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b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
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o Goa government to spend Rs 10 million for software licences
along from Microsoft, for 3000 computers being given to students.
Microsoft earlier quoted Rs 6970 per system for the package which,
it says, has a combined retail market value of Rs 26,000.
It will include a licenced copy of WindowsXP, MS Office and
McAfee virus scan.
o To build homegrown technology for home needs is the clear
need of the hour. To create homegrown technology, India will
need to step up research and development that can generate
homegrown technology, says a paper by Institute for
Change Research.
o Education beyond computers: Dr Anil Seth (PCC College, Verna,
head of IT) suggests that in small, compact Goa all educational
institutions can be connected with a network at very reasonable
costs.
o Nirmala Institute of Education <niegoa at goatelecom.com> is making
past exam papers with reference solutions available on the
Internet for anyone, says Dr Seth.
o www.goanweddings.com -- claiming to be Goa's first online
wedding portal -- has been launched back in Goa
o goenkar.com offers a 'live' webcam from Goa of events from here
o Other sites listed include www.oicgoa.com (data security, data
recovery, virus solutions, networking, business applications) and
www.leospace.com (domain registration, webhosting, web promotions)
o GIBA, the Goa IT Business Association, held its annual
get-together at Bambolim Beach Resort
o INS Mandovi, the naval centre, is looking out for computer
firms to undertake annual maintenance contracts of computers
o DoIT, the Goa Directorate of Info Tech, based at the EDC House,
has sought tenders for hardware, software, networking
components and other peripherals.
o Some 55 MCA/BSc and BCA students from Goa and outside took part
in INFOFEST 2003 held at Goa University
o HCL, leading Indian computer manufacturer, recently held a three
day 'PC experience carnival' in Goa.
o The Goa telephone directory 2002 has recently been released but
is still to reach the hands of the average phone subscriber.ENDS
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
Panjim: March 20, 2003

Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar has assured all possible assistance to
the Goans working in the Gulf Countries in view of the Iraq war that has
broke out.

"Mr. Parrikar said he was closely monitoring the situation in the gulf
countries and was in constant touch with the Union Government taking up the
cause of Gulf Goans in providing assistance to those in need," an official
Department of Information release said here.

The CM was also further quoted saying that he was also in touch with the NRI
Cell set up in this State to supplement efforts to assist those in need..

Parrikar appealed to the families of Goans working in the Gulf countries to
maintain "a calm composure" in view of the war, stating that his government
was working in all areas to ensure safety to lives and property of their
breadwinner.

Goa has a significant proportion of its population working as expats in the
Gulf region. There are however no accurate figures or reliable guestimates
about the numbers of Goan expat workers in the Gulf region.

During the 1990 Gulf War, the figures of Goans based in Kuwait -- the
world's second-largest exporter of petroleum -- ranged from a low of about
8,000 (the official estimate) to as many as 25,000, living in that small
Arab state among its total population of 2 million.

The latter figure was put out by expat groups based there.

INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE reports from New Delhi: An inter-ministerial group
set up by India to monitor the Iraq crisis concluded Thursday that there was
"no cause for panic" for the safety and security of 3.5 million Indians
living in the Gulf region.

The Crisis Management Group, headed by R.M. Abhyankar, secretary (Asia and
North Africa) in the external affairs ministry, made a comprehensive review
of the situation in the wake of the U.S.-led attacks against Iraq.

External affairs ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said the group took stock
of the feedback received from Indian embassies in Gulf countries and came to
the conclusion that there was "no cause for panic" at present.

At the same time, the government was prepared for any eventuality should the
need arise, he said in response to queries whether evacuation of Indian
nationals was being contemplated.

Officials from the labour, defence and petroleum ministries participated in
the meeting.

The group's control room was fully functional and in contact with Indian
embassies in Gulf countries.

Sarna stressed that Air-India flights that brought Indians back from Kuwait
on Thursday were not part of any evacuation measures. "They were normal
commercial flights," he said.

Air-India had arranged additional flights as schools in Kuwait had closed
and Indian employees were returning with their families, he said.

Four Air-India flights were despatched to bring from Kuwait some 1,200
Indians who had sought help to come back.

Two of the flights carrying 750 Indians landed in Mumbai on Thursday
morning, one before and another shortly after the U.S. started bombing
Baghdad.

Sarna further said in response to questions that India was in touch with
international interlocutors on the Iraq crisis.(ENDS)
--
Frederick Noronha : http://www.bytesforall.org : When we speak of free
Freelance Journalist : Goa India 403511 : software we refer to
Ph 0091.832.409490 : Cell 0 9822 122436 : freedom, not price.
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
MOST SALESIANS from the province have their birthdays in January, some serve
in places as distant as Ethiopia and the Solomon Islands, and there are some
174 priests in the Salesian Province of Mumbai.

These details are contained in a recently-published Salesian directory that
offers detailed links to the Order's various houses -- nine in Goa, four in
Karnataka, eight in Gujarat, one in Rajasthan, three in Madhya Pradesh,
thirteen in Maharashtra and 11 more in various parts of Mumbai.

Besides this, there is also one in Salmiya-Kuwait, at the Indian English
Academy School. Set up in 2002, this has been attached to the Mumbai
Provincial House though it falls within the Diocese of Kuwait.

The Salesian Province of St Francis Xavier, Mumbai has the sixteenth century
Basque missionary saint after whom it was named as it patron, and was
erected in January 1972.

It currently has provincial commissions for youth, education and culture,
evangelisation and cathecatics, group experience, vocation orientation and
promotion and marginalised youth.

Besides, it has special teams to work with its technical schools, social
communications, social developments, and Salesian past pupils.

This directory also contains a detailed who's who of the Salesian Sisters
which has provinces in Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, Guwahati and
Shillong.

In keeping with the shifting approach in modern-day communications, email
links are available for most Salesian centres across the country, as this
directory shows.

Some innovative projects have been taken up by the Salesians over the years.

In Fatorda, Goa the Salesians run a technical institute that offers formal
technical courses (welding, fitters, electrician, electronics, computer
operator and programming assistant), computer courses and non-formal courses
too.

Another centre, called the Don Bosco Crafts Institute at Loutolim, also in
South Goa, is meant for offering "functional vocational courses exclusively
for school drop-outs".

Quite a number of Don Bosco institutions currently run centres for the
National Open School, that makes education accessible to the poor,
educationally-weak and marginalised.

Don Bosco's Panjim, a prominent educational institution in Goa, has recently
launched its college (offering a Bachelor's in Computer Applications degree),
continues with its night-school and houses facilities for the Childline-1098
which assists children in distress.

Don Bosco's Agro-Ed complex in Sulcorna, Goa runs a far and dispensary. In
Sindhudurg's Bosco Udyogshala, girls can learn cutting and stitching. Bosco
Snehalaya in Baroda runs a street children's project. In Baroda's
Chhotaudepur area, the Don Bosco Gaam runs a career development centre.

Tuition classes, rural development work, watershed projects, hostels for
boys, Marathi medium high schools, computer academies and typing institutes,
coaching classes, and even bhajan mandals are some of the other activities
undertaken by various Salesian institutions in this province.

Don Bosco Maritime Academy in Kurla offers the ATS course for youngsters
looking forward to a career at sea. It also houses the Don Bosco Institute
of Technology, with an engineering college teaching computer engineering,
electronics & telecommunications, IT, and audio recording studio. See more
details at http://www.donboscotech.com
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
'pavement khelwadis' (play centres). It also has a 'street community
college'.

Salesians and confreres from this province also reside in places ranging
from Bangalore to Delhi, Guwahati and Kolkata, and overseas -- Italy, the
US, Canada, Ethiopia, Philippines, the Solomon Islands and Sri Lanka.

Currently this province, spread over western India, has a total of 174
priests, eight deacons, 22 brothers, 77 clerics, and 18 novices. (ENDS)
--
Frederick Noronha : http://www.fredericknoronha.net : When we speak of free
Freelance Journalist : http://www.bytesforall.org : software we refer to
Ph 0091.832.2409490 : Cell 0 9822 122436 : freedom, not price.
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
PANAJI (Goa), April 18: After hitting panic buttons on Thursday morning,
the tourism hub of Goa launched an official damage-control exercise,
arguing that it was "not possible to say with full certainity" that the
state was home to India's first SARS case or not.

Late night Thursday, the Goa government said the 32-year-old marine
engineer suspected to be suffering from SARS showed a "mismatch between
the clinical findings and the laboratory findings".

Earlier in the day, the small state made headlines on websites across the
globe, when international news agencies quoted the Pune-based National
Institute of Virology (NIV) as saying their lab had confirmed the man
from Goa was suffering from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

Chief minister Manohar Parrikar also announced in the morning that
Prasheel Warde (32) was detected to be India's first SARS patient.

But by evening, both he and health minister Dr Suresh Amonkar were
calling for a second-test and said they would be approaching the
Delhi-based NICD, National Institute of Communicable Diseases.

The patient, a marine engineer who had recently visited Hong Kong and
Singapore in end-March, was being "considered cured" pending
reconfirmation, the state government maintained.

Two experts of the Delhi-based National Institute of Communication
Diseses (NICD) were in Goa, and scheduled to see the patient later
Thursday evening.

Earlier in the day, Indian health minister Sushma Swraj said the engineer
had tested positive for SARS, leading to panic buttons being pressed and
TV journalists rushing to otherwise neglected Goa.

Prasheel Warde (32) was traced from the central Goa village of Dhavali,
around 15 kms from here.

Varde had sailed to Hong Kong around March 26, reached Singapore on March
30 and was back in Goa via Mumbai on April 1. After developing fever on
April 8, he visited a private doctor in Vasco the next day, and was
admitted to the state's tertiary hospital, the Goa Medical College.

On April 11, his body-fluid samples were sent to the National Institute
of Virology in Pune -- as tiny Goa lacks advanced testing facilities.
Since 48 hours lapsed without his fever recurring, officials cite WHO
guidlines for his discharge from hospital.

But in the meantime, the positive report came in from the NIV in Pune.

"The patient had a fever of 100 F which is not considered high fever. He
had no other signs or symptoms of SARS as laid down by WHO which are
cough, shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing. However, since he
was in countries included by WHO as being countries affected/reported
with SARS, the Goa Medical College Hospital by way of abundant precaution
decided to keep him in the isolation room," said an official press
release from the Goa government.

But, the state government said that on the evening of April 16, "a
message was received from the Union Health Ministry that the samples of
the patient had tested positive". Doctors and staff have been asked to
wear masks, and the isolation ward of the GMC have been cordoned off."

"The GMC Hospital is therefore totally safe for other patients," the
government assured.

It added: "The patient is not suffering from any clinical symptoms of
SARS and he appears to be hale and hearty. He is otherwise perfectly
normal".

The marine engineer's wife had also been with him on board the ship. No
family members have reported any clinical symptoms, and there appears to
be a "mis-match between the clinical findings and the laboratory
findings" said the official late-evening statement. It argued: "It is
therefore not possible to say with full certainity that the patient has
SARS."

But, it added, "abundant precautions" were being taken. It said the name
of the patient was being released as a "conscious decision" so anyone who
came in contact with him, if suffering from symptoms, could approach the
medical authorities.

Given the international publicity of SARS, a desperate search was
launched for Varde, who was located through the local MLA and convinced
to get re-admitted at the GMC's special isolation unit. Late evening,
journalists saw seasonal mangoes and flowers being sent into his guarded
room.

In the wake of media-fuelled over-reactions over SARS, the possibility of
untrue scares is not ruled out, and some uncertainity still surrounds
this case. Eitherway, it could have an impact on Goa's fragile and
sensitive tourism sector, and unconfirmed reports said the reports could
have already affected some hotel stocks Thursday.

Cases of SARS and the countries in which they appear are posted on the
WHO website every evening in Geneva, on http://www.who.int

Reports reaching here suggest that one month after the World Health
Organization declared Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) a global
threat to health, officials from the organization say the disease remains
poorly understood. But there have also been warnings that it
could be the first severe new disease of the 21st century with global
epidemic potential.

On April 16, Indonesia and the Phillipines joined the earlier 18 nations
with reported cases of SARS. Till Tuesday, WHO reported some 2,890 cases
of SARS in 20 countries, including 116 deaths and 1,373 individuals
confirmed to have recovered from the respiratory illness. (ENDS)
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
PANAJI (Goa), April 18: After hitting panic buttons on Thursday morning,
the tourism hub of Goa launched an official damage-control exercise,
arguing that it was "not possible to say with full certainity" that the
state was home to India's first SARS case or not.

Late night Thursday, the Goa government said the 32-year-old marine
engineer suspected to be suffering from SARS showed a "mismatch between
the clinical findings and the laboratory findings".

Earlier in the day, the small state made headlines on websites across the
globe, when international news agencies quoted the Pune-based National
Institute of Virology (NIV) as saying their lab had confirmed the man
from Goa was suffering from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

Chief minister Manohar Parrikar also announced in the morning that
Prasheel Warde (32) was detected to be India's first SARS patient.

But by evening, both he and health minister Dr Suresh Amonkar were
calling for a second-test and said they would be approaching the
Delhi-based NICD, National Institute of Communicable Diseases.

The patient, a marine engineer who had recently visited Hong Kong and
Singapore in end-March, was being "considered cured" pending
reconfirmation, the state government maintained.

Two experts of the Delhi-based National Institute of Communication
Diseses (NICD) were in Goa, and scheduled to see the patient later
Thursday evening.

Earlier in the day, Indian health minister Sushma Swraj said the engineer
had tested positive for SARS, leading to panic buttons being pressed and
TV journalists rushing to otherwise neglected Goa.

Prasheel Warde (32) was traced from the central Goa village of Dhavali,
around 15 kms from here.

Varde had sailed to Hong Kong around March 26, reached Singapore on March
30 and was back in Goa via Mumbai on April 1. After developing fever on
April 8, he visited a private doctor in Vasco the next day, and was
admitted to the state's tertiary hospital, the Goa Medical College.

On April 11, his body-fluid samples were sent to the National Institute
of Virology in Pune -- as tiny Goa lacks advanced testing facilities.
Since 48 hours lapsed without his fever recurring, officials cite WHO
guidlines for his discharge from hospital.

But in the meantime, the positive report came in from the NIV in Pune.

"The patient had a fever of 100 F which is not considered high fever. He
had no other signs or symptoms of SARS as laid down by WHO which are
cough, shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing. However, since he
was in countries included by WHO as being countries affected/reported
with SARS, the Goa Medical College Hospital by way of abundant precaution
decided to keep him in the isolation room," said an official press
release from the Goa government.

But, the state government said that on the evening of April 16, "a
message was received from the Union Health Ministry that the samples of
the patient had tested positive". Doctors and staff have been asked to
wear masks, and the isolation ward of the GMC have been cordoned off."

"The GMC Hospital is therefore totally safe for other patients," the
government assured.

It added: "The patient is not suffering from any clinical symptoms of
SARS and he appears to be hale and hearty. He is otherwise perfectly
normal".

The marine engineer's wife had also been with him on board the ship. No
family members have reported any clinical symptoms, and there appears to
be a "mis-match between the clinical findings and the laboratory
findings" said the official late-evening statement. It argued: "It is
therefore not possible to say with full certainity that the patient has
SARS."

But, it added, "abundant precautions" were being taken. It said the name
of the patient was being released as a "conscious decision" so anyone who
came in contact with him, if suffering from symptoms, could approach the
medical authorities.

Given the international publicity of SARS, a desperate search was
launched for Varde, who was located through the local MLA and convinced
to get re-admitted at the GMC's special isolation unit. Late evening,
journalists saw seasonal mangoes and flowers being sent into his guarded
room.

In the wake of media-fuelled over-reactions over SARS, the possibility of
untrue scares is not ruled out, and some uncertainity still surrounds
this case. Eitherway, it could have an impact on Goa's fragile and
sensitive tourism sector, and unconfirmed reports said the reports could
have already affected some hotel stocks Thursday.

Cases of SARS and the countries in which they appear are posted on the
WHO website every evening in Geneva, on http://www.who.int

Reports reaching here suggest that one month after the World Health
Organization declared Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) a global
threat to health, officials from the organization say the disease remains
poorly understood. But there have also been warnings that it
could be the first severe new disease of the 21st century with global
epidemic potential.

On April 16, Indonesia and the Phillipines joined the earlier 18 nations
with reported cases of SARS. Till Tuesday, WHO reported some 2,890 cases
of SARS in 20 countries, including 116 deaths and 1,373 individuals
confirmed to have recovered from the respiratory illness. (ENDS)
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
from http://www.justjazz.8m.com. Orlando explains the reasonable price
as being due to the fact that this was a live recording, meaning
costs were kept low. See his http://www.agnelav.com or
http://www.dulpod.com

Earlier, Colin's Latino band 'Obligato' also put out another
CD (http://www.hullocheck.com) featuring Donna Noronha and
Amalia Gomes (vocals), Joshua Noronha (guitar), Carlos
Gonsalves and Cedric Viegas (percussion), Julius Fernandes
(keyboardes), Colin D'Cruz on bass and Lester Godinho (drums).

There's so much talent around, that you never know where it exists.
One met Colin after accidentally (yes!) mentioning him in a report
featuring Goans listed in the 'Limca Book of Indian Records'. Colin
was, surprisingly, based at Calangute for part of the year.

One only hopes that we could do more to give a higher
profile to the musicians Goa produces, of all strands.
One also wishes that musicians could donate at least a
tiny of their fraction of their work to collaboratively
build a free-from-copyright MP3 CD. It may not bring them
money; but it surely could help further popularise
Goan music in a digitalised world. Any takers? FN

Incidentally, or maybe not so, Goa is currently playing host to
a two-evening show called 'All That Jazz'. Taking part are
Samantha Edwards, Take Four, 'Abhivyaktee, Just Jazz, Rhythm & Blues,
Livewire, Merlin D'Souza and Vivian Poacha. Organisers are promising
"food courts, sidewalk bars and the ultimate Jazz experience". Let's
hope it doesn't get too overtly commercial.

%T Just Jazz
%S Live In Concert
%M Belinda Oliveira (vocals), George Fernandes (piano), Colin
D'Cruz (bass), Lester Godinho (drums)
%I Angel AV, A9 Neugi Nagar, Portais
%C Panjim, Goa
%D 2003
%O Stereo CD
%U http://www.justjazz.8m.com or http://www.angelav.com
%K Jazz
--
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Frederick Noronha (FN) | http://www.fredericknoronha.net
Freelance Journalist | http://www.bytesforall.org
http://goalinks.pitas.com | http://joingoanet.shorturl.com
http://linuxinindia.pitas.com | http://www.livejournal.com/users/goalinks
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
It flourished for a full century from 1850 to 1950, but today the 'Mando'
has been unable to survive turbulent times and it now survives as a
caricature of its former self.

This, says a just-released book on the subject, is the fate of the Mando --
a dance song typically consisting of quatrains, frequently having appended
choruses, and set in six-four time.

"A product of a tranquil feudal society, (the Mando) was unable to withstand
the turbulence produced by the large-scale emigration of the Goans from
their homeland, as took place from the 19th century, and the collapse of the
British and Portuguese empires in Goa," comments author Dr Jose Pereira.

This is the second book in a trilogy on the subject Fordham University
professor emeritus of theology Dr Pereira (72). It is co-authored by the
late maestro Micael Martins of Orlim and priest-psychotherapist-musician
Antonio da Costa now based in Arizona.

Published in 2003 by Aryan Books <aryanbooks at vsnl.com>, this volume deals
with Mandos of union and lamentation.

"The world of the Mando is a romantic world: it is preoccupied with love; it
idealizes that emotion and its object, the beloved," says the book. It notes
that the Mando has a "uniformly melancholic" melody, but on the other hand,
its text is suffused with the imagery of light.

FERTILE: In the authors' view, the West had a "fertile" cultural impact on
India, particularly in the fields of architecture and music.

Goa, an early setting for the 'clash of civilizations', with Portuguese
colonial rule coming here as early as 1510, had mastered Western choral
music by the 17th century.

Western impact brought in the 'harmonic' -- compositions simultaneously
combining two or more notes into chords and relating the latter among
themselves, Pereira notes.

Indian classical music, with its bi-millennial traditions, was founded on
monophony and had a wide range of sophisticated instruments. This included
string instruments (vina and the sitar), wind (nagasvaram and shenai) for
its melody, and of percussion (mridanga and tabla) for its rhythm.

But its concerts involved smaller ensembles of not more than six musicians.

Musical traditions from the West brought in a growing number of instruments,
like the French horn, tuba, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, cello and violin (also
adopted by Indian classical musicians later). These were capable of being
assembled into gigantic orchestras, says Pereira.

"In the rest of the subcontinent (other than Goa), apart from the areas of
musical instruments (including the harmonium and the mandolin), Indian music
absorbed little of the Western," says the book.

Goan song, he says, also retained the 'gummott' -- a percussion instrument
of traditional Indian provenance, to mark its rhythm. It is shaped like a
pot, of clay mixed with powdered glass to increase its resonance, and with a
large and a small neck, on opposite sides.

Goan harmonic music -- basically Western in character -- was also nuanced by
the use of grace notes, known in Konkani as 'kongre' (curved, wavy or
curled), which are an essential part of the melodic structure of Indian
music, as are the 'gamakas' or sound curves.

"We can postulate that Goan song has been in existence as long as its
Konkani language, believed to have arisen around the 10th century," says
Pereira.

Besides the Mando, among other forms Goa also has the Deknni (which Pereira
says could mean 'Song of the Deccan') that is sung imitating Hindu music in
harmonic idiom, mostly descriptive of Hindu life, with focus on the temple
dancers.

The Dulpod is "typically descriptive of everyday Goan life, especially that
of the Christians".

"Two phenomena precipitated the rise of the Mando in the first half of the
19th century, the political events of the time (with Goan consciousness of
politics enkindled by the French Enlightenment) and the introduction of
social dancing into Goa," says the book.

Pereira and his co-authors' first volume, called 'Song of Goa: Mandos of
Yearning' (2000) comprises a lengthy essay on the Mando, a general discourse
on the types of Konkani song, a synopsis of Goan history, an overview of the
evolution of Goan song, and related themes. (ENDS)

%T Song of Goa
%S Mandos of Union and Lamentation
%A Pereira, Jose <eximirom at hotmail.com>
%A Martins, Micael
%A da Costa, Antonio
%I Aryan Books International
%C New Delhi
%D 2003
%O paperback
%G ISBN 81-7305-248-4
%P 190pp, Rs 200
%U aryanbooks at vsnl.com
%K Goa, music
--
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Frederick Noronha (FN) | http://www.fredericknoronha.net
Freelance Journalist | http://www.bytesforall.org
http://goalinks.pitas.com | http://joingoanet.shorturl.com
http://linuxinindia.pitas.com | http://www.livejournal.com/users/goalinks
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
T: 0091.832.2409490 or 2409783 M: 0 9822 122436
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
Weekly first staffer in Goa (a task which includes work for the Times of
India group which runs that mag).

More recently, this long-time journo has taken the lead to get the music
flowing in Panjim's gardens. On weekends, if you hear varied notes coming
out of one of the capital's gardens, Ethel could well be one of the
main-stays behind the event. It could be showcasing music in a range of
languages -- Konkani, English, Portuguese, Spanish, Hindi or whatever....

In a Q&A she explains what prompted her to take up this task, and dismisses
the view that the initiative could get politicised or over-commercialised.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
As of now, what does the plan involve?
--------------------------------------------------------------------

The plan is three pronged: We want to get the people of Panjim back to the
city gardens and open spaces as new recreational options for the citizens.
The Bandstand at the Municipal Garden is doing just that.

Our plan aims towards contributing to the revitalisation of the spaces,
since the PMC has been putting money into sprucing up the gardens, and the
effort should not go waste.

We also want to promote the city, with its built in heritage and geographic
beauty, to become a vibrant urban tourism option, by making our events a
feature on the tourism calendar of Goa.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
What are the future plans on the road ahead?
--------------------------------------------------------------------

We have a year-long calendar of events which will be hosted at various open
spaces in Panjim. We're looking at off-the-beaten track acts with a touch of
class.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Does this fit in a bigger scheme of repackaging Panjim?
--------------------------------------------------------------------

In a way, yes, though I think the tourism department has to seriously
re-focus on how they should present the city to the world.

Panjim is perhaps one of the most beautiful cities in the country, which if
promoted in the right spirit and packaging could get Goa the attention she
rightly deserves, and quality tourists to boost her economy.

The government is cleaning up its act by paying attention to how the city
looks. We're facilitating this objective with an element of `feel' by using
music, as its done the world over, to fuse new life into areas that were
previously neglected and ignored. The idea is to take up every open space
and buzz it with activity.

Let me add, this is purely our initiative as individuals interested in the
betterment of our city.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Why the need for this now?
--------------------------------------------------------------------

We are at the right time, in the right place, meeting the right
like-minded people, and why not?

We're basically Ponjekars at heart. I think Panjim is ready for a
renaissance of sorts. The older generation completely neglected looking into
what the city could have grown into, despite being in positions where they
could have used their offices to undo many damages. The youngsters couldn't
be bothered less. I think our enthusiasm for the city is the driving force
behind us. We're turning this energy into creative action.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
What has been the role of the state, municipality and politicians?
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Putting the `Downtown Jazz Festival' together was a lesson in perseverance.
Despite assurances from many, it was not until the last two days of the
event that things fell into place.

The Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has been very supportive and
enthusiastic of our efforts, while the PMC facilitates speedy permissions
and extends support in more ways than one.

The PMC is enthusiastic because it also gives their initiative `Together for
Panjim', a major fillip since we associate most of our events with their
campaign.

Politicians we would gladly want to stay away from. Too many good, sincere
causes get politicised for personal gains. We want no part of that.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
One suspicion is that the chief minister (and Panjim MLA) Manohar Parrikar
could be using initiatives such as these to reach out to voters who have
been otherwise wary of supporting him...
--------------------------------------------------------------------

I want to clear this suspicion simply because the two are separate
issues.

If the Chief Minister believes we are doing the right thing by way of
contributing to the growth of the city as individuals, through our musical
events, then there is no problem.

We want to promote the city, period. We are individuals who love this city
very much too.

I do not believe Mr Parrikar is using our initiative to politicise his
political dreams, simply because his work is proof enough of his commitment
to the city. He's the man behind the face-lift of Panjim, making sure his
team performs. There is no comparison. Though at some point our ideas do
converge, in that we are working to make Panjim city happen. If he thinks
we're doing a good job in our own small way, it's a pat on our backs.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
We've already begun seeing a lot of advertisements and big firms creeping
in. Can such an event not be done without intrusive advertising and
commercialisation, even if on a smaller scale?
--------------------------------------------------------------------

The Bandstand is completely non-commercial with no advertising or monies
involved. The concept is pure and we strive to keep it that way. All invited
musicians play free at the Bandstand, same with the sound and lights put up
by Just Audio, and the people working behind the scenes. Nobody takes home a
penny.

The idea behind the Bandstand is to give amateur artistes a platform to
perform and simultaneously use this synergy to get people to use the garden
once again. We're glad it's happening just that way.

Our other events involve costing, since there are big out-of-state bands
involved. It's impossible to make all good things come free (though our
concerts are free) including getting veteran musicians to play free. It's
unfair to take their talent and creativity for granted, so we insist that
they do take home something.

Similarly, there's a lot of time, energy and effort that go into
conceptualising and managing an event, that needs to be appreciated and
respected too. We've sought the help of commercial houses to put money where
their mouth is, for a good cause, but without letting them commercial the
idea by way of product banners and in-your-face advertising. We've insisted
that the initiative should not get diluted in a bid to make money, because
that is not the point. Advertising is a necessary evil to popularise the
concept. How else can one percolate the idea to the general public?

--------------------------------------------------------------------
To make Panjim a better town (or city, as some would like to call it) what
do you think are the five most pressing issues that need to be tackled?
--------------------------------------------------------------------

We simply can't take superficial beautification as the only answer to make
Panjim a better town, while the soul needs much cleansing. The city lacks
crucial basic amenities which can't be overlooked for all the beautification
in the world.

Right now, there's an acute lack of water facilities in the city. This has
never happened before to such magnitude. I'm appalled that while the city
taps have been choking dry, the government has been using precious resources
to water the gardens of Panjim. The taps never seem to run dry at the houses
of politicians and bureaucrats. I find this absolutely absurd. Is this the
case of lop-sided priorities?

Erratic electricity supply is still a pain, even as the State earns much
revenue selling excess power to its neighbours. Too many frequent power cuts
and voltage fluctuations is bad news. No business can survive and prosper if
the government can't provide stable, standardised electricity supply.

If there's one thing that's totally pathetic in the city are the city run
transport services. From buses to taxis, to autos, the prices fluctuate as
per their respective whim and fancies. Any spot on the road becomes a bus
stop, taxis fleece through the nose and autos decide upon their own tariff
rates. After 7 pm, the city goes dead, literally and figuratively. If you're
stuck somewhere, you might as well walk home. If we're going to promote the
city as a tourist destination, we have to back it up with a good, reliable
transport network.

Parking spaces in the city is a lost cause. Teaching people parking sense
and what constitutes a parking sign -- for two/four wheelers -- is an
arduous task. There's way too much vehicular traffic in the city and few
spaces to accommodate this explosion. Hopefully, PMC's new traffic signages
should help handle this problem, though I've also seen wrong signages at the
right places!

Lastly, entertainment needs to be developed to a larger extent if we're
looking at promoting Panjim as the happening city. Where do people go after
7.00pm to have a good time?

--------------------------------------------------------------------
How do thousands of watts on the weekend coexist with residential
localities? Isn't is possible to have musical entertainment on a much
quieter scale, possibly on more days of the week?
--------------------------------------------------------------------

We have strictly adhered to sound permissions that stipulate a time frame of
6 pm to 10 pm. All our events have respected this timing stricture and will
continue to do so in the near future. Under no circumstances do we want to
compromise or impose upon the local residents' need for peace.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
What is the state's approach towards the promotion of Western music? Isn't
it something many (specially in power) would like to play down and pretend
doesn't exist?
--------------------------------------------------------------------

We've had no problem in promoting any kind of music so far, as long as its
music, be it jazz, classical, rock or pop. Neither are we promoting any
particular genre of music to please a section of the population or
politician.

We believe music has no categories, as long as it serves the purpose in
taking further our primary goal, i.e. to bring people together to a
particular space. That's the reason why all our concerts are free. Too bad
if people in power want to politicise music to suck up to their political
ideology. It doesn't work with us.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
How did you and the others get involved in this initiative?
--------------------------------------------------------------------

We're three friends from three different professions who thought we could do
something good together. That's how `Radioactiv' was born.

(Radio jockey) Richard Dias, (DJ) Troy Furtado and me are passionate music
lovers and have always looked for an opportunity to promote good music. We
met while I was doing a month long media campaign called `I Love Panjim,
initiated by the Goa Plus (edited for the Times of India, Goa), for the
Panjim Municipal Council.

Our synergy was spontaneous. The ball rolled from there. The success of the
`I Love Panjim' concert at the Municipal Garden, which culminated the Goa
Plus campaign for the PMC, confirmed our belief that music is the tool to
get the people of Panjim together.

The three of us took this idea a step further with the `Downtown Jazz
Festival' hosted at the Mermaid Garden recently. We were proved right again.
The show was a huge success.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
What has been the response so far? Both on the positive and negative sides?
--------------------------------------------------------------------

The response has been very positive and encouraging, in that people have
volunteered to support our events in words, action and strength. The chief
minister has personally called me and promised his support to our future
events.

On the negative side, there have been others who have tried to sabotage our
events by trying to pull away musicians after promising them more money at
the last hour. Petty issues that one must learn to overlook, because it
happens all the time in Goa.

Goans have to get more large hearted than this, and there's room for
everybody. After all, not all are motivated by the fast buck. Definitely,
not us. (ENDS)
--
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Goanet/Goanet-News * Mailing lists that focus on Goa and news from Goa.
You may redistribute this message if you include this notice.Copyleft 2003
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
To post to the discussion list, send your mail to Goanet at goanet.org
To join or check archives http://www.goanet.org/mailman/listinfo/goanet
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
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No more fun & feni...
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Goanet2003/message/5400

BrieFNcounters: GOA HAS MANY FINE DANCERS... BUT LACKS THE TEACHERS
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Goanet2003/message/5401

Appropriate Dress Code for Worship?
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Goanet2003/message/5403

Results of first ever Elections in Liberated Goa held on 9th Dec. 1963
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Goanet2003/message/5410

These are just a sample of the discussions/debate on Goanet. Goanet sends out on
average 20-25 messages a day. It is also available in Digest form - 2-3 messages
a day. The Digest form is always recommended. You are encouraged to sign-up for
Goanet instead of Goanet-News Digest. If you would like to try Goanet, please
email goanet-admin at goanet.org or myself.



World Goa Day - 20-August - www.goaday.com
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2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
A call to young Goans all over the world from Rene Barretto:
http://www.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet/2003-November/006829.html

George Menezes forwarded us this article from the National Catholic Reporter on
himself:
http://www.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet/2003-November/006827.html

A friendly reminder from Dr. Gilbert Lawrence to Goan associations around the
world:
http://www.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet/2003-November/006839.html

Joe Nunes sent in an update on the BMX reunion:
http://www.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet/2003-November/006887.html

Lino Dourado writes from Kuwait to inform us on their upcoming One Act Play
Competition:
http://www.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet/2003-November/006897.html

Alvaro Peres DaCosta writes from Down Under on his passion for Goa:
http://www.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet/2003-November/006905.html

Domnic Fernandes from Dhahran continues his Aichea Dissak Chintop series with:
http://www.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet/2003-November/006649.html

The philosophical Dom Martin writes in about the Goanet Household:
http://www.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet/2003-November/006946.html

Pursuant to Alvaro's message above, two responses from Fred and Miguel in one
message:
http://www.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet/2003-November/006939.html

Salgaocar are Durand Cup champions:
http://www.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet/2003-November/006988.html

Goa to setup NRI cell in Canada writes Eugene Correia
http://www.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet/2003-November/007080.html

The discussion on "Incredible Thoughts" earlier this month on the relationship
between science, faith and religion produced a number of messages. Here's Marlon
sharing his views:
http://www.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet/2003-November/007087.html

Basilio Magno writes in from Spain saying "World Goa Day is come to stay":
http://www.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet/2003-November/007128.html

John J. D'Souza informs us that a new group for Goan Seniors is being formed:
http://www.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet/2003-November/007144.html


.........and the month of November 2003 continues...........


November 20, 2003 - 76th death anniversary of Venerable Agnelo DeSouza
http://www.fragnelpilar.com
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first Gomant Vishwa Sammelan-Global Goans Conclave 2004-at the Kala Academy
Complex, said that the Goans, who have gone away from their motherland and
made their country proud by way of their contributions on global level,
should, however, not snap the ties and severe the roots linked to their
native place.
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people are talented and wherever they have gone they earned name and fame as
they are known for their trustworthiness, sincerity, credibility and
dependability. He said these are the qualities which required to be passed
on to posterity.

'PROTECTING' LAND, METERING FOR TAXIS: The state Government is seriously
considering a plan to set up an agency to enable Goans overseas, who hold
landed property, to deposit their real estate for safe keeping, free from
possible encroachers. CM Manohar Parrikar made this disclosure at an
interactive session with non-resident Goans and Indians yesterday.On
over-charging and the arbitrary rates charged by taxis in Goa, Mr Parrikar
assured that before the next tourism season begins all taxis will
compulsorily follow the metering system of charging clients. (H)

GOA VARSITY DEGREES NOT RECOGNISED: The delegates of the Sammelan expressed
shock when one of the delegates made a startling statement that the Goa
University engineering degrees were not recognized in Kuwait. Former
honorary president of the Goa Welfare Society, Kuwait, Wilson Coelho, said
that many candidates were denied jobs in Kuwait as their engineering degrees
issued by the Goa University were not recognized. (WE-GT)

HEALTH ENDOWMENT TRUST: The government has mooted the idea of having a
'Public Health Endowment Trust' where Goan expats could give funds to the
public health sector-to be channelised according to the wishes of the
donors. (H)

DEMAND TO SHIFT NAVAL BASE TO KARWAR: A question, which put the organizers
on the defensive during the Question And Answer Session on Tourism, at the
Sammelan, was why the government cannot seek the relocation of the naval
base from Dabolim to Karwar so that the Dabolim airport could be developed
further instead of the proposed Mopa airport. (H)

ALLOW INDIANS TO TRAVEL ON CHARTERS: During the Q&A Session on Tourism, Mr
Jerome Mendes, an experienced businessman in the UK having business concerns
in Verna, said that Indian passport holders should be allowed to travel on
charter flights. (H)

HEALTH TOURISM: Victor Albuquerque explained the potential health tourism
offers. The 40-billion dollar market, he said, is every growing and that a
huge clientele is from the Gulf. Mr Albuquerque, whose Apollo Victor
Hospital has been set up in Margao, said large number of Arabs go to America
and the US for treatment. This is despite the fact that they have to pay
huge medical bills there. If promoted effectively, medical tourism, he said,
will put Goa on the world map. (H)

WATER SPORTS: Anil Madgaonkar highlighted the huge potential of water sports
and adventure sports offer in Goa for the investor. He, however, said that
the role of the government as a facilitator would have to undergo a change.
(H)

ON TOURISM: Ralph de Souza, the vice chairman of Goa Travel and Tourism
Association and president of Goa Heritage Action Group, stressed the need
for carrying out introspection in the tourism sector and see what best could
be done to put the industry on the right tracks. (H)

BED CAPACITY: R Raghuraman, Secretary, Tourism, elucidated on the
recommendations made by the task force on tourism. He said the 35,000 bed
capacity, which the State can boast of, is not sufficient to cater to the
growing inflow of tourists. (H)

VILLAGE TOURISM: Mahendra Alvares of 'Ancestral Goa', who spoke on village
tourism, stressed on the culture of the place-folk dances, folk plays, etc
and good habits as the main ingredients of rural tourism. (H)

IN A FIX TO HOST VIPS: Government officials are on an accommodation-hunting
mission, with around 30 VIP guests-24 MPs and six officers-attached to the
Parliament secretariat planning to descend in the state next week. But with
the five-star and three-star accommodation hard to come by-with tourists
still occupying most of the luxurious suites,--officials are indeed in a
tizzy. "Right from Velsao and Cansaulim and further down to Varca and Mobor
in Cavelossim, our efforts to arrange accommodation did not bear fruit,"
admitted an official. (H)

HELD FOR STEALING A MOBILE: The Panaji police arrested Joe Lopes alias
Joeboy of Merces on the charge of stealing a mobile instrument valued at
Rs.25,000 from a city shop. (WE-GT)

WILD LIFE PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION: Senior advocate Adjik Shirodkar from
Mumbai has organised and exhibition of wild life photography at the ongoing
three-day Gomant Vishwa Sammelan at Kala Academy, Campal-Panaji. There is
also an exhibition on aerial photography by Gopal Bhode. (WE-GT)

GOA KITE CARNIVAL: Organised with the support of Goa Tourism, the City
Council of Panaji and the Fundacao Oriente, the 2nd Goa Kite Carnival will
be held by Nomad Travels, Mumbai, at the Miramar beach and is expected to
attract an even larger audience than it did last year at Vagator beach.
Exotic kites in the shape of birds, bees, bugs, aircraft, human figures and
striking geometric designs will fill the skies above Miramar on 17 and 18
January with live music from local bands. On 16 January, school children
will learn kite-making at workshops conducted by international kite masters
at the Fontainhas Festival, which will also be on concurrently. (WE-GT)

KONKANI PLAY: The Konkani musical show, Konkani Ekvottachi Sanz organised by
Youth Recreation Centre (Rising Stars) to mark their silver jubilee,
recently held at the IAC Funaitees, was well appreciated by the Konkani
'mogis' who attended the show. A skit "Devachea Marank Avaz Na", written by
Rosary Ferns and starring Celine Mendonca, Querobina Carvalho, Rita Rose,
Sylvester Vaz and Roney D'Cunha, was the highlight of the show. Comedy duo
Prince Jacob and his brother Humbert joined on stage by comedian C D'Silva
to have the Goan and Mangalorian audience roaring their guts out. (H)

NOVENAS OF BL JOSEPH VAZ: The novenas in preparation for the feast of
Blessed Joseph Vaz at the Sanctuary of Blessed Joseph Vaz, Sancoale, will
commence from January 7. The masses will be 6.30 am and 5 pm. On the feast
day (January 16), masses will be at 5 am, 6 am, 7 am, 8 am and 4 pm. The
High Mass will be at 10 am. (H)

CATAMARAN SERVICE: The Goa-Mumbai catamaran service of Sam-Link will be on
January 5 at 9 am. The catamaran will reach Mumbai at 6 pm. The arrivals and
departures will be from the River Navigation department jetty, opposite the
District Court, Bharat Petrol Pump, Panjim. (H)

S P O R T S

CAETANO BAGS GOLD: Caetano Dias of Customs and Central Excise (Goa) lived
upto his giant-killing reputation when he clinched the body building gold
medal at the West Zonal Central Revenue Sports meet, held at Mumbai. (H)

JCT DOWN CHURCHILL: International striker IM Vijayan fired a brace as former
champion JCT Mills, Phagwara, defeated Coca Cola-sponsored Churchill
Brothers 2-1 in the 8th NFL at Fatorda yesterday. (WE-GT)

VALLES NAMED GOA COACH: Haywards 2000 Sporting Clube coach Peter Valles has
been named as the State coach for the upcoming National Football
Championship for the Santosh Trophy. (H)

G R E E T I N G S

To: Lea Rodrigues (Kuwait): January 3, 2004:
Dear Lea, Wishing you a very happy birthday, blessed with good health,
happiness and all the very best in life. Wishes coming your way from your
husband Nolasco and friends Ivy-Richard-Krystle-Kathleen (Kuwait). (Ivy
Nazareth i.nazareth at mtc.com.kw}

D E A T H S
03 Jan: Parra-Jakni: DIOGO M SOARES (Ex-Dena Bank, Parra): son of late
Mathias/late Delfina, husband of Cruzinha, father of Avila/Ravi, Alzira,
Alinda, brother/brother-in-law of Joan/late Evarist, son-in-law of
Olavio/Natalina.
03 Jan: Chinchinim: MARCELINO S PEREIRA: husband of Antonetta, father of
Anish, Jayesh and Jenifer.
03 Jan: Calangute-Gauravaddo: CHRISTALINE D'COSTA (Kitty Teacher): wife
of Alex, mother of Ryan and Elton.

G O A W E A T H E R
Temp: 23.5 degC (74.3 degF) at 8.30 am today in Assagao.
Max Temp: 32.5 deg C; Min Temp: 20.6 deg C; Humidity: 83% (Official
figures for yesterday)
Weather: The morning is cool today in Goa.

Courtesy: H=Herald; NT=The Navhind Times; GT=Gomantak Times

JOEL D'SOUZA, Assagao-Goa-India.
Website: www.goacom.com
Goacom News Clippings at: http://www.goacom.com/news
Webzine "GoaNOW": http://www.goacom.com/goanow
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declared a bird sanctuary. I've been here now two years and have been able
to watch all the seasonal migrations. Opposite the Candolim church, there
are some lovely mud flats which attract some exotic migratory species like
Whimbrels, almost half a dozen types of Sandpipers, besides a large resident
population of four types of Egrets, cormorants, half a dozen types of
Herons, Red Shanks, Black-Winged Stilts, etc.

There's also a large number of Swifts, Pipits and Swallows. The
Nerul-Sinquerim mangroves are also outstanding. If you go down from the
Nerul bridge on the Candolim side on to the mangroves, you can see a large
variety of Owls nesting in plain sight in the trees.

If you're lucky and sharp-eyed you'll see the rare yellow-legged Green
Pigeon. A large variety of birds can also be seen from the bridge itself,
including on many days a solitary regal Osprey, which sits on the bamboo
fishing poles stuck in the river.

But to get back to the hill. Going up the first time was a great
disappointment because I walked straight into the Saligao garbage dump,
which is barely a 15-minute walk. But on the positive side, the garbage had
attracted a large colony of raptors, the big birds. One day I counted 40 of
them.

There are many Brahminy Kites, Black and Red Kites, Black Eagles,
White-Bellied Sea Eagle, Spotted Eagles, both greater and lesser,
Black-Winged Kite, Crested Serpent Eagle -- whose nest I found while
answering the call of nature, Changeable Hawk-Eagle, etc. In fact it might
not be such a bad idea if the garbage dump was also declared a bird
sanctuary considering it's attracting all these great birds.

All of which brought out the real ticker in me. A ticker is a person who
does a bird check of a given area. Till date I have seen around 220 birds in
Goa; positively identifying them, that is. Plus which there are dozens more
which I have not yet been able to positively identify. Getting local based
information is difficult, but it was getting obvious to me that, going by
the number of birds which I had already seen, there must be at least around
400 species in Goa. A Forest Department handout puts the figure at 275, but
the recently published 'Birds of Goa' book puts the figure at 430, which is
probably more right. Though it would take a person half a decade to check
out all the sightings!

Which is one of the great pleasures of birding. Intrigued by the sightings
in my area, I have visited all the bird and wildlife sanctuaries, from
Chorao, Carambolim, to the Curtorim lake, trekked through Cotigao, Dudhsagar
and Mollem, Netravali -- the best of the lot, Surla, Bondla, Mhadei, Tiracol
to Palolem, and all the places in between -- the joys of a tiny state! Many
of the rarer birds are to be found only in the primary forest within the
sanctuaries.

But I have also stumbled on some not-so-well-known areas. There's the
Pilerne lake for example, which boasts a healthy population of different
water birds, besides being surrounded by a well- preserved evergreen forest.

The best place I found to see the highly endangered Malabar Pied Hornbill
was a large areca-nut and coconut plantation in the midst of rich forest
areas close to Valpoi, which is apparently owned by the Ranes. In fact that
particular area turned out to be a big nesting site for the Hornbills, Pied
Imperial Pigeons, yellow Pigeons, etc. It was where I also first saw the
Ruby Throated Black Headed Bulbul, Goa's state bird, the beauty of which is
to be seen to be believed.

Riding past the Mala lake, a year before the controversy, I was startled to
see a Purple Heron, Black-Winged Stilts and others lurking there. During the
controversy, I decided to check the marshes and mangroves on the
Panjim-Merces and Panjim-St. Cruz roads and discovered a big heronry in the
bushes near the Marble Point junction near Merces.

The marshy fields there were also hosting a sizable population of Jacanas,
Bitterns -- I even saw a Great Bittern, Kingfishers, Wagtails and others.
Which is not really surprising considering the Chorao Sanctuary is barely a
couple of kilometers away as the bird flies. I've also spotted some rare
Cuckoo-Doves in the St. Cruz fields going towards Taleigao.

It's the beauty of the birds which really gets you hooked to watching them.
They're truly living diamonds and jewels of nature, prettier than any other
creature can ever be. Unfortunately for them, evolution has made birds very
habitat specific. Although the variety of birds here is indicative of a
thriving eco-system, there are some habitats which are seriously threatened,
mainly on the coastal belt. With most of the sand dunes built over already,
a lot of the seashore birds will soon disappear.

I saw a solitary Dunlin on the Bambolim beach, but there's largely not much
bird action on our beaches anymore. Also the Cliff Swallows, because most of
the best cliffs in Goa are being blasted away. A case in point are the
cliffs along the Dona-Paula- Taleigao-Bambolim belt, which still has some
cliff Swallows left. In fact there seems to be utter carelessness in the
local community vis-a-vis environmental degradation, although all the
requisite laws exist on paper.

My favourite birds? There's a whole bunch of Peacocks here and is there a
more prettier sight than a Peacock? I enjoy all the birds, except the Crows.
The Pied Kingfisher -- which is white -- in action is a most awesome and
exhilarating sight as it hovers for long minutes high up in the air and then
dives like a bomber to catch a fish in the water.

There was a Koel couple last year which visited my Zomga tree; the cutest
pair of lovers I've ever seen. One day, sitting in the balcao, I saw the
male pluck a ripe berry, soften it around in its beak and then feed it
beak-to-beak to the waiting female. I decided to let them eat all the
berries, which they did, along with the barbets, over the entire fruiting
season in September, and took only one berry -- for the record -- for
myself. After all everybody loves a pair of lovers.

THE WRITER can be contacted via Joseph Zuzarte <jfzuzarte at hotmail.com>
He is a writer who has writer for a number of publications in India's
media capital, Mumbai.
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along the highway, roundabouts, and in the fields. This is all against the
Motor Vehicle Act, Goa Government Gazette on this subject which lays down
criteria for granting permission and norms to be followed.

The Tenancy Act, I understand, does not permit
fields and agricultural lands to be used for hoardings. But it
appears that, in Goa, if you have the contacts and money, you
need not follow the Act or Rules.

I wanted to find out the procedures and which authorities are responsible
for giving permission for hoardings. I telephonically contacted the head
office of the Public-Works Department in Panjim.

After being transferred from one department to another, I was informed that
the authority has long since been transferred to the Mamlatdar/Collector.

The Mamlatdars office pointed to the Collector. So I contacted the North
Goa Collectors office. I was asked why do I want to know and for what
purpose etc. Such a run-around to find simple information that will not
endanger the nation and is not prejudicial to its security.

In fact, all Citizens Charters of the government departments are supposed to
give details of time-bound procedures and costs, so, for example, if any
citizen wants to do business in hoardings, as is his right, he can go about
it with the relevant authorities knowing his budget and without having to
waste his time effort and money, bribe somebody or ask favours.

The latest I have read is that there is a committee headed by Digamber
Kamat to recommend new rules whilst the old rules and notification have been
followed with impunity in the breach.

Demolition of hoardings have taken place, first private hoardings, some
illegal ones, resolutely by the Panaji Corporation and in South Goa
haphazardly and selectively.

I read about how the Collectors of North and South Goa were going to be
firm in pulling down illegal ones and implementing the rules. But this has
not taken place.

The excuse: people will lose their jobs, municipality or panchayats their
legal and illegal revenue. First create the illegalities, involve money and
people and vested interests, and then in public interest, some NGO/public
spirited citizen has to go to court after much damage is already done.

The Saligao citizens, I'm told, managed to get the Gramsabha, and Mamlatdar
to issue necessary orders to demolish all the hoardings in their area
accordance with the laws and rules in force, and implement the order!

The Courts have finally to rescue the country from the Executive, with some
drastic action like in Delhi, by ordering closing down industries, which may
lead to strikes, law and order problems whilst throwing millions into
despair.

I hope better sense will prevail with action to be taken regarding our
huge, environment-unfriendly ugly, sometimes dangerously located
proliferating hoardings.
--
The writer has taken up many issues relating to consumer
concerns.
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
OFF THE GOA COAST, April 9: Three thousand French troops, and just over 1800
Indian naval officer and sailors took part in this country's largest joint
military exercises with France, one of India's major military suppliers.

"We operate in a medium where the waters don't divide. There are no borders
and no policemen (in the high seas)," Read Admiral Vijay Shankar, AVSM, flag
officer commanding of the Indian western fleet told a news conference at
Mormugao port, aboard India's new Delhi-class multipurpose guided missile
destroyers docked here.

"They're very, very good sparring partners," the French chief, Rear Admiral
Jacques Mazars added.

The French force came in via the Arabian Gulf. Led by Commander of Task
Force 473 Rear Admiral Mazars, it has been taking part in Operation
Agapanthe 04 -- named after a type of flower, found in the south of France,
near the port of Toulon, on the Cote d'Azur.

En route, it took part in several exercises with countries of the area --
Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Oman and Bahrain.

In reply to a question, Rear Admiral Mazars said it was headed for Saudi
Arabia, where it planned exercises in the Red Sea, around Jeddah, around the
first week of May.

Lead by a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle, the units
taking part in the French Operation Agapanthe left Toulon on March 1 for a
three-month deployment to the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Gulf.

This 'battle group' is formed around the aircraft-carrier and is officially
titled "Task Force 473". It includes the frigate FS Jean Bart, the frigate
FS Montcalm, the British destroyer HMS Gloucester (currently under French
command), the SSN FS Amethyste and the oiler FS Meuse for replenishment.

"The aim of the Agapanthe mission is to train a naval force to conduct
deployed operations for a prolonged period, far from its usual bases; and to
interact with the nations located in the north of the Indian Ocean and in
the Persian Arabian Gulf," said the French.

They showed journalists around their aircraft carrier, and issued this
written statement to visiting journalists on board the 40,600 tonner nuclear
aircraft carrier named after the French General-turned-Rightwing politician
who was backed by the Allies to lead the French resistance against German
occupation in World War II and late lead the nation in post-War Europe.

The vessel carries some 40 modern fighter aircrafts and is capable of
conducting one hundred air missions per day.

In India, the French forces team up with the Navy here to launch a
high-level exercise called 'Varuna' -- named after the god of the oceans,
and the god of natural and moral law from Indian mythology.

The Indian mission is organised around anti-submarine and involves six
French Navy ships and as many Indian Navy vessels. It began on April 6.

"There's nothing new in these exercises. So far, we've had 11 Varuna
exercises. What is unique (this time) is the scale," said Rear Admiral Vijay
Shankar.

"There is an aircraft carrier. This is a statement of the kind of joint
front we are putting out in front of the world. It is a statement of the
technical power of a country, what intentions the country has, and how much
the country is willing to put in to maintain stability," said the Indian
rear admiral.

He argued that France and India had a "common interest" and stressed growing
concerns over the global economy. "Seventy percent of France's energy needs
comes out of the Gulf, and so does 60% of India's energy requirement. Both
of us have a interest in stability (in the region)," said Vijay Shankar,
adding "global economics require countries to operate together".

Asked about the participation levels, he said "between 1800 to 2000"
officers and sailors were taking part.

"That does not include the men from the Establishments. We've got people
from Goa, Rajali (at Arakonum, close to the city of Chennai on the Indian
east coast), and men from Mumbai involved too. You could say the entire
Indian Navy with its 55,000 men is behind us," said Rear Admiral Vijay
Shankar.

In reply to another query, the French navy's only sea-going admiral
appointed disagreed that his nuclear-powered aircraft carrier was
"unwelcome" in some parts of the globe. "I won't say it's unwelcome, but
there are rules for (any military ship) to enter a port," said Mazars.

India points out that they had leased a nuclear submarine, the INS Chakra,
nearly sixteen years ago, and hence it was not an issue to have the French
nuclear-powered ship in Indian waters.

Explaining what went on during the 'war games', the French rear admiral said
it allowed both navies "to be able to chat". There was the cross-decking of
helicopters, to see if the methods are the same -- not to check the ability
of the pilots.

"We had some anti-submarine exercises, and will have some snooper exercises
involving maritime patrol aircrafts," said Mazars.

India's Western Fleet, based in the commercial capital of Mumbai some 600
kms north of here, looks outward at the entire coast of Asia and Africa --
the focal point of international shipping routes, the hub of the oil trade,
and theatre of several conflicts.

It consists of 20 ships, mostly built in India. Apart from the
aircraft-carrier Viraat -- currently undergoing re-fitting, Navy sources said
-- it comprises of the Delhi-class multipurpose guided missile destroyers,
the newly-inducted Talwar-class multipurpose guided missile frigates,
Brahmaputra and Godavari class guided missile frigates, Leander class
anti-submarine frigates.

There are also the Sukanya-class offshore patrol vessels and the underway
replenishment tankers. Aircrafts carried on board ships include the
British-built Sea Harriers -- which have however been struck by a number of
crashes in recent years -- the Seaking multi-role helicopter, the Kamov31
airborne early warning helicopter, the Kamov28 ASW helicopter, and the
Chetak/MATCH search-and-rescue utility helicopter.

India's Western Fleet was commissioned in 1958. Named after the God of the
Oceans Lord Varuna, these Indo-French exercises began in 1998 and, since, as
many as 11 have been held over the past five years, averaging two exercises
each year.

This time, Varuna's war-games, being played out more than a one-hour choppy
boat-ride off the coast of Goa, is being spread over three phases in ten
days.

Firstly, it will look at inter-operatability and combat enhancement. This
will mean coordinated anti-submarine exercises, cross-deck flying, surface
shoots, underway replenishment, air interception and communication
exercises.

The second phase aims at force integration -- intensive air combat exercises
involving aircrafts from both sides, advanced anti-submarine warfare
exercise, maritime interception operations and underway replenishments.

The third will be a tactical exercise involving a simulated situation, where
sea-control forces will be pitted against sea-denial elements and stages of
control operations will be developed. "This will involve situations such as
maritime interdiction, mutual harassment, and demonstration of intent,
besides escalation and retaliatory actions," said an Indian Navy statement.

Asked about the costs of the exercise, the French rear admiral jokingly
pretended to pull out a "joker" from his pocket. Indian rear admiral Vijay
Shankar added: "I don't know exactly. But no exercise of this nature is made
without a good cost-benefit analysis."
----------------
(ENDS)
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Permalink
Australia. After a recent visit to Goa, FREDERICK NORONHA interviewed the
prominent historian:

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
How would you describe your latest mission to Goa?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

This was a quite short visit unfortunately, only a bit over a week. And it
included Christmas and New Year, which you Goans take seriously! But it was
great to spend time again at the Xavier Centre, and to meet old and new
friends....

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Could you give us a brief on the team, and what work you'll did?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

The team consists of myself, Professor Stephen Muecke and Dr. Devleena
Ghosh. We have a research grant for five years to undertake a cultural
study of the Indian Ocean world.

Stephen and Devleena are both at the University of Technology, Sydney. I
retired from the University of New South Wales in mid 2001, and am now an
Adjunct Professor at UTS, as well as being Professor Emeritus at UNSW.

Our visit last December was really a reconnaissance, trying to identify who
could be useful, and what lines of research we should undertake. We did
some very useful interviews in Goa, and also in Mumbai, and some of us at
least hope to be back in India again this year.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
What do you'll hope to achieve, by what time-frame?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

We hope to build on existing studies of the Indian Ocean, including my own
book called 'The Indian Ocean', published by Routledge in London in 2003.
We see these as foundational, providing a useful framework and chronology.
Now we plan to take a more Cultural Studies approach to the lives of people
living on and near the ocean.

Our grant has another four years to go. During this time we will certainly
be publishing articles and book chapters, and probably an edited collection.
We also hope to collaborate with scholars in India and other Indian Ocean
countries, and to run a major conference in about three years time.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
For those of our readers who know you as a historian, could you sketch your
trajectory since retirment?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

I retired in mid-2001, and then completed my book on The Indian Ocean. I've
also been to major conferences in Delhi, Florence and Washington DC.

Given my past work, and my involvement in the Indian Ocean Project, I will
be doing more research and writing on this over the next few years. I hope
to be able to visit more areas around the Indian Ocean coast, and especially
some of the islands.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
What are the active history projects you're now involved with,
specially in fields that are anyway related to Goa?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Besides the above, I am tempted to use Goa as a case study when we write
about general trends, just because it is an area I have been visiting since
1968, an area I know well and where I have many useful friends and contacts.

For example, if we were writing about environmental problems, or the impact
of tourism, or the decline of traditional fisherfolk, or changing patterns
of employment at sea, Goa would in each case make an appropriate focus for a
detailed study.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Your work in Indo-Portuguese history is seen as having widespread
relevance to societies like ours. Do you think Goa and India adequately
took note of your work?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

I like to think so. My first book, *Merchants and Rulers in Gujarat*, had
an Indian edition, as did my survey of *The Portuguese in India*. The
second book especially is I think quite well known in India and in Goa.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
As a historian who broke major ground in early Indo-Portuguese
historiography in the post-colonial era, what do you see as your major
contribution related to Goa or the Estado da India?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Our mutual friend Teotonio de Souza once very kindly said that my work "will
stand out as the best effort on the part of a non-Indian historian to do
justice to the Indian component of Indo-Portuguese history."

Certainly this is what I have wanted to achieve when I write about the
Portuguese in India; to locate them in the Indian context in which they
operated and by which they were constrained. This is a deliberate attempt
to counter the triumphalism, and even racism, of much Portuguese writing on
their empire.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
How would you like to be remembered as younger historians in the field of
Indo-Portuguese history?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

As one who produced some useful work, but which of course is always ready to
be improved and corrected.

FOOTNOTE: Dr Pearson can be emailed at <mnpearson at ozemail.com.au>

---------------------------------------------------------
Frederick Noronha * Freelance Journalist * Goa, India
f r e d @ b y t e s f o r a l l . o r g
Ph 832.2409490 / 832.2409783 Cell 9822 122436
Phone calls: preferably from 1300 to 0500 (IST)
Try landlines is mobile is temporarily unavailable
JUST OUT: Goa photos http://www.goa-world.com/fotofolio
---------------------------------------------------------
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
Vailankani in Tamil Nadu for his annual visit to the holy place. (H)

WOMAN DIES OF SNAKE BITE: Sarita S Warik, a 30-year-old woman from
Usap-Nanora in Bicholim died of a snake bite when she had been to the nearby
jungle to collect firewood. (H)

MANDREM LOCAL HANGS TO DEATH: Salvador D'Souza, a 28-year-old man from
Ashvem-Mandrem, committed suicide by hanging himself to a cashew tree early
Saturday morning. (H)

POLICY ON GOVT ADVERTISEMENTS: The State government is framing a policy for
the release of its advertisements which envisages their equitable
distribution.The State government organised photo exhibitions during last
three years, with most of the photographs clicked by the photographers of
the department of information and publicity. However, the aerial photographs
of Mr Gopal Bodhe were displayed under the theme "Goa, birds-eye-view" at
exhibitions at Mumbai, Pune, Nasik, Jalgaon, Akola, Amravati and Nagpur, the
exhibitions costing the government Rs.10 lakh.A total amount of Rs.12,99,083
was spent by the government on the Gomant Vishwa Sammelan held at the Kala
Academy from January 3 to 5. (NT)

'MAKE TOURIST SPOTS DISABLED-FRIENDLY': "All means of transport need to be
reviewed for providing the disabled and elderly tourists and the local
population-accessible, universal or Barrier Free Environment," said Radha
Ramnani, Chief Architect, PWD, in her keynote address at the workshop on
"Barrier Free Environment" on May 8 in Panjim. (H)

MISHAP VICTIM SUCCUMBS: A Kinetic Honda rider, Nelson Rodrigues, resident of
Benaulim, succumbed to his injuries in a road accident involving a scooter
and a Kinetic Honda in Margao on May 7 night. (H)

COTIGAO SANCTUARY: Located in Canacona taluka on the southeast of the State,
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is the oldest protect area of the state. It is
representative of the ecosystem in the Western Ghats Region. Apart from its
aesthetic appeal, the sanctuary also serves the need for recreation and
education. One can proceed to Cotigao by road from Panjim to Margao (32
kms), then to Canacona (37 kms) and finally to Cotigao (7 kms). The
sanctuary is open throughout the year. However, entry is restricted to the
day time only between 7 am and 5.30 pm. (H)

MANGO SHOW IN PANJIM: The Directorate of Agriculture will organise an "All
Goa Mango Show" from May 15 to 17 at Menezes Braganza Hall, Panjim. The show
aims at bringing awareness among the unemployed youth, students, farming
community and public in general and to expose them to the latest development
in the field of mango cultivation. (H)

ST XAVIER'S FULFILLS UGC'S EXPECTATIONS, ADOPTS ASSAGAO: Keeping up to the
expectations of the University Grants Commission and the National Assessment
and Accreditation Council, St Xavier's College, Mapusa, has adopted Assagao
as part of its Ruby Jubilee celebrations. The programmes planned during the
first phase of adoption include literacy, hygiene, health education,
plantation of trees, conservation of heritage, conservation of springs,
building of small houses for the poor, rain water harvesting, etc. (H)

XAVIER BOARD TO SET UP TASK FORCE: The Xavier Board, 54-year-old forum for
Catholic colleges, resolved to set up a task force to take up legal issues
at the state and national levels. The rich tradition of Catholic education
in the country needs protection in order to ensure continuing high standards
of excellence and the promotion of minority communities in the Indian
mainstream. At the invitation of the Xavier Board, nearly 200 principals,
managers, professors and students from about 181 Catholic colleges in India
spent four days, from April 30 to May 3 at the Reanimation Centre, Pilar,
and discussed important issues facing Catholic colleges in India, as part of
their triennial conference, hosted by Prof Newman Fernandes and St Xavier's
College, Mapusa. (NT)

MOBILE USERS NUMBER 35 MN: Tele-density in India has improved to 7.8 per
cent by the end of April, with Mobile subscribers numbering 35 million and
landline users placed at 43 million, the telecom regulator said. During
April 2004, the user base went up by 1.65 million, as compared to 0.64
million in the same month last year. (H)

DIRECTORY OF INDIAN, NRI WEBSITES: MJ Net Services, a Chennai-based company
has brought out a directory that contains the site addresses of more than
15,000 Indian and NRI websites. Titled 'Indian Internet Directory 2004', it
is the first comprehensive directory of its kind in the country. (H)

OLIVER SEAN IN CONCERT: Goan music star Oliver Sean will present his first
full-fledged concert in the State on 14 May at the Campal Gymkhana grounds.
Sean, who has captured audiences and drawn fans from across the world with
his debut album 'I like it' since October 2003, says that the Goa concert
marks the end of his national tour after which he heads abroad to perform at
the International Jazz festival of Montreal and the World Peace Music
Awards. The concert, organised by Oliver and his mother, Wanda Alvarez, will
feature some of this country's top talent and will be 'decorated' by a
number of high-flying celebrities including models and Bollywood stars, Sean
reveals. (WE-GT)

VIRGINKAR TOPS: Shubhalaximi Subash Virginkar, Margao, secured first place
in the Rashtabash Subodh exams conducted by Maharashtra Rashtrabhasha, Pune,
in February last. A student of Std IX at the Manovikas High School, Margao,
Shubhalaximi has had an outstanding academic career. (WE-GT)

FASHION SHOW AT KA: Avant Garde 2004, the annual fashion show featuring the
creations of students from the Garment Technology Section of the Government
Polytechnic, will be held at the Kala Academy on 11 May, from 6 pm onwards.
(WE-GT)

TROPA CHURCH FEAST: The parishioners of Tropa, Sodiem, Siolim, will be
celebrating the feast of Our Lady of Consolation of the Persecuted today. A
Konkani tiatr "Maka Soeg Diat", written and directed by Pal Soares and
Felcy, will be staged in the evening at 6.30 in aid of the church. (WE-GT)

S P O R T S

VASCO TOO GOOD FOR MOHAMMEDAN: Mohammedan Sporting, Kolkata, suffered a jolt
in avoiding the relegation when they went down fighting to Arlem Breweries
sponsored Vasco SC 0-2 in the Coca Cola National Football League at Fatorda
on May 8. (WE-GT)

SIOLIM MOVE INTO FINAL: Friends XI, Vaddem, despite putting up a good fight
fell 0-1 to FC Siolim in the semi-finals of the Luis Nunez Memorial soccer
tournament, at Baga ground. (H)

D E A T H S
08 May: Mandur: PEDRO PAUL VAZ: husband of Ana Roza, father of
Raymond/Irene, Martino, Lavina, Selsa/Hermegildo.

G O A W E A T H E R
Max Temp: 35.8 deg C; Min Temp: 26.3 deg C; Humidity: 79% (Official
figures for yesterday)
Rainfall so far: 20.6 mm
Weather: Dull, cloudy, hot weather in Goa this morning.

Courtesy: H=Herald; NT=The Navhind Times; GT=Gomantak Times; WE=WeekEnder

JOEL D'SOUZA, Assagao-Goa-India.
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
organisations free of charge subject to availability. Maximum capacity: 50
persons. Must support bar/restaurant. To reserve venue telephone Martin on
020 7242 4292 at TORTS, Holborn. 78 High Holborn London WC1V 6LS. Nearest
Underground:Holborn See http://www.london-eating.co.uk/2162.htm

8 May. Estates Gazette (UK). Headline: Prepare To Be Persuasive. By Melville
Rodrigues. PIF consultation Property fund managers must convince the
Treasury to expand PIF treatment to a wider range of investment vehicles.
773 words. [Melville Rodrigues is a partner at Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw LLP]

10 May. The Nation (Thailand). Tony Fernandes Interviewed. Excerpts: As
AirAsia spreads its wings chief executive Tony Fernandes has taken the
aviation industry by storm. His long-distance targets include India, the
country he traces his roots to. My Mum used to play the piano, jam with
musicians. For text, 670 words, click here.

11 May. National Post (Canada). Headline: Professors trumpet complaints over
hiring: Foreigners favoured? Excerpts: Victor Anand Coelho, the
Canadian-born musicologist was turned down by McGill University for a job
that went to a foreigner last year. Dr. Coelho is one of seven professors
who are bringing attention to what they believe has been unfair treatment by
Canadian universities.

"They may not have liked me, but it would be unusual to say I was
unqualified," said Dr. Coelho, a specialist in 16th and 17th century music
whose accolades includes a mention in MacLean's magazine as one of the
University of Calgary's most popular professors. 714 words. Victor is the
son of George Coelho. Check his contribution at the International Conference
on Goa and Portugal at http://www.goacom.com/community/xchr/

13 May. Gloucestershire Echo. Sebastian Fernandes, 33, admitted being drunk
and disorderly with a bus driver a court heard. Alison Fielden, defending,
said Fernandes, an alcoholic, had lost his labouring job before he got on
the bus and it had made him nervous. Magistrates imposed a six-month
conditional discharge and ordered Fernandes, of Swindon, to pay ?43 costs.
119 words click here.

15 May. Leicester Mercury. Experts urge patients to take diabetes test. Dr
Azhar Farooqi said, "People of South Asian origin have five or six times the
risk of developing diabetes and one in three of those over the age of 40 has
it." Leicester East MP Keith Vaz had a test for the disease after being told
his family history meant he had a high risk of developing diabetes. Diabetes
sufferer Sal Rodrigues, 60, of East Leicester, also backed the pilot scheme,
saying anything that raised the profile of the illness was a positive thing.
He said: "I became aware I was diabetic through such high-profile campaigns
and it has helped me. "Both my parents were diabetic and I saw how my mum
had to go through using insulin. For me it hasn't come to that, and that's
possibly because I was diagnosed early." Text, 315 words and photograph
click here.

15 May. The Hamilton Spectator. The sari is a thing of comfort, beauty. By
Suzanne Bourret. Excerpts: The sari follows the body shape and apparently
flatters its imperfections. If that doesn't work magic, the amazing colours
of Indian fabrics will for sure. For more than five years, social activist
Carolann Fernandes has wanted to have a festive event to share her culture.
Last Saturday Women for Women of India, the organization she formed nearly
two years ago presented its first cultural event.

The 300 who came, including Anne Pearson of Dundas, a granddaughter of late
prime minister Lester B. Pearson, had a wonderful time dining on Indian
food, listening to Indian music and enjoying fashion storytelling. 704
words. For a profile of Carolann Fernandes see:
http://www.sprc.hamilton.on.ca/organization/sprcbdbios.htm

17 May. The Guardian (London). 20 years ago today, the Prince of Wales
famously opened his attack on modern British architecture. The occasion was
to present the Royal Gold Medal for Architecture to the Indian architect
Charles Correa. He was expected to do little more than raise a glass of
champagne and ask the winner how far he had come. This is exactly what the
prince did not do. 1305 words.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/features/story/0,11710,1218271,00.html

BBC Asian Network launches Silver Street - the nation's first Asian radio
soap on 24 May 2004 and continues Monday to Friday, with a weekend omnibus.
See

http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2004/05_may/14/silver_str
eet.shtml
For the synopsis of the first week's programmes click here.

-------------------------------------------------------------------
DEATHS

7 May. Nairobi, Kenya. Mrs. PHILOMENA D'SOUZA. Wife of the late Mr. Wilfred
D'Souza. Mother of Sr. Andrea, Ossie, the late Eric, Wilma, Fr. Pelin,
Lavina, Ivan, Kenneth & Placy. Funeral was on 17th May.

6 May. Panjim. Goa. ERNESTO TEOTONIO SANTIMANO DE SOUZA. Husband of Placida
Regina. Father of Edgar/Loretta, Milena/Michael, Olavo/Sylvia, Alirio/Judy,
Osvald/Sandra, Maria do Ceu/Micky: Uncle of Stella, Peter, Paul, Myra,
Belinda (all in Nairobi), Connie (Canada).

3 May. Raia, Goa. MARY PEREIRA (Ex-Dar-es-Salaam). Wife of late Antonio
Rosario (Antu). Mother of Vladimir/Maria (Dar-es-Salaam), Rosario/Rosy
(Canada), Santano/Sally (Nagpur) and Lenny.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

PRIZE COMPETITION

Win a 2 week all-inclusive health and rejuvenation break to Goa. Asda are
looking for their Summer Slimmer of the Year. Entry forms from any Asda
store. Closing Date 31 May.

Win a 10-Day Culinary Tour of India, including Goa, worth UKP10,000. Closing
date 30 Jun. See: http://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/subscribe.php

--------------------------------------------------------------------

GOA NEWS HEADLINES

5 May. Deccan Herald. Preparations for the film festival have been hit by a
string of snags that the state government will find hard to overcome by
year-end. By Devika Sequeira.
http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/may052004/n13.asp

6 May. Deccan Herald. Football. Goa Football Association (GFA) suspended
four sports clubs - Dona Paula, Wilfred Leisure, Sangolda Lighting and
Curtorim Gymkhana for one year from football related activities and also
demoted them to the third division. The clubs were found guilty of not
playing their Second Division league matches on February 16, 2004 in good
spirit and for indulging in unfair play. The farce attracted widespread
International Press coverage at the time.
http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/may062004/sp8.asp

7 May. Deepika Global. Goa: Christians Have Poor Representation in Civil,
Police Services. Former Union Minister and sitting Member of Parliament, Mr.
Eduardo Faleiro, has underlined the need for Christians to involve
themselves in mainstream politics, the media and civil Services.
http://www.deepikaglobal.com/latestnews.asp?ncode=15566

9 May. Navhind Times. Portugal's President to visit India with Goa included
in the tour.
http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=051021

13 May. The Congress Party swept to power in the Indian National Elections.
The former scenario was a BJP led National Government as well as in the
State of Goa. BJP will continue to rule in Goa. Goa has two seats in the
National Elections. Shripad Naik (BJP) defeated Dr Willy in the North Goa
whilst Churchill Alemao (Congress) beat Ramakant Angle (BJP) in South Goa.
For details of the results see:
http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=051330

15 May. Navhind Times. Farming Oysters and Mussels in Goa.
http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=051530

15 May. Navhind Times. Over 70 writers of Roman-script Konkani unanimously
resolved to reactivate the Dalgado Konkani Akademi, formed in the 1980s to
further the cause of Roman-script Konkani.
http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=051515

19 May. Navhind Times. In a horrific tragedy, Fr Freddy J da Costa (50) and
Felicio Cardozo (71), two towering pillars of the Konkani movement died on
the spot when their car collided head-on with a lorry at Haveri, near Hubli.
See: http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=051816 For a
pictorial tribute to them see:
http://www.goacom.com/goanow/2004/may/Whatsnew.htm

20 May. The Telegraph (Calcutta). Headline: Cannes curtain-raiser for Goa
festival debut. By Amit Roy. Excerpts: Seven multiplex cinemas, will be
built in Goa to host its first Indian International Film Festival starting
on Nov 29 this year, it was announced in Cannes last night to an audience of
700 guests at a "Goa-themed" Indian reception at the Carlton Beach.

Not everyone is happy with the decision. A group of senior film activists,
led by Uma da Cunha, a Goan herself, attacked the decision to make Goa the
permanent site for the festival. She claimed there was not enough time to
mount a festival this year and added, scathingly, that "Goa does not have a
film culture at all".

She accused the Goa government of rushing the festival. "There's no
infrastructure to run the festival, they are not equipped with the latest
technology. This will take two to three years. Local people have protested
at the waste of money on the festival. This is a very sensitive issue."

The Goa government surprised some people at Cannes by first booking a
separate stall in the all-important market but then not bothering to turn
up. Jayshree Raghuraman for the Goa government disclosed that Goa "may get
funding from the central government because we have already been promised
financial assistance of Rs 50 crore". She denied that the festival was
diverting funds needed by local people for education, health and other
necessities.

There is an onerous responsibility to ensure that India does not become the
laughing stock of the cinema world. Full text, 717 words at
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1040520/asp/nation/story_3268916.asp

-------------------------------------------------------------------

IN THE NEWS

7 May. Edmonton Journal (Canada). Headline: Portuguese consul takes on
city's classiest gala during centennial year. Excerpts: Aurelio Fernandes is
the Edmonton-based honorary consul of Portugal and his job includes
facilitating the sale of Portuguese products and encouraging Albertans to
visit his native country. A sideline Fernandes has taken on is the
organization of this year's May 15 Consular Ball.

India is where Fernandes began his journey to Alberta. "I was born in Goa,
the former Portuguese colony off the coast of Bombay," says the consul. "I
had just finished high school in 1961 when India seized the island. I
studied geology in Lisbon before coming to work as a technologist for
Syncrude in Fort McMurray."

On June 10 Portugal's National Day, Edmonton's "Portuguese Multicultural
Society will make sure everyone who wants to will have the opportunity to
taste barbecued sardines and hear Portuguese music."

7 May. Swindon Evening Advertiser. Letter from Andy Newman. Excerpt: We all
benefit from the cultural contribution made by immigrants as well. Swindon
would be a far poorer place to live without the communities from Italy,
Poland, Pakistan, Goa and elsewhere. For full text click here.

7 May. Manorama. Foreign women have a rollicking time in India. Excerpt:
Twins Roxette and Francesca Smith are more familiar with India. Their family
moved to Goa shortly after the girls finished school in Britain. 'We were
too young to consider modelling back home," says Francesca. After doing ads
for Emami and Bacardi, Francesca is currently on air in the ads for White
Mischief and Himalaya Waters. Unlike her sister, who moved to Los Angeles
after a short stint in the industry, she stayed back, her boyfriend,
ex-model Romeo, being one of the main reasons. For full text click here.

8 May. The Independent (UK). Patsy Kensit in an interview said, "when I go
somewhere like Goa, I like to walk around and visit churches."

8 May. The Peninsula (Qatar). Menino De Bandar, a well-known Konkani singer,
will perform at musical shows in Qatar, Kuwait and Dubai. A team of about 15
artistes from Goa will accompany him. For full text click here.

8 May. Gloucestershire Echo. Cricket. Donwill Rodrigues arrived last week
from Goa. As a batsman he will add attacking flair. He can bowl fast or
leg-spinners, to give Cirencester's attack variety. For full text click
here.

8 May. West Australian. Travel Book Review: Point of Departure, by Pam
Hardy. Excerpt: In Goa, she paid for a room with a shower but the shower
didn't work. Her complaints fell on deaf ears. "I am very sorry. Madam has a
shower, madam has what she had paid for. There is nothing I can do," was the
reply.

8 May. Daily Mail. (London). Thomas Cook is set to offer frustrated back
pain sufferers the chance of a quick cure in India with cut-price 'sun and
surgery' package deals. The move comes only weeks after the Scottish Daily
Mail told the story of 55-year- old Alex Cooperwhite who flew out to Goa,
had a scan and was offered an immediate operation which he says has cured
the problem. The total cost of his surgery, intensive care and physiotherapy
was only ?1,500. His story sparked a phenomenal response from Daily Mail
readers from around the country, desperate to know more about the 32-bed
Apollo NUSI hospital where he was treated. Travel firms now believe such
'medical tourism' could become big business.

9 May. The People (UK). Headline: Holiday Hot Spots. Excerpts: A new star
setting is the Indian State of Goa. Matt Damon filmed scenes for the Bourne
Identity sequel just last month and is spreading the word among his showbiz
friends. It was lights, camera, and action in the busy capital of Panjim
too, guaranteeing an Oscar-worthy setting.. By celebrity standards, those
who visit Goa regularly prefer to 'rough it' - which means our latest
pin-ups could be ditching their Dior in favour of a rucksack.

10 May. St Petersburg Times (Russia). The tastes of Russians changes.
Several years ago everyone wanted to go to Thailand but it quickly went out
of fashion, and people began to fancy Goa.
http://www.sptimes.ru/archive/times/967/news/b_12408.htm

11 May. Mid Devon Gazette. Excerpts: Poor children at an orphanage in Goa,
India, have been given a big boost thanks to inspired Crediton youngsters
after playworker Naomi Bircham showed them a video of the orphanage. Naomi
went personally to Goa to buy such things as shampoos, toothbrushes, washing
jugs, and buckets from an Indian supermarket. There are now plans to hold
another video night and Naomi says she will probably go back to the
orphanage next year. For full text click here.

12 May. The Spoof (UK). Billy Ocean Makes A Comeback. The world is rejoicing
because Billy "Caribbean Queen" Ocean is making a comeback. He is slated to
appear at the Cyprus music festival next month in a duet with George Michael
and Boy George. After that, Billy's going to tour Burkina Faso, Guam, Goa
and Borneo in the "World Islands" tour. Photo and text at:
http://www.thespoof.com/news/spoof.cfm?headline=s4i3567

13 May. North Wales Chronicle. Bangor climber and birdwatcher, Clive
Stephenson aged 62 died of a heart attack while on holiday in Goa with his
partner, Kay Hilton. She said, "He loved travelling. We used to go to Goa
every year." Photo and text click here.

13 May. The Cornishman (UK). A Cornish couple on holiday in Goa were
astounded to see Wilson Fernandes of Palolem reading a copy of The
Cornishman. Photos and text click here.

13 May. Napa Valley Register (California). Headline: India tries electronic
voting machines. Excerpts: "A myth has been created that this machine is
totally tested and beyond human manipulation," said Frederick Noronha, a
founder of Bytesforall.Org, a South Asian organization that campaigns for
using technology to benefit the poor. Noronha noted that a small group of
people within the government could change the coding at any time. He also
said there was no way to answer a dispute over vote tallies, because there
is no paper trail or similar proof for each vote. "When nobody knows what's
inside, it's scary," Noronha said. For full text click here.

14 May. Asia News (Italy). Hindus and Catholic celebrate feast of Our Lady
of Milagres (Miracles) in Mapusa, Goa.
http://www.asianews.it/view.php?l=en&art=789

14 May. The Scotsman. Danny McLennan, who has died aged 79, enjoyed one of
the most remarkable careers in world football. After playing for East Fife
and Dundee, he came into his own as a coach, and by the time he finally
retired four years ago he had been in charge of innumerable national sides
and clubs. At club level, he held posts in Africa, Scandinavia and the
Middle East, and ended up in Goa, with a club called the Churchill Brothers.
http://sport.scotsman.com/football.cfm?id=548112004

14 May. Christianity Today (USA). Indian Churches Hail the Defeat of
Hindu-Nationalist Government. Joseph D'Souza, President of the All India
Christian Council, told the German evangelical news agency Idea, "In a
surprise spontaneous move of public anger, the masses, the downtrodden, the
poor, the Dalits and even the urban unemployed all joined together to throw
out the BJP led alliance." The Rev. Donald De Souza, spokesperson of the
Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), said: "The election result
shows beyond doubt that democracy is very much alive and deeply rooted in
the secular ethos of the country."
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2004/119/52.0.html

15 May. The West Australian (Perth). Headline: Laid back in Goa. Travel
article by Stephen Scourfield. Excerpts: "Goa is not like anywhere else in
India," a Panaji shopkeeper tells me. "Velly laid back." . Old Goa was so
architecturally and culturally and scenically spectacular - that if you saw
this, you would no longer need to go to Lisbon or Paris. India is a place of
smells as much as colours - smells that remind you of the organic nature of
the planet and often of humans themselves. 1366 words.

16 May. Variety (USA). Goa will host the 35th Intl. Film Festival of India
in November. The site chosen for the main festival auditorium complex has
run into trouble, however. The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority claims
the semi-permanent constructions planned will violate environmental rules.
The matter has been handed to the Environment Ministry to review; the Goa
government is already looking for an alternative location for this year
while the matter is resolved. India is strongly promoting Goa as a
destination for filmmakers at the Cannes Film Festival.
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117904857?categoryid=1061&cs=1

17 May. Bristol Evening Post. 81-year-old Ted Moreman who raised cash to
build an orphanage for street children in Goa now hopes to help build them a
village. He raised UKP35,000 which paid for the purchase of the orphanage,
named The House of Kathleen - in memory of his wife who died in 1997. For
full text click here.

17 May. Globe and Mail (Canada) Headline: Canada's streets no longer paved
with gold. Excerpts: Canadian immigrants from Africa, Asia and Eastern
Europe are earning less than those from other nations, according to a study
released by Statistics Canada. Male immigrants who came to Canada between
1995 and 1999 earned an average of 24 per cent less than those who arrived
between 1965 and 1969 - after adjusting for inflation. For full text click
here.

18 May Globe and Mail Editorial: Stuck at the starting gate. For full text
click here

19 May. Evening Mail (Birmingham, UK). Football. Darren Moore (West Bromwich
Albion) has flown out for an eight-day tour of India to try and boost
football among youngsters. He said: "I'll be going to Bombay, Goa and
Bangalore to coach the kids football. It will be a pretty hectic schedule
but worthwhile." For full text click here.

19 May. The Independent (London). Property. Headline: Many People Are Buying
Abroad Because They Can't Afford The UK By Ginetta Vedrickas. Excerpts: The
Homes Overseas exhibition is at Earl's Court, from 21 to 23 May. At the last
property exhibition I attended, it struck me that many people are now buying
overseas as they can't comfortably afford to stay in the UK. A sprightly OAP
was hovering at the Goa stand and confided that they were hoping to buy
somewhere where they could enjoy a cheaper cost of living and avoid another
winter in a freezing house. 480 words.
http://money.independent.co.uk/property/homes/story.jsp?story=522872

-------------------------------------------------------------------

FORTHCOMING

See http://www.lanfranc.com/publications/location/directions.htm for help in
locating Archbishop Lanfranc School, Croydon

Tue. 25 May. 19:00 (30 mins). TV Programme. BBC 1. Title: Call Centres. Matt
Allwright looks at call centres. Matt also visits India to see whether UK
customers will end up with better service.

Tue. 25 May. 22:35 (40 mins). TV Programme. BBC1. Bindis and Beauty Queens.
Documentary following the trials and tribulations of a group of young women
as they compete against each other and occasional family reservations to
represent their culture in the UK and win the coveted title of Miss India UK
2004.

Wed. 26 May. 22:00 (30 mins). TV Programme. BBC2. World Weddings. Series on
unusual weddings tells the powerful story of a Hindu woman and a Muslim man
in Calcutta.

Fri. 28 May. 19:30 (60 mins). TV Programme. Channel Five. Title: Travel -
The World's 20 Best? Episode: Romances. This week the countdown turns to
Romance, when we overflow with passion in some incredible places like Goa,
the Maldives and Florence.

Sun 30 May. 4pm - The Asian Chaplaincy. Konkani Mass. Our Lady & St
Christopher's Catholic Church, 32 High Street, Cranford, Middlesex.

Sun. 30 May. 7 pm. G.O.A. May Ball & 38th Anniversary celebrations and
Crowning of May Queen/King at Lola Jones Hall, Tooting Leisure Centre. Music
by Maz & Co and Fantasy Disco. Dress theme Black/White jacket and tie
essential (bow-tie preferable). Further details from - Norma Menezes-Rahim
020 - 8771 4457 Bernie Gracias 020 - 8723 1322.

Sat. 5 June. 1.00pm. Bastora Union London AGM at St. Boniface Church Club,
185 Mitcham Road, Tooting. Contact: Peter DeSouza - tel: 0208 672 3232 or
e-mail Dolores Taylor, taylor_at_home at talk21.com

Sun 6 Jun. 2pm - The Asian Chaplaincy Feast of Our Patron Saints at Sacred
Heart Catholic Church, Edge Hill, Wimbledon SW19 4LU followed by
multicultural programme.

Sun. 13 Jun Siolim Union (London) will be celebrating the Feast of their
Patron Saint, St. Anthony at Archbishop Lanfranc School, Mitcham. Mass at
12:00 noon followed by dancing, to the music of Maz & Co. Tickets ?12.00
including snacks and meal. Children under 12 free admission. Contact:
Loretta Fernandes 020-8696-9886; Eugene Fernandes 020-8240-0818; Tony
Fernandes 020-8540-3566; Edwin Athayde 020-8679-5514.

Sun. 27 Jun. G.O.A. FAMILY DAY and Youth Football Tournament at Archbishop
Lanfranc School

Sun. 27 Jun. Benaulim Feast.

Sun 27 Jun. 4pm - The Asian Chaplaincy. Konkani Mass. Our Lady & St
Christopher's Catholic Church, 32 High Street, Cranford, Middlesex.

FOR LATER EVENTS SEE http://www.goanvoice.org.uk

Thank you to the Contributors to this issue. Publication: Thursdays (13.00
GMT). Submissions required by the preceding Tuesday by e-mail to
eddie at fernandes.u-net.com or post items to: Eddie Fernandes, 1 Onslow
Gardens, London N10 3JT. Previous issues can be found at
http://www.goanvoice.org.uk

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Goan Voice designed by Goacom Insys Pvt. Ltd., Goa and
funded by donations from the world-wide Goan Community.
Email: bindiya at goacom.com


----- End forwarded message -----
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
Panaji, Jun 17: Sitava Harijan stands before the Mormugao Municpal Council,
with her ration card and her election voter ID. The saree she wears and a
few household items is all that her family of six managed to rescue from
their home when authorities lathi charged residents and bulldozed their
illegal shanties in the port town of Vasco da Gama on June 14.

Jitaya Bhind, a security guard at a nearby factory managed to take nothing.
He had left for work at 7 am that day and returned to find his home of 45
years a mass of rubble. All he now has is a plastic bag with his security
uniform.

The sudden and brutal action --- one of the biggest demolitions in the state
--- has become somewhat of an embarrassment for the government. "The
government wanted to get rid of the red light district. but why did they
also target families", asks Anil Chavan, who lost his small shop in the 40
year old red light district.

Some of those affected show their notices from the govenrment estate office,
which were still being processed, when the demolition began. Admitting this,
state authorities have promised a rehabilitation and relief measures, but
hardly enough to compensate for their losses, the dishoused people complain.

Most of them are Dalit migrants from neighbouring Karnataka and from North
India, working in the port and surrounding areas in the unorganised sector.

Intially, the 2500 commercial sex workers operating from Baina, were the
focus of the demolition. But by June 14, when the area was flattened, all
had dispersed and seem to have been the least affected.

Most moved to other states after a police cordon since December 2003 froze
all business coming to the area.

The 250 who stayed on spurned a rehabilitation package offered by the state
appointed Goa Women's Commission, when it became clear it would confine them
to an unused goverbment building under police guard.

Most of the pimps, brothel keepers and gharwalis simply shifted to flats or
alternative accomodation before the demolition began.

Justifying the action, the state government points to a high court order
directing destruction of the 250 cubicles where the sex trade operated from.

But the opposition Congress and NGOs banded under the Forum for Justice in
Baina have sought a national human rights commission intervention for the
brutal manner in which the monsoon demolition was carried out and extended
to other houses not identified by the High Court.

On Wednesday South Goa Congress MP Churchill Alemao intervened to stop
further demolitions of adjoining shanties, that obstruct a highway project.

But on Thursday, middle class residents of the town, long supportive of an
oust-Baina campaign in a state where xenophobic anti-outsider sentiment
simmers beneath the surface --- held a meet congratulating the chief
minister's "courageous action".

Moves are afoot to rename the area, one suggesting it be recalled `Sambhaji
Nagar". (ends)

--
The writer is the special correspondent in Goa for The Asian Age.
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
------------------------------
Goa trance and rave was once a
spiritual trip, liberating,
anarchic, drug hazed. Now it's
just a synthetic, yuppie scene,
says SANJUKTA SHARMA.
------------------------------

A GUST of warm, sandy wind wafts across our faces as our bike swerves into
Anjuna beach. We park outside Paradiso, a hip nightclub in Goa. We are
greeted by flashy neon lights, crowned by a huge pink lotus -- considered
"the sacrosanct third eye" by Om-tattooed European Goahead ravers.

A small black wooden door leads to a narrow staircase punctuated with
cigarette stubs and the faint sound of trance rhythms. As we begin to wonder
why Jay Wadia would want to throw the world's most famous millennium rave
party at this club, a hypnotic mix of multi-coloured beams, languorous, yet
high-pitched electronic beats and the ever-so-sensuous whiffs of marijuana
assault our senses.

The mood is electric, pop, bacchanalian.

For purists, clubs like Paradiso stink 'commercial'. They are a pale
imitation of the hardcore-hippie moonlight raves in the valley of Vagator
and hilltop forests of Anjuna. The rave season in Goa ends in April, but
flyers of energy drinks and alcohol brands stare menacingly at your as your
eyes focus in the full-throttle trip of the lights. The local drug peddler
has his corner inside the lounge. He sizes up his customers before handing
over a coin-sized ball of hashish. It's 50 bucks for some and 200 for
others. The regular customers can get away with anything. He doesn't bother
about the cops. The owner hobnobs with the powers-that-be.

"Dope is everywhere. Just don't stop dancing, you'll get your joint," says
one of the bartenders.

Down white-painted cemented stairs that lead to a spacious, open-air
promenade at Paradiso, an old hawker woman does brisk business. She arrives
at the crack of dawn to set up shop -- a tumbler full of boiled eggs, pav
and spicy, roasted peanuts.

Like all of Goa, she, too, is cashing in on hippie cool.

The hardcore raver is angry and impatient, but is hard to miss even in the
synthetic, market-driven rave parties in places like Paradiso. He is a
fringe creature in search of that pure, epiphanous trip that the original
rave and trance sub-culture swore by.

There are also those that epitomise the pill-popping, arms-flailing geeks
who equate anything Indian with the mystical. The rest are tourists --
Indian and foreign -- gung-ho about Paradiso. They want to do the cool
thing. Most pure trance DJs hate Indian tourists. After a full-power trance
night, some of them actually scream for Bhangra!

Nowadays, even moonlight parties are not free of unwelcome phonies. Disco
Valley, a hot spot for nature-trippers near Vagator beach now changes an
entry fee from Indian tourists.

This was unthinkable till the seventies, when one had to be part of a jet
setting hippie coterie to get access to round-the-clock raves and jam
sessions which lasted days on end. Goa Gill, considered the father of Goa
trance, and now a popular DJ in the Silicon Valley, recalls, "All of us had
a band then. We made our own music. Around the mid-Seventies, I managed to
get all the equipment into my hands. And I rented this big house. I called
it the Music House. We had a little corral with tables and chairs, and
inside, the bar thing with stools. Every Saturday night, we played there."

Music House is now a decrepit structure with crusty floors. Few people even
knew Goa Gill, the few who do think he's the guy who comes to Goa once a
year for the biggest party in Anjuna.

It was the end of the Sixties. Nixon was the president. Dr Timothy Leary
convinced Europe and America that LSD was the only way to Nirvana. Pink
Floyd, Jimi Hendrix and The Who transformed the meaning of sound. The
hippies decided to split. For Goa Gill and his breed, the mystical
well-spring of the world was India. Years of experiments with music and drugs
in the un-spoilt beaches of Goa gave birth to what is now called Goa trance.

In a famous interview with a San Francisco journal, Goa Gill said, "Some
people went to study Indian music. Others went to live with the yogis in the
Himalayas and some went to ride horses up in the mountains of Afghanistan.
Everybody regrouped in Goa, made famous in the hippie circle by a beatnik
hippie named Eight Finger Eddie. All the friends you met everywhere,
travelling; everybody would meet in Goa for Christmas. And party together."

The rave scene today would have been blasphemy in the Seventies. Goa Gil is
disenchanted. DJs who want to recreate the halycon days of Goa psychedelia
are embittered. "Nature trips are the real trips, man," says DJ Paul, who
heads the occasional rave party in and around the city. "In clubs like
Paradiso, it's all really repetitive, the same artists, the same beats. The
online Goa trance music industry is huge which is not a bad thing as long as
the stuff is original. But Goa trance is ceasing to be a sub-culture even in
Europe."

The idea is to whip the crowd into a flailing frenzy. But the owners of
these clubs couldn't care less. Anybody dishing out the entry fee of Rs 500
(2,000 during the season) and allowed in by the bouncers is welcome.
Rajneesh (name changed on request), a manager at Paradiso, says, "Some club
owners get young college girls from Mumbai and Pune to hang around outside
the entrance so that well-heeled and carefully-dressed single guys from the
cities can hook up with them as couples, a must for entry into most clubs."

Steve Woodsworth, a Mumbai-based, 45-year-old Australian came to Goa in the
heydays of rave. He spends four winter months in Goa every year and would
kill to trip on Goa Gill's magic. "But", he says, "the entire vibe has
changed. Hard ravers used to come to Goa from across the world. The really
hard stuff is very hard to come by now. It's completely mainstream,
apolitical and soulless."

Disco Valley is now more popular for its record company, Disco Valley
Records. Just like Paradiso Records, Parvati Records, Kagdila, Inpsyde and
Fragile Planet.

The hardcore guys are giving up on Goa. They are looking for pristine
destinations away from the bouncers, the flyers and the raspy notes of club
electronica. Looking for the consummate nature trip. A string of tiny
lights, a good sound system and strokes of fluorescent pink paint on tree
trunks are enough for the ritual to unfold.

Israeli druggies, middle-aged British men, some cool Indians popping,
swigging, puffing, engaging in tribal talk until the sky is luminous and
clear and the music, even clearer. A small open air trance night in Goa can
be a real trip -- anarchist yet liberatory; somewhat goofy yet illuminating.


PHOTOS: ALL PILLS AND NO CURE: the new rave scene.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

'TRANCE MAKES YOU SENSITIVE'

A pioneer of Goa Trance,
Goa Gill talks about
the commercialisation
of trance and rave in Goa.

* WHEN AND HOW did you decide to come to Goa?

I arrived in India on February 2, 1970 and proceeded directly to Goa to meet
Eight Finger Eddy. He, really, was the father of raves in Goa. I had heard a
lot about him from roadies travelling to India.

* What was your first impression of Goa?

I was like paradise... very quiet and beautiful. Not commercial in any way.

* How did Goa inspire you?

It inspired me enough to spend most of my time in the last 34 years there.

* When did the spiritual-psychedelic trance scene begin in Goa?

It began in a small way in the early Seventies and has been evolving.

* In Goa you're known as the father of the genre, now known internationally
as Goa Trance. Can you speak about the process of creating this music?

I am the only one left from those days who is still doing this. So I guess
that is why they say that. There were others in the beginning, as well, who
influenced the direction of music coming out of Goa. As far as composing
music, I have always depended heavily on divine inspiration and creative
imagination, as well as trying to say something intelligent and uplifting.

* Can you describe in your own words a full-moon night Goa trance party?

I describe it as "Redefining the Ancient Tribal Ritual for the 21st
Century". But it is really dependent on who is playing and guiding the
party, what type of experience is had by the people participating. Things
are not what they used to be in Goa, as materialism and egoism run rampant.

* How is your music different from rave music?

Very different. It has more syncopated levels of sound moving in a
holographic manner, and more complex sounds and rhythms designed to go
beyond what we expect from most electronic dance music.

* How has the rave trance party scene evolved in Goa?

It was born in Goa, and then evolved to its highest spiritual potential
there. It was then taken all over the planet by like-minded, jet-setting
gypsies. From then on, it evolved in its own way. In may different locations
all over the world, developing its own particularly flavour in each place
and culture.

* Is Goa trance more market-driven, as opposed to passionate and spiritual,
now?

I would say so. Unfortunately, the main motivation these days for most
people seems to be money.

* What is the future of Goa trance?

Through the Trance Dance Experience people will hopefully become more
sensitive and aware of themselves, their surroundings, the crossroads of
humanity, and the needs of the planet. With that awareness comes
understanding and compassion. That is the need of the hour and the true Goa
spirit.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Who were the Goan thinkers that shaped your views?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fanchu Loyola was imprisoned in the Peniche jail, along with Purshottam
Kakodkar. I admire him for his ideas on democracy. He wrote a book on the
economic status of colonial Goa, and had pointed out that Goa was a feudal
state. His view was that if the economic foundations were not put in place,
then the economy would never be in the hands of the Goans. Without this,
political freedom would be meaningless. I also admire Francisco Luis Gomes;
he talked about free trade long, long ago; we talk about it today.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Do you keep in touch with Goan writing? Any work you find impressive?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Recently, I've read 'Goa: A Daughter's Story' by Maria Couto. It's
impressive the way she un-entangles the puzzle of caste and class, and the
confluence of the Portuguese and the Goan in this region.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
How did you get involved with writing?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

I used to write when I was very young, even at the age of 10. Then, it was
in Konkani and Portuguese. Felicio Cardozo, who recently died (in a
road-accident), later had a publication called 'Sot', and I sent him poems.
Now, I can't write (fluently enough) in Konkani (after years of migration).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Is writing addictive? Does being online help you in your writing?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

For me, writing short stories is addictive. During this visit itself to Goa
(in June 2004), there was so much material to understand the Goan psyche,
that I might write four to five short stories based on it.

I send my short stories here and there for publication. Some are accepted,
and some rejected. Sometimes, having access to the computer (and the
Internet) does help in my writing. Some of my books get sold by Amazon.com
(the major mail-order selling books in the West).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
What are your dreams, in the creative sense?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm really waiting to get my novel published. Also, to put out my many short
stories in a collection. Some have been published in different places, and
are scattered all around.

It's very difficult for Goan writers, and finding suitable publishers to get
published. To get an agent and a publisher is not very easy. That's probably
because Goans are not very pushy in their approach.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
What else accounts for this? Is it because Goans are a small community, not
very visible, and among the diaspora not even adequately recognised as South
Asian?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

There are other factors too: Goa's don't read very much and don't appreciate
the writing of other Goans. They don't buy sufficient books. There's no
large Goan reading public. I don't quite know why; inspite of the higher
literacy rates, they don't read their own writers. Other Indians very much
do so.

For book-signing events, I've hardly come across any Goan coming up for the
same. In the State University of Chicago event, there were Whites and
Blacks, but not a single Goan who came for this event. One researcher from
the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil has been working on my novel for her
thesis.

Goans abroad do meet at functions, but there are also some kind of factions
among themselves. They go as Bombay Goans, Kenya Goans, and the like.
--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
d88888b d8b db Frederick Noronha * Freelance Journalist * Goa India
88' 888o 88 f r e d @ b y t e s f o r a l l . o r g
88ooo 88V8o 88 http://www.bytesforall.org
88~~~ 88 V8o88 Phone 0091.832.2409490 Mobile 09822 122436
88 88 V888 784 Nr Lourdes Convent, Sonarbhat Saligao Goa 403511
YP VP V8P Writing ... with a difference, on issues that matter
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
Panaji, Jun 25: They are not as famous as their terrestrial cousins. But
things could be changing. Sea-snakes might finally get a little bit of a
good press, a higher profile and a chance for enhanced concern over their
place on the planet.

"As a group they are reputed to be among the world's most venomous snakes,
gram for gram their venom being far more potent than many terrestrial
venomous snakes. Highly toxic venom is meant to stun fast-swimming fish prey
instantly", says herpetofauna researcher Aaron Lobo (24).

Lobo a local wildlife enthusiast who is working on making his passion into
his profession, recently released a poster featuring these reptiles, titled
the "Sea Snakes Of Goa".

After some fairly rigourous sampling, checking trawl net by-catch over sixty
deck days -- part of a thesis for the Dehradun based Wildlife Institute of
India -- Lobo found six of the world's 76 known species of true sea
snakes(hydrophilae) occur along this region's coast.

India has, in all, some 26 species.

"Sadly, they are sometimes a by-catch in various fishing activities,
especially shrimp trawling" says he. Many die trapped in trawl nets, because
sea snakes like other reptiles need air to breathe and have to surface at
regular intervals.

Lobo reckons each trawler nets could pick up 6-10 sea snakes a day, most of
them dead or injured. Live sea snakes -- their venom often exhausted from
biting the net catch -- are thrown back by local fishermen as non-commercial
catch.

Sea snake bite fatalities -- though rare -- are not unknown among trawler
hands. Its anti-venom is not manufactured in India.

Four of the six species the robustly built short sea snake, the beaked sea
snake, the pellagic yellow bellied sea snake, often washed ashore in rough
weather, and the rarer viperine sea snake are highly poisonous.

The dog-faced water snake inhabiting mangrove areas and the wart snake found
in estuarine areas -- areas closer to human inhabitations than the open sea
-- are both non-toxic, though the former has a mildly toxic saliva to subdue
prey.

"Sea snakes are among the most poorly reseached group of reptiles in India.
Little is known about their ecology and habits, or even their importance in
the marine food chain" laments Lobo.

While researching their diversity and mortality, he found they did not adapt
well to any land condition, fed badly in captivity, found moving on land to
be difficult with their flat bodies and oar-shaped tails adapted for
swimming, and their prey were more often the same fish species favoured by
man.

Their mortality in trawling should cause concern, as also that of sea
turtles, he says. (ENDS)
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
two major accidents have claimed the lives of more than 70 people. Almost
150 have been seriously injured. One third of those are critically injured.
There have been over a dozen accidents involving a few deaths and many
injuries.

Since the so called "commissioning" of the KR there have been over 500 rock
falls in cuttings and tunnels which have gone unreported and un-noticed
because they did not result in accidents or disruption of services.

On the cost front, the KR record in quite ridiculous. In 1990 it was
projected to cost Rs 1042 crores with a debt/equity ratio of 2:1. Today, the
cost has exceeded Rs.6,700 crores with a eebt/equity ratio of 8:1. Since the
Konkan Railway is being subsidized to the tune of Rs 350 crores per year,
the BOT (build-operate-transfer) rinciple is well and truly buried without a
landslide.

In 1990 the KRC predicted so many benefits. They said 120 trains per day
would operate on their line; today they have less than 120 trains per week.
Trains would run at 160 km.p.h., they predicted. Today the less said about
speed the better. In ten years, the KRC would be free of all financial
liabilities, they said. Now they are losing Rs 1.5 crore per day and the
Konkan Railway is a financial millstone round the neck of India. Besides the
Konkan Railway does not own any rolling stock. Every thing that runs on
their tracks belongs to other railways like Central Railway, Western
Railway, SCR and the like.

The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CORS) has also lost his credibility
vis-a-vis the KR. When the CORS approves a new line for operation, he first
allows only freight trains to use the new line. Only after successful
operation of goods trains for six months does he approve the line for
passenger trains. In the case of Konkan Railway, the CORS reversed this
procedure and violated his own laws.

The CORS also wrongly approved the KR tracks for a speed potential of 160
km. p.h. None of the four minimum conditions required for 160 km.ph.
Operation exists on the Konkan Railway. The four conditions are:

* There should be dedicated tracks (up and down) for hi-speed trains. Konkan
Railway is a single track.

* There should be no level crossings. KR has a few dozen level crossings.

* The entire length of track should be fenced.

* All coaches should be air-conditioned.

Question: Why did the dream become a nightmare?

Answer: The KRC abandoned the Indian Railway Engineering Code (IREC).

Safety features are an intrinsic part of the IREC and the route selection
which results from the IREC's Final Location Survey looks after all aspects
of what constitutes a good railway. It is cheap, comfortable and, above all,
safe.

For the KRC, safety is like an add-on accessory and hence all the ACDs
(anti-collusion devices), Raksha Dhagas, steel nets, inclinometers, mobile
phones, patrols and the like. This is like shutting the paddock after the
mare has bolted. It turns out to be both expensive and ineffective.

Just one exercise will do to establish the superiority of the IREC over
KRC's founder chairman E. Sreedharans Konkan Railway Engineering Code
(KREC). The original Konkan Railway alignment prepared by the Indian
Railways Engineer in Chief J.Y.Marathe, using the IREC, had 24 kms of
bridges and 28 kms of tunnels.

On the other hand, the alignment drawn up by Sreedharan, using the KREC,
produced a railway with 79 kms of bridges and 88 kms of tunnels. This
resulted in high costs and the deployment of at least 10 imported
technologies using foreign experts. One could also say this made over
Rs.5,000 crore to simply disappear into the financial black holes of his
tunnels and bridges.

E. Sreedharan and B. Rajaram have become victims of their own hubris. They
thought they were above the laws laid down in the IREC. Generations to come
will, in all probability, continue to pay for this folly. Some will pay with
their lives and others will lose their livelihood.
--
The writer is an cost engineer, who has been closely following the Konkan
Railway issue, which errupted in controversy along part of the route in Goa
during the 'nineties. He lives in Goa.
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
Panaji, Jul 2: Goa's outgoing Governor Kidar Nath Sahani, one of the four
Governor's dismissed today, argued that the targetting of gubernatorial
appointees with RSS links was a "bad precedent" and did not augur well for the
country and "freedom of expression".

"The RSS is not a banned organisation, and its membership is open to all
citizens," the outgoing Governor said in a statement. He added that he was a
"proud member" of it since 1953.

In Goa, the Governor's role is seen as critical in a state, which is known for
its political instablity, and where Governors have made and unmade governments
in time of crucial instability. In its union territory days, Governors held
wide powers in this state, sometimes ruling it as a virtual fiefdom.

One Governor sacked and replaced an elected chief minister in Goa, while another
went about setting up the Goa University in an authoritarian manner, while the
rest of the state remained undecided on what should be done. Bhanu Pratap
Singh, who replaced one Congress CM with another, was the only other Goa
Governor to be sacked in the past, and recalled after his decision was found to
have sanction from no one either in Delhi or at the party leadership level.

Going on the offensive, the saffron Governor, who was a partyman and whose links
with the RSS have come in for criticism here, himself charged that the attitude
of the new UPA government at the Centre smacked of a "Fascist" attitude, and
brought "back memories of the Emergency".

"Political fights should be on the basis of political ethics," the outgoing
governor argued. He said the action taken by the Centre, involving the sacking
of four Governors, was creating a "bad precedent". He also said he had not
received any official communication from the President of India, but only from
the State government.

Sahani, who has officially been quoted by the Goa government's Department of
Information made some controversial statements on rebuilding temples while Goa
governor, has been in 20 months in the post in this state, and was earlier
Governor of Sikkim.

One official statement released here quoted him as saying "the reconstruction of
temples demolished by the Portuguese and the erstwhile regimes has great
importance in national building and in bringing about national awakening among
the people".

More recently, the Governor was caught in an unseeming controversy, where he
accused a Delhi-based citizen of impersonating as the son of the chief justice
of India to holiday unauthorisedly in his (the Governor's) official residence.
But the man involved, in turn, accused the Governor of attempting to frame him,
after a joke over a misplaced video camera kept to keep "watch on the
activities" of the Governor.

"Only corruption and treason should be the reasons for a Governor to be
dismissed," Sahani added. He argued that chief ministers should be taken into
confidence in the selection of Governors. Goa is currently ruled by the BJP-led
alliance.

Calling in mediapersons on the eve of his departure, after months of
inaccessibility, Mr Sahani took objections to statements made on television by
Union Minister of state for home who expressed the central government's desire
to remove appointees who have been RSS members or subscribers to its ideology.

ENDS



----------------------------------------------------------------
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b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
GOA: It may seem like just another academic endeavour and the number of
students is currently few. But campaigners for the cause of the small
Konkani language among the Jesuits believe a new initiative to teach
the tongue to young priests-in-the-making could help stem the tide.

This monsoon season, Goa's Jesuit-run Konkani teaching centre has
launched a post-grad diploma course to teach the language. It was launched
at the Thomas Stevens Konkani Kendr (KTSS), an impressive and tree-filled
green campus in Alto Porvorim, a bustling suburb of state-capital Panjim
that is fast coming under a building boom.

"The Jesuit interest in local languages has been there from the
beginning; it's nothing new," says Dr Pratap Naik sj, the Jesuit who is
director of the TSKK. "To learn the local language is an integral part of
formation. Centuries back too, when they came to Goa, they were learning
the local languages. Jesuits produced (some of the very first) grammars
and dictionaries. Of course, they produced it with the motive of spreading
Christianity, in keeping with the thinking of the time," he adds.

But things were different in the provinces of Bombay, Poona and Goa, he
admits. "Here the learning of local languages wasn't given too much
importance (in recent times) inspite of the general feeling that priests
must learn the local language."

Over the past two-and-half decades, change slowly crept in among the
Jesuits.

Setting up a Konkani centre was the first step. That proposal came up
before the provincial congregation in 1978. "We wanted to start a school,
in the European sense. An institute of higher learning to teach Konkani to
Jesuits (primarily and to others too)," recalls Naik, then a young
scholastic, and one of those trained to take up this work.

"Of course, just to teach Konkani, you don't need us and an institution.
But if you want to take up the Jesuit tradition -- of research, writing
grammars and dictionaries, and translating -- then an institution is very
much needed," he says.

TSKK, named after Thomas Stevens, the sixteenth century English Jesuit
who came to India in 1579 never to return home and excelled while here in
the study of Konkani, was set up. It was registered in 1982 as a society,
and began in January 1986 from its former premises at Loyola Hall in
Miramar, a centre for training boys wanting to become Jesuit priests.

In 1988, it shifted to its new premises at Alto Porvorim, alongside the
earlier-founded Jesuit-run Xavier Centre for Historical Research. Fr
Moreno sj was its first Secretary-cum-Executive Director, followed by Fr
Mathew Almeida sj, while currently Fr Pratap Naik (53) holds the reigns.

The Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr (TSKK) focuses on education and
research in the Konkani language, literature and culture. "We are not
limiting ourselves only to Goa, but where ever Konkani is spoken. Shortly,
we are going to study Siddi Konkani, spoken by a community of former
slaves who were once located in Goa, and are now based in Yellapur in
Konkani. For this we are collaborating with two Brazilian professors,"
says Naik.

Since 1986, Jesuit scholastics -- training to become priests -- were sent
for a one-month training in Konkani. "But we were not happy. One month's
course will not give you language proficiency in any language," argues Fr
Pratap.

For long, the TSKK has been pushing for a year-long course; but probably
the province was not ready for it. Counter-points held that there were, in
any case, only a shrinking number of priests available and lengthening
their formation meant a further delay in their assuming positions of
significance.

Suddenly, in 2003, when a Konkani post-graduate diploma course was
proposed, it clicked. "Don't ask me how," says a surprised Naik.
Recognised by the Goa University, the TSKK can itself conduct diploma
courses. They prepared the syllabus, and got a lot of feedback. Some
suggested it be made tougher.

Finally, the year-long course has been launched, and runs on the
credit-system. Each credit means 15 teaching-hours. It is open to any
graduate, who knows how to read and talk Konkani. Classes are from Monday
to Friday, with intensive testings on Saturdays. Begun in June 2004, the
diploma runs till March-end 2005, for the first batch.

This year four Jesuit priests-in-the-making have joined the course.
Circulars were sent to all religious in Goa, and also the
Konkani-speaking neighbouring Catholic diocese -- Bombay (or Mumbai),
Poona (or Pune), Belgaum, Karwar, Mangalore, Chickmaglur and Shimoga (the
last five of which are all located in Karnataka).

"There's the possibility of a new (linguistic) culture emerging among the
Jesuits. In ten years time, all the younger generation will be fluent in
English and Konkani, both in Roman and Devanagari (the two main scripts
used to write the language in Goa, the latter being the
officially-recognised script)," says Naik.

This course will have more of a focus on the practical side. Participants
are expected to pick up translation skills, letter writing, radio talks,
writing articles for newspapers, the techniques of giving formal talks
and even sermons in Konkani. While tailored for the Jesuits, it is open to
all, regardless of religion. Naik has plans for adapting the emphasis for
non-priests or students of other religious backgrounds.

In the first term, the emphasis is on reading and speaking the language.
In the second term, there's an introduction of the literature of Konkani
("to come to know the style of other writers") and the emphasis of the
third is application-oriented. "Someone who undergoes this course should
be able to act as an emcee -- "sutradhar" -- for a Konkani programme,"
adds Naik.

REACHING OUT TO OTHERS TOO: Given the lack of Konkani-learning
possibilities, specially outside of Goa where a large number of expats
whose mother tongue was once Konkani are located, would the TSKK consider
options like distance-education?

"It's a bit difficult. Distance education is more for information.
Learning certain language skills has to be done through intensive contact
programs. Short courses could be offered to attain language proficiency,"
says Naik.

Naik believes that the diocesan clergy have been using Konkani
significantly in Goa, given that their work depends on it. "But slowly a
new trend has been creeping in. As our education shifts to English, our
Catechism and Mass is also moving over to that language. We don't see this
happening among other religious groups."

Konkani-speaking Muslims along the Karnataka coast, known as Navayaths,
are now entering English-speaking schools, but everything about their
religion is in Arabic. Likewise, Hindus do study in English-medium
schools, but don't shift over the language of their religious rituals,
argues Naik. He adds: "Why can't we do the same?"

OTHER RELIGIOUS: Other religious in Goa have also been using the language
extensively, says Naik, pointing to the Pilar Fathers, who publish a
seventy-plus year old weekly in the language, called 'Vavradeancho Ixtt'
(Worker's Friend).

"But language learning is not taken very seriously. How many priests have
done their MA or BA in Konkani? I don't know one priest who has done an
MA, though at least two nuns have," says Naik.

Proficiency in languages, and learning it throughly, is not a luxury. "As
a priest, as a leader, good communication skills give you leadership.
This, in turn, requires language proficiency. A priest wanting a positive
influence with the people should learn the language of the place," says
Naik.

"Parents are free to have their children study in any medium they like.
But they should make efforts to keep their links and roots with the soil.
Prayers and religion should retain the original language. Youngsters
should be encouraged to speak and read Konkani; it doesn't matter if they
use their own dialect," he argues.
--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
d88888b d8b db Frederick Noronha * Freelance Journalist * Goa India
88' 888o 88 f r e d @ b y t e s f o r a l l . o r g
88ooo 88V8o 88 http://www.bytesforall.org
88~~~ 88 V8o88 Phone 0091.832.2409490 Mobile 09822 122436
88 88 V888 784 Nr Lourdes Convent, Sonarbhat Saligao Goa 403511
YP VP V8P Writing ... with a difference, on issues that matter
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
PANJIM, July 15: British India's legacy differed in many ways from
that of colonial Portuguese Goa, including in the unusual legacy of stamps
it left behind -- which went beyond those of queens and kings that London
concentrated on.

"British Indian stamps depict mostly queens and kings, while (colonial)
Portuguese stamps one finds not just kings but viceroys, historical persons,
buildings, saints and poets, sports, maps, heraldic arms and what not," says
Umesh Kakkeri, who recently did his research on the subject.

Kakkeri (41), an engineer by profession who recently authored the book
'Postal History of Portuguese India' says, oddly, Portuguese stamps tended
to get used "many times with different surcharges" and some were even
bisected and printed with values on both halves.

Kakkeri says he met a "number of persons" interested in the field, but among
them just too had "fairly good collections" from among those he had seen. He
conceded that there might be others that he hadn't seen.

Says Kakkeri: "Its a 'funtastic' hobby. It will teach you about everything
from history to geography. This book could help anyone with a problem in
starting to (get a point to refer to)."

The engineer based in the North Karnataka town of Belgaum said he had been
doing "extensive research" for the last 15 years, resulting recently in the
book which contains a brief history of the postal system till the end of
Portuguese rule in Goa in 1961.

Besides looking at all postal cancellations issued during this period, it
also covers postage stamps and stationary issued since the introduction of
the postal system in Goa.

Goa, a state of 1.4 million on India's west coast, has long been a point of
meeting of cultures between South Asia and the outside world, including
during the long colonial spell from 1510-1961.

Kakkeri's book also lists the stamps released, with details of the designer,
perforations, quantities printed, errors and varieties. Stamp-collectors --
who call their's the 'king of hobbies and hobby of kings' -- are known to
look out for errors in rare stamps, which lends additional value to
collectors.

He expects his book, possibly the first on its subject, to be a Bible "not
just to philatelists who are interested in Goa's stamps and cancellations,
but to everyone who likes to remember the Portuguese postal system as
compared to today's snail-mail".

Kakkeri's romance with the unusual subject flowered when doing his civil
engineering at the Farmagudi college in Goa. "Some of my friends gave me
Portuguese India stamps, and that was the beginning." With his family deity
in Goa, Kakkeri built on the "affection for this place" and his hobby.

His interest took him to probing deeply the cancellations of 'Portuguese
India' (or Estado da India Portuguesa, as the colonial power referred to
their small possessions in South Asia).

Some of his own collection includes widely-travelled postal covers,
post-cards, letter cards, minature sheets besides stamps. The author can be
emailed at umesh_kakkeri at hotmail.com

ENDS
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Frederick Noronha 784 Near Convent, Sonarbhat, SALIGAO, GOA India
Freelance Journalist TEL: +91-832-2409490 MOBILE: 9822122436
http://fn.swiki.net http://www.livejournal.com/users/goalinks fred at
bytesforall.org http://www.bytesforall.org
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
*Goa trance* (often referred as Goa) is form of electronic music and is a
style of trance music which originated in the Indian region of Goa.

The music has its roots in the popularity of the Goa region in the late
1960s and early 1970s as a hippie mecca, although the actual Goa trance
style would not appear until much later. As the tourist influx tapered off
in the 1970s and 1980s, a core group remained in Goa, concentrating on
improvements in music along with other activities such as yoga, recreational
drug use, and various New Age pursuits. It has a large group of listeners
within hippie subcultures.

The introduction of techno style and technique to Goa led to what would
eventually become the Goa trance style; early pioneers included Goa Gil and
Mark Allen. Many "parties" (similar to raves) in Goa revolve entirely around
this genre of music; Goa is also often played in other countries at raves,
festivals and parties often in conjunction with other styles of trance and
techno.

Goa is essentially "dance-trance" music (and was referred to as "Trance
Dance" in its formative years), and as such has an energetic beat, almost
always at 4/4 and often going into 16th or 32nd notes. It is also especially
noted for switching to a 3/3 beat with the same tempo during some parts of
the song. A typical number will generally build up to a much more energetic
movement in the second half of the track, and then taper off fairly quickly
toward the end. Generally 8-12 minutes long, Goa tracks usually have a
noticeably stronger bassline than other trance music and incorporate more
organic "squelchy" sounds (sounds put through a resonance filter, thought to
sound especially good on psychedelic drugs, the most famous of these being
generated by the TB-303.

Goa trance parties have a visual aspect as well, the use of "fluoro"
(fluorescent paint) is common in clothing and decoration. The images are
often associate with topics like aliens, hinduism and other religious
(especially eastern) images, mushrooms (and other psychedelic imagery),
shamanism and technology. Goa trance has a significant following in Israel,
brought to that country by former soldiers returning from recreational
"post-army trips" to Goa. A great deal of Goa trance is now produced in
Israel, but its production and consumption is a global phenomenon. Other
"hot-spots" include Brazil, Japan, and Mexico.

Goa trance is closely related to the emergence of psychedelic trance during
the latter half of the 1990s however the distinction between these two
genres is imprecise and they are considered by some to be synonymous. Both
styles are generally non-commercial and underground compared to other forms
of trance. The goa sound is more likely to be heard at outdoor parties and
festivals than in clubs and places like Ibiza. For a short period in the
mid-1990s it enjoyed significant commercial success with support from DJs
like Paul Oakenfold. The artist /man with no name/ probably came the closest
to being a goa trance "star".

Popular Artists

* 1200 Micrograms
* Alien Project
* Analog Pussy
* Astral Projection
* Atmos
* Battle Of The Future Buddhas
* California Sunshine
* Cosmosis
* Dark Soho
* Etnica
* Fractal Glider
* Green Nuns Of The Revolution
* Growling Mad Scientists
* Hallucinogen
* Infected Mushroom
* Juno Reactor
* Koxbox
* Logic Bomb
* Man With No Name
* Pleiadians
* Psysex
* Sesto Sento
* Shakta
* Shaolin Wooden Men
* Shiva Chandra
* Shiva Shidapu
* Shpongle
* Skazi
* Son Kite
* Space Cat
* Space Tribe
* SUN Project
* Talamasca
* Texas Faggot
* Ticon
* Tim Schuldt
* Total Eclipse
* Transwave
* Ubar Tmar
* X-Dream

External links

* 604 mailing list <http://party.net/cgi-bin/listinfo/604>
- a long running mailing list for Goa trance fans.
* Goa Gil's Home Page <http://www.goagil.com/>
* What is Goa? <http://www.psynews.org/various/goa.htm>
- a history of Goa trance from psynews.org.
* A Psykotropic Trip Through Tribedelic Transcapes
<http://www.princeton.edu/~cspock/Goa_Trance.htm>
- an article that explores the phenomenon of Goa trance.
* Philosomatika.com <http://www.philosomatika.com>
a free GOA internet radio station.
* Liquid Crystal Vision <http://www.liquidcrystalvision.com/>
a documentary about GOA. Can be bought or just watched online.


Trance
*Goa* - Minimalist - Progressive - Psychedelic

*Electronic music | Genres
Ambient | Breakbeat |
Electronica | Electronic art music | House | Techno
| Trance | Industrial | Synth pop

Categories
Trance music

MediaWiki <http://www.mediawiki.org/>
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* This page was last modified 09:04, 13 Jul 2004.
* All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free
Documentation License

FORWARDED VIA:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Frederick Noronha 784 Near Convent, Sonarbhat, SALIGAO, GOA India
Freelance Journalist TEL: +91-832-2409490 MOBILE: 9822122436
http://fn.swiki.net http://www.livejournal.com/users/goalinks
fred at bytesforall.org http://www.bytesforall.org
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
PANJIM (Goa): Twenty-three year old Sergio Toledo from Barcelona in Spain
landed up in Goa without plans to kill time on the state's famed beaches.
Instead, he plans to spend the next six months to see how to make computer
education more meaningful to school students here.

This final year student of telecommunications engineering of the Universitat
Politechnica de Catalunya in Barcelona is one of the two United Nations
Volunteers (UNVs), who think sharing skills is more important than rushing
to work for some mega-corp and pushing to get ahead in the rat-race.

Later this month, Eduardo Serrano Belenguer, another engineering student
from Valencia in Spain, is due to come in to join the UNV's UNITeS program.

UNITeS, the United Nations Information Technology Services, is an initiative
that seeks to "allow people from any country to volunteers their skills and
time to extend the benefits of the digital revolution" to the so-called
developing countries. It is coordinated by the United Nations Volunteers,
and has also been undertaking work in other parts of India, including
Orissa.

Toledo <jejoindia at yahoo.es> and Belenguer follow a handful of other
students, who did their bit to promote the idea of more effective computer
education for school children.

Earlier, Rina Patel <rinapatel81 at hotmail.com> and Siddarth Tickoo
<stickoo at yahoo.com>, both young expats who grew up in the US, spent months
in Goa working on the same concept. Both came down as part of an expat
initiative to support initiatives in India, using a kind of a 'desi'
equivalent of the Peace Corps.

So did Tom Fernandes <anyaddress at gmx.net>, of mixed German-Goan parentage.

But this is the first time that the UN has taken the initiative to send
across the volunteers, who will work with a small initiative called the
Knowledge Initiative Trust.

KIT was itself largely set up by expats of Goan origin, after learning
through the Internet of the need for better infrastructure and education --
specifically in computing -- in this small state of 1.4 million.

Goa itself has a large expat population, and its people have been migrating
long before many other parts of South Asia, in part because of early
colonial links in a region where Portuguese rule started in 1510. There are
no exact figures of Goa's expat population, though some figures guestimate
that upto a third of its current population could be outside Goa.

Expat groups lobbied and fund-raised for the past six years, managing to
bring in some 400 once-used computers, which were refurbished and set up in
schools willing to take care of them.

"We still continue to have hardware-related problems, but the bigger
challenge now is to find ways to get computers to play a bigger role in
learning all subjects," says Alwyn Noronha <Alwyn.Noronha at gmx.net>, who
himself retired to the island-village of Chorao early after working at a
UN-related computer job in Vienna.

Reluctance from overburdened and IT non-savvy teachers, the lack of
sufficient educational material relevant to local needs, and the failure to
appreciate the true worth a computer can have -- not just as an abstract
piece of equipment -- are some challenges that this voluntary
expat-educationist initiative seeks to overcome.

Over recent years, the Goa government went on an overdrive in distributing
computers. Large sections of undergraduate college students in Goa today can
take home a computer for a token payment of a thousand rupees or a little
more.

Some 17,000 computers were distributed in the "Cyberage" scheme, formulated
by the BJP-led alliance government headed by technocrat-politician Manohar
Parrikar, who studied in India's prestigious technological institution, IIT.

But, in schools, access to computers is still highly restricted, with
pricipals having to scheme and calculate shrewdly how to ensure each student
gets something more than a few token minutes of computer-time each week.

Recent years have seen officials and parents place increasing importance on
IT education. Initiatives are also underway to improve things. But, for
Goa's 300-odd high schools, the computer is still largely a magic-want,
which everyone seems confused in understanding how it's best used.

ENDS
--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Frederick Noronha 784 Near Convent, Sonarbhat, SALIGAO, GOA India
Freelance Journalist TEL: +91-832-2409490 MOBILE: 9822122436
http://fn.swiki.net http://www.livejournal.com/users/goalinks
fred at bytesforall.org http://www.bytesforall.org
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
What happened to the treasure of Konkani literature that existed before the
Portuguese colonised Goa in 1510, and which simply seems to have vanished?
Contrary to the widely-accepted view, the rulers from Europe might have not
been responsible for destroying Konkani's written record, suggests new light
on the issue.

Matthew Almeida, a Jesuit priest-linguist, has blasted what he sees as
"myths" created about the destruction of the Konkani language by the
Portuguese in the sixteenth century.

Almeida is known as a long-time researcher of Konkani and the
foundation-builder of the TSKK research institute which promotes the study
of one of India's smallest national languages. TSKK is named after Thomas
Stevens, an early English Jesuit who spent his life in Goa, promoting the
Konkani language.

Some missionary and colonial figures have been seen as adopting enlightened
attitudes towards Konkani in Goa -- even if for their own purpose, of
spreading religion or tightening their grip on what was meant to be the
colony and naval base of a one-time tiny but powerful European power that
dominated the sea-waves.

But so far, the widely accepted view has been that Konkani lacks an early
written heritage mainly because the Portuguese destroyed it during their
early spell of intolerance in this state.

"This fanciful claim (that Konkani's literary wealth was destroyed by the
Portuguese in their attempt to establish their rule and religion) has not
been proved by anyone with convincing evidence," argues Almeida, writing a
recent article in the Konkani research journal 'Sod'.

Yet, says he, it was "repeated by a number of writers after (the
mid-nineteenth century colonial bureaucrat seen by some as being favourably
disposed towards Konkani) Cunha Rivara, but without substantiating it."

Little-noticed but thought-provoking, the 'Sod' journal, priced at Rs 50 per
issue, is published by the Jesuit-run Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr centre
for research, from Porvorim, the suburb of state-capital Panjim. It is now
published six issues.

Almeida accepts that "an amount of religious literature" written in the 16th
to 18th centuries -- specially in Sanskrit and Marathi -- was "mercilessly
destroyed" in the City of Goa and its surroundings.

But this "however would not account for the absence of any samples of extant
Konkani literature from the period prior to the coming of the Portuguese."

Almeida points out that extant copies of Marathi literary works -- even of a
religious character -- have been found in some parts of Goa. This includes
two manuscripts by Krishnadas Shama's *Krishnacharitra* in Marathi, traced
by V B Prabhudesai and his associated some 30 years ago.

"Among the surviving writings of the 16th and 17th centuries, there are
records of accounts and land records, all written in Marathi and in
Halakannada characters," Almeida comments.

For him, the dilemma is this: Portuguese rule -- and therefore the burning
of literature -- was restricted to the central coastal area of today's Goa,
which had been conquered by the Portuguese in the sixteenth century itself.
(This central core of the state is called the 'Old Conquest', as against the
so-called 'New Conquests' which were taken over by the Portuguese, through
treaties or other means, only around the 'eighteenth century.)

Yet, ironically, in the same early colonial period, the Konkani people "were
spread over a vast area from Ratnagiri in coastal Maharashtra, to
present-day Goa, and right up to Kochi (Cochin) in the south Indian state of
Kerala".

"If there was a flourishing Konkani literature at that time, how could
anyone explain the absence of Konkani writers or readers outside the city of
Goa?" asks the linguist-priest, squarely challenging the long-held viewpoint
about the destruction of Konkani by Goa's colonial rulers.

He also points out that early European scholars of Konkani such as Thomas
Stephens, Antonio Saldanha and Miguel de Almeida "do not even refer to any
such Konkani literature even in passing".

"One should remember that the Portuguese who destroyed writings could not be
selective in destroying Konkani literature because they could not
distinguish Konkani, Marathi and Sanskrit from each other," he argues.

Almeida's argument is that the "real answer to the problem" seems to be that
"no such thing" as Konkani literature -- comparable to Marathi literature of
the time -- existed prior to the coming of the Portuguese.

He traces how the privileged position of Sanskrit, as the language of
literature, religion and culture, got challenged when
Buddhism and Jainism used the Prakrit languages as their medium of
communication.

He contends that the shift from the "classical language" to the regional
spoken and written language (of religion and literature) happened in the
13th century in the case of Marathi.

"Konkani, Marathi's sister language, seems to have remained only a spoken
language much longer because Konkani speakers could with a little effort
understand what the saint-poets of Maharashtra sang," he suggests.

Almeida's thesis is that "gradually", Konkani speakers must have come to
accept Marathi as their religious language, and must have also made an
effort to learn it as a literary language.

He contends however that, even today, Goans educated in Marathi and using
the language for religious purposes, prefer to speak in Konkani and "only
very rarely succeed in producing valuable literature in Marathi".

Contrary to the widely-held view, Almeida contends that the introduction of
Christianity in Goa "brought Konkani the much needed impetus to give it a
written literature".

Meanwhile, perhaps by coincidence, the Goa-Research-Net co-ordinated by Goan
historian Dr Teotonio R De Souza <teodesouza at netcabo.pt> has been discussing
the issue of whether colonial rule in these parts have created
"Indo-Portuguese creoles" in India.

Goa-Research-Net is open to academics and researchers, and can be joined by
sending in an email to majordomo at goacom.com with the message-area reading
"subscribe goa-research-net your at email.address"

ENDS
--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Frederick Noronha 784 Near Convent, Sonarbhat, SALIGAO, GOA India
Freelance Journalist TEL: +91-832-2409490 MOBILE: 9822122436
http://fn.swiki.net http://www.livejournal.com/users/goalinks
fred at bytesforall.org http://www.bytesforall.org
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
become a no-TV-household. That means, I no longer have a cable connection
and my TV lies forgotten in one corner of the room.

Why did I take this extreme step?

Firstly, I believe that I cannot expect my five-year-old daughter, Isabel
not to watch cartoons if I am unable to stop watching TV myself. I would be
undermining her worth as a person if I were to say to her that what I watch
on TV is more important than what she chooses to watch on TV. That would be
unfair.

Why do I want Isabel to stop watching TV? Lots of reasons:

* I believe a child until the age of seven years cannot distinguish
reality from fiction. I mean, when a child sees a movie that shows a
witch or a demon it is real to her. It does not occur to her that
the people who portray these characters are just 'acting'. It is
sometimes also real to us. Why else would you see the crowd at a
Panjim theatre weep during the "Passion of the Christ"? We can come
out of the theatre and reason that that was a movie; but a child is
unable to make such a judgement.

* I don't want her to internalize values such as violence and consumerism.
(Children upto the age of 12 years cannot help but internalize the values
that they are exposed to everyday.)

* The number of products that are targeted at kids by the advertisers seems
to be increasing everyday and I don't want Isabel to "demand" these products
or brands.

* I don't want her to get used to "constant entertainment" and "short
attention spans". I want her to know that life is a fair mix of various
emotions -- that being bored is sometimes what life is about. She has to
experience 'boredom' and figure out for herself what she intends to do about
it.

In the short time of four weeks that we have had without TV- I find two
changes in our home.

* News or a movie does not interrupt dinnertime; it is our private
time together as a family. Also, I find us eating in a state of
grace, thanking and remembering God for the joy we have been granted
in being together. (Earlier it used to be a time when I'd be
constantly trying to tell my daughter to keep quiet so that I could
'catch the news' or the dialogue of a film.)

* Isabel is able to sustain her interest in whatever it is that she is doing
for a much longer period of time. She is also able to figure out herself
what she must do after she is through with one activity. (Earlier she'd be
involved with say playing 'house' with her dolls and in exactly 10 minutes
she'd be back asking me what else she could play because now she had
"finished" playing with her dolls.)

Oh, don't misunderstand me. I am not against TV as a medium of entertainment
or as a medium of information. I am against using TV to exploit a child's
mind in order to make some money. I am against using TV as a means of escape
from the conflict that sometimes arise in relationships. I am against using
TV as a babysitter. I am against TV because of its mind-numbing quality
(when one starts to use it as an addiction).

Of course, one can use TV in moderation. But I found that it is very
difficult. Its lures are very powerful and insidious. Before I could analyze
why I was switching on the TV, I was already attracted to a programme and in
the middle of 'temptation'. To switch it off then is impossible.

I find that a relationship within a family suffers when one has this
"approved-by-society" medium of escape. I am sure there would be a lot of
disapproval from everybody if one used alcohol or drugs as a means to
escape. But TV? Oh no, that does not figure as a medium of escape. Most
believe it to be an important invention that has 'shrunk the world' and has
allowed people to be well informed.

Let me give you some mind-boggling statistics that might make you think
differently:

* Living with TV means growing up in a world of about 22,000
commercials a year, 5000 of them are for food products, more than
half of which are for low-nutrition sweets and snacks. (Dr. George
Gerbner, Dean of the Annenburg School of Communication at the
University of Pennsylvania).

* Violence on TV doesn't teach children about the reality of the world. TV
actually has 10 times as much violence as real life. Cartoons have between
25-100 acts of violence in one episode.

* The many messages on TV promote alcohol consumption and promiscuous sexual
activity. American teenagers for example, see an estimated 14,000 sexual
references and innuendoes per year on TV, yet only 150 of these references
deal with sexual responsibility or contraception.

* Harvard economist Juliet Schor (in her book "The Overspent American")
points out that the more TV a person watches, the more he or she spends.
Her research shows that each additional hour of TV watched per week leads to
an additional US$ 208 of annual spending (for adults).

* TV contains substantial amounts of "irregular driving" -- squealing
brakes, speeding, screeching tyres and property damage. In such scenes,
death and injury are (unrealistically) infrequent and legal penalties rare.

* The American Academy of Pediatrics has recently recommended that TV be
banned for children under two. This is because brain development is at a
crucial stage during the first two years and should be fostered with human
contact, not TV images.

And, here's what an authority on the brain's hemispheric development, a
bio-psychologist at the University of Chicago has to say: "When children
commit time looking at TV, they're not spending time reading. When a child
reads a novel, he has to self-create whole scenarios, he has to create
images of who these people are, what their emotions are, what their tone of
voice are, what their environment looks like, what the feeling of this
environment is. These self-created scenarios are important, and TV leaves no
room for that creative process? Brains are designed to meet cognitive
challenges. It's like muscles: if you don't exercise them they wither. If
you don't exercise brains, they wither."

I would like to quote one more person because this is my favourite topic.
Thomas More in his article 'Does America have a soul?' says: "Our society
seems to be pleased only by 'special' on TV, spectacles in sport,
spectacular political and social events, and of course, special people --
celebrities. Because of this focus on the exceptional, America is largely
starved for the ordinary life of neighbourhoods, friends and family -- the
main concerns of the soul."

"By giving away specialness to others, we are left feeling that our own
lives are not unique, that they are even less than ordinary... instead of
searching for the wisdom that will make us more humane and compassionate, we
become fascinated with remote and disconnected bits of knowledge. We are
dedicated to cool, mental information-gathering rather than warm, heartfelt
conversation and contemplation."

"I know a man who has four TV sets in his living room; all perpetually in
play each tuned to a different channel. His driving need to be informed and
his disappearance into technology represent our seemingly well-intentioned
escape from intimate engagement with each other."
--
The writer is based in Porvorim, Goa. She can be contacted via email
vaz_bindu at rediffmail.com
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
asianage at sancharnet.in

Panaji, Aug 31:Income tax sleuths this morning raided the swank residence
of a BJP minister for town planning and another ex MLA who recently defected
to the BJP, admist allegations that huge sums of money had changed hands in
the political deal.

The raids conducted on the residences of the two Goa politicians ---
minister Atanasio Monserrate and ex MLA Isidore Fernandes -- in the
aftermath of the recent defection has sent the state's politics into a fresh
tizzy.

In mid August, Fernandes, a former Congress MLA, had in an unprecendented
step resigned as MLA. He formally joined the BJP on Monday, and is expected
to recontest the seat he vacated in a by election scheduled for October.

Officials of the IT department were ensconed in the high walled residence
of the minister all day , while two residences of the former MLA were
searched, just a day after he joined the BJP in the presence of chief
minister Manohar Parrikar.

The Congress meanwhile said it would pursue its own investigations and come
up with proof to back their allegations that Mr Fernandes was lured to the
BJP after financiers wrote off a Rs 38 lakh loan.

The former MLA had allegedly asked the Congress to match the amount if they
wanted to retain his loyalty, said a Congress spokesman.

"Purchasing an MLA is an offence under the Prevention of Corruption Act"
said Goa Congress President Luizinho Faleiro, adding that the party would
release details at an "appropriate time".

Mr Fernandes who joined the BJP with some fanfare on Monday, denied the
Congress allegations. He accused his former partymen of plotting the fall of
the Parrikar regime and failing due to rival personal ambitions(ends)
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
Panaji, Sep 2: Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar said the state was
withdrawing its consent to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to
operate in Goa, following Tuesday's central income tax raids on a BJP
minister and former legislator.

"I have lost faith in the Centre and in the Central government
agencies," Mr Parrikar said at a specially convened press conference
in the State secretariat this morning.

The BJP was reacting angrily to the widespread raids on the offices and
residences of BJP town planning minister Atanasio Monserrate and an ex-MLA,
Isidore Fernandes, who recently vacated his assembly seat to join the BJP.

"The Centre is misusing its agencies and trying to harrass the opposition.
The current ruling party has an apprehension that it will misuse other
agencies for political ends," said Mr Parrikar.

By withdrawing the general consent to the CBI to operate in Goa, the
agency will have to take state government approval for any
investigation other that specific cases against central government
agenices. It currently operates under the Delhi Police Act with
general and specific consent from the States. Goa will be
withdrawing its general consent, the chief minister said.

Previous Congress governments had withdrawn consent to the CBI to function
here from 1996-2000, over disputes with the official posted here.

Mr Parrikar pointedly clarified that his objection was to the alleged
discourtesy and breach of protocol in the IT raids.

Earlier the chief minister had said raids on a state minister could not
have taken place without the approval of the Central finance minister. He
charged the local Congress leadership with instigating the raids to
"destablise" his government and frighten MLAs.

"There is such a thing as State and Central relations. They have stepped on
the State government's toes," said Mr Parrikar. Serious complaints will be
made to the Prime Minister and President, he said.

Mr Parrikar, in addition, argued that the 30 income tax officials
who conducted the extensive raids in Goa on Tuesday had breached
protcol in not informing state authorities about the raid on a
minister, though state police escorts were taken for the purpose.

While the raids were on, the minister was obstructed from signing a Cabinet
note, amounting to an obstruction of constitutional duties and the
privileges of the state cabinet. The state government is considering legal
criminal action against the IT officials involved, Mr Parrikar argued.

In taking a strong stand on Tuesday's raids, the state goverment here has
launched its own counter-offensive in the local political chess game being
played out in the backdrop of Goa's notoriously instable politics.

The Congress was visibly gleeful after Tuesday's raids, saying it
was a fit reply to the operations of "money sharks" who had lured Mr
Fernandes into vacating his seat. Goa Pradesh Congress chief Mr
Luizinho Faleiro has said he will seek additional vigilance on money
spending at next month's by-election for the vacated seat.

Meanwhile, political battlelines are already being drawn in the state for
October's by-election which is emerging as a BJP versus
the-rest-of-the-opposition contest. Mr Fernandes is expected to recontest,
after he quit to dramatically alter the equation in the thinly-divided Goa
assembly, this time battling on a BJP ticket. (ENDS)
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
NEAR GOA'S BORDER, GREEN FORESTS FACE THE BRUTAL AXE

By Paul Fernandes fdspaul1 at rediffmail.com

CHORLA: The focus right now is on the mouth of River Mandovi. The kind
cruelty of the planners' motives will finally yield a dreamy outlook to the
riverfront, it would seem. The mayhem along its banks does still evoke a
feeling of outrage. But who is aware about the greater disaster being
scripted mindlessly in the upghat areas of the state's lifeline?

The Goa-Belgaum road from Querim at the foot of the Vageri hill is
scenic. But as it snakes up the Chorla ghat in its misty reaches, it
gives one a heady feeling of ascending to heaven. But this is soon
shattered by the glimpses of a large-scale destruction of the
already fast-depleting forest cover, which though little realised,
is actually the catchment area of rivers and streams flowing into
Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka.

Illegal mining, massive felling and extensive burning of trees and other
destructive activities on the plateau land as well as steep slopes has
perilously reduced hundreds of acres of private forest land into a desert,
as it were.

Says Shrihari Kugaji, a nature lover who has witnessed the massacre of the
forests, "These areas form the catchment region of Mhadei (Goa), Markardeya
and Malaprabha (Karnataka) and Tillari (Maharashtra)."

Kugaji who is part of a NGO from Belgaum has toured these forest areas in
villages such as Krishnapur, Maan, Kankhumbi, Gawali and Bhimgad. Mining
activities are in progress in Kalmani, Amte, Gollahali and other villages of
Khanapur taluka.

The shocking red gashes on slopes are visible from the Belgaum road.

"In the dry months, villagers thirst for water," says a resident of a
village along the road. But once Kankhumbi which received mind-boggling
amount of rainfall was like a Chirapunjee of this region. Now the rain is
much sparse and worrisome.

The Malaprabha river which has its source near Kankhumbi has dried
up considerably. And environmentalists worry that a similar disaster
is looming ahead in other areas if the senseless rape of the forests
continues unabated. NGOs have sought to caution others at meetings
held to create awareness about Karnataka government's plans to
divert the Mhadei river and its tributaries by citing the example of
Malaprabha

Says Kugaji, "Nobody here wants to address the core problem. Why has the
water yielding capacity of these rivers gone down? Why is there a decrease
in the rainfall?"

The evergreen forests are vital to replenish the supply of fresh water in
these states. And the partitioning of precipitous hill slopes has raised
fears of a looming water scarcity. Mining has been going on since 2000 but
of late there is a spurt in the activity.

The denudation of steep slopes will lead to erosion and long terms
effects on the water supply system, environmentalists fear.

Says Rajendra Kerkar, secretary of Mhadei Bachao Abhiyan, "The destruction
of evergreen forests in this bio-diversity hotspot along the western ghats
has to stop or there will be serious repercussions."

Despite complaints to the concerned authorities, action has not been
initiated, says Kugaji. On the contrary, the forest department officials
have started harassing some villagers and asked them not to co-operate with
NGOs visiting the areas to monitor the activities in this sensitive region.

ENDS

[The writer is senior Goa-based journalist]
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b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
klintvaz at softhome.net

I was driving to Quepem at 4.30 when I noticed two ambulances speeding past.
As I neared the site of the Skybus track, I saw a huge crowd. It wasn't a
trial test, but infact, an accident that had occurred!!

I was at the scene just minutes after the accident occurred. Eyewitness
reposts say that the skybus was approaching a curve at around 50-60 kmph
during a speed test run when it suddenly began to sway and in the process
hit a number of pillars before coming to a halt.

The result of the accident was the death of one engineer, Mr. T Babu who
fell to his death, and injuries of 2 others. The Skybus was badly damaged,
and the first bogey was crushed in on its side. About 3 pillars had slight
damage as well.

At the moment, the skybus has been wrapped with plastic sheets to prevent
onlookers from having a look at the damage, but fortunately, I had taken
some pictures...have a look at:

http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/klintvaz/album?.dir=/c2be
----------------------------------------------------------------

ONE KILLED, FOUR HURT, SAY OFFICIALS
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
asianage at sancharnet.in

Panaji, Sep 25: The Konkan Railway Corporation's Rs 50 crore test Skybus
project suffered a setback, when its suspended coach hit several columns
killing one staffer and injuring four others.

The late afternoon mishap occured during a regular internal trial, just a
week after KRC ran a successful trial run on its 1.6 km test track in the
suth Goa city of Margao.

The light weight suspended coaches first hit a column, began swinging and
subsequently hit a further three columns, causing damange to the coaches. A
thirty year old mechanical staffer with KRC, Mr T Babu dies in the accident,
KRC PRO Baban Ghatge told The Asian Age.

Four other workers sustained injuries in the accident, one of them seriously.

The redesigned rail system, which uses suspended coaches running on elevated
tracks, is being marketed as a breakthrough technology for mass urban
transportation.

Patent holders -- the Konkan Railway Corporation -- was hoping to officially
dedicate the technology to the nation by mid October.

Earlier this month Managing Director B Rajaram told mediapersons that the
Kerala Government was interested in setting up the Skybus technolgy in Kochi
city, while other expressions of interest, both domestic and international,
amounted to some Rs 50,000 crore worth of potential projects.

EOUs were signed with a number of cities including for the
Andheri-Ghatkopar link in Mumbai, and Medina city(ends)

----------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTIONS BEING RAISED OVER WHAT CAUSED THE MISHAP
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
gonsalvesgodfreyji at yahoo.co.in

In a freak accident today at 1607 hrs IST, the indigenously built Skybus of
the Konkan Railway Corporation oversped beyond over 20 kmph (the normal
speed required while negotiating at crucial near right angle turn) at the
Rawanfond end near Margao Railway Station, hitting disastrously on the
pillars, resulting in the door falling apart.

Of the over a dozen workmen in the Skybus, one fitter an employee of KRCL
died from a fall and two others escaped with injuries.

When this writer visited the spot of the accident, there was chaos and an
unmanageable crowd surged towards the accident spot at little away from the
KRCL Margao Station.

With the sky overcast and last monsoon showers rainfall expected, there was
a pall of gloom all over.

It is believed that a technical fault of the computer-aided controls
resulted in the overun. One official divulged that an over-enthusiast among
the officials may have played spoilsport. The foreign technicians were not
seen at the test site when this reporter visited the area.

Most officials at the site were dumb-founded and the MD KRCL was seen at the
Railway Quarters much later after the tragic accident, but was obviously
unaccessible to the crowd.

It may be recalled that the Skybus, after initial test trials, was given a
public trial on 14 September, 2004 and many visitors besides the media who
had an ocassion of a free run in the 1.5 km trial track were delighted at
the innovative design of the Skybus.

Ironically the ex-MD of KRCL Mr Shreedharan now the CEO of the Delhi Metro
had recently cast aspersions on the viability and cost effectiveness of the
Skybus vis a vis the Metro system, though the present MD of KRCL Mr Rajaram
has spared no pains to convince those in the Ministry of Transportation that
the answer to major travel ills congestion in cosmopolitan cities is the
Skybus.

The ill-fated Skybus has been covered with a blue canopy.

It is doubtful whether the forthcoming formal inauguration of the SKY BUS by
the Union Minister of Railways Laloo Prassad Yadav scheduled for October 15,
2004 will materialise.

Infact, as if the project appeared jinxed, just this morning KRCL invited
tender for a restaurant atop the SKYBUS rail track facing the KRCL Margao
railway station and while enquires were being made at the station on the
details of the same, the sudden news of the crash of the Skybus made some
hoteliers beat a hasty retreat.

Today being a non-working day for the Government offices besides private
offices observing a half-day, there were large crowds running to the site,
necessitating the presence of police bandobust.

It is possible that this tragedy could see the anti-Skybus rumour-mill get
agog with "I told you so" perspectives in the days to come.

Nevertheless, the officials seem unfazed and will go ahead to ensure the
completion of the over 1.6 kms track being now scheduled to be fully
operational.

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GODFREY J I GONSALVES
Borda Margao Goa
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TINY NAGALAND has the largest proportion of Christians in its state (90% of
its total population), but it is the southern states of Kerala followed by
Tamil Nadu which have the largest headcounts of people of this faith.

Kerala has a total Christian population of a little over six million, while
Tamil Nadu has nearly 3.8 million Christians, out of India's total Christian
population of just over 24 million.

At the other end of the scale, northern states like Himachal Pradesh have
only a little over 7000 Christians, while smaller 'union territories' like
the former Portuguese colony of Daman & Diu and the islands of Lakshadweep
have a Christian population of around 3000 and 500 respectively.

Religion-linked figures from the latest Census 2001 are slowly being
released officially, and additional details about different religious groups
make for an interesting study on religious diversity in the planet's
second-most populous country. Overall, figures tallied showed that in all
India had 1028 million people when the latest official census was taken, in
2001.

Detailed analysis of major religious groupings have recently been released.
'The First Report on Religion: Census of India 2001' also looks at the
state-by-state break-up of all religions, including Christians. This studies
their proportion to the total population, female-to-male sex ratio,
zero-to-six age-group sex ratio, and other figures.

India's Christian population seems to be older in some states, and younger
in others. In the country as a whole, some 13.5 per cent of the total
Christian population is in the zero-to-six age group.

Some states with a more 'youthful' Christian population include Meghalaya
(21.1% in the zero-to-six age group), Arunachal Pradesh (20.5%), Dadra and
Nagar Haveli (19.3%), Orissa (17.8%), Assam (17.6%), Jharkhand (16.2%),
Mizoram and Punjab (both 16.1%),

States like Goa, where the birth rate among all communities has fallen
drastically over recent decades, sees Christians too with just 9.6 per cent
of its population in the zero-to-six age group, suggesting an older
population overall.

Smaller regions like Daman and Diu and the islands of Lakshadweep (which has
just 509 Christians among its slightly over sixty thousand population) have
fewer proportions in their zero-to-five Christian population. But it might
not be appropriate to draw conclusions based on this base of small numbers
involved.

India's Christian population has a sex-ratio which is favourable to women.
Early findings on this census have already drawn attention, since Christians
-- unlike other religious communities in India -- have 1009 women for every
thousand men. This indicates a favourable ratio, as far as women go.

This figure is significant in a country where a strong preference for the
boy child has led the women-to-men ratio to sharply fall in some religious
communities. The Christian higher women-to-men ratio could reflect either a
lower bias in favour of the boy-child, or migratory trends among the menfolk
of certain regions (such as Kerala and Goa) for overseas jobs, or a mix of
both the factors.

(In Kerala, the women-to-men ratio among Christians is 1031 for every
thousand men, while in Goa it is an even-higher 1107. Goa has the highest
such ratio for Christians among all states nationwide, while Pondicherry
a;sp has a high 1101 women for every thousand males in its 67,698-strong
Christian community.)

But when the sex-ratio is considered only in the 0-6 age group for
Christians, the situation changes. This figure drops to 964 girl children
for every thousand boy children (in the 0-6 age group), a cause for probable
concern which could do with sociological explanations. It indicates a
more-adverse ratio for girls in the younger age groups.

Literacy among Christians overall in India is a fairly high 80.3%. But given
the rather low qualifying-tests to be treated as 'literate' in India,
obviously there is no scope for self-congratulation for some time to come.

Kerala with 94.8%, Delhi with 94%, Mizoram with 93.1%, and Maharashtra with
91% top the states with highest levels of literacy among all Christian
communities in India. At the other end is Arunachal (just 47% of Christian
population literate), Punjab (54.6%) and Orissa (with 54.9% of its Christian
population literate)). .

Here too, Kerala tops all states in terms of female literacy among
Christians. Some 93.5% of its Christian women qualify as literate in that
southern state. Delhi and Mizoram fight for a close second, with 91.7% and
91.4% respectively.

Just under 40% of the Christian population in India is involved in the
workforce. But the 'work participation rate' varies widely across states.

In Lakshadweep, some 82% of the Christian population is part of the
workforce -- but it's hard to draw conclusions since the islands have just
509 Christians in all.

Other states with a high Christian 'work participation rate' include Mizoram
(51.7%), J&K (50.6%), Chhattisgarh (46.1%), Gujarat (45.9%), Jharkhand
(45.6%), Orissa (44.6%), and Andhra (42.8%).

In terms of the Christian percentage of population in different states,
states which have a higher-than-average ratio include Nagalad (90%), Mizoram
(87%), Meghalaya (70.3%), Manipur (34%), Goa (26.7%), Andamans (21.7%),
Kerala (19%), Arunachal (18.7%), Pondicherry (6.9%), Tamil Nadu (6.1%),
Sikkim (6.7%), Assam (3.7%), Tripura (3.2%), Dadra and Nagar Haveli (2.7%),

States and union territories with a miniscule Christian presence includes
Himachal, Rajasthan, UP, Bihar and Haryana (all 0.1% of the total
population), J&K (0.2%), Uttaranchal (0.3%), West Bengal (0.6%), Chandigarh
(0.8%), Delhi (0.9%), Lakshadweep (1%), Maharashtra 1.1%), Punjab (1.2%),
Andhra Pradesh (1.6%), Karnataka (1.9%), Daman & Diu (2.1%),

Early releases of the religious totals of India's population weeks back
caused a major political controversy, with some groups alleging that the
'minority' population was growing faster than those classified as Hindus.

Explaining the methodology followed, official updates caution that "data
users should adopt caution and be careful before drawing any conclusions in
respect of trends in the proportions and growth at the all-India level (of
different religious communities)".

Figures are available on the official website http://www.censusindia.net/

ENDS
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IT ONCE WAS a prominent radio station in India. In days when the rest of
Indian broadcasting was turning puritanical, the Portuguese-run radio
station at Altinho (Pangim, then) attracted listeners from far and wide.
Radio Ceylon became a hit on the South Asian air-waves only later, and as one
writer noted, it was the colonial Goa station that gave even top singers
like Lata Mangueshkar her break and wider fame across the sub-continent.

On Friday night, AIR FM Rainbow at Goa claimed to make "radio
history" by becoming the first Indian radio station to host a
live music band, rocking right out of its studios.

AIR says once a fortnight, Goa's "greatest bands" will be invited to perform
in their 'Nite of the Fortnight' shows in AIR's specially-designed (but so
far inadequately-utilised) auditorium.

FM radio has been growing in Goa. It first got a boost in the early
'nineties from Bombay-based private players with deep pockets (Times FM,
Mid-Day, and even a local newspaper player that queued up to get a slot, and
then handed it over to the bigger fish to actually manage).

Younger talent and market-pressures (lavish government funding is
drying up) has pushed AIR into being more conscious of local
tastes, rather than being dogmatic about languages and style.

Two private radio stations, which were supposed to be set up in
Goa, didn't see the light of day. But the new attempts to marry
commercial sponsors with local tastes might help to somewhat recoup
part of the sheen lost by a station which has considerable gaps
of silence between broadcasts, and has long been pendantic
about what it airs.

It was the local band named 'Alcatraaz' -- baptised after the high-security
prison -- that kicked off the series. (Band-leader Jude Mascarenhas, who
happens to be freedom-fighter and ex-editor's Lambert Mascarenhas' son,
explained it thus: "Music is like a prison. Once you're in there, you can't
get out. I tried to leave the band twice or thrice myself.")

This show kicked off at around 8.30 pm. By 9 pm the RJs (radio
jockeys, in youth lingo) Savio Noronha and Bambino linked up
to broadcast live to the state from out of Altinho. The 9-10 pm
slot is kind of popular, inspite of having to compete with
national TV and local cable TV Goa-news offerings that now come
from three different commercial operators (including the
English-run Goa-365). That FM caters to popular Western
and/or Konkani tastes (with Marathi slots too,
but always light music) helps.

On Friday night, speeches were short. Station director B D Mazumdar praised
Goans for "knowing music, loving music, smelling music (did one hear right?)
and creating music".

Noted Indo-Latin fusion drummer Bondo was aptly the chief guest. (His
sobriquet is a self-depreciating label that refers to a useless, half-formed
coconut. But Joseph Ballarmio Fernandes can squeeze magical sounds out of
his tubby fingers. He has a background of decades in music, began with his
brother's band 'Sparks' in the 'seventies, and was then part of the
Remo-and-Bondo team. Besides working in Europe, he has also performed in
Indo-Jazz fusion and worked in Latino music. He's now back home in Goa, and
has been here for some time now. He spent a decade in Portugal too, as one
of the RJs pointed out.)

"This is the place where I started my (musical) life," said a grateful and
nostalgic-sounding Bondo. He narrated how he got a chance to perform on
radio while still in school, and how the influences of the tabla and
harmonium had led him to experiment with Indian classical music too.

Shifting back to the stage, the Alcatraaz comprises Jude
Mascarenhas (guitarist and lead vocalist), Cassius
Fernandes (keyboards), Patrick Silveira (percussions),
Peter Faria (bass), Francis D'Souza (lead guitar) and
Sandra Franco of Guirim on the vocals. One of the RJs
pointed out that apart from Sandra, all the rest are
from "within 5 kms of Panjim". Some are from the
Don Bosco's old boy's network.

Jude was quick to recommend youngsters here to take to music. But
persistence is a must, he cautioned, and don't expect to become an expert
"in three months". A prison it may be; but it's a pleasurable one at that.

It was a kind of rewind, and anyway slow-changing (why not?) Goa is known
for its taste for the music of the yesteryears. "Many of the songs we're
playing today are the ones the songs we heard on radio years ago, in the
'eighties or late 'seventies. At a time when All India Radio was the only
place where we could listen to music coming in," said Jude.

Together with the louder music, there was Abba's Does Your
Mother Know ("one of the very few songs by Abba done for a
male singer, and hence we chose it"), the Konkani hit of
the yesteryears 'Molbalo Douh', Quando, and a few more.

Starting at 8.30 pm, the indoors show in a somewhat overcooled and chilly
air-conditioned hall went on till about 10.30 pm. Radio officials said they
had shows for the next four fortnights lined up, with prominent Goan bands.
The next will be on October 28, same time, same place.

Passes are needed for entry; and these can be got from AIR's office. The
under-200 seater Western music auditorium can surely give a boost to local
musical talent, provided it is utilised often, and finds enough patrons to
keep it going. Idea Cellular, the mobile phone company, sponsored this
event, and in turn got advertising space on radio. But surely local musical
talent deserves better, specially since a show of this kind costs around
under Rs 20,000; a small price to pay to encourage talent in a region which
already has a lot of it, and is going ahead on its own. Radio or no radio.

ENDS

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0091-5637. Reproduced with permission of the editor.
---------------

KONKANI HAS ITS own unique expressions -- words, phrases, idioms, proverbs,
and other folksy linguistic miracles which defy translation into any other
language. *To konna'lo?* is one such, with its several inflexions according
to gender and number: *tem konnalem*, *ti konna'li*, *te konna'le*, *teo
konna'leo*, *tim konna'lim*.

Literary, the phrase means, "Which family does he belong to?" or "Who are
his parents?" It is apparently a simple interrogative, an expression of
normal, healthy curiosity, expressing the concern that one human being has
for another.

But to those who know their Konkani and belong to the social matrix of Goa,
the phrase is far from simple and innocuous. True, it does express
curiosity, but the curiosity is not the elementary curiosity of a mere
individual. It is the highly sophisticated curiosity of the community, or
organised society. The phrase is a masterpiece of verbal economy and
semantic subtlety. It implies a social and moral attitude that is the result
of a whole way of life rooted in the soil of Goa.

Though the phrase is known to all, it is never used indiscriminately. It is
not to be bandied about in the street or in the market-place. You cannot
just speak it out glibly, or shout it out brazenly. Even in the drawing-room
or the dance-hall, you cannot mouth it tactlessly. To do so would be the
height of impertinence, and you would be summarily condemned as a very
ill-mannered yokel.

In fact, the use of the phrase calls for the proper occasion and situation,
the proper place and time, and above all, the most practised gesture and
inflexion of voice. Its utterance is part of a "code."

Goan society is based on a traditional hierarchy which has its origins in
ancient Hindu India. It is a hierarchy of many tiers, arranged in a
descending scale, each tier made up of a homogeneous group, with its own
status, it own priviledges and responsibilities, its own loyalties, and its
own "code" of honour, which have to be zealously guarded. An individual's
place in this hierarchy is determined solely by the accident of birth.

The gods decided it all for you: you are born into a family which belongs to
one of the social tiers, and there you "belong," there you stay. Like the
fixed stars in the heavens, you have your fixed station in the social
firmament, and your set orbit.

In the good old days, before emigration and the spread of education began to
disturb the feudal stability of life in Goa, everyone knew practically
everyone else. Your identity was known, not only who you were but also where
you belonged.

This is generally true in the villages even today. Such was the thoroughness
with which the hierarchic social system was perpetuated that a large number
of Hindu surnames could be interpreted as marks of identification which
placed you definitely in one of the social tiers.

However, an accident of history took place to disturb the old social order.
Foreign conquest and conversion in the sixteenth century introduced new
ideas of a free and equal society in Goa. The logic of the principle that
all men are equal was a challenge to the traditional hierarchic practice,
and the situation was fraught with perils. But the challenge had to be
faced. Habits die hard; position and privilege cannot be easily surrendered;
group loyalties cultivated over the centuries cannot be given up. The new
ideas of social mobility were a threat to the homogeneity of the group. The
purity of the social group had to be maintained, the well-being of the
members assured. This could be done by sedulously preventing the
infiltration of intruders and upstarts, of "outsiders."

Under the new dispensation this was not as easy as before. Names, for
example, were arbitrarily changed, and one clue to the identity of an
individual came to be lost. "Fernandes" or "Colaco" offered no clue to the
status of an individual christened with the new foreign name, as "Sardesai"
or "Borkar" offered. A "Colaco" could be anyone from the highest-born to the
lowest-born.

In this state of anonymity and impending social confusion a technique had to
be devised to discover the identity of the individual, so that the
privileges enjoyed exclusively by the high-born could be safeguarded. In the
field of employment, for instance, unwanted low-born competitors had to be
eliminated. The loaves and fishes of office had to be distributed among
members of the group that enjoyed the patronage of the rulers. The elders
who held office had not only to see that their relatives, whom they knew,
were well-placed, but also see that further recruitment was confined to the
members of the social group they traditionally belonged to. This called for
the closely scrutiny and circumspection.

This was a task for the new Goan gentleman. A gentleman, as Cardinal Newman
has it, is one who never hurts others. So when the job-seeker had to be
'placed' socially, it had to be done in a gentlemanly manner. The problem
was to find an answer to the crucial question which the upholders of the old
hierarchic order had invented in face of the new challenge: *To konna'lo?*

An easy way would have been to ask the party a direct question: *Tum
konna'lo?* But that would be against the spirit of the new civilization. The
process of detection had to be oblique and casual. By indirections find
directions out: that was the civilized way.

"Which village do you come from?" is usually the opening question. Like the
old surnames, the names of several villages in Goa are associated with a
certain social group that has a major population in it. If your reply is
Assagao, or Saligao, or Moira, or Velim, or Cuncolim, or St Estevam, the
problem of "placing" you is not very difficult.

There is a supplementary to this: "From which ward?" which tracks you down
nearer home. The pursuit continues, however, "Do you know so-and-so?" It is
a change from place to person, generating an atmosphere of intimacy. If the
answer is yes, then pat comes the confidence move, "He's my mother's
sister's sister-in-law's husband's son-in-law." You reel under the impact of
this chain of relatives, and when you have recovered from the attempt to
unravel the complexity of the relationship, you warm up to the occasion and
discover to him, "Ah! He's my father's sister's brother-in-law's daughter's
son." It's a mutual discovery, and he bursts upon you with the cabalistic
phrase, "*Arre, tum amcho mum-re!*" You're not only 'placed', you are
accepted. You join the chosen band of the priviledged.

Another occasion calls for a like investigation. Traditionally, marriage in
Goa is endogamous. It is arranged between members of the same social group.
It is not a personal affair, but a family affair, and it is mother-made.

Goa is dotted with *Donas* with grown-up daughters, whose giving away in
marriage is a matter of great concern and calls for perpetual vigilance. It
is not only that an adequate dowry has to be provided; a proper husband has
to be chosen.

The young man need not be rich, he need not be highly educated; in fact, he
need not even be young. There may be a bunch of decaying *beatas* in his
house, not to speak of a number of aged *tios*. The family may even have
bred quite a few *endde*. But the proper husband-to-be must "belong" to the
social group of his mother-in-law-to-be.

One of the happy hunting grounds for these *Donas* is the dance-hall, which
offers a wide range of eligible young, or not-so-young, bachelors. Many a
marriage has been arranged in this place, and many more are still arranged.
Bejewelled, laced and feathered, these Goans of a dying species chaperoned
their daughters to the hall and took their seats at a vantage point from
where they could survey the whole scene.

Imagine them in a phalanx, these pillars of the traditional hierarchy,
fanning themselves while they observe and comment upon the young couples on
the floor. Perhaps one of them spots her daughter swaying in the arms of a
handsome young man. She has not seem him before, but he looks eligible.
Perhaps he is making overtures to her daughter. Anything can happen when the
two young people dance cheek to cheek. She has to make a quick move to
prevent a *misalliance*. Her cronies on either side can come to her rescue
and enlighten her. Some of them are experts in genealogy; they know family
trees from roots upwards to the smallest twig.

And so she leans to her left, her face half-covered with the spread-out fan,
and whispers in her neighbour's ear the great question: "*To konna'lo re?*,
pointing to the young man with her raised eyebrow and fixed look. This is
the classic occasion for the use of the phrase. The young aspirant is
minutely scanned, perhaps with the aid of a lorgnette, and "placed" with a
superior sniff and a whispered contempt. His predicament has been very
precisely stated by Prufrock: "... eyes that fix you in a formulated
phrase,/ And when I am formulated, sprawling on a pin, / When I am pinned
and wriggling on the wall."

He does not belong. The establishment is secure.

Of course, in spite of the heroic efforts of such *Donas*, there have been
cracks in the establishment in recent years. There is greater social
mobility than ever before. But social attitudes practised over the centuries
become part of the subconscious mind and resist change. The attitude
crystallised in the phrase, *To konna'lo?* formed the warp and woof of Goan
society. It played a furtive role in the corridors of the seminary, in the
vestry of the church, and in the chapter of the cathedral. It received a
sanction in Goan folklore, was codified in proverbs and immortalised in the
following legend.

The two adjoining villages in Bardez, Sangolda and Guirim, have each a major
population of one social group. They have one church, however, and one
patron saint on the centre altar, the side altars being dedicated to the
Holy Name of Jesus and Our Lady of the Rosary. The religious loyalty of each
of the two social groups is attached to one of the side altars.

It happened once that an old woman in Guirim was on her death-bed. Now, it
is a custom in Goa to teach prayers to the dying and end them with the
ejaculation, *Jezu pay!* (Help me Jesus). The young woman who taught her the
prayers finally whispered in the ears of the dying, "Repeat after me: Jesus
help me!"

Hardly had she uttered the ejaculation when the old woman open her eyes wide
and shook her head most piously, "Jezu amcho nhum, Jezu ten'cho!" and she
closed her eyes and died.

Perhaps the old woman has changed her attitude in the other world. But in
this world, the Goan mind generally wavers between "decisions and
indecisions" on this social problem. And if I speak wrong, dear reader, tell
me this: has a question been flitting in and out of your mind as you have
been reading what I have written: *To konna'lo*?

Your answer will alone prove or disprove what I have been saying.
--------
LUCIO RODRIGUES (1916-1973) had a brilliant academic career at Bombay
University; he started the literary magazine *The Liberation Movement* and
contributed to many publications in India; a specialist in folk literature
and arts, he was Visiting Professor of Folklore at Indiana University in
1969.
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Panaji, Oct 30: Corporators of state capital Panaji okayed proposals to drop
Portuguese names from 21 roads in the city and re-anoint them to honour
freedom fighters and eminent personalities.

The exercise comes nearly four decades after Portugal's ouster from its
former west coast enclave and is the second name change exercise to drop the
names of Portuguese governors and personalities.

Panaji's arterial main roads had already been renamed in the past --- after
Mahatma Gandhi, Dayanand Bandodkar (Goa's first chief minister) and T B
Cunha (Goan freedom fighter). Minor road names -- little known even to
residents of this small town --- were however retained until now.

Road nomenclature became an issue once again when freedom fighters and
saffron groups in the state took offence to plaques and sign posts that
publicised the "pro-Portuguese' names during heritage restoration and city
upgrade projects in recent months.

On Friday, corporators agreed to drop names like Rua de Ourem, Rua Gov
Texeira de Silva, Rua Cruzador Admastor, Rua Diago de Couto among others and
make way for Goan freedom fighters Mark Fernandes, Peter Alvares, and
Viswanath Lawande.

The name changing exercise was not without acrimony. In June this year,
saffron groups vandalised sign posts and plaques to make their point in a
state that plays up its Iberian westernised image to create its tourism
unique selling-point.

Starred hotels in the state opt for flamboyant Portuguese words and imagery
to create ambiance and bolster sales.

Meanwhile, city administrators have also decided to crack down on begging
and hawking in its bid to spruce up the city for the November 29
international film festival of India.

Rs 100 crore (Rs 1000 million) have been sunk into putting up infrastructure
along a narrow strip of waterfront road.
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asianage at sancharnet.in

Panaji, Nov 9: Goa's first government-built multiplex is set to begin
operations amidst doubts about its financial viability. The post-modern
swanky multiplex -- the first in the state --- was over-seen by INOX Leisure
and will open on November 12.

International standard stadium seating, 4 THX-compliant auditorium, state of
the art sound and projection equipment has come at a hefty Rs 24 crore (Rs 240
million) tab to the state exchequer.

Built on prime riverfront real estate in the state-capital of Panaji, over a
demolished hospital complex, the multiplex will screen films for the
November 29-Dec 9 International Film festival of India.

This festival inaugural though is at the nearby Charles Correia-designed
state performing arts academy which has been redone and fitted with
acoustics and projection equipment totalling Rs 21 crore (Rs 210 million).

The glass fronted multiplex -- a post modern landmark in a city with quaint
colonial structures -- became necessary after regular theatre owners refused
to risk capital over upgrading down-market properties when Goa was announced
as IFFI's permanent venue last year.

State chief minister Manohar Parrikar, facing criticism over the Rs 100
crore (Rs 1000 million) and-still-mounting investment he has put into IFFI,
says the government will work out innovative financial modules to make
investment pay-back.

In the interim, the Rs 250 crore INOX will run the multiplex until 2005, and
pay the state a 12-15% cut on box office sales, Mr Parrikar announced. "We
had to build the multiplex to host IFFI. But we are not in the business of
running multiplexes. We have to lease it to someone who can," says Mr
Parrikar, replying to criticism that the lease had not been tendered out.

The opposition Congress has threatened legal action if bids are not called
for. Spokesman Jeetendra Deshprabhu estimates multiplex cost is more near Rs
100 crore, considering real estate value and the cost of buildings
demolished on the site.

With virtually no film culture and a small market size, the state's theatres
are a floundering financial proposition. But Mr Parrikar says he is
confident innovative use can bring in Rs 4 crore (Rs 40 million) annually to
government. A two week commercial test run on the multiplex will ascertain
its financial viability.

Authorities here have already begun a crack-down on video parlours stocking
pirated VCDs.

Meanwhile, a mysterious fire that damaged one newly constructed theatre in
a commercial complex has lent additional drama to this segment after its
owners said they suspected sabotage.

Over the past year work on IFFI has been both controversial and speedy,
running into environmental objections for encroaching into the Mandovi river
that meanders around the northern edge of Panaji.

The multiplex, already being called the INOX Multiplex, took just 180 days
to construction while other works are speeding up in Goa's most ambitious
construction projects since the state played host to the Commonwealth Heads
of Government Meeting (CHOGM) Retreat in 1983.

Not unlike CHOGM, traffic grid-locks, tree felling and the hefty tab have
made the ten-day IFFI festival a bitter sweet experience for the local
population.

Having weathered all this, the state is banking on IFFI continuing
permanently in Goa and additional money from the central Planning
Commission. Officials expect IFFI to grow at 15% annually and a new 8000
capacity festival theatre is proposed for the 2005 event in Goa.

Hosts Goa Entertainment Society have contracted event management to the
Times of India newspaper group's subsidiary called 360 degree, for a Rs 37
lakh fee. Sponsored events around the festival are expected to involve local
population and visitors, including beach screenings on giant plasma screens,
a carnival parade and live bands, fire eaters, and dance troupes lining the
festival promenades.

Meanwhile for INOX Leisure, the November 12 launch in Goa coincides with the
opening of its Nariman Point Mumbai multiplex, that cost Rs 50 crore (Rs 500
million).

CEO Shishir Baijal told a press conference Tuesday that a further Rs 75-100
crore (Rs 750 to 1000 million) investments would see multiplexes go up in
Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore by end 2005 while Cochin and Allahabad
would follow to complement Kolkata, Pune, and Baroda.

Pegging at a nationwide presence with a 100 screens, INOX plans to add
international standard theatres to complement India's Rs 5000 crore (Rs
50,000 million) film industry.

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b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
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YOU COULD well be living in Goa for years, and still be largely unaware
about what's scheduled to happen when in this small state. Events get
written about at the eleventh hour, or not at all. Newspapers don't always
carry advance press notes on time (some sections of the Press are worse off
than the others on this front).

Resultantly, you miss attending functions you would have otherwise liked to
been to. Event-organisers themselves often blame the poor participation on
the poor awareness (apart from the transport and other infrastructure woes,
and Goa's dispersed nature which also scatters the potential audience).

Can a slim, 32-page almost pocket-sized monthly publication contribute to a
changed situation? This piece is not intended to be one more of those
quid-pro-favourable-publicity pieces that overwhelm the Goa media these
days. But Findall's [www.findall-goa.com] just-launched and quaintly-named
FindAll-Goa monthly update could indeed help things. Let's see how things
shape up over time...

In the few, well-packed pages of this publications which just hit the
stands, one is given a whole lot of information which our daily newspapers
should be doing a better job in displaying. Flight and railway information,
general information (police stations, hospitals and ambulances, tourist
information centres, 'night' pharmacies, foreign consulates, the lone
Panjim-based foreigners' registration office, airlines offices, train
stations and bus terminals).

Obviously, the Exposition is a going to be a big draw in Goa this year,
which a number of commercial quarters are waiting to juice dry in whatever
form they can. (Parrikar's gambit of having the International Film Festival
of India bang in the midst of Goa's most-crowded seasons is another
indicator of the shape of things in the days ahead.)

This new "events navigator" gives an update. Apart from giving details of
the masses, background to the Exposition, timings of veneration, it also
gives a summary of the other programs that will be on during the Exposition
(an exhibition at the art gallery in the Basilica, by Goanetter Dom Martin
and photographer Benoy K Behl; the Pilgrimage of the Heart sound-and-light
show; a 15-minute feature film 'Upside Down' and an exhibition-cum-sale at
the Archbishop's Residence, guess this is the old residence at Old Goa).
There's also the Museum of Christian Art open for longer hours, as already
reported on Goanet.

But then, apart from that, there are a lot more happening too. Find-All
seems to be making an interesting effort to keep you updated on a number of
events that are happening in Goa.

For instance, the much-hyped IFFI-2004 from Nov 29 to Dec 10. The 38th Mando
Festival (Nov 26 evening, this time at the Don Bosco Oratory Hall... hope it
will be video- and audio-recorded creatively for posterity), and the
just-over Food Fest at Navelim from Nov 12-14.

Goa really has a role to play as a emporium for items from far and wide. In
terms of exhibitions, there are sales at Clube Nacional (handicrafts,
Hyderabad textiles, ready-made garments, Leepakshi ... over diverse dates),
an art exhibition ending Nov 27 at Galeria Cidade, the just-ended
Inside-Outside Mega Show at Don Bosco's, and a now-underway National Book
Week that ends on Nov 20 at the Institute Menezes Braganza. Other
exhibitions relate to house decoration, garments, jewellery and the Nov
25-28 plant utsav (festival) by the Botanical Society of Goa which is linked
to another Goanetter, the ever-active Miguel Braganza, at the Mapusa
Bodgueshwar Temple Grounds.

MUSEUMS TOO

There's more too. Take your choice of museums -- the science centre at
Miramar, one for historical research at Porvorim (with a newish Christian
art museum thrown in), the archaeological museum and pre-1961 portrait
gallery at Old Goa, the naval museum at Bogmalo, Ancestral Goa's
make-believe recreation of the Goa that was at Loutolim, the largely-wasted
Goa State Museum, Pilar seminary's own museum, Gerard da Cunha's interesting
and informative Houses of Goa museum at Salvador do Mundo, and even the
Ashvek vintage world that seeks to preserve motoring "gems of historical
interest" from its show-room at Nuvem.

It may still be a trickle, but when listed in one place, it does seem that
there's so much happening in Goa's art galleries. There are events at the
Fundacao Oriente art gallery and Gallery Gitanjali (both at Fontainhas);
Rudolf Kammermaier's Art Chambers at Calangute; the Carlo Menezes Art
Gallery (more a place Far East furniture with an art gallery thrown in as an
extra); Yemanja off the Mandovi-hugging road at Reis Magos; Gallery
Renaissance at Calangute; and the Attic Terracotta Studio at Camarcazana,
Mapusa.

Concerts, shows and dramas? Goa never has a dearth of these either, though
the listing here seems scant. For some reason, the Konkani tiatr seems to be
far better advertised -- commercially paid for, that is -- in the Herald's
Sunday edition. Incidentally, for this season, Prince Jacob even has one
going called, what else, 'Goencho Saib Sant Francis Xavier'. From books by
editors to tiatrs, the sixteenth century Basque missionary continues to be a
revenue-earner for some.

For those visiting Goa this season, there's an interesting update of what's
on.

Club Nacional is organising its 93rd anniversary part on Nov 20. Tito's has
got Smirnoff and Salsa nites going. There's even this gem on rave parties:
"Goa's major rave parties are held in beach-blessed Anjuna during the
festive Christmas-New Year period. Of course, Rave or Trance parties don't
seem to have official sanction. They are generally known to just a few
though people from all over the world flock at these events. Paradiso is
considered as the epicentre of the Trance in Goa, with the bulk of the
participants being Israelis".

The other day, in Calangute, there was this car carrying a mounted garish
billboard which read, "Party tonight". Known to just a few, eh?

Discos? There are four listed, as Goa struggles hard to be more like the
many other tourist mono-culture destinations that dot the globe. Of course,
why would tourists come all the way here, if they couldn't get the same
things they get at home?

Other events listed include dine-and-dance functions, live music, restaurant
events, hotel events -- of course, possibilities for generating advertising
are only too welcome -- and Goa's markets.

Of the markets, besides the high profile Ingo's (Saturday night at Arpora),
and Macy's (Saturday too, at the other side of Arpora, near Marinha
Dourada), the hackneyed Flea Market at Anjuna, the for-a-change the
local-buyers dominated Friday Bazaar at Mapusa, and the
it-was-better-earlier Saturday morning bazaar behind the Calangute church.

There's even a Siolim Wednesday market. But Goans mean business here,
specially when it comes to closing on time. If you didn't know it, like this
writer didn't, the market works from just 7.30 am to 10 am. "One has to be
there by at least 8 am, because by 9.30 am the vendors sell off their
special stuff and head home." For old time sake, one might also get the
famed jaw-breaker 'khotkhottem' at this 'typical rural happening'.

Other listings pertain to 'grand sales', sight-seeing (oh dear, when will we
grow out of North Goa and South Goa tours, Santa Monica, backwater thrills,
Goa by night, the Dudhsagar special?), sports, and other events. The last
category includes film screenings by the Moving Images Club and the
under-noticed-but-useful Friday Balcao.

EVENTS NAVIGATOR

FindAll-Goa calls itself "the leading events navigator". It obviously isn't
quite there. Launched just last month at one of those politician-presided
functions -- by tourism minister Matanhy Saldanha, in this case -- the
potential of this new publication to hit the Goa news-stands hasn't quite
been noticed sufficiently. Books and new publications in Goa hardly get the
attention deserved; buying "Goan" books, as if out of charity to the writer,
isn't going to help remedy this sad situation too much.

But Findall-Goa obviously has potential. For one, this monthly update comes
from a Parra (Bardez)-based small publishing group that has shown remarkable
persistence over the years, in bringing out their 'Homes & Estates'
[www.homesgoa.com] quarterly publication.

(Okay, one could debate about the desirability of heating up Goa's
speculation-oriented property market, where most who earn local salaries
simply can't anymore afford a hearth. On the other hand, those who have
actually done deals through this network would be better placed to judge
their efficacy. This writer's own minor complaint is that the covers of that
issues are too cluttered, and look so much like each other, that it's
difficult to keep track of which one has been bought and taken home.)

This nagging apart, this reviewer has always bought a copy of H&E, and found
it useful to understand the real estate sector. From a professional
perspective, the Findoll group has kept up with publishing regularly and
punctually. One can expect the same to be the case with FindAll-Goa too,
which is scheduled to come out monthly in the tourism months.

Let's hope so. Goa has long lacked a what's-happening magazine. What can be
more insulting than being deprived of one, in a place which claims to be a
'happening' one? But then, information had never been the strong point of
our info-poor society! And the effects are telling. We have inefficiencies
all around, created by a sheer lack of awareness.

To add insult to injury, the 600-kms-away commercial capital of Mumbai
recently got a plush new publication in this category, called 'TimeOut'.
What's worse is that its editor is a seasoned writer-editor of Goan origin,
Naresh Fernandes.

FindAll-Goa obviously can do with its improvements. For now, it seems
heavily skewed towards North Goa. South Goa's tourism lobby could well
interpret this as another conspiracy targeting them, a la the planned and
yet nowhere-on-the-horizon Mopa airport.

Secondly, and more importantly, this is yet another publication that has its
model overwhelmingly dependent on advertising revenues. Nothing wrong in
that, per se. But we already seem to have too many of these in Goa these
days. So, generating reader-oriented quality information is no priority;
earning advertiser rupees is the focus.

Just the other day, a friend in the trade was mentioning how difficult it
has become to earn advertising revenue. He claimed that some of the early
players had "ruined the market". That apart, Goa's readers could benefit
from business models that rely on selling credible news and content, to
readers with whom their primarily loyalty lies. But then, not everyone can
be a 'Lonely Planet', which can sell it credibility-packed guide for 25
Australian dollars or more each.

Check it out this new publication for yourself. Findoll is located at Lobo
Vaddo, Parra (Bardez) and on phone is 247 2115 or 247 2338 and on email
simply findoll at sancharnet.in
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b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
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Naik completed his book which was published in July 2003. When he started
writing, Goa's BJP chief minister Manohar Parrikar had backed the idea of
celebrating 'Goan identity year' in June 2002 to mark the 125th birth
anniversary of the early 20th century Konkani icon Shennoi Goembab (Varde
Valaulikar). One year later, Naik's book was out. Says he: "I took leave
(from the bank where he works) for three months. This was socially
un-bearable. We had been cheated."

Naik says his first edition of a thousand copies "sold like hot
cakes" and was discretely read by people "even though the powers
that be tried to suppress it by all means". His book is titled
'Govachea Bhashavadamagil Karasthan' (Conspiracy Behind Goa's
Language Controversy).

What's it really about, you must be wondering.

Let Naik himself explain: "(At that time) I hadn't know more about Shennoi
Goembab or Varde Valaulikar. But when I went and researched, what I
subsequently found had been unknown to Goans, or anybody else, for the last
43 years. Only a handful of Konkani protagonists had knowledge of it and had
been discretely promoting (Goembab's) ideology under the cover of promoting
the people's language."

Naik says Shennoi Goembab (the pen name of Varde Valaulikar) traces his roots
to today's Sindhudurg district, outside the Goa borders. He was born in
Bicholim in 1877 and migrated to Mumbai (then Bombay) at sixteen. He lived
there upto the age of 53 and died in 1946.

This is the largely-known historical background. Then, he pours in more
details. Sometime in 1909, he worked as a teacher of Portuguese in the
Bardez village of Assagao. Adds Naik: "He wrote a text-book in Portuguese,
with a preface in Marathi. Some Portuguese inspector told him that Marathi
was not his language, but it was Konkani which was in vogue at that time, in
the Roman script."

After a year again, Goembab goes to Bombay. "At some stage, he got the idea
that Konkani was the language of the 'Bamons'," says Naik. He then goes on
to trace the complex relationship between language and caste in this part of
the planet.

Ramnath Naik surely isn't the first to see such a link in Goa. Often such
issues, like in other matters Goan, are pushed into the background. Or
fought after being camouflaged with a number of other rational-sounding
arguments.

Ashok Row Kavi, a journalist active in the 'eighties who later incidentally
went on to become one of India's prominent gay-rights activists, made this
point in the heat of the 1987 language violence in Goa. But such issues are
debated in outstation publications, not locally, as was Row Kavi's too.

He cited rivalry between the Gowda (his spelling) Saraswat Brahmin community
and the "Maratha Brahmins" in past centuries. (Maraharashtrian or
Marathi-speaking would be a better term here, since the word Maratha has its
own separate caste connotations.) So much so, Row Kavi said, the latter
the former to the Madras High Court "accusing them of unbrahmanical
practices like eating fish and hob-nobbing with the mlechas". Row Kavi does
an unusual caste-based analysis of Goan politics. (See 'The Week', Jan
18-24, 1987).

But such ideas are only rarely debated in the English language in
contemporary Goa. Many, at least surely the gate-keepers who control the
flow of ideas in today's Goa, see such themes as taboo. Ramnath Naik draws a
distinction between 'Bamons' in Goa and the 'Brahmins' of Maharashtra, and
also sees sees today's politics liked to such past differences.

"Goembab knew that he was a 'bamon' of Goa, which he supposed to be a
Brahmin. But the Brahmins of Maharashtra were vegetarian and had very strict
dietary code. They did not treat him as a Brahmin. His ego was hurt, and
thereafter he went on propagating that the Bamons of Goa were not only
Brahmins, but superior to all sub-castes of Brahmins," argues Naik.

"Everything is documented. Everything comes across very categorically in his
writing," claims the author of this critical book on the icon of Konkani
protagonists.

Naik alleges that Goembab's ideas swung to the position that the 'Bamons' of
Goa need to form their own nation. Says he: "Goembab thought that throughout
history, the Bomons held the highest of posts, but were never actually the
rulers. So he proposed a national along the entire Konkan, with Goa as its
capital, to be ruled exclusively by the Bamons and in their language, to be
called Konkani."

"By 1942, this theory is put before some people in Bombay. There, he
proposes that the language may be in the Devanagiri script. Till then,
nobody had written anything in Devanagiri, except for something he (Goembab)
wrote. Till then, the Konkani that existed since the sixteenth century was
in the Roman script," says Naik.

Naik tries to contrast Goembab against his times. In 1910, Portugal
underwent a Republican revolution. "Thereafter, Goan Hindus gained full
religious freedom, and also freedom on the cultural and social fronts. This
lead to an upheaval. A number of community, literary and social institutions
were formed."

But in this period, the iconclastic writer sees Goembab as "maintaining a
low profile". Naik charges, on the contrary, that Goembab had, in this
period, prepared a book in Konkani that "glorifies" the victory of Goa's
colonial conqueror Afonso Albuquerque, that seemed timed with the 400th
anniversary of Albuquerque's capture of Goa in 1510.

Ramnath Naik is critical of what he sees as Goembab's sins of omission too.

In a period of social and political churning, in Goa and throughout India,
Goembab doesn't seemed to have been affected by the contemporary movements,
going by his writings, Naik charges. "Moreover, he seems to have hardly any
of the social and political movements happening in Goa, sitting as he was in
Bombay," adds Naik.

Naik argues in his book that Goembab virtually justify the blatantly
exploitative Devdasi system of temple-prostitution, which at that very
moment was undergoing an amazingly successful self-reform movement.

Says Naik: "Goembab talks about the Konkani spoken by the Bamons (which I
call 'Bamoni'). He says all the downtrodden could be made 'pandits' by
teaching them this language, a tongue he presumed was superior."

Naik argues that these divisive attitudes has long impinged on Goa, even
till this very day. Today, over four decades after Portuguese rule ended, a
confused state is hardly able to make its due contribution at an all-India
level, he argues. "Such language politics have put the entire people to a
disadvantage. Our Catholic brothers were mislead by the language
controversy, As a result, all of us commoners are nowhere today," says he.

Says he: "Earlier we were competing with Maharashtra; now we are lagging
everywhere. Goa has not produced a single intellectual in recent times, at
the national level."

This has lead to stagnation and fragmentation. Due to such a situation,
today every caste grouping in Goa seems to have its own organisation, Naik
argues. Earlier, it was a broad coalition called the 'Bahujan Samaj'
(masses). Today, says he, every grouping has its own organisation, whether
it is Bhandaris, Kharvis, Saraswats, Velips, Gaudas and others. Many are
being manipulated by the elites, he suggests.

Naik also argues that the language of a "miniscule minority" has been
imposed on others by various means -- "legal or otherwise" -- thus
preventing the average Goan from taking benefits from the fruits of freedom.

He is also irritated by the attitude of Konkani protagonists to make
it out that those favouring the use of Marathi in Goa are somehow
outsiders. Says he: "Konkani protagonists have been repeatedly
saying that Marathi was never the language of Goa, and those who say
Marathi is their language should be thrown out of Goa. Beyond my
fourth standard, I never studied Marathi. I've never settled in
Maharashtra; none of my relatives are based there. I am very much a
son of the soil."

This 52-year-old Science graduate also has memories of under-development,
which might seem unrealistic to those in Goa who came from more comfortable
backgrounds. Before he got his job, he was among the "poorest of the poor",
he says.

Like some others of his background, Naik at one time looked to the RSS, the
right-wing group that has been mostly close to the BJP and zeroes-in on
religion-related issues and strife or 'cultural nationalism' as a solution
to this-worldly woes. But, latterly he criticised the organisation in Goa as
using Marathi while not standing up for it, and using the sub-altern
segments for the dirty-work while giving the crumbs of office to a narrow
dominant clique.

"I'm almost censored today. In all respects. Take the newspapers, for
instance. Over the past six months, I corresponded with various authorities,
and have pointed out how all our constitutional right, the benefits of
freedom and democracy, have been deprived to the Bahujan Samaj (masses or
bulk of the population). For whom was the Constitution formed?"

Says he: "(After 1961) Goa has prospered materially. But in terms of social
evils too we are Number 1." Much of his sentiment suggests the need for
taking ahead social reform, in a region which otherwise gets camouflaged
under the mask of being a picture-postcard state. It's not that there were
no reformers, he argues, pointing out that writers like "Bharatkar" Hegde
Dessai had a "global perception" long before we reached the global village.

Naik agrees that the language used in his book was "harsh". Says he: "It is
a response to the language used by Konkani protagonists for the last 40
years."
----
FEEDBACK: Ramnath G Naik can be contacted on phone 273 1140 (res), while the
writer can be emailed on fred at bytesforall.org

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GOANET-READER WELCOMES contributions from its readers, by way of essays,
reviews, features and think-pieces. We share quality Goa-related writing
among the 7000-strong readership of the Goanet/Goanet-news network of
mailing lists. If you appreciated the thoughts expressed above, please send
in your feedback to the writer. Our writers write -- or share what they have
written -- pro bono, and deserve hearing back from those who appreciate
their work. GoanetReader welcomes your feedback at goanet at goanet.org
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b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
of the novenas. (GT)

'SHWAAS' TO BREATHE FREELY IN GOA: The State government has exempted the
award winning Marathi film "Shwaas" from liability to entertainment tax
payable under the Goa Entertainment Tax Act, throughout Goa, with immediate
effect. (GT)

GIORGIO WOULD UNDERGO DNA TEST: The police have said that they would carry
out a DNA test on the Italian national Lazinni Giorgio to discover whether
he had sex with the minor girl. The police sources also said that they are
checking whether the accused had submitted a medical report that he was HIV
free. (GT)

AGAINST ERECTION OF CELLPHONE TOWER: The villagers of Corlim, near Old Goa,
are the latest to rise in opposition to the erection of a mobile tower in
the village. Yesterday, about 100 villagers staged a rasta-roko at Corlim in
protest against the erection of the tower in what they said was "the centre
of a residential area". (NT)

OIL-PALM GROWERS: In a bid to motivate oil-palm growers in Goa to boost the
production of oil-palm in the State, the government has launched a
"Production-linked incentive scheme" which is described as the first such
scheme in the country for the oil-palm crop. (NT)

BOAT FESTIVAL: The Deepavali Utsav Samiti will celebrate Tripurari Poornima
on 26 November, at Vithal Mandir, Vithalpur-Sankhali. During the
celebrations, entertainment programmes would start from 8 pm, which would be
followed by the palanquin procession and the burning of the demon king
Tripurasur. AT 11.45 pm, Deep Daan ceremony where colourful lamps will be
set afloat in the Valvanti river, fire works will mark the onset of the Boat
competition, which is expected to draw thousands of citizens from all over
Goa, besides tourists in large numbers. (GT)

FRIDAY BALCAO: Friday Balcao fortnightly discussion to be held on November
26 from 4 to 6 pm at Goa Desc Resource Centre, Liberty Apartments, Feira
Alta, Mapusa, will focus on the Goa Police Women and Children Protection.
(GT)

ART EXHIBITION AT MARRIOTT: The Goa Marriott, Miramar, is holding an art
exhibition titled "Xpressions' by Vrinda on November 26 to December 1 from
10.30 am. Expressions features the uniqueness of Vrinda in a way of her
traditional, modern, abstract, miniature art and sketches. (H)

GOA'S PMG IS A PROLIFIC URDU POET: 'Ghonsla' by Deepak Budki perhaps best
conjures up images of what Kashmir once was and what it has become today.
This Kashmiri Pandit, who is also the Post Master General of Goa region,
didn't even know proper Urdu before he actually decided to write short
stories. (GT)

GOMANT SHARADA PURASKAR FOR KENI: The Kala Academy has conferred the
prestigious 'Gomant Sharada Puraskar' on senior Goan author, Chandrakant
Keni, for his outstanding and life-long contribution to the field of
literature. Mr Keni has been writing for four decades and his first
collection of short stories was published in 1964. Then onwards he
consistently penned Kathikas (short stories), novels and novellas, essays,
books for children, educational books, translations and worked as editor for
many representative collections of Konkani short stories as well as
commemorative volumes on different occasions. (NT)

MOVIES SHOWING TODAY AT INOX:
Veera-Zaara (Hindi): 11.45 am, 1.30 pm, 3.15 pm, 6.45 pm, 8.30 pm, 10.15
pm
Aitraaz (Hindi): 12.55 am, 3.55 pm, 6.55 pm and 9.55 pm
Naach (Hindi): 11.00 am, 5.30 pm
Garfield (English): 10.30 am, 6.40 pm, 8.10 pm
Mughal-e-Azam (Hindi): 12.00 pm, 3.20 pm, 9.40 m.
Agent Cody Banks: 11.00 am
INOX, Behind Old GMC Bldg, Campal, Panaji. Tel 2420999

S P O R T S

WINDSURFING C'SHIPS TODAY: The National Windsurfing Championships 2004 will
get underway on November 24, at Hawaii Beach, Dona Paula, at 10.00 am. The
championship will conclude on November 28. National champion Remy Fernandes
along with Derrick Menezes will lead Goa's challenge. (H)

CALANGUTE THRASH ANJUNA: Calangute Parish Youth scored a comprehensive 7-1
win over Anjuna Parish Youth, in the Assagao Parish Youth Cup, at Assagao
Union ground. (H)

D E A T H S
23 Nov: Macazana/Aquem Baixo: MARIA ANGELA MENEZES: wife of late Roque;
mother of Avinash and Novina.

G O A W E A T H E R
Max temp: 34.5 degC; Min temp: 21.0 degC; Humidity: 63% (Yesterday)
Weather: The weather is cool and bright this morning in Goa.

Courtesy: GT=Gomantak Times; NT=The Navhind Times; H=Herald;
WE=Weekender.

JOEL D'SOUZA
Assagao-Goa-India.
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asianage at sancharnet.in

Cannes Goa? Should Goa? Why Goa? Will Goa? For all the questions that have
plagued Goa's choice as the permanent venue for India's international film
festival, the hour of reckoning is finally here.

As India's 35th IFFI sets to roll from November 29, to an opening concert
by AR Rehman and Mira Nair's acclaimed Vanity Fair, much is at stake for the
festival itself, Indian cinema and the state's gamble with footing a Rs 100
crore (Rs 1000 million) bill to co-host IFFI.

'We wanted to re-brand the festival using Goa's well known tourist location.
Already there's a certain buzz, we've been able to create a special
ambiance," festival director Ms Neelam Kapur says of the new venue,
describing it as a "huge improvement from any other previous location."

Growing at 15% in recent years, India's $509 million (rpt $509 million) film
industry produces over a 1000 films a year, the largest number by any
country worldwide. In 2001 film exports touched Rs 5.25 billion, up 17% from
the previous year, while music rights brought in Rs 1.5 billion in 2001.

With a unique distinction of having produced 67,000 films in over 30
languages and dialects since introduction of the talkies in 1931, India's
film festivals were yet to make a mark globally.

Recent ministerial visits to Cannes from the New Delhi's Information &
Broadcasting ministry, goaded on by Bollywood moghuls Yash Chopra and Subhash
Ghai came up with ideas to re-brand IFFI, anchor it down in India's
best-loved playground for the rich and famous, and use the state's tourist
fame to attract global film makers, enthusiasts and traders.

A 105-kilometre long stretch of sandy shore, 39 starred hotels, cuisine
that's making its mark, and an aimed-for world city-state from
September-March visited by British, Russian, German and Scandinavian
holidayers during peak tourism months -- this Cannes wannabe state is the
new "ramp" for Indian cinema.

"Even twenty five years ago, some of us -- Girish Karnad, and the late
Satyajit Ray and myself -- felt the festival should be held in one place and
we suggested Goa. But nothing happened", says film maker Shyam Benegal.

IDEAL, FOR TWO REASONS

"Goa is ideal for two reasons. Although it is not a centre for film it is a
centre for tourism. A film festival is a festival. Where people come to do
business in films, to enjoy films and also to enjoy the environment of the
place. Goa has everything. A relaxed atmosphere, its a perfect holiday
destination and eventually interest in films will also increase".

Most festivals are known by the cities that host them. For instance, Venice,
Cannes, Stockholm, Locarno, Berlin, Tokyo, Toronto. But India's most
prestigious festival IFFI since inception in 1952, kept roving from Mumbai
to Bangalore, Calcutta, Chennai, and Hyderabad and every other year Delhi.

"All these years we've had it in Delhi, we've had exactly the same festival.
How has it helped? It hasn't helped in adding to cinema enthusiasts, not in
marketing, nor has it made Delhi a great film place," argues Benegal.

But an announcement from former I&B Minister Ravi Prasad Sharma in 2003
brought some skepticism. Critics argue Goa itself has nothing of a film
culture -- entertainment is associated here with the beach, eating out,
Western music and dance. Films are given the go-by. Goa's few cinema houses
have long been derelict, run down buildings, where Hollywood and Bollywood
blockbuster barely make a box office dent.

"Cannes did not have a film culture either, when it started out", says
Benegal. This small fishing village in the south of France was only a
reasonably successful small seaside resort, thinking to extend its tourism
season by a further two weeks, when it agreed to cough up the money to build
a dedicated venue for an alternative festival to Venice in 1939. France had
then just walked out of the Venice festival along with British and American
jury members, in protest against a German film (co-produced by Goebbels'
ministry of propaganda and Mussolini's son) winning the coveted Golden Lion
award.
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itself with the city's trademark palm leaf motif to create the Palme D'Or
award, sexing up the festival with bikini clad glamorous starlets on the
beach. Each decade Cannes grew -- establishing its film market in the 60s,
in 1972 the festival board junked the system of letting countries send
entries and began choosing its own films, in 1983 it moved into a new Palais
du Festivals -- to become the Mecca of independent film making and the
largest film market.

This is a model that some in the Indian film industry are hoping to replicate
in Goa.

Goa smelt similar touristic opportunity. In four decades, investors had sunk
in an estimated Rs 2000 crore in tourism-related facilities. It has 2068
hotels (of varying sizes), and 35300 beds to rent out. Arrivals were however
plateauing out to 2 million a year, nearby Kerala was enticing away visitors
and Goa needed to reinvent itself. It grabbed IFFI with both hands.

Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, backed by the hospitality industry, saw
IFFI as its own launch pad to event-based tourism. An international
convention centre, conferencing and event staging was the way forward to
keep cash registers ringing and its 2068 hotels and guest houses occupied.

No sooner did a formal announcement come through, the state moved every
muscle to ready the venues, spending Rs 100 crore to set up a new multiplex,
upgrade a festival auditorium, offices and infrastructure in the city for
the event.

Some of the work in beautifying the city had already got started under City
of Panjim's former commissioner Sanjit Rodrigues. A joint
citizen-council-corporate partnership since 2002, had beautified the city,
restored traffic islands, gardens, heritage buildings and held events in a
'Together for Panjim' initiative.

However a brook-no-opposition style of functioning and the six month
deadline to complete what became known as IFFI-in-a-jiffy attracted criticism
within the state, as the administration took on more ambitious tasks of
overhauling the city. Additional projects of four-laning an eight-kilometre
stretch became controversial as did demolitions of public buildings, a
football ground and giant rain trees in the city.

SPEED COMES, BUT AT A PRICE

Additionally, chief minister Parrikar has been criticised for taking money
out of rural Goa's kitty to fund Panaji's upgrade, environmentalist
objected to roads reclaimed from the river's course, while opposition
politicians have critiqued his corporate style of functioning, that has
dispensed with normal checks and balances of government tenders, and
financial transparency. Speed has come at its own price. Importing material
and out-sourcing work added to the final tab picked by the public exchequer.

Even so, several expressed doubts if the the state would be ready on for the
November 29-Dec 9 festival. Directorate of Film Festival and information
ministry officials jetted back and forth to ascertain progress, while the
Opposition here pleaded that an IFFI in a jiffy and Panaji's break-neck speed
overhaul was uncalled for and could wait a year. Councillors have expressed
worry that safety in bridge construction and adequate time for concrete
curing have been dispensed with to meet unrealistic deadlines.

"I'm proud we've been able to complete it," says Mr Parrikar now, as final
touches go down. "We have a perspective plan for a 15% growth in the
festival". The state's Goa Entertainment Society, working with Rs 6 crore
(Rs 60 million) to host the festival has set out to "dazzle delegates" with
a musical extravaganza, cultural festivals, a carnival parade, regular daily
beach screenings on Panaji suburb's Miramar beach on a giant 70x30 metre
plasma screen, and stalls to showcase Goan arts, crafts and merchandise.

NOT ALL PLEASED

Events around the festival have become almost as big as the festival itself
and not all are pleased.

"Goa is not a place for serious movies, it's associated with revelry. IFFI
needs a much more constrained atmosphere. Cannes is a much more glamorous
festival, but we are not in that position," says long-time critic turned
movie maker Khalid Mohammed.

In a way, people here are dismayed they will not be able to access IFFI's
menu of films. The Directorate of Film Festival's technical team could find
just two cinema houses in Margao city with modern projectors for public
screening. Non-delegate locals waiting to sample good films will get the
usual cable TV fare at the beach screenings while just 25% of seats at INOX
will be open to the public.

Goans meanwhile thus far have belied the notion that the state has no little
potential for developing a film culture. Gayatri Konkar of Goa's Moving
Images Club, set up since March 2004 has screened 22 films so far, at
fortnightly events, to audiences averaging eighty, with spillover standees
in its small venues. Membership was cut off in October, for lack of large
enough premises to accommodate aspiring members, she says.

"What went for theatres is completely unacceptable. the state is definitely
ready for better cinema houses", says Konkar.

Opinions vary on Inox's potential to garner sales at current muttiplex
prices, though government projects Rs 7 crore (Rs 70 million) annual takings
from the venture. The Moving Images Club has asked for more affordable
pricing to use some of the new projection venues. Others suggest after the
initial novelty wears off, Goa's 1.4 million price sensitive market will
give some of the more expensive venues the skip.

"IFFI being relocated in Goa is a good thing for the state. But Rs 124 crore
(Rs 1240 million) is a lot of money to spend on a ten-day event, and we
seriously need to plan how to sustain all that investment, to make it pay
back. We should be thinking of a series of events and start hustling for it
right now", says Goa-based fashion designer Wendell Rodricks.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

FILM MARKET: IS INDIA GETTING THERE?

Does India need to be Cannes? Is it ready as a film market yet? IFFI's
festival market run by CII and NFDC began just two years back, with moderate
success. This year, CII plans a bigger market, with participation from
domestic and international exhibitors.

Twenty international buyers from France, the Netherlands, Romania, Sri
Lanka, UK, Brazil and Mauritius have confirmed their participation according
to CII sources. Exhibitors from Ernst & Young, Digiquest, Prime Focus,
Mauritius Film Development Corporation, Mukta Arts, Children's Film
Society,, Ramoji Rao Film city and others will hold stalls at the film
bazaar this year.

"India is not a market yet," says Khalid Mohammed. Bollywood producer
Subhash Ghai though says developing the festival film market will take time
depending on IFFI's programme menu, how it manages to reinvent itself and
how Goa shapes up as a permanent venue (See box interview).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

GOA SEES LONG-TERM BENEFITS IN HOSTING IFFI -- THE OFFICIAL VIEW

* Launch state as international entertainment hub
* Get global visibility and recognition
* Revenue from film entertainment and leisure projects
* Direct and Indirect Employment Generation.
* Create facilities for world class events, conventions,
expositions and attract global funding
* Make a mark on the world map as a Film Destination
* Filip to tourism, trade and industry.
* The Film Market at the Festival a source for revenue generation
* Locals exposed to films of international standards
* IFFI facilities available for other major events,conventions,
seminars, workshops and other festivals throughout the year
* Potential growth of training centers, film institutes, study
facilities, film-city etc
* Creative environment for local film makers
* Potential emergence as ideal film shooting locale.
* Cascading effect on overall development of state.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

HOW THE CURTAIN ROSE ON GOA

2002: I&B minister Ms Sushma Swaraj visits Cannes. Says India must develop
its own festival and market. Goa thrown up as a possible location to anchor
down the roving International Film Festival of India.

May 2003: Goa sends a three-member delegation to Cannes to understand
requirements, and meet Cannes officials.

May 2003: I&B Minister Ravi Prasad Sharma and officials visit Cannes and on
their return announce Goa as permanent venue for IFFI.

June 2003: Key Advisory Group under Minister I&B set up to choose among five
locations within Goa -- Betul, Cavelossim, Varca, Aguada Plateau, Velsao.
KAG short-lists three, Velsao, Aguada Plateau, and Campal, Panaji or Panjim.
(The last was added given the time constraints.)

August 2003: Key Advisory Group meets in Goa and selects Campal Panaji for
IFFI 2004.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

WHAT GOES IN -- INFRASTRUCTURE CREATED FOR IFFI

* Lead Consultants: HOK International Ltd, Canada

* INOX four-screen state of the art multiplex, capacity 1272 seats, optimum
25 shows a day, wall to wall stadium type seating, Christie projection,
Dolby Digital EX three-way surround sound, DTS technology, Harkness
Screens, automated masking, a special 16 mm projection system for old
movies, looped auditorium for simultaneous screening with single print.

Cost Rs 24 crore (Rs 240 million).
Constructed in 180 days
Project contractors: Inox Leisure LTD

* Upgradation of 25 year old Charles Correia designed Kala Academy to be
festival theatre with 954 seats in the auditorium named after Dinanath
Mangueshkar (father of Lata Mangueshkar). Christie projectors, jury room,
media centre, riverside walkway, Darya Sangam area for film bazaar stalls,
jetty to transport guests by boat from hospitality partners Taj Aguada
resorts across the bay at Sinquerim.

Cost Rs 24 crore (Rs 240 million).
Constructed in 110 days, 38 agencies working simultaneously
Project contractors: Uttam C Jain &Associates and Unity Infraprojects LTd

* Restoration of heritage building of former Goa Medical College and inner
courtyard for IFFI camp office, adjoining INOX Cost:Rs 3.35 crore (Rs 33.5
million)

* City infrastructure --- parallel bridge over Panaji's Ourem river, river
dredging, four-laning of eight km stretch of water front road, landscaping
with 40,000 saplings and two promenades.

Cost Rs 50 cr Project contractors: Ms Simplex Ltd Calcutta, M/s M V Rao,
Goa, M/s AFCONS Ltd, Mumbai

* City lighting: 1600 small fixtures every 15 metres, 450 big fixtures every
30 metres. Albany fixtures imported from Keselec Shreder, Belgium.

* Painting of public buildings by PWD.

NON_STARTER PROJECTS

* Steel frame collapsible Festival Auditorium, 1500 seating capacity, with
four screening rooms, including jury screening room for inaugural and
closing ceremonies. Estimated Cost Rs 16.50 crore (Rs 165 million).
Status: Shelved to 2005

* Upgradation of Panaji's three run-down public theatres
Interest free loan of Rs 3 crore per cinema promised
Status : Non-starter

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

WHO'S EXPECTED TO COME IN

Dilip Kumar, Saira Bano, Dev Anand, Shabana Azmi, A R Rehman, Amitabh
Bachchan, Yash Chopra, Karan Johar, Shyam Benegal, Manmohan Shetty, Shahrukh
Khan, Sharmila Tagore, music director Shankar, Konkana Sensharma, producer
Bobby Bedi, singer Ehsaan, Javed Akhtar, director Girish Kasravalli, M F
Hussain, Soha Ali Khan, Mira Nair, Ashok Amritraj

WHO's NOT

Richard Gere, Goldie Hawn, Brad Pitt, Catherine Zeta Jones, Julia Roberts.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Expected total delegates: 3500-4000
Film students: 250
Local delegates: 800
Media: 450

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

EVENTS BLITZ AROUND THE FESTIVAL

* Panjim ablaze -- festive lighting of the city

* Carnival type float parade on inaugural afternoon, followed by music show
along waterfront laser show and fireworks

* A R Rehman and 60 member orchestra to perform at opening.

* Daily beach cinema on 70x30m. giant plasma screens, Miramar beach. Mission
Impossible, Dil to Pagal Hai, Shrek, Hum Tum, ET, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le
Jayenge, Gladiator, Goan folk dance, African dances, jugglers, race
painters, magicians and myriad performers to perform on two erected stages
outside IFFI office, daily late evening cultural shows of Goan music and
dance.

* Daily shows at the Kala Academy 2000 seater amphitheatre -- fusion jazz
concert, Rahul da Cunha's Class of '84, Feroz Khan's Kuch bhi Ho Sakta
hai. Vintage car rally, children's amusement park with moon walkers,
Columbus boat rides, street plays and ventriloquist shows.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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PANAJI (Goa), Dec 2: India's miniscule and shrinking Anglo-Indian community and their changing lifestyles in Kolkata are the subject of a film shot over the past year that has just made its for its first public screening here.

'Bow Barracks Forever', a 118-minute English-language film is the "story of survival of people in Kolkata and particularly of the Anglo-Indian community", says director Anjan Dutt.

Dutt -- who combines roles of actor, singer, musician, s ongwriter and film-maker -- has set his film in a century-old building that once served as the barracks for the US army.

When it left after World War II, the building was handed over to people connected with the Army, primarily Anglo-Indians as the mixed offspring of British and Indian stock are referred to in this part of the world.

"This was a community that gave Kolkata its police officers, its musicians and its hockey players. Over time, the place has disintegrated and it's now seen as a dangerous area. It's half Chinese, very much Goan and a very strange place," says Dutt.

Dutt says he was motivated by architect Manish Chakrabarty, who was trying to convert Kolkata's old buildings into heritage structures, so that they could not be demolished for new skyscrapers that spell big money in a bustling city.

"Calcutta Improvement Trust (CIT) has done nothing, and the (state) government has been ambivalent. It's a huge red building that reminds you of Bow Street. It's a huge place, where a large shopping complex could come up. Everyone seems waiting for it to collapse," said Dutt.

He argued that Kolkata was facing the lost of many of its old buildings. "If Calcutta looks like Bombay, then some of us will be very, very sad," he said.

"All characters are based on real people. They live very violently. Beat each other up violently. Make love violently. The (140 families) staying in the area believe that something good will come of the film," said the director who has directed numerous telefilms for the ETV Bangla channel.

"Kolkata has never been just a Hindu Bengali city. It is multicultural, with an Armenian community, the Parsees, Chinese, the Anglo Indians, and Muslims," Dutt says.

Dutt said that funds apparently sought to be sent to restore Bow Barracks, from an MP nominated to represent the Anglo-Indian community, had got caught in the channels and was not used.

During shooting, which began on Christmas Eve 2003, the director said he faced a problem with the local residents expecting to be paid more for their participation.

"I think they had a point. They were misinformed about our film, but to them making a cinema means making a lot of money," said the director whose film features in the Indian Panorama section of this year's International Film Festival of India, currently on at Goa.

Later, during the shooting, he held a public reading of the script, for all interested to see what it was about, the film-maker said.

Initially the film was to be called 'Aunty Lobo's Wine', about the middle-aged Anglo Indian widow Emily Lobo who lives by baking cakes and brewing red wine.

Her 24-year-old son Bradly is a DJ at a music store, earning very little. Kenneth, her elder son, has migrated to London. Emily hates the city and dreams that Kenneth will call her over to London one day. But the call never comes.

In the film, a number of idiosyncratic characters people this comedy of a mother and her son. Peter the Cheater, the elderly trumpet player who makes paasses at Emily whenever tipsy only to be rebuffed violently, the Chinese neighbour Tom Lai who is an illegal sub-tenant involved in shady deals, the wild brat Jason, the Muslim sub-tenant Rehmat who lives on an insecure illegal tenancy....

Dutt, when asked, stressed that attempts had been made to avoid stereotyping of cultural minorities, as often done by Bollywood.

"Bollywood has done damage. Always, the Nepali comes across as a joker, the Anglo-Indian is very brutal. It's only Raj Kapoor's whose 'aunties' (elderly Christian ladies) are very sweet and nice. Otherwise it's only north Indians, specially Punjabis, who seem to be shown in good light,"
he said.

Neel Dutt, who happens to be the director's son and is music director for this movie, said doing the film was a "very enjoyable process". Said he: "They don't have money to repair their building, but the (community's) motorbikes and sound system are always in good shape." He had to look at "American rock and roll" of the 'sixties and 'seventies to get into their music tastes.

This films cast includes noted actor Victor Banerjee, Lilette Dubey, Clayton Rodgers and Neha Dubey.

"Bow Barracks Forever is a story of survival against all odds, a story that mirrors the spirit of the old and undying city, Kolkata," says the director. (ENDS)

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Frederick Noronha 784 Near Convent, Sonarbhat SALIGAO GOA India
Freelance Journalist TEL: +91-832-2409490 MOBILE: 9822122436
http://fn.swiki.net http://www.livejournal.com/users/goalinks
fred at bytesforall.org http://www.bytesforall.org
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THERE WERE films and stars and merchants of dreams at Goa's 35th IFFI. But
full marks for projection should go to Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar,
who had participants eating out of his hand at an 'open house' session held
on the sidelines of the International Film Festival of India Sunday.

Clearly impressed by the colour and glitter, clean and uncluttered roads
(even if restricted to just one section of Panjim) and an infrastructure on
which a phenomenal (and still unknown) amount has been spent, the delegates
at the session were already well-disposed in their attitude to the CM.

Parrikar's confidence -- critics might think of it as just bluster -- in
painting an all-is-fine-with-Goa image gave a further push to those ready
and waiting to lavish generous praise on the chief minister.

"The chief minister had to struggle very hard to get the festival here.
People are only getting the cake," said the moderator of the function, a
film-society organiser, introducing Parrikar. (Is this really so? One
thought the IFFI was thrust on Goa following someone's fancy idea at Delhi
that Cannes needed to be replicated in Goa. Eating the cake? Fortunately,
the tax-payer is never adequately told all the figures on hand.)

Parrikar welcomed the delegates, and added: "I didn't have much
problem in getting up the infrastructure here or getting it done in
time. But there is a small group of a frustrated opposition, of a
few people. One lady was blocking the route this evening and causing
an artificial roadblock. They went to the courts and lost their
battle. They tried to benefit from a change in government. They
failed on various front."

He went on to narrate how he was part of the "larger group" that had started
the Mood Indigo campus fest at the IIT-Bombay, and how he saw Goa being
built up as a state for art and culture, with cinema being one part of this.

Parrikar repeated his argument that "10 to 15%" of India's musicians or
vocal singers in films and the other music industries are from Goa, a number
disproportionate to the state's size.

"After 15 months in power (during the past term) I went in for a
by-elections. Sushma Swaraj asked me if I would win. It was a very bad time
for our party at the Centre. So, I asked if I win, what would she give in
return? She promised a film festival and a very good studio," he said.

His view was that the film festival came to Goa "inspite of a lot of
competition for the same". He was optimistic that it would continue in Goa.

"Nobody gave us a chance. In India, we are used to not completing projects
on time. But as an engineer, I was damn sure. Once you plan properly (it
falls in place). We had planned for contingencies too," he said.

Parrikar shared credit to his Cabinet -- which actually has such a
minimalist role to play in governance -- and to the team of officers "who
worked till 12 or 1.30 am at night". He went on to add that his visibility
at this hour had been noticed, saying: "Maybe the officers were not
recognised. For those have stopped at 6.30 (pm) it's not easy to get back."

This earned a loud round of applause, not just here, but at other points of
time too.

Asked if he was a film-buff, Parrikar used the opportunity to make a
point he has made in the past. "For the last ten years in Goa, I've
not seen a film in a theatre. That's not because I don't love films.
It was an insurance risk going for one. There were cockroaches and
rats (in the theatre)," he added. He narrated the incident of an
industrialist finding something sitting on his lap during a good
movie, and finding to his horror that it was a rat.

Of course, the delegates at IFFI couldn't be expected to unravel the
politics of cine theatres and offers to Zantye -- which didn't take off,
probably became politically superfluous, and now are being promised with a
revival.

Parrikar conceded that it was a chicken-and-egg situation: low audiences
meant poor maintenance, and vice versa. He promised that the interest-free
loans, part of the last Goa budget and which failed to materialise in time
for the IFFI, would come soon. These loans would be for upto seven years,
and for an amount of Rs 3 crore (Rs 30 million) in the capital Panjim, he
said.

"Before coming into politics, movies was my past-time. Indian movies take
you into a fantasy world. Where people are starving, they can enjoy a
five-star dinner in a movie by paying Rs 20 for a ticket," he argued.

Parrikar went on to say that "movies make you feel good, and allow you to
forget your pressures. Lot of health problems can be taken care of if cinema
is used properly." Either this is a new contribution to medicine, or just
some more hype fine-tuned for the right audience.

Would Goa continue to be the venue for the IFFI, someone from Kolkata
(Calcutta) asked? It appears that while Bollywood appears happy with the
decision, the filmi counterparts in Hyderabad and Bengal aren't taking too
kindly to IFFI being shunted to Goa.

"I can assure you we are 370 days away from the second festival,"
Parrikar said, his usual confidence showing up.

Asked whether the state had plans for maintenance of the (obviously costly)
infrastructure it had put in place, Parrikar said Goa would become the
"first state" -- we seem to be having so many firsts, but our infrastructure
still keeps going to the dogs! -- to have a maintenance provision for
government assets. It would need some funds, a certain percentage of the
project cost. "We have one of the best bus terminals in Asia set up at
Canacona. Every three months, the bottom one-third coating requires to be
repainted," he said, pointing to the habit of spitting. "Here, the boulevard
painting was done for the second time," he added.

Speaking to an audience which had no chance of following the context,
Parrikar went on to showcase the Poinguinim bye-election result. "It was a
seat which I had never won before... won it with 22% lead. You can
understand about the public mood," he argued. "In Miramar, yesterday 100,000
people participated. That's eight to ten percent of the state's population.
Over the festival, at least 25% of the population will visit the venue," he
said, resorting to figures flowing thick and fast, to floor the delegates.

In response to another query, Parrikar gave "credit" to union information
and broadcasting minister Jaipal Reddy for "standing firm" inspite of
political pressures not to have the IFFI here from his own colleagues (read:
Congressmen). "Now they've changed their stance, and are supporting it," he
pointed out.

Someone said Goa was the only great IFFI held over the past 20-30
years, after an impressive one at Hyderabad. "But film festivals are
for film (buffs). Next year, for the general public, please have
separate theatres (showing films). There have been insufficient
seats for the delegates," he pointed out.

Parrikar responded: "We will ensure that next year the public theatres are
operational all over the state. This time, we could have killed the
cockroaches, but the sound systems or projectors were simply not good
enough." Okay, so we are not to understand here that maintenance is less
lucrative as building or, better still, breaking-and-building?

"We've introduced the concept of beach cinema. It is drawing crowds of upto
10,000. Next year, we plan for a floating theatre. The only problem is that
if the movie is boring, you can't jump off," the CM joked.

For those who forgot, the 'floating theatre' idea was to have been
implemented this year itself. From bits and fragments getting reported in
the media, it appears that a private player wanting to eventually set up a
casino will put up a vessel possibly with a screen on board.

Rajiv Thakur, originally from Goa but working in the film industry
in Mumbai pleased: "I'm forced to work in Goa. Can something be done
to (build up the infrastructure here so that we) can make our own
Konkani films in Goa?"

Parrikar was quick with his Konkani-films-are-not-viable argument.
Okay, they were viable even five decades ago then, when we
had so many Konkani charming movies surface then?

"Konkani films have a very limited audience. You can't have 800
films (a year as in the case of) Telugu or Tamil. Konkani has a
limitation because of size," he argued. More statistics about how
large the Indian film industry is.

Parrikar argued that the film festival could be a 'nucleus point' for
growth. "We want to convert Goa into an entertainment hub, not restricting
it to cinema," he said.

Does Parrikar believe in the 'feel good' factor, a lady wanted to know? That
sometimes proves way off target, isn't it?

This was the chance for Parrikar to respond to pop star Remo Fernandes'
stinging criticism that appeared in the Sunday Mid-Day and -- rather
uncharacteristically -- even in the local Navhind Times earlier in the day.

He began: "I entirely agree with Remo. My philosophy is the same. I've
actually done what he's saying. But you don't have to achieve 100% in the
fields of education and health, before you take to films."

This is the opening for what all the "Goa government" has "done" for its
grateful citizens. Parrikar's ease with figures helps to build the image of
a paradise state; specially for an audience which doesn't have a clue of
what is the whole truth, what is a half-truth, and what simply is a white
lie.

So here flow the statistics: "Dayanand Niradhar pensions of Rs 550 per
month... for widows and differently-abled... Cyberage and a computer at Rs
500 per month... last year given to 32,000 students ... E-literacy in 40% of
the homes ... private schools to get upto 60 lakh grants/loans... a mid-day
meal which works better than in other states, spending Rs 5 per student per
day ... computers and the Internet..."

Grrreeeeaaat! It makes one feel like a Rip Van Winkle who has woken up in
the Goa of 2020. Or was it 2120? Goa is a marvel in terms of statistics; but
the situation on the ground still leaves much to be desired.

One delegate had a blunt query: IFFI-35 seemed more like a carnival than a
film-festival. What was Goa doing to improve 'film literacy' so that it
could avoid just a 'tamasha' or a Bollywood approach to films.

"Carnival is a different type of culture. Liquor is not being sold.
It's a family crowd. There has not been a crime in six days, that
must be a kind of record. We've involved the local population. I
need local participation to develop film culture," was Parrikar's
reply.

But that's playing on words.

Never mind that the festival guide (an official publication) repeatedly
talks about the "carnival" in its second page itself. Never mind that the
officially-thanked sponsors include Bacardi, Chateau Indage, and Kingfisher
-- of course, everyone in Goa knows that the liquor companies sponsoring the
carnivals due it as pure charity....

Strangely, while citizens blame their state government for not giving them
information often, here was a CM blaming the Centre for not keeping Goa well
informed on what a film festival really involved, right from an early stage.
"We were not getting any information ourselves. We were in the dark.... in
future, we will avoid those parts which looks more like a carnival."

Someone from Kolkata wanted to know how many film societies Goa had.
Needless to say, which Goa has been focussing on concrete, and buying costly
hardware, a lot of human 'resources' have been long neglected. The answer
from the CM: one, maybe two. Compared to a state like West Bengal which has
some 150, one was told.

One government servant asks a query on Remo's views. CM: "He (Remo) probably
does not have full details of what the Government of Goa has done in the
priority sector. I don't believe in compartmentalisation. If the people had
followed what Remo said (taking on issues like health and education first),
he (Remo) himself would have not become famous (by treating culture as a
luxury). Leisure too should be a part of any good society. Don't throw the
baby out with the bath-water."

This time, another delegate was protesting: Don't delete anything from the
current festival. We need some exposure to Goa. You've done a great job.

More on Goans have the natural talent in music...

Jayant Chhaya, who was with the International Centre, makes a
relevant point: Once an event gets over, the infrastructure just
gets forgotten. For instance, Suresh Kalmadi's sports infrastructure
in Pune. How will Goa manage?

Parrikar said the Entertainment Society of Goa is "supposed" to take
care of all these facilities, use them properly. Said he: "The
problem is that we have some reactive (sic) groups. If you suggest
something, the next day there are protests. I've just planted 120
trees. We plan to plant 500 more. Three trees were kept purposely.
People are now asking me to cut those down." Of course, nobody from
outside the state is likely to follow what this debate is all about,
if they haven't followed the road-widening controversy along
Miramar.

More sops and promises; don't ask where a financially broke state is going
to produce the money from. Parrikar promises delegates from a distance that
Goa could think of subsidising their travel. He doesn't use these words, but
sways: "If I can sponsor a foreigner, then (the same could also be done for)
a good Indian (delegate)."

Some more self-appreciation, and some more statistics. "I've been the most
successful finance minister of the state..." "Everyone is saying I've spent
Rs 120 crores. Yet, the actual expenditure is Rs 70-75 crores. That includes
work on roads and bridges."

He says misreporting is taking its toll. "Right from Day 1 I've been saying
we don't' want to make Goa a Cannes. Repeating the success of Cannes does not
mean to replicate Cannes. Why should I when I'm better looking?"

A question from a foreign delegate from Berlin. Praise for Goa's
infrastructure, organisation and good crowds.

Someone wanted to know how the streets are kept clean. Parrikar goes off on
a tangent to say he doesn't litter, and "even know you would find two or
three papers in my pocket (awaiting a dustbin)". The truth of the matter is
that the ultra-cleanliness is happening in just one small part of Panjim.
Secondly, the work has been hired out to one or more private parties.
They've been scrubbing the floors and toilets throughout the day. What
happens when their contract ends and the till is empty?

Parrikar praises some aspects of the 'good old times', basically the
cleanliness in Portuguese Goa. "I was six at the time of Liberation, and
distinctly remember the Indian soldiers coming in. My father had a truck
which was used to bring in the soldiers from the northern border..." Eh,
where are we?

He says that till ten years after 1961, citizens painted their homes
each year. "We've since picked up some wrong things from the rest of
India. The Electricity Department's Vidyut Bhavan building was
painted after a gap of 22 years! Now the private buildings have
started to look dirty (as compared to the government ones). Many
have started painting. I believe in leading from the front."

Someone asked a valid question: could food be more moderately priced? The
five-star caterer in the Kala Academy were selling at prices few could
afford (Rs 20 a cup of tea, compared to Rs 3 in town). Transport is not
available to go to restaurants either, since the roads have been partly
pedestrianised.

Parrikar does one better: "We will deliver coupons at the next IFFI... Food
was one of the technical mistake we made. We didn't realise..." And friends
have to be obliged too.

Long-time Goanetter Lira Fernandes, representing the British Film Institute
(BFI), asks whether the Government has any plans to incorporate film studies
in the curriculum of schools.

Parrikar: "We have plans for an institute on similar pattern as the FTII
(Film and Television Institute of India) in Pune. But I don't need to teach
the common students about film. They know better than me. You can see it on
the beach cinema."

By now, everyone is even more suitably impressed.

Someone from Uttranchal wants that Parrikar should become the prime minister
of India. "Thank you for your wishes, but I don't intend to go out of Goa.
I'm not a professional politician either. If I can put things in order, I
will go back to my business."

Someone else was the CM of Goa to be cloned into 50 copies, and placed in
proper areas to ensure the development of India.

Parrikar says he is embarrassed by the suggestion, and credits everything to
the "people of my state and the Cabinet which helped me". He adds: "Even the
obstacles helped. Nobody loves criticism. Being human, I also get irritated
by it. But at least 50% of the time, criticism pushed me in the right
direction. I may not admit it in public. There is an ego to. No man is a
sadhu-sant (saint)."

What benefit did he expect from IFFI for Goa? "I'm a finance man to
the core. Every calculation done has shown that a successful film
festival can pay for itself. Tell me what you expect from my side,
and you need to only participate. Tell me what's wrong. My email
address is cmgoa at goa.nic.in and I read all the mail I get."

Just while everyone is on Cloud Nine, film-maker Anand Patwardhan speaks
out. He's the man who made films for 30 years, on themes as varied as the
prisoners of Indira Gandhi's Emergency, the orphaned street-dwellers
('Bombay Our City' 1985), religious fundamentalism ('Raam Ke Naam', 1992),
sectarian violence ('Father, Son and Holy War, 1995), and the plight of
those displaced by development ('A Narmada Diary', 1995).

Anand says he doesn't like the cloning idea, because "I am worried about
your ideology". Parrikar is quick. Go to the Opposition. Ask the priests at
Old Goa. When it comes to governance, he swears, no favours or
discrimination based on community or caste. "In today's world, the king
doesn't have a religion of his own," he argues.

"Then you have different views from your party," comes Anand's googly.
Parrikar's answer is that in India, politicians don't always practise what
they preach!

Incidentally, at this time's IFFI, Anand Patwardhan's film was "War
and Peace". Shot in India, Pakistan, Japan and the US, it looks at
the price of jingoism and the nuclear arms race, both of which reach
its peak when the BJP ruled India. Of course, it might be just a
coincidence that the house-full sign went up outside the theatre
where his 163-minute film was being shown on Sunday afternoon. Or,
as Anand Patwardhan told this writer, tickets were not being sold
over the past day or two for this film.

There are the films of politics; and there are the politics of film...

ENDS
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
fred at bytesforall.org

GOA, as one perceptive observer once put it at a seminar, is a complex
region with about six to eight groups having their own identities and ideas
about what exactly it means to be "Goan" and to belong to a place that
everyone finds hard to define. Identities here grow out of sub-regional,
caste, class, communal and other differences.

New Delhi-based monthly 'Seminar', founded by Raj and Romesh Thapar, has a
November 2004 issue which does an interesting job in focussing on a small
region that otherwise gets totally obliterated from a wider pan-Indian, or
South Asian, debate. Goa simply gets left out either because of its size or
exotic history or unusual background. To that extent, it is a useful
contribution.

This is more true, in the backdrop of a local media back in Goa which
largely finds it more convenient to discuss the whole world but not its own
region. Or to remain trapped in cliches and trivialities, rather than touch
on issues that make a difference to the majority of 1.4 million people's
lives.

But that's it. Seminar's 'Amchem Goem' (literally 'Our Goa'... who's
really?) issue continues with the long-uninterrupted exercise of re-creating
Goa in the image and likeness of dominant perspectives. For too long
'inconvenient' perspectives on this State have simply not emerged,
perspectives of the voiceless have not been heard, and we'd rather not
interpret Goa going by what it really is but in terms of what we imagine it
to be.

Pre-1961, in colonial times, 'Goa is Portugal' was the dominant discourse.
For the past four decades, the boot is on the other foot. So, the rulers of
this State -- which Heta Pandit rightly describes as being in a "state of
social, cultural and creative turbulence" -- can do no wrong. Nationalism
has come to mean defending the indefensible actions of local elites, who
rule taking shelter under the labels hardly-relevant labels like that of the
BJP or Congress often with the tacit approval of an, in turn, unchallenged
New Delhi.

Goa's economy still remains a puzzle to comprehend. Post-1961 we've
built an active factory that churns out statistics; but obviously
the story just isn't getting told. Retired IAS officer Alban Couto's
perspective largely echoes the official perspective. Political
scientists, like Dr Peter Ronald deSouza, have tried their bit in
explaining the conundrum of local players. His analysis of the
Poinguinim elections is interesting and insightful. But this debate
is too infrequent and too inadequate; without meaning to demean the
contributions already made.

Today, the problem with Goa is that we fail to see things from someone
else's perspective. Leave aside that, we're not even willing to concede that
other points of view do exist.

Flag-waving Konkani 'patriotism' is unwilling to concede that language
issues here (resultantly, what seems like strange pro-Marathi sentiments)
have more to do with caste and class and exclusions, rather than language
itself. Then, how do we get beyond the hype of being the 'among the best
developed states' in India, and look at the stories told by Goa's
under-weight babies and anaemic mothers?

Don't we need to have a debate on where all the enthusiasm about Goa's
'uniform' civil code (in reality, neither uniform nor secular) comes from?
Or whether colonial Goa really had all that 'communal amity' it claims to
have had -- Portugal after all, as Vishvanath Pai Panandiker rightly points
out, couldn't separate state from religion for much of its involvement here
-- much like the current-day regimes which are more subtly carrying on the
divide-and-rule and discriminatory policies against sections of their
population, all the protestations notwithstanding? In what way are
stereotypes projected by, say a Damodar Mauzo, more acceptable than those
created by Bollywood?

That said, it is perhaps no coincidence that the most useful contributions
come from those condescendingly termed as 'non-Goans' in today's Goa. Heta
Pandit, Bal Mundkur and Katharina Poggendorf-Kakar have made useful points.
Even if in the latter two cases, it's a bit ironic that some complaints
about today's Goa are about the precise problems caused when big money
gobbles up a region, either in the form of tourism or the well-heeled
resettling there. Dr Tanaji Halarnkar's contribution here is of a very
interesting perspective, and looks at things from a view that seldom get
represented in writing in English about Goa.

Maybe one is a bit hyper-sensitive over this, but we Goans are great at
going to great lengths to 'prove' how superior our own visions of Goa, and
cultures, are as against others Goans. Is one all alone in reading this as
the sub-text of some essays in 'Amchem Goem'?

'Goa Portuguesa' isn't the currently-favoured flavour. 'Goa Indica' was a
substitute term from researchers like the anthropologist Dr Caroline Ifeka,
then with the Australian National University. Such concepts have been
enthusiastically picked up editor Arun Sinha as the thesis for his book.
(Sinha's work needs to be thrashed, as done by Uday Bhembre, not because it
offends the often-smug Goan world-view, but because it's so off-target and a
poor if not bigoted caricature of what makes Goa tick).

Fordham University's professor emeritus in theology Dr Jose Pereira is a
great writer when it comes to explain aspects of Goa buried in its past; but
the essay chosen is simply too abstract to make sense to most of the
readers. Naresh Fernandes, currently editor of Mumbai's 'Time Out', has an
interesting essay on Goan musicians in Bollywood. Madhavi Sardesai's essay
titled 'Mother Tongue Blues' raises some important issues, even if there's
scope for debate over the same.

Seminar last came out with an issue devoted to Goa sometime in the 'sixties,
when this small place was in the news globally because of "Liberation" (or
"invasion", depending on one's point of view ... or, to put it more
factually, just the contentious end of Portuguese colonial rule here.) Maybe
we'll have to wait for another few decades before we can expect 'Goa Goana'
to emerge. Not as an excuse to justify bubbling Goan chauvinism, but as a
category with represents more adequately the voice of all sections of
opinion of her people. Including those kept voiceless for far too long.

Inspite of what might seem to be a harsh view of this issue, it's surely
worth buying a copy of your own -- available for just Rs 30 (100 pages,
large size) from outlets like Varsha Book Stall in Panjim.
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b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
jzuzarte at rediffmail.com

Are our Goan taste-buds changing? Have we become even more international in
our tastes? It would seem so.

Goan Catholic cuisine is of course already famously married with Portuguese
cuisine, but a similar pas de deux is on between Saraswat Hindu cuisine and
European flavours at artist Subodh Kerkar's Waves restaurant in Calangute.

It's one of the more interesting experiments happening on the food scene in
Goa. A widely traveled man, Kerkar says his food is Art Fusion-Goan Cuisine.
The menu features a large number of international favourites like steaks
with a smattering of true-blue Saraswat dishes and his own Fusion creations
which are a cross between the two. Or three.

"See," he says, "Goan cuisine has always been Catholic cuisine. There's a
reason for that. In the old days Goan Catholic men were mostly in three-four
professions: musicians, sailors, cooks or tailors. That's why Goan food is
equated with the Catholic food; the vindaloos, etc."

Being a Saraswat Hindu himself, Subodh would eat Saraswat Hindu food. "Fish,
curry-rice is the staple food of all Goan," he says. "But the way fish curry
is cooked in a Hindu home is really different from the way it is cooked in a
Catholic home. So we make it in the Hindu style."

Having traveled a lot in Europe, Subodh has also been exposed to other
cuisines and, being a creative person, decided to start his own restaurant.
"My cuisine is fusion cuisine, of the West and the East. I travel quite a
bit. I eat, like something in Europe; then I try to experiment, do
variations of it with some Indian spices; I try to give it a local flavour.
They're purely modern dishes. You can call them modern trends in cooking."

So in his restaurant there are three types of dishes, European, Saraswat
Hindu and the Fusion dishes. "We have some dishes (Saraswat Hindu) which are
not served in any other restaurant in Goa. For example, katkate, which is a
sort of mixed vegetable stew with triphala. It's a typical Goan Hindu
speciality. We have Udhamethi mackeral, which is very different from the
usual mackeral curry. We make 'sukhe' from crabs which is typically Saraswat
Goan. We sometimes have speciality dishes. For example, we make bibeachen
xacuti (bibe: tender cashew nuts). All this we make exactly the way we make
it at home. We don't make it any different. It's spicy; but Saraswat food
that way is not really spicy."

Chicken Cafreal is today probably the most popular Goan food dish
with visitors and even with Goans who eat out. There are many
theories as to how it originated.

It's probably actually inspired by an Angolan dish. It's the Portuguese
connection. Apparently the Portuguese had brought some Black soldiers to Goa
from Angola, many centuries ago, and stationed them at Opa, near Ponda. The
Black soldiers would barbecue wild fowl with a marination of green piri-piri
chillies and vinegar. The dish got on to the tables of the Portuguese and
others, and came to be known as chicken cafreal (cafre means Black). Over
the years it has further evolved and acquired a distinct Goan identity.

Florentine's at Saligao is perhaps the best known restaurant for chicken
cafreal. Its proprietor Florence D'Souza, a man of few words, says he has
developed his own recipe (a closely guarded secret) keeping in mind Goan
sensibilities and taste. The gravy is sharply spicy. Florence used to work
at the Mandovi's and started Florentine's about 12 years ago. Yes, he
admits, the Mandovi chicken cafreal and his cafreal are quite different.

One is more boiled, the other more grilled.

Rui Madre Deus is one of the best known food impresarios on the
Calangute-Baga belt and is an encyclopedia on Goan cuisine. Says he, "I
don't know what is happening to us. We are forgetting our own Goan food. Why
are we Goans catering according to the needs of other states of India?"

The answer, according to Andrew D'Souza, proprietor of the 'A Lua' chain of
restaurants, is the cost. Says he, "There's the price factor. In Chinese
items the cost of preparation is very less. You can afford to sell a dish
for Rs. 40. But a fish dish (like pomfret) you have to sell for Rs. 80-90
because the cost of procuring is very high; the cost of getting fish is very
high. This is the reason why the purchasing power becomes very less for Goan
food in Goa. Being Goan, we're forced to eat North Indian dishes like
biryani, tandoori chicken, because there's no money flow in Goa."

In the process, there are many old Goan dishes which have either
disappeared altogether or have changed, for the worse. One of the
casualties is the humble 'patal bhaji', the original version of
which is almost impossible to get anywhere.

It is also a myth that Goan cuisine is disappearing or is not popular
because of its pungency. Says Rui, "Our food is not pungent. It is full of
spices and every spice has to do with something healthy. Some people used to
use a lot of spices and make it pungent because their taste-buds used to go
dead after drinking caju feni. But good Goan food is moderately pungent."

Rui rattles off a whole lot of dish names which are no longer to be found
even in the most traditional of Goan homes, and some dishes which have
evolved beyond recognition. "Take the xacuti, which is from Pernem," he
says. "Originally xacuti means xac, vegetables; cut vegetable pieces in a
gravy. The people there were mostly into the trade of building houses,
cutting wood; hard labour. In the evenings, exhausted, they would drink caju
feni. Then the taste buds would go dead. So they had to have something
spicy, which is how they developed xacuti. From vegetables, they moved to
using wild fowl from the jungles and made xacuti of that. Not they make
xacuti of everything." Subodh Kerkar's Waves has a xacuti of raw cashew
nuts, bibe, during the season.

Only the most dedicated cooks and gourmets still remember the
special ingredients that go into the making of old Goan dishes. One
of the simplest dishes is fish curry, but there's an amazing variety
of fish curries in all parts of Goa.

Also, the spices you use for a mackeral curry are different from those you
use for a prawn curry or a kingfish curry and so on. Each dish also has its
own unique process and method of preparation. All of which has almost
vanished in this era of ready-to-cook masalas. People also are busy with
their working careers and do not have the time for cooking with care. In
other words, real Goan food is almost on the verge of disappearing for ever.

"I don't think Goan cuisine will vanish because cuisine actually makes a
culture," says Subodh. "In homes still, Goan food is eaten. My food or your
everyday food is totally Goan. They (people) like to experiment a little;
try this-that. But for many reasons Goan food is not really as popular as it
could be."

Being a popular tourist destination, most restaurants on the beach belt have
an international menu. Says Subodh, "Most of the cuisines which are
available are fake. In the sense, if you go to any restaurant, they have
almost 150 dishes, including Turkish, Italian, Chinese, Greek. You can't do
food like that. A quality menu will have the smallest menu. Wherever I have
been to good restaurants in the world, they're menu is the shortest. If the
menu is big you can't be authentic."

If he sticks to only a Goan food menu, says Andrew of 'A Lua', he will have
to close down his business with a loss. But with a multi-cuisine menu like
his, 'A Lua' is today possibly Goa's only restaurant chain with four huge
outlets. His menu has the usual mix of Chinese and north India, which, he
says is as good or even better than what others serve, besides a good
selection of Goan dishes. His fame has spread because of his sea food. He
now plans on spreading his chain outside Goa.

He too laments the decline of the old Goan cuisine, but it's not really
affordable, he feels, comparing it to other fine dining experiences like
French or Italian cuisine. "Our Goan food is that good. It's really superb,
the best. But we cannot afford it anymore."

As he puts it, the price of ingredients is the stumbling factor; the price
of a Chinese dish like noodles being low, he makes a good profit with huge
volumes. But that would not be so when the cost of ingredients are high.
It's simply not profitable to sell Goan food anymore. "A connoisseur of food
knows this. You can't beat Goan food. It can beat anything; it can never
lose. But the people eating it will become less," he says. (***)

ABOUT THE WRITER: Zuzarte is a Goa-based writer, former editor and
journalist who spent long years in India's media capital, Mumbai (Bombay).
He is now back in Goa, where he has built up a reputation as a careful
observer of things Goan.
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in your feedback to the writer. Our writers write -- or share what they have
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b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
danielf at sancharnet.in

It's 00.00 hrs now and I have just returned back after a visit to the Baina
shores and its adjoining areas. The after effects of the
earthquake-triggered giant tsunami in Indonesia have also been felt in this
coastal region of Vasco.

The level of water along the Baina coast increased rapidly and gradually
subsided thereafter. Some boats lying on the shore were also were in the
danger of being washed away, and, fearing this, the fisherman were taking
precautions to secure them safely higher on the shore.

The level of water has risen to such a level on the shore which otherwise is
normal only during the monsoons.

People living near to the coast behind the MPT hospital and the areas along
the Baina beach belt were running to safety in total panic along with their
children and whatever belongs they can manage.

I noticed one family even moving out in a tempo with personal belongings.
Several cars were parked out on the road along the Baina side facing towards
Vasco, presumably in readiness to flee in the event of any emergency.

Most of the people living near to the coast are migrant workers and are
housed in small shanties. At the Baina beach there were hundreds of people
who had come out on the beach to watch the natural phenomenon.

The Vasco Police have stationed their personnel and a control van is around
to render any help on the Baina shore. Besides, an ambulance is also
stationed at the beach-side.

People are seen grouping together with total anguish.

I was told that the people living in the huts around the masjid area were
moved to safety because the water had almost entered their dwelling place.

On visiting the Kharewada area, people were seen standing outside their
houses. The houses in this area are touching the coast, facing the MPT's
berth No. 10 and 11.

The activity at the Port is however normal with four vessels working at the
berth numbers. 8,9,10, and 11 respectively. Besides there are six fishing
trawlers and two trans-shipper vessels anchored inside of the breakwater (EOB)
and other vessels too are working at WOB.

The high-water timings are scheduled at 02.24 hrs today, and this is
precisely what is causing the residents of the coastal areas a little of
panic in this port town..

It is understood the level of water has also gone high in the coastal areas
of Agonda, Palolem and the adjoining coastal areas in the south.

00.23 hrs. 27-12-2004 Vasco

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

IN CANACONA, COASTAL DWELLERS SEEK REFUGE, INCLUDING AT THE NEW BUS-STAND
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tonymartin66 at yahoo.com

December 27, 2004 - 12:20 AM: The after effects of the massive tidal waves
triggered by an Indonesian earthquake were felt in Canacona as the waters
continued to rise.

Most villagers of the coastal Palolem, Polem, Maxem and Galgibaga vacated
their houses anticipating the worst.

Over 3000 people are sheltered in the new bus stand at Canacona while many
others have gone to Quepem. The people in Babrem and Mashem have also
vacated their houses and moved to safer places. No casualties reported.

Police are watching the scene for any eventuality.

****************************************************************************
FOOTNOTE: Daniel F. de Souza is a Konkani writer and freelance journalist,
and is based at Elvira Apartments in Vasco da Gama, Goa. He can be contacted
via phone +91-832-2510714 mobile 9822163329 or email dannyboy04 at
rediffmail.com and danielf at sancharnet.in

Tony Martin is the pen name of Anthony Barreto, a writer and journalist who
has worked in Goa's major newspapers, and has also authored books, the latest
of which is his 'Naked Goa', a critical insight into the not-so-pleasant
sides of Goa.
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the words tumble forth
'We had hoped', 'We had wished'
tumble out in unison
To a bard of the fragments
In a space that is now.

(Delhi, Jan 8, 1999)


NH 10

Evening shadows
lick the night
Of lovers,
drinking deep of Taliyar lake.
Through the 'chunedi'
like the 'burkha'
the gaze of ages
speaks silently
As the asphalt road
Slithers into the past.

(Hissar, Feb 25,1999)


THANATOS

The body may arch
in pain
or in pleasure.
Both fictive mendicants
of the coin of life.

(Delhi, April 17,1999)


DELIRIUM TREMENS

The earth heaved
in her sleep
Somewhere around 12.45 A.M.
As the pea-hen shrieked,
the bed swayed
As if to a snake-charmer's pipe
And a flowerpot pranced
before my eyes.
The Hindu priest thought it fit
to play devotional music
(advanced by 4 hours
in this case).
The little white Pomeranian dog
felt this was unusual,
to be called out to play
in an open street
where people huddled
and spoke of Khillari.

(Sheikh Sarai, New Delhi March 29,1999)

HARI-DWAR

The mongrelyelps
in a bylanein Vishnughat
Vassal to Yudhistir
This time a Pom.
The jackfruit sways
with the mango, the 'pipal'
the 'neem' and 'Asoka'
As Marigolds and Mayflowers
weave a hymn to life.
ornat DHARAMSHALAS spew out grimpils
as sadhus in saffron cycle with certainity.
At Mansa Devi
PHOTOGRAPHY
OF PLANT
PROHIBITED
As matted locks survey the Ganga
On a cycle-rickshaw
trundling in the noonday sun
I read Krishnamurti on the pacific cow
'To be vulnerable is to live, to withdraw is to die.'

(Haridwar, May 4,1999)

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have with Fr Olavo -- I would frequently interact with him. As such, his
mobile number 9822177099 was one of the most common numbers that I dialled,
both during work and at home.

Fr Olavo may have been over 20 years my senior, but this difference was
virtually non-existent when we regularly discussed issues pertaining to the
archdiocese and the media. I would call on him to discuss events and
activities pertaining to the archdiocese, while he would call me up either
to inform me that a Church press note has been dispatched to my newspaper or
if he needed some advice in drafting a news item. And these interactions
made me a frequent visitor to the DCSCM office at the Bishop's House in
Altinho-Panjim.

Realising the need to acquaint himself with other members of the media, the
first project Fr Olavo undertook was to organise a seminar for media persons
at Don Bosco in Panjim. With the assistance of his DCSCM team, Fr Olavo
meticulously drew up a list of media persons and went about in a systematic
manner, thereby ensuring maximum participation at the seminar.

During the seminar, Fr Olavo was open to various queries raised by the
journalists and assured that he would be accessible to them in providing
information on matters pertaining to the Church. True to his promise, he
always made himself available to me -- right from 8 am to 11.30 pm --
whenever a comment from the church was needed, or if a news item sent by him
needed further details. He was quick to understand the requirements of
newspapers and would always oblige me with the details, along with his
customary, "Melvyn, feel free to call me up anytime if you need any other
details," at the end of his conversation.

The seminar helped Fr Olavo shortlist those journalists who volunteered to
be of constant assistance to the DCSCM. I was happy to be figure in this
list of journalists, with whom Fr Olavo would interact closely and
frequently.

His ability to be open to suggestions and to immediately act on them was
evident to me, with the launch of the revised edition of 'Renovacao'. I was
aware that the official church magazine was primarily being read by the
clergy. Eager to attract more readers from the laity, I listed out some
suggestions, which included the need for a new look to the 'Renovacao' and a
revised layout.

Both Fr Olavo and 'Renovacao' editor Fr Francisco Caldeira were enthused
with the idea of revamping 'Renovacao' to make it suitable to the present
Catholic community, especially since this had been a recommendation of the
Diocesan Synod.

Fr Olavo immediately invited Fr Caldeira, myself and a few priests to a
meeting to discuss the possibility of a revised layout and content to the
'Renovacao'. Fr Olavo then introduced a new cover design and added other
interesting features to the Renovacao. The results were both impressive and
encouraging. The new 'Renovacao' was appreciated by a large number of
readers.

On a number of occasions, Fr Olavo would dispel my doubts regarding
the restriction in access to information by officials in the Church
of Goa. To cite one such instance, I was always given the impression
that Archbishop-Emeritus Raul Gonsalves was reluctant to grant
interviews to the press. And when Archbishop Gonsalves returned from
his ad limina -- Fr Olavo had taken great pains to explain this
Latin term to me -- to the Holy See in 2003, I was not sure whether
Archbishop Gonsalves would grant me an interview for my newspaper.

"Melvyn, you'll be surprised to know that he (Archbishop Gonsalves) is quite
open to queries from the press. I'm sure he'll grant you the interview,"
stated a confident Fr Olavo. And as Fr Olavo had predicted, Archbishop
Gonsalves was to grant me not one, but two interviews -- the first regarding
his interaction with Holy Father Pope John Paul II and the second, on
completion of his long and fruitful term as head of the Catholic church in
Goa.

Despite his responsibilities in other Church bodies, Fr Olavo never ignored
his duties as the DCSCM director. I would often find my portly priest friend
rushing from one place to another in the equally bulky Mahindra jeep with
various tasks at hand. And yet, Fr Olavo would never hesitate to attend to
my need for a comment on some issue or the other. For instance, when I
needed details on the tragic demise of Fr Freddy D'Costa in Karnataka, Fr
Olavo managed to collect all the relevant details to enable me with my
report.

Fr Olavo took special pains to facilitate media coverage of major events in
the archdiocese, such as a special programme at Old Goa to mark the
beatification of Mother Theresa (November 2003), the appointment of
Auxiliary Bishop Felipe Neri Ferro as Archbishop-Patriarch (January 2004)
and the installation of Archbishop Ferrao as well as a thanksgiving service
to the outgoing Archbishop Gonsalves (March 2004).

I distinctly recall the excitement and speculation surrounding the
appointment of the new Archbishop-Patriarch for the archdiocese.
Right from December 2003, I would constantly call on Fr Olavo, eager
to extract from him any detail regarding the identity of the new
archbishop. Fr Olavo would often laugh at my one-point query and
would leave me in suspense with the assurance, "Don't worry. As soon
as I get the information, I'll pass it on to you." This went on till
mid-January and though I suspected that Fr Olavo had an idea of the
identity of Archbishop Gonsalves' successor, he always maintained
stoic silence. Like a true journalist, he would keep the matter
strictly confidential.

Even on the day the appointment was made public, Fr Olavo called me up in
the morning to convey the good news that the appointment had been made. "So
father, is it our Auxiliary Bishop Felip Neri Ferrao?" I asked Fr Olavo,
hoping to catch him off-guard into revealing the identity of the new
archbishop. It was still a futile move, as Fr Olavo simply laughed it out
saying, "We'll all know this by 4.30 pm this evening." Somehow, I was
convinced that he was aware of the decision, but Fr Olavo refused to allow
friendship override his commitment to secrecy.

The news that Fr Olavo was struck with a life-threatening illness was
conveyed to me in August, while I was on a two-week vacation. When I called
on Fr Olavo to enquire about his health sometime later, he played down his
illness. He seemed more eager in preparations for the Exposition of the
Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier, which was to be his last major project
at the DCSCM.

Fr Olavo invited me to be a member in the publicity committee and our first
major task was to launch the official website for the Archdiocese of Goa and
Daman. Given my interest in information technology, I readily agreed to
assist in this task. Despite his illness, Fr Olavo made it a point to meet
me at the Goacom office in Panjim. Too weak to drive a vehicle, he would be
accompanied by Exposition Convenor Fr George Aguiar, as the three of us
along with Newton of Goacom worked overtime to design the archdiocese
website within a few days. The website was launched by Archbishop Ferrao on
September 8, 2004.

While undergoing treatment, Fr Olavo was being looked after by nuns in a
convent at Old Goa and by November, the DCSCM office had been temporarily
shifted to Old Goa at the site adjacent to the pandal. Even though Fr Olavo
was unable to visit the DCSCM office on a daily basis, he was in constant
touch with his staff, Sr Celine and Rumald.

Fr Olavo's final press conference took place a few days prior to the
inauguration of the Exposition. I was seeing him after a gap of almost two
months and the changes in his physical appearance were noticeable. Fr Olavo
was quick to joke about the loss of his hair. "I now look like Yul Brynner,"
he told a journalist, who had enquired about his health. His generous
waistline had receded and despite the far menacing internal changes that
were threatening his existence, Fr Olavo bravely and professionally
conducted the press conference, answering all queries raised by the
reporters.

That was the last time I would meet Fr Olavo face to face. I did however see
Fr Olavo on November 21, but this was on television as he was being
interviewed on a television channel during the inaugural ceremony of the
Exposition.

Aware that he was in need of complete rest, I briefly spoke to him four
times over the next 30 days, largely pertaining to the news updates on the
diocesan website. As always, he was enthusiastic and dedicated in
discharging duties as DCSCM head.

My last conversation with Fr Olavo was to take place on December 18, when I
called on him in connection with the joint press note of the Diocesan
Commission for Social Action and the Diocesan Society for Education, which
was issued to denounce the controversial documentary on Goa's Liberation.
Later, to my query on the condition of his health, Fr Olavo admitted that
his health had deteriorated over the past few days. "But I hope to get
better soon," were his last words before we greeted each other with the
customary "Goodnight".

I woke up on the morning of December 23, a special day for my wife and I, as
we were celebrating our fourth wedding anniversary. My joyous mood was
shattered barely moments later, when my wife broke the news of Fr Olavo's
death on December 22, which was reported in the newspapers. I must have read
the report numerous times and yet, I simply couldn't accept the fact that Fr
Olavo was no more.

Equally painful was the realisation that I couldn't attend the funeral later
in the day, as I had to attend a crucial choir practice with catechism
children at Porvorim, in preparation of their tableau before the midnight
mass. I could barely focus on the practice, but I reassured myself that I
had made the right decision to be with the children, who were in need of the
practice. Somehow, I feel Fr Olavo, himself a gifted musician, would also
have wanted me to be with the young singers during that crucial hour.

Over the past two-and-half years, I have had the privilege of close
discussions with Fr Olavo on a number of issues pertaining to the DCSCM and
ways to improve the centre. On a few occasions, he did admit to me that his
responsibilities in other church bodies had deprived him the chance of
offering his wholehearted services to the DCSCM. But at the same time, he
always accepted the additional tasks with a cheerful smile and a positive
attitude.

But more than the professional manner in which he discharged his role as the
DCSCM director, I began to admire in Fr Olavo a person of exceptional inner
strength and positive outlook, who used his talents to the maximum and who
enjoyed excellent rapport with fellow priests, nuns and laity.

Meetings over the past two-and-half years may seem short a period to
appreciate a person. But in Fr Olavo's case, it was long enough for
me to realise that I was in the midst of a truely wonderful priest,
friend and guide. And I thank God for this special gift.

[The writer can be contacted on phone +91-9422064707 or via email
mail at misquita.org or mail at misquita.net ]

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port and trading centre, with the likes of Lloyds of London and all the big
shipping trade, is all dated to that particular company's development.

FN: Before this, wasn't Britain significant?

Not in terms of world trade. In fact, Britain's naval policy at this time
could be described as piracy by royal priviledge.

FN: To move from a smaller picture to a larger picture, how does the history
of Goa -- a small place -- fit into the larger jig-saw of global history of
the time? Is it significant?

I think Goa's history is very significant in terms of world events. Whether
we look at the pre-European history of Goa, and the fact that it's mentioned
in Chinese records from the early 15th century, as a major port and an
emporium with links to Arabia, East Africa, South-East Asia and of course
with the Hindu or Muslim states in the Indian peninsula.

Goa forms a very important link in terms of trade in the Indian Ocean, prior
to the arrival of the Europeans. And then, one must remember that the first
world empire that's truly inter-continental was developed by the Portuguese,
and it was very much a maritime-based empire. It didn't go into the interior
of any of the continents initially.

Goa was the hub for the entire area, from Africa to Japan. So, Goa's role
from the 16th century onwards was paramount (if in an indirect way) to the
affairs of a third of mankind.

FN: Coming back to the small picture, if any Goan is interested in finding
out more about their family history, how do they go about finding it?

The question of seeking one's roots at this moment of time, in the 21st
century, is one that has really taken off. There are hundreds of magazines
and websites all over the world that are dedicated to this particular topic.

Sadly, there isn't one website dedicated (exclusively and exhaustively) to
Goan family history. Also there's no magazine or newsletter addressing the
same subject either.

I tend to be inundated with requests from people -- not just of Goan origin,
but also Anglo-Indians, Mangaloreans and a whole range, sometimes Portuguese,
Brazilians -- all trying to find out something about their origins.

What is sad is that most of our rich heritage of Church records in Goa are
not that easily accessible. Either to people in Goa, or to the wider Goan
diaspora.

The drive that is currently in force for seeking family history is being
spear-headed by the third, fourth or sometimes even fifth generation Goan who
is born abroad, doesn't speak Konkani (or Portuguese) and has only a very
rudimentary knowledge of the rest of Goan history, and is really trying to
reclaim some of that, and those links with Goa.

FN: So what's your suggestion? What do you see as the way out of this bind?

I would personally like to see more of the records available. I know many of
the 19th century records of the Church in Goa are available at the family
history centres, established by the Church of the Latter Day Saints
(sometimes known as the Mormons) and these are available at several places
around the world.

FN: How did they get them?

They have a religious purpose in recording the family records for their
reasons, and had a project recording just the 19th century Church records in
Goa.

FN: Would digitising records make sense?

Yes. Or having them available in a computerised form in Goa, but only to be
given to certain people who are interested in going that far back from their
own family background.

FN: Apart from the churches which are the other important places for
records?

If you have a Goan ancestor who was born in Bombay, for example, there are
some records in the Oriental and India Office Library in London. It's part
of the British Library.

There are also some records, if you had family members registered with the
British institutions in East Africa, at the Family History Centre in London.
But most of those are 20th century.

Two other places which are quite useful: number one, the records held by the
Commonwealth War Graves Commission. These are available on the Internet and
would cover people that died in the First or Second World Wars. The other
would be the British Census records, from 1881 onwards, which include Goan
sailors on board British merchant or royal navy ships.

FN: Do you think Goans have a strong sense of history or simply lack it?

It's a hard question to answer diplomatically... (laughs).

I think Goans have a strong sense of identity, in that they tend to identify
themselves in terms of the many cultures that exist in Goa, on a language,
on religious lines, or hereditary basis. But I don't think Goans are aware
of the wider implications of Goan history, in terms of world politics and
development.

Some time back, (Goa-based journalist) Melvyn Misquita had been researching
the ship S.S.Britannia, which sunk in 1941 and included a number of Goans on
board. This was one of the ships covered in by me in my extraction of data
from the National Maritime Museum. I was therefore able to send him a list
of the Goan fatalities that included some names that he had not included in
his list. I am so glad that at last the Goans are beginning to take such a
pride in their history. Its time we set up a Goan (genealogical) research
website. (ENDS)

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7.30 am, its glorious past seemed to follow us everywhere. As our ebullient
photographer Barnabe Sapeco clicked happily at every landmark we stopped,
Noronha revived his old memories of the city during his childhood or later
and how it was in the past. "The city has changed much and pretty fast,"
comments Noronha.
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along the Rua de Ourem creek with the sun sparkling on the water to the
Ponte de Linhares which links the city with Ribandar. The causeway built in
1633-34 was at that time the longest bridge in the East.
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and site of Tobacco Square, General Post Office, the Fazenda and the Adil
Shahi palace and along the Calicut Road (now Dr Vaidya Road) to the Boca de
Vaca (Mouth of a Cow) fountain.

"It is here and near the other spring Phoenix in Fontainhas that
life in this city began," he says. During his younger days, there
were many but small houses at Boca de Vaca, of mud walls and Roman
tiles. A few of the wells, which they sourced then have been buried
now. It was only in 1834 that Viceroy Dom Manuel de Portugal e
Castro gave the present shape to it.

The temple of Mahalaxmi was built around 1820 during the tenure of Conde do
Rio Pardo, notwithstanding the strong opposition of the then Bishop S
Galdino.

The mass of land from the Oiteiro de Conceicao (hill of Conception) and the
municipal building to Pharmacy College and Don Bosco was a dense coconut
palm grove known as `Japao' which belonged to the Conde de Nova Goa, a
Portuguese count settled in Goa in the early 18th century. The government
acquired it for a new township in 1831. Their palace was located on the
present site of Don Bosco school of which no vestiges are left.

Similarly, non-cultivable land was acquired by Panaji municipality below the
church to develop the church square.

The first hermitage under the invocation of Our Lady of Conception came up
prior to 1541, according to Noronha. The Church became looked more majestic
with the laying of the double stairs in 1870.

Buildings of Santa Casa came up in 1896 while a progressive engineer
Luis A de Maravilhas designed the central zone of the city with its
broad roads on an unique grid pattern. "During my childhood, there
were still large patches of land with coconut trees," says Noronha.

Viceroy Dom Manuel de Portugal e Castro (1826-35) was rightly called the
father of the city as he carried out extensive works of reclamation and
levelling of sand dunes from the old Goa medical school and hospital complex
up to Campal and Gaspar Dias till Tonca.

He laid the canals and several bridges and worked out the drainage system of
the area. The massive constructions in the town of past days included the
Customs building, the police cum collectorate with the central library and
other establishments.
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building to the intersection at the foot of Altinho at St Inez. Noronha
points to a small but exquisite house on the right, where a sub post office
is located. It belongs to the Rodrigues family. The area near the
intersection was being used as an open toilet. Only a narrow road inched up
the shoulder of the hill, where only a few structures were located up to
1950s.

We then passed by the Vales and Tamba houses, which were one of the first in
the area to land at the gate of the St Inez church, which was built in 1584
by Dom Francisco d'Eca. Noronha is not happy with the extension of the
church, which mars its Baroque facade.

We move on to the military hospital, which was up to 1932 a prison.
Near it, there is a little know commemorative monument to mark the
500 years of the Discovery Age by Prince Dom Henrique. Past the
conservation zone and pretty houses of Campal, we reach the site of
the Cannon of Banastari. "The waters of the river Mandovi were
lapping the shore here," says Noronha. The area is covered by a
large sandy track.

Not very far, we stop at the old GMC Complex, which has undergone tremendous
change. The house of the Conde de Maquinezes, which housed the oldest
medical school in the East and the newer building (1928), which houses IFFI
offices stand in a new avatar.

Then we proceed along the river-front. Says the secretary of Indian Heritage
Society, "The river is already silted at an alarming rate and dredging which
was being done annually during the Portuguese regime should be carried out."

We pass by the road leading to the Azad Maidan, which was earlier known as
Praca de Sete Janelas (Square of Seven Windows).

Further on at Adil Shah Palace, we halt at one of the city's
best-identified landmark, where the future of the territory was
decided for nearly 244 years. As we move on to the Church Square, we
pass the Republic Hotel, which was meant to be the palace of
Governors.

The newly painted comunidade building, which came up in 1903 catches our
attention.
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other side of the town. But it is very sad that in a short span of 30 years
or a little more, the city had to suffer the physically traumatic insertion
of large RCC blocks, which disfigured its romantic look. The high FAR
(floor-area ratio, a regulation which controls the height of any building in
a locality), without proper setback and parking space, was a disruption and
despoiling force with the haphazard and `organic' growth like any other
Indian town, he says.

Permitting the use of columns over the footpaths narrowed the perspective of
the imposing avenues. The folly committed by the Town and Country Planning
Department in allowing constructions over public footpaths is now exposed.

In some places, footpaths in the same street, take different widths and
heights. Interestingly, the height varies from 22 to 45 cms. May be this is
a new concept of the present planning machinery of the state, Noronha says
sardonically.

Finally, we move on to Mala, which was levelled and made into a coconut
garden by 'Mosmikar', Antonio Joao de Sequiera, who returned from Mozambique
in the 18th century. The Phoenix spring below the Maruti temple and amidst
the quaint houses with unique Latin influence appears to be neglected.

"This part of the city has not changed much but whatever little has been
done has scarred the face of the heritage precinct," Noronha says as we end
our trip. (ENDS)

Contact the writer Paul Fernandes at fdspaul1 at rediffmail.com
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guitar. Other instrumentalists and vocalists have been invited to perform
and interact with talks and lecture demonstrations at GGG functions. "It is
this philosophy that has now led GGG to organize a series of national level
western classical music competitions -- the first of the series will begin
with solo-violin and solo-guitar competitions. Details of the competition
webpage are at www.geocities.com/guitarguild/dmnvc," explains Rui.

Says he: "We are doing the violin competition first, before the guitar
competition, simply because the sponsorship for the violin competition came
first." (This article first appeared in dulpod.com -- Goa's music site.)

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FROM GOANET:

* US evangelist Benny Hinn's Festival of Miracles at Bangalore is being
closely debated. Is it a question of freedom of religion, or of
causing unnecessary trouble? Or being a fraud, or of strengthening
faith? See http://www.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet/2005-January/date.html

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2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
* CM prempts Governor to announce confidence motion on Feb 3
* Disqualification petition filed against independent MLA

Panaji, Jan 31: With no official intimation coming from Goa Governor S C Jamir
since the weekend's political crisis reduced the BJP led government to a
minority -- the power struggle in Goa is getting murkier in the ongoing
stalemate.

Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar today announced he had called an emergency
cabinet meeting which decided to request summoning of the house on February 3
to vote on a one-line confidence motion.

He said he was taking the decision as there was no action from the Governor's
office since
Saturday's events.

In the war of words developing here, the Congress and NCP were quick to point
out that the CM had no right to summon Cabinet and take any decisions when he
was reduced to a minority. "His attempting to usurp the powers of the Governor
only indicates that the constitutional crisis is deepening", Congress leader
Luizinho Faleiro charged.

Mr Parrikar told The Asian Age that "as chief minister I also have the power to
request that the house be convened".

MATANHY'S SUPPORT: Earlier in the day, lone UGDP MLA and tourism minister
addressed a press conference in the capital and said he was supporting the
Parrikar government, giving it a strength of 18 in the 36 member reduced House.


"I am not a weather cock," Mr Saldanha said on his return from Spain.

The Congress and allies are even at 18 MLAs, but are counting on a 18-17 win
as Speaker
Vishwas Satarkar can vote only in case of a tie. This camp is also arguing that
Section 1 (2) (b) of the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution makes
Saldanha liable for disqualification for voting contrary to his political
party's direction.

Meanwhile, a disqualification petition was filed against independent MLA Philip
Neri Rodrigues, who resigned as minister to support the Congress group.

Goa's past no-holds-barred toppling games have seen MLAs disqualified within
days in violation of natural justice and notice periods. While the Speaker's
office is seized of the petition, the war of nerves has stretched to the
media, with the Congress camp today denying "vested" media reports that their
numbers have been reduced by cross overs to the BJP camp.

Governor S C Jamir who holds the key to the current crisis has remained silent,
giving no indication of either dismissing the government, calling for a floor
test, dissolving the assembly, holding it in suspended animation or imposing
President's rule.

RANE, FRONT RUNNER: The Congress and its allies once again met Governor Jamir
this morning led by CLP leader former CM Pratapsing Rane, to seek dismissal of
the Parrikar government and installation of an alternative coalition, but
returned with no verdict.

Mr Rane has emerged as a front runner in the Congress leadership issue, which
was in Congress style on SAturday left to the "high command". So far, while the
Congress has managed to reduce the government to a minority, its own wafer thin
majority puts a question mark on alternate government formation.

Goa's politics being what it is, both sides are hoping to steal flock from the
other side to butress its strength.(ends)


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Panaji, Feb 1: Goa's political power struggle will play out in the plush
Legislative Assembly hall tommorrow, when the Manohar Parrikar overnment seeks
a vote of confidence in the House that has now got reduced to 36 members.

After four days of weighing his options since the resignations of four BJP MLAs
and two coalition ministers reduced the BJP government to a minority --
Governor S C Jamir called for a floor test on February 2 --- a day earlier than
the Feb 3 date sought by Cabinet.

In a letter to the chief minister, Mr Jamir wrote, "I have received
representations from members of the legislative assembly withdrawing support to
your government, and as such I deem it necessary to require you to seek a vote
of confidence on the floor of the House...".

The Governor's decision drew praise from the BJP who said he had acted in the
service of democracy and withstood Congress pressure.

"I am confident of enjoying the confidence of the House. As long as I win it
there is no problem," chief minister Parrikar told media persons this
afternoon, shortly before addressing a large public meeting in the state
capital.

The meet which drew prominent members from Goa's business community was to
"mobilise public support", the chief minister said.

Earlier this morning, the four party Congress led alliance, once again paraded
their 18 MLAs before Governor Jamir seeking a dismissal of the government.

Both camps are tied at 18 MLAs, with the BJP's 17 and one UGDP minister Mathany
Saldanha throwing his weight behind the BJP, though his party has supported the
Congress.

The Congress camp, huddled in the high walled bungalow of BJP ex-MLA Atanasio
Monserrate, said they were confident of defeating the BJP in tommorrow's trial
of strength.

"We are all united," NCP leader Dr Wilfred de souza said.

In the numbers game, the Congress calculates it has an 18-17 vote edge, as the
Speaker can only vote in case of a tie. However the BJP has filed a
disqualification petition against indpendent MLA Filipe Neri Rodrigues on
Monday for shifting support to the Congress.

Mr Rodrigues has received no notice from the Speaker's office so far and the
Congress camp said it had presented its fears to the Governor, besides keeping
its legal options open in such an eventuality.(ends)

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(see box), Junior looms larger than life. Sosegad, the famously laid-back
atmosphere, has been replaced by an edge that eats into the sea air.

http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=63800


RANTY MARTINS STARS IN DEMPO WIN

Ranty Martins's double strike gave Dempo a 2-0 victory over Mohun Bagan in a
fifth round match in the ninth National Football League in Margao, Goa, on
Tuesday.

The victory enabled the Goa side maintain their unbeaten run in the league.

Playing with authority, Federation Cup champions Dempo controlled the midfield
and drew first blood in the 17th minute.

http://inhome.rediff.com/sports/2005/feb/01nfl2.htm


GOA GO DOWN TO HYDERABAD

Hyderabad and Tamil Nadu won their matches against Goa and Kerala respectively
while Karnataka drew with Andhra at close on the third and final day of their
third round robin league cricket match for the Under-22 P Ramachandra Rao
trophy here today.

Hyderabad gained five points (including a bonus point) beating Goa by an
innings and 89 runs, while Tamil Nadu won by eight wickets against Kerala to
collect four points. Andhra, who conceded a 65-run on first innings to
Karnataka and the latter got two points.


http://athens-olympics-2004.newkerala.com/?action=fullnews&id=67294



* * * * * * WEATHER * * * * * *

GOA - Dabolim Airport

MAXIMUM RECORDED - 31C / 88F
MINIMUM RECORDED - 20.5C / 69F
UV INDEX - 8
VISIBILITY - 11kms / 7mi


FORECAST FEB 2 FEB 3 FEB 4
HIGH 31C/88F 31C/88F 32C/89F
LOW 20C/68F 20C/69F 20C/68F

SUNRISE: 6:34 am
SUNSET : 6.01 pm


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Panaji, Feb 2: Goa's floor test to decide its political fate after the BJP
government was reduced to a minority, denigrated to a farce this afternoon.

Live before national television cameras and stunned mediapersons, Speaker
Vishwas Satarkar used Section 289 of the rules, for disorderly conduct, and had
independent MLA Felipe Neri Rodrigues physically evicted from the house by
fifteen policemen.

The session which began at 2.30 pm this afternoon admist tight security and
barred to all except legislators and media, had just returned from the tea
break at 5 pm, preceeded by speeches.

The speaker returned from the break, announced a ruling and asked Mr Rodrigues
to leave the house, leading to protest from the opposition benches.

Both sides were tied with 18 MLAs each, with the Congress expected to have the
edge in a straight vote, as the Speaker could vote only in case of a tie.

Whilst Congressmen were arguing with the marshals in the house resulting in a
physical scuffle, the Speaker was seen reading out something while the BJP
legislators stood in their seats.

Speaker Satarkar then rose and left, followed by the BJP. Chief Minister
Parrikar later told mediapersons he had won 18-6.

"This is the blackest day for democracy in India," former Speaker and Congress
MLA Dayanand Narvekar charged, while speaking to the media outside the Assembly
complex shortly before the Congress proceeded to the Raj Bhavan to appraise
Governor S C Jamir of the happenings.

A bruised and shaken Mr Rodrigues, a former BJP supporter, was driven away by
his colleagues.

An agitated former chief minister and Congress Legislature Party leader
Pratapsing Rane was heard telling Mr Parrikar "Don't cheat in this way, if you
want to win, win in a proper way".

Chief Minister Parrikar refused to comment on the vote, "Don't ask me anything.
I have not conducted the house.I was asked to get the confidence of the House
and I have got it", he told mediapersons in the Speaker's antechamber after the
house adjourned.

Outside, BJP party workers began celebrations.

DAY BEGINS WITH HIGH DRAMA: The day had begun with typical high drama, after
local newspapers carried several adverts asking MLAs to be present in the
House.

Independent MLA Felipe Neri Rodrigues was also served a public notice throught
the newspapers about a second disqualification petition filed by a BJP MLA and
slated for hearing by the Speaker at 10 am.

Counsel for Mr Rodrigues, whose plea for more time was turned down, said the
petition claimed the independent MLA had joined the BJP in 2002.

Fearing Mr Rodrigues' summary disqualification, the Congress had complained to
Governor Jamir, and Goa's chief secretary D S Negi was asked to ensure that
none of the 36 MLAs were denied entry into the House.

"Once inside it's the Speaker's domain," Mr Negi said.

With its small 40 member House, Goa's political chessboard has been a volatile
playing field throwing up 14 chief ministers since statehood in 1987.

The state's political history has been an unedifying tapestry of toppling games,
floor crossings, disqualifications by partisan Seakers that have failed to
stand the scrutiny of the courts.

The current BJP coalition elected with 17 MLAs to the Congress's 16 in the May
2002 polls, had a perilious existence, dependent on coalition ally support --
that was withdrawn on Jan 29, when four BJP MLA and two allies resigned to
support the Congress, following a minister's demotion and reshuffling of
portfolios. (ends)

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Chirinian and Doris Zacheres create an entire unique vision of interior
design. Vegetal fusion and Eco space for rebel aesthetes.

Monsoon Heritage creations are present in Paris, Santa Monica and Goa. Monsoon
Heritage collaborates with architects and interior decorators in United
States, France, Spain, Italy, Lebanon and India - including luxury hotels,
Spas and lounges projects.

http://www.prudentpressagency.com/CENTER/articlePreview.php?Article_id=1680



* * * * * * HISTORY * * * * * *


GOA, the name of the past and present capitals of Portuguese India, and of the
surrounding territory more exactly described as Goa settlement, which is
situated on the western coast of India, between 15 44 and 14 53 N., and
between 73 45 and 74 26 E. Pop. (1900) 475,513, area 1301 sq. m.

Except from: LoveToKnow Free Online Encyclopedia that is based on what many
consider to be the best encyclopedia ever written: the eleventh edition of the
Encyclopedia Britannica, first published in 1911.

http://www.1911encyclopedia.org/G/GO/GOA.htm



* * * * * * SPORTS * * * * * *

February 2: JCT Mills hold Vasco Sports Club to a goalless draw.

February 3: Mahindra United edged out Salgaocar Sports Club thanks to a
solitary goal by Flavio de Oliveira Rodrigues


National Football League standings as on February 3, 2005


1. Dempo Sports Club
2. East Bengal
3. Tollygunge Agragami
4. Fransa Footbal Club
5. Mahindra United
6. JCT Mills
7. Mohan Bagan
8. Salgaokar Sports Club
9. Sporting Clube de Goa
10. State Bank of Travancore
11. Vasco Sports Club
12. Churchill Brothers Sports Club


All-India Football Federation seven-a-side under-13 football
------------------------------------------------------------

Goa thrashed Jammu & Kashmir 9-3



* * * * * * WEATHER * * * * * *


GOA - Panaji

MAXIMUM RECORDED - 32C / 89F
MINIMUM RECORDED - 22C / 72F
UV INDEX - 8
VISIBILITY - 4kms / 2.5mi

SUNRISE: 7:03 am
SUNSET : 6.33 pm

FORECAST FEB 4 FEB 5 FEB 6
HIGH 28C/82F 28C/82F 28C/82F
LOW 26C/78F 26C/78F 26C/78F
Clear Skies Clear Skies Clear Skies

PHASE OF MOON: Waning Crescent, 30% of moon illuminated.
New Moon - Feb 9, 2005


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important. Respond with biodata and recent passport eightb2005 at yahoo.com

SLIM, SPINSTER SEEKS SUITABLE MATCH: RC Goan parents invite correspondence
for their spinster daughter, 26/5'7" M Com, slim, wheatish, working for MNC
from qualified bachelors below 32 years based in Mumbai. aivm2000 at yahoo.com

GOAN BACHELOR 32: Goan Catholic bachelor, 32, highly qualified, arrived from
USA, seeks alliance from qualified Catholic girls. salu_ferns at yahoo.com

ENGINEER WITH MBA: Parents of RC bachelor, 31/5'10", engineer and MBA
employed in managerial cadre invite alliance from simple, homely,
good-looking and well-qualified Goan spinsters from respectable family
background. Please reply with details, recent photo, phone number
ajc3645 at yahoo.com

BUSINESSMAN, GOOD PERSONALITY: Parents of RC Goan bachelor 29 years 5'7", B
Com, good personality, businessman having a monthly income of over one lakh,
seek alliance from parents of RC spinsters who must be very good looking,
cultured, from good family background. Send details and photo
smcmelanio at hotmail.com

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o Goa Cong in poll gear; attacks BJP, RSS (New Kerala)
o Sporting Clube de Goa beat 10-men SBT 3-1 (Rediff)
o Goa Shipyard: full steam ahead (Financial Express)
Goa Shipyard, a public sector unit in shipbuilding, was
facing rough weather that had nothing to do with turbulence
on the high seas. ...

SOME 'HOLIDAY' THIS: Twelve BJP MLAs of Goa, who claim they are on 'holiday'
in Rajasthan till a confidence vote by the Pratapsing Rane government,
visited a temple in Churu district on Sunday before leaving for Khinwsar in
Nagaur district, says a news agency report from Jaipur, Rajasthan. They
reached Khinwsar, where a Rajasthan minister has his heritage hotel. (GT)

o HERALD focuses on politics and regional parties in Goa:
UGDP plagued by defections (by Alvaro Colaco)
The big fight between the Lion and the Two Leaves
Are regional parties relevant to Goa (by Dr Joe D'Souza)
Floriano Lobo on the role of regional and national parties
MGP: the roar and whimper of the Lion

o Saraswat Vidyalaya College of Commerce and Management Studies organised
a 3-day management fest, 'The Odyssey 2005'. It was inaugurated by
former CM Manohar Parrikar. (H)

---------------------------------------------------------------------
VILLAGE GOA
---------------------------------------------------------------------

o AGUADA: Archaeological Survey of India has put out tenders
for building a toilet block at the upper fort, Aguada, Rs 3.6 lakh.
o ALDONA: Last zilla elections, NCP shocked Congress in Aldona. (GT)
o BAINA: Muslims were left high and dry when they gathered to celebrate
Muharram, as one of the oldest Muslim mosques -- a dargah --
located near the red-light area was demolished a month ago. This
30-year-old dargah was demolished in less than 30 minutes last month
when the whole of Vasco was mourning the murder of Dr Verenkar and
the subsequent city 'bundh'.(H)
o BORIM: Shashikant Ranganath Gaunekar (26) of VERNA and Thamoji
Narayan Langote (50) of Gauliwada-FATORDA in mishap at BORIM.
o CANDOLIM: A student from Chennai drowned while on a tour of Goa.(NT)
o CHORAO: Protest to oppose inclusion of Chorao in Mayem constituency
to be held today. (H)
o CURTORIM: Congress likely to retain zilla panchayat seat.(GT)
o DHARGALIM-PERNEM: Chain snatcher struck again, snatching a chain
from Kamal Kashinath Punaji who was moving around, to extend
invitations for the Harinam Saptah being observed in the area.
o KERI-PONDA: 24th state level kirtan mahotsav, organised by Kala
Academy with Shree Vijaydurag Devasthan. 100 kirtankars took part.
o SANQUELIM: Missing students Lucio Fernandes and Saheb Aga, of
St John's Sanquelim, returned home. They were missing since
Jan 12, fearing punishment from their teacher because of some
incident that took place in their school. (NT)
o SANTACRUZ: Run for health race flagged off.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
SPORTS
---------------------------------------------------------------------

o Nigerian mid-fielder Adebayo Adewusi and skipper Dudu Omaghbemi
scored to give Sporting a 3-1 win over SBTravancore in Fatorda.
o JCT blank out Churchill Brothers 3-0 in Ludhiana.
o Ahmedabad to stage fourth Pak one-dayer in cricket. (Itinerary of
the Pakistan team: Feb 28 arrival. Mar 3-5 v. Board President XI
at Dharamsala Mar 8-12 First Test at Mohali. Mar 16-20 Second
Test at Kolkata. Mar 24-28 Third Test in Bangalore. Mar 30 One
day warm-up game at Hyderabad. Arp 2 First one-dayer at Cochin.
Apr 5 Second one-dayer at Vizag. Apr 9 Third one-dayer, Jamshedpur
Apr 12 Fourth one-dayer, Kanpur. Apr 17 Sixth one-dayer at Delhi.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
OBITUARY COLUMNS: KEEPING TRACK OF THOSE WHO LEFT US
---------------------------------------------------------------------

ALDONA: Gonsal Serrao, machinist River Navigation Department, Panarim,
Aldona. Husband of Maria Serrao, father of Melva, Betty and Miguel, brother
of Manuel (Umao), Albertina, Anasticia, Conceicao, Marcela, Juliana, Natal,
Monica, Fatima. b 1948. Funeral from 4 pm to St Thomas Church, Aldona.

AVADEM-COVATEM: Clerio R Fernandes, b 1968. Son of late Jose Fernandes and
Marcelina Coutinho, brother/in-law of of Francisco/Fatima, late
Filandr/Severina, late Jackson, uncle of Filandr. Funeral Feb 21 at 10 am
for Immaculate Conception Church, Paroda.

CARANZALEM: Onu Martins Shirodkar, b 1933.Husband of Ganga and father of
Rohidas, Ramkrishna,Harichandra, Baburao, Takshil and Amita. Funeral Feb 21
at 11 am.

COLVA: Martha Efiginia Fernandes, b 1936. Wife of late Jeronimo Caetano
Fernandes, mother/in-law of Rita/Bernard, Bonnie/Maria, Thereza/Seby,
Joseph/Monica, sister of Filu. Funeral from Green Acres, Colva on Feb 21 at
4.30 pm to Our Lady of Merces Church, Volva.

MALAR: Mathias Antonio I Vaz, b 1933. Husband of Margarida Vaz, father of
Mario (Chevron, Texaco Shipping), Cynthia/Leslie, Maxy, Wilma/late Johnny
Heredia, Mitson (Muscat) Melca/Olivia and grandchildren. Brother of Menino
Vaz/Ditosa, Joe Vaz/Mabel (Corina), Clementine & Aveline. Funeral Feb 21 at
4.30 pm for St Mathias Church, Malar.

PILERNE: Teresa Clara Pires, b 1924. Wife of late Felix Pires, mother/in-law
of Rita/Maurice, Remedios (Millroc), Mario/Ana Maria (Muscat), Simon/Angela,
grand-mum of Anthony, Ancy, Angel and Arron. Funeral Feb 21 at 3.30 pm to St
John the Baptist Pilerne.

SIRVODEM: Maria Erodiana D'Silva e Gomes. Wife of Joaquim Rosario,
mother/in-law of Sienna/late Philip Nunes, Winnie, late Helene,
Patrick/Cynthia, Prexedes/Ceila, Monica/Venino Furtado; grandmum of Clive,
Natasha/Sahil Kerkar, Keegan, Diana, Rachel, Melissa, Marily, Angelique and
late Melanie. Expired peacefully. Funeral Feb 21, 3.30 pm to Our Lady of
Grace Church,Margao.

VELIM-BAGA: Bruno Maximiano Joao, b 1937. Husband of Maggie, father/in-law
of Clancy/Johnson, Cliffa/Berty, Cheryl/Cajetan, brother/in-law of
Berryl/Antonio Rebello, Filandro/Digna Dourado, Hamilton/Linda Dourado, late
Clara/Tolentino D'Costa, grandfather of Clinton, Chancellor, Lyshanka and
Cavan. Funeral Feb 21 at 3.30 to St Francis Xavier Church, Velim. No
condolence visits please.

o ANJUNA: Elizabeth 'Bessy' Maria D'Souza, 1st anniv, Feb 22, 7.15 am
Mass at St Michael's Church at Anjuna.
o BERGER PAINTS: Abhijit De, 1st death anniversary. Goa Factory Berger.
o CHINCHINIM: Antonio Costa Furtado, b 1909, 3rd anniv. 22 Feb.
o CANSAULIM-AROSSIM: Candelina Augusta Gomes e Pinto, b 1939. 4th anniv.
o GUIRIM: Mathew Rodrigues, 1st anniv. Mass Feb 22, 4 pm. St Diogo's.
o MIRAMAR: Saurabh Sawkar, birthday remembrances.
o SHIRODA-SONCREM: Ciprian Rodrigues. Ex HC of Directorate of Education
in Panjim. Month's mind. Feb 22, OLof Lourdes Chapel, Soncrem.
o SIOLIM: Flora Pereira, b 1946. Month's mind.
o VASCO: Govindram M Mehta, 1st Death Anniv. Maniyari Hotels MgrDir.

o EX-MOMBASA/ELDORET: Aubry Alzino Hygino Rodrigues Bocarro. Prias
de San Antonio, Anjuna. B 1929. Mass for Bijano on Feb 22, 8.30 am
at St Michael's Church, Anjuna.

TRIBUTE TO NEVES MENEZES, G.O.A. PIONEER, ONTARIO: On February 17,
2005, one of the founders and leaders of the Goan Overseas
Association of Ontario passed away while on holiday in Goa.

Neves Menezes first came to Canada in 1964 from Nairobi, where he
had played a significant part in the organizations of the Goan
community there. He thought of doing the same here, but at the time
there were only a hundred Goans or so in Toronto. It would take
another six years to form a critical mass.

Neves was among the 24 people who launched the association on April
5, 1970. He would serve in the first seven Committees, as President
twice (1971 and 1977) and numerous other positions since. However,
it was in the depth of his service that he excelled. Neves probably
had a bigger impact on the G.O.A. than any other single person
through changes to the Constitution. In his tenure as President, the
emblems (coat of arms and flag) were chosen. The largest impact he
had was as Chairman of the Rules Revision Committee in 1981, where
he introduced a change that gave the vote to the spouse of members
and dependant children over the age of 18. To evaluate the impact,
consider that in the first 10 years of the G.O.A. there were scant 6
women members of the Executive, but by 1985, 40% of the Executive
comprised of women -- and this has been carried on since. By this
encouraging signal sent to the youth, the proportion of Young Adults
and Youth in the Executive likewise rose to 40% or higher.

Neves was a team player -- he worked with others to promote programs
and encouraged others to do their best. Through one of these
exercises the G.O.A. held its first cultural festival for the
general public through a one-day Goan Festival at Harbourfront. This
surely was a model for many other cultural events that have
transpired since.

As he left the day to day running of the G.O.A. to younger people,
he kept in touch by serving on the Board of Trustees and the Goan
Charitable Organization.

In his personal life, Neves was very prayerful and was a staunch
member of the Legion of Mary. He was very well known by the pastor
and many parishioners of St. Patrick's Parish in Mississauga.

Thank you Neves for all you were to your family, friends, and
communities; may Jesus now reward you accordingly. We will miss you.
To use your favourite adage, "You practiced what you preached".

Neves is survived by his loving wife Mabel, daughter Jacqueline, son
Norbert and daughter-in-law Valerie. Condolence messages may be sent
to arcangel at pathcom.com

Written By John Nazareth on behalf of the family Toronto, Canada

KONKANI THEATRE mourns Bab Peter's death. Minute's silence was observed at
both Menino de Bandar's tiatr 'Dha Lakh' and Mario Menezes' khell-tiatr
'Mhojem Ghorabo, Mhojem Ghor'. On Saturday, mid-way through the Lenten tiatr
'Vho Amcho Bhavarth', Fr Nevel Gracias broke the sad news to the audience
during the performance. (Alister Miranda in GT, photo from Goa-World.net)

DANIEL D'SOUZA pays a tribute to Bab Peter in 'Adios Amigo' (GT, Page 4)

---------------------------------------------------------------------
GOA IN CYBERSPACE: Some updates
---------------------------------------------------------------------

ILUG-GOA, THE FREE SOFTWARE NETWORK IN Goa is discussing the Cyberage
(almost-free computers for college students) issue. Ajay Cuncolienkar
diskdump at gmail.com had this to say: "When the Parrikar government had
first announced the cyberage scheme, I somehow felt that even though there
was no effort made to actually find out if these students NEED those
machines, it would still create some sort of 'critical mass' for computing
to take off in Goa. The recent newz of distributing free printers for
students to complete their 'homework' has now convinced me that we are
amongst a bunch of lunatics! The students seem to have lost the sense of
value for computing machines. My cousin who is in Std. 12th is a
'cyberager'. When asked about how her new machine was doing, she
delightfully opened up her collection of MP3s. Thousands of them. She found
one serious thing missing in the cyberage scheme. "There is no Internet . So
i cant 'download' things." She did not seem to know anything about utilizing
her computer for completing her 'homework' . Perhaps the 'printer' was the
missing link... For more on Free Software http://ilug-goa.swiki.net

GOA'S AIRPORT AT DABOLIM: Philip Thomas <phlp_thms at hotmail.com> and
others on Goa's Dabolim airport, "Wow! 92% of international charters to
India land at Dabolim! Any explanation for this gross imbalance? Also, is
there any information about scheduled international flights to Dabolim? Is
this zero or a finite number per day/per week?"

http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=21592 - If this
website is any indication..... has the services improved at Goa
Airport overnight to get 9001 certification? ... The Goa Airport is
ranked 9th in terms of its share of passenger traffic in India. Both
domestic and international traffic are rising at a rapid pace over
the years. The airport handles around 700 international charter
flights every year while 92 per cent of all such flights coming to
India land at Goa earning it the name of "charter gateway".

---------------------------------------------------------------------
TODAY'S SPECIAL RECIPE: [Courtesy: Edna Fernandes]
---------------------------------------------------------------------

EGG CURRY (Goan style): Ingredients -- half coconut grated, 4 red chillies,
1 teaspoon cumin seeds, half teaspoon mustard seeds, four cloves garlic,
one-fourth inch garlic, one teaspoon tumeric powder, one teaspoon tamarind,
one onion sliced, one tomato chopped, few coriander leaves finely chopped,
salt to taste. Method -- Hard boil the eggs. Shell the eggs, cut into halves
and set aside. Grind the coconut, chillies, cumin, mustard, garlic, ginger,
tumeric and tamarind. Fry the onion and when brown, add the ground paste and
tomato. When well friend, add a cup of water and bring it to a boil. Cook
for five minutes. Lay the eggs gently over the masala, cover the pan and
cook for a further five minutes. Garnish with coriander leaves. Serve with
plain rice.

Mississauga, Ontario-based Edna is author of 'Saviour the Flavour of India',
pp 132, January 2005 printed at Pilar, from where the above excerpt is
reproduced with permission. Details from tonferns at hotmail.com

---------------------------------------------------------------------
GOA, GOANS, GOANA...
---------------------------------------------------------------------

REMO IN DUBAI: Welly Dias <wellydias12 at yahoo.com> forwarded a report
about Remo Fernandes' concert with Jethro Tull in Dubai recently. Excerpt:
"Remo, backed by Rock Lazarus [Bass] and Munna Chari [Dholak] and Sivamani
[Percussions], received a thunderous round of applause as Remo announced
that his first piece would be a Goan folk song since he wished to expose his
home roots to the international audience gathered there.... Remo then
announced: "I never dreamt I would one day be invited to perform with Jethro
Tull. Much less did I ever imagine that one day I would invite Jethro Tull
on stage to back me up on my songs!..." Ian Anderson and the legendary
Jethro Tull then climbed on stage to thunderous applause, and performed
Remo's hits such as 'Meri Munni' and 'Bombay City'. All the flute solos on
these songs, which are usually played by Remo, were played by Ian Anderson
on this night, who added a typical Tull dimension to them. 'Maria Pita Che',
with the audience chanting along once more and with Tull guitarist Martin
Barre doing a mandolin solo, brought the first half of the concert to a
rousing end...."

PROTEST IN GOA OVER PATENTS THIS WEEKEND: Vidyadhar Gadgil reminds us of a
protest in Panjim to mark Anti-Patents Day for Drugs. The Indian Patent
(Amendment) Bill is likely to be passed in the Parliament in March 2005.
However, it is seen as draconian, since it would cause prices of essential
medicines to go out of reach of common man. A global campaign has been
launched around the world against this Indian Patent (Amendment) Bill.
February 26, 2005 (Saturday) is going to be observed as the Anti Patents Day
for Drugs. Here, in Goa, a people's protest rally has been organized by
Positive People in Panjim on February 26, 2005 starting at the Panjim Church
steps at 10 am. The rally will move through the city and culminate at Azad
Maidan after which a delegation will be forwarding a memorandum to the Chief
Minister of Goa.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
TODAY'S QUESTION FROM CYBERSPACE:
---------------------------------------------------------------------

TODAY'S QUESTION FROM CYBERSPACE: Merv Dsouza, a Goan in New York City,
wants to know where he could buy the Goan Cook Book by Isidore Coelho. Send
your suggestions to MervADsouza at aol.com

---------------------------------------------------------------------
THE GOOD NEWS:
---------------------------------------------------------------------

NEW SCIENTIST AND INDIA: Dr Eddie D'Sa <gdigest at btinternet.com> notes on
the NewDiaspora mailing list that Britain's science weekly 'New Scientist'
issued a rather surprising special edition on Feb 19, 2005 entitled 'India -
The next knowledge superpower'. It was a very upbeat survey of Indian
science developments divided into several sections: space programmes, GM
technologies, silicon subcontinent, radio astronomy, pharmaceuticals,
nuclear energy, medical advances for certain eye conditions, Internet for
the rural masses. See http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NewDiaspora/

---------------------------------------------------------------------
We need your help to promote Goanet, a volunteer-driven network:
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Goanet, founded in 1994, seeks volunteer support to help this
wholly not-for-profit community to grow. If you would like to
financially support our efforts, contact herman at goanet.org
(Herman Carneiro). Thanks to all who have offered to help in
compiling the news bytes. Inputs about Goa and from the Goan
diaspora world everywhere are welcome. Forward to fred at goanet.org

Discuss the news. Send your views to goanet at goanet.org

._|
_|_|_| _|_| _|_|_| _|_|_| _|_| _|_|_|_| 1994-2005
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_|_|_| _|_| _|_|_| _| _| _|_|_| _|_|
_|
_|_|

Stay in touch * Share this ezine * Volunteer to build it! ***********
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
fred at bytesforall.org

Panaji (Goa), Feb 24: Five centuries after Portugal 'discovered' the sea
route to India, the sub-continent is hoping to harness the south-western
European republic to march towards greater footballing heights globally.

This time too, Goa is expected to play a key role in this trans-continental
encounter. On Wednesday, a seven-member strong Portuguese team landed in Goa
to train trainers in soccer. They will concentrate on the coaches of
under-12 players.

They're from the University of Porto's faculty of sports sciences and
physical education, from the northern city of the country of 10.5 million.

This follows an Indo-Portuguese memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in
September 2004. Prof Julio Garganta and Prof Jorge Pinto, both from Porto
University, will conduct the six-day residential football course for coaches
of Under-12 players in Goa.

Thirty coaches, including 20 from Goa itself, will benefit from this
venture. Among others on the delegation sent by last year's World Cup
finalists are Portuguese Olympic Committee president Commandante Vincente
Moura and director of the Portuguese sports newspaper 'A Bola'.

Over six days, coaches will get coached on educational and scientific
strategies in coaching youth. Course content focuses on training young
players, basic concepts of coaching, game phases and specific tasks,
offensive and defensive principles in football, planning training sessions,
basic movements and positions, game analysis and more.

Obviously thrilled to be in this soccer crazy state, which also shares
colonial links with Portugal the past-bitterness over which has somewhat
dimmed, the visitors promised to bright about something meaningful through
the exchange.

"Football is key to the Goan character," said mining tycoon Shivanand
Salgaocar, the president of the Goa Football Association, and treasurer of
the All India Football Federation, speaking at a function to launch the
program.

"It's a most significant tie-up," said Goa sports director Dr Susana
DeSouza. "This huge delegation to our small state shows that despite all
these years of separation, Portugal's heart is in Goa," she added, alluding
to the particularly unpleasant end to Portuguese colonial rule in 1961.

Portugal's consul general in Goa Pedro Cabral Adaosaid sports played the
role that diplomats needed to play -- of building bridges between cultures
and people -- but only in a much more pleasant manner.

Referring to Goa's support of Portugal in the last World Cup finals, he
said: "One day, I wish India can reach a World Cup final, with a lot of Goan
players in the team. We will all be so proud."

Goa was a colony of Portugual from 1510 to 1961. In the mid-seventies, India
and Portugal resumed friendly relations, and have since worked towards
normalcy and better ties.

With a population of just 1.4 million in a nation of a billion-plus, Goa
currently has six of its teams competing in the 12-team strong National
Football League. Some here have suggested Portugal could play the role of
rebuilding Indian football's global profile, as was its position in the
early 1950s. (ENDS)
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
Goanet.org

PANAJI (Goa), Feb 28: Giving a new twist to the Goa power struggle between the
outnumbered BJP and an aggressive Congress, the BJP's Speaker and deputy
speaker in the Goa assembly both resigned their posts today.

This came before a pre-scheduled vote of confidence could be even taken up in
the Congress' Pratapsing Rane-lead government. Instead of the vote of
confidence, as anticipated, the House was adjourned sine die.

In the 40-seat Goa assembly, the Congress has 18 MLAs backing it, while the BJP
has 17. Blocking one MLA in the Speaker's post would have reduced the numbers
on the BJP side, since the Speaker has a vote only in case of a tie in voting.

Five MLAs of the Goa assembly, earlier BJP supporters, have resigned from their
posts -- in a clear attempt to dodge the provisions of the anti-defection law
-- after they switched sides politically.

Since the May 2004 defeat of the BJP at the national level elections, their
local government has been hardpressed and come under pressures. The Governor,
who has often played a key role in deciding which party governors in Goa, has
also been Congress-appointed, putting further pressure on the Manohar Parrikar
government.

But the Parrikar government, which has been dominated largely by the single
figure of engineer-turned-politician Parrikar, has stayed on in power
determinedly, despite all the attempts to dislodge it, and now even after being
reduced to a minority.

Since January 28, when the Parrikar government lost its majority, it has
carried out every attempt to stay on in governance. Parrikar told journalists
in Goa Sunday that he would stak his claim to form the next government "after
Rane loses his trial of strength".

Congress' hurry to get to power, and some controversial decisions taken by the
Governor that benefitted it, have not helped build credibility in the power
transition either.

Earlier today, hours before a crucial Congress-versus-BJP test of strength in
the Goa assembly on Monday, the BJP-affiliated speaker disqualified the
Congress-alliance's deputy chief minister, giving a new twist to the bitter
battle for power in Goa.

A BJP minister till January-end, Filip Neri Rodrigues -- who was disqualified
this morning -- was rewarded with the deputy chief ministership after he
switched sides to join the Congress coalition's assent to power.

Since 1990, Goa politics has largely be shadowed by who rules Delhi, and the
congruence between parties in power there and at Panjim is too uncanny to be
overlooked.

Goa was scheduled to have a vote of confidence in the Pratapsing Rane-lead
Congress government, at 2.30 pm today (Monday). But the developments gave a new
twist to the struggle for power.

Now the ball seems to be placed in the court of Governor S C Jamir, a former
Congress leader from the North East.

Reports here had anticipated that a legislature-government-governor standoff
could have developed, with the BJP-Congress tug of war for power.

Private security personnel were expected to beef up the assembly security staff
for the crucial Monday afternoon session, even as the stand-off between the
BJP-controlled Speakership and the Congress-dominated government took events to
a new low in this politically instable chief that has seen almost an average of
one chief minister a year over the past 15 years.

ENDS
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
Goanet.org

PANAJI (Goa), Feb 28: After a day of two resignations, one
disqualification and intense political uncertainty, Goa's former BJP ruling
party claimed that it was once again tied 17-17 in the state assembly --
but not before its outgoing Speaker disqualified a Congressman.

In an anti-climatic series of development, where the BJP kept everyone
guessing and stunned, the outgoing party's Speaker disqualified Goa's deputy
chief minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues. Within minutes, soon after the Goa
assembly met, the announcement of both the BJP's Speaker and deputy Speaker
was announced.

BJP's allies have been deserting the party since end-January, but the party
lead by strong-man Manohar Parrikar has shown its determination to somehow
stay on in power. Some political circles here believe it might be pressing
for a constitutional crisis of sorts, to press for the dissolution of the
40-seat Goa assembly.

Since 1990, Goa has seen a round of intense political instability, with some
14 to 15 chief ministers in as many years. While the BJP has blamed the
Congress for being unable to govern, the BJP itself has contributed to
preying on the ambitions of dissenting Congressmen, and luring them over
with promises of office and more.

On Monday morning, the outgoing BJP Speaker Vishwas Satarkar disqualified
Filipe Neri Rodrigues, one of Goa's two deputy CMs in the Congress
dispensation which took over on February 2.

(Rodrigues got elected on an Independent ticket, but the BJP claims they
have documents to show that he joined their party at one stage. Congress
leaders have charged the BJP with forgery.)

Apparently anticipating a crisis, the Congress paraded their MLAs before the
governor.

In the session, which began at 2.30 pm as scheduled -- where the one point
agenda laid down by the Governor was the vote of confidence in the
Pratapsing Rane ministry -- the Speaker Satarkar announced the resignation
from the House of BJP's former deputy chief minister Digambar Kamat.

(Kamat had quit his seat, after changing parties. Under the new
anti-defection laws, anyone changing sides needs to resign from the House to
avoid anti-defection penalties.)

Next, the Speaker announced the resignation of deputy Speaker Narahari
Haldankar, a low-profile MLA from the BJP side. Taking everyone by surprise,
the Speaker went on to say that he was himself "greatly pained, humiliated
and angered" by the allegations and charges made against his functioning by
the Governor S C Jamir, Congress CM Pratapsing Rane and Congress general
secretary Margaret Alva.

He said he would be "demitting" office, and adjourned the House sine die.

Former BJP chief minister later told journalists that this had caused a
"temporary Constitutional bottleneck". He claimed that the situation was
back to what it was on February 2, 2005 -- the date when the Congress
government took over at a late-night swearing-in.

Instead of it being 18-18 then, the situation was now 17-17 for both the BJP
and Congress, claimed Parrikar. He was levelling off one defection -- by
ex-BJP deputy CM Digambar Kamat -- against the disqualified deputy CM on the
Congress side, Filipe Neri Rodrigues.

Interestingly, Congress CM Pratapsing Rane insisted on legislature secretary
to announce the adjournment of the House, obviously fearing that it might be
reconvened and a vote taken unfavourable to his government.

Later in the afternoon, Congress MLAs were huddled at a meeting in the
palatial new Rs 36-crore Goa assembly secretariat.

Goa's 40 seat assembly has seen the resignation of five of its MLAs, after
changing sides and ditching the earlier ruling BJP. With the
disqualification of Rodrigues, if this is upheld, the size of the assembly
comes down to 34.

Every MLA counts, and the BJP withdrew its Speaker as it would otherwise be
outnumbered -- the Speaker has a vote only in case of a tie.

Speaking to journalists, leader of the United Goans Democratic Party (UGDP)
Radharao Gracias, said it would move for disqualification of its MLA Matanhy
Saldanha, with the new Speaker appointed by the Governor.

UGDP, which initially had three MLAs on its side and played a king-maker's
role in supporting the BJP in power and allowing it to continue, changed
sides in January-end this year. Now, the party supports the Congress-lead
coalition, but its lone MLA, former fire-brand activist and traditional
fishermen's leader Matanhy Saldanha continues to support the BJP.

On Sunday, the UGDP had issued public newspaper advertisements calling on
its lone MLA, Saldanha, to be present in the Assembly and support the
Congress in its struggle for power.

Gracias said the non-BJP alliance was also likely to approach the courts for
a stay on the disqualification of one of Goa's two deputy chief
ministers, Filipe Neri Rodrigues.
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
asianage at sancharnet.in

Panaji, Mar 2: Goa Chief Minister Pratapsing Rane will take a vote of
confidence on Friday March 4, in a special session summoned four days after
a previous attempt to prove his government's majority was stalled and
hastily adjourned before the trust vote could even be moved.

This time, the legislature meets under pro-tem Speaker Francisco Sardinha, a
Congressman who was sworn in on Monday evening by Goa Governor s C Jamir,
following the dual resignations of the BJP speaker and deputy speaker
earlier that day in the House.

In the close numbers game, the Congress is moving to reduce the BJP's floor
stength in a tit-for-tat strategy, involving disqualifications under
anti-defection laws.

BJP's former Speaker Satarkar had disqualified a Congress ally and its
deputy chief minister Felipe Neri Rodrigues just hours before the Feb 28
session could start at 2:30 pm that day, moving swiftly to issue an official
legislature bulletin and finalise the matter.

Both camps battling for power in Goa -- the Congress and the recently-ousted
BJP -- are tied at 17 each, after Rodrigues's disqualification.

Retaliating, the Congress Wednesday evening filed a disqualification plea
against United Goans Democratic Party MLA Matanhy Saldanha who has backed
the BJP while his party currently supports the Congress combine.

Saldanha voted in favour of the BJP during the February trust vote for the
Manohar Parrikar government, against his party's whip, Congress MLA Jitendra
Deshprabhu has said in his disqualification petition.

Meanwhile the political drama over deputy chief minister's Rodrigues'
controversial disqualification continues in the Goa Legislature. On Tuesday
the legislature secretary under the new Congress Speaker Francisco Sardinha
filed a police complaint against former Speaker Viswas Satarkar, stating the
disqualification file was missing from the Speaker's chambers

Though Mr Satarkar returned the file this morning, original documents,
contested as forged by Felipe Neri Rodrigues were not in the dossier handed
in, Speaker Sardinha told The Asian Age here. "There is only a copy of the
membership form", he said.

Mr Sardinha entered the Speaker's chambers on Tuesday morning admist high
drama. Officials procured duplicate keys and found the cupboards and drawers
locked, after former Speaker and BJP MLA Mr satarkar failed to hand in the
keys on his resignation.

A panchanama was conducted on the chamber's contents.

Disqualified deputy CM Rodrigues, who has contested the documents produced
against him as forgeries, is expected to seek a suspension or a stay on his
disqualification either before the new Speaker or the High Court.

BJP has however has argued here that Rodrigues is officially disqualified,
and pointed out that a notice of his seat vacany has been intimated to the
Election Commission.

DROP RODRIGUES FROM CABINET, SAYS GUV: In further developments, Governor S C
Jamir, facing criticism for dismissing the Manohar Parrikar government in
early February after the BJP's MLAs started deserting it and its opponents
claimed the numbers, has written to Chief Minister Rane asking him to drop
Rodrigues from his Cabinet under the Constitutional provisions of the Tenth
Schedule, which contains the anti-defection law.

Meanhwhile in police investigations on the forgery case, BJP MLA Sadanand
Shet Tanavade and BJP Goa party general secretary Satish Dhond were quizzed
by the police this afternoon.

Both had earlier sought anticipatory bail, and pleaded against a possible
arrest in the matter.

ENDS
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
Goanet.org

PANAJI (Goa), March 4 : Pro-tem Speaker Francisco Sardinha salvaged
the Congress government of Pratapsing Rane in the evently divided house,
by giving his casting-vote in favour of the 30-day-old government.

Earlier, the pro-tem Speaker, a Congress MLA, restrained UGDP MLA Matanhy
Saldanha from participating in the vote. Matanhy's party, the United
Goans Democratic Party, has filed a disqualification petition against
their lone remaining MLA. Prior to the Jan-end desertions from the
BJP government, the UGDP supported the BJP but since changed tracks.

This was the third attempted confidence vote in barely thirty days.


------------------------------------------------------------------------
Frederick Noronha 784 Near Convent, Sonarbhat SALIGAO GOA India
Freelance Journalist TEL: +91-832-2409490 MOBILE: 9822122436
http://fn.swiki.net http://www.livejournal.com/users/goalinks
fred at bytesforall.org http://www.bytesforall.org
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
Goanet.org

PANAJI (Goa), March 4: Pro-tem Speaker Francisco Sardinha salvaged the
Congress government of Pratapsing Rane in the evently divided house, by giving
his casting-vote in favour of the 30-day-old government.

Both sides, the Congress and BJP, were tied with 16 votes each, after
BJP-backing Matanhy Saldanha was disallowed to vote.

Pro-tem Speaker, a Congress MLA, restrained the BJP-backing UGDP
MLA Matanhy Saldanha from participating in the vote. Matanhy's party, the
United Goans Democratic Party, has filed a disqualification petition against
their lone remaining MLA. Prior to the Jan-end desertions from the BJP
government, the UGDP supported the BJP but since changed tracks.

This was the third attempted confidence vote in barely thirty days.

Friday's vote was taken amidst expected pandemonium, with the BJP that has
fought on bitterly putting up an angry protest in the plush new assembly
situated atop a hillock at Alto Porvorim on the suburbs of state-capital
Panaji.

Ousted former BJP chief minister Manohar Parrikar protested the
developments, calling the vote a sham, and demanded that the Rane
ministry be sacked and his government be re-instated.

Parrikar's government itself came into a minority in end-January 2005,
after desertions finally hit his patchwork coalition. This was a foregone
conclusion since May 2004, given that politics in Goa since 1990 has
usually followed trends of who is in power in Delhi and which party's
nominee the Goveror is.

Pro-tem Speaker Sardinha moved the motion in the Rane government, after ruling
that BJP-supporting Matanhy Saldanha was not entitled to vote, leading to
angry BJP protests.

Parrikar asked Saldanha to stand and be counted, even if the pro-tem Speaker
refused to do so. Since it was tied at 16-16, pro tem Speaker Sardinha
said he was using his casting vote in favour of the confidence vote.

Another disqualified MLA, the Congress-backing Filipe Neri Rodrigues this
morning applied for his disqualification to be reviewed. With the
Speakership changing hands from the BJP to the Congress, the tables have
turned in some way. But the BJP has sought to pressurise against
any such move, saying a pro tem Speaker was not entitled to do
so.

Arguments in the Rodrigues case were inconclusive, and no decision was
taken.

Following the angry outcry over the Jharkhand government formation --
where a Congress government was formed inspite of the BJP having a narrow
majority -- there were suggestions in the national press that Goa's
Congress politicians had been adviced against controversial moves, like
disqualifying Saldanha before today's vote.

In under fifteen minutes, the House adjourned, with the national anthem.

Outsted chief minister Parrikar protested calling the proceedings a sham.
He asked for the sacking of the Rane ministry, and said that the Governor
had only said that the confidence vote would be the business for the
House. In addition, the pro tem Speaker had no right to bar a legislator
from voting, Parrikar argued.

Parrikar said he was not asking for the dissolution of the Goa assembly
as of now. After being ousted from power in a state it ruled since
end-1999 -- first through a defector government headed ironically by
Francisco Sardinha, now pro tem speaker, and then by the BJP itself --
some BJP leaders have been pushing for dissolution of the Goa assembly.

Goa's assembly has 40 seats. Five who ditched the BJP resigned from their
seats (to avoid the penal provisions of the anti-defection act). One
(Filipe Neri Rodrigues, backing the Congress) was disqualified by the
previous BJP speaker.

This leaves the House position at a precariously posed 17-17 of the 34
remaining legislators. This figure could change, depending whether
there are any further disqualifications or re-qualifications, or
defections as politicians shift loyalties, seeing which way the wind is
now blowing.

Both BJP and Congress legislators had been herded and kept in 'security'
in hotels and elsewhere, the the BJP being particularly cautious in taking
its flock to Jaipur and elsewhere, indicating it feared possible
defections in a state where its ex-chief minister is determined to stay on
in power -- or at least force for fresh elections.

The national furore raised over the developments in Goa by the BJP
leaders after their government fell has put the Congress on the backfoot
here. (ENDS)
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
PANAJI (Goa), March 4: After a hectic day of politicking in Goa's
Congress-versus-BJP bitter battle for power, the sun set here to news coming
in that New Delhi wants President's Rule clamped on this state. But to
unravel what this really means, one has to read the story behind the story.

At one level, this marks a climb-down by the Congress to an aggressive BJP
on the issue. But, contrary to what it seems, this is also a shrewd strategy
by the ruling coalition in New Delhi to both diffuse a snowballing crisis
and, at the same time, safeguarding Congress interests.

BJP leaders, mainly at New Delhi and also ousted chief minister Manohar
Parrikar -- the single man who has done most to keep alive and afloat the
ideology and rule of the party in Goa -- have whipped up a frenzy over the
Goa situation. Seen from a distance, even if you're someone who doesn't
admire the Congress and its doings, the BJP's brouhaha is all quite out of
proportion to what actually happened here.

TV newsbytes have dramatised the situation, while linking it to the state of
Jarkhand where the Congress was invited to form government without being the
largest grouping. This, together with the media propaganda that a section of
the largely still-loyal pro-BJP media has unleashed, has stoked emotions
both in Goa and elsewhere across India.

But the reality is different.

Firstly, the home truth is that in end-January 2005, Goa's larger-than-life
chief minister Manohar Parrikar actually lost his majority, after his allies
started deserting him. Four (and, later, one more) from the BJP-side quit
their assembly seats, in what has become the Goa-style of defecting and
earning lucratively enough without paying any anti-defection penalties.

But the Jarkhand faux pas came at an untimely juncture for the Congress,
spurring the BJP to take up both the issues -- Jarkhand and Goa -- with
equal vehemence, including in parliament. Some ham-handed and questionable
decisions by the Governor and the manner in which the Congress-led coalition
took over power didn't help that party's image either.

So, when New Delhi calls for President's Rule in Goa, the impression that
might go out is that the Congress is doing quite a climb-down. But, in
reality, the truth might be just the opposition.

Opting for keeping the legislative assembly under a spell of 'suspended
animation' would only mean advantage Congress. Goa's politicians --
specially since 1990 -- have shown immense proclivity to jump to whichever
party holds the reigns in New Delhi, often to the detriment of Goa itself.

BJP has an uphill task. That became clear ever since the May 13, 2004
results at the nationwide general elections. By opting for this route, the
Congress hopes to eventually overcome its rather unhealthy position in the
40-seat Goa assembly, where it is neck-to-neck with the BJP alliance.

PAST EXPERIENCE: President's Rule is no stranger to Goa. Over the past
decade-and-half, when this state has seen intense political instability --
in part engineered by the BJP which has also rightly blamed the Congress and
its overambitious leaders for being unable to rule -- there has been a spell
of President's Rule. But most other transitions have been smoother.

In the late 'nineties, Goa saw a strange phenomenon where a group of
citizens actually protested before the then Chief Election Commission,
asking for an extension of President's Rule, to keep away its controversial
and often-disliked politicians.

Since then, Parrikar came in with an image of being a Mr Clean and a
hard-working go-getter. But his arrogance over years in power, tendency to
favour cliques, furthering the religious polarisation in Goa, and his
single-handed overwhelming dominance over the government while 'using and
discarding' allies lost him many friends.

BJP's only hope now is to push for fresh elections in Goa; ever-the-optimist
former chief minister Parrikar once engineered a mid-term election without
some of his Cabinet collegues even being aware of it.

Initially on Friday, the much-praised and equally-criticised former CM
started by demanding that the Rane government be "dismissed immediately" and
his government be reinstated. "Our demand is that the Rane government be
dismissed immediately," he told journalists.

But, by evening, when nothing of this sort appeared to be happening,
Parrikar changed his tune to talk about fresh elections for Goa. (ENDS)
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
Qatar's Goan Welfare ASsociation 5th anniversary ball (From Goa-World.com)
http://www.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet/2005-March/025693.html

Dr Pascal Pinto on Goa's garbage woes, and it's threat
http://www.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet/2005-March/025685.html

Garbage Going Goa Gone

I am sure all of the Goanetters are siezed of the problem with the
press full of stories of villages, housing boards refusing to accept
garbage from municipalities and other panchayats. The earlier plan
to set up garbage disposal plants in two villages catering to the
two districts of Goa has fallen through and the latest one creating
village clusters seems to be following the same path.

The garbage dump and its attendant stink is now as ubiquitous as the
freshly painted crosses, temples and chapels along the roadside.
While the Mapusa municipal council is in a quandry because of lack
of a landfill/dumping site. The Corporation of the City of Panaji
and the adjoining villages of Merces, Taligao, St Cruz will soon be
facing the same problem because Curca will soon be refusing to take
anymore garbage as its landfill sites are full and its villagers are
complaining of the stench over a radius of 2km and pollution of its
groundwater.

As against this bleak scenario of Goa slowly but irrevocably turning
into a huge garbage dump with plastic not leaves lying across our
fields there seems to be no public outcry as say the rave parties on
our beaches or helmets. Part of the reason is that the average Goan
percieves garbage to be someone elses problem with the average
charlie chucking out his refuse packed in a .5 micron plastic bag
into the field from his car on his way to work.

The other part seems to be the buck passing local bodies pass it
upwards and governments devise elaborate non workable legislation in
reponse.While governments set up corporations for everything from
infrastructure to education it has thought it wise to tag the
responsibility of garbage to an owerworked and under motivated and
under funded panchayat secretary and sarpanch.Perhaps the stink
associated with garbage would deter aspiring MLAs from the job of
chairman!!

Roland Martins of GoaCan has wisely stated that the disposal and
segration should be at the point of creation and awareness
programmes on recycling, composting, vermiculture for the average
householder should be part of school curiculums and DD programs. I
and other members of Goanet would like to know how other villages
are coping and would like to interact with NGOs/websites addressing
this problem.

MELVYN MISQUITA <mail at misquita.org>, WITH MORE MARITIME FACTS: Did you know
that many English East India Company captains chose to spend Christmas in
Goa in the 18th century and that, as many as 61 British ships are known to
have called at Goa between 1700 and 1784? "Apart for the availability of
fresh water from Fort Aguada, Goa also provided urak/urrack or palm alcohol,
firewood and meat in the form of live bullocks and 'hogs'," writes history
researcher Cliff Pereira. Read more in Cliff's article 'British Ships at Goa
1700-1799', which is available in the "Clifford Pereira" FILES section of
the unique Goa Maritime Museum mailing list at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/goa-maritime-museum/

We regret inadvertently missing out, in yesterday's issue of Goanet
News Bytes, the URL of Irene Castelino's Curry & Spice Co. It is
online at http://www.curryandspiceco.com or http://www.casfoods.com
You can contact Irene Castelino on Ph 434-978-4804 Cell 434-227-0816

ENCOURAGING PARTICIPATION AT THE FRUIT FEST: Goanetter Miguel Braganza of
Mapusa <miguel12 at sancharnet.in> is encouraging small entrepreneurs in Goa
to take part in the May 6-8 fruit festival. Miguel says small enterprises
are welcome at the KFF3 (3rd Konkan Fruit Festival), and adds: "Please make
a poster giving the details of the products so that the buyers know how and
why your product is different. Please make sufficient quantities. Let us
look at marketing options through the horticulture corporation at Panjim.
Let us give Goa a green label for organic products."

---------------------------------------------------------------------
FROM THE WORLD OF MUSIC -- JAZZ
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Goa's Jazz Junction has been invited to perform at the 'Jazz for CRY'
concert organised by Radio Indigo in Bangalore on March 26. The concert is
being organised to raise funds for the child relief organisation CRY.

Jazz Junction was formed in Goa in April 2004 by virtuosos bassplayer Colin
D'Cruz. The band made it's debut at the fashion meets jazz show L'affaire
Xtraordinaire in Panjim. Soon after that the band made a splash at the 'Down
to Earth' jazz festival in Campal and has since performed at most of the
major live music events hapenning around the country.

The band was formed with a unique 'floating singers/soloists'
concept where a different singer and soloist is featured at every
show. Audiences get to hear the band in a different avatar each time
the band is in concert.

So far the band has featured some accomplished local as well as
international jazz artistes like vocalists Helen Jones (UK), Najla Shami
(Spain), Scot Andersen (Canada), Vivienne Pocha, Yvonne Gonsalves, Samantha
Edwards, Sharon Rodrigues, Suzanne D'Mello, Ursulla Fernandes, saxophonists
Neelamjit Singh Dhillon (Canada), Jayson Beaster Jones (USA), Maarten
Gamwijcan (Germany), Joe Pereira, Saby Dias, Shyam Raj, trombonist Dennis
Rollins (UK) and Blasco Monsorate, trumpet players Martin Dahanukar
(Switzerland) Frank Dubier and Bosco Monsorate.

The band has also been invited to perform at the Malaysian jazz festival
that takes place in December this year for which the band will feature a
couple of Indian classical musicians as singer/soloist. Jazz Junction's
lineup for the 'Jazz for CRY' concert will include Yvonne Gonsalves
(vocals), Jayson Jones (saxophone), Gerard Machado (guitar), Carlos
Gonsalves (percussion), Lenny Heredia (keyboards), Colin D'Cruz (bass),
Lester Godinho (drums). See http://www.jazzgoa.com

---------------------------------------------------------------------
CYBERALERT MAKES ITS IMPACT
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Messages sent out through Saligaonet alerted citizens to the fact
that the local panchayat was allowing a construction to come up
right in front of the scenic Salmona fountain. Many phone calls and
e-mails later, alarm bells were rung and citizens stood up in
protest. Journalists from Panjim also visited the scene, while the
construction work went underway even as the protesters looked at the
damage being done to the scenic spot. Let's hope sense prevails!

---------------------------------------------------------------------
DOMNIC'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY (KONKANI)
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Dev tuka vagoita tech porim tum dusreank vagoi. Treat others the way God
treats you. -- Domnic Fernandes Anjuna/Dhahran, KSA

---------------------------------------------------------------------
TODAY'S SPECIAL RECIPE: CHICKEN CAFREAL, Goan style
---------------------------------------------------------------------

INGREDIENTS: 1 kg chicken. 3/4 cup water. 6 tablespoons oil. GRIND: 10 green
chillies. 12 cloves garlic. 6 tablespoons coriander leaves. 1 lime juice.
Salt to taste. METHOD: Cut chicken into large pieces and keep aside. Apply
the ground paste to the chicken and let it stand for about an hour. In a
frying pan, add the chicken pieces, oil and water and fry till brown. Serve
with French fries.

Courtesy: Savour the Flavour of India, 2005 recipes by Edna
Fernandes. Mississauga. Ontario-based Edna is author of 'Saviour the
Flavour of India', pp 132, January 2005, Rs 250 printed at Pilar,
from where the above excerpt is reproduced with permission. Details
from ednaferns at hotmail.com or mobile 9822 588 823 (Goa)
till the end of March.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
THE WEATHER IN GOA
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Max 32.5C, min 24.9C. Humidity day 90% and night 75%. Forecast mainly cloudy
skies. Length Of Visible Light: 12h 51m Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous, 85% of
moon illuminated. Tides high tide 2129 HRS, 0740 HRS low-tide 1481 HRS and
0315 HRS.

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Mostly from subterranean water resources like bountiful wells that never run
dry in the surrounding villages. Unbelievable, yet true. There are water
sources that never run dry despite feeding the needs of hundreds and
thousands of people every day. That, for me, is the Salmona Fountain. For
the fortunate few who never need to carry a bucket of water or have a 'cat
wash' every morning, water is just water. But let us step out of the
comfortable environs that we live in and share a day with a weary villager
who treasures every drop he carries from the neighbourhood well or spring.
Water is the source of life and as far back as one goes into history, where
there was water there was growth, development and wealth. Perhaps some
hundreds of years back, some wizened village elder had the foresight to tap
the waters of Salmona and invited people to share in this beautiful gift
from God.

Who cares today? That old wizened villager has been forgotten and so are
the many joys the spring of water brought into the lives of thousands of
people over the years. Today it is the land that matters, not the spring.
Let's face it. There's more money in land, than there is in water. Or so you
think.

I work at a desalination plant where the government spends millions every
year to purify saline water and make it fit for human consumption. I live in
a country where we buy bottled water every day because our piped water is
not good for drinking. And every time I walk into my office or pour a glass
of water, I envy every Saligaonkar (and every other Goan villager) who has
the best water resources just a stone's throw away.

Today, our lack of concern has given a 'carte blanc' to some greedy builder
the right to bury this spring under a pile of rubble. It just the beginning
to the end of natural water resources. Today it is Salmona, tomorrow it
will be another spring and another well. Let's open our eyes to the truth.
At the rate we are going we are looking at a very dry future. Go ahead,
destroy every water resource...and few years from now Goa too will have to
think of desalination.

Sincerely hope the government of Goa will give this issue a serious thought
and hopefully your actions will be appreciated by all us Saligaokars and
many others who visit the Salmona Spring either for a bath, collect water or
bird watching... -- Zelma De Souza, Abu Dhabi

FROM ARCHITECT DEAN D'CRUZ <architecture at mozaic-design.com>

The movement to retain the pristine nature of the spring is largely
peaceful and the peace keeping efforts of the people against the
construction, as well as the persons constructing needs to be
appreciated. However, some miscreants not connected with the
movement tried to damage the builder's sheds and someone also
sprayed acid on my car damaging the paint. This resorting to
violence must be condemned and I do hope people do keep vigilance to
identify and stop anyone attempting this.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
GOA LINKS IN CYBERSPACE
---------------------------------------------------------------------

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/goamusician
o Network for musicians in and from Goa

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/goan_doctors
o Goan Doctors Worldwide

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EAGoans
o East Africa Goans

---------------------------------------------------------------------
GOAN EVENTS WORLDWIDE:
---------------------------------------------------------------------

o IN THE GULF REGION: The Goan cultural fest 2005 will be held on 1st April
2005, 5 pm to 11 pm at the Ajman Beach Hotel. Goan cuisine, folk dances, fun
and games, fancy dress for kids and live music by 'True Colours' with DJ
Navz and DJ Ryan. Tickets Dhs 40 (6 to 12) and Dhs 80 (adults). Covers
snacks, 1 complimentary drink and dinner.
http://www.daijiworld.com/goan_fest.asp Info sent in via borgee borg3e at
yahoo.com

o On a visit to Goa, an expat gets unexpected treatment at a prominent local
hotel. See the link below (needs to be joined)
http://groups-beta.google.com/group/soc.culture.indian.goa/browse_frm/
thread/47e46116310ba241/19a0d0df84bd618a#19a0d0df84bd618a

---------------------------------------------------------------------
AICHEA DISSAK CHINTOP By Domnic Fernandes
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Amcho vhoddantlo vhodd dusman nhoi ek pidda punn niraso. Our greatest enemy
is not disease but despair. -- Domnic Fernandes Anjuna/Dhahran, KSA

---------------------------------------------------------------------
SPORTS
---------------------------------------------------------------------

o Mohun Bagan hold Dempo to goalless draw: National Football League
o Salgaocar were left ruing that they described as a 'missed
judgement' on part of an otherwise alert referee. They drew 2-2
with Mahindra. (H)
o Xetrapal won 4-3 over hosts Quitla Sports Club in the inaugural
match of the Aldona Panchayat Cup. (H)
o Assagao Anjuna Football Academy won 4-1 over PVC Parra via
tie-breaker, while starting their campaign at the Xetrapal Cup at
Xetrapal Grounds. (H)
o Haushi Yuvak Sangh of St Cruz will lock horns with Chimbel
Sports Club in the inaugural of the Goa junior volleyball
tournament in memory of late Anthony de Merces on March 28 at
Moloca Court, Merces at 8 pm.

o TEST CRICKET: A blistering half-century from opener Shahid Afridi
and Younis Khan's solid 84 not out allowed Pakistan to set India
a challenging 383-run target in the third and final Test at Bangalore.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
WEATHER IN GOA
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Max 32degC. Min 22.1degC. Humidity 83% at 8.30 am and 60% at 5.30 pm.
TIDES: Low 1828 (0.87 height in metres) and 0614 (0.25m) and high 1248 (2.08
height in metres).

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b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
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kept his voice soft and friendly, but his dark eyes were sharp and probing.

I sent a copy of the article to Souza at his London address. Souza replied,
complimenting me. He ended his letter with this sentence in his carefully
formed handwriting, "I am not a megalomaniac by nature, but do you think
that an art gallery could be opened in Panjim displaying my paintings and
bearing my name?"

Read Ben Antao' entire article at
http://www.srimatilal.com/souza/review_antao.html

*** Souza's writings:

THE TRUE ARTIST - from: THE PARAGRAPH by F. N. Souza, New York City, 2000

The true artist can never be pressured by society; his compelling art
shirks- off all pressure except the pressure of Art!

I do not understand the purpose of prayer. Praying to whom? God, the Virgin
Mary and numerous saints; Hindu gods outnumber all the gods of other faiths!
--
The span, from Nature, Gods, to celestial beings... apsaras and avatars
galore! The gods and spirits have to be supplicated and praised -- or else!

....Or else what? -- Or else nothing! The futility of prayers, said to
nothing, to thin air...

It's good if the artist or writer means to make the viewer or reader laugh
at his work. It's far better than crying before a work of art. The main
purpose of the artist is to produce an elevated response. Then only is the
work meaningful, and not a daub.

....Stupidity is the second nature of human beings; they go-about their
mundane daily lives by being clever by half! -- Their basic nature is greed
and selfishness... even their 'God' is pompous, like they like to be: it is
He who says in the Old Testament, "I am holier than thou", obliquely used by
humans against the fellow who is overly-pious, but actually expressing their
own silly 'one-upmanship'! We know nothing, and science tells us less...

All the logic we may apply in order to discern the truth about Nature leaves
us bewildered. And the formulas and theories of scientists and philosophers
leave us cold!....

I seek Beauty more than knowledge. In fact, knowledge can be ugly. (ENDS)


WHAT I SEE - by F.N. Souza, New York city, February 2001

What I see as art (by studying art and Nature over the years) is that Art is
Nature and Nature is Thought!

Nature is a thinking process which we 'see' as development, growth and
evolution.

I see Art as Nature. Dante talked of Nature as the Art of God. But to me
it's become obvious that God is a creation of Nature in the mind of man, my
premise being that Nature is the Sole Principle, the principle of Life
itself!

...The Universe (Nature) is a living entity, beginningless and endless, and
all life, living creatures, etcetra, live off it! There's no reason why
seas, mountains, stars, suns and planets are not parts of living structures,
living for aeons of time, too vast for human comprehension to accomodate.
This amounts to Art being a prompting of Nature.

...Beauty is Nature's creation; colours are a wonder; Light, which contains
colours, is a miracle; chiaroscuro, caused by shadow and reflected light,
causes objects to become manifest; and so on - the wonder of it all!

The best I can say about Art is that man would die of boredom without it.

Science, I must point out, is a human concept. It is not the monopoly of the
scientific community.

*** Some of Souza's paintings can be found at:

http://www.fnsouza.com put together by his curator Srimati Lal
http://fnsouza.info/paintings/paintings_thumbnails.html
http://fnsouza.info/chemicals/chemicals_thumbnails.html
http://www.scolarfineart.com/pages/thumbnails/40186.html
http://www.vadehraart.com/f_n_souza.htm
http://www.glenbarra.com/fn/

*** Additional Sources:
http://theory.tifr.res.in/bombay/leisure/art/fn-souza.html
http://education.guardian.co.uk/higher/arts/story/0,9848,738977,00.html

E & O are incidental not intentional!

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b***@does.not.exist.com
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in Portuguese, English, Konkani and Marathi: a very important collection for
anyone interested in the social history of Goa during the nineteenth and
twentieth centuries.

Unfortunately, this collection needs better care and storage facilities.
Historical journals like Oriente Portugues, Chronista de Tissuari, Boletim
do Instituto Vasco de Gama, Boletim de Arquidiocese de Goa are also
available for reference.

Manuscripts and early imprints are very precious collection, which includes
rarities and the only extant copies of some works. The earliest imprint in
the collection is 'Constituicao do Arcebispado de Goa' published in 1643.

However, rarities of the sixteenth century are not in this collection. The
oldest book in the library is of 1539, titled 'Sexto (supir) Codicis
Justinian Commentaria' by Baldi de Ubaldi Perusini.

The Central Library of Goa is a recognized institution worldwide for
studies in Indo-Portuguese history. It is an important cultural
institution, which should be on the heritage map of Goa.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: The writer is a senior staff member at the Central Library
at the Institute Menezes Braganza in Panjim, and has co-authored and
authored books linked to Goan history, biography and food. This essay was
published in the latest (2004) issue of *Parmal*, the journal of the Goa
Heritage Action Group which has its mailing list at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/goaheritage (to join this list, send a blank
email to goaheritage-subscribe at yahoogroups.com )

GOANET READER WELCOMES contributions from its readers, by way of essays,
reviews, features and think-pieces. We share quality Goa-related writing
among the growing readership of Goanet and it's allied network of mailing
lists. If you appreciate the above article, please send in your feedback to
the writer. Our writers write -- or share what they have written -- pro
bono, and deserve hearing back from those who appreciate their work. Goanet
Reader too welcomes your feedback at feedback at goanet.org Goanet Reader is
edited by Frederick Noronha <fred at bytesforall.org>
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
damage is done!

Jambolan tree branches are not very strong. Therefore, if you climb a tree,
make sure you don't go too far on its branches. If you do, they will give
way and you will land on the ground. It happened to me twice when I was a
young boy; but luckily I suffered no fractures.

Jambolan vinegar, extensively made throughout India, is an
attractive, clear purple, with a pleasant aroma and mild flavor. In
Goa, people make 'zambllancho soro' (jambolan wine,) somewhat like
Port Wine. It is very medicinal, especially to those who suffer from
diabetes. It is worth tasting. So, when in Goa, inquire from local
people and go for it. I am sure you will like it just as I do. Here
is how jambolan wine can be made:

REQUIREMENT:

2 five-gallon glass bottles or plastic containers
1 hose for siphoning
1 soft transparent cellophane baggie + 2 rubber bands
12 bottles of jambolan juice
1 teaspoon of yeast
1 kg refined sugar (may use more than 1 kg sugar if you want to make Non-Dry
wine)

STEPS

Empty the juice into a bucket. Pour 3 bottles drinking water into the
bucket. Pour three bottles drinking water into a cooking pot, place the pot
on a stove and when the water gets warm add 1 kg refined sugar and stir
until dissolved (do not boil the water). Put one teaspoon of yeast and 2-3
teaspoons of sugar into a glass or water which has been warmed and stir
well; this activates the yeast (wait for five to six minutes to ascertain
this fact). Add the contents of the glass to the bucket with juice.

Then, mix the contents well with your arm or a large spoon. Pour the
contents in the empty glass bottle or plastic container. Cover the opening
of the bottle or plastic container with cellophane baggie and secure it with
rubber bands. Place the bottle/plastic container in a dark place; do not
open it.

Twentyone days later, clarify by siphoning the contents into a second bottle
or plastic container. Siphon from the top down without disturbing the
bottom; do not siphon one inch or more from the bottom; do not throw away
the residue if you wish to make another batch

After a further 21 days, siphon the contents of the bottle or plastic
container #2 into empty bottles. (If you wish, you may reduce the number of
days for this step to half or even skip it.) Siphon from the top down
without disturbing the bottom residue; do not siphon one inch or more from
the bottom; do not throw away the residue. Allow the contents of the bottles
to settle for at least a week and then start consuming

Follow the same procedure to make the second batch and so on but you will
have the left-over residue as an additional ingredient.

LEAVES: The leaves have served as fodder for livestock and as food
for tassar silkworms in India. Some people use young jambolan shoots
for cleaning their teeth. They are rich in tannin and contain the
enzymes esterase and galloyl carboxylase which are presumed to be
active in the biosynthesis of the tannins. The essential oil
distilled from the leaves is used to scent soap and is blended with
other materials in making inexpensive perfume.

The leaves, steeped in alcohol, are prescribed in diabetes. The leaf juice
is effective in the treatment of dysentery, either alone or in combination
with the juice of mango or emblic leaves. Jambolan leaves may be helpful as
poultices on skin diseases. They yield 12 to 13% tannin (by dry weight). The
leaves, stems, flower buds, opened blossoms and bark have some antibiotic
activity.

BARK: Jambolan bark yields durable brown dyes of various shades depending on
the mordant and the strength of the extract. The bark contains eight to 19%
tannin and is much used in tanning leather and preserving fishing nets.

A decoction of the bark is taken internally for dyspepsia, dysentery, and
diarrhea and also serves as an enema. The root bark is similarly employed.
Bark decoctions are taken in cases of asthma and bronchitis and are gargled
or used as mouthwash for the astringent effect on mouth ulcerations, spongy
gums, and stomatitis.

Ashes of the bark, mixed with water, are spread over local inflammations,
or, blended with oil, applied to burns. In modern therapy, tannin is no
longer approved on burned tissue because it is absorbed and can cause
cancer. Excessive oral intake of tannin-rich plant products can also be
dangerous to health. Paste made of jambolan bark is applied over inflamed
part to reduce inflammation.

The seeds and the bark, are much used in tropical medicine. Extracts
of both, but especially the seeds, in liquid or powdered form, are
freely given orally, two to three times a day, to patients with
diabetes mellitus or glycosuiria. In many cases, the blood sugar
level reportedly is quickly reduced and there are no ill effects.

Overall, the jambolan has received far more recognition in folk medicine and
in the pharmaceutical trade than in any other field. Medicinally, the fruit
is stated to be astringent, stomachic, carminative, antiscorbutic and
diuretic. Cooked to a thick jam, it is eaten to allay acute diarrhea. The
juice of the ripe fruit, or a decoction of the fruit, or jambolan vinegar,
may be administered in cases of enlargement of the spleen, chronic diarrhea
and urine retention. Water-diluted juice is used as a gargle for sore
throat and as a lotion for ringworm of the scalp.

WOOD: The wood is red, reddish-gray or brownish-gray, with close, straight
grain. In India, it is commonly used for beams and rafters, posts, bridges,
boats, oars, masts, troughs, well-lining, agricultural implements, carts,
solid cart wheels, railway sleepers and the bottoms of railroad cars. It is
sometimes made into furniture but has no special virtues to recommend it for
cabinet work. It is a fairly satisfactory fuel.

KANNT'TAM ani CHURNAM: These are wild fruits which are available
from hillside trees only during March, April and May. Local vendors
can be seen sitting at a 'Tintto' (village market), by roadsides in
towns and in market places selling these to Goans as well as
tourists. The best thing is to take a trip to a hill, pluck the
fruits yourself and eat them fresh. There is more charm in this than
buying readily available fruits in the market. This is where you
learn how difficult it is to collect fruit while experiencing a few
thorn pinches or scratches and bites from red-ants. But in the end,
it is worth it.

During my childhood, we went on 'kannt'tam ani churnam' trips on our hill on
Sundays. As soon as we got to the top of the hill, we would start looking
for 'churnam' trees and the moment we saw one we ran to it. Whoever got to
it first, placed his or her 'xintari' on it, bent it and began plucking
'churnam'.

We mostly found 'kannt'tam' next to or under the 'churnam' trees. Most of
the boys and girls would pick and eat these fruits on the spot, leaving
nothing to take home. As for me, I would just go on picking and collecting
and at the end of the trip I would have my bags quite full. I then ate them
on my way down the hill and was left with plenty more in my bags to share
with my family and our visiting guests.

One still like to pick these fruits from trees and eat them fresh. Last
year, the crop was over before I got home in late April, but I managed to
pluck and eat quite a few on the hills of Morjim, Arambol, Querim and
Tiracol in the more rural region of Pernem, just outside of Bardez taluka.

'PODDKOVAM': These are little red button like wild fruits available on
hills. They grow in small bunches on bushy trees mostly found on the edges
of slants and gutters. They are quite sweet but not much juicy. Our parents
and elderly people scared us by telling that a cobra always lived by these
trees and also that they ate these fruits.

The idea was to frighten us so that we didn't eat these fruits. But, one
must keep in mind that children always like to try the forbidden. So,
whenever we went on the hill for 'kannt'tam' and 'churnam', we picked
'poddkovam' too and ate them; at least I never came across any snake by the
trees. One still loves to eat 'poddkovam'. When on vacation, I go to the
village hills and 'hunt' for 'poddkovam' and I don't return home until I
have had some!

That's all for now from Dom's antique shelf. Stay in touch. Moi-mogan (with
much love).

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Domnic Fernandes is from Anjuna and works in Dhahran, KSA.
He is a regular contributor to Goanet, where his reminiscences of the Goa of
the yesteryears are widely appreciated.

GOANET READER WELCOMES contributions from its readers, by way of essays,
reviews, features and think-pieces. We share quality Goa-related writing
among the growing readership of Goanet and it's allied network of mailing
lists. If you appreciate the above article, please send in your feedback to
the writer. Our writers write -- or share what they have written -- pro
bono, and deserve hearing back from those who appreciate their work. Goanet
Reader too welcomes your feedback at feedback at goanet.org Goanet Reader is
edited by Frederick Noronha <fred at bytesforall.org>
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
---------------------------------------------------------------------

FROM DUBAI, SOME WORDS IN FEEDBACK: Danny Fernandes in Dubai responds to
Alan Andrew's article about IT and Goa at
http://www.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet-news/2005-May/001227.html :

One of those really rejuvenating articles. I always had hopes in
Goa's development inspite of looking and hearing different tales of
our land. I totally agree with Alan Andrews' views. This article
shows how we Goans can improve the present from mistakes of the
past. We should not wait to think what the other can do for us but
just move forward sharing the best with all towards a better future.

ONCE AGAIN, A CAREERS' FAIR COURTESY VASCO: The Rotary Club of Vasco Da Gama
-- http://www.vascowheel.com -- has successfully organised five consecutive
Career Information Fairs. With above 42 stalls on an average, and thousands
of students and parents participating, educational institutions have a ready
platform to reach out to the student community directly.

This year's fair will be hosted at the Don Bosco auditorium in the heart of
Panjim, on June 11 and 12, 2005. As the fair is being held immediately on
declaration of the results of the SSC and HSSC, the organisers say they
welcome direct enrolment of students by colleges into various courses
offered by them. See http://www.vascowheel.com for details.

Or contact Bharat Kamat -- bhajera at sancharnet.in -- President 2004-05,
Rotary Club Of Vasco Da Gama. +91- 9422443284 http://www.vascowheel.com
http://www.saving-lives.org

CALLING ALL GMC DOCS: Dr Abhay Vaidya in the UK keeps us in touch
with ex-Goa Medical College doctors who are planning their reunion.
In case any names strike you as familiar, here are some of those
being contacted: A Netalkar, Ajai Tyagi, Ajit Nair, Allwyn Cota,
Allwyn Cota, Amit Dias, Anand Kamat, Anand Virgincar, Anseimo
Fernandes, Ani Gadgil, Anil Desai, Anirudh Gadgil, Atul Tyagi,
Bernadette Pereira, Bonny Rodrigues, Chetan Shirodkar, Dattaram
Kunde, Frederick Souza-Faria, Guirish A Solanki, Gustavo Vas Falcao,
Irineu Da Cunha, Jayant Vaidya, Kenneth Barbosa, Kishor Vaidya,
Laurence Azavedo, Lucio Fernandes, Luis Dias, Maria Pinto- Rebello,
Mario Fernandes, Mruga Naik, Neville Menezes, Nita George, Pinto
Renato, Prashant Kakodkar, Rajeshwar Naik, Rodney Aguiar, Sachin
Kamat, Sanjay Bhananker, Selwyn Albuquerque, Sheshank J, Simon
Menezes, Stanley Viega, Sunita Jacques, Thomas Samuel, Vivek Chitre,
Lucio Fernandes, Guirish A Solanki, Ajit Nair, Kishore Vaidya, and
Rajeshwar Naik.

FOR EGYPT AND THE PYRAMIDS: Clinton Vaz, the owner of the Stamps in Goa
mailing list -- http://groups.yahoo.com/group/stampsingoa/ -- from Benaulim
is off for a "short week-long holiday" to Egypt, and is promising every
person who sends in a self-introduction to the group a "bunch of Egyptian
stamps". Go for it...

GOA SUDHAROP PLANS: Goa Sudharop is celebrating its 5-year anniversary at a
gala function on July 3, 2005 (Sunday) in Oakland, California, at the very
modern Samuel Merritt College Hall and auditorium. Goa Sudharop has assisted
or made awards over the last five years, thanks to generous contributions
from donors, sponsors, and supporters. All monies donated and collected go
to projects and recipients. Goa Sudharop has no paid staff nor does it pay
its volunteers.

EXPATS SUPPORT A BOOK, DOWN UNDER: Alvito (Alvaro) Peres da Costa informs
that prominent Goan writer Dr Jose Pereira et al's book 'Folksong of Goa,
Mando-Dulpod and Dekhnni' has recently been published and is available
through Aryan Books International of Delhi.

This publication was sponsored by the Goan Overseas Association in Sydney,
New South Wales -- not as a for-profit venture, but as "one of the few
scholarly ventures on the long road to crystallisation of a befitting record
of our heritage". Peres da Costa is keen to inspire other Goan ethnic and
cultural associations around the world to back similar work like Dr Jose's.

RESEARCH PROJECTS FROM QUEPEM: Renji George of the Quepem Government
College's Dept. of Economics, and a Goaphile of long standing, who
has done quite some work to understand the region, says that at
present three research projects are going on under him. These are
on: Sustainability of Goa's Development Experience; An Audit of
Consumer Redressal Mechanism in Goa; and a library fellowship on
women, tourism and culture in Goa.

FROM MANGALORE, A DEMAND TO RECOGNISE DIVERSITY IN KONKANI: From Mangalore,
a demand has come up to include Kannada and the Roman script while giving
out Konkani awards. Dr Edward Nazareth, secretary of the Karnataka Konkani
Writers Forum, which has over a hundred Konkani writers using the Kannada
script, made a call for looking at the Roman script too.

He said: "We will continue Kannada script in Karnataka as before. But in
this era of globalization we need to go along with the happenings of this
world. As a large number of our people have migrated from their native place
and they keep migrating, use of internet and mobile SMS have become the part
and parcel of our life and also our people opt to take up education in
English medium education in vast numbers we feel the need of learning an
additional Roman script in order to keep continue to communicate with our
people in Konkani. That is the reason we find the need of learning Roman
script now". (Report from: Ancy Salvadore D'Souza Paladka)

ANGEL RADIO, A NEW VENTURE FROM GOA: Angel AV <angel at angelav.com> says it is
testing Angel Radio, Says Orlando Fernandes of Portais, Panjim: "I've put up
two streams (Konkani and English) on the mast of www.angelav.com Check it
out, will like some feedback."

---------------------------------------------------------------------
SITEWATCH: Goanparty.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday 31st January has been
postponed until further notice.
Please watch this space.

Our next party is:

Kedna? Saturday 31st January
2004 from 7pm till 1am

Khuim? E Bar, 20 South End,
South Croydon,Surrey, CR0 1DN
Welcome to......
goanparty .com Kitem? RnB, Hip Hop, Old Skool
The only party website for young Soul Party Joints & all those
Goan clubbers around London cheesy Goan dance tunes

Join our mailing list and receive regular
updates of our events Konn? Mixbreed, DJ 2-Face & DJ
Sparkx
Name:
_______________________________ Kitlo? Tickets cost just -L-6
Email address: and early bookings are strongly
_______________________________ advised. For our last event,
Mobile number: tickets were sold out well in
_______________________________ advance, so there will be no
tickets available on the door
[ Send ] [ Reset ]
Kiteak? Because the only time
you'll get to party with the
Goan clubbing generation is when
your at a dance with all the old
folks, so come down, dress smart
and be merry

Hanv kitem korum? For tickets
and other info, please email
info at goanparty.com or call
Darren (07956 11 77 03) or Aaron
(07956 95 33 11)

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Goanet news
---------------------------------------------------------------------

CHRISTINA PINTO TAKES OVER CYBERMATRIMONIALS: Goanet's Cybermatrimonials --
the fortnightly to monthly service of matrimonial listings meant to help
Goanet readers find their life partners -- continues to play its role in
bringing Goa-linked people together. To date Frederick Noronha has been
responsible for bringing this service to you. In an effort to give it an
added impetus, Goanet volunteer Christina Pinto has offered to take up the
work and look after Cybermatrimonials on behalf of Goanet. If you would
like to place your listing -- or have any inquiries, feedback, suggestions
-- please henceforth send it to christina at goanet.org Unpublished
advertisements are in the process of being handed over to Christina. Those
who sent in their listings earlier, are welcome to do so again, to ensure a
wider choice. FN thanks everyone who collaborated on this venture, helped in
any way, made it workable, and offered him a chance to be of some use.

YOUR VOTE IS VALUABLE: Please go over and cast your vote on issues
of relevance to Goa, at http://www.goanet.org Also, every message
posted via the goanet at goanet.org network gets immediately displayed
on the Goanet site. Send in your views!

--------------------------------------------------------------------
WEATHER, ETC IN GOA
---------------------------------------------------------------------



---------------------------------------------------------------------
We need your help to promote Goanet, a volunteer-driven network:
---------------------------------------------------------------------
____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
||g |||o |||a |||n |||e |||t || Issue compiled by
||__|||__|||__|||__|||__|||__|| Frederick Noronha
|/__\|/__\|/__\|/__\|/__\|/__\| fred at bytesforall.org

Copyleft Goanet 2005 Creative Commons http://www.creativecommons.org
You may reproduce this ezine in its entirety, with credits retained.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Goanet, the net-worker of all networks. Stay in touch. Send in updates.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
--------------------------

o Contesting politicians declare assets (NT) You'll be surprised how
rich and unrepresentative some candidates actually are!
o Congress lodges complaint against Parrikar with Election Commission
for calling Governor Jamir a "Congress agent". (NT)
o Late-comers to file their nominations today. (GT)
o Barely 13.8% cast votes in elections for Bicholim co-op bank. (NT)
o Election commission bans use of official vehicles for electioneering.(NT)
o With 1200 votes at stake, the shanties of the migrant-dominated
Monte Dongor spread over 20,000 sq metres is seeing hectic
politicking. In Margao's lone notified slum, political parties
jostle to pocket the migrant 'block' vote. (Guilherme Almeida, H)

Actual issues, such as conservation of the green cover, fertile
farms, providing drainage, solid waste management and sewage
treatment, health and sanitation in Taleigao constituency need to be
addressed by the candidates before it is too late to do anything.
-- Nandkumar Kamat, in the Navhind Times.

"Goa hails the real man of the masses, Churchill Alemao," from a
full-page newspaper advertisement on his 56th birthday. In a photo,
the South Goa MP is shown with his wife, five daughters, and one
son.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
DEATHS & OBITUARIES
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Rajan Panikar of Potta, Kerala was brutally killed by some gang near
the Tivim railway station, at midnight. (NT)
GOMANTAK TIMES SAYS: Altercation after a drink leads to a murder.

BORIM: D S Angadi, headmaster of Pragati Vidyalaya.

CARONA: Apolone Francisca Castelino e Correa, b 1933. Wife of late Nicholas
Correa, sister of late Afra Lobo, late Ofelia Bocarro, late Eremita
Sequeira. Mother/in-law of Margaret/Edmund, Hillary/Judith, Mescia/Joseph,
Myrtle/Mervyn, Militta/Arthur.

COLVALE: Carlos Venacio B de Araujo, b 1927. Husband of Santana,
father/in-law of Ferdinand/Rose, Sabrina/Christopher, Sheila/Agnelo,
Sandra/Elvis.

CURTORIM: Luis Francisco Crisologo de Noronha, ex-Noronha e Silva
Booksellers, Margao. Husband of Cleofas, father/in-law of Doroteia
(Dotush)/Manuel Souza, Clara/Ivo Soares, Francisco Xavier/Blaxia,
Erminia/Cristhe de Costa, Joaquim, Mario and Fulton.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPORTING A CAUSE
---------------------------------------------------------------------

o If you want to drink, that is your business. If you want to stop,
that is our business. Alcoholics Anonymous, Phone 222 4140

---------------------------------------------------------------------
GOA SPORTS
---------------------------------------------------------------------

o Salcete stun Fransa via sudden-death in GFA's U-14 final. (NT)

o Hockey -- Dhanraj Pillai-led Indian Airlines crafted a 2-1
victory over Air-India in the first exhibition hockey match
organised by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs at
Don Bosco school grounds. They lead 2-0 at the break. (NT)

FOREIGN SPORTS: Reports from Lisbon say Benefica beat Sporting 1-0
on Saturday and needed a point from their last match to clinch the
Portuguese title for the first time in 11 years. (Reuters)

o Raia Sporting defeated Mumbai's Central Railway 4-3 via the tie-breaker
to win the prestigious Shahu Gold Cup football tournament in Kolhapur.NT

o St Sebastiao YC Fatorda stunned holders CRC Chinchinim 2-1 to move into
the semi-finals of the Mardol Trophy soccer at Mardol grounds. (NT)

o Clube Sao Miguel de Taleigao scored once on each side of the
breather to beat Baddy SC of Merces and enter the semis of the
Pilerne Panchayat Club at Maddanim Grounds.

o Undaunted by a two-goal deficit at the breather, Sao Minguel Taleigao
staged a brilliant comeback to snatch an 8-7 sudden death win against
Navelim Sporting in a thrilling match in the Calangute Panchayat cup. NT

o United Club Nerul scored a 6-5 sudden death victory over Saligao
Sporting in the Dattaram and Pramodini soccer at Siolim. (NT)

o Sao Jose de Areal SC to organise their villagers cup football. (NT)

Jagdish Bhobe won a bronze for Goa in the senior men (80 kg)
at the 19th national karate championship at Chennai recently.
Vaishali Bhainderkar also won a bronze in the senior
women's individual kata event. (NT)

---------------------------------------------------------------------
CULINARY CORNER * Served special for Goanet, from Daisy Rodrigues, Calif.
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Our star ingredient for the next few days will be Crab. Crab meat is
highly rich in calcium. The trick is to cook it in its shell, that retains
the juice, the flavor and the taste of the crab-meat. If you crack open the
crab shell and scoop out the meat and cook it, you will find it to be
rubbery and very often tasteless.

The following recipe was sent to me by Eddie Fernandes, creator of this
recipe is: Chef Floyd Cardoz, Tabla, New York. Hope you enjoy it. Get back
to me and let me know how it turned out.

Crab cakes - Ingredients-1/4 c Corn oil for frying, 1 onion-diced small, 1
tablespoon peeled & minced fresh ginger, 1/4 tablespoon minced garlic, 1
teaspoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon turmeric, 1
tomato-finely diced, 1 cup crab-meat-carefully picked, 2 medium shrimp-minced
to a fine paste, 2 limes-zested (chop up the zest) and then juice them, 8
sprigs of cilantro-chopped, 1 tablespoon chopped chives, 1 egg-beaten, 1 cup
panko (breadcrumbs)-available in Japanese stores-I substituted Italian
*breadcrumbs and it was fine, salt to taste, freshly ground black pepper to
taste, cayenne to taste.

Process: In a large saute pan, heat one tablespoon of the corn oil. Add the
onion, ginger and garlic and saute for 5 minutes over medium heat. Add the
coriander, cumin, turmeric and the tomato and continue to cook until it
turns dry. Remove from heat & cool down. In a large mixing bowl, combine
crabmeat, onion mixture, shrimp, chopped lime zest and juice, cilantro,
chives, beaten egg and 3 tablespoons of the panko. Season with salt, pepper
& cayenne. Mix well so that all the ingredients are well incorporated. Test
a small quantity by forming a teaspoon of this mix into a small patty and
fry it in a pan. Adjust the salt and pepper if necessary. Divide this
mixture into 4 equal portions. Form into balls and flatten to form small
patties. Put the rest of the panko on a cutting board. Place the patties one
at a time in the breadcrumbs. Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet large enough to
hold the crab cakes on medium heat. Add the oil and fry the crab cakes. When
the cakes turn a light golden color, flip them over and cook them on the
other side until they are light golden in color. Using a slotted spatula,
remove and drain on a paper towel. I served my crab cakes with a sweet &
spicy sauce, yum!

Tip - (for those of you that do not get ready-made breadcrumbs -- toast some
leftover bread in the oven until crispy, then blend to make a coarse powder,
add some cumin & turmeric powders to give it a little flavor) -- Daisy

Speaking of crab, my 10-year old wanted me to put in this joke, here goes:
Q: How much does a crab eat? A: Just a pinch!

---------------------------------------------------------------------
WEATHER, ETC IN GOA
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Max 33.7 Min 24.8 Day humidity 73% and night 61%. (Navhind Times)

---------------------------------------------------------------------
We need your help to promote Goanet, a volunteer-driven network:
---------------------------------------------------------------------
____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
||g |||o |||a |||n |||e |||t || Issue compiled by
||__|||__|||__|||__|||__|||__|| Frederick Noronha
|/__\|/__\|/__\|/__\|/__\|/__\| fred at bytesforall.org

Copyleft Goanet 2005 Creative Commons http://www.creativecommons.org
You may reproduce this ezine in its entirety, with credits retained.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Goanet, the net-worker of all networks. Stay in touch. Send in updates.
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b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
Finch 157 Bebington Road Birkenhead Merseyside UK CH42 4PZ

More posts related to the musicians and music of Goa at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/goamusician/

SCREENING OF A FILM IN GOA: On Thursday May 19, at 6.30 pm. Film: "SALAAM
BOMBAY" (1988). India: English subtitles, 114 Minutes Director: Mira Nair

This is a superb film that gives the viewer a bird's eye view into
the plight of India's urban street children. It is done through the
experience of young Krishna, an illiterate, country bumpkin of a
boy, who is abandoned by his mother at a circus and told not to come
home until he has five hundred rupees for having broken something
that belonged to his brother. While Krishna is on an errand, the
circus packs up and leaves town, and he is left alone to fend for
himself. Krishna uses his last few rupees to travel to a city,
which by luck of the draw turns out to be Bombay. Thrust into the
life of the street children of Bombay, living among the pimps,
hustlers, drug addicts, prostitutes, and throw away children that
proliferate in India's urban settlements, a modern day jungle,
Krishna struggles to survive. His resourcefulness holds him in good
stead. He quickly develops some street smarts and forms attachments.
He struggles to earn and save money, so that he can return home to
his mother and the family whom he misses, only to be duped in the
end by one whom he had trusted. His story breaks one's heart, as he
learns some hard lessons in life. This is a gritty look into the
underbelly and plight of Bombay's poor street children, who call the
gutters of its filthy urban streets home. It is filled with the
sights and sounds of this urban nightmare. An Academy Award nominee
for Best Foreign Language Film, this highly acclaimed film allows
the viewer a peek at another culture, only to find that basic human
needs and desires are universal.

FORMER GOA GOVERNOR JFR JACOB WRITES TO GOANET: just to enquire regarding
the protected forests along the goan western ghats. i understand that the
denuded portions are rejuvenating. the rivers are getting clearer. the
forests are home to a number of species of wildlife, including herds of
bison. a tiger was spotted just before i left. these forests are a treasure
house of numerous varieties of trees and medicinal plants -- remember d'orta
-- i have never seen anywhere such a profusion of cane, some over 80 feet
long. it was my intent to have a wildlife sanctuary as i wanted to
diversify tourism, giving it a broader and more varied base. sadly i had to
leave before i could implement it. goa has lovely beaches. to me the
forested ghats are even lovelier. trust that the opposition to the
notifications by some vested interests has died. may i suggest that people
like you and other dedicated environmentalists go ahead and persuade the
concerned authorities to have a wildlife sanctuary. the animals are there.
some more tigers would help. such a park would do much to invigorate both
domestic and international tourism. incidentally the prime minister is head
of the wildlife board and a keen environmentalist. i am sure that if you
all approach him he will look most favourably on the project. the torch is
now in the hands of the people of goa. my best regards and good wishes go
out to all of you. sincerely, jack jacob jfrjacob at hotmail.com

---------------------------------------------------------------------
SITEWATCH : http://www.dinesh.com/india/goa.shtml
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Home arrow India | dinesh.com | Google ________________ [ Search ]

Main Menu
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___________________
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India - Goa Welcome to the Goa page of the India website directory at
www.dinesh.com. This page contains links to some of the best website
links related to Goa. I add and remove entries on a regular basis and
if you want to submit your site to me, please use the following free
Search Engine Submission service offered by dinesh.com. Click here to
recommend this site to your friends.

-----------------
GoaNet.Com [ACTUALLY, THE SITE IS http://www.goanet.org --FN ] Another
site dedicated to information related to Goa. Covers News, has a
mailing list and other information.

Goacom.Com A website on information related to Goa. Covers News,
Villages, Hotels, Travels and Tours, Cuisine and lot more.

Goainfosearch -A Website on Goa different from others offering a 24
Hours Helpdesk, Complete Yellow Pages, Chatrooms, Free Goan Email
Service, Music- MP3 and Real media, Community, Business, Hotels, Goan
Food and much more.

Goa International -Goa Online Shopping, Goa News, Realestate, Uniting
the Goan Community, Pen pals, Free E-mail service , Free E-mail to
Letter Service to Goa

GoaWorld - Goa on your desktop.

Golden Goa -A Good Site for Goans to know about Goa and also for people
visiting Goa. A totally Non-Commercial Site on the Net. Also many
services such as Free Classifieds, Free Homepages, Chat and lots more

Indian Government's Page on Goa The Indian government's Page on
information related to Goa.

Goa-Interactive A nice site on Goa. Covers a lot of topics. Another
site with Goa information

Goa Shop -A site for Goans around the world away from their loved ones.
Goashop has the solution send gifts greeting cards etc. Goashop has a
photo classified section, Business Directory and Real Estate
information.

Goa-World.Net -All you need to know about Goa, Goans and Worldwide
Activities. Online Konkani Music Station. On Konkani Tiatr, Tiatrists
and its History, On Konkani Films, Videos, Khell Tiatr and Non Stop
Dramas, Goan Associations Worldwide (Gulf, USA, Europe, India), Goan
Newsletters, Goa Pictures - its natural beauty, people, events,
football, sports, etc.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
CULINARY CORNER * Served special for Goanet, from Daisy Rodrigues, Calif.
---------------------------------------------------------------------


---------------------------------------------------------------------
____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
||g |||o |||a |||n |||e |||t || Issue compiled by
||__|||__|||__|||__|||__|||__|| Frederick Noronha
|/__\|/__\|/__\|/__\|/__\|/__\| fred at bytesforall.org

Copyleft Goanet 2005 Creative Commons http://www.creativecommons.org
You may reproduce this ezine in its entirety, with credits retained.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Goanet, the net-worker of all networks. Stay in touch. Send in updates.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
----------------------------------

o Booze and polls don't mix, observers tell candidates. (H)
o Raids conducted on Poinguinim Independent candidate Leao Monteiro's
two distilleries. (NT)
o Willy accuses Monte Cruz (Benaulim UGDP candidate) of lying
on his loan dues. (H)
o Congress to decide on legislative party leader after bye-elections. (H)
o BJP releases constituency-based manifestoes for four segments. Promises
improving connectivity to various islands by constructing new
bridges and also undertake Chorao, Divar and St Estevam bridge
connectivity on a priority. (NT)
o We would not have fielded a candidate in Benaulim without the
support of Congress MP Churchill Alemao, says UGDP leader. (GT)
o Congress alleges that BJP attempted to enrol bogus voters! (H)
o Nirmala Sawant flays politics of defections. (GT)
o BJP claims to have strong machinery in four constituencies. (GT)
o BJP will rule Goa again, claims Shripad Naik. (GT)

FLORIANO LOBO of the Goa Su-Raj Party declares his
assets, as required by election laws. (See Herald)

Sunaparant headlines:
--------------------

o Babush Monserratachim vechnunk karda Panje Mahapalikachya sangnaacher
Monserrat's election cards on the Panjim municipality computer.
o Rajbashechi amalbajavni karpachi Ko.Ba. Mandalachi Rajyapalalagi magni
Konkani Basha Mandal asks Governor to implement official language act.
o Gova Doot, 22 Maisan
New Marathi daily, 'Gova Doot' to be published from May 22.
[Some analysts have seen this new paper as being floated by the BJP]
o Kongres sattecher aylar IFFichi fervichar, Ravi
If Congress comes to rule, we'll rethink IFFi, says Ravi Naik.
o Jamir 'rashtra', Parrikar 'rashtradrohi'
Jamir a nationalist, Parrikar an anti-nationalist. Principal
Subhash Velingkar, Goa RSS leader, writing in his weekly column Sadetod.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
DEATHS & OBITUARIES
---------------------------------------------------------------------

o Ten year old girl from Surla-Bicholim Aliksha Palyekar dies
tragically after she was crushed to death by the wall of her room,
which collapsed after a tipper truck rammed into the house,
near the Alcon factory. (H)

CANSAULIM: Exaltacao Sequeira of Madalem. b 1922. Wife of late Benjamin,
mother/in-law of Yvette/Dr Oliver Quadros, Octaviano (Octu)/Bernadette,
Francisco (Frank)/Honorina, sister of late Felix, late Santan, late
Dorotina, late Hortencia, late Isidore, late Vincente, Lucio & Victoria.
Expired peacefully on May 18.

COLVA: Pedro Antonio Fernandes of 4th Ward. Husband of Candolin,
father/in-law of Santana/Anthony D'Silva.

FATORDA: A Venkateshwaralu, assistant engineer sub-division II, works
division XXV (Roads), PWD Quepem, expired suddenly on May 17 at 11.30 pm at
his Margao residence.

MAPUSA: Maria Madalena D'Souza of Duler, b 1934. Wife of late Avito C
D'Souza, mother/in-law of Rita/Erol Menezes, Wencila/Pierre Lobo,
Silvia/Custodio, Albuquerque, Violet/Caitano D'Costa, Sebastian D'Souza,
Celestino/Clara D'Souza.

SANTA CRUZ: Ana Maria Botelho e Fernandes, b 1932. Wife of Armando,
mtoher/in-law of Joaquim Jose/Janerita, Santan/Milagrina, sister/in-law of
Clara/late Luis, Philomena/late Pedro, Joao Francis/Philomena,
Alvito/Georgina, Anarita.

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GOA SPORTS
---------------------------------------------------------------------

CHURCHILL RELEGATED: Three times winner Mohan Bagan survived
anxious moments in the second half, to stave off the ignomy of
relegation with a 1-1 draw against Churchill Brothers in a
ninth National Football League encounter here today. Bagan
finished the league gleaning 23 points from 22 matches to
take the eighth position. Churchill who culled the same
number of points as Bagan, joined SBT, Tollygunge Agragami and
Vasco SC in getting demoted to the Second Division NFL. (H)

Salgaocar defeates JCT 2-0 in Fatorda.

BOOKIES PUT MONEY ON SPORTING CLUBE: Goan bookies have made
Sporting Clube de Goa overwhelming favourites to walk
away with the 9th National Football League for the
ONGC Cup on Saturday, May 21. As of now, Sporting Clube
de Goa will clinch the title if they beat Mahindra in the
final round. If Sporting stumble, Dempo (with 44 points)
can climb the peak by beating Tollygunge Agragami at
Tilak Maida in Vasco. (H)

o Dempo Sports Club's talismanic midfielder Clifford Miranda has
dismissed suggestions that he played it safe in the
all-important game against East Bengal. (H)

o Alvito D'Cunha will play with East Bengal till 2007. The Goan
football heartthrob today agreed to a new two-year deal
that will keep him with the Kolkatta giants. (H)

o SALCETE AHEAD, VETERANS: Salcete Veterans knocked out Merces
Villagers 1-0 in the All Goa Diogo Vaz Memorial veterans
tournament at Don Bosco grounds. (H)

o Goa archery coach Laxmi Priya Devi will train the Indian squad. (H)

o Calangute Association got the better of Clube Sao Miguel de Taleigao
5-4 via the tie-breaker, to book a place in the Pilerne panchayat
cup finals at Maddanim Grounds, Pilerne. (H)

o St Michael, Goa Velha, defeated St Peter Agassiam 3-2 to move into
the quarters of the late Caitan Marian Memorial soccer at Agassiam.

o Having lost two consecutive tournaments, Goa Police bounced back
in their typical champion manner to outsmart 2STC Bambolim
17-25, 25-19, 25-22, 25-21 and emerge champions in the all Goa
volleyball tournament organised by Mala Sports Club, Panjim.

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FROM HERE AND THERE
---------------------------------------------------------------------

WEATHER OFFICE SAYS MONSOON MAY BE DELAYED: Reuter reports from New Delhi
that India's monsoon rains, the lifeline of the farm-dependent economy, are
likely to hit the southern coast of Kerala around a week later than normal,
a weather department official said on Wednesday. The June-September monsoon
normally hits the Kerala coast on June 1, and then winds its way up to the
rest of the country. It covers the entire country by July 15. The annual
monsoon is crucial for Asia's fourth-largest economy as a majority of its
billion-plus population relies on farming to earn a living. "It is likely to
hit the Kerala coast on June 7 with a forecast error of three days," an
official said. "The monsoon normally sets in over the south Andaman sea on
May 15. But this has not happened. The flow of monsoon current is not there.
So there is a delay.

KARL INTO DE SOUZA OF FREEDOM FOUNDATION AND MOIRA: In Goa with our
crab mentality it is so easy to criticize people and bring others
down when we ourselves don't dare to do something. Nirmalas in
Altinho started a course (in counselling) two years back. A year
ago, I had heard some people talking about how basic or bad the
course is. I too had enrolled with certain doubts, but today I can
say with certainty that the course has really helped me both
personally and professionally and I can see the same change in my
class mates, many of whom too were clinical psychologist or barefoot
counselors before. I am writing this to silence the so many crabs
spreading nuggets of misinformation to deter people from joining.
The course is a fantastic one, well thought of and with fantastic
practicals with the Nirmalas stamp of excellence written all over.
Kudos to Nirmalas!

NOTE FROM A READER: Mario Vicente Santos Pereira writes in from Doha, to
Goanet: "Thank you very much for beautiful news clips of Goa happenings
which I received today very very interesting to read all the tips too.
Thanking you and waiting to hear from you more." A note from Goanet -- if
you like this community-driven initiative, make sure you recommend it to all
your friends and relatives. Sign up at http://newsfromgoa.swiki.net

FROM GOANS IN TORONTO: Kevin is from the http://www.goatoronto.com site,
which has recently undergone an upgrade. Says he: "I love your new website
-- http://www.goanet.org I've been a Goanet member for a few months and love
reading the news posts on the forum. I've placed a link to your website."
Check out http://www.goatoronto.com -- a nice place in cyberspace!

SPARE YOUR FRUIT FOR A RAINY DAY: Miguel Braganza informs that the Food &
Nutrition Extension Centre, Govt of India, located at House No.1120, Old
Housing Board Colony at Porvorim (Phone 0832-2414713) regularly conducts
hands-on courses to teach fruit and vegetable preservation as pickles,
candies, syrups, squashes, sauces, ketchup, jams. Courses are of one session
a day spread over a week. The registration fee is a very nominal Rs.25.
Participants have to bring the materials or share the cost. The prepared
items are to be taken back by the participants. One course is currently
underway. Call 2414713 for details/registration. Courses are also conducted
ex-Centre for groups on demand. Says Miguel: "Mango is the flavour of the
season. Guavas, chickoos, papaya, banana and other fruits are also
available. go ahead, spoil yourself. Save the fruit from spoilage....for a
rainy day!"

WHAT IS THE JUJUBE/BOR? Miguel again forwards some useful post, in reply to
a recent query from Joao D'Melo.

The thorny Jujube trees come from the family Rhamnaceae. The
better-known Chinese Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba), mentioned in ancient
Chinese culture has smooth leaves and is widely grown in
mild-temperate, rather dry areas of both hemisphere.

The Indian Jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana) on the other hand finds the
warm climates more conducive for its vigorous growth. The Indian
Jujube however, is not native to India. Instead, it comes from
southern China. Source: Asit K. Ghosh Rockledge, Florida, USA

ELECTRONICS, IN GOA? A new network for electronics fans has recently been
set up. Join in if you wish. Agnelo recently sent in a self-intro: "I've
worked with Vacuum Tubes, Discrete Devices, Amateur Radio. At my workplace,
I play with chip design. I have not handled a soldering iron in years, but
look forward to do so." Naresh Sakhardande is an electronics and
telecommunications engineer on the same list. The list, earlier called
ElectronicsGoa is now ElectronicsIndia, in order to draw a wider audience.
It was set up in Goa http://groups.yahoo.com/group/electronics-india/

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SITEWATCH: http://www.redhotsalsa.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Welcome...

Tony & Debi Tony & Debi
Red Hot Salsa is the name associated with Tony and Debi.

Tony Ainsley, London's leading Salsa teacher, living and working in
Goa, India's top exotic holiday state, with his partner Debi.

Tony teaching in London Tony teaching in Delhi This website will keep
you informed of what Tony and Debi are up to.

Regular classes, shows and latin nights with 'DJ Salsa-Tony'
spinning the discs.

Non stop night of entertainment with Tony leading the crowd in the
latest latin dance animations. Tony teaching workshop in Delhi DJ
Salsa-Tony Tony and Debi also offer group workshops for parties,
conferences, dance academies etc., as well as private lessons.

This site so you never miss out on the latest gossip, events,
workshops, classes, etc.

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CULINARY CORNER * Served special for Goanet, from Daisy Rodrigues, Calif.
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is a Chinese Style Crab Soup that is very delicious. It is perfect to
have on cold and rainy days or as a starter to any meal.

Crab Soup
2 tablespoons oil
1/2 lb crabmeat
1/4-teaspoon salt
2 medium tomatoes; coarsely chopped
1 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger
5 cups chicken broth
2 eggs; beaten
1 1/2 tablespoon vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoon sherry or any dry white wine
1 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
3 scallions; sliced

Saute crabmeat, salt, tomatoes, and ginger in oil for 5 minutes. Add chicken
broth and cook over low heat for 10 minutes. Combine eggs, vinegar, sherry,
and soy sauce in a bowl; mix well. Pour egg mixture into soup slowly. Stir
in scallions; simmer for 3 minutes.

Tip: For those of you that do not have chicken broth cans available, boil
some fresh chicken pieces in 7 cups of water, add a little salt and drain to
get a broth (Q-what should I do with the leftover boiled chicken; A: shred
it and use it in a salad or mix with some sauce and make a sandwich)

Important tip: If you are serving this soup to kids, please leave out the
wine or sherry and use some light fruit juice instead.

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____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
||g |||o |||a |||n |||e |||t || Issue compiled by
||__|||__|||__|||__|||__|||__|| Frederick Noronha
|/__\|/__\|/__\|/__\|/__\|/__\| fred at bytesforall.org

Copyleft Goanet 2005 Creative Commons http://www.creativecommons.org
You may reproduce this ezine in its entirety, with credits retained.

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Goanet, the net-worker of all networks. Stay in touch. Send in updates.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
PANAJI (Goa), June 5: Congress-Nationalist Congress Party alliance won four of
the five seats, in results coming in Sunday morning, making probable a Congress
return to power after five-and-half years in this state of 1.4 million.

Congress won the seats of Taleigao, Margao and Cumbharjua while its NCP
alliance took Benaulim. Poinguinim -- the fifth seat, in extreme southernmost
Goa and close to the Karnataka border -- narrowly went to the BJP.

These five seats became vacant after local MLAs, of diverse background, most of
whom had defected into the BJP, left the party in a series of political
defections since January 2005.

Goa has a 40-seat assembly. It has been under 'suspended animation' with the
State placed under President's Rule since March 2005, because no party has a
clear majority.

With defections, resignations and disqualifications repeatedly hitting the
assembly since the turmoil of January-end this year, the equation has been
continually changing in the assembly. But till just a fortnight before
elections, both BJP and Congress were almost equally poised with 16+1 in the
BJP camp and 15+2 in the Congress.

Now, the election results have tippled the scales in favour of the Congress-NCP
alliance.

Results trickling in from early morning stunned the BJP, which ruled Goa from
late 2000, after ousting the Congress through a round of defections in 1999,
and allowing its ex-Congress dissident allies to rule for a short while.

A pro-Congress wind reached Goa not long after the May 2004 election results at
New Delhi. Former BJP strongman and ex-chief minister, Manohar Parrikar, who
virtually single-handedly propped up the BJP in Goa, has however determinedly
fought off challenges and kept up party morale with a never-say-die attitude.

Both BJP and Congress had claimed they would win the five seats that went in
for bye-elections. Claims for forming the government are expected to be made
later on Sunday.

ENDS
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
PANAJI (Goa), June 5: Minutes after the results trickled in, the scene in Goa's
state-capital Panaji shifted to backroom lobbying for government formation,
even as the mandate can in some ways be interpreted as
one favouring defectors and party-hoppers propped up by the power of big money.

Of course, there's more than that alone; local factors, party loyalties, a
degree of opposition unity polarised against the BJP, caste and communal
equations, and often invisible complexities in this state have played a role in
deciding the results.

Likewise, having its party in power in Delhi has clearly helped Goa's
ruling-party-in-waiting, inspite of the intense propaganda 'we are winning' war
the BJP launched in its favour, both through friendly sections of the media it
controls indirectly or otherwise. BJP has also been able to control its
image-perception carefully, and create swings through an active rumour mill.

New Delhi's long shadow has ensured a change from a pro-saffron wind to a
pro-Congress one. Just as the BJP benefitted from having its party rule Delhi
from the late 'nineties till mid-2004, now the sun is clearly shining for the
Congress and the locals who conveniently wear its party badges -- at least for
now -- in a defection-prone state.

Governors, police chiefs, election officials and court rulings have played, and
continue to play, an important role in Goa's politics. Regardless of whether
Congress or BJP is in power.

Four of the five candidates who won were ex-BJP supporters, who ditched the
saffron party over the past four months and re-contested elections.

Only one of the party-hopping MLAs -- Isidore Fernandes who jumped from
Congress to BJP and back to Congress to cause two unprecedented
bye-elections in under a year -- lost his seat this time. That too, narrowly by
888 votes, at Poinguinim in extreme south Goa.

Others who ditched the BJP to bring down that party's government in Goa
after political turmoil some four months back all regained their seats.

Former BJP deputy CM Digambar Kamat, re-contesting the Margao seat, also won
by 1377 votes, inspite of a scare from a young RSS worker who was seen as
suddenly gaining from a vicious BJP campaign to defeat its "betraying"
former leader, Digambar Kamat. Margao, a bastion of the trading community, was
also also in the throes of intra-Saraswat politics, affecting the influential
but small business community in the state.

Francis Xavier 'Mickky' Pacheco, the former BJP flambouyant and controversial
sports minister who runs a football club of his own, and who had a key role in
toppling the BJP government, won Benaulim easily.

Mickky contested on a Nationalist Congress Party ticket NCP allied with the
Congress for this elections.

In Catholic-majority Benaulim, one of the few in a state with a 65% Hindu
population inspite of its external image, Pacheco was opposed by the United
Goans Democratic Party. Oddly, the UGDP itself also pledged to back the
Congress if it won, an indication of how unpopular the Parrikar government had
become among the minorities specially during the latter part of its rule.

In Cumbarjua, Pandurang Madkaikar -- the ex-BJP minister -- won on a
Congress ticket. His presence had upset former Congress president Nirmala
Sawant, who has been building this as her constituency.

Despite the support of an influential section of the English-language media,
the BJP-minister-turned-Congress-candidate managed to win win over both
Niramala Sawant and the BJP in Cumbarjua.

Another strongman who won on Sunday's count was Antanasio 'Babush' Monserrate,
who was in the lat 'ninties a prime target of BJP's Manohar Parrikar.

Monserrate over the past five years became a key Parrikar aide, helped ensure
the survival of the BJP government in Goa from end-2000 till early-2005 and
recently re-invented himself as a hero who was 'protecting'
Goa from the BJP as did Pacheco in Benaulim.

Beneath the surface, of course, a Congress eager to come back to power,
accepted the men who helped topple the once seemingly-invincible Manohar
Parrikar government. Local factors, party loyalties, and caste-communal
alliances as well as the growing polarisation -- together with generous
doses of moneypower on all sides -- were deployed for the elections.

Goa, a small 40-seat assembly where any party with a handful of seats or
even Independents can play kingmaker in a divided electorate, has been
seeing a carnival of political instability since 1990, when the Congress was
ousted after a ten-year spell.

BJP's strongman and virtual one-man party in Goa, Manohar
Parrikar, the outgoing chief minister, has been making much of the
instability that has hit the Congress since. But, ironcially, the
BJP itself has contributed to generating instability in a huge
though behind-the-scenes manner, mainly by playing on the hopes of
ambitious and disgruntled Congressmen repeteadly during the past
decade-and-half.

Reflecting this reality, all the five "BJP men" who had crossed sides were
originally members of other parties, including now re-elected Congressmen.
Digambar Kamat was himself a Congressman for long, though he joined the BJP in
the mid-nineties.

Four won, one lost.

Earlier on Sunday, election results showed that in Goa the
Congress-Nationalist Congress Party alliance won four of the five seats, in
results coming in Sunday morning, making probable a Congress return to power
after five-and-half years in this state of 1.4 million.

Goa has a 40-seat assembly. It has been under 'suspended animation' with the
State placed under President's Rule since March 2005, because no party has a
clear majority.

LOOKING AT THE MARGINS: Goa's 4-1 win for the Congress over the BJP might come
as a big surprise, but the victory of the BJP former deputy chief minister
Digambar Kamat as a Congress nominee was more unexpected, as was the loss of
former Congress Goa president-turned-rebel Nirmala Sawant in Cumbharjua
constituency.

Margao, the South Goa headquarters town, actually saw the victory of former BJP
deputy CM Digambar Kamat, who switched to the Congress and whom the BJP made a
serious attempt to defeat (with BJP ex-CM Manohar Parrikar campaigning
extensively in the constituency). Kamat got 8682 votes against newby RSS worker
Sharmad Raiturkar's 7305 votes, the latter apparently mainly attracted by party
loyalties.

In Taleigao, the controversial politician and moneylender Antansio 'Babush'
Monteiro won by a huge 6228-vote margin over the BJP's Pradeep Nagvenkar,
getting 11657 votes against BJP Pradip 5429 votes. Monserrate's victory wasn't
much in doubt.

In Cumbharjua, BJP-minister-turned-Congress-candidate Pandurang Madkaikar got
8468 votes against Congress rebel Nirmala Sawant's 4713. BJP's Krishna
Kuttikar, a one-time Congress candidate, stood thhird with just 637 votes.

In Benaulim, Nationalist Congress Party's Francisco Xavier 'Mickky' Pacheco got
8385 votes against the United Goans Democratic Party's Francisco Monte Cruz's
5510 votes. Premanand Lotlikar of the BJP got just 446 votes.

In Poinguinim, a rural constituency in the extreme south of Goa, BJP's Ramesh
Tavadkar got 5356 votes against Isidore's 4467 votes. An independent, Leao
Monteiro, pulled a significant 1205 votes. (ENDS)
b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
journal. Dr Bernadette Gomes writes on 'lessons in taxonomy' and looks at
how the celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi and Tulsichem Lagin in the Hindu
ritual calendar "center around the kinship group and provide a rich learning
experience for the young".

Dr Renji George Amballoor talks about 'Unbalanced Development & Urban
Poverty: A Case Study of Some Slums in Margao'. Dr Seema P Salgaonkar talks
about 'E-Governance: Its Application to Goa' while Remy A D Dias writes on
'The Communidades of Goa as Social Welfare Institutions 1750-1910', and Dr
Anthony R Satish looks at 'International Differences in Accounting'. The
lone Marathi paper is by Asha A Mangulkar, titled 'Marathi Vigyansahitya'
(Marathi Science Writing) and looks at the work of Dr Arun Heblekar.

More reviews at http://goabooks.swiki.net

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Culinary corner: From Daisy Rodrigues daisy at goanet.org
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is a creamy and delicious recipe for Corn Chowder. Wow! The
flavors of this light chowder are rich and subtle, with hints of
cilantro, lime, and sweet fennel. It's not too rich, yet
wonderfully flavorful.

2 tablespoons canola oil, 1 cup chopped yellow onion, 3 garlic cloves,
chopped, 3/4 cup chopped celery, 1 1/2 cups peeled and thinly sliced sweet
potato. 1 tablespoons unbleached white flour, 6 cups water, 3 cups fresh
corn kernels, 2/3 cup diced fennel bulb, 2 tablespoons minced fresh
cilantro, 3/4 cup cashews, roasted, 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup each, diced red
and green pepper, 1 tablespoons fresh lime juice, Large pinch of cayenne,
Salt (to taste), Freshly ground pepper (to taste), Fennel leaves (for
garnish)

Heat the oil in a large pot. Saute the onions, garlic, and celery over high
heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently. When the onions begin to look
translucent, add the sweet potatoes and continue to cook for 1 or 2 minutes.
Lower the heat to medium and stir in flour. Keep stirring for 5 minutes to
completely cook the flour. Add the water, cover the pot with a lid and
simmer for 40 minutes. Stir in 1 cup of the corn. Continue to simmer
another 20 minutes. Blend the hot soup in a food processor or pulse in a
blender until creamy and return to the pot. Add the remaining corn, the
fennel and the cilantro. Partially cover with a lid and simmer 15 to 20
minutes.

Meanwhile, roast the cashews in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir
continually to prevent burning. In a food processor or blender, blend the
cashews with 1/2 (120 mil) cup of water until smooth. Dice the green and
red peppers to the same size as the corn kernels. Stir them into the soup 5
minutes before serving. Season with limejuice and a large pinch of cayenne
pepper to taste. Stir in cashew mixture. Season to taste with salt and
freshly ground pepper. Remove from heat and serve garnished with the
feathery leaves of fennel.

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Sitewatch: http://home.uchicago.edu/~afdandre
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Global Nomads: Trans-national Countercultures in Ibiza and Goa

Anthony Albert Fischer D'Andrea is a PhD candidate in
Cultural Anthropology, Lecturer in International Studies, and
Research Associate of the Transnationalism Project, all at
the University of Chicago. In his doctoral project, he
investigates the relations between globalization and
counter-culture, by focusing on the nomadic lifestyles of
expressive expatriates that live and circulate across utopian
sites globally, such as Ibiza (Spain) and Goa (India). These
alternative formations shed important light in understanding
a critique of modernity within modernity.

While addressing how capitalism and the state try to
commodify and regulate countercultural formations, such as
Techno-Rave and the New Age, Anthony is also interested in
understanding how processes of hyper-mobility engender new
forms of subjectivity, community and spirituality. He is
developing a theory of neo-nomadism that rethinks models of
identity and subjectivity formation in the global age.

Anthony has published a book on the New Age in Brazil, in
addition to several articles about transnational
counter-cultures (spirituality, club and rave cultures) in
scholarly and popular venues. He is also founder and manager
of Ant-Bra, international listserv for the anthropology of/in
Brazil. Also known as "Techno Tony" in the global rave scene
and as "Zen Nataraj" in New Age circles in India, Anthony has
lived in Brazil and the US (his citizenship countries) as
well as in Spain, India and Ireland.

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b***@does.not.exist.com
2014-05-09 01:11:23 UTC
Permalink
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Reader's views -- Vendetta Remedios, Viegas Vaddo, Arpora: We (in Goa) have
come a long way. Yes we have water pipelines everywhere, but water for most
of us is just for two hours a day, some do not get water for months, but the
governments working, you see and you get your water bill anyway. We have
broad road dividers and narrow roads, gardens on the road and roads in the
gardens. We have tiled footpaths for cultural programmes and car loan melas
and pedestrians to walk on roads only to be knocked down.

We have lopsided beach tourism with crowded North Goa beaches, Calangute,
Baga, Anjuna, and serene quiet, virgin South Goa beaches, Arossim, Utorda,
Cansaulim. We have noise pollution laws, but raving beach parties, until
daybreak, we have police and court appointed officials, to monitor the sound
pollution but they don't hear a sound when they visit the site. We are the
No 1 tourist destination in India, yet we have no bus stand for inter state
and tourist buses.....

Communidades, a new project: Prof Olivinho Gomes --
olivinho at sancharnet.in -- has completed his work on 'The Goan
Village Communes' (Gaunkari), and handed over to the Dempo Trust.
This work was done as part of the Second Dempo Research.

This work tries to "get at the core of the maze of legislation and
disputes that have clouded this age-old ancestral institution of
ours that shaped our philosophy of life and world outlook". Called
The Goan Village Communes, this study is presented in 207 pages of
Mss. and another 150 pages of annexures. Chapters are: (1) The
Village Commune System (2) The Indian Context (3) Goa and its
physical environment (4) Origins of the Goan village communes (5)
Pattern of Commune land layout (6) The Commune Structure and
Functions (7) Indigenous depredations of Communes (8) The Portuguese
regime and the Communes (the longest of the chapters) (9) Debate on
dissolution v/s Retention (10) The Commune Constituents
('componentes' and others) (11) The Present Goan Village Communes
(12) Post-Merger Scenario of Communes (13) Relevance of Goan Village
Communes (14) Future Plans and Perspectives.

The annexures include an authentic translation of the famous 'Foral'
or Charter of 1526 given by the Portuguese to the citizens of Goa;
plans made for re-organising communes into a cooperative
agricultural partnership in 1900; report for their reorganisation by
agronomical engineer Roncon, on institution of family households;
basis for remodellation of communes by expert Wolfango da Silva;
samples of some village communes belonging exclusively to one caste
or community, among all castes and communities including the
Gauddi/Kunnbi, and where two or more castes and communities share in
their management, giving statistical information about them,
representative of the Old and New conquests regions of Goa; an
article on bunds or embankments; details of land holdings, 'zonn'
and dividends; pictures of of our 'latth' in comparison with the
'shadoof ' of Egypt; old gaunkars, nadkarnis, kulkarnis, gaunkar
women' of old; bhattkar in cabaia; goldsmith, dancer-women;vendors
of bangles, vegetables, thatch-leaves, and goldsmith, plough,
handmill, Hindu school, county council of elders, cadastal map of
Goa, and gist of reports of committees that worked on communes
including the very learned notes of dissent given by authorities in
the subject like Dr. Alvaro de Loyola Furtado, ex-MLA and President
of the Indian Party.

Says Dr Gomes (62), former acting vice chancellor of the Goa University:
"This is an institution that we can be proud of but has been mauled and
butchered by our own people, when the Portuguese could not and did not undo
it in their 450-year rule. In fact they acknowledged in their final
enactment on the subject in the Act of Legislature (Diploma Legislativo
no.2070) embodying the 'Codigo das Comunidades' of 1961, that 'we recognize
the historical truth -- as emphasized by Cunha Rivara -- that the communes
are vested with absolute ownership of their property, which cannot be
alienated or sold, but only leased out for specific purposes, the State
acting only as a tutelary authority to supervise and intervene in case of
disputes and irregularities, which principle has been given the go-bye in
present Goa."

Films and more: Federation of Film Societies of India (Maharashtra
chapter) and V. Shantaram Foundation Mumbai are co-organising 3 Day
Residential Film Camp: 'Rasaswad Cinemacha' from July 8-10, 2005.
Open to members of Moving Images film club in Goa. Contact
moviesgoa at yahoo.com

News from Lisbon: Constantino Xavier -- constantinox at hotmail.com -- informs
of a summer course by Universidade Lusofona, a private university in Lisbon,
on Vedic and Post-Discovery India. It is coordinated by Prof. Teotonio de
Souza, director History Department.

GMC ALUMNI MEET IN THE UK: Goan doctors, GMC alumni, are planning a
reunion in the UK. Details from abhay at blueyonder.co.uk
This event takes place at: Forgegate, Teford Centre, Shropshire, TF3 4NA

Joao Manuel Pereira -- jam_pereira at hotmail.com -- writes: "Last May, I tried
to acquire the DVDs/VCDs/video cassettes of the old Konknni movies, after
being cheated on buying a bad copy of Amchem Noxib ... I was sad because no
good copy of the old movies was available. All the prints were copied from
Doordarshan, where many parts were not aired, due to the paucity of time.
Since several Goans all over the world are interested in possessing the
copies of all the original Konknni movies produced in the 60s, and 70s,
could you let me know the guaranteed sources where one can acquire them and
at what price."

Goan Cardiologist Among the Best of the Best: J. Anthony Gomes,
M.D., a Professor of Cardiology at the Mount Sinai Medical Center,
New York City, has earned the rare distinction of being named one of
New York's best physicians, in a survey conducted by Castle Connolly
Medical. The survey covers three States, Connecticut, New Jersey and
New York. When he is not researching or seeing patients, he is quite
well known for his literary gems, some of which describe his tender
years in Goa. [Source JosenoronC at aol.com, posted to GoaGoans
mailing list]

Comment from Cuncolim: Lorna Fernandes <cuncolim_ccf2001 at rediffmail.com>
writes from Cuncolim to say, "Great news that the road leading to the church
is not blocked so much any more but the space in front of the municipality is
also not an ideal situation. We need to stress to the municipality that a
market committee needs to be formed to discuss and plan a proper market
place taking all kinds of situation into consideration. We can also start by
forming our own market committee in the Forum and this can be done next
Sunday."

Here's a reminder from Lorna: Cuncolim Civic and Cuncolim Forum
meeting on 3rd Sunday of every month at 10.30 am at Maria Bambina
School. Next meeting date: June 19, 2005.

Mailing list for those interested in stamps from colonial Goa
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/stampsingoa/

Clinton Vaz klintvaz at gmail.com announces that the first GreenGoa
newsletter is out. It's a mini publication by GreenGoa that will
come out roughly every three months. It contains news, articles,
pictures, comments from GreenGoans and all content is related to the
Goan environment! The GreenGoa newsletter is available in all three
formats. PDF, Word Document and plain-text. To get a copy email
Clinton above.

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||g |||o |||a |||n |||e |||t || Issue compiled by
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|/__\|/__\|/__\|/__\|/__\|/__\| fred at bytesforall.org

Copyleft Goanet 2005 Creative Commons http://www.creativecommons.org
You may reproduce this ezine in its entirety, with credits retained.

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o See the Nairobi Institute > photographs >
http://www.nicentenary.com/MainEvents/slides/Centenary%20Brochure%20Unveiled.html
Thanks to Rene Barreto for the link

o Goans Tanzanite mailing list:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/goans_tanzanite/

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Sitewatch * http://www.coastalhazards.info/
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http://www.coastalhazards.info/

Coastal hazards portal from india
Maintained by NIO, India and Sponsored by TIFP, DSIR, India

* Cyclones, storm surges (763)
* Tsunami (158)
* Erosion (384)
* Oil spills (162)
* Algal blooms (291)


Welcome to Coastal Hazards Portal from India!

Coastal hazards refer to both natural and man made events
along coastlines that have the potential of damaging life,
property and the environment. India, with her vast
coastline, is often struck by natural events like cyclones
crossing from land to sea and the resultant coastal storm
surges. The recent tsunami in Indian Ocean has forcefully
added a new dimension to the natural calamities affecting
India.

Other hazards, like the occurrences of algal blooms along
coastlines are not new to this part of the world. Increasing
marine traffic in this region alarms us, we have to be ready
for man-made events like oil spills. Coastal erosion is a
coastal hazard that is both natural and man-made. read more
...

NIO Sites * nio's website * indian ocean * mangrove india * reef india

Maintained by NIO, India and Sponsored by TIFP, DSIR, India
(c) 2005
[IMG] National Institute of Oceanography, India
TIFP, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR),
India

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Culinary corner: From Daisy Rodrigues daisy at goanet.org
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Here is a recipe for Vegetable Biryani. I have not tried this out
yet, but I intend to this weekend. If you get a chance to try it
out, write to me at daisy at goanet.org and let me know how it turned
out.

1-1/2 c brown rice (or long-grain or Basmati), 3 tablespoons vegetable oil,
butter, or ghee, few strands of crumbled saffron), 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric
powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2-1/4 c hot water, 1 cup onions (chopped), 2
tablespoons fresh ginger, peeled and grated, 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
seeds, 1-1/2 teaspoons ground coriander seeds, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder,
pinch of cayenne, 1/2 cup water, 1 small sweet potato OR 1 medium carrot
(diced), 2 cups small cauliflower florets, 1 medium bell pepper (diced), 1
tomato(peeled & diced), 1/2 cup fresh or frozen peas, 1/3 cup raisins
(optional), 3/4 cups chick peas, canned and drained or soaked and cooked if
fresh.

Heat 1-tablespoon oil or butter, or ghee, add rice and saute briefly, stir
gently to completely coat each grain. Add crumbled saffron, turmeric, salt,
and hot water. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 30
minutes. In a separate pan, heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil over
medium-high heat and saute onions for 5 minutes. Add ginger, cumin,
coriander, cinnamon, and cayenne, and cook for one minute, stirring
constantly. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. To this pan, add 1/2 c water,
sweet potato or carrot, and cauliflower. Cover, reduce heat, and cook 3-4
minutes. Add remaining ingredients and simmer until vegetables are just
tender, adding more water as needed. Salt to taste.

Butter a baking dish, spread half of rice in it, cover with vegetable
mixture, and top with the rest of the rice. Cover tightly with foil and bake
for 30 minutes. Garnish with fried strips of caramelized onions, sliced
boiled eggs or toasted nuts.

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||g |||o |||a |||n |||e |||t || Issue compiled by
||__|||__|||__|||__|||__|||__|| Frederick Noronha
|/__\|/__\|/__\|/__\|/__\|/__\| fred at bytesforall.org

Copyleft Goanet 2005 Creative Commons http://www.creativecommons.org
You may reproduce this ezine, after ensuring due credits are retained.

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