contributor - The Terrorists Want to Destroy Pakistan, Too - NYTimes.com
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/09/opinion/09zardari.html?_r=1ref=world rubygoes
Re: [Goanet] Minority appeasement and pardon for terrorists
--- On Tue, 12/9/08, Marshall Mendonza [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I am not too sure whether you are John Fernandes or someone else masquerading under that name. Now why would anybody reach this conclusion? What kind of name would be appropriate for this person? Felix Dias, Sakaram Desai or Fakruddin Ali. Cheers, Santosh
[Goanet] Why should this not be the answer!!
This is in response to Message: 7, dated: Sat, 6 Dec 2008, from: Marshall Mendonza, under Subject titled: Why should this not be the answer!! Marshall, you are another Atypical personality in Goanet (I need not spell out the names of other Atypical personalities in Goanet). For Goanet PARIVAR knows it equally Goanet moderators are facing tough time due to such members!! In Goanet, I have experienced that if one does not have right answer to respond they attack on English grammar, spelling mistakes and what ever as though they are perfect in English!! Marshall, I am convinced by your very post that you have admitted your mistake although you are pointing finger to me. And don't forget your 4 fingers are pointing at you to give you a message that you are wrong!! Conclusively, Marshall, you have proved that your very post to Goanet was wrong. Once again I request you to study the subject matter and come back to this forum. Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
Re: [Goanet] Tribute to Karkare- Julio Ribeiro
--- On Fri, 12/5/08, Marshall Mendonza [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Response: The Don Quixote's of this world will continue tilting at imaginary windmills till the cows come home. They are always in search of the elusive fig leaf to hide their nakedness. This is my last post on this subject. It is time to move on. I was wondering how long it would take him to resort to name-calling and the use of foul language. And sure enough, here it is. Cheers, Santosh
[Goanet] Terrorism in Mumbai - analysis
The attached article analyzes the soft underbelly of India's security (actually insecurity). Rajan and others may find this analysis from the BBC informative ... though nothing may be new. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7760460.stm BBC news' phraseology of amateurish, sluggish and feeble reflects the manpower, technology, skills and modus operandi. This goes well with Rajan's description of stuttering, doddering, apologetic oaf regarding politicians of all major Indian political parties. There are Indian politicians, especially those calling themselves 'nationalistic' who are 'All talk and No go', when it comes to India's security. In the USA, such individuals are referred as 'chicken hawks'. Hopefully India will learn from this tragedy. Indians need to wake-up to the concepts of preparedness, preemption and being proactive long before the crises situation, instead of being reactive. India is a leader in high tech but many of its day-to-day operations and thinking may be outdated and outmoded. An Indian weekly in the USA this week, has an article Time for India to get its act together. In another article, Mumbai's underworld is claimed to have links with this terrorism. The author is Wilson John (senior fellow, Observer Research Foundation). I have never heard of this organization. Perhaps 'India Abroad' has checked him out prior to accepting his article. I hope the Indian politicians will use this tragic experience for the good of the whole country and not for petty vengeance retribution. I will not hold my breath. There are too many attention-starved leaders seeking opportunism and making statements that are transparently self-serving. I trust the enlightened journalists in the various national and regional newspapers will do a heckuva job exposing the instigators and gossip-mongers. In addition to the intelligence and security agencies working on terrorism, the politicians have to work equally diligently to find solutions to many of India's lingering social and sectarian problems, that feed into terrorism. In the past, these issues and individuals were flamed by regional or narrow-minded political parties or their leaders. While the widespread domestic unrest are not the direct cause of the Mumbai tragedy (the extremists would use any excuse), the domestic conflicts are a distraction to the political leadership and government to tackle the important security issues (external threats). The same applies to Pakistan where the situation is even worse. Their govt has now lost the ability to deal with its extremist elements after decades of coddling them. That is something that could happened in India where extremists are nurtured. Remember Bhinderwalle of Khalistan? Regards, GL
[Goanet] No more Blame: Time for reflection
The protest rallies have begun. This is good .It keep the adrenalin levels high. The question is for how long? As we say colloquially: Kiska baap ka kya jaata hai?. As we find time to protest and give vent to our pent up anger , we will , in the coming months and years continue to pay a heavy price with the lives of our citizens because of the selfishness and apathy of our politicians. And the reason is simple. There is pent up anger that has been simmering amongst our own citizens for years. And Pakistan has not always been responsible for it. Remember Babri Masjid and the glee on the faces of the Hindu zealots when it came crashing down and the many lives that were snuffed out post that debacle. I have seen the monument and would not have given it a second glance. And the leader of it all: Advani is referred to as PM in waiting. Remember the Godhra massacre in Gujarat.The man who fuelled it all is currently CM of the state. Should we forgive him because he runs a very prosperous state.? Remember the massacre of the Sikhs post Indira´s assassination .The perpetrators of the crime are in the ruling party today. It is strange that the whole country venerates the Congress Party as the secular messiah but it was that party that presided over the riots in 1984 in which over 3,500 Sikhs died: thrice the number killed in Gujarat. Remember the many thousands who have died in Kashmir over the last few decades. Remember the most recent Malegaon blasts. An army officer has been arrested for his role in it. Remember all the Christians who have been killed harassed, raped and burnt, their churches razed to the ground. And we say that Indians are not capable of killing their own in cold blood!!! Public memory is short. How many more city attacks, train and market blasts will India and its citizens endure until we acknowledge the past wrongdoings .We must remember that a prime motivator of a terrorist is the historical injustices against his or her own peoples. It is by the same reasoning that the Israel-Palestinian problem will not end. And then a quick look at the government in power and the absence of crisis management considering our perpetual sceanrios of terrorist attacks: Imagine the commandos having to take 9 hours to move from Delhi to Mumbai-having to wait for a Ilyushin aircraft-and an appropriate pilot, having then to wait for a bus to drive them from Mumbai´s airport to the Taj-a distance of 20 kms in Mumbai´s traffic, having to use guns with no telescopic features to distinguish terrorist from hostage. Imagine Mumbais top 3 cops dying as their bullet proof vests were ripped apart by blazing AK-47 This is not the first time that Mumbai has been attacked. And this will not be the last. The government now acknowledges that there were “lapses”. All because all warning signs are ignored and every ordinary Indian citizen that dies in a hail of bullets becomes an addition to the “chalta hai” mode of management. From 2004 to 2008 the sum of 4000 deaths from terrorist activities puts India next to Iraq in terms of citizen deaths-What a dubious distinction for a country aiming to be a super-power. Can we learn from our tiny neighbor called Bhutan that Gross National Happiness must co-exist with GDP? Who cares, ...who suffers most...who dies a martyr less death only the ordinary Indian citizen. India´s aam admi. And who does this ordinary citizen elect at the next elections? By contrast, India's leaders -- who invariably float around with armed guards paid for by the taxpayer -- can't even agree on a legal framework to keep the country safe. On taking office in 2004, one of the first acts of the ruling Congress Party was to scrap a federal antiterrorism law that strengthened witness protection and enhanced police powers. The Congress Party has stalled similar state-level legislation in Gujarat, which is ruled by the opposition Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party. More recently, the BJP, driven by tribal religious solidarity and a penchant for conspiracy theories, has failed to demand the same tough treatment for alleged Hindu terrorists as it does for Muslims. Minor parties, especially those dependent on the Muslim vote, compete to earn fundamentalists' favor. Enough of the blame game. We need to look within our own country and address its many challenges and problems and only then look across the border.Pakistan bashing ( even though they export terrorism and have nurtured this ten man army who brought Mumbai down to its knees!!) has never given us any gains. The reflexive Indian response to most every act of terrorism is to apportion blame rather than to seek a solution that will prevent, or at least minimize, its recurrence. Even Indonesia -- a still-poor Muslim-majority nation where sympathy for militants runs deeper than it does in India -- has done an infinitely better job of recognizing that the protection
[Goanet] Backstage ... at the mando fest (video reports from Goa)
Last evening (Dec 9, 2008) was the first of the two-day mando festival at the Kala Academy in Panjim. What is the scene like backstage? Check three videos (two up already, the third is on its way): Backstage... at the mando fest (should be up in an hour or two) http://www.youtube.com/user/fredericknoronha Michael Gracias group sings... the mando (a traditional Goan song) http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=dP9egDW2jLA On Goa's traditional drum, the gumot: Seby Pereira from Nuvem Seby Pereira, from Nuvem village, explains the how's and why's of Goa's traditional drum, the ghumot. Recorded at the backdrop of the 42nd mando festival at the Kala Academy, Dec 9, 2008. http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=k70v-T3pjdQ -- FN * Independent Journalist http://fn.goa-india.org M: +91-9822122436 P: +91-832-2409490
[Goanet] Money makes sense ....worldwide
Dears, Below are two clippings from the Times of India today that should make every peace-loving person feel that sense is returning to mankind, even if momentarily. Cordon and search of a terrorist hideout is no joke ...and Pakistan is actually doing it when its democratic Government is hardly in full control. Mog asundi Miguel Pakistan cracks down on LeT camp: Report 8 Dec 2008, 0429 hrs IST, AGENCIES ISLAMABAD: Pakistani authorities on Sunday reportedly launched a crackdown on activists of the Lashker-e-Taiba and its front organisation Jamaat-ud-Dawah and raided some offices of the two groups in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. According to reports, security agencies and officials of the PoK administration conducted swoops on several offices of the two groups in Muzaffarabad and its surrounding areas. Local man Nisar Ali told Reuters the operation began in the afternoon in Shawai on the outskirts of Muzaffarabad, the capital of the PoK. I don't know details as the entire area was sealed off, but I heard two loud blasts in the evening after a military helicopter landed there, Ali said. Security forces took control of LeT's central office, situated at Shawai Nullah, and captured 20 of its members, including several important commanders while many others succeed to flee, the Pakistani newspaper The Nation reported. The newspaper also said that Pakistanin soldiers had cordoned off the entire area and no one was being allowed to go there. Ambulances also rushed to the site of the incident but it could not be ascertained as to how many people were killed or wounded in the operation, said The Nation quoting its sources. When the newspaper contacted Deputy Commissioner of Muzaffarabad to confirm the military action, the official said that the district administration had neither any knowledge of this nor could give any information in this regard. However, an official with the Jamaat-ud-Dawa charity, which is linked to LeT, said security forces had taken over the camp. The development came days after the Indian and American governments urged Pakistan to crack down on the LeT, which has been linked to the Mumbai terror attacks that killed over 180 people and injured dozens. The only terrorist captured by Indian security agencies following the Mumbai attacks has said he was recruited and trained by the LeT. The US has stepped up pressure on the Pakistan government to act against Pakistan-based elements linked to the Mumbai attacks, with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Senator John McCain reportedly telling Pakistani interlocutors that the administration needed to act urgently to address India's concerns about the terrorist strike. President Asif Ali Zardari has extended Pakistan's assistance in probing the Mumbai incident and pledged to act against any Pakistani individual found to be connected to the attacks. Pak aid must be linked to its terror record: US lawmaker 8 Dec 2008, 1033 hrs IST, PTI NEW YORK: Describing Pakistan a failed State, an influential American lawmaker has underlined the need for the US to tie aid to Islamabad with the Islamic nation ensuring that the lawless areas bordering Afghanistan are not used by terrorists to launch attacks like in Mumbai. If Pakistan is not able to do that, the United States itself should go in, Congressman Frank Pallone told a meeting organised by the Indian community to pay homage to the victims of Mumbai terror attacks and to call on the Indian government to take tough measures to ensure that such incidents are not repeated. More than 500 people, including a large number of community leaders belonging to all ethnic political parties, business and activist organization, attended the meeting where a petition was circulated for signatures urging the US government to move a resolution in the UN Security Council seeking to declare Pakistan a terrorist state. Paying moving homage to the victims at the meeting held in Fords in New Jersey, about 50 kilometres from here, the Democrat from New Jersey also called on Pakistan to take strong action against the organisations which are advocating secession of Kashmir from India to ensure that they do not continue their activities. But Pallone, who is the founder of the Congressional Caucus on India, cautioned against going to war with Pakistan, saying it would be a huge mistake. The continuing terrorist attacks on India, he opined, bring out the need for more close cooperation with the United States in fighting and rooting out the scourge. I believe that going to war would be a huge mistake. I think, we have to look at this in a broad perspective, stressed Pallone, the member of the US House of Representatives. Pallone said terrorism has affected the United States, India and Western Europe. I think the lesson that needs to be learned is that the terrorists want more violence. They are basically opposed to negotiations, stressed Pallone, the US Representative from New Jersey. Another influential
[Goanet] LATERAL THINKING TO FERMI QUESTIONS
How do we respond to the south Mumbai carnage, successfully tackle and end Terrorism? It is obvious that the world requires drastic changes in the Systems we have created, and logical thinking has not worked! To quote Sadguru “Conflict on this planet is not fight between good and evil, but between one mans belief and another. These belief systems have made human beings commit unspeakable atrocities against each other”. Logical and emotional thinking has not worked. Today Kashmir is in a mess and in turmoil. “An international migraine”says madame Albright! Pakistan has its core reason/ holy cause to liberate Kashmir, destablise India which motivates martyrs to terrorism. Today’s problems require out of the box thinking, turning logic on its head and asking atrocious and unimaginable questions whilst trying to come up with solutions for the same! Everyone affected with Terrorist violence agrees that the Pakistan enigma must be solved, but no one knows exactly how. For nuclear Pakistan has an elected government, its people seem to want Democracy and peace with prosperity. But they have inherent distrust of India, the civilian government is not in control of the Army that seems to be not in control of its rogue elements and the IS I apparently operating with the Army’s help! With local tribal Chiefs covert assistance and the Taliban controlling some areas, the whole atmosphere is complicated and situation can go dangerously out of control. Europe held a plebiscite and worked towards a common new currency, the Berlin wall was brought down. I think this is just the right time to undo Partition and also wipe out the root cause of terrorism. India is one of the fastest growing economies, our spacecrafts can land equipment on the moon, and Bollywood has conquered the world. The people of Pakistan admire India and desperately want peace and prosperity. There are more Muslims in India and our customs, traditions and skin is the same! Instead of a plebiscite in Kashmir, what if the idea of a plebiscite in Pakistan is pursued by the people of India and Pakistan ganging together with the world community supporting to force Pakistan and vested interests to hold a United Nations supervised referendum .This idea, if taken to its logical conclusion will wipe out the reason for Jihad and once and for all solve this long pending festering problem. Whilst it may initially create other problems which will have to be dealt with together, 1001 problems will be solved! With this reunited India settling down, we will be a powerful force to bring stability to Asia and also easily rival China. Add more friends to your messenger and enjoy! Go to http://messenger.yahoo.com/invite/
[Goanet] Daily Grook #300
DAILY GROOK #300 ___ GIFT LIFT ___ by Francis Rodrigues if a past rift was unpleasant, there's no gift like the present! _ puns word-play of all kinds, if you read between the lines! _ http://2008goanconvention.com/nostalgia.php _
[Goanet] Selective Indignation
Congratulations on a calm and reasoned response to a not-so-calm diatribe from Rajan Parrikar. Unfortunately, the favourite bug bear/pin cushion - the Indian Muslim - is back to the fore for the hotheads. My puzzle is : where were all the placard holders, letter writers, media stars, commandos, blame games, resignations, cabinet reshuffles, and God knows what else when people not privileged, as Rajan Parrikar is, to belong to a majority community, became targets of state/saffron terrorism? Where too were the placard-holders and the indignation when Christians and their churches were the target of saffron terrorists? Let's face it - they were all silent. Your readers, as much of the western world, wonder at the “silence” on the part of Muslims after the Mumbai attacks. Muslims too are baffled by the world's silence over the state terrorism that targeted thousands of Muslims in India and Palestine . Take Kashmir. Amnesty International reports that more than 8,000 persons have gone missing in Jammu and Kashmir since 1989. Graves of at least 940 people have been discovered in Uri district alone. Women “sympathisers of militants” are regularly raped by Indian forces. Human Rights Watch has catalogued civilian massacres. Further, villagers are called to assemble for an identification parade in front of hooded informers. Those pointed out are taken away for torture or shot. To raise questions like these is to be considered unpatriotic. But is it unpatriotic to stand up for the decent treatment of your countrymen? If your readers have any doubts, they may like to watch the following videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKZNv4bDcEs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkQCmf-K60o In Gujarat in 2002 and Mumbai in '92-'93, thousands of Muslims, including children, were dragged out of their homes, beaten - gang raped in the case of women - and burnt alive with policemen and politicians watching on and joining in. The guilty continue to hold high positions in opposition, police and government. The world also stands by as Israel continues its illegal occupation of Palestine and the suppression of its people. Honestly, were any of these crimes reported or commented on as the Mumbai or New York attacks were? I think all of us only voice our concern when our own community becomes the target of terrorism. Warmest regards, David (Albuquerque) Start your day with Yahoo!7 and win a Sony Bravia TV. Enter now http://au.docs.yahoo.com/homepageset/?p1=otherp2=aup3=tagline
Re: [Goanet] Goanet Digest, Vol 3, Issue 1567
Dr. Barad making good points as in the appended message? 'His' whole post came to me as a 'forward' in verbatim from a friend from Qatar and was also sent as an sms message from a Goan friend, last week.The only line Dr. Barad has added is the ususal tirade blaming Congress and Sonia. I wish he had mentioned it to readers before sending it as 'his' own masterpiece.But then can anyone expect anything better from him? Mario Fernandes From: Venantius Pinto [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Goanet] Is SMS making mess or sense? To: goanet@lists.goanet.org Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=WINDOWS-1252 Dear Dr. Barad, You make good points. An Olympic shooter wins Gold (Only a game) Government gives him 3 Crores. Another Shooter dies, fighting with terrorists (Saving our country and our live) congress government pays his family 5 lakhs. What a shame and disgrace to every citizen of India that the elite NSG Force was transported into ordinary BEST buses, whereas our cricketers are transported into state of the art luxury buses, these Jawans lay down their lives to protect every Indian and these cricketers get paid even if they lose a match, we worship these cricketers and forget the martyrdom of these brave Jawans. The Jawans should be paid the salaries of the cricketers and the cricketers should be paid the salaries of the Jawans. Huh.. This is our India. Please be a patriot and forward this to everyone u know. Hats off to India Sonia! Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad _ Searching for the best deals on travel? Visit MSN Travel. http://in.msn.com/coxandkings
Re: [Goanet] Minority appeasement and pardon for terrorists
-Original Message- From: Marshall Mendonza I am not too sure whether you are John Fernandes or someone else masquerading under that name. RESPONSE: Please review the Goanet Rules - If you face a problem with another member, or their postings, please bring your grievance to the Goanet Administration rather than to the list. http://goanet.org/modules.php?op=modloadname=Newsfile=articlesid=9 It matters diddly squat if the poster is John Fernandes or Kamlakar. Please respond to the contents of the post. If you have reason to believe an alias is being utilized, please alert Goanet Admin ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) Thank you - Bosco Goanet Admin cc Goanet Moderators
[Goanet] Cooking Workshop
There will a cooking workshop at communicare on 18 Dec 2008 at 10.00-12.00pm . Fees Rs.200/- The Dishes are CEVICHE FILHOS DE CENOURA its a Portuguese and Spanish dish which you will learn to prepare Kindly give a call to register no:9767504770 / 2903089
Re: [Goanet] Goa books... in print
H E L P ! ! Kindly assist me, I could not access the photo's, I would love to own a few books(if not all) I come from Margao, and my mom from Saligao. Your kind assistanc to forward me a site, where I could purchase books, would be really appreciated. Kind Regards Higino Miranda
[Goanet] ALEXYZ Daily Cartoon (10Dec08)
JAZZ Concert for PEACE against TERRORISM I've been trying to organize a Concert / Morcha agains Politicianswho've been terrorising Goans since 1961But NO takers...! To enjoy the visual cartoon please visit: www.alexyztoons.com Site sponsored by www.goasudharop.org
Re: [Goanet] Backstage ... at the mando fest (video reports fromGoa)
Thanks Fred for the delightful sound of authentic Goan Music. I am sending this to the Friends of Saligao and to the OZ-GOAMOG -a musical group which we formed in Perth to perform Goan Songs as part of our contribution to the diversity of our Multicultural Society. The costumes of the ladies is both colourful and elegant. I would like to see the Men wear a sherwani and it will complete the Original Goan flavour. In the context of our Indian heritage which we seek to preserve and foster we need to remove vestiges of visual foreign apearances. I am pleased too, that not only violins continue to provide the accompaniment but it is instructive to know about our only percussion instrument the gumot being played with variations of rhythms. Those of us in the Diaspora look for inspiration to our Mother country and you are doing a yeoman service. . May I on behalf of the Friends of Saligao send you our best wishes for a Holy and Blessed Christmas and May the New Year bring you all Peace and Prosperity, Good Health and Success, and Joy and Happiness. Albert Florinda Da Cruz FOXTALES. FRIENDS OF SALIGAO PERTH WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
[Goanet] Young NRIs trace their roots in Goa
Young NRIs trace their roots in Goa Indo-Asian News Service Tuesday, December 09, 2008, (Panaji) As a group of 12 young people of Goan origin (POGOs) return to their homes abroad after a familiaristion tour of Goa, they will take with them memories of silvery mackerel braised in traditional recheado masala as well as more and more casinos cramming the Mandovi river. There are five casinos right now. How many more will you have after five more years 30? Aaditi Pramod Dubale wondered during an interactive session with mediapersons. The 22-year-old was part of the 11-day familiarisation trip, beginning Dec 28, arranged by the Goa government's department of NRI affairs. Dubale, an Illinois community outreach coordinator, traces her roots to a small north Goan town of Mapusa. She was the only US citizen in the 12-member group that included people from Canada, Mozambique and Australia, many of whom had never visited Goa. Aaditi said the Know Goa Programme exposed her to the Goan culture and heritage, but she added that the five riverboat casinos bobbing on the already cramped Mandovi river was an ominous sign for Goa. Rachel Castelino, a singer and engineer from Ontario, Canada, said the trip was a catalyst of sorts for her. Earlier, if you asked me about my identity, I would say I am a Canadian. But after travelling around Goa, I'm proud to say I'm a Goan Canadian. I am a lot surer about my identity now, she said. The dozen POGOs visited temples and churches dotting the state and interacted with people and professionals from different walks of life. We saw everything right from the way a Goan potter makes his pots to how a district council works, said Donovan Fernandes, a sociology student from Canada. NRI cell commissioner Eduardo Faleiro said: The programme was intended to acquaint youth of Goan origin, who are not Indian nationals, with Goa in particular and India in general. Most of them have never visited the state, despite the fact that their forefathers were born here. There are nearly 300,000 Goans who have settled abroad. http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080075888
[Goanet] Minority appeasement and pardon for terrorists
Santosh writes: -- On Tue, 12/9/08, Marshall Mendonza mmendonza55 at gmail.com wrote: I am not too sure whether you are John Fernandes or someone else masquerading under that name. Now why would anybody reach this conclusion? What kind of name would be appropriate for this person? Felix Dias, Sakaram Desai or Fakruddin Ali. Call him Abdul Narayan DSouza. :-) regards, Samir Cheers, Santosh
Re: [Goanet] Goa: A haven for anti-social activities
Vinay, Thank you for drawing attention to the Organizer article. My comments interspersed below - cynical comments, that are usually directed at politicians / political parties. One should not be surprised at the son for inheriting his father's fraudulent nature and raping a 14 year-old German minor and then denying the crime. RESPONSE: ALLEGED rape. The mother of the German rape victim was threatened and pushed so violently that she was forced to withdraw her charges out of fear when she realised that she would never get justice from the Congress Government in Goa. RESPONSE: Is justice meted out by governments in India?? Laws are passed by assemblies, parliament (in this case), enforced by Police and upheld by courts, no?? Thank you Mr Kureekat (RIP). If the rape of the German minor girl has understandably angered activists and NGO's working for Women, the severing of a finger with a chopper of a lawyer who wanted to take up the rape victim's case against Rohit Monserrate is proof of the complete breakdown of the law and order situation in Goa- courtsey the Congress Government. RESPONSE: ALLEGED rape. Severed finger?? Really?? Severed?? According to studies by Transparency International, Goa is among the most corrupt states in India. RESPONSE: Are we not always told Goa is Number 1??? Dont we tell ourselves and pat each other saying we are the besht!! Here is our vindication. The recent two brutal incidents-death of Scarlett Keeling and the rape of the German minor will definitely have a negative impact on the tourism in Goa. RESPONSE: What about the Global economic crisis?? Will that be a factor?? It is said that the Goa police are deliberately covering up the Scarlett Keeling murder and the rape incident to protect tourism in Goa. But the bizarre happenings in Goa have been exposed by an incisive media. RESPONSE: How cute!!! This article had humor to accompany the hyperbole, eh??? Incisive media?? There was a cute news story posted by Frederick Noronha post-Pale elections - a post-mortem on why the self-destructive BJP lost and why the moribund Congress won. Waz very cute, yaar!! The storyline!!! Ofcourse our resident pundits had predicted a different outcome for Pale. Does it really matter if the Congress or BJP won?? Either way the constituents lose, right?? Often the victim's family is threatened if the alleged rapist is someone in a powerful position as it is with Rohit Monserrate. RESPONSE: Finally the author got it right - ALLEGED. What is shameful and difficult to digest is that all these crimes against women are happening when two Congress women politicians are holding the reins of the ruling Congress Government. RESPONSE: What about the Miramar prostitution 'story'?? Was that fact or fiction?? Just like many news stories from the incisive media that story disappeared too?? What happened to the alleged perpetrators when the BJP was in power in Goa?? Sonia Gandhi is fully absorbed in vote grabbing political manoeuvre which leaves her with little time for taking up genuine, pressing issues of women's welfare. RESPONSE: Ofcourse, she is a politician first. Which other politician is not doing what is alleged of Sonia above. It is interesting how and why Indian politicians within and outside the Congress Party are over-awed with Sonia G. Perhaps India's octogenarian / nonagenarian politicians are yet to purge the vestiges of colonial mindsets What is difficult for an academician like me to digest RESPONSE: Wt??? All these inconsistencies from an academic?? Nevertheless I agree with the title of the article - Goa: A haven for anti-social activities. Perhaps an academic paper was in order. But for both incidents addressed we only had/have alleged murderer(s) and alleged rapist. What about all the other anti-social activities - mainly breaking of the law - besides traffic laws, environmental laws, bribery, sound pollution after 10pm, drugs, prostitution Perhaps a genuine Congress or BJP supporter in our midst would care to blunt my expressed cynicism. Happy Wednesday!! - b
