[Goanet] C K Prahalad and Dr R A Mashelkar on Innovation in India
While browsing I came across an interesting article. The theme of that article is Indian pioneers have figured out how to do more with fewer resources - for more people. I thought members in this forum would find this article interesting. To read more on this, click the link provided: http://www.ideasrs.com/docs/Innovators_Holy_Grail_CKP+RAM.pdf Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Indian Christians in UK
I came across the enclosed article in The Indian Express, dated June 30. Does anyone on Goanet and residing in the UK would like to comment on what seems an attempt to divide the Christians in the UK? And who exactly is this Ram Gidoomal? Does he have any following amongst Indian Christians in the UK? Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad Article is as follows: A feeling of rejection in God's own house Indian Christians In The UK, Who Feel Unwelcome In Churches, Have Started Their Own Churches Indian-origin Christians who feel unwelcome in mainstream churches in Britain are forming their own small churches where they sing and pray in Hindi, Gujarati, Ta mil and Punjabi. Ram Gidoomal, a member of the Asian community and chairman of the South Asia Forum, said that there were at least 200 such small churches founded by disenchanted Christians across Britain as a response to feeling of rejection. He said there were nearly 75,000 Christians with origins in the Indian sub-continent in Britain, and many of them felt unwelcome in mainstream churches. New migrants add to the congregations, particularly those from Kerala. It is important that mainstream churches welcome those who come from different cultures. There are churches who allow a song or two in Hindi or Tamil, but there are many Asian Christians who feel unwelcome, Gidoomal, who unsuccessfully contested the London Mayor election in 2000 on a Christian People's Alliance ticket, said. In Wolverhampton alone, there were 11 such small churches catering to Christians who did not find the right atmosphere and welcome in churches of the Church of England and other denominations. For example, the congregation in one Tamil church in east London grew from about 20 members to over 1,000 recently, Gidoomal said and added that often priests and church representatives from India are invited by these congregations. We are saying that Asian Christians do exist and they are not a small number. The South Asia Forum has been set up to connect different Asian Christian groups and to represent them in interaction with the government and the mainstream churches. Gidoomal added: Asian Christians want to join mainstream churches but if they are not welcome they will then form their own fellowship. It is sad and it is a pity that those who are meant to be united by one faith appear then to be divided, that really is a tragedy.
[Goanet] Chauvinism V/s Patriotism - Adv. Radharao Gracias - Herald - June 25, 2010
Although there are many debatable issues / points in an article by Adv. Radharao Gracias, Floriano Lobo's comment on RSS added little more interest to it. In the article Radharao had suggested that the RSS, who forever talks about patriotism, should have made a special effort to fill in the 14,000 vacancies in the army's officer cadre, by urging their followers to apply for these jobs. To which Floriano said that it is the official policy of the government that no member of the RSS would be admitted into the Army! What interested me is that Radharao did not suggest his above views to any other organization(s) from India (like Art of Living, for example) that they should also make the same efforts as he urged the RSS to do. I wonder why? Or has he concluded that there are no other organizations and or political parties in India as patriot as RSS? Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Is NIT - Goa OR Goan politicians playing Politics with Goans!!!!
For the benefits of Goans, Goa government has put in special efforts to start National Institute of Technology (NIT) at Furmagudi - Ponda in Goa Engineering College campus from this 2010 academic year. Subsequently Goa government will give a suitable land to NIT - Goa to start their independent campus in Goa. This was publicly informed few days back by Chief Minister of Goa as well as by Goa's Member of Raj Sabha at various public functions held in Goa. They had also mentioned that as per NIT rules, from this 2010 academic year, out of total 90 in take capacity of NIT - Goa, 45 seats will be exclusively reserved for Goan students i.e. 50 % reservation for Goans. Goa's Member of Raj Sabha had also informed Goans that 18 seats that were reserved for Goan students (for not having our own NIT in Goa) at various colleges around India will continue for 2 more years even after starting NIT - Goa. But to the utter disappointment, Goans have now located in NIT - Goa guidelines that the reserved 45 seats are actually reserved for the students of Goa PLUS students from Daman, Diu, and Dadra Nagar Haveli. This means that Goans are deprived of their exclusive share of 50 % reservation! Reliable source under condition of anonymity confirmed to me today that central education ministry has already scrapped the allocated 18 seats from all India colleges and that only 20 seats out of 45 reserved seats at NIT - Goa are reserved from Goan students while balance seats i.e. 25 seats are reserved for students from Daman, Diu, and Dadra Nagar Haveli. He also confirmed to me that this arrangement was conveyed to Goa government in writing much before finalization of NIT - Goa and that too during registration process of NIT at Goa. And yet our chief minister and raj sabha member are trying to deceive the Goans. Further he questioned me asking under these conditions will Goans allow Goa government to give land to NIT - Goa only because Goans have benefited with 2 additional seats at NIT - Goa i.e. 18 rightful reserved seats for Goa at all India colleges + 2 additional to make total reservation of only 20 seats at NIT - Goa as against rightful 45 seats i.e. 50 % reservation for Goans. This is a very serious issue that needs immediate attention from Chief Minister of Goa. Will he find time to give justice to Goan students from this 2010 academic year by ensuring 50 % reservation of seats at NIT - Goa? Above issue is recently taken up by Goa Hitrakhan Manch with Chief Minister Raj Sabha member from Goa, including director of technical education and NIT - Goa. Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Only in India: A Brahmin groom for a Catholic bride (Ashley D'Mello, TNN)
Fredrick Nornoha writes: Luis, Assuming what you're saying is true, do you have any better suggestions of how to get rid of a five thousand year old legacy of discrimination and unequal opportunity? FN I read Luis Mesquita's message as saying that due to the government policies, the caste consciousness is enhanced, and would defeat the very objective that Fred has rightly stated, namely to get rid of the legacy. I have read some articles which claim that in an urban areas, the caste consciousness is reducing. The important point of the reservation system is to give benefits to those who have not had opportunities for various reasons. On this ground, there cannot be any two opinions. At the same time, I feel that the reservation system is today being used by what are called creamy layers, since there is no criteria to target these benefits to the ones who really deserve it. This also creates disenchantment amongst the poor in the non-reserved communities, who see that a rich person in the reserved communities getting all the benefits. So, to answer Fred's poser, the first thing that needs to be done is to put an income criteria in the reservation system, in addition to the caste criteria. In the introduction to the book Plain Speaking: A Sudra's Story (edited by Uttara Natarajan, Permanent Black, 2007) I read the following: Perhaps Sattanathan's greatest contribution to national life was his Report, submitted in November 1970, of the findings and recommendations of the first Tamil Nadu Backward Classes Commission. The Commission was appointed by the DMK Government under M Karunanidhi in 1969, with Sattanathan as Chairman. If Tamil Nadu has been a pioneering example in the history of reservation in India, then Sattanathan has played a leading role in that history. Among other recommendations, his Report prescribes an income limit for reservation: the implementation of this recommendation and, on its heels, the volte face in which the economic criterion was withdrawn, has had a significant impact on the shape of the Tamil Nadu politics. Sattanathan's phraseology in arguing for the removal of the 'upper layer' or 'upper crust' of the backward classes .. anticipates the current catchphrase, 'creamy layer', which has come into use since the Supreme Court's ruling of 1992 on means testing for reservation. I believe the author is the grand-daughter of Sattanathan. If the recommendations on the 'upper layer' had been accepted, many of the problems in the system as it exists today would not be there. Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Is the nation in a coma?
Business Line, Business Daily from THE HINDU group of publications, dated Monday, May 31, 2010 brings up an interesting article on corruption in India. http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2010/05/31/stories/2010053150300900.htm Is the nation in a coma? Europeans believe that Indian leaders are too blinded by new wealth and deceit to comprehend that the day will come when the have-nots will hit the streets. Mohan Murti A few days ago I was in a panel discussion on mergers and acquisitions in Frankfurt, Germany, organised by Euroforum and The Handelsblatt, one of the most prestigious newspapers in German-speaking Europe. The other panellists were senior officials of two of the largest carmakers and two top insurance companies - all German multinationals operating in India. The panel discussion was moderated by a professor from the esteemed European Business School. The hall had an audience that exceeded a hundred well-known European CEOs. I was the only Indian. After the panel discussion, the floor was open for questions. That was when my moment of truth turned into an hour of shame, embarrassment - when the participants fired questions and made remarks on their experiences with the evil of corruption in India. The awkwardness and humiliation I went through reminded of The Moment of Truth, the popular Anglo-American game. The more questions I answered truthfully, the more the questions get tougher. Tougher here means more embarrassing. European disquiet Questions ranged from Is your nation in a coma?, the corruption in judiciary, the possible impeachment of a judge, the 2G scam and to the money parked illegally in tax havens. It is a fact that the problem of corruption in India has assumed enormous and embarrassing proportions in recent years, although it has been with us for decades. The questions and the debate that followed in the panel discussion was indicative of the European disquiet. At the end of the QA session, I surmised Europeans perceive India to be at one of those junctures where tripping over the precipice cannot be ruled out. Let me substantiate this further with what the European media has to say in recent days. In a popular prime-time television discussion in Germany, the panellist, a member of the German Parliament quoting a blog said: If all the scams of the last five years are added up, they are likely to rival and exceed the British colonial loot of India of about a trillion dollars. Banana Republic One German business daily which wrote an editorial on India said: India is becoming a Banana Republic instead of being an economic superpower. To get the cut motion designated out, assurances are made to political allays. Special treatment is promised at the expense of the people. So, Ms Mayawati who is Chief Minister of the most densely inhabited state, is calmed when an intelligence agency probe is scrapped. The multi-million dollars fodder scam by another former chief minister wielding enormous power is put in cold storage. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh chairs over this kind of unparalleled loot. An article in a French newspaper titled Playing the Game, Indian Style wrote: Investigations into the shadowy financial deals of the Indian cricket league have revealed a web of transactions across tax havens like Switzerland, the Virgin Islands, Mauritius and Cyprus. In the same article, the name of one Hassan Ali of Pune is mentioned as operating with his wife a one-billion-dollar illegal Swiss account with sanction of the Indian regime. A third story narrated in the damaging article is that of the former chief minister of Jharkhand, Madhu Koda, who was reported to have funds in various tax havens that were partly used to buy mines in Liberia. Unfortunately, the Indian public do not know the status of that enquiry, the article concluded. In the nastiest business scam in Indian records (Satyam) the government adroitly covered up the political aspects of the swindle - predominantly involving real estate, wrote an Austrian newspaper. If the Indian Prime Minister knows nothing about these scandals, he is ignorant of ground realities and does not deserve to be Prime Minister. If he does, is he a collaborator in crime? The Telegraph of the UK reported the 2G scam saying: Naturally, India's elephantine legal system will ensure culpability, is delayed. Blinded by wealth This seems true. In the European mind, caricature of a typical Indian encompasses qualities of falsification, telling lies, being fraudulent, dishonest, corrupt, arrogant, boastful, speaking loudly and bothering others in public places or, while travelling, swindling when the slightest of opportunity arises and spreading rumours about others. The list is truly incessant. My father, who is 81 years old, is utterly frustrated, shocked and disgruntled with whatever is happening and said in a recent discussion that our country's motto should truly be Asatyameva Jayete. Europeans believe that Indian leaders in politics
[Goanet] Maharashtra seeks Facebook ban
By Cithara Paul The Telegraph Tuesday, May 25, 2010 http://telegraphindia.com/1100526/jsp/nation/story_12488838.jsp New Delhi, May 25 - The Maharashtra government has asked the Centre about the possibility of blocking social networking site Facebook following such a demand from Muslim and Christian organisations. Muslim and Christian leaders have themselves jointly written to the Prime Minister, Sonia Gandhi and the Union home ministry demanding immediate action against Facebook for displaying blasphemous pages. The Pakistan government, following a Lahore High Court order, has blocked Facebook for inviting its members to post caricatures deemed blasphemous. Christian groups such as the Catholic Secular Forum (CSF) are upset over various Facebook pages on Jesus Christ and Christianity. The Maharashtra additional chief secretary (home), Chandra Iyengar, has written to Union home secretary G.K. Pillai requesting a ban on Facebook, if possible. A copy of the letter has been sent to the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team, a division of the information and technology ministry. We want the government to block Facebook for its irresponsible action. If the government does not act promptly, we will be left with no option but to take to the streets, said Sohail Rokadia of the Raza Academy. The academy, a prominent Mumbai-based Sunni organisation, has taken the matter up jointly with the CSF. The CSF believes that blasphemous pages on any religion should be taken off the website. Several pages on Facebook are worse than the pages that are being objected to by Muslims across the world, said John Dias of the CSF. We call upon Facebook to tender an unconditional apology for hurting the religious sentiments of millions of followers of different faiths. Such blasphemous material on the Internet has dangerous law-and-order consequences, particularly in the East. It disturbs peace and harmony in an already communally sensitive situation.
[Goanet] Upending Twisted Norms
I am posting this article, not to project the USA in bad light, but to wonder if the same thing can happen in other societies if they are not careful. Best regards, Dr U. G. Barad Author: Bob Herbert Publication: The New York Times Date: May 10, 2010 One of the most frightening aspects of the murderous violence plaguing so many urban neighborhoods across the country is the widespread notion among young people that killing somebody who ticks you off is normal. It's something that is only to be expected, like eating when you're hungry. If a stranger or someone from a rival clique steps on your clean, white sneakers, or makes a crack about your manhood, or laughs at you, putting a bullet in his heart or his head is seen by an awful lot of young people as an appropriate response. This is a form of crazed thinking that needs to be confronted and changed. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/11/opinion/11herbert.html
[Goanet] India has more cellphones than toilets, says UN report
With reference to the following link posted on this list: http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report_india-has-more-cellphones-than-toilets- says-un-report_1371632 I wonder what the report has to say about the developed countries. It seems to me that there is an implication that the developed countries have more toilets than phones. Of course, the ratio of phones to toilets in the developed countries would be better than countries like India. But the use of phone vs toilets is an absurd one. The correct ratio to compare is how many houses has toilets. And if the article is to be believed, there is an improvement. There is more to be done, but let us also recognize the improvements. Best Regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Coastal villages seek massive land conversion
--- Sign the Petition requesting The Honble Minister of State for Environment and Forests (I/C) to maintain the moratorium on issuing further environmental clearances for mining activities in Goa http://goanvoice.org.uk/miningpetition.php --- I see this article as a reflection of what many people seem to think - namely that the process of development should be shared by all, and not just by those who were able to prior to a change in law. Those who make noises about stopping development should ponder. Some time back, Charles Correa, the famous architect, said that the mining industry in Goa should be wound down. Logically, he should have also announced that in future he will not make any structures which would be using steel. The tragedy is that no one seems to have asked him the question. Enjoy or ?? Coastal villages seek massive land conversion Author: Paul Fernandes/TNN, Panaji Publication: Times of India Dated: April 1, 2010 Intro: May Hit Ecology, Change land Ownership Pattern Proposals for conversion of 675 hectares (33 %) of Mandrem's 2,031 hec-tares from settlement zone to other pur-poses may be just the tip of the iceberg as other coastal villages of Pernem also want large tracts, even in no develop-ment zones, converted, say town plan-ners. Vast areas of the eco-fragile zone and CRZ areas are being sought to be converted. In some areas, villagers have not been able to take a sizeable chunk of the tourism cake and they need some development, but it has to be regulated, a source in the town and country planning department said. Morjim, where development of coastal stretches in terms of hotels has not been much, has proposed conversion of 200 hectares (10 hectares ofthis being eco-sensitive land) of a total area of874 hectares. Morjim has a population of more than 11,000 and it is important that tou-rism activities be expanded in this ar-ea, Morjim sarpanch Arjun Shetgaon-karsays. This regional plan is up to 2021 and within a time frame of 11 years, this de-velopment is adequate. Villagers feel tourism has developed the local econo-my, but not like in other coastal villag-es like Calangute.
[Goanet] Mao vs. Gandhi in Chhattisgarh
--- Sign the Petition requesting The Honble Minister of State for Environment and Forests (I/C) to maintain the moratorium on issuing further environmental clearances for mining activities in Goa http://goanvoice.org.uk/miningpetition.php --- Mao vs. Gandhi in Chhattisgarh By SALIL TRIPATHI http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303720604575169614063173730.ht ml A naïve admiration for the Maoists is emblematic of the tendency in some among the Indian intellectual class toward left-wing utopianism. Maoist insurgents ambushed Indian security forces in the dense forest region of Chhattisgarh state in central India on Tuesday, killing over 70 troops of the Central Reserve Police Force. Analysts are calling it the worst single-day loss in fighting domestic insurgencies. But despite such massacres, not everyone in India regards the Maoists with horror. One such apologist is the talented and articulate novelist Arundhati Roy who has, since her Booker Prize-winning 1997 novel The God of Small Things, focused on bigger things, such as attacking Indian economic reforms, foreign investment, free markets, the United States and Israel. In a rambling 19,500-word essay published a week ago in Outlook magazine in India and the Guardian newspaper, Ms. Roy writes of recent experiences following the Maoists in the Dandakaranya forest, near where the security forces were ambushed this week. The piece was headlined Gandhi, but with guns. The comparison is obscene. Not only does it suggest an amoral nihilism, it also represents a rewriting of history. A Gandhian with a gun is as absurd as a Maoist pacifist. India's founding father Mohandas Gandhi may not have been as perfect as some would make him out, but he did believe that only the right means could be used to reach an end, however noble. In 1922 he suspended a nationwide civil disobedience movement, when some Congress followers burned a police station in Chauri Chaura, killing over a dozen policemen and officers. Maoist ideology is precisely the opposite: The ends justify the means. Ms. Roy herself notes that when she mentioned Mohandas Gandhi's non-violent struggle to the Maoists, they laughed hysterically. Despite her best efforts to portray a bucolic image of Maoists and tribals living harmoniously, their tranquility disturbed by forest officers, loggers, mining companies, and security forces, the truth still comes through. The Maoists show off an impressive arsenal of weapons, and their teenage recruits watch hours of reruns of violent ambush videos. The kids tell her they want to implement Mao's vision in India. Ms. Roy's naïve admiration for the Maoists is emblematic of the tendency in some among the Indian intellectual class toward left-wing utopianism. In Radical Chic Mau-Mauing the Flak Catchers, Tom Wolfe lampooned the Park Avenue elite sucking up to the Black Panther terrorists who were killing cops in 1960s America. Is history repeating itself in India? Nevertheless, just as in America three decades ago, the tide may be turning as ordinary voters become fed up with the violence. Maoists have been fighting the Indian state for over four decades under various names, including Naxalites, the name the movement got because of its origins in the town Naxalbari in West Bengal, where peasants revolted against landlords in the 1960s. Like Maoists elsewhere, they are brutal. They conduct show-trials, sometimes executing the people they find guilty; they use improvised explosive devices and land mines; and they appear to use child soldiers. Since 2006, their attacks have become audacious, targeting police stations, power lines, schools and trains. They have not spared civilians and other class enemies who in their view collaborate with the state. Even India's Communist Parties have distanced themselves from Maoists, and condemned their practices. The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party strongly supports the government in its battle. For his part, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has called the Maoists' threat the gravest national security crisis the country faces. To be sure, Indians living in forests have legitimate grievances. Their rights are routinely violated. Successive governments have failed them. Large companies, Indian and foreign, want the mineral wealth in those forests. The state hasn't built schools, nor equipped the few that are built. There are few primary health care centers, and the administration neglects remote areas. The rapidly modernizing and prospering parts of urban India ignores the region, its poverty, and its problems. But the Maoists offer no solution. Their collectivist authoritarianism is culturally alien in an India where spiritual acceptance of fate prevails, and where, despite feudal structures, inequities and rigidities,
[Goanet] Soon, online gambling to hit Goans; 9 bids come in
--- Sign the Petition requesting The Honble Minister of State for Environment and Forests (I/C) to maintain the moratorium on issuing further environmental clearances for mining activities in Goa http://goanvoice.org.uk/miningpetition.php --- If the above news that appeared in oHeraldo (Tuesday, April 6, 2010 - e-edition)is correct, I think our government must also make MUTKA official in Goa and yet generate 3 - 4 times the revenue as expected from online lottery i.e. about 100 crore. This will also help 40 thieves pocket huge amount officially and yet keep some government chamchas happy by making him Mutka commissioner with cabinet minister rank and so on Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Could Goa steal 1857's thunder?
--- Sign the Petition requesting The Honble Minister of State for Environment and Forests (I/C) to maintain the moratorium on issuing further environmental clearances for mining activities in Goa http://goanvoice.org.uk/miningpetition.php --- Could Goa steal 1857's thunder? Mayabhushan http://www.dailypioneer.com/245983/Could-Goa-steal-1857%c3%a2%e2%82%ac%e2%84 %a2s-thunder.html So we all know - an enraged catalyst in Mangal Pandey, cattle and pig lard smeared on cartridges and a hurt national conscience triggered India's first officially recognised war of Independence in 1857. However, a quiet, yet sustained campaign is gathering steam here, to haul back the date of India's first war of Independence by more than 300 years; from the dusty plains of northern India to the emerald green, river-riddled backdrop of Goa. The campaign - which is endorsed by historians, freedom fighters, elected representatives and local residents - wants the Central Government to officially recognise the prolonged defiant struggle of five south Goan villages, namely Cuncolim, Ambelim, Assolna, Veroda and Velim, against the Portuguese colonists in the 16th century, as the India's first war of Independence. The struggle, in which several lives were lost, dates back to 1542 when Kshatriya inhabitants of the five villages started a series of confrontations with the Portuguese colonists. According to freedom fighter and author Flaviano Lobo, the confrontation from 1542 to 1583 by these five villages began with boycotting tax payment to colonizers and refusing to bow down to forceful conversion tactics by Jesuit missionaries. Residents of the five villages, whose population was essentially Hindu Kshatriyas, had defied Portuguese taxes before the Jesuit missionaries destroyed five temples in the area to pulverise the flock into submission, Dias said. The Jesuit priests then went on to build a church amid the ruins of temples now destroyed, when enraged villagers from Cuncolim attacked them with spears, swords and bows and arrows, killing leading Jesuit missionary Rudolfo Acquaviva and his colleagues. While the Roman Catholic church later anointed the dead priests as saints, the Portuguese colonisers had a different plan for the revolting villagers. Sixteen chieftains from Cuncolim were called for a truce to a nearby fort. They were ambushed and shot to rags by the Portuguese soldiers as retaliation. A couple of the chieftains managed to escape and tell the story, said Dias, who comes from the lineage of one of the slain chiefs. Shantaram Naik, a Congress MP from the Rajya Sabha, who is actively pursuing the campaign to put the Cuncolim revolt as the first landmark on the map of India's nationalist history, said the State Government was in the process of setting up a panel of historian and experts to authenticate the series of events. We need to give the Central Government rigorously-researched material backing our claim. We are confident that the Cuncolim revolt will get its place in history, that it richly deserves, Naik said. Naik, however, admits it would be a difficult journey, given the headstart Mangal Pandey's exploits and the year 1857 have had in history books. We cannot blame anyone. We are at fault. We needed to project our history properly. We failed to do that over the years, Naik said. Armstrong Vaz, a Cuncolim resident who has been researching the issue, maintains that the social, religious and economic issues which arose out of the revolt need to be researched. Also, the religious persecution which Hindus suffered after the revolt and the massacre of the Cuncolim village chieftains by the Portuguese at Assolna, also need to be portrayed in the right manner, he said.
[Goanet] Manoharbhai
Shrikan Barve made the following suggestion: Quote Manohar Bhai. Please announce that u r going to context and win election against VISWAJEET RANE..next Government is ours.(sic) Shrikant Vinayak Barve unquote And Gabe Menezes seem to at least partially agree with this suggestion. I was wondering if the two are actually saying that Manohar Parrikar is the best candidate for the post of chief minister. Why not Mickey Pacheco, for example? A partial tongue-in-cheek remark. Best wishes. Dr U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Reserve Reservation
India under Congress rule is surviving under Reserve Reservation policy and equally siphoning our money under pretext of protecting Kashmir and yet Kashmir is Karishma??? ..All members can comment on this message. Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] M F Hussain : saint or sinner?
I was touched with the following paragraph from Marshall's post: All in all, hindutva is giving Hinduism a bad name. Hinduism has through the ages welcomed and sheltered all religions. Nowhere in the world will one see the portraits of all types of gods and deities displayed, and treated with equal respect, like I have seen in roadside dhabbas, sugarcane juice stalls, transport buses, shops, offices in India. I was frequent visitor to Gurgaon for two years and had a Punjabi Hindu as my neighbor. I was surprised to see a painting of the Last Supper prominently displayed on the wall of their living room. The lady explained to me that this was a gift to her husband, an army officer, and they revered it knowing the full story and background. Another Punjabi Hindu neighbor to whom I used to send my children for tuitions in Hindi, requested me to obtain a Bible in large font size for her aged father-in-law as he was very happy and keen on reading stories from the bible. These are the kind of people who practice the essence of Hinduism and not those protesting against MFH. Does Marshall have reverential pictures of Hindu gods and goddesses in his house? Best wishes Dr U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Who is the liar, the journalist or the minister?
In response to the question (We would also like to know what action did the GUJ taken on this assault case?) Frederick Noronha writes: As far as the Goa Union of Journalists goes -- which is supposed to be both a trade union AND a professional body -- why don't you sign up and understand the limitations of that body? I think GUJ has spoken up on many other issues. The original poser, and I agree with him, would be contending that if it did then, it should also do so now. It did not have any limitations then, why should it have limiations now? Best wishes. Dr UG Barad
[Goanet] Jewish Surname
Let me pose a question to J. Colaco who is notorious for his responses after response. My query is further to his response i.e. Message: 1, Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2010 on the subject Jewish Surname (his response is appended here below) I don't understand J. Colaco's responses to every messages appearing in the forum! But right now I am curious to know the SURNAME of our lord Jesus Christ I expect J. C. will answer this question without twisting i.e. just write the surname ..that is what I am expectingfrom JC. Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad J. C's RESPONSE Antonio has put forward an interesting theory. Here are two possibilities - one of which is scientifically verifiable i.e. the common maternal lineage can be traced back to Portugal or perhaps ...Spain: 1: The Menezes came from a part of Portugal called Menezes. The original surname (perhaps) being de Menezes 2: Genetic input during the period when the (expelled) Muslim rulers of Goa returned and surrounded (blockaded) it. The Old Goa Menezes sought refuge (et al) in Divar. Is this not the period when the bund' to Ribandar was built and the origin of the tradition when a token of the first crop is handed over to the Governor by the local farmers? jc On 8 March 2010 00:44, Antonio Menezes ac.mene...@gmail.com wrote: It is possible some rich Jews with immovable properties with Manases as surnames could have converted to Christianity and become Menezes one of whom came to Goa as a Christian missionary and bequeathed his surname to hundreds of Hindu converts.
[Goanet] Open letter to J. C. Selma
Oaky J. Colaco you tried your best without any success to give me the surname oif Jesus Christ. My next question to you and SELMA: How come our Goan Christians got their SURNAMEs? I'm equally inquisitive to know the factual reality Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] What's wrong!!!
As usual Marshall fired his aimless bullet without even grasping what actually was posted. Ruby Goes too followed Marshall's way and yet he is asking me to comment on caste system which is in no way connected to my posting!! Ruby, if you want to know about caste system you may dig up the archives of Goanet messages. Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] I fell out of love for religion - Doctor Oscar Rebello gives us his take on God, religion and life- GT
Dr. Oscar appears enjoying his Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at the cost of Goan Politicians only to fool Goans with his own charisma. Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] What's wrong!!!
In PM Manmohan Singh saying that India Government is committed to getting 1/3rd reservation to women? When he himself is surviving at this age at the support of Italian dolly! Our ms has every chances of inducting his wife and daughter (if any) in Indian government. Worst will surface in Goa for sure! Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] And yet interesting MF Husain????
Very recently, Husain is supposed to have accepted the offer of citizenship from the Arabic state of Qatar. He says he has done it because of a self-imposed exile from his home country of India. How this new citizenship will enable him to visit India is not comprehensible. He has gone in exile because of some legal cases against him, and it is his intention to avoid dealing with them personally. He, of course, says that he is being harassed by the cases. The cases relate to his paintings of Hindu gods and goddesses in nude and erotic position, which are alleged to have hurt the religious sentiments of those who filed the complaints. The latter have said that if he makes a sincere apology and commits that he will not undertake such an exercise in the future, they will not pursue the cases. But Husain has given no indication that he will do so. Accepting the citizenship of Qatar does not mean that the legal cases are automatically withdrawn. I had prepared in note in 1996 on the issue of his painting Saraswati in the nude, and addressed the issues raised by those who defended Husain. Subsequently, nude and erotic paintings of other Hindu gods and goddesses have come to light. The defenders of Husain are even today raising the very same issues which they raised then. It should be stated here that the points made by me in the note have also been made by others in different forums. But the defenders of Husain pretend that they do not exist. In the note, I had said that Husain has apologised for painting the Saraswati in the nude. This he did after an elapsed time from when the apology was first requested. However, when the other paintings came to light, the obstinate attitude that he first exhibited then has become the norm for him. In this he is actively supported by many who go under the rubric of 'secularists'. In fact, at the time of the Saraswati incident many such secularists had expressed displeasure when he apologised. Perhaps Husian feels that his obstinacy has substantial support. Since then much water has flown under the bridge. Certain events have happened which would, in normal conditions, have made the secularists to do some soul-searching of their own vis-à-vis Husain. Under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, the union information and broadcasting ministry on Monday issued a showcause notice to Bigg Boss-3, being telecast on Colors channel, for showing content which was against good taste and decency and not suitable for unrestricted public exhibition. (http://www.asianage.com/presentation/leftnavigation/news/india/bigg-boss-se rved-ib-notice-for-'indecency'.aspx) In another incident, it is reported as follows: With Star Plus set to launch the second season of its controversial reality show Sacch ka Saamna, the Information Broadcasting (IB) Ministry has issued the TV channel a warning on the nature and content of the programme and also asked it to ensure that the Indian ethos is kept in mind when formatting the international show for Indian viewers. (http://www.indianexpress.com/news/ib-warns-channel-on-sacch-ka-saamna/5472 88/) There is also a following report: The government on Thursday banned two underwear advertisements - Lux Cozy and Amul Macho - claiming them to be indecent, vulgar and suggestive. The Information and Broadcasting ministry has instructed all television channels to stop showing the advertisement with immediate effect. The ads have been considered indecent, vulgar and suggestive and thus violative of Rule 7 (8) of the Advertising Code, the Ministry said in its order. The Amul Macho ad showed a newly-wed woman suggestively washing her husband's innerwear at a dhobi ghat. (http://www.hindustantimes.com/storypage/storypage.aspx?id=54239c77-3ded-41b 4-bd3d-56c3a6f417e3Headline=%E2%80%98Vulgar%E2%80%99+underwear+ads+banned) Presumably, depiction of Hindu gods and goddesses in the nude would not fall in the same category as any of the above. Nor have the secularists come out in the defence of the above. In February 2010, in one of the north-eastern state of India, it was noticed that a school book had a picture of Jesus Christ holding a cigarette in one hand, and a can of beer in another. The books were immediately banned, and a case has been registered against the publisher. It seems that the memory of the secularists is very, very short. Within a span of less than 20 days, they have not seen the irony of their current support of Husain while they ignored this Christ incident. One can narrate many such incidents to expose the hypocrisy of the secularists. Are they so ignorant of these other events, and do not realise their double standards? I personally do not think so. They are just using Husain as another weapon in their attempt to demonise the Hindus and Hindu organizations. But then this is nothing new. ALIENATION OF SOME INTELLECTUALS When Shri M F Husain's depiction of Saraswati in the nude came to light, he could
[Goanet] Open letter to GBA
Forget what I wrote about Dr. Oscar enjoying his Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at the cost of Goan Politicians only to fool Goans with his own charisma. What I am really concerned with is WHO is supporting all the REQUIRED as well as unsolicited activities of GBA? Can any one from GBA provide me the detail account of Income and Expenditure statement in this forum i.e. Goanet from the date of inception of GBA till date. Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Senior Town Planner forgot basic constitutional provisions!!!
If what is reported in oHeraldo dated Friday, March 5, 2010 (eEdition) is correct than it implies that Senior Town Planner Mr. S. T. Puttaraju of South Goa deals cases of land filling in two different ways i.e. when such things are connected with common men he prefers to register FIR with concerned police station without even verifying and without serving the notice. But when the case is concerned with a minister he prefers not to jump to conclusion and to get the facts verified and also prefers to serve a notice period of 7 days! I wonder if such things are connected with the chief minister how would he act. In any case, Mr. S. T. Puttaraju appears to have forgotten the provisions built up in Article 14 of Constitution of India. This article i.e. article 14 guarantees to every person equality before the law and the equal protection of laws. Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Hitler finds out My Name is Khan is not releasing in Mumbai
--- *** Follow Goanet on Twitter *** http://twitter.com/goanet --- Do watch the 4 minute video. It is really funny. Hitler finds out My Name is Khan is not releasing in Mumbai http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtfyEA_uHw0feature=rec-LGOUT-exp_stronger_r2 -2r-3-HM
[Goanet] Some points on Rajdeep Sardesai's open letter to Uddhav Thackeray
In an open letter to Uddhav Thackeray, on the Shiv Sena severe criticism of Shahrukh Khan, Rajdeep Sardesai writes: Sharukh is no surprise since the Sena has always been uncomfortable with the Indian Muslim identity. Clearly the secularists cannot view ANY issue except on communal terms. There are some Muslims who are members of the Shiv Sena and also who support the Shiv Sena. I guess, accoroding to Rajdeepji, they are really not true Muslims. And what about Muslims who have also criticised Shahrukhji on this issue? I guess, they too are not true Muslims. Rajdeepji also writes: You've called Sharukh a traitor for wishing to choose Pakistani cricketers in the IPL. This is an utter and blatant lie. But then to show one's so-called secular credentials it is necessary to resort to lies. Without which one cannot make any case. Rajdeepji knows (or should know) that Shahrukh was termed a traitor by Shiv Sena because he said that Pakistan is a GREAT neighbour. Now, one can say that Shiv Sena is wrong on this issue. But bring out his statement out in the public, rather than tell les. Furthermore, Shajrukhji should be asked why he did not choose any Paksitani players himself. Rajdeepji would like Uddahvji to focus on some important issues. For example, he writes: Farmer suicides still continue, the after-effects of drought are still being faced in several districts, but the focus is now squarely on finding high profile hate figures. I am sure if Rajdeepji devotes the resources of his channel on these important issues, instead of giving a minute-by-minute report on the travel programme of Rahul Gandhi in Mumbai, the people of this country would be eternally grateful to him. Rajdeepji writes: The Congress-NCP government in the state has been thoroughly incompetent: the last decade has seen Maharashtra decline on most social and economic parameters. I do not watch Rajdeepji's channel. Has he highlighted this issue of incompetence in any meaningful manner? A general question. Has Rajdeepji written an open letter to Digvijay Singh on the latter's visit to Azamgarh in UP, which is well-known to be a hotbed of creators of terrorists in India? He will probably write a letter in open praise of Digvijayji. The open letter is available at: http://ibnlive.in.com/blogs/rajdeepsardesai/1/61523/an-open-letter-to-uddhav -thackeray.html
[Goanet] President's kin usurped land, says court
For an interesting article, please click the link provided here below: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Presidents-kin-usurped-land-says-co urt/articleshow/5558105.cms
[Goanet] Third time, since 2004, high court has quashed quota for Muslims!
The present court order has come as a big blow to the Congress government, which had brought a legislation providing four percent reservation to certain backward groups among Muslims. Read more by clicking the link provided here below: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Andhra-Pradesh-HC-quashes-quota-for -minorities/articleshow/5547501.cms NEW DELHI: Andhra Pradesh High Court on Monday quashed 4% reservation for minorities in education and the state government services. Pronouncing its verdict in the case, the high court said that the quota for minorities was unsustainable and could not be implemented. However, the court clarified that admissions done since 2007 on the basis of the present minority quota would remain valid. The court order has come as a big blow to the Congress government, which had brought a legislation providing four percent reservation to certain backward groups among Muslims. Some individuals and organizations had challenged the bill, contending that the reservations were unconstitutional. This is the third time since 2004 that the high court has quashed quota for Muslims. In 2004 that the state government had provided five percent reservation to Muslims but the high court had quashed the order. However, on the court's advice, the government reconstituted the backward classes commission and directed it to conduct a detailed survey of the socio-economic conditions of Muslims. On the recommendations of the commission, the government issued an ordinance in 2005 and subsequently the assembly passed legislation for five percent reservation. However, the high court set aside the legislation on the ground that this would exceed the 50 percent total reservation limit set by the Supreme Court. In an attempt to keep the reservations within the 50 percent limit, the government reduced the quantum to four percent and issued an order in 2007 providing four percent quota in government jobs and educational institutions for 15 socially and educationally backward classes among Muslims. The government brought an ordinance, which was later replaced by a legislation passed by the assembly. The four percent quota was also challenged in the high court. The petitioners argued that the government identified backward classes in the community without gathering scientific data. The high court, in its interim order, permitted admissions made under the quota. This was challenged by the petitioners in the Supreme Court. The apex court stayed implementation of the order but left it to the high court to dispose off the batch of writ petitions.
[Goanet] Was that his job?
Maharashtra's minister of state for home Ramesh Bagwe, was seen carrying Rahul Gandhi's shoes, apparently for safe-keeping, during his recent visit to Mumbai. Read more by clicking the link provided here below: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Thackeray-again-attacks-Rahul-Gandh i-for-calling-Mumbai-Bombay/articleshow/5550971.cms
[Goanet] Goa Kashi of the Konkan
Publication: GoaHolidayHomes.com URL: http://www.goaholidayhomes.com/info/249/goa-kashi-of-the-konkan/ Goa called 'Kashi of the Konkanï' by the Hindus who hold it sacred came to be considered the Rome of the East for its beautiful churches. (Kashi, now called Varanasi or Benaras is associated with Lord Shiva and is one of the holiest cities on the banks of the Ganges River of the Hindus.) Since ancient times Goa has for the Hindus, been a seat of Vedic and Sanskrit learning and a center of pilgrimage. Fr. Francisco da Souza, the Jesuit historian testifies in his 'Oriente Conquista' (1699): The island of Divar was as much venerated by the Hindus as the Holy Land is by us on account of a temple of many indulgences and pilgrimages. And even at present on a certain day of the year, the Hindus hopefully flock there to bathe themselves in the margin of the river facing the locality where the temple was formerly situated, so that they might not lose their plenary indulgence. According to Leonardo Paes in his 'Prontuario das definicoes Indicas', there was hardly a place where a Hindu temple couldn't be found in Goa. These idol - worshipping people have some houses where they install their Gods or idols. So many are these temples that there is no place in their land where these don't exist. As the cities, villages and wards are not sufficient for them, temples are found even on the highest hills and on any island or cliff formed by the sea. After the original temple on Divar Island was destroyed by the Portuguese, it was relocated at Narve in Bicholim sub - division. The original site is now known as 'Porne Teertha' (Old Holy Site) by the Hindus. In 1668 it was rebuilt by Shivaji the Maratha King. Called Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple after the seven sages who did severe penance, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva who was pleased and agreed to make the island his abode. Various 'Mutts' (Vedic Hindu colleges) of Goa like Kavle, Shankar and Partagali still carry on the tradition of Vedic and Sanskrit learning. The Shri Kaivalya Mutt at Kavle that traces an unbroken line back to the founder of the Advaita School of philosophy, Shri Gaoudapadacharya, the grand guru of Adhishankarcharya, was originally situated on the banks of the Zuari River at Kushasthali (Cortalim). Shri Ramchandra Teertha was the founder of Partagali Jeevottam Mutt and was sixth in line from Shri Narayana Teertha, the founder of the first Vaishanava Mutt in 1475 at Bhatkal. With temples being dedicated to most of the prominent deities of the Hindu pantheon, Goa over the years has been the land of many dynasties and cults. Some of these which have temples dedicated to them are Surya, Brahma, Ganapati, Nagesh, Ramanatha, Kartikeya, Chandranatha, Mangesh, Rama, Somanatha, Narayana, Durga, Mallikarjuna, Chamunda, Vithala and Datta, Parashurma, Narasimha, Kamaxi, Hanuman, Krishna, Mahalaxmi and Mahamaya. Also there are aboriginal deities like Vetal (the head of spirits of ancestors), Sateri (Mother Earth in the form of a termite hill) and Ravalnatha (an incarnation of Shiva) which are worshipped as the presiding deities of villages. Swami Vivekanand, the great Hindu spiritual thinker during his India tour visited Goa. He stayed at the Rachol Seminary to study Christianity and also at Nayak House in Margao. With the return of deities to their original sites from where they were uprooted, renovation of old temples and construction of new temples and mutts, the awesome Hindu heritage of Goa is now seeing a revival.
[Goanet] Kidnap Marry Underage Girls of Any Religion is OK for Muslims ... Rule our Courts
--- http://www.GOANET.org --- Happy New Year Twenty-Ten --- I am not able to comprehend the post of Fredrick Noronha on the subject. I personally found it insensitive in this particular case, though he does make some good contributions otherwise. Here is a case of an underage Hindu girl, who her parents allege was kidnapped, her religion changed to Islam and then married to her alleged kidnapper. Fredrick also introduces the issue of the Curchorem riots, which happened more than two years ago. I personally found Fredrick's post to have trivalised the tragedy of the girl. Best regards, and wish all of you a happy new year 2010. Dr UG Barad
[Goanet] Hot News
To read the Hot News Click the link provided here below: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Headley-could-be-double-agent-of-US -agencies-Lashkar/articleshow/5340660.cms OR..else read the content given here below: Headley could be 'double agent' of US agencies, Lashkar PTI 15 December 2009, 07:53pm IST NEW DELHI: Indications that US terror suspect David Headley could have been a double agent for American agencies and Pakistan-based outfits have become clearer for Indian investigators with mounting evidence coming their way. Top official sources said that there is a strong suspicion that US agency CIA knew about Headley's link with Lashkar-e-Taiba one year before Mumbai attack but did not convey it when he was freely travelling across India. The investigators believe that the US agencies kept away the information from India and never allowed the Pakistani- origin Headley to get exposed. The 39-year old terror suspect, arrested by FBI for his role in Mumbai attacks, had visited India in March 2009 -- four months after Mumbai attack carried out by LeT -- but FBI still did not inform India that Headley is a LeT operative, apparently fearing he could be arrested in India. The sources said that they apprehended that if Headley got less punishment in court then India would have a reasonable ground to believe that Headley was a US agent and also working for LeT. It could also add credence to the belief that there was a plea bargain between Headley and US agencies. Sources said if Headley gets a jail term of just two to four years then India will press for his extradition after he serves his sentence. During his multiple visits to India, Headley had spent a lot of money running into lakhs of rupees through credit cards issued by American banks and in fake Indian currency, believed to have been brought from Pakistan. Indian investigators were now trying to find out who had paid his credit card bills in the American banks. The sources said the US agencies gave Indian authorities two inputs about possible terror attack before 26/ 11 -- in September and October 2008. On both the occasions, the LeT aborted their missions at the last minute. During their discussions, FBI officials told Indian investigators that Headley does not want to be questioned by Indian investigators, raising suspicion that the US agency does want him to be questioned by India. Sources said now the Indian investigators will be able to question Headley only after filing a chargesheet against him in connection with Mumbai attack case. About Headley's accomplice, Pakistani-Canadian Tahawwur Hussain Rana, sources said during his visit to Mumbai he did lots of shopping -- sarees, pants, shirts -- but left behind everything.
[Goanet] Impotent Congress Governance
Read more by clicking the link provided here under: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Delhis-posh-Sainik-Farms-an-un authorised-colony-Govt/articleshow/5295545.cms Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad OR read the message provided here under: The government on Thursday said that posh Sainik Farms in south Delhi was an unauthorized colony and built in violation of building norms. Replying to supplementary during Question Hour in Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Urban Development Saugata Roy said as per a survey by Municipal Corporation of Delhi, 1650 addresses/buildings were found in the Sainik Farms area. Sainik Farms is an entirely unauthorized colony, built in violation of building norms, he said, but refused to say what action the Government proposes to take. When members asked if Sainik Farms would face the same action as an illegal slum that is demolished, the minister said Sainik Farms was not among the list of 1,218 illegal colonies in Delhi that have been provisionally regularized. Sainik Farms came up in 1960 as a cooperative society for defense personnel and their dependents but soon attracted non-defense personnel. Since it is an illegal colony, no water and sewage is provided, he said adding no demolition can take place because of a law which is proposed to be extended till December 31, 2010. The government has issued Revised Guidelines 2007 for regularization of unauthorized colonies in Delhi and the guidelines do not relate to unauthorized colonies inhabited by affluent sections including Sainik Farms, he added
[Goanet] Jihadi terror and Hindu rightwing terror are different: Police
Author: IANS Publication: Samachar.com Date: November 2, 2009 URL: http://publication.samachar.com/topstorytopmast.php?sify_url=http://sify.com /news/jihadi-terror-and-hindu-rightwing-terror-are-different-police-news-nat ional-jlckjmgcida.html The Goa police believe there is a difference between jihadi terrorism and right wing Hindu terrorism. A senior police official who is investigating the Diwali eve blast carried out by members affiliated to the Hindu group Sanatan Sanstha (SS) in Margao, a major town in South Goa 35 km from here, said that the Oct 16 blast was aimed at targeting a public function, unlike other threats by jihadi groups received by Goa in the past. The aims and goals of both groups differ. Jihadi elements have threatened Goa's coastline in the past. We have also received threats of places frequented by tourists being targeted in the past. But this is different, Superintendent of Police Atmaram Deshpande told reporters. The recent attack shows that the target was a public function frequented by many people. Chaos was perhaps their intended objective, he added. Goa, a tourist haven, has received several terror threats in the past especially from October to March, the period which attracts the most tourists to the state. The threats from jihadi groups, according to police, targeted popular night spots. After the 26/11 terror strikes in Mumbai last year, Goa even saw bunkers and gun turrets all along its beaches after intelligence agencies warned of a terror threat from the sea. Amidst these increasing number of terror threats from jihadi groups over the last few years, the Diwali eve blast by the Hindu group SS could have caught the police off guard. Two people, both members of the SS, died in the Diwali eve blast when detonator-rigged gelatine sticks they were ferrying on a scooter exploded. Malgonda Patil, a Sangli-based high ranking member of the SS died of injuries a few hours after the blast; the other scooter rider Yogesh Naik succumbed to his injuries a few days later. Both Patil and Naik, who have been accused in the blast case, were parking their scooter near a festive gathering 100 metres from the district administration headquarters building when the gelatine sticks exploded. Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat was in close proximity when the incident occurred. The police have arrested two people in connection with the Goa blast. Both the accused Vinay Talekar, 30, and Vinayak Patil, 27, are originally from Karnataka.
[Goanet] Indian journalist tells Tibet's reality, slaps separatists' lies
Publication: News.xinhuanet.com Date: October 23, 2009 URL: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-10/23/content_12303407.htm A famous Indian journalist and publisher revealed the true reality of China's Tibet here on Thursday, refuting lies made by the Dalai Lama and his separatist followers. In an interview with Xinhua on the sidelines of a two-day forum on development of Tibet, Narasimhan Ram, editor-in-chief of the Hindu and Group publications, said the separatists told lies about Tibet to the world. They told lies not only concerning the death toll in the March 14 riots in 2008, but also concerning the real purpose of the Dalai Lama's remarks of not seeking for independence, he said. Unnamed Tibetan exile sources said that up to a hundred, if not hundreds of, people died in the March-April 2008 riots; and that Chinese security forces cracked down on or brutalized unarmed protesters or opened fire on crowds of civilians, Ram said. The reality is the riot that broke out in Lhasa on March 14, 2008 claimed a confirmed toll of 18 innocent civilian lives, and it was the handiwork of violent, thuggish, ransacking mobs, he said.
[Goanet] Dammed truths (A dishonest editorial)
Yet another dishonest editorial from The Indian Express. One would get an impression that it was the politicians who have stalled the work on the Narmada dam. No mention is made of the destructive role played by people like Medha Patkar, Arundhati Roy, etc. Nor does the editorial even recognizes that the media, including The Indian Express, has authenticate the vicious agenda of the obstructing agencies. The World Bank withdrew the financing of the project due to the so-called concern by the anti-India lobby. The anti-India lobby then used this World Bank withdrawal to say that the project is bad. A classic case of circularity. Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad Dammed truths Author: Editorial Publication: The Indian Express Date: October 16, 2009 URL: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/dammed-truths/529587/ Introduction: China moves swiftly to build dams in Tibet. What India should learn The decision of the People's Republic of China to build a dam on the Brahmaputra will naturally cause concern. China's dismissal of Indian concerns will predictably be viewed as another sign of Chinese arrogance in bilateral and multilateral affairs. But, even as India justifiably questions China's plans, uncomfortable questions present themselves. What is India doing for its water security? Where is the urgency on this side of the border? Why are there so many internal hurdles? News of the Tsangpo dam shows that in China the need for water resources to be properly harnessed is understood; the dam-building process is underway in quick time. The contrast to India, where large water resources projects are continually held up by irresponsible politics, is stark. (The Sardar Sarovar Dam is but the most glaring example.) Development in India - even the very minimum of preparedness for coming challenges - is less a subject for farsighted decision-making and democratic compromise between different groups, and more a hostage to the last man standing. Placating every individual who disagrees, handing out vetoes to every interest group simply breeds a home-grown fifth column against development and growth. Thus a weary state decides on the basis of what is not vetoed. Remember again the Narmada project. And how Saifuddin Soz, then water resources minister, stalled the completion of work on the dam - in particular, on the gates and to take it to its proper crest height - for overtly political reasons, and to placate the same set of do-nothing activists. The dam's height was raised eventually, but the radial gates are still held up. Consider too Arunachal Pradesh. Rather than speeding up attempts to tap Arunachal's vast reserves of hydro-electric potential in response to the country-wide, chronic power shortage over the past decade, the years since 2000 have instead seen a frittering away of energy. Of the 60-plus power projects the Arunachal government lists, a mere 23 started operation this millennium. India is prepared to make the case, over and over, for its political and public values over those of the People's Republic. And yet that case is undermined by the immaturity of those, whether in politics or in civil society, who have an imperfect understanding of the fact that liberal democracies also require constructive debate on agendas for inclusive growth.
[Goanet] Selma's outburst
It's time for ALL Goans to ignore the rant of Selma Carvalho?? To put it in Jesus' words .. forget them (HER)... for they don't know what they are doing Her writing / expressions for past years clearly suggest that she is not aware of History for she is GATTED and yet she pretends to be MASTER OF EVERYTHUING . Selma should also realize that Goa is not GATED community unless she is trying to do so???/ Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Marathas are not Goans
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Planning to get married in Goa? www.weddingsetcgoa.com Making your 'dream wedding' possible Selma Carvalho writes: Marathas have never been Goans. While the Goan has a history of being passive and peace-loving, the Maratha has a history of being a warrior clan. One reason Maharashtra fell to the British was because bands of Maratha thugs used to routinely go around raping, pillaging and destroying villages. It was almost a relief to have the British render some peace. This is indeed a most strange revisioning of history. History says Shivaji was the founder of what became the Maratha Confederacy, which ruled most of India prior to the arrival of the British in India. Jawaharalal Nehru has even written that (The Moghul) Empire had vanished long ago even before the British arrived upon the scene The Marathas had smashed it and controlled Delhi itself... Ranjit Singh ruled in the Punjab. Moghul rule had ended in the North without any intervention of the British, and in the South also it had disintegrated. I would be interested in knowing as to from where Selma got above information in this particular case. Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Nobel for Obama
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Planning to get married in Goa? www.weddingsetcgoa.com Making your 'dream wedding' possible I read that the nomination for Obama was submitted within two weeks of his inauguration as president of the USA. I wonder the basis on which this was done, and whether these basis were the same as the one that the prize committee has stated. Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Healing through inhaling
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Planning to get married in Goa? www.weddingsetcgoa.com Making your 'dream wedding' possible Interesting article On yoga enclosed. Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad Author: Govind Kamat Maad/TNN Publication: TOI Dated: October 7, 2009 Dr Venkatesh Hegde is a doctor armed with an MBBS degree and a roaring practice in Mar-gao. He, however, swears by yoga, and 'sudarshan kriya' -Que of the forms of breathing techniques-is his forte. An ardent follower of Sri Sri Rav-ishankar of the Art of Living, Hegde says that the deepest secret of life lies within one's breath. The way to reach your mind is through your breath. And that's ex-actly what you achieve by practicing sudarshan kriya. By regular practice of pranayama and meditation, one is able to experience a state of mind which in turn builds up your resist -where one is happy unconditionally. Your happiness does not depend any longer upon external worldly factors; it's a supernal experience. Healing happens faster in a person experiencing such a state of mind, as there is harmony even at the hormonal leve1. A peaceful and happy state of mind stimulates the hormones in your body to function in a balanced manner, Hegde said. The soft spoken doctor lays more stress on mind management of his patients while treating an illness. Mind management plays an important role in treating stress related diseases. While treating a patient, I first determine whether he needs more of mind management or disease management. If it is mind management that he needs, I advise him yoga and breathing techniques. While pranayama enables strengthening of the muscles and expels toxins from the body, meditation relaxes the mind and induces creativity, enthusiasm and a profound sense of wellbeing. Meditation is a state of mind where you are restfully alert, which in turn builds up your resistance power, Hegde adds. Interestingly, in the course of a conversation with TOI, Hegde revealed that he has also mastered the practice of what could be termed as a blessings therapy and claims that good wishes too have a therapeutic effect on patients. A doctor can bless a patient provided he is stress free. Stress is a contaminant, and a doctor who is stress free is able to transmit the power of good wishes to his patients though his grace. But for a doctor to achieve that 'grace' he has to undergo a lot of 'sadhana' (penance), he says nonchalantly. Hegde takes pride in the fact that 'even super-specialists refer cases to him for yoga therapy and mind management. He has been practicing sudarshan kriya for over 12 years and has conducted over 200 courses on Art of Living during the past eight years. I have imparted training in such breathing techniques to over 6,000 people for the last several years by conducting such courses across Goa, he said.
[Goanet] Indian ancestry revealed in massive study
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Planning to get married in Goa? www.weddingsetcgoa.com Making your 'dream wedding' possible In response to the article Indian ancestry revealed in massive study, M D'Mello writes: In other words, the Aryan Invasion theory is substantiated Can some one explain in simple terms please??? I do not think that the article can be read to substantiate the Aryan Invasion Theory. But I am not an expert in this subject. But around the same time, there was an article in The Times of India with the title Aryan-Dravidian divide a myth: Study. It is available at: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/india/Aryan-Dravidian-divide-a-myth- Study/articleshow/5053274.cms Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Money for one road was paid thrice
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Planning to get married in Goa? www.weddingsetcgoa.com Making your 'dream wedding' possible I had posted an article how the now termed Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme has been prone for providing an opportunity for corruption. Since then I had a thought. The scheme is now being implemented in Goa. It stands to reason that the methods used elsewhere can well be used in Goa also to siphone money from the scheme. I hope the NGOs in Goa will be vigilant in this case too. Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Why did Hinduism never become an 'organized' religion like Christianity or Islam? - dnaindia.com
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Planning to get married in Goa? www.weddingsetcgoa.com Making your 'dream wedding' possible Ruby Goes brought to our attention the following url: http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report_why-did-hinduism-never-become-an-or ganised-religion-like-christianity-or-islam_1294838 Ruby commented: Food for thought. Can she elaborate what she found interesting in the article? To my mind, Wendy Doniger (who she is has not been properly explained) thinks that the attempt to adopt some of the aspects of an organized religion by Hindu organizations is not desirable. This is actually an equally damning statement against Christianity and Islam. Even as we resist the attempts by these Hindu organizations, should there also not be a movement towards getting rid of the harmful characteristics of an organized religion within Christianity and Islam? Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Money for one road was paid thrice
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Planning to get married in Goa? www.weddingsetcgoa.com Making your 'dream wedding' possible This scheme was promoted by the ex-Belgian citizen, now an Indian naitonal, Jean Dreze. He was able to push it through only because of his closeness to Sonia Gandhi, and by presenting as an alleged 'aam admi' programme to enable the party to win elections. The national scheme is almost on the same lines as the one in Maharashtra. When the scheme was about to be implemented, a scandal in the Mahrashtra scheme had been exposed. The methodology for corruption in the Maharashtra scheme was exactly the same as what is stated in this report. In Maharashtra the scandal was exposed in more than one place. And there is no reason to believe that what has been stated in the article has not happened in other places in the country. It is a tragedy in our media that this corruption is not being aggressively exposed. A huge amount of money is being wasted here. Even where the scheme is being implemented in the way it is supposed to be, studies have shown that the amount reaching the ultimate beneficiaries, namely the ones who are doing the physical labour, get only a portion of the total expenditure. The rest goes on material and administration (ie the government servants). A professor in the USA has written an article recently stating that instead of the scheme, it would be better to make a cash transfer to the people. Of course, even in such case corruption can well be quite significant, since the payrolls can be manipulated, or the recepient is forced to part away some of the money that he receives. There have been at least two people who have been killed for exposing the corruption. From a moral standpoint, these deaths should be on the head of the promoters of the scheme. The economists and others are also conspicuous by their silence. The supposed economist par excellence, namely the prime minister, is once again exhibiting a Bhishma like silence. Read more by clicking the link provided here below: Author: Subodh Ghildiyal Publication: The Times of India Date: October 2, 2009 URL: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/india/40-of-NREGA-funds-siphoned-off -in-key-districts/articleshow/5079111.cms Massive corruption in the NREGA scheme in Lalitpur, one of the most backward districts of UP, is more serious because functionaries, besides being corrupt, have also been revealed to be indifferent towards the scheme. The district has been able to spend Rs 157 crore-far short of what is required in the unirrigated region ravaged by drought. The most common irregularity is faking of old assets-roads and wells-as new, and spiriting away the allocation. Money is also being pocketed by inflating the scale of work-like construction of bunds and digging-while muster rolls have been cooked up to make fruadulent withdrawals. This was the tale across gram panchayats Patha, Bilt, Paniyara, Budera, Ram Nagar, Barethi, Sunderpur, Bhamora and Mawai. In Budera, the monitors reviewing a Jatropha plantation work of Rs 4.10 lakh, found nothing on the grounds for the Rs 80,000 that was claimed to have been spent. A well on the land of Achheylal Kushwaha was shown as a fresh construction although it has been in existence since 2004. In Sukwaha, the monitors found an ingenious way of misappropriation. The functionaries claimed payment for construction of three roads whereas they had constructed one. A road from Sukhwaha to Gundwara was made and widened alright measuring 1,280 metres. But it was found the road was also broken into two-Sukhwaha to Barai Tal and Barai Tal to Gundwara-on papers and the measurement book of the original road split. The money for one road was thus paid thrice. There are serious doubts on the construction of 'kuchcha roads' made in Patha. While a road from Patha to Sagoni (Rs 3.92 lakh) and Deviji Mandir Patha to Matauli (Rs 4.90 lakh) were made, land records show that these were existing roads. Poor workers have lost in the process. In Patha, the sarpanch kept a blank document signed by him which could be used by secretaries to create fabricated records. In a check dam, with an estimated cost of Rs 4.99 lakh, money was embezzled by passing 15 cm thick RCC slabs as 25 cm. The structure was so weak that no shutters could be put for fear of water pressure triggering a collapse. The mustser roll signatures appeared signed by one person, either the sarpanch or secretary. In Bilt, while plantation was poor, tree guards, involving material cost on cement and bricks, have been made in large number at Rs 1,200 each. The monitors found that plant survival rate was barely 10-15% while 'tree guards' had leakages up to 60%.
[Goanet] The country would 'love' to see what Nehru and Edwina shared
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Planning to get married in Goa? www.weddingsetcgoa.com Making your 'dream wedding' possible This is in reply to Carvalho's views on above subject: I would say Selma still don't know the history of India? She only appear to be born to vote for Kongres without any reasons/reasoning... She should remember that she cannot change history which she is trying to do for the sake of Kongres! And for her information, if at all India is suffering today is all because of Gandhi and Nehru combines. Most importantly, I am not making the film on Nehru and Edwina nor do I intend to do!!! Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] 2 Sisters held at aiport for possessing bullets!
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Planning to get married in Goa? www.weddingsetcgoa.com Making your 'dream wedding' possible Frederick Noronha writes: Whether we admit it or not, there's a whole lot of racial/communal profiling going on out there. Had the women been Hindus or Christians, the issue would have been probably sorted out with a few brief words. He also gives the following quote from Gomantak Times: Amusingly, on two occasions when the two sisters boarded a flight to Goa from Mumbai airport and they landed here, their luggage was not detected with live cartridges until they were caught while returning to their native (sic). I would have thought this would disprove his profiling theory. Can Fredrick comment? Also, I have heard in the past that live cartridges were detected in other cases (at least some of them Hindus). And in one case I read the person passed through at least one security check before it was detected. Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] The country would 'love' to see what Nehru and Edwina shared
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Planning to get married in Goa? www.weddingsetcgoa.com Making your 'dream wedding' possible Rajesh Kalra, TOI-Internet Edition, Monday October 05, 2009 The UPA government is raving mad that a British filmmaker, Joe Wright, wants to focus in his film on the intimate relationship that Indias first Prime Minister, Jawahar Lal Nehru, shared with Edwina Mountbatten. Realizing that currently the most powerful family in India is directly affected by this, the information and broadcasting ministry has asked the filmmaker to behave and cut out all that might affect the lofty stature Nehru enjoyed (enjoys?) in this country. Sadly, the filmmaker has conceded. We may aspire to be a modern, nuclear power (the hydrogen bomb fizzle notwithstanding), but when it comes to harmless personal details, we can be completely hypocritical. The relationship that two former Prime Ministers (not Nehru) have had with women other than their wives is not unknown to most. Similarly, the equation that a former senior cabinet minister shared with someone and even allowed his official residence to be used by her for her work is also not unknown. Apart from that, most in Delhi at least, are aware of the colourful lives of some of the powerful Indians. But you would never see these being discussed in the media anywhere even as we chuckle as we discuss this privately. If, according to you, what you do is right, why are you worried? And if you think it is not right, why do it at all? I have often heard people argue: It is their personal/private life, and none should have anything to do with it. I am afraid this argument does not hold in case of those in public life. If you indulge in what is considered wrong by the public, you dont do it. And if you think there is nothing wrong with it, be brave and accept what you are into. But we wont. We will talk endlessly about Sarkozy and Berlusconi, but heavens would fall if someone were to talk about the colourful lives of our public figures. They are the most saintly beings on this planet and never do anything wrong, or unacceptable. Amazing hypocrisy! As many also argue, work alone matters. Absolutely right! It alone does, and if you are high on that count, believe me, people are willing to ignore your other activities. I have seen examples of it. The much vilified communications minister during Narasimha Raos reign, Sukh Ram, had just been caught with crores of rupees in his puja room at his official residence in Delhi. I was travelling through Himachal soon after that and inquired from numerous chaiwallahs along the road that links the interiors of the hill state and also the Delhi-Manali Road about what they felt about the minister. Almost immediate response of each and every person I spoke to was similar. Everybody makes money. But he has done a lot of work for our state and we will vote for him again. Sure enough, Sukh Rams party won enough, forcing the party that ousted him to form a government in the state with his support. Nehru called infrastructure projects the temples of modern India. If the Congress is as sure of all the tall claims it makes of the legacy that Nehru left behind, it really need not worry about what some filmmaker has to talk about Nehrus activities that were not work-related. If anything, the people would love to see the normal life of the man who is credited with laying the foundations of a modern India.
[Goanet] caste - an old story
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Planning to get married in Goa? www.weddingsetcgoa.com Making your 'dream wedding' possible Joao Barros-Pereira writes: Maybe the BJP might make a comeback if it renounces the caste system but that is unlikely, eh? Is Joao implying that the other political parties of India have renounced the caste system? Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Congress slumber party with Dalits
Re: Rahul Gandhi's surprise sleepovers at Dalit houses have been adopted as party strategy to prove that the Congress stands for the poorest of the poor. The Congress party has been around since our independence, and has ruled the country at the centre for 47 of the first 50 years, and in most states also. If it really stood for the poorest of the poor, surely they would have something substantial for them, and there would really not be so many poorest of the poor that the members of the party would have an opportunity for a sleepover. Does the media really think that such tokenism is going to be enough to improve the well-being of the people? Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] 'COLLECTIVE OWNERSHIP OF THE ECONOMY?'
'md' brought to our notice the following: http://nymag.com/news/intelligencer/59469/ At the beginning the article says: In his new film, Michael Moore declares that he wishes to eliminate capitalism and replace it with collective ownership of the economy. I wonder whether Moore himself has 'donated' his own wealth to the society on the basis of what he wants to do. Best regards. Dr. U. G.Barad
[Goanet] Muslim cleric to take Kumbh dip to wash away religious differences
2 October 2009, Indian Muslim, By IANS Lucknow: A dip in the sacred river during the Maha Kumbh Mela is said to wash away all sins. A senior Muslim cleric who will perform the Hindu rite hopes it will also wash away differences between the two religions. Kalbe Sadiq, a noted Shia cleric and senior vice-president of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), will take the holy dip in the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela to be held in Haridwar in 2010. For the sake of cementing the bond between Hindus and Muslims, I have decided to perform the ritual (holy dip) in the Ganga River, which is considered sacred and revered, particularly by Hindus, Sadiq told IANS. In fact, not only the holy dip, I am ready to perform every such act that will help promote amicable atmosphere between the two communities and contribute towards the progress of the nation, he added. Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, will be held in 2010 in the holy city Haridwar in Uttarakhand, from Jan 14 to April 28, and is expected to see an influx of 15 million pilgrims -- many of whom will come from distant lands. Though I have not planned the exact date for carrying out the holy ritual, very soon I will make it (date) public, Sadiq said. The Muslim cleric has also intimated his plans to the seers in Haridwar. I have informed them so that they can assist me in performing the holy ritual smoothly. For this purpose, I have already held talks with Yogi Yateendra Nath Giri, who is the national convener of the Akhil Bhartiya Sadhu Parishad, he said. Asked about important issues that cropped up in his talks with the seer, Sadiq said: Primarily, it remained focussed on chalking out a plan to further cement the bond between Hindus and Muslims. The controversial issue of Babri Masjid/Ram Mandir too cropped up during the discussion. Yes, we discussed it and both of us agreed that the matter should be left to the court and members of both the communities should respect the court's order, he added. Maha Kumbh Mela occurs four times every 12 years and rotates among four locations: Allahabad (in Uttar Pradesh) at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati River; Haridwar (in Uttarakhand) along the Ganga, Ujjain (in Madhya Pradesh) along the Kshipra river and Nashik (Maharashtra) along the Godavari river.
[Goanet] An irony
On the front page of The Times of India (Oct 2, 2009) Mumbai edition, one of the top stories says: Center's job plan falls prey to corruption - 40% of funds siphoned off. This is about the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. A box in the story says: NREGA may now be named after Gandhi. Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] CESS to MESS or MESS to CESS only for ASHA?????????
Visit or enjoy yourself outside boarder line of Goa and be ready to pay nothing less than Rs 100 for 4 wheelers to return back to Goa after 1st November 2009! Yes, you will have to pay this CESS (called ASHA's Cess) despite being RESIDENT Goan that too for returning back to home town Goa! In short, Digamber Kamat as a CM of Goa appears to be advocating a theory Sir, I pretend to be your man (Aam Admi) as long as you feed MY grown(ing) BELLY by ASHA my ASHA is growing day in and day out So my question to all GOANS - are you're prepared to pay for returning back to Goa after holidaying out of Goa? AND Are you ready to pay Digambar's ASHA to return back to Goa?? Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Cow dung cremations catch on in Bihar
Author: Amarnath Tewary Publication: BBC News Date: September 27, 2009 URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8269289.stm In India's remote north-east, recent floods have forced people in the state of Bihar to come up with an environmentally friendly way to cremate their dead. Where traditionally only the wood from a mango tree was used to fuel the funeral fire in this part of India, now people are making do with cow dung as the only source of fuel. It may sound outlandish but this local alternative is not only catching on fast but has achieved widespread social acceptance. Annual flooding in two districts of northern Bihar has meant that access to mango trees is restricted.
[Goanet] Muslim women in MP score high on literacy
Perhaps Justice (Retd) Rajendra Sachar, and others who support him so avidly, can explain how this happened in a state which he would obviously classify as one ruled by Hindu communalists. And why those ruled by secularists have achieved so little. And while he is at it, he could let the people of India know why in Jammu Kashmir the Muslim women literacy rate is only 34.9%. Read more by clicking the link provided hear under: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/india/Muslim-women-in-MP-score-high- on-literacy/articleshow/5054833.cms Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad BHOPAL: The literacy percentage among Muslim women in Madhya Pradesh is much higher than their counterparts in other North Indian states, according to the Madhya Pradesh Muslim Education Society (MPMES). Madhya Pradesh has topped the figure with 60.1 per cent literacy among the Muslim women which was much better than other states including Assam, West Bengal, U P, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand and Rajasthan as per the census of population 2001. The MPMES President and former Madhya Pradesh Mimister, Ibrahim Qureshi told PTI that due to the active role of women in the field of education and social work in Madhya Pradesh the Muslim women literacy rate has topped the list with 60.1 per cent among all other North Indian states. The Muslim population in Madhya Pradesh is only 6.4 per cent of the total population and the literacy percent for Muslims in the State was 70.3 and this was achieved only by the active participation of women in the state, he said. Jammu and Kashmir has a maximum Muslim population of 67.0 per cent but the women literacy rate was only 34.9 per cent with seventh position among North India states and much less than Madhya Pradesh. MPMES, a unit of All India Muslim Education Society has reconstituted its women cell in Madhya Pradesh appointing Dr. Firoza Ahsan Ali former MLA from Burhanpur as President seeing their role in the field of education and social work. Qureshi said that MPMES has been working for expansion and publicity of education among the Muslim community in the state for the last 30 years by providing information about various programmes run by the Centre and the State including School Chalo, Madarsa Chalo Abhiyan, Scholarship to the poor and needy students, guidance to the educational institutions run by the Muslim community and many others. He said that those women working effectively in the field of education and social work had been appointed with the consent of MPMES women wing President Dr. Firoza Ahsan Ali. Those who have been appointed were Ruhi Malik, Senior Vice President Bhopal, Munni Khan, Vice President Satna, Parveen Khan Gwalior, Tasleem Zaidi, Ujjain, Dr.Firdaus Patel, General Secretary Indore, Dr. Fatima Rasool Siddiqui and Aisha Ali, General Secretaries Bhopal and Shahnaz Khan a Magistrate in juvenile court appointed Secreatry, Balaghat.
[Goanet] Tourism Minister is Touring in Court
This message is in reply to Message No: 10, dated: Thu, 24 Sep 2009 from: Ashley D'silva on above subject. Before I clarify what you have asked for please let me know if you are a strong supporter of Tourism Minister in totality! Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Tourism Minister is Touring in Court
A few days ago, an offence against Mickky Pacheco for extortion was registered by Crime Branch. Thereafter he applied for an anticipatory bail. So the police cannot arrest him for the moment. The additional district and session judge Mr. Justice Desmond D'Costa will hear his arguments today (Wednesday) on his bail application. I wonder how he is continuing in the cabinet, more particularly since he has also claimed that the Chief Minister has a vendetta against him! Or should we say that until proved guilty he is not involved in extortion!! Best regards Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Leaders of Christian sects flay CCP mayor
Author: Times News Network, Margao Publication: TOI Dated: September 15, 2009 Leaders of various Christian sects across Goa, on Monday, vehemently con-demned the statement of Carolina Po, mayor of the Corpora-tion of City of Panjim (CCP), made at a CCP meeting on Fri-day while rejecting applica-tions by religious sects seeking space for burial grounds in the city. The mayor's statement which read, The corporators feel that people who have con-verted to other religious sects should ask those people who led them to convert to provide them with burial grounds al-so, as reported in a section of the press is undemocratic and a violation of human rights, felt the leaders who met in Margao on Monday. Pastors belonging to New Life Fellowship church of Panjim, Margao and Vasco, Parakletos church, Margao, Corner Stone church, Margao, Mount Zion church, Good New Church, River of life church, Panjim, Good Hope church and Methodist church were present at the meet. We are law abiding citi-zens. Since we do not get in-volved in any unconstitutional activities, we do not deserve such undemocratic com-ments, pastor Joe D' Cruz told TOI on Monday. He said that though other Christian sects are not attack-ing any body or religion by making counter statements, people in public positions should not make statements that can lead to flare-ups. Pastor Wellington Gomes of the River of Life church, Panjim opined, There is no question of anybody converting us. If we have chosen to be mem-bers of a certain sect, it is out of our own will. It is the respon-sibility of the government to look after the interests of each and every citizen irrespective of any religious background. Pastor Robert of New Life Fellowship church, Panjim, felt that it is every citizen's constitutional right to be buried af-ter death Burial cannot be de-nied on any grounds leave alone religious, he said. If Po has difficulties re-garding the burial grounds, she should express it to the government and not come out with such contradictory statements in public. If the government cannot handle our responsibil-ity why should we pay taxes? asked another leader. Meanwhile, pastors of various sects will meet Victoria Fernandes at Panjim to discuss the issue on Tuesday.
[Goanet] Latest update after Swiss Bank has agreed to disclose the funds.......
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Two new showrooms/office spaces, double height (135 sq m each with bath) for lease in upscale Campal/Miramar beach area, Panaji, Goa. Contact: goaengineer...@aol.com On above subject I'm receiving following message through e-mail. On going through the message the first think that came to my mind is whether this is initiated by political party(ies)? If so which party? The next questions that came to my mind are: Irrespective of party who is after this campaign, is it legal or illegal money? Is it right to park such a massive fund in foreign bank(s)? Whether it's legal or illegal why benefit foreign banks by parking such a huge sum why not our national banks? Why should India government not try and get the details of account holders and equally try to get the money back to India? And so on... Can you all share your views on this issue? Received message on above subject is appended here below. Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad Our Indians' Money - 70, 00,000 Crores Rupees In Swiss Bank 1) Yes, 70 lakhs crores rupees of India are lying in Switzerland banks. This is the highest amount lying outside any country, from amongst 180 countries of the world, as if India is the champion of Black Money. 2) Swiss Government has officially written to Indian Government that they are willing to inform the details of holders of 70 lakh crore rupees in their Banks, if Indian Government officially asks them. 3) On 22-5-08, this news has already been published in The Times of India and other Newspapers based on Swiss Government's official letter to Indian Government. 4) But the Indian Government has not sent any official enquiry to Switzerland for details of money which has been sent outside India between 1947 to 2008.. The opposition party is also equally not interested in doing so because most of the amount is owned by politicians and it is every Indian's money. 5) This money belongs to our country. From these funds we can repay 13 times of our country's foreign debt. The interest alone can take care of the Center's yearly budget. People need not pay any taxes and we can pay Rs. 1 lakh to each of 45 crore poor families. 6) Let us imagine, if Swiss Bank is holding Rs. 70 lakh Crores, then how much money is lying in other 69 Banks? How much they have deprived the Indian people? Just think, if the Account holder dies, the bank becomes the owner of the funds in his account. 7) Are these people totally ignorant about the philosophy of Karma? What will this ill-gotten wealth do to them and their families when they own/use such money, generated out of corruption and exploitation? 8) Indian people have read and have known about these facts. But the helpless people have neither time nor inclination to do anything in the matter. This is like a new freedom struggle and we will have to fight this. 9) This money is the result of our sweat and blood.. The wealth generated and earned after putting in lots of mental and physical efforts by Indian people must be brought back to our country. 10) As a service to our motherland and your contribution to this struggle, please circulate at least 10 copies of this note amongst your friends and relatives and convert it into a mass movement.
[Goanet] Artists have no social responsibility!!
August 25, 2009 - Goanet's 15th Anniversary In connection with the recent controversy regarding Dr. Subodh Kerkar's artistic cartoons one person mentioned to me that one of the cartoon drawn by him was published in oHerald (dated: August 18, 2009, Page 2). In this connection and after having a look at it I submit my views here-in-below. The cartoon shows a likeness of Shree Samarth Ramdas (one of the revered saint of many Marathi speaking Indians) with the following caption: This is a portrait of Samarth Swami Ramdas. I did not want anyone's feelings to be unnecessarily hurt, so I drew him fully clothed in a suit. The normal attire of Shree Samarth Ramdas as has been noted by every Hindu in Maharastra or Goa is that he wears only langoti and is depicted in that way, all over the world. His believers have similar photo in their homes and even in some Hindu business houses. Clearly such a depiction did not / does not hurt anyone's feelings. However, it appears that the feelings of the creator of the cartoon i. e., Dr. Subodh were hurt. It also gives a feeling that Dr. Subodh has no understanding of the subject and the feelings of people. If Dr. Subodh did not want to hurt the feelings of anyone he could have as well shown Shree Samarth Ramdas in an attire of Hindu swami rather than showing him in suit!! The way the present cartoon is painted gives a strong feeling of provoking type of intentions of cartoonists. And so, if people did get provoked why should the creator of the cartoon take upon himself a role of a victim? If the cartoonist is sincere, then he would have to answer in affirmative if he is asked the following question: Would the nude painting of Hindu goddesses by MF Husain hurt anyone's feelings? According to me, an artist does not have a social responsibility to please and uphold the public's sense of right and wrong in their expressions. Their art is just their reflection and distillation of the world around them. So much so that very few artists today are aware that with celebrity comes responsibility. When I look at any artists painting, I hope to see everything the artist was dreaming of as he captured the scene, or whatever beauty he found to excite him. I always like to see beyond the passion to the reality of the artists character or spirit. Therefore, I feel, art is not just about passion. An artist may, of course, have emotions, but their art should help the viewer to have more than a surface understanding of it. Their art needs to be like a child, the magnificent result of its complex and beautiful creator. Most artists know well that their freedom of expression can and or may be challenged but their intentions behind exercising freedom of expression cannot be proved in the eyes of law!! Taking advantage of the freedom of expression they resort to giving public something shoddy over and over again, without any material substance but definitely with derogatory projections of race, sex, social class and exploiting religious feelings/beliefs. So what can one do about these profiteers who pollute vulnerable minds as if they have no spiritual or social responsibility to create real art? I dont believe in censorship, but I feel strongly that a true artist should censor themselves for the good of the society. Has Dr. Kerkar any time bowdlerized himself and his paintings before offering them for public viewing? OR is he up to a mad rush to complete what M. F. Husain could not do or achieve? How is that Indian Artists expresses their right to freedom of expression only to depict Hindu Gods, Goddesses Saints in an unwanted pose and attire? I wonder How come these artists dont get inspirations or imagination to depict Saints of other religions in the same way as they depict Hindu saints and gods? OR is it that these Indian artists consider that Hindus have no moral right to get hurt if their sentiments are trampled upon. Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Goa's Mining Undermining Goans!
August 25, 2009 - Goanet's 15th Anniversary In Goa, mining is seen to take place with large scale environmental degradation violating all human rights. Multidimensional approach i.e. denial of the eligible rights of the people in mining zones, flouting of law by the State machinery mine owners and denial of mineworkers rights that is followed in Goa for mining industry compounds the problem still further. Due to which, almost every day Goans from in and around mining areas are seen agitating against mining came on streets. Goa government after two years of mass agitation has now come up with mine owners' friendly draft Mining Policy for Goa! Apart from permitting mining near the state's wildlife sanctuaries and legalizing other non-operative dormant leases issued during Portuguese regime, the said draft mining policy of Goa has retained many flows, as in the past, which are non-compliant with many prevailing Acts of government of India. As far as mining in Goa is concerned, mine owners in connivance with government of Goa appears to have violated and are violating following basic norms: Constitutional Rights - under Fundamental Rights: Article 19; (i), (f) - Right to acquire, preserve and transfer the property, Article 21 - Right to live and livelihood. Directive Principles of State Policy: Article 38 - Assures the protection of the social order and promotion of welfare of the people; Article 39 (a) - Right to earn a dignified livelihood; Article 39 (b) - The State shall in particular direct its policy towards securing - that the ownership and control of the material resource of the community are so distributed as best to sub-serve the common good; that the operation of the economic system does not result in the concentration of the wealth and means of production to the common detriment; Article 46 - The State shall promote..the SCs / STs, and shall protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation; Article 47 - Duty of the state to develop the standard of living of the people; Article 48 - To protect agriculture and animal resource; Article 51 A (g), (i) - It is the fundamental duty of every citizen of India - to protect the natural environment including forest, lakes, river and wild life. In addition to above, mining in forest areas grossly violates major provisions under the National Forest Policy 1988 such as Sections 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 3.5, 4.3, 4.4, 4.6, and 4.9. All provisions with regards to the Scheduled Area Act as well as the provisions under the Panchayat Raj Act are grossly violated. In Section 4 (a) it clearly states, a state legislation on the panchayats that may be made shall be in consonance with the customary law, social, and religious practices and traditional management practices of community resource. Further Section 4 (b) says, every gram sahbha shall be competent to safeguard and preserve the traditions and customs of the people, their cultural identity, community resources and the customary mode of dispute resolution. The Scheduled Area Act or the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Area Act (PESA) is one powerful weapon in fighting unjust mining. To compound the complications further is gross irregularity and corruptions in granting the mining lease are involved. Despite of India having best of the Acts gross irregularities and corruptions at highest lowest level in government departments are granting mining leases left, right and center. This has resulted in displacement, migration, socio-cultural and environmental impacts in the areas surrounding mining areas. These nonreversible impacts have widened the gap between the rich and poor even in rural areas. While Goa government appears to have turned into a repressive tool in the hands of the corporate sectors, particularly the mining companies, imposing anti-people laws and polices on the people. The developed attitude of the state government towards mining sector clearly shows its withdrawal from welfare responsibilities. The ruling government is also seen to operate as a string-puppet with the corporate sector holding its strings. The trust of the disinherited is further shattered and disowned by the disingenuous attitude of the government. In many cases even the highest offices of the CM, and the Governor closed their eyes only to remain disabled to use their prerogative powers only to give an impetus to the mining companies to capitalize the situation and overthrow the people's aspirations. Considering what's going on in Goa's mining areas its time for Goans to fight for themselves and maintain checks on mining activities. Goans also need to be extra vigil in lodging their formal protest(s) for non-compliances' left within draft mining policy of Goa before the draft becomes an Act to act against Goans. Best regards, Dr. U. G
[Goanet] Independence of India!!!!!!!!!!!
T. C. A. Srinivasa Raghavan highlights some important points on a book authored by Mr. Jaswant Singh titled Jinnah India-Partition Independence. To read his comments on India's Independence w.r.t. what Mr. Singh has written, click the link provided here below: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2009/08/21/stories/2009082150790800.htm Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] What an Idea, Sir Ji
August 20 - WORLD GOA DAY Celebrating the inclusion of Konkani in the 8th schedule of the Indian Constitution on August 20, 1992 For a list of World Goa Day events see: http://worldgoaday2009.blogspot.com Most Goans say that ruling government has tactfully re-activated Dr. Oscar Rebello to take center stage in GBA, who at one time had voluntarily resigned from GBA as its convener and equally from RP's Task Force that to after putting his signature on RP draft. While tendering his resignations from GBA Task Force Dr. Oscar had given loads of convincing explanations. Goans also say that government has played this Idea only to divert Aam Admis attention from RP 2021 which is in finalization state to growing disturbance created in the name of Panchayat Raj Amendment Act 2009 of Goa. Goans also have a feeling that ruling government has reactivated Dr. Oscar only to sell old wine (old RP) with a tag of Dr. Oscar Rebello and may be also of Edgar Rebello. These very same Goans also say that if above thinkings' are not correct than Dr. Oscar must be planning to become chairman of RP 2021 finalization committee and equally wants him to be appointed on Task Force that will be appointed to study Panchayat Raj Amendment Act 2009 of Goa. If above saying of most Goans are correct. I would only say ...God save what ever is left in Goa. Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Artist's Cartoon!!
August 20 - WORLD GOA DAY Celebrating the inclusion of Konkani in the 8th schedule of the Indian Constitution on August 20, 1992 For a list of World Goa Day events see: http://worldgoaday2009.blogspot.com In connection with the recent controversy regarding Dr. Subodh Kerkar's cartoons one person mentioned to me that one of the cartoon drawn by him was published in oHeraldo (dated: August 18, 2009, Page 2). In this connection and after having a look at it I submit my views here-in- below. The cartoon shows a likeness of Shree Samarth Ramdas (one of the revered saint of many Marathi speaking Indians) with the following caption: This is a portrait of Samarth Swami Ramdas. I did not want anyone's feelings to be unnecessarily hurt, so I drew him fully clothed in a suit. The normal attire of Shree Samarth Ramdas as has been noted by every Hindu in Maharastra or Goa is that he wears only langoti and is depicted in that way, all over the world. His believers have similar photo in their homes and even in some Hindu business houses. Clearly such a depiction did not / does not hurt anyone's feelings. However, it appears that the feelings of the creator of the cartoon i. e., Dr. Subodh were hurt. It also gives a feeling that Dr. Subodh has no understanding of the subject and the feelings of people. If Dr. Subodh did not want to hurt the feelings of anyone he could have as well shown Shree Samarth Ramdas in an attire of Hindu swami rather than showing him in suit!! The way the present cartoon is painted gives a strong feeling of provoking type of intentions of cartoonists. And so, if people did get provoked why should the creator of the cartoon take upon himself a role of a victim? If the cartoonist is sincere, then he would have to answer in affirmative if he is asked the following question: Would the nude painting of Hindu goddesses by MF Husain hurt anyone's feelings? According to me, an artist does not have a social responsibility to please and uphold the public's sense of right and wrong in their expressions. Their art is just their reflection and distillation of the world around them. So much so that very few artists today are aware that with celebrity comes responsibility. When I look at any artists painting, I hope to see everything the artist was dreaming of as he captured the scene, or whatever beauty he found to excite him. I always like to see beyond the passion to the reality of the artists character or spirit. Therefore, I feel, art is not just about passion. An artist may, of course, have emotions, but their art should help the viewer to have more than a surface understanding of it. Their art needs to be like a child, the magnificent result of its complex and beautiful creator. Most artists know well that their freedom of expression can and or may be challenged but their intentions behind exercising freedom of expression cannot be proved in the eyes of law!! Taking advantage of the freedom of expression they resort to giving public something shoddy over and over again, without any material substance but definitely with derogatory projections of race, sex, social class and exploiting religious feelings/beliefs. So what can one do about these profiteers who pollute vulnerable minds as if they have no spiritual or social responsibility to create real art? I dont believe in censorship, but I feel strongly that a true artist should censor themselves for the good of the society. Has Dr. Kerkar any time bowdlerized himself and his paintings before offering them for public viewing? OR is he up to a mad rush to complete what M. F. Husain could not do or achieve? How is that Indian Artists expresses their right to freedom of expression only to depict Hindu Gods, Goddesses Saints in an unwanted pose and attire? I wonder How come these artists dont get inspirations or imagination to depict Saints of other religions in the same way as they depict Hindu saints and gods? OR is it that these Indian artists consider that Hindus have no moral right to get hurt if their sentiments are trampled upon. Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Does India have guts to do this?
One would be surprised for me saying I don't find anything surprising or protesting for holding up Shah Rukh Khan for secondary inspection (which itself does not constitute detention) at Newark Airport for 2 hours for, may be, his last name happens to be Muslim name as is projected. This is more because till date Saudi Arabian authorities continuously harass Indian Hindus. Persons with Hindu names are not only grilled but quarantined for hours without even conducting inquires or inspections or like wise. I was one of the victim of their barbarian attitude on my first visit despite me possessing all legal documents. Every one including Indian Muslims and Indian Embassy knows about such things happening in Saudi Arabia for Indian Hindus but none protest nor takes up with Saudi Arabian authorities. More over what outcome emerged when India protested with US authorities for conducting body search on our most respected Ex-President Dr. Abdul Kalam? Despite this, why should India government interfere with the incidence of taking SRK for secondary inspection? If Indian government has guts show it by conducting equally stringent body search and inspections of US top nationals visiting India under pretext of possible threats to India after 26/11 Mumbai incidence! By doing this India can indirectly build-up/mount pressure on US without even raising any protest and yet yield required results. But does India have spine to do this? I bet NO!!! Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Disappointment
I had earlier posted a message where I narrated the experience of a friend of mine who said that the attendance to the Gram Sabha meeting in his area was less than 2% of the eligible persons. I wondered if such a meeting can then be said to reflect the views of the people. Tony Barreto had posted an editorial from the Navhind Times on the role of NGOs particularly in context of the poisoned food that was supplied to some Vasco schools. Except for a tangential reference to an unrelated event by Fred Noronha and a subsequent a little more serious message, there were no other messages on the subject. On August 15, Shekar Gupta wrote in his column in The Indian Express as follows: The reason Punjab and Haryana can grin and bear at least one terrible drought is the foresight of regional and some central governments that made such decisive investments in irrigation in the fifties and the sixties. That is what made this the green revolution zone.. Of course, it helped that most this was done in decades when the most retrograde environmental and jholawala movements in the history of mankind had not yet arrived on the scene. I did say that NGOs can have a useful role to play in creating a proper debate on issues in the society. However, for this to happen, the NGOs should display the same level of transparency as they demand of others, particularly the corporate sector. In this respect, Fred did raise an issue in his second message about who exactly can be determined to be an NGO. He mentioned that the mining industry has an organization called the Mineral Foundation. ALL those who call themselves as NGOs should disclose their financial and organizational details. This is particularly in context of what Shekar calls 'retrograde' movements, where there is a suspicion that they have an agenda which is different from what they have to state. In all this, my disappointment has been that there seems to be no interest on the members of this group to have a discussion on the subject. Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Touch me if you can!!!!
- Goanetter Francis Rodrigues (Vasco/Toronto) book launch in London, England @ the World Goa Day festivities on 15 Aug at 7pm Details http://www.konkanisongbook.com - To prove who is mightier PWD minister or Security Guards, PWD minster assaulted three Security Guards and thereafter made them kneel down for 10 minutes at the site of highly sensitive restricted Selaulim Dam on 11/8/09 evening for not allowing his family members and friends to enter the restricted area. What is more surprising is that when family members were restricted from entering dam area the concerned PWD minister was Sanguem from where he came rushing to do shameful act. Today one local daily reported that after that heavy assault incident PWD minister had dialed Water resources minister to suspend those three security guards immediately!!!. Mr. PWD Minister although your uncouthness and your background reality are known to Aam Admi you have now proved that Goa's CM is equally spineless!!... Wah re wah Kangress Minister Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Navhind Times Editorial
- Goanetter Francis Rodrigues (Vasco/Toronto) book launch in London, England @ the World Goa Day festivities on 15 Aug at 7pm Details http://www.konkanisongbook.com - Further to my message. The comments made by Fredrick Noronha are quite valid. For example, he says that the 'sins' of a single NGO should not be held against the whole group of NGO. There is, however, a larger issue. Should the NGOs display the same level of transparency in its dealings as it asks others? For example, why should they not make their accounts available for public knowledge? Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Kangressman displaying uncouthness!!
A teacher turned politician MP Sardinha called on CM on 11/8/09 to immediately acquire 15,000 Sq. Meters of land to set up Kabristan for Muslims at Aquem in the paddy fields of Davorlim-Rawanfond area. He even told CM that people need not be consulted on every matter for we have been elected to do what is best for people!!! These words reminded me of yet another arrogant way of talking while he was campaigning for his MP seat at Navelim. Then he had said, Today I am coming to your door steps . after I get elected you will have to come to my residence for all your needs. Wah re wah Kangressman.. but don't forget that with such talkings you are actually displaying your uncouthness and your background!! Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Fr Cedric Prakash
* G * O * A * N * E * T *** C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Sangath, www.sangath.com, is looking to build a centre for services, training and research and seeks to buy approx 1500 to 2000 sq mtrs land betweeen Mapusa and Bambolim and surrounding rural areas. Please contact: contac...@sangath.com or yvo...@sangath.com or ph+91-9881499458 http://lists.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet-goanet.org/2009-July/180028.html Fr Cedric Prakash As per information provided by Venantius Pinto, Fr Cedric Prakash has said: In the Catholic case, prior to the Second Vatican Council, the position was the there is no salvation outside the boundaries of the Catholic Church. But now our official position has undergone a major change. Salvation, we now believe, is indeed possible outside the Church. Does this mean that those who died prior to the Second Vatican Council were not saved? Of course, this is a tongue in cheek question. The important point is what was the reason for the major change? Fr Cedric also said: On the other hand, many right-wing evangelical and fundamentalist Protestant churches believe that non-Christians, no matter how pious or good, will be doomed to hell. It would be interesting to know who edactly as these churches, and what is the Vatican doing to counteract this threat. Best wishes. Dr UG Barad
[Goanet] On anti-Christian violence in Orissa
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Sangath, www.sangath.com, is one of Goa's leading NGOs. Sangath is looking to build a centre for services, training and research and is looking to buy land of approx 1500 to 2000 sq mtrs betweeen Mapusa and Bambolim and surrounding rural areas If you have land to sell, please contact: contac...@sangath.com or yvo...@sangath.com or phone +91-9881499458 http://lists.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet-goanet.org/2009-July/180028.html It seems that there is more to the whole affair than meets the eye. I came across an article in The Pioneer (July 22) with quite a provocative title Kandhamal lies nailed. The url is: http://www.dailypioneer.com/190733/Kandhamal-lies-nailed.html In the article, the enquiry commission judge is quoted as to say as follows: The violence in Kandhamal was the result of concentrated discontentment prevailing among the people since long. They relate to conversion, re-conversion; land-grabbing and non-maintenance of land records; and fake certificate issues. I thought members on this list would be interested. Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Kandhamal lies nailed
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Sangath, www.sangath.com, is one of Goa's leading NGOs. Sangath is looking to build a centre for services, training and research and is looking to buy land of approx 1500 to 2000 sq mtrs betweeen Mapusa and Bambolim and surrounding rural areas If you have land to sell, please contact: contac...@sangath.com or yvo...@sangath.com or phone +91-9881499458 http://lists.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet-goanet.org/2009-July/180028.html Kandhamal lies nailed Saswat Panigrahi http://www.dailypioneer.com/190733/Kandhamal-lies-nailed.html Pioneer, July 22, 2009 Media and 'secular' political parties followed the Church in blaming 'Hindu groups' for last year's violence in Kandhamal district of Orissa. The interim report of the Justice Mohapatra Commission of Inquiry nails this and other lies and exposes the role of evangelists Remember Kandhamal? And all the brouhaha created by the media blaming 'Hindu groups' for the unrest in the tribal district of Orissa after the killing of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati? And the TV cameras never noticing the anguish of the shocked children housed in Jaleshpata hermitage that witnessed the murder of the 84-year-old Swami and his four followers on August 23 last year? Well, the truth is almost out; and it's official. It virtually vindicates an article published on this page last year (November 11): The other side of the Kandhamal story: Tribals disinherited. It had laid threadbare the social and cultural divisions between the Kandha and the Pana communities, and how Christian evangelists were fuelling the violence in Kandhamal. The Kandhas, who are tribals, were up in arms against the Panas, listed as one of the Scheduled Castes, for trying to usurp their land and corner other benefits with the help of some evangelists. Recently, the Justice Sarat Chandra Mohapatra Commission, whose remit was to probe the Kandhamal violence, has submitted its interim report to the Home Department of the Orissa Government. The commission, headed by Justice Mohapatra, a former Lok Pal, has attributed the socio-economic problems as the prime provocation for the violence. The report says nothing about the much-touted 'Hindu-groups'. The violence in Kandhamal was the result of concentrated discontentment prevailing among the people since long. They relate to conversion, re-conversion; land-grabbing and non-maintenance of land records; and fake certificate issues, Justice Mohapatra told this writer. Though he refused to elaborate on who these discontented people are, it is obvious that they are the tribals - the Kandhas. Putting to rest all debate about rampant religious conversion in Kandhamal, Justice Mohapatra says: In spite of the Orissa Freedom of Religion Act, illegal conversions were taking place, which created discontentment. It is important here to get an overview of the social and cultural divisions that are understood to be the main reasons of the violence in Kandhamal. The area has two major inhabitants - the tribal Kandhas constitute 52 per cent of the population while the Schedule Caste Panas account for 19 per cent of the population. The rift between the two is nothing new. The Kandhas have a history of vociferous resistance to religious conversion by evangelists. On the other hand, over the years, a majority of the Panas, forced by the evangelists, has embraced Christianity, leading to an increase in the Christian population of the district from a mere 19,128 in 1951 to 1,17,950 in 2001. Of the total Christian population in the district, 60 per cent are converted Panas. After successfully converting a sizeable section of the Panas, evangelists have long been eying the Kandhas for conversion. They have been trying to convert the tribals through inducement, fraud and force and have succeeded to some extent. They continue to destroy the traditional shrines of the Kandhas, thus instigating anti-Hindu sentiments among the Panas. This has repeatedly led to communal polarisation. Nine months after it was asked to inquire into last year's violence and the circumstances leading to the killing of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, the Justice Mohapatra Commission seems to have made some headway. It is learned that the 28-page report says land is being grabbed illegally by the Panas. It's a fact that a section of the Panas has encroached upon vast stretches of land which originally belongs to the Kandhas. As per the land regulation law of Orissa, non-tribals can neither buy nor take possession of land from tribal owners. Besides the issues of conversion and land-grab, Justice Mohapatra's report also mentions the issue of fake certificates as another cause of the conflict. There are
[Goanet] 'Farewell to an Indian I hardly knew'
Thank you Dr. Samir for a very good and moving article on India. Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Homosexuality is not a virtue
Read what S Gurumurthy has to say on the issue by clicking the link provided or reading the content herein given Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad Dated: 05 Jul 2009 http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/print.aspx?artid=|h1DXfUW5DY= Homosexuals displaced the Economic Survey for the year 2008-09 from the headlines of most media on July 3, 2009. Historic bench mark; Sexual equality; Landmark Judgement. This is how the media had headlined the Delhi High Court judgment holding Sec 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which makes homosexual acts offences in law, partly unconstitutional. Sec 377 of the Indian Penal Code was not Manu's code. It was Macaulay's. This colonial law made homo sexuality punishable. In Judo-Christian tradition, homosexuality was seen an act against the law of God, punishable even with death. The Islamic rules also prescribed capital punishment for the offence. In all Abrahamic traditions, the hostility to homosexuality originated in the story associated with a city as Sodom (the etymological source of the world 'sodomy') where the sexual sin was first committed according to their texts, though the respective accounts varied. This is the philosophy of the law against homosexuals in Abrahamic societies. Macaulay's law reflected their theological position. Earlier, there was no state law in India to punish homosexuality. Does that mean that the Hindu - read Indian - tradition approved of homosexuality? Read on. What was the position of the state and state enacted laws in India such matters? The king or the state in India had refrained from handling most issues which the society or families could handle. It is the colonial state, with its laws and courts, that began to intrude the sovereign domain of the family and society. The Indian discipline was always built around unenforced social and family norms; not state laws. Self-restraint and shyness were the tools to regulate the deviants from the norms, not the police or courts. Even today, it is this non-formal moral order - read dharma - not the laws of parliament or state assemblies, that largely governs this society. India is otherwise ungovernable; just some 12000 plus police stations in some 7 lakh towns and villages cannot regulate over 110 crore people. Thanks to this moral order, the Indian society had handled, and even now handles, such sensitive issues with great finesse than does state law. It is in stark contrast to the gross state law and media discourse of today. Historian Devdutt Pattanaik says that in Hindu literature 'though not part of the mainstream, the existence of homosexuality was recognised, but, not approved'. Narada smiriti prohibited marriage of homo sexual men with women. Manu did suggest mild punishments for homos, but of an extreme type. The Indian tradition therefore neither encouraged nor punished lesbians or gays; nor did it celebrate them or despise them. It regarded them as a small, marginal fact of life, preferring to ignore them; and treating them as not worthy of public discussion for or against that might disturb the rest of the society. Homosexuals are, in numbers, marginal even in the West. In the US where the gay-lesbians are aggressive in the public discourse, the 2000 US Census data reveals that only 0.42% households are same-sex households. Studies in US or France and Canada show just some 1-2% admit to be gays or lesbians. The deviation from the mainstream behaviour is as marginal as that. Yet it is the geo-Christian hostility to even such marginal groups that turns them into vociferous action groups in the West. In the Indian - read Hindu - civilisational ethos, humans had never been seen as belonging to one uniform behavioural class. The Indian civilisation had recognised diversity in behaviour and morals. It therefore never imposed one moral value or rule for all. But it believed in a hierarchy of moral principles. It held out right conduct as ideal for the rest to imbibe and follow, but on their own volition. Even as it had evolved normative moral principles for the mainline society, it had subtly ignored, rather than focus on or punish, the deviants. Those who could not follow an ideal were never held as illustration for others to follow. For example, the Indian society had evo lved one man-one wife as the ideal model for life, but never made it the law. It had indeed celebrated monogamy; but had never prohibited or punished polygamy. It did not even outlaw polyandry. Even today, regardless of the law, polygamy prevails in different parts of India. Even polyandry exists in certain communities in North India. It is neither proscribed nor accepted by others. But even those who did not follow the ideal of monogamy never disputed its virtue; nor did those who followed that virtue look down upon those who did not. Sri Rama was monogamous, but his father, Dasharatha, was polygamous. Yet, Rama revered him; obeyed him totally. Rama is therefore rega rded, besides an ideal being, an ideal son
[Goanet] PM must present budget, abolish rail budget
Read further by clicking the link provided here below: http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/masala-noodles/entry/pm-must-presen t-budget-abolish Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Are the Gram Sabhas really democratic?? Are they empowered??
I found Mario Goveia's personal remarks on Selma Carvalho insensitive. And I think they would divert the attention from her other points. He seems to imply that the way building permits are issued in Goa are not democratic. What he should say is whether the system of Gram Sabha, where the attendance is only 2% of the eligible membership, more democratic. Best Regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Are the Gram Sabhas really democratic?? Are they empowered??
I would like to thank Soter D'Souza for his comments. On the issue of the qualifying criteria, he has suggested that a one-year residency criteria should be added to the voter-list criteria. It does seem to make some sense. However, since I live in an urban area, I would like others to comment. On the more important issue of quorum, it seems to me that Soter has no problem with an attendance of 2%. I think this is not proper. After all in a true democracy, there should really be a much higher participation. Soter has asked whether a system where a candidate getting 30% of the votes cast can win is democratic. There are a lot of debates on this issue, where some have suggested that if no candidate gets 50% of the votes in the first round, then there be a second round. However, the issue is whether such a very small percentage of 2% can really be considered to be democratic. Best Regards, Dr U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Are the Gram Sabhas really democratic?? Are they empowered??
Dear Goanet Members, I have prepared this note based on personal experience. However, given the nature of the subject, if I put this forward, then the people will try and shoot the messenger (that is me!!) instead of looking at the issues. I welcome comments! I am making this note based on what I am told, and I do not have any first hand experience. I hope what I am told is wrong!! However, if it is not, then the issue does require good consideration!!! A friend of mine attended a Gram Sabha in his area. He found out that the voters in the area are allowed to attend. There were about 8000 voters in the area! He was told that the quoram is 10% of the members!!. If at the start of the meeting, there is not sufficient quoram then the meeting is adjourned for 30 minutes, and restarted with whatever number were present after 30 minutes. In this case, the number present were NOT EVEN 150 or even less. It seemed to him that there was really no method to check if those present were ELIGIBLE to VOTE on the issues at the meeting. In fact, he said that some of the speakers were not known to him, nor to those whom he asked around. So, if this is true, I am wondering if the Gram Sabhas are democratic? And if any one respond to this please answer what is meant by Democracy and proceed further!!! This message is for discussion in this forum. Best Regards, Dr U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Caste, religion column finds its way in Congress office bearers list
Caste, religion column finds its way in Congress office bearers list http://www.newkerala.com/nkfullnews-1-60406.html *Panaji, June 23 : A facsimile from the All **India** Congress Committee (AICC) allotting senior positions in the party's state hierarchy allegedly on the basis of caste and religion has sparked a controversy in the state Congress unit.* The cause for the controversy is a column titled 'community', adjoining the names of the six newly appointed office bearers. The column specifically mentions the religion and caste of the officials, along with their designation and area of operation. A copy of the facsimile is available with IANS. Newly appointed Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) secretaries Pravin Kunkolienkar and Gurudas Natekar have been categorised as 'Hindu Saraswat' and 'Hindu Maratha', respectively. The new vice presidents Kanta Gawde and Vithoba Desai have respectively been slotted under 'Hindu ST (Scheduled Tribes)' and 'Hindu minority' categories. The honourable Congress president has been pleased to approve the following list of additional office bearers, GPCC general secretary B.K. Hariprasad said. However, some Congressmen have called the list of officials a not too subtle manifestation of the party's penchant for caste and religion over commitment and integrity when it comes to inner party functioning. The party high command has not done well in making caste and religion a criteria for promotion within the party. How different are we from the communal BJP or other regional parties which thrive on caste politics, a member said. Speaking to reporters, GPCC president Subhash Shirodkar said the reference to caste and religion was not an accident and that it was in concurrence with the Congress policy of inclusion of all sections of society within the party. There is surely no mistake. We give every information about prospective office bearers to the high command... they decide whom to choose according to their wisdom, Shirodkar said. The state party president further insisted that the presence of the caste and religion column was intentional.
[Goanet] Due diligence JC style
Samir wrote: How does one prove that the above quoted lines were posted by Jose Colaco? Heck, how does one prove that a person by the name Jose Colaco even exists ? Dr. Samir your answer is too apt. Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad Message: 11 Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2009 23:45:58 -0700 (PDT) From: Samir Kelekar samir_kele...@yahoo.com Subject: [Goanet] Due diligence JC style To: goanet@lists.goanet.org Message-ID: 648210.83640...@web34202.mail.mud.yahoo.com Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii JC writes: [2] How does one prove conclusively that the person writing as Sapna Shahani on Google is actually the Sapna Shahani who can be googled How does one prove that the above quoted lines were posted by Jose Colaco? Heck, how does one prove that a person by the name Jose Colaco even exists ? regards, Samir
[Goanet] Comment about Bom Jesus Basilica among 7 wonders of Portuguese origin
Ignatius Fernandes writes: When Indira Gandhi was assassinated by a Sikh body guard a lot of Sikhs men, women, and children were indiscriminately burned, hacked and murdered by Hindus. My response: Just to set the record straight. The ones who murdered the Sikhs did not do so as Hindus. They did it as Congressmen. Ignatius Fernandes as writes: We should talk of recent events first before we tackle events in previous centuries. My response: We can tackle ALL events at the same time. One should recognize that the inquisition in Goa happened many years before the two that Ignatius has mentioned. If we were to follow his criteria for discussions, then one can always use a recent event to shut down discussion on a previous issue. Best Regards, Dr U. G. Barad
[Goanet] A historic inter-faith meeting
I am enclosing a report about a historic meeting in Mumbai. It is particularly heartening to see such senior religious leaders present from both sides. I hope this leads to something positive coming out. Best regards, Dr U. G. Barad Conversion focus of inter-faith talks http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_conversion-focus-of-inter-faith-talks_ 1264434 Linah Baliga / DNA Saturday, June 13, 2009 Mumbai: An inter-faith interaction between Hindu and Catholic religious leaders, held at Mumbai's Shanmukhananda Hall on Friday, appears to have focused a lot of time on the issue of conversions and the killings at Kandhamal in Orissa last year. While the Hindu side was represented, among others, by the Sankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, Jayendra Saraswati, and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Christian side was represented by Mumbai Archbishop Cardinal Oswald Gracias, and Cardinal Jean Louis P Tauran, the Pope's representative from the Vatican. According to sources, the Vatican representative wanted to know why Christians were facing violence when India was supposed to be a tolerant country. The Sankaracharya reportedly sought an assurance that conversion activities would be stopped, and referred to the assurances sought by Jewish rabbis last month from the Pope. The Vatican did not comment on the aspect of stopping conversions, but pointed out that there were many Protestant groups doing conversions, and the Catholic Church had no control over that. The Sankaracharya, who spoke softly in Hindi, said the meeting can be considered useful if the points agreed are faithfully followed. Unless the church reassures Hindus that it will not conduct itself in a manner that wounds Hindu sensibilities and follows up on those assurances, such inter-faith meetings, no matter how frequently held, will be futile and not serve any meaningful cause, he added.nbsp;nbsp; Although conversion is a personal choice, I want to endorse that there will be no forced conversions. It has no meaning, and is considered invalid. The Catholic Church is totally against forced conversions. The Vatican documents are clear about that, said Cardinal Gracias. At an impromptu news briefing after the dialogue, it was announced that the two religious groups would work together, where possible, in charity and social work. The Sankaracharya noted that very large amounts of money come into this country for churches and Christian groups, ostensibly for charity work. These funds should be used only for social causes like health and education. Similarly, Hindu temples and Hindus will share their resources, he said. The Sankaracharya said he wanted India to be a spiritual country. We should take moral lessons from each religion and educate our children. To which Cardinal Gracias responded: Our country is spiritual and we must continue to deepen the spirituality of our people. Moral lessons should be included in the school syllabus, to help make better human beings, said Cardinal Gracias. Among the other Hindu leaders who attended the dialogue were Swami Chidananda Saraswati of Uttaranchal, Swami Vishveshwarananda Giri Maharaj of Mumbai, Swami Nikhileshwarananda of Vadodara, the Prajapita of Brahmakumaris from Rajasthan, and Chaturvedi Swami of Chennai. The Catholic side was represented, apart from Cardinal Gracias and Cardinal Tauran, by Archbishop Quintana of the Vatican Nunciature in Delhi, Cardinal Topno of Ranchi, Archbishop Gali Bali of Guntur, Archbishop Felix Machado of Nashik, and Bishop Thomas Dabre of Pune. Cardinal Tauran had this to say: India is a cradle of many religions. What impresses me is that Indians are open minded and tolerant with positive values. We know this inter-faith meeting will have a positive outcome. It gives an orientation and a beginning of something. The Sankaracharya also said that there should be no interference from the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) in the internal affairs of the country, including the attacks on Christians in Kandhamal and Gujarat. We see the USCIRF as an intrusive mechanism of a foreign government to interfere in the internal affairs of this country. The USCIRF, which has been permitted to hold meetings with our people to ascertain religious freedom in our country, must no longer be permitted to enter this country on this intrusive mission. We will not allow external interference in our internal affairs, the Sankaracharya asserted.
[Goanet] Questions before the Church: the wealth of the religious
In an article in the Herald, Augusto Pinto writes: Teotonio De Souza indicates that the writing is there on the wall by pointing out that in States like Kerala and Madhya Pradesh they have already started this process. Can Augusto, or anyone, highlight exactly what Kerala and Madhya Pradesh is trying to do in terms of giving the Christian laity more control on the church properties? Best Regards, Dr U. G. Barad
[Goanet] RACISTS! - WHO? by Fr. Cedric Prakash, sj
I feel the post by Fr Cedric trivializes the racist attacks being faced by Indians in Australia. He does this by bringing in issues relating to what is happening in India, and asking for first putting our house in order. On the same criteria, would it not be appropriate for India to ask other countries to put their own house in order before criticizing India on various issues? I think it would have served Fr Cedric's agenda not to have written this article. If he had not, I do not think anyone on this list would have noticed his silence. But by writing it, he has exposed his agenda. Best wishes Dr U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Meditation can alter brain structure and reduce stress
Barbara Lantin' article that appeared on The Times dated March 14, 2008 is too good and hence I am posting the same for the benefit of Goanet members. Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article3554215.ece Kathy Sykes, a Bristol University professor, has long known that if she does not find at least 30 minutes a day in her frantically overcrowded schedule to lie down and listen to music, she is grumpier, more tired and less able to concentrate. What Professor Sykes, who holds the chair in the Public Engagement of Science and Engineering at Bristol, did not realise until recently is that she was, in effect, practising a fairly crude form of meditation. She also didn't know that there was growing evidence to show that this ancient practice can make people healthier and happier. It may even increase life span, alter brain structure and change personality. Ancient traditional therapies do not always stand up to close scientific scrutiny. But when Professor Sykes put meditation under the metaphorical microscope for the second series of Alternative Therapies: The Evidence, which she is presenting on BBC Two on Monday, she was surprised to find that the saffron-robed monks of Kathmandu and the white-coated scientists of Harvard shared more common ground than might have been expected. Several people have told me that meditation can affect your emotions, she says, and one of the areas of the brain that scientists are finding may be affected by meditation is involved in processing emotions, among other things. These are early days and we need more trials, but this is potentially very exciting. There are signs that mainstream medicine has already started to sit up and take notice of meditation. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), which is about 80 per cent meditation, has been approved by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) for use with people who have experienced three or more episodes of depression. And MBCT is now offered by some UK primary care trusts. Finding a state of calm About ten million people meditate every day in the West and, while there are many different techniques, the purpose is always to focus the mind - sometimes through the use of a mantra, a sound or the breath - and promote a state of calm. Although Professor Sykes had always found her own ad hoc methods useful, she noticed a change after her visit to Kathmandu for instruction with Matthieu Ricard, a Buddhist monk who has been meditating for more than 30 years. It would be absurd to say that I have learnt to meditate when people spend a lifetime doing that, but when I try to meditate now it does have a more powerful effect, she says. My dad died from cancer about two months before I made the programme, but I had not cried about him for a while because I was just so busy filming. Matthieu had suggested I try to focus on unconditional love so, the next time I was trying to meditate, I thought about that and inevitably about my love for my dad. Within milliseconds I was bawling my eyes out. It was quite an intense experience and I found it comforting in my grief. Not long ago, I was on a crowded train where there was standing-room only going from Paddington to Bristol. I sat cross-legged on the floor to meditate and felt like I was transported to a delightful place. It was glorious to feel it was possible to 'escape' like that. As a scientist, Professor Sykes wanted to know what was happening to her body to make her feel this way, so she checked into the famous Massachusetts General Hospital, where Dr Herbert Benson, a Harvard Medical School professor, put her through a barrage of tests. After hooking her up to a range of monitors like a lab rat, doctors measured her resting pulse, muscle tension, respiration and sweat. They then subjected her to some humiliating mental arithmetic on camera, during which her stress levels and all her readings soared. But after a short period of meditation, her pulse and breathing dropped below the resting rate. Dr Benson calls this the relaxation response and believes it can help with a wide range of conditions, including heart disease, asthma, diabetes and infertility. To the extent that any disorder is caused or made worse by stress, regular elicitation of the relaxation response will counteract that condition, he saysMeditation changes the brain For Professor Sykes, the most exciting part of her investigation took place in the laboratories, where scientists are demonstrating that meditation appears to be associated with changes in the brain. These studies suggest that we could all benefit from regular meditation. MRI scans of long-term meditators have shown greater activity in brain circuits involved in paying attention. When disturbing noises were played to a group of meditators undergoing an MRI scan, they had relatively little effect on the brain areas involved in emotion and decision-making among
[Goanet] Forgotten 26/11 hero gets only Rs 500 as award
While those who got accidentally killed were made into heroes, the real heroes are forgotten. Read more by clicking the link provided here below: http://news.rediff.com/report/2009/may/26/-mumterror-forgotten-nov-26-hero-g ets-only-rs-500-as-award.htm Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] BJP at crossroads: Back to basics or irrelevance?
Read more on above topic by clicking the link provided here below: http://www.vijayvaani.com/FrmPublicDisplayArticle.aspx?id=593 Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] On Orissa
Just now I read a report on the net, titled: 'Many Kandhmal victims alive'. The link is: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Many-Kandhmal-victims-alive/article show/4511671.cms I think the important part of the article is: Explaining the wide gap between its own and Cheenath's toll figure, the state said: The petitioner's list included the names of RSS activists -- Dhanurjaya Pradhani, Ajit Kumar Mallick and Prabhat Panigrahi -- allegedly killed by naxalites. Further, 10 persons, declared dead on Cheenath's list, were found alive, the state said, adding the archbishop's list also included three persons killed in police firing as well as two policemenField inquiries from tehsildars and local police about missing names from the official list of those killed during the riots revealed that in 10 cases, persons are still alive, in 25 cases persons have died because of chronic and other medical problems, in 12 cases reference/history of persons with reported names could not be traced in villages mentioned against their names, and in two cases villages mentioned could not be located, the Patnaik government said. I wonder why it is necessary to exaggerate, and resort to lies, to make one's case. Clearly there seems to be a dangerous agenda in all this. Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] NSA against Gandhi!!!!
Are you surprised like me!! Read more on this issue by clicking the link provided here below: http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1254206 Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] West decides India's prime minister?
Ref the enclosed article. I was interested in the remarks by Fatger Cedric Prakash, when he says: Modi cannot nurture prime ministerial dreams unless he is acceptable to the Western world. So, exactly what is the consultative process that India has with the Western world in choosing the prime minister of India? Best regards, Dr U G Barad Click the link provided here below: Narendra Modi faces US test D.P. Bhattacharya / Ashutosh Mishra May 8, 2009 http://indiatoday.intoday.in/index.php?option=com_contenttask=viewid=40851 issueid=104sectionid=Itemid=1
[Goanet] Christian strongly condemns interference by the Church in the Lok Sabha election
This is in response to message No: 8, dated: Fri, 8 May 2009 21:10:25 +0530, from: Marshall Mendonza on the subject as is mentioned above. Marshall writes: Barad, you need not get into a hop. R L Francis is an old disgruntled hand. He has no credibility and no following. He sole claim to fame is being propped up by the sangh parivar to embarrass the Church from time to time. My response: You are trying to stitch a Suit that fits Congress without any measurements!!! ...But you will be surprised to see what type of SUIT that is being designed by so called AAM Admi for our India N GOA. Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Emulate Gujarat's agricultural success
On 7 May 2009 (as appeared in Economic Times) ASHOK GULATI GANGA SHREEDHAR said - Emulate Gujarat's agricultural success! Read more on this by clicking the link provided here below: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Opinion/Emulate-Gujarats-agricultural-su ccess/articleshow/4493375.cms After reading above article please do answer: Is there any agriculture land left unoccupied or captured by our Builders in connivance with our Congress MLAs? Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Christian strongly condemns interference by the Church in the Lok Sabha election
I would like to thank Marshall for bringing to my notice the article entitled Hindu Ayatollahs, the link that you privided being: http://www.outlookindia.com/fullprint.asp?choice=2fodname=20090427fname=Co lumn+Neelabh+%28F%29sid=1 To my mind, the operative part of the article is: This is because Advani has written to over 1,000 religious leaders, most of them Vishwa Hindu Parishad-affiliated sadhus/sants, earnestly assuring them: It will be my endeavour (as prime minister) to seek on a regular basis the guidance of spiritual leaders of all denominations on major challenges and issues facing the nation. For this, we shall evolve a suitable consultative mechanism. Clearly the guidance that Advani is seeking is from spiritual leaders of ALL denominations, and not just Hindus. In the very nature of the situation in India, the majority of the spiritual leaders would be Hindus, and, perhaps, a majority of these would be affiliated with the VHP in some way or another. If a political leader in the USA, say, had sent a letter to the spiritual leaders in his country, the majority would have been Christian. So, I think, the heading of the article is a mischievous one. I also think that it is deliberate. However, I think that Advani had no business to send the letter at all. The spiritual leaders can make their own comments, as they deem fit. Just as social leaders do. But to form a consultative mechanism is fraught with danger. I, however, do not appreciate the comment made by Marshall on R L Francis whom you identified as follows: (He( is an old disgruntled hand. He has no credibility and no following. He sole claim to fame is being propped up by the sangh parivar to embarrass the Church from time to time. I think the appropriate comment is: Don't shoot the messenger! The issue here is whether the points raised by Francis (I really do not know who he is) are valid or not. I hope Marshall is not saying that because they are being stated by one who is 'propped by the sangh' they should be ignored. Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Subject: Bibles in Afghanistan
I came across the following article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kamran-pasha/bible-and-guns-why-soldie_b_19597 3.html The title is: Bible and Guns: Why Soldiers who Proselytise Strengthen our Enemies. There is, perhaps, a touch of exaggeration. However, what caught my eye was the following sentence: Even worse, the image of the soldier-preacher fits directly into Al-Qaeda's meme that Americans are engaged in a new Crusade to destroy Islam. Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Christian strongly condemns interference by the Church in the Lok Sabha election
I feel this was required to be done long back.. May be your views are different..but before you punch in keys please read the article by clicking the link provided here below: http://www.free-press-release.com/news/200903/1238154067.html Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Mumbai let down all of us
A few years ago, supposedly observant analysts wrote: Its phenomenal growth notwithstanding, the BJP has always lacked acceptability in that segment of society for which BBC and the Time magazine serve as a window to the world. A party whose social character is essentially small-town lower middle-class, it has been diffident in approaching the city elite. [Bhaskar Roy, Five o'clock faces, The Times of India, September 16, 1999.] I wonder whether city elite have the right to guide the destiny of the nation, as they continuously claim to have. Read more on this by clicking the link provided here below: Mumbai let down all of us. Editorial: http://www.freepressjournal.in Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Religion, Science Politics!!!!!!!
I believe Goanet and Goanet members are Secular(!). Based on this assumption I would like to conclude above subject saying Religion at no cost can be intermixed with Politics. Secondly Religion can never and ever get intermixed with Science If at all any personality is trying to say that Religion, Politics and Science can make a cocktail I would only say Sorry for such thinkers Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Open letter to SECULAR.. Personalities
NO WATER SUPPLY IN MARGAO.. THIS IS HAPPENING ON AND OFF FOR n NUMBER OF TIMES.CAN ANY secular personality RESPOND on this I DO EXPECT responses from so called JC, Santosh, Shelma, all others who are writing volumes, although not knowing what is GOA Today??,. You cannot SAVE GOA staying out of India giving up one's Indian Citizenship . and telling US... WHAT WE SHOULD DO . My left FOOT to these personalities? You don't even know that your donations which you are making (?) after your Visit to GOA are being MISUSED to whip GOA Goan Identity completely.. / Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] The Information TEchnology Act 2008
Dear Shrikant, Why are you saying There are likely to be strong protest after election... Election in Goa is over unless you are referring to all Indiathinking on this ACT is already being undertaken ... and I assure you the so called SAM will never ever have the place in this PLAYhe played too much with out taking any couching of acting in DRAMA.and finally he just cannot get or rather get any support from so called freedom fighterS... Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
