No subject

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

"Cruz was born in Trivandrum, India, and immigrated to Canada in 1994."
Her maiden name was Fernandez.

It is truly disgraceful how little it takes now for Americans to show their
true colours. This is not the only case I have heard of. This one just got
more profile.

It is red-neck time now in the USA.

Tim de Mello
timdemello at hotmail.com
Ontario, CANADA
===============

From: "Neal Pinto" Reply-To: goanet at goanet.org To: goanet at goanet.org
Subject: [Goanet] ??INS-deported Canadian a Goan?? Date: Fri, 14 Feb 2003
18:35:22 -0500 (EST)
The following article (attached below) is about a Canadian woman by the
name of Berna Cruz who INS officials deported to India. Is she a Goan?
Neal Pinto GoA-BoY at excite.com http://www.nealpinto.com
----------------------------------------------------------- OTTAWA ASKS
U.S. ABOUT CLAIM OF 'DEPORTED' CANADIAN
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/030214/5/rtnu.html
OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canada said on Friday it would press Washington to probe
the case of a Canadian citizen who said U.S. officials destroyed her
passport at Chicago's O'Hare Airport and put her on a plane to India.

_________________________________________________________________
Help STOP SPAM with the new MSN 8 and get 2 months FREE*
http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

same!!
check out Air Travel Guide phone [phone].

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

PROGRAMME SCHEDULE FOR THE MONTH-LONG PROGRAMME

Date Time Venue Issue

10th Feb 3pm to 5 pm Bhagwati School, Dalit women-Rising f=
rom Shadows =20
Pernem =20

14th Feb 2pm to 5 pm Ideal School, Pilgao, Whither Self Help Gr=
oups?
Bicholim =20

16th Feb 9am to 5.30pm Multipurpose Hall, Old Countering Violenc=
e:
GMC, Panaji Vitalizing Sh=
elter Homes
Learning =
Self-defense
=20
17th Feb 3pm to 5pm T.B.Cunha Hall, Panaji Women in Employment=09

19th Feb 9am to1pm Panjim Municipal Hall Empowering Women in Loca=
l
Self =96G=
overnment

20th Feb 3pm to 5pm Margao Municipal Hall Combating Communalism

21st Feb 10.30am to 1pm Janata Vachanalaya "Naka-Bandi" for Traff=
icking=20
Marmagoa Municipal in Women and Children
Hall, Vasco=09
=20
23rd Feb 10am to 5pm Caritas Hall, Panaji Reviewing Family Laws

24th Feb 3pm to 5.30 pm Mapusa Municipal Hall Detoxifying Alcohol=
Policy

26th Feb 2.30pm to 5.30pm Caritas Hall, Panaji Engendering Education

28th Feb 2.30pm to 5.30pm T.B.Cunha Hall, Panaji Towards Healthy Women

8th March, 3p.m onwards all roads to Azad Maidan public program to commem=
orate International
Women's Day=20

We are also organizing a week-long Women's Film Festival in the various t=
heatres of Goa commencing
from the 1st of March.=20

On 8th March, a public programme will be held at Azad Maidan, Panjim from=
3 p.m. onwards to
commemorate International Women's Day.=20

We look forward to your participation.=20



__________________________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Shopping - Send Flowers for Valentine's Day
http://shopping.yahoo.com

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

between the house and the public domain, the verandas - a feature
added only in the early 20th century, windows traditionally made
of oyster shells and later of glass and yes, doors wide enough
for a horse and in some cases even elephants to pass through with
ease, traditional Goan homes have varied facets.

It is indeed fascinating to uncover the various influences that
went into the making of the homes we live in today, sometimes
without even a second thought. But, what is even more fascinating
is the lives of those who reside in these 'palacios' of the past.

The coastal villages of Calangute and Candolim boast of a large
number of old-style heritage houses. Standing almost serenely,
more than 500 years after it was built, is the Proenca House
tucked away near the busy Calangute market junction. It is not
easy to miss this two-storied house, painted a bright yellow and
rust. With its Hindu-style inner courtyard, this house pre-dates
the Portuguese invasion. Magnificent frescos still adorn the
walls of the first floor landing. There is even undocumented
belief that the warrior-king Shivaji once stayed at this house.
The well-maintained voluptuous furniture is a testament of the
history living within the regal rooms and the current inmates, Dr
Alex Porenca and his three brothers.

If history oozes out of the Proenca House, the 200-year old Casa
Voiz Alex in is an imposing structure, along the
Calangute-Candolim main road and a regular in films and books.
Its current owner, Ms ___ Gomes is a fine example of a gritty old
lady who, single-handedly, spares no means to see to it that her
home still reflects the glory days of its past.

The house used to receive a stream of tourists including those
from the nearby Taj Aguada. However, being alone in the huge
mansion, Ms Gomes has now stopped the practice, following a
robbery that resulted in the loss of an exquisite ivory
statuette. In true blue-blooded nature, the good lady shows great
pride in owning the magnificent structure. She speaks of the time
when a foreign tourist, awed by its magnificence, recreated the
structure in oil paint, presenting her with a copy. "Never leave
a room closed," she warns. "That would spell the doom of the
house." In the absence of sunlight, termites hold sway over the
antique wood, she explains.

Living in the busy state capital, surprisingly, can also be a
thrill as Mr Wali de Lima Fernandes learnt. Originally from
Charao, he moved into his present two-storied home in the quaint
Latin quarter of Fontainhas in Panaji before his schooling days.
Now, he possesses an almost living bond with the house and one
can see the pride in his eyes as he speaks of his ancestral home
two rooms of which were used to exhibit paintings of prominent
Indian artists during the recently held Fontainhas Festival of
Arts.

...the complete story at
http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=mag&Story_ID=021583.

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

Panaji, Feb 19: Tourist brochures declare it an emerald paradise, but
fluttering polythene and the ubiquitous plastic bottles littering the
state's countryside bespeak a mounting problem.

In a bid to control the menace, authorities have declared a ban on the sale
of polythene bags below 40 microns, declared some plastic free zones and
recently contracted out waste plastic collection from the state's highways.

But NGOs insist that much more needs to be done. They want three
multinational mineral water and soft drink companies resposible for
distrubuting 50 % of all PET bottles in the state, to fund a recollection
and crushing programme.

"We estimate it would cost the companies a mere Rs 3 lakh annually, but they
are not cooperating" complains Dr Claude Alvares of the Goa Foundation.

Plastic bottle usage has escalated with tourism bringing in 14
lakh annual visitors in addition to the consumption patterns of its equal
number of residents. NGO led campaigns to clear beaches of plastic litter, a
solitary crushing and collection centre still fall far short of an effective
solution.

Meanwhile, growing urbanisation is also turning garbage management into a
nightmare, pitting villages against urban municipalities, spawning protests
and endless litigation.

Last week, MLAs of at least two constitutencies wrangled over location of
dumping grounds, as the not-in-my-backyard syndrome has scores of villages
protesting.

Goa's five major cities generate around 100 truckloads of garbage
daily, 50-60 % of which is estimated to be plastic and non-degradable
waste.Outlying villages are loathe to lend their space and environment for
urban garbage, while municipalities have failed to find workable solutions.

Outlying dump sites for Panaji, Mapusa and Margao cities all face hostility.
Residents of Saligao likewise are protesting dumping mainly from the
booming touristic township of Calangute which houses over 600 hotels and
restaurants, but has no garbage management plan.

The only city (Vasco da Gama) which seperates and decomposes garbage using
microbes, generates 600 tonnes of compost. Environmentalists however are
angered that the state's agriculture department is importing compost from
SAngli and Miraj, putting the city's scheme into jeopardy.

Last week they pulled out of a government committee, when authorities
reallowed manufacture of polythene bags below 20 microns, after persistent
lobbying from small scale manufacturers.

In Goa's 183 villages, livestock and natural decomposition take care of
organic waste. But plastic poses the perennial problem, with only a few
villages managing to collect it seperately, in the absence of enforced
household segregation.(ends)

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

hand-woven fabric, wood carving and other souvenirs, backwater holidays, and
a lot more... Kerala is hawking its wares on the tourism front.

It recently chose to showcase its many faces in Goa -- a destination which
has probably been through it all, and where tourism 'happened' quite by
chance or accidents of history.

Goa's beach-destination rivals, both coastal Maharashtra and Kerala, have
been talking about avoiding the pitfalls this state has seen in the tourism
image it has created over the years.

Haphazard cluttered growth in some areas, damage to the environment, erosion
of natural resources, the 'sand-surf-sex' image, and hostility to tourism
from a section of the population are realities Goa cannot shrug off easily.

"Kerala gives importance to sustainable development of tourism and is home
to some of the best eco-tourism projects of the world," said Kerala
department of tourism director Alkesh Kumar Sharma.

Kerala claims to have fared well despite the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade
Centre that impacted tourism worldwide. Official statistics claim a "record
growth rate" of 11.37% growth in international tourist arrivals in 2002,
touching 232,000 foreign visitors.

Many tourists from Goa -- specially charter-tourists from UK and elsewhere
in Europe -- have been visiting Kerala. But some hoteliers here argue that
charter companies are deliberately opening up other markets in India, so
that they could further hammer down local prices, as witnessed in Goa.

In Goa, political instability causing conflicting policies, the powerful
hotel lobby that has served its own interests rather than build a common
brand, and short-sighted politicians and officials more interested in
foreign junkets have all probably conspired to stunt the growth of tourism
to its true potential and in a healthy direction.

BJP chief minister Manohar Parrikar, while carrying on many of the former
Congress policies even on contentious issues like casinos, has been careful
over which 'face' of Goa has been projected.

This reflects in reorienting the Republic Day float at Delhi; or similarly
re-writing the projection in a set of series of CDs on Goan tourism.

In Goa, tourism got launched almost by accident, as it were, just when
Portuguese colonial rule ended in a highly publicised military action in
1961, the hippies were beginning to launch their flower-power protest in the
late 'sixties, and Bollywood soon projected a certain image of Goa.

Charters came to Goa in 1987, though some see it as having brought in 'cheap'
tourists. The Taj group's siting of the state's first luxury hotel in 1973
also boosted Goa's profile somewhat, while the hosting of the CHOGM in 1983
added to Goa's profile.

But, despite official attempts to claim credit, much of the attraction here
has been the friendly nature of this small state, which is open to both East
and West and deal with the world in a friendly manner.

Kerala cites other studies which shows that it gets "just about as many
(international) tourists" as Goa and that "price is very much a part of the
equation, but not all of it as it almost invariably is in Goa's case".

Comparing its product with Goa it also argues that the "global Kerala brand"
may be "younger than its Goan counterpart, but it is likely to be far more
resilient". (ENDS)

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

more likely to appear on the Amway list of promises is
promotional cassettes and books rather than more products. The
promotional material is designed to help an Amway distributor
?sell, sell, sell.? The basis for this activity is propounded by
American, Bill Britt. He and another American, Dexter Yager, run
two of the most successful ?systems? under the Amway banner. It
is said that about 90% of Amway?s products move through these two
systems.

In India, what is being discussed is the Bill Britt system. The
Advocate newspaper in the USA reported that to follow Britt?s
system is to spend hundred of dollars a year on motivational
tapes. Amway distributors are told that ?spending money to buy
these tapes is the key to building a large successful Amway
business.? Therefore, it is likely that new products peddled by
Amway distributors will not be more soap but more hope in the
form of these motivational materials.

One USA based distributor, an Indian (who has since left the
business), told me that these tapes were meaningless and were
sold to people by convincing them that they weren?t doing well
enough. He said that the tapes would become an item for sale and
Amway distributors will be selling them to each other in a self
feeding frenzy. I asked a Bangalore salesperson about this. He
said : ?Yeah, we?ve got that covered. We will buy one set and
make many copies of it an pass it around for free. This is
India, man.?

Exactly. That is exactly my problem with a business which makes
people hand over their savings to Amway to buy themselves a dream
and then try to create parallels between the growth of Amway and
the growth of the church to justify themselves. Bill Britt is
reported to be unashamed to use God to promote the Amway trade.
He reportedly said once that he sponsors a system
set in place by Jesus. ?There was a man that sponsored twelve
people 2000 years ago and I?m in his group. Because he sponsored
twelve and he taught us sponsoring, he now has one-and-a
half-billion people in his organisation. So I think we have a
pretty good precedent of what sponsoring is all about.? (All we
have is the Shankaracharya who keeps to himself most of the
time.) Even with all the two-paise philosophy that foreign Amway
distributors can throw at Indians, it falls to the sensible ones
to try and understand the hidden agenda and separate the lure of
lucre from the realities of returns. That may happen, if not
immediately, then later. After all, this is India, man.

And What Of Products
=================
Most Amway salespeople agree that the present range of six
products is not sufficient to generate usage of Rs. 1500 a month.
They expect more products will be added. I asked the Amway
officials when they would release more products, what products
and at what price. One employee said he had absolutely no idea
and wouldn?t tell me anything even in the vaguest detail because
he hadn?t been told anything himself.

I mentioned this to a distributor. It distressed him
considerably and he told me that he would call Amway ?and give
them a royal bollocking?. How could he be made to wait to earn
his PVs? According to the Bill Britt system, he should soon
retire to his counting house.

Steven Beddoe contradicted his Bangalore office. He said that
Amway plans to launch new products every three months. By
August, a laundry detergent. By October, a hand cream soap. By
December, a toothpaste. (Bye, Bye Colgate Palmolive?)

Another Mathematical Conundrum
=========================
In the course of conversation, Beddoe mentioned that Amway
maintains Rs. 28 crores worth of product stock. I asked him how
many months worth of inventory that represented. He consulted
with his finance man said, nine months. That works out to a sale
of Rs. 3.1 crores per month. At the stated average of Rs. 1500
per Amway distributor per month, it works out to 20,667 users. A
mere 20,667 Amway users for the whole of India? With many more
people than that having paid up the Rs.4200?

Summary
=======
If all Amway did was to manufacture and sell their products
through door-to-door salespeople there would be no problem. The
choice of purchase is left up to the individual. By asking for
deposits from buyers in the beginning and again every year, it
looks like Amway seeks to build a captive consumer base. Once
someone has paid Rs. 4200 to Amway, he is naturally disinclined
to buy Nivea hand cream instead of Amway Gly-Honey hand lotion.
The element of personal choice is thus prejudiced.

By involving their ?distributors? in a complicated system of
down-the-line commissions (which most of them showed no signs of
comprehending), they are given the impression that there is a
limitless market for Amway products. The truth is that the
market share for Amway is as limited as the market share for any
other product. Traditional retail trade is not about to
collapse. And because of the expensive price structure, the
growth of the market is restricted to the very wealthy.

Calling this ?an opportunity to use world class products? is a
bit like calling the purchase of a Mercedes Benz for Rs. 25 lakhs
an ?opportunity?, when an efficient Maruti 800 for one-tenth of
that price will do nicely. With all these constraints, telling
people of profit mechanisms tied into several thousand people
buying Rs. 1500 worth of Amway soaps every month seems laughable
in a country where entire families lead their lives on less
money.

Transplanting an American operation into India is downright
dangerous under the circumstances. The per capita GDP in the US
is $26,980. The per capital GDP of India is US$ 340. (Source :
Barclay?s Bank Economics Department.)

The cost of becoming an Amway distributor in the USA is US$ 120.
In India, they have simply multiplied this by 35 and made it Rs.
4200/-


I Have Seen The Light ?
And If You Haven?t, You?re Not My Friend
==============================
The parallel with an evangelist (with the light in his eyes who
gives you unsolicited advice about Jesus, equally, the
all-American Hare Krishna selling you the Bhagavad Gita) is
inescapable. You can recognise him in a minute. His opening
lines run something like this : ?I have a wonderful way for you
to make a lot of money with little effort.? : Tell such a person
: ?Oh, you?re talking about Amway, aren?t you?? And watch his
expressions fail him immediately. He squares his shoulders and
gives you his complete attention.

He is the Amway distributor. He is in your face. He looks
directly in your eyes and gesticulates in your peripheral vision.
You can?t look anywhere but at him. Nothing matters to him but
you. You are the next cog in his wheel of fortune. He expects
that you will be lured into his web of promises. The promise
that he has the ability to make you a millionaire. The promise
that you will not just get a life, but a lifestyle. That your
good fortune can be willed to your children and that you and your
progeny will live off what he will describe to you as ?residual
income?. His evangelism is complete.

I overheard one distributor tell his wife : ?I think so-and-so
will soon become a convert?. His ability to make money depends
on your signing up. Your ability to make money depends on who
you can get to sign up and thus the web expands.

In Bangalore, the growing tribe of Amway salespeople have
inspired all kinds of emotions in non-Amway distributors. The
?I-have-seen-the-light? evangelism is all but alien to our
society and it inspires dread in many.

Writer Ajit Saldanha said : ?When I see an Amway sales guy, I
leap like a nimble mountain deer out of his path.?

Hotelier Rishad Minocher said : ?I laugh at them. At least a few
dozen people have tried to ?convert? me.?

A fashion designer said of her friends : They get very excited
about this whole thing. But it?s not for me. I will not be seen
selling detergents.?

Another lady working for a media relations company complained
that one of her colleagues has stopped doing any office work :
?He uses the office phones to prospect for Amway business and
ties up al the lines. Normally a very dumb fellow, he is
emotional about Amway and his own livelihood matters to him no
longer.?

US$ 120 does not represent anything close to a risk even for the
lower income American. Rs.4200 exceeds the monthly income of
most Indians. And a 250 ml shampoo for Rs. 315 is unspeakable
for all except the richest among us. One Amway employee said
that they did not want the Indian middle class to get hurt but
that Amway could not possibly check into the economic background
of every sign up. Bullshit. Even small finance companies in
India have the mechanism to look into the backgrounds of their
borrowers. That is because they themselves would get hurt if the
borrowers failed. The reason Amway does not look into the
background of their distributors is because Amway will not get
hurt if the distributor fails. (They are taking his money up
front).

Quite correctly, I think, Amway should not worry itself about the
fate of people who willingly sell the family silver to become
Amway distributors. After all, who is anyone to say that the
Indian middle class knows not what is does. (Steven Beddoe made
the gratuitous offering that he felt Indians are not dumb
people.) And what Amway is doing is to tell all their prospects
that they could make pots of money. But with the full knowledge
that many of them will not. The Latin phrase, ?caveat emptor?
simply means ?let the buyer beware?.

But what if nobody is a buyer and everybody is a seller ? with
soap in their hands and hope in their hearts?

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

SYMPOSIUM AT GU
. . . .

Could someone suggest to the University authorities that instead of calling
our University by the name "Goa University", it should be called "University
of Goa".

I think the acronym "U of G" sounds better than "GU" - for obvious reasons.

Am I too sensitive???


Tim de Mello
timdemello at hotmail.com
Ontario, CANADA



_________________________________________________________________
The new MSN 8: advanced junk mail protection and 2 months FREE*
http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

Ranchi, Feb 25 (IANS) As five rebel ministers turn the screws on Chief
Minister Babulal Marandi, his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is working
overtime to split an opposition group to save the coalition government.

Marandi is focusing all his energies on trying to lure away three
legislators of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).

Party sources said if Marandi succeeded in his mission to engineer
defections from the RJD, his government would not be reduced to a minority
even if the five rebel ministers from the Samata Party and Janata Dal-United
(JD-U) walked out.

At present Marandi's BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government
enjoys the support of 44 legislators in the 81-member house. If the rebels
walk out, the NDA would be reduced to a minority of 39. But the RJD
defections would again bring it back to a slim majority of 42.

Political analysts said the deferment of the Poreyahat assembly by-election
scheduled Wednesday because of a police strike had come as a reprieve for
Marandi because the BJP looked headed for defeat.

A defeat in the by-poll would have added to pressure on Marandi from allies
and from within his own party. Already there are two rival factions active
in the state BJP, one headed by Welfare Minister Arjun Munda and the other
by federal Coal Minister Karia Munda.

Meanwhile, the rebel ministers of the Samata Party have threatened to demand
separate seating in the assembly if the crisis is not resolved.

The four Samata ministers and one of the JD-U have sought Marandi's
resignation by the end of this month for ostensibly failing to root out
corruption.

"If the present crisis deepens, we will demand separate seats in the
assembly from Speaker Inder Singh Namdhari," Bachha Singh, one of the rebel
Samata ministers, told IANS.

"We are accountable to the people of the state. What we will answer them in
the assembly elections in 2005? Development is not taking place and has been
confused with the reservation and domicile issues," he added.

Singh was the most vocal opponent of a policy to make only those whose
ancestors' names figured in the region's land records of the early 20th
century eligible for government jobs.

Violent protests over the policy last year made the government tone it down
to say domiciles would get preference. But a court rejected even this
moderated domicile policy.

The only Samata Party minister in Jharkhand who has not rebelled is Ram
Chandra Kesari, a close associate of the chief minister.

The Samata Party top brass has failed to end the rebellion in Jharkhand,
with the state ministers saying preserving the NDA in power at the centre
was not their job.

Party sources said the rebel ministers might even form a separate group if
the central leaders try to impose their will. They admitted that the rebels
had the support of Railway Minister Nitish Kumar, who has developed
differences with party chief and Defence Minister George Fernandes over
Bihar politics.

--Indo-Asian News Service

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

Panaji (GOA) :The ruling BJP's attempt to re-engineer the state's assembly
constitutencies to its benefit while decimating opposition segments, has
led to the opposition crying foul.

Some have accused the local BJP government of skewing the exercise and
providing "biased inputs" to the Central Delimitation Commission, set up
under a Central 2002 Act.

Goa's geographical areas are strongly divided by religious and caste lines,
and the re-drawing of electoral constituencies could give contenders for
power an edge.

This was seen after the last delimitation in 1988 undertaken when the
Congress was in power shortly after Goa became a seperate state in 1987.

The rearrangement now seeks to carve out new sectarian vote banks,
fragmenting Congress strongholds and consolidating the ruling BJP areas to
its advantage, MLAs complain.

The new draft delimitation exercise presented by the Goa government and
approved by the Central delimitation commission headed by Justice Kuldeep
Singh will come up for discussion before the commission's associate member
body followed by other hearings for objections.

This consists of mainly BJP MLAs, in a 40-seat Assembly where the BJP won
just 17 seats in the May 2002 elections.

"With 6 BJP MLAs and MPs and only a single Congress MLA on the associate
committee, its appointment is patently illegal and skewed," complains former
Congress CM Luizinho Faleiro. He took his plaint of "dispropotionate
representation" to the Commission, on being turned down by the Speaker.

Meanwhile the draft being circulated here, appears to have left untouched
only three BJP segments of Panaji (represented by the BJP Chief Minister for
the past two terms), Margao (won by BJP second ranking minister) and Fatorda
(another BJP-held seat).

Two Congress-held segments have been completely reorganised altering their
old names, while one in Pernem, won by articulate Congressman and its
honorary Viscount Jeetendra Deshprabhu, has been reserved for Scheduled
Castes, which could sideline the Congressman who won by surprise in this
long non-Congress seat for two terms.

In other areas, Christian aboriginal groups have been split across segments,
thus possibly diminishing the chance of block-voting by a section that feels
strongly disempowered in contemporary Goa.

The current exercise has refuelled speculation that the state may see a
mid-term poll. Analysts believe the BJP could make calculations to target a
majority, so it doesnt have to depend on disparate allies to rule the tiniest
state assembly in the country.

It now heads a four-party shaky coalition, and appears to have even
antagonised some of them in the proposed redivision.

Objections are likely to be raised mainly from the affected opposition
segments, but almost all consist of geographically contiguious areas,
weakening any legal argument.(ends)

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

Panaji (GOA) :The ruling BJP's attempt to re-engineer the state's assembly
constitutencies to its benefit while decimating opposition segments, has
led to the opposition crying foul.

Some have accused the local BJP government of skewing the exercise and
providing "biased inputs" to the Central Delimitation Commission, set up
under a Central 2002 Act.

Goa's geographical areas are strongly divided by religious and caste lines,
and the re-drawing of electoral constituencies could give contenders for
power an edge.

This was seen after the last delimitation in 1988 undertaken when the
Congress was in power shortly after Goa became a seperate state in 1987.

The rearrangement now seeks to carve out new sectarian vote banks,
fragmenting Congress strongholds and consolidating the ruling BJP areas to
its advantage, MLAs complain.

The new draft delimitation exercise presented by the Goa government and
approved by the Central delimitation commission headed by Justice Kuldeep
Singh will come up for discussion before the commission's associate member
body followed by other hearings for objections.

This consists of mainly BJP MLAs, in a 40-seat Assembly where the BJP won
just 17 seats in the May 2002 elections.

"With 6 BJP MLAs and MPs and only a single Congress MLA on the associate
committee, its appointment is patently illegal and skewed," complains former
Congress CM Luizinho Faleiro. He took his plaint of "dispropotionate
representation" to the Commission, on being turned down by the Speaker.

Meanwhile the draft being circulated here, appears to have left untouched
only three BJP segments of Panaji (represented by the BJP Chief Minister for
the past two terms), Margao (won by BJP second ranking minister) and Fatorda
(another BJP-held seat).

Two Congress-held segments have been completely reorganised altering their
old names, while one in Pernem, won by articulate Congressman and its
honorary Viscount Jeetendra Deshprabhu, has been reserved for Scheduled
Castes, which could sideline the Congressman who won by surprise in this
long non-Congress seat for two terms.

In other areas, Christian aboriginal groups have been split across segments,
thus possibly diminishing the chance of block-voting by a section that feels
strongly disempowered in contemporary Goa.

The current exercise has refuelled speculation that the state may see a
mid-term poll. Analysts believe the BJP could make calculations to target a
majority, so it doesnt have to depend on disparate allies to rule the
tiniest
state assembly in the country.

It now heads a four-party shaky coalition, and appears to have even
antagonised some of them in the proposed redivision.

Objections are likely to be raised mainly from the affected opposition
segments, but almost all consist of geographically contiguious areas,
weakening any legal argument.(ends)

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

Panaji: Four shows into his new play "Bhagvya Maticha Manus (Son of the
Saffron Soil) and its already stirring a hornet's nest within some circles.

Enfant terrible of Goa's Marathi stage, former editor, writer cartoonist and
iconoclast Vishnu Surya Wagh has this time taken his sharp comment straight
into the realm of contemporary politics.

His latest production, also featuring himself, is a scarcely disguised take
on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the "compromise and get ahead"
politics of the BJP --- elsehwere in the country and in Goa, a state the
party has ruled since October 2000.

The two hour long play depicts the ultimate disillusionment of a "Rashtriya
Sankritirakshak Sanghantana" worker --- a conscientious medico called
Shantanu Sarang.

After years of selfless work with the organisation, he finds that his former
mentors have become intoxicated with the spoils of power and wealth, their
espoused "high principles" dumped in the new era of political fixing and
coalition politics.

"I wrote this play because the party is in power. Though people have begun
to see their real face, not many would like to talk about it" says writer
Wagh, former editor of the Goa based Marathi daily "Gomantak".

"Like in any organisation committed to ideals, a section of their workers
are now beginning to feel isolated. Their preachers no longer practice what
they have been preaching about patriotism and the new culture in politics" ,
says Wagh, whose own political search has taken him from the Maharashtrawadi
Gomantak Party, the Congress to the fringes of the Shiv Sena Goa unit now.

Staged by the Sri Krishna Sangathi troupe, Wagh's production is currently
doing the rounds at temple feasts and sammelans, and has stayed low profile
thus far. By contrast, his 1996 production "Tuka Abang Abang", was banned by
Maharashtra's then Shiv Sena government.

Wagh's dramatic interpretation was that the works of the seventeenth century
Maharashtrian social reformer, Tukaram, were actually destroyed by the then
Brahminical elites, who ultimately murdered him. This was seen as highly
controversial and "against the myths that were woven around Tukaram after
his deification".

"I don't write to be controversial, but to create public opinion, to make a
statement about something I feel strongly about," says this former student of
history and linguistics, with 20 plays in Marathi and Konkani to his credit.

But controversial he remains --- as maverick in his politics as he's
brilliant in his creativity, even critics acknowlege. Still in his late
thirties, Wagh has worn many hats --- student activist, cultural activist,
former vice chairman of Goa's prestigious Kala Academy, associate of Goa's
Bahujan Haturli math -- to add to his many other roles.

His second script this year though not yet dramatised, is no less
contentious, depicting the rebellion of a young swami at an upper caste
math, who tries to change the way things are done, but faces opposition from
mahajans.

"Vairajya Math" is Wagh's comment on the running of the two
'upper caste' maths in the state, who he says remain aloof from the lives of
common people and the ills of society.(ends)

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

I hope this is the end of the matter.

G.D.P. per capita countries in mentioned in contention.

India 2,443
Macau 17,235
Norway 27,557
Switzerland 28,421
U.S. 35,831
U.K 22,801
Portugal 15,795.


Of the above countries which countries are in the G7 considered the
richest
countries in the world?

Also Macau is richer than Portugal, what does that mean?

Hope this settles the issue once and for all.

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

3 convicted in London for smuggling new fad drug from Goa

Ketamine concealed in rose water bottles

Devika Sequeira

DH News Service

PANAJI, Mar 13

A pain-killer rarely prescribed here, some in the medical fraternity have
not even heard of it. Ketamine, the new fad drug on the beaches of North
Goa, is nonetheless the latest rage among hip Western tourists who frequent
the rave party circuit in Goa.

So much so, that large quantities of it is being smuggled directly from Goa
into Britain, disguised as rose water, London police officers investigating
the case, told 'Deccan Herald'.

Three men have so far been convicted in London for illegally importing
Ketamine into England. The latest sentence was awarded by the Kingston upon
Thames Crown Court last week.

Among those convicted is a British national Richard Widger, who was awarded
an 18 month sentence, and Italian Marco Siddi, who has been given the
maximum two-year term by the British court.

Portuguese national Bruno Veiga was sentenced to a year's jail term for his
role in the "conspiracy to import Ketamine into the UK". His conviction was
handed out on March 7.

The Ketamine being smuggled into England originated from the Anjuna Beach
area, and was being cleverly packaged in 500 ml bottles of rose water,
London police sources said. Ketamine suspends in rose water.

"This is one of the first prosecutions in the U.K. for such offences, and
the sentence given will hopefully send out the right message. We are led to
believe there is a perception among the party people in Goa that Ketamine is
legal in the U.K. This is not the case and many such prosecutions will
follow," a British police source said.

A team of police officers from London would be flying down to Goa soon to
conduct more investigations, he said.

An anaesthetic agent, prescribed ususally in post-operative care, Ketamine
can produce hallucinations and a feeling of well-being, a doctor said. A 10
ml vial of the Ketamine Hydrochloride injection costs Rs 110 in Goa.

But the drug's misuse by foreigners in Goa is common knowledge to
pharmacists here. Two leading pharmacies in Panaji said they had stopped
stocking Ketamine because they were being constantly "harassed" for the drug
by foreigners. It has become one of the most abused drugs in Goa in recent
times, they said.

"We've stopped selling it, but pharmacies in Anjuna and Baga have huge
stocks of it," said one pharmacist who at one time also stocked Ketamine in
tablet form.

According to a senior Goa police official once posted in the Anti-Narcotics
Bureau, Ketamine has been "doing the rounds" in Goa's rave parties in the
last two years. Those using it as a hallucinogen either put a few drops in
the eyes for a "quick, short high", or inhale it by adding some drops to a
cigarette.

Because the drug is not included in the banned substances list of the
Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, there is little the
police can do if someone is caught with Ketamine. Its other advantage is
that it is hardly detectable after being used, he said.

The maximum sentence for smuggling a drug like Ketamine into the UK is two
years. London police sources said they were hoping to convince their
government to get Ketamine placed on the Misuse of Drugs Act 1968 Schedule,
which would make convictions more stringeent./ends

Copyright The Printers (Mysore) Pvt Ltd

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

3 convicted in London for smuggling new fad drug from
Goa

Ketamine concealed in rose water bottles

Devika Sequeira

DH News Service

PANAJI, Mar 13

A pain-killer rarely prescribed here, some in the
medical fraternity have not even heard of it. Ketamine,
the new fad drug on the beaches of North Goa, is
nonetheless the latest rage among hip Western tourists
who frequent the rave party circuit in Goa.

So much so, that large quantities of it is being
smuggled directly from Goa into Britain, disguised as
rose water, London police officers investigating the
case, told 'Deccan Herald'.

Three men have so far been convicted in London for
illegally importing Ketamine into England. The latest
sentence was awarded by the Kingston upon Thames Crown
Court last week.

Among those convicted is a British national Richard
Widger, who was awarded an 18 month sentence, and
Italian Marco Siddi, who has been given the maximum
two-year term by the British court.

Portuguese national Bruno Veiga was sentenced to a
year's jail term for his role in the "conspiracy to
import Ketamine into the UK". His conviction was handed
out on March 7.

The Ketamine being smuggled into England originated
from the Anjuna Beach area, and was being cleverly
packaged in 500 ml bottles of rose water, London police
sources said. Ketamine suspends in rose water.

"This is one of the first prosecutions in the U.K. for
such offences, and the sentence given will hopefully
send out the right message. We are led to believe there
is a perception among the party people in Goa that
Ketamine is legal in the U.K. This is not the case and
many such prosecutions will follow," a British police
source said.

A team of police officers from London would be flying
down to Goa soon to conduct more investigations, he
said.

An anaesthetic agent, prescribed ususally in
post-operative care, Ketamine can produce
hallucinations and a feeling of well-being, a doctor
said. A 10 ml vial of the Ketamine Hydrochloride
injection costs Rs 110 in Goa.

But the drug's misuse by foreigners in Goa is common
knowledge to pharmacists here. Two leading pharmacies
in Panaji said they had stopped stocking Ketamine
because they were being constantly "harassed" for the
drug by foreigners. It has become one of the most
abused drugs in Goa in recent times, they said.

"We've stopped selling it, but pharmacies in Anjuna and
Baga have huge stocks of it," said one pharmacist who
at one time also stocked Ketamine in tablet form.

According to a senior Goa police official once posted
in the Anti-Narcotics Bureau, Ketamine has been "doing
the rounds" in Goa's rave parties in the last two
years. Those using it as a hallucinogen either put a
few drops in the eyes for a "quick, short high", or
inhale it by adding some drops to a cigarette.

Because the drug is not included in the banned
substances list of the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic
Substances (NDPS) Act, there is little the police can
do if someone is caught with Ketamine. Its other
advantage is that it is hardly detectable after being
used, he said.

The maximum sentence for smuggling a drug like Ketamine
into the UK is two years. London police sources said
they were hoping to convince their government to get
Ketamine placed on the Misuse of Drugs Act 1968
Schedule, which would make convictions more stringeent.

Copyright The Printers (Mysore) Pvt Ltd

__________________________________________________________
Get your FREE personalized e-mail at http://www.canada.com

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

Panaji: They may be man's best friends, but currently Goa's estimated one
hundred thousand stray dog population has sharply divided public opinion in
this state.

Five years after the High Court stopped municipalities from having healthy
strays shot on the streets for "a 25 paise a tail-fee" --- a growing number
of vocal citizens want civic authorities to either impound or euthanise what
they say is an increasingly unmanageable population of mongrels.

The 1998 order, petitioned by the People for Animals NGO, had then led to
civic bodies starting an ABC-RV (animal birth control-rabies vaccine)
programme with assistance from animal welfare associations (AWAs), including
the International Animal Rescue.

"Since 2000, the programme has covered 20,000 dogs ---14,000 have been
neutered, 4000 unhealthy strays have been euthanised, and around 2000 pets
have been vaccinated" claims PFA convenor Norma Alvares.

Citizens banded together under the two year old People for Elimination of
Stray Troubles (PEST), however feel the programme is working far too slowly
to be effective.

"An ABC-RV programme can only be effective if 70-80% of the dog population
is covered within a six month period, before the next breeding season
commences", argues PEST's legal counsel Aires Rodrigues. Otherwise the cycle
repeats itself, with more strays on the streets.

Besides, in the absence of a large enough dog pound, volunteers, staff and
finances, AWAs are releasing treated strays back onto the streets,
endangering motorists and pedestrians , resulting in some deaths, PEST
argues.

The "problem" has polarised opinion and monthy magazine "Goa Today" ran
a story dubbing it a Canine Cancer. The magazine said 22 persons died of
rabies in the past six years, while 13,000 have been bitten --- 2000 dog
bites a year --- incidentally one of the higest rates of dog bites in the
country.

Last year PEST went to court to press municipalities and panchayats to invoke
existing laws "to keep strays off the streets", and a provision under the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act that allow euthanisation.

AWAs represented by Alvares in court are opposed to this. "How can you pick
up any healthy dog off the street and put it into a gas chamber", she asks.
"Strays are on the streets because there is garbage and bins, and because
people put them there. Some of them have loose owners who feed them scraps"
she says arguing for a wholistic approach and more time for the ABC programme
to eventually bring down numbers.

While canines are being targetted, human mismanagement of the environment is
being condoned. Municipalities and village panchayats, have miserably failed
to implement a licensing policy, that would require all pets to be vaccinated
and neutered unless owners pay higher breeding fees.

Meanwhile, PEST was partly successful in its legal plea. A division Bench in
January asked the Chief Justice to constitute a larger bench to reexamine
the legal issues involved to see if any further steps could be taken to deal
with the situation.(Ends)

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

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

1) It's Emblica officinalis
2) If the manufacturer has prepared the candy without resorting
to high temperature drying, it should also contain a fair amount
of Vitamin C.
Ajit

===========================================================
"Frederick Noronha (FN)" <fred at bytesforall.org> wrote:

"WHAT'S THIS? IS IT a sweet?"

"No, it's dry fruit," said the hotel-owner.

Amla Candy is a new product available in outlets in Goa. It is priced at Rs
4 and includes a nutritive value (per 100 g) of 293 kcal energy, 70 gm of
carbohydrates, 0.8 gm protein, 538 mg Vitamin C, 0.20 mg of calcium of 0.15
gm of fat.

It is marketed by Kamdhenu Pickles and Spices Ind Pvt Ltd (Krishi Bhavan,
1379 Bhavani Peth, Pune 411042, Pune tel [phone]) and manufactured and
packaged by Nandlal Fruit Processor at Tal Maval, Pune district tel 02114
24977.

It's a tasty product, containing one large-sized amla and sugar. The plastic
packing seems a bit excessive (and environmentally unfriendly), but as a
non-technical person, my first reaction was that this is an interesting (and
tasty) product. FN

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

The mid-night hour maybe coming. But our work does not stop. Please take a moment, go through the
link, find the english version, and register your concern.

http://uniting.free.fr/petition.htm

Hari Sharma


__________________________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Web Hosting - establish your business online
http://webhosting.yahoo.com

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

PANAJI (Goa), March 17: Indian deputy prime minister Lal Krishna
Advani and defence minister George Fernandes witnessed manoeuvres conducted
by the Navy's aircraft carrier INS Viraat off the Goa coast Monday morning.

Also present for the manoeuvres were several politicians -- both federal
ministers and members of the Parliamentary Defence Consultative Committee
and the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence.

Later in the day, Advani accompanied by Fernandes left Goa for Delhi on a
special aircraft from Naval enclave of Goa's lone Dabolim airport, which
also functions as one of the country's premier naval air station.

They were seen off by local politicians from BJP-ruled Goa.

Advani arrived Goa on a two day visit on Sunday. During his stay here, he
met with BJP partyworkers on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar, who has headed the
first-ever BJP minister in this cash-strapped state, has requested the union
Government to extend special category status to Goa on the lines of Himachal
Pradesh and Uttaranchal for its "economic and industrial development".

A formal request to this effect was made to Dy. Prime Minister, Mr L.K.
Advani by Parrkar, during the former's visit to Goa, the chief minister
announced here.

Parrikar announced this at a buyers-seller's meet, Interface 2003, organised
by local bodies of industrialists including the Goa Small Industries
Association (GSIA), National Small Industries Corporation, Small Scale
Service Institute and Government of Goa in state-capital Panaji on Sunday.

Parrikar said that an industrial policy would be announced soon, so as to
give a "very clear direction" to the industrial growth of Goa. Frequent
political uncertainity in this small state of 1.35 million has seen its
industrial and other policies repeatedly changed over the past decade.

Parrikar said the new Industrial Policy will give "clear and more powers" to
the Government to "lug the loopholes"in the process of industrial
development and "acilitate fast pace of industrial growth in (the) right
direction", the state government's Department of Information announced

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

Panaji: Traditional fishermen are beginning to react strongly to high speed
water sports activity on some beaches of this touristic state, which they say
disturbs their fishing grounds and nets.

On Monday, a 400 strong group of fishermen and their families, incensed over
an operator running a speed boat on the Nerul bay in North Goa, burnt her
beach shack "Wave Rider". In the fracas, the shack's British owner Ms Maureen
Chapman and her daughter Laura sustained injuries, as did some of the
fishermen's crowd.

Police registered cases against both groups for yesterday's violence.
Nothing was left of the thatched palm shack.

In January, fishermen attacked and stopped operations of a new Rs 2 cr water
sports facility promoted by Raymonds industrialist Gautam Singhania in the
same area. The club was offering jet skies, banana rides, jumpy rides and
water skiing in a mainly fishing bay.

On the intervention of the local MLA, authorities had ordered stoppage
of all water sports in the area until further notification.

"We had asked them to stop plying the boat. Jet skis and high speed boats
operate with 140 hp engines as against the 15-40hp outboard engines of
country craft. It completely disturbs our occupation", justifies Ambrose
Mendes, from one of the 70 odd households in the fisherman's ward at the
small but scenic Nerul bay.

Tourism minister Francisco Pacheco has promised to regulate and license
water sports activity in specific areas only, even as traditional
fishermen from neighbouring Candolim-Calangute also began demaning a ban.

Tourism activities though a major industry here over the past few decades,
has often conflicted with older occupations and local communities. The Nerul
bay itself has morphed from a near inaccessible fishing and farming ward
into high value real estate with fancy bungalows overlooking the bay,
and capital Panaji situated across the wide river.(ends)

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

I don't know Konkani will that be a problem?

Don't worry our counselors are conversant in English, konkani and Hindi.

Do I call only if I have HIV/AIDS?

No in fact one of the purposes of the line is to alleviate problems and help
prevent people from getting infected.

What are the working times of 1097?

1097 works from Monday to Friday from 9am to 7pm and on Saturdays from 9am
to 1pm. Once we get an IVRS (Integrated Voice Response System) it will be 24
hours service.

Will my calls be monitored or taped or tapped by the police?

No we work in a free and democratic country. Absolute privacy and
confidentiality is assured. We do not ask for names or report cases. Our
phone does not even have a Caller ID.

Will the counselor lecture me or tell my parents I am having sex?

No, in fact counseling is not about giving advice but having a professional
friendly conversation. We don't make decisions for you. We just tell you the
pros and cons and leave the decision up to you. We never judge people.
Youngsters phone many times asking common questions and we answer them
seriously.

What is the connection between HIV/AIDS and sex?

There is a strong connection between the two. HIV/AIDS is transmitted
primarily through unsafe sex. Some studies indicate as much as 90%of
HIV/AIDS is caused by unsafe sex. We promote safe sex.

Does this mean you promote promiscuity through condom use?

No, in fact abstaining and being mutually faithful is one of the message of
safe sex.

What is the scene of HIV?AIDS in Goa/India?

India with 3.97 million cases ranks second only to South Africa in this
global epidemic. Goa which is surrounded by States with hih HIV prevalence
has an estimated 12,000 people living with HIV.

Some Reasons Why People Call Us]

A friend of mine is getting married is there anything he/she needs to know?

I have been losing weight fort he past few months. Do I have HIV/AIDS?

I get sick very easily nowadays and the symptoms persist for a long time. AM
I HIV Positive?

I only practise oral sex, do I still need to use a condom?

Can I get HIV/AIDS by kissing?

What is safe sex? Is masturbation safe sex?

Can I make out if someone has HIV/AIDS just by the way the person looks?

If I have STI/STD (Sexually Transmitted infection/disease) Do I have HIV?

I have some pain whilst passing urine and some boils on my penis. Am I infected?

A friend of mine is pressurising me to have sex. What can I do?

I just discovered I am pregnant. Do I need to test for HIV?

Recently I applied for a visa and had to do a test. The test showed that I am HIV Positive. What do I do? Does it mean the end of my life?

I have HIV/AIDS. Does my employer/spouse have to know? I prefer not to tell them.

I can't control my sexual urges and want to have sex. How can I protect myself?

How safe are condoms?

I have been having feelings for members of the same sex, does it mean I am not normal?

Some of my sons/daughters classmates could have HIV/AIDS. Is my son/daughter at risk?

Do mosquitoes transmit HIV/AIDS? How safe is "bhei puri" Can I get it whilst eating?

An aunt of mine got operated recently and she needed blood. Is the blood at GMC safe?

I am HIV positive. Can I still lead a normal life. Can I get married?

Don't feel shy , if any of these sounds familiar to you call 1097 today!!!!

How Can We Help You?
--------------------

We offer counselling services to your organisation

We provide the latest information, clarify your doubts and answer your queries.

We provide you with referrals to the HIV testing facility, NGO, doctor or support group closes to you.

We conduct talks for your staff, people in your religious organisation, or panchayat, or school, or college on various topics like HIV/AIDS, Sexuality and Sex Education.

Call 1097 Today to Learn More

How You Can Help Us?
--------------------

Raise awareness in your work place, building and neighborhood.

Contact us for FREE attractive stickers with lively slogans, useful numbers etc., to put up in your areas.

If anytime the line is not accessible , try dialing 2282636 (our other number) and put in a complaint to BSNL.

If STD booths charge the Free Call, complain to BSNL and report the booth to us.

Invite us to give a talk to your organisation or neighborhood.

Make Xeroxes of this leaflet and distribute it to your friends.

Publish this article in your local newsletter or display it on your notice board.

Report any cases of doctors, nurses, police or others discriminating against you.

Help us in our fight against stigma and discrimination. Let us Live and Let live.

Call 1097 today to learn more!!!

----------------------
1097 - Because We Care
----------------------

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

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)

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

injuries in an accident.
If the one truly wants to prevent unnecessary suffering to both themselves
and their families members, they should put their personal safety first.
A number of medical studies have proved that wearing helmets do limit the
number of injuries. More riders wearing helmets would cut the number of
serious injuries and stop the unnecessary drain on the medical resources.
If the government wants to encourage safety they should
1) Educate the people as to why they think that helmets make for safer
travel
2)Provide subsidised helmet purchase and look into the manufacture of a
helmet which is more suitable for the hot weather

3)Enforce a stricter driving policy and improve the roads in Goa.

Helmets should also regularly be checked, as impacts be it in a collision or
just dropping it does weaken the shell_ and having a shoemaker stick it
together does not help.


Francis Dias
dias_one at yahoo.com



"It's one of those campaigns that has taken so very long. Over two decades
ago when the authorities attempted to make helmets compulsory I was
compelled to move the Courts. My contention was that if the Sikhs were
exempt from helmets why not I. It definitely does not take much brains to
protect your head. And if the Sikh can, why not I. Come what may, I
resolved never to wear a helmet and I stuck to my guns.

It is a pity that in spite of Goa having many other problems it took over
twenty years to finally resolve the helmet controversy. Every year during
the Road Safety Week the helmet manufacturers religiously take the
opportunity to push their business interests. It is a relief that now the
Government notification exempts those riding under the speed of 40 km from
wearing helmets. This should lay the helmet controversy to rest. Will it?"

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

recieved their latest Telephone Directory.

The persons who have taken new telephone connections
from 1.1.1999 have not been provided Telephone
Directories till date.

The CD Rom Telephone Directory updated to 30.9.2002
was made available but even before the CDs could reach
the Telephone Offices or Customers Service Centres
they were declared to be exhausted.

A Telelphone Directory 2002 is believed to be released
in December, 2002 though none have seen them but it is
stated to be exhausted.It is also learnt that due to
prefixing the telephone Number 2 the same was ordered
for re-print. Some others state that owing to change
of status transformation to Bharat Sanchar Nigam
Limited the delay is caused. There are others who
allege that owing to the upgradation of the tele lines
optical fibre et al the delay is taking place.

Whatever be the reason there is nothing reliable
coming from your office.

It takes letters over a year to be replied and some
queries have not been replied.

We would appreciate if a copy of the Telephone
Directories List distributed is made available for
inspection, and also a list of CD Roms sold to
subscribers in Goa as there is an apprehension that
insufficient copies have been made available and just
to tide over the criticism from the subscribers .

You are aware that Maharashtra Telecom Circle ranks as
No 1 among the Telecom Circles in the country and this
is mainly due to the fact that the highest revenue
comes from Goa Telecom District as against the other
Districts in the Maharashtra Circle.

Please confirm this statement.

Goa also has highest teledensity 14% telephone
connections and over 1.25 lacs subscribers as against
2%to 3% of the entire Maharashtra Circle.

Yet the customers in the State are not given the
service we deserve.

This apparently is because Goans are nowhere and the
non Goans have been dominating the top heirarchy and
even the key positions in the Telecom Circle from
linesman onwards.Mind you they do not possess any
qualifications that a Goan cannot qualify for and the
the so called senior engineers now telecom officers
etc have only training at the Yeshwantra Chavan
Institute in Maharashtra.

We therefore request you Sir to present a white paper
on the Goa Telecom District and make a case for Goa to
be upgraded into Goa Telecom Circle.

With this white paper we can over night solve the
Telephone woes of consumers and can get aperiodical
updated directory

This is an urgent request because none of the
helplines can assist the consumer in Goa either
because they record false messages or are inoperative.

We seek your immediate clarification on the above and
the exact date the Directory will be available.

Yours faithfully
for SOUTH GOA PUBLIC INTEREST ACTION GROUP
Regd NGO 171/GOA/2000
sd/-
Terence Mazarelo
PRESIDENT.


________________________________________________________________________
Missed your favourite TV serial last night? Try the new, Yahoo! TV.
visit http://in.tv.yahoo.com

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

and a pirate. Therefore, his reasons for enlistment of the Portuguese help
was purely out of political and monetary gain rather than motivated by a
sense of moral conviction against perceived atrocities.

And while the Portuguese confiscated and destroyed much
property, (including during the inquisition) there are no historical
accounts of wanton human killing.

Portuguese accounts themselves have proudly described the massacres of the
Muslims following the capture of Goa. During later years, especially the
period of inquisition, this extended towards all non-catholics.

Dr. Teotonio D'Souza or Jorge Noronha can correct me if I am wrong.

Regardless, I think it would be prejudicial to base a conclusion of right
or wrong on such simplistic analyses. When we look back into historical
accounts, all we are left with is the result and not always the events
that led up to them or state of the mind and mood of the people that shape
such events.

Whatever the Portuguese, Hindu or Muslim past of Goa, we must accept their
legacy as a part of history and preserve this to the best of our
abilities.

The Portuguese rule of Goa may have been traumatic but there still remains
an obligation on us to preserve this part of our history. This does not
mean that we should ape the Portuguese, but rather try and preserve their
architecture and literary works.

Over the years, I expect Goa to further get submerged within the greater
Indian identity. However, if we preserve these instruments of our past,
our future generations can look back and understand the road they
took to get where they are.

--
Tariq Siddiqui
tariq at bayou.uh.edu
*******************************************************************************
Rockets Lover!
Laker Hater !!!
*******************************************************************************

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

The Case Against US Adventurism in Iraq
By Noam Chomsky

The most powerful state in history has proclaimed that
it intends to control the world by force, the
dimension in which it reigns supreme.
President Bush and his cohorts evidently believe that
the means of violence in their hands are so
extraordinary that they can dismiss anyone who
stands in their way.

The consequences could be catastrophic in Iraq and
around the world. The United States may reap a
whirlwind of terrorist retaliation -- and step
up the possibility of nuclear Armageddon.
Bush, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld and company are
committed to an "imperial ambition," as G. John
Ikenberry wrote in the September/October issue of
Foreign Affairs -- "a unipolar world in which the
United States has no peer competitor" and in which "no
state or coalition could ever challenge it
as global leader, protector and enforcer."

That ambition surely includes much expanded control
over Persian Gulf resources and military bases to
impose a preferred form of order in the region.

Even before the administration began beating the war
drums against Iraq, there were plenty of warnings that
U.S. adventurism would lead to proliferation of
weapons of mass destruction, as well as terror, for
deterrence or revenge.

Right now, Washington is teaching the world a
dangerous lesson: If you want to defend yourself from
us, you had better mimic North Korea and pose a
credible threat. Otherwise we will demolish you.

There is good reason to believe that the war with Iraq
is intended, in part, to demonstrate what lies ahead
when the empire decides to strike a blow though "war"
is hardly the proper term, given the gross mismatch of
forces.

A flood of propaganda warns that if we do not stop
Saddam Hussein today he will destroy us tomorrow.

Last October, when Congress granted the president the
authority to go to war, it was "to defend the national
security of the United States against
the continuing threat posed by Iraq."

But no country in Iraq's neighborhood seems overly
concerned about Saddam, much as they may hate the
murderous tyrant.

Perhaps that is because the neighbors know that Iraq's
people are at the edge of survival. Iraq has become
one of the weakest states in the region.
As a report from the American Academy of Arts and
Sciences points out, Iraq's economy and military
expenditures are a fraction of some of its
neighbors'.

Indeed, in recent years, countries nearby have sought
to reintegrate Iraq into the region, including Iran
and Kuwait, both invaded by Iraq.
Saddam benefited from U.S. support through the war
with Iran and beyond, up to the day of the invasion of
Kuwait. Those responsible are largely back at
the helm in Washington today.

President Ronald Reagan and the previous Bush
administration provided aid to Saddam, along with the
means to develop weapons of mass destruction, back
when he was far more dangerous than he is now, and had
already committed his worst crimes, like murdering
thousands of Kurds with poison gas.

An end to Saddam's rule would lift a horrible burden
from the people of Iraq. There is good reason to
believe that he would suffer the fate of Nicolae
Ceausescu and other vicious tyrants if Iraqi society
were not devastated by harsh sanctions that force the
population to rely on Saddam for survival while
strengthening him and his clique.

Saddam remains a terrible threat to those within his
reach. Today, his reach does not extend beyond his own
domains, though it is likely that U.S.
aggression could inspire a new generation of
terrorists bent on revenge, and might induce Iraq to
carry out terrorist actions suspected to be already in
place.

Right now Saddam has every reason to keep under tight
control any chemical and biological weapons that Iraq
may have. He wouldn't provide such weapons to the
Osama bin Ladens of the world, who represent a
terrible threat to Saddam himself.

And administration hawks understand that, except as a
last resort if attacked, Iraq is highly unlikely to
use any weapons of mass destruction that it has -- and
risk instant incineration.

Under attack, however, Iraqi society would collapse,
including the controls over the weapons of mass
destruction. These could be "privatized," as
international security specialist Daniel Benjamin
warns, and offered to the huge "market for
unconventional weapons, where they will have no
trouble finding buyers." That really is "a nightmare
scenario," he says.

As for the fate of the people of Iraq in war, no one
can predict with any confidence: not the CIA, not
Rumsfeld, not those who claim to be experts on
Iraq, no one.

But international relief agencies are preparing for
the worst. Studies by respected medical organizations
estimate that the death toll could rise to the
hundreds of thousands. Confidential U.N. documents
warn that a war could trigger a "humanitarian
emergency of exceptional scale" --
including the possibility that 30 percent of Iraqi
children could die from malnutrition.

Today the administration doesn't seem to be heeding
the international relief agency warnings about an
attack's horrendous aftermath.
The potential disasters are among the many reasons why
decent human beings do not contemplate the threat or
use of violence, whether in personal life or
international affairs, unless reasons have been
offered that have overwhelming force. And surely
nothing remotely like that justification has come
forward.

Noam Chomsky is a political activist, professor of
linguistics at the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology and author of the bestseller "9-11."
He wrote this article for the New York Times
Syndicate.




______________________________________________________________________
Post your free ad now! http://personals.yahoo.ca

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

A Public Statement
March 25, 2003

A cowardly, yet horrendously brutal, killing of innocent people has shattered the Kashmir Valley
again.

In the nightly hours of March 23, twenty-four men, women and children were gunned down by unknown
attackers in the village of Nadimarg (Pulwama). The victims were all Hindu Pandits of Kashmir.

We in SANSAD (South Asian Network for Secularism and Democracy) and in INSAF (International South
Asia Forum) utterly condemn this savage act, this crime against humanity.

When members of any particular community are subjected to brutal killings - whether they are Sikhs
in Punjab, Christians, Dalits, Tribals and Muslims in Gujarat and elsewhere, the fragile secular
and democratic make-up of the Indian society goes through another challenging test.

For over twelve years now, the people of Kahmir have been subjected to a never-ending vortex of
violence. The entire people have been turned into helpless victims of the terror inflicted by the
contending forces, while their genuine aspirations for peace, dignity, and democratic rights of
self-determination remain crushed.

It is very unfortunate that every time there is some movement toward normalization of social
relations, some movement toward peace in the entire region, it becomes disrupted by such wanton
and melicious acts of interruption. It is obvious that there are vested interests who do not want
the Kashmir problem to be solved.

That the secular and harmonious aspects of the Kashmiri society have yet not been destroyed is
indicated by the manner in which the entire community in the village of Nadimarg came together to
mourn the deaths of the innocents. Muslim men and women wiped their own tears and those of the
survivors of the Hindu families.

''We don't believe this could happen here,'' said Khatija Bano, a Muslim housewife. ''I am
shocked. Why will anybody kill these poor people? They had nothing to do with anything. They were
struggling like all of us for two meals a day here in this far off village,'' she said. ''They had
not left the village because they had always felt safe here. It is their home like it is our
home''.

It is noteworthy that Muslim, Christian, Sikh and the democratic/secular organizations have
strongly condemned this ghastly act, and have demanded from the Government of India and of Jammu
and kashmir to find the culprits, and to take the necessary steps in bringing security and a sense
of dignity to all the people in Jammu and Kashmir.

We in SANSAD and INSAF join these voices of sanity, and of goodwill.

Hari Sharma
sharma at sfu.ca
President, SANSAD (South Asian Network for Secularism and Democracy0
President, INSAF (International South Asia Forum)




__________________________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Platinum - Watch CBS' NCAA March Madness, live on your desktop!
http://platinum.yahoo.com

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

For whatever it's worth the answer is a big NO. I want to be free ....

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

Neither the conqueror nor the colonialist gave you that choice. Hence
you did not directly answer the question. You naturally want to be free
because you do not want to be invaded. I wonder if we should pose the
question to the Iraqi people? Their answer (like mine) will likely be:
Does it make a difference?

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

for the knowledge of the public.

On the land admeasuring 50 m2 surveyed under Chalta
Nos 257 (11m2), 258 (31m2), and 259 (8m2) of PTS 238
,recorded in Book No:24 of City Survey Margao Salcete
there is a small chapel "Capelinha de Santas Almas"
or little chapel of Holy Souls" managed by "Confre da
Fabrica da Capela (now Igreja ) da Nossa Senhora da
Graca de Margao" .

The Chapel is located on Francisco Luis Gomes Road
commonly known as Old Station Road, near Afonso de
Albuquerque Market, New Market Margao Salcete Goa

It is bounded on the East by shop of Ananta Xete
Quessoncar,on the West by Municipal road No.8, on
South by cross road (esquina) or municipal passage on
North by Municipal road.

The land is not registered in the Land Registration
Office, but enrolled in Land Revenue Office under
Matriz Number 48 & 61.

The " loja No. 01" EXCLUDING verandah and passage on
the eastern side was vide agreement of lease dated
01.02.1956 granted on lease for a period of 3 years to
one RAMA GANESSA NAIQUE (alias Rama Ganesh Naik) on an
annual rent of Rs 182 payable in monthly instalments
to carry out the business of frames and glasses.

Some of the relevant clauses enumerated below are
highlighted:

clause 03 ; the lessee shall not sublet the area or
renounce any rights which may have accrued under the
Decree No:49 dated 22.7.1913;

clause 06 : the lessee shall not carry out in the
area any improvements, nor bore any holes on its
walls, without the written consent of the lessor:

clause 07 : the improvements or works which the lesee
may voluntarily make and without consent of the first
party, shall not be removed by the lessee and shall
belong to the lessor except those which are not fixed
on the walls or can be removed without any damage;

clause 09: the lessee shall not place in the verandah
passages or places which lie between the doors, boxes,
cupboards or tables for the sale tobacco cigarretes
pipes cigars or other articles , and in case he wishes
he shall obtain permission and also pay another Rupees
three per month;

clause 11: One Prabacar Voicunto Sinai Edo ( alias
Prabhakar Voikunth Sinai Hede) stood as surety and
principal payer for the security of the conditions
stipulated in the present contract;

Finally it is also agreed that the rent fixed shall
be amended in harmony with the final decision of the
valuation which is being applied for in terms of para
3 of Art 20 of the Diploma No: 1409 dated 14.2.1952.

The agreement is made on loose sheets without the
stamp duty as the lessor are exempted from it in terms
of Art 6 ot the Concordata and of Art 11 of the
Missionary Agreement between the Holy See and Portugal
dated 7.5.1940

The above lease agreement was thereafter renewed from
time to time.
It is not known whether on the name of Rama Ganessa
Naique .
The date of death of original lessee Rama Ganessa
Naique (alias Rama Ganesh Naik ) is also not on
record nor are the names of his legal heirs .

However on 25.1.1967 a Deed of extension of lease
for another three years (earlier one expired on
31.12.1966) was signed by :

an ALLEGED legal heir of the lessor RAMA GANESSA
NAIQUE (alias Rama Ganesh Naik) viz one Chandrakant
Babu Naique son of Babu Naique (Babu Naik) resident of
H.No: 75 Near Metropole for the same loja No:1 but on
a monthly rent of Rs.20/- The present occupants viz:
Ramdas, Vijay and Vinay are sons on Chandrakant Babu
Naik.

Also vide similar agreements dated 25.1.1967,loja No;
2 (West) was leased to Mr. Gangaram Sonaili, to
Shantaram Santu Redkar, verandah (North) and Ramdas
Vaman Falari shop undescribed (?)

Later vide agreement dated 18.6.1981 Verandah on west
was leased to Barnabe George .

On 19.11.1989 on the penultimate day of campaigning
for the Goa Legislative Assembly elections there was a
fire in the chapel and all (except loja No 1 )
surrounding tenements were partially or considerably
destroyed leaving no scope for conduct of business as
per situation ante.

Reconstruction and rehabilitation was necessary but
before the plans were drawn one Shantaram Santu Redkar
occupying verandah North,commenced repairs without
permission of the Cofre of Fabrica de Capela (now
Igreja) da Nossa Senhora de Graca.

Apprehending that others would follow a regular civil
suit No:273/89/D was filed in the Court of Civil Judge
Junior Division at Margao by the Confre (lessor) for
permanent injunction restraining all the occupants
from carrying out any repairs without their consent
and permission.

However the issue was resolved under "Consent terms"
20.12.1989 that in lieu of the lessees agreeing to
carry out the repairs themselves in accordance with
the plan and directions of the Confre without the
right to any of the structures: the rent paid by
them was enhanced to Rs. 260/- per month

That fresh agreements were to be executed within ten
days of the Consent terms i.e. by 31.12.1989 on
earlier terms but with enhanced rent and that in the
event the Confre decides to construct a new storied
buiding in the premises after next two years i.e. by
20.12.1991 the lessees would vacate the same but
offered premises of identical area in the new complex
on enhanced rent .

In 1997 it was noted by the Confre (lessor) that the
lessee of loja No1 had without permission of both
lessee and municipal authorities

" constructed two walls on the verandah of the premise
admeasuring 0.60 mts length and 2.20 mts height and
fixed a rolling shutter to the said walls and also
converted the verandah into a room. That a table was
placed on the road side outside the premises and sold
lottery tickets "

He was then following a complaint from the Parish
Priest asked by the then Chief Officer Mr. K. A.
Satardekar vide Margao Municipal Council letter
No:1/344/96-TECH/Illegal/345 dated 25.2.1997 to show
cause notice under section 184 and 193 of Goa
Municipalities Act 1968 why action deemed fit
including demolition should not be effected.

There was also a direction to the Market Inspector to
take action and remove the table with the lotteries
from the road side ( passage used for assembly of
those
venerating near the chapel) and stop such business
being carried out outside the premises.

On a letter dated 5.5.1997 by Parish Priest to CO
MMC.. The unauthorised structures were demolished.
However each time the same was reconstructed by the
lessee.

In the Chapel religious activities like ragular
prayers, visits, lighting of candles "ladainah" are
carried out by the business community and other
faithful.

The lessee continued to obstruct the passage made free
by MMC for the faithful to have acess to the
Chapel.and
several letters from the Parish Priest of Our Lady of
Grace Church to both CO Margao MUNICIPAL Council ,
10.12.1997 11.12.1997 25.03.1998 ending with a plea
on 11.7.1998 by the lessor, before the High Court of
Judicature of Bombay Panaji Bench to remove the
illegalities within the precincts of the Chapel
following a similar order in Writ Petition 148/97 to
all Municipalities to remove illegal encroachments in
the in public places and on road widening areas.

The Margao Municipal Council issued a show cause
notice dated 25.2.1997 since no reply was forthcoming
the illegal construction of walls and the rolling
shutters were demolished by the High Court order on
21.8.1997.

A footpath and a front verandah were left open for
the devotees.

However this part was covered with a wall and a
rolling shutter.

Following a visit of the lessor the Parish Priest of
the Our lady of Grace Church, on 4.8.2000 the lesee
viz sons of late Chandrakant Babu Naik) filed a Civil
Miscellaneous Application for temporary injunction
before the Civil Judge Division Margao directing the
Hounourable Court to ensure that the lessor should
REFRAIN from entering the premises of the lessee or
evicting them other than by due process of law and to
avoid causing any kind of damage to goods displayed in
the premises which includes the verandah and passage .

It was the contention of the lessee that after the
death of their father late Chandrakant Babu Naik
on 18.4.1996 the present lessees were carrying out the
business of fixing of frames for photographs pictures
etc sale of lotteries . That the rent payable during
th Portuguese regime was Rs.20/- but subsequent to the
fire in November 1989 the same was enhanced to Rs.260
plus Municipal tax of Rs.22/- after due permission was
granted by the lessor. That they have been paying the
revised rent regularly and not in arrears of any
amount due to the lessor.

That in view of this the lessee are entitled for
eviction only under the provisions of the Goa Daman &
Diu Buildings (Lease Rent and Eviction) Control Act.

However the Confre provided evidence that The Form S.T
IV certificate of Registration for a dealer states
that business is only for manufacturing Retail/Resale
of "glasses & mirrors sheets" and that he keeps one
wearhouse Behind Miranda Hospital for the manufacture
for sale of "photo frames" as on 26.7.1996.

A separate notice No:1/33/2000-TECH/Illegal/1010 dated
24.8.2000 was issued by Chief Officer Margao
Municipal Council stating that following inspection on
10/8/2000 it was found that the verandah which is
expected to be a through passage for movement has been
enclosed by constructing a wall and making a room
admeasuring 2.60 m x 1.80 m wide with plywood door.
At present activity of trading of lotteries with the
said space of verandah. That the illegal encroachment
is being carried out without obtaining prior
permission of this office which is in contravention of
section 184 of the Goa Municipalities Act 1968 .
Hence to show cause why the same should not be
demolished.

Besides the Civil Miscellaneous Application
No:515/2000/E suit for temporary injuction restraining
the lessor from interfering in the suit property the
Regular Civil Suit No 213/2000/E was awaiting
disposal .

In the absence of the lessee being unable to provide
the details of actual premises leased out the above
suit for temporary injunction was dismissed.

Yet vide another Notice No:1/22/2000-TECH/Illegal/1507
dated 1st November, 2000 the lessee was called to
adduce evidence on 17/11/2000 before the Chief Officer
MMC. Finally following a letter dated 24.9.2002 and
7.1.2002 from the lessor to the Chief Officer Officer
vide letter MMC/TECH/F-109/2002-03/3385 dated
1.11.2002 noted

"that the passage (verandah) in front of the Chapel
Santas Almas is occupied by the shopkeepers and the
Church is accepting rent from the occupiers . For
any construction being made in the passage you may
approach the Renmt Controller."

The lessor denied this in his letter dated 23.1.2003
but the Chief Officer is silent till date.

Following a public outcry and representattions made
the Collector South Goa District inspected the site
and his observations noted.

The lessee however continues to have restored the
illegal structures and converted it into a full
fledged shop and continues the sale of lotteries in
the premises unauthorisedly.

The moot question is how come the Municipal
authorities who themselves have noted the violations
on several ocassions allowed the structure to
continue.

Is there a political interest ? or is this issue used
to stir up emotional sentiments and create a communal
turmoil.

The MLA Margao has been given a representation on this
issue.

Will the authorities please advise the course of
action to be followed in a democratic set-up.

To tourists visiting the commercial and cultural
centre of Margao city it is disgusting to see the
edifice of the Chapel being surrounded by cobblers
shop garment store and now illegal vending of
lotteries.in utter disregard to religious sentiments.

It would be advisable if the Hon'ble Urban Development
Minister and thrice elected MLA from Margao Digamber
Kamat who has otherwise been instrumental in upgrading
the St Sebastian Chapel at Aquem into a Church
providing land for a cemetry to the people of Aquem
and now aspiring to have a separate cemetry for the
parishioners of Our Lady of Grace Church to see that
the illegal structures are demolished.

Further it would be advisable to work out an amicable
settlement with the present occupants to shift all the
premises in the vicinity of the Chapel and relocate it
elsewhere. This is not beyond the capacity of the MLA
and the parishioners would be grateful to such an
endeavour.

Alternatively the Goa Government and well meaning
citizens of Goa both within and settled outside could
suggest a way out in restoring the sanctity of the
Chapel as a place of worship respecting the emotional
sentiments of the faithful.




godfrey j. i. gonsalves
borda - margao goa








________________________________________________________________________
Missed your favourite TV serial last night? Try the new, Yahoo! TV.
visit http://in.tv.yahoo.com

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

PANJIM, April 5: Journalism research of Goan origin Manjiri
Virginkar-Papproth has recently completed a PhD on the impact of economic
liberalization on the Indian media and the "beginnings of the information
revolution in the country".

Titled 'The Information Revolution in India and the Communication Policy:
Media, Politics, Society (July 1991-May 1996)', the thesis also tries to put
the development communication used by the Indian government in its actual
perspective.

Virginkar-Papproth moved to Europe in 1992 to do a Masters in Communication
Sciences. "Since the subject really interested me, I decided to continue
with a Ph.D. Here, I was encouraged by my grandfather Prof. D.B. Wagh, my
grand mother, my uncle and my parents," she told this journalist recently in
an interview.

She studied in Goa till her eleventh standard, then in Mumbai's Ruia College
and in Bombay University.

She has been working in the Siemens Business Services as a consultant for
knowledge management/information gap in the organization. "In future, I
would like devote myself to research on closing information gaps enabled by
modern web-based technologies," she adds.

In the heartland of Europe, where English is not the main language, what was
the university environment like?

"There were students from a lot of countries studying a lot of different
subjects, which was indeed an encouraging environment. I stayed in a student
housing complex called 'Cite Internationale Universitaire de Paris'," she
added.

Here many countries had buildings for its students. As for the language, she
had started to learn French while in India. "This certainly helped me since
my entire thesis was done in French," she adds.

How does the media there compare with the situation here?

Opines Ms Virginkar-Papproth: "The press in India and in Goa is equally
challenging and critically monitoring the ruling parties like the press in
Europe and thus a very good example of the Anglo-Saxon press."

If she had the chance to work on a media-related research subject in Goa,
she would probably zero in on the digital divide and its effects, she says.

"In the present information age, this gap is all the more evident due to the
differences in buying power. Those who can afford to buy the most modern
technology, become even richer in information, while those who can't are
becoming poorer in information," she adds.

"Studies in Europe did give me a chance to get a different perspective of
the media field. While working as a journalist in India, I was well informed
about the current topics. But the studies here gave me the possibility to
learn subjects like media management, geopolitics," she adds.

She adds that her PhD gave her the chance to "learn something new every
moment". Or, as she puts it, "It was a great experience. I am glad that I
decided on the right topic and of course decided to continue my studies
after an intermediate professional experience in India."

Manjiri Virginkar-Papproth <manjiri at virginkar.de> is currently based in
Munich in Germany. (ENDS)

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

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]

'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)

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

etc....Everything with a value was put on a flat-bed
and driven to Iraq.

There are a number of GoaNetters living in Kuwait. Some
of them had to flee Kuwait with absolutely nothing.
Others stayed behind and weathered Desert Shield and
Desert Storm / Gulf War. Maybe some of these silent
GoaNetters from Kuwait could get to the keyboard and
tell us about life in Kuwait from 02Aug, 1990 to 26Feb,
1991 ?? If and how the Iraqis terrorized people in
Kuwait and how Goan lives were uprooted ? You don't
suppose the Iraqis were distributing food and water to
people living in Kuwait the way the US is trying to do
in Southern Iraq ??

Desert Storm was a good thing for Goa and Goans. It
restored the livelihood to thousands and thousands of
Goans who could go back to their jobs in Kuwait. The US
may have achieved their "ulterior" objectives and in
doing so, so did a multitude of Goans. God Bless the
USA !!

And talking about regimes that lie - every regime lies
- the Americans, the Kuwaitis, the Saudis....... The
Iraqis have been lying for 12 years....First they
denied their WMD plans .... and when the evidence is
placed on the table they flatly refuse to
co-operate...and when they are backed into a corner and
threantened with force - they accept. The cheat and
deceit has been going on for 12 years. That's normal !!
Nobody is going to given-up their ill-gotten gains
easily.

It was Saddam Hussein's son-in-laws, 2 of them, that
defected to Jordan in 1996, where they were de-briefed
by UNICOM (and probably others), that led the UNICOM
teams to Iraq's WMD locations. For the preceding 5
years the Iraqis rejected their existence. And when
confronted with the evidence the Iraqi leadership
turned-around and blamed the son-in-laws for running a
clandestine WMD program.

I don't see how we can give Saddam Hussein the
benefit-of-the-doubt !!

Best wishes - Bosco

__________________________________________________________
Get your FREE personalized e-mail at http://www.canada.com

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

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]

Panaji, Apr 18:Prashil Vardhe was this afternoon discharged from the
isolation ward of the Goa Medical College hospital, and asked to quarantine
himself at home, until results of the second test from the National
Institute of Communicable Diseases arrived on Monday.

Doctors from NICD and the central health ministry okayed his discharge, said
Goa Health Secretary Ms Rina Ray.

"Doctors have reached the conclusion that Mr Vardhe fell into the category
of the 90 % of cases where suspected SARS patients do not exhibit any severe
symptoms and hence are not carriers", said Ms Ray.

"since the incubation period as recommended by WHO guidelines is over, the
patient has no physical symptoms, there was no need to quarantine him in the
hospital", Ms Ray said. "One cannot say that India has reported the first
SARS case" she added.

While the patient has been asked to quarantine himself at home, for abundant
precaution, the NICD will review the position after his second blood test
results.

Ms Ray said the incubation period at the outermost date got over on 10
April from 30 March, when Mr Vardhe was last in Singapore and could have
possibly picked up the virus.

Since then no one else has approached health authorities with signs of SARS
symptoms, Ms Ray said, concluding that this iteself ruled out any cause of a
contagion. Mr Varde himself only reported a 100 degree F temperature as the
only symptom.

A second check would establish further if NIV, Pune's first finding of the
coronavirus in Mr VArdhe's blood sample was accurate, she said.(ends)

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

Headline: Indian Bride Tests Positive for SARS

By JEEJA PUROHIT Associated Press Writer



An Indian bride was taken to a hospital straight from her wedding ceremony
Monday after she and some family members were confirmed as SARS patients,
and doctors quarantined the groom, the wedding guests and the priest.



It is the first major occurrence of severe acute respiratory syndrome in
India, where the only previous confirmed case was released from hospital in
a day.



The bride's 29-year-old brother - India's second confirmed SARS case -
tested positive for the illness after traveling to India's Maharashtra state
on April 8 from Jakarta via Singapore for the ceremony, said Subhash
Salunke, director of medical health services in the state. Salunke had
earlier said the man had come from Singapore.



The man had been screened twice for SARS during the journey - in Singapore
and on a stopover in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad, said
P.P.Gaekwad, a health official in the municipal corporation of Pune town,
where the wedding was taking place.



The man, a cloth merchant based in the Indonesian capital, admitted himself
to a hospital in Pune city in the western Maharashtra state April 17 - four
days after he developed symptoms.



He was confirmed Monday as a SARS patient after two tests, and doctors were
studying whether he could have spread the disease to anyone because of the
delay in reporting the symptoms.



Within hours on Monday, his mother and sister were also confirmed to have
the highly contagious respiratory illness. The bride was taken away from the
Methodist church in Pune immediately after the ceremony. All were kept in
isolation in a hospital.



Salunke said the groom, the priest and approximately 25 guests were being
quarantined in private apartments where the guests had been lodged for the
wedding.



Pune is about 100 kilometers (60 miles) southeast of Bombay, the state
capital and India's financial hub.



No one has died of the disease in India, but Singapore has reported 16 SARS
deaths and the disease has been spread previously by air travelers.



Last week, a marine engineer was confirmed as India's first case of SARS,
but he was discharged from a hospital in the western Goa state and asked to
quarantine himself at home.



The government said Monday that it has asked all airlines to sanitize
aircraft coming from SARS-affected nations.



Worldwide, at least 218 people have died of the virus and more than 3,800
are affected, health authorities say.





Eds: Ramola Talwar Badam in Bombay, India, also contributed to this story.

=======================

The Hindustan Times report is at
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_238429,0008.htm

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

What an evil neighbor? You ask for help and we give
it. This article is directed to Canadian Goans who
think America is evil.

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1035781107372&call_pageid=968332188492&col=968793972154



C.Dias,
I do not think there is anyone in Canada who thinks
"America is evil." There are a whole lot, however, who
think that the current administration is evil.

In fact, we fully expect to be included in the "axis
of evil," now that the first case has been reported
of an American who visited Toronto and returned to the
US with SARS :-)

Mervyn


______________________________________________________________________
Post your free ad now! http://personals.yahoo.ca

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

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

%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

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

Panaji: Life Insurance Corporation's pension scheme worked out with the Goa
government for an estimated Rs 2000 million, has been sharply critiqued by
opposition, who demanded that the scheme's financial and other documents be
made public.

The much publicised populist Dayanand Social Security Scheme, announced as a
pre-election measure in 2001, has benefitted the Life Insurance Corporation
far more than the state or its beneficiaries, opposition leaders said here.

Goa has paid LIC a Rs 400 million premium on the scheme, but only Rs 110
million has been disbursed thus far. Paying premiums based on calculations
that people would live until 78 was absurd when life expectancy is calculated
at 62 for an average Indian, Congress MLAs pointed out, questioning the
scheme's financial management.

Earlier queries were raised about commissions that have accrued from the
scheme. Besides, funding for similar populist schemes seen more as vote
bank creation handouts, has doubled the state's public borrowing by Rs 9000
million in just two years of the current BJP regime.

An embarassed government claimed negotiations were still on with the LIC to
lower premiums rates, and refused to divulge details yet.

Of the 65,000 applicants so far, surprisingly routed through MLAs rather
that the state's offices, some 30,000 have started receiving the Rs 500
monthly stipend, with a promised 5 % annual hike.

Officially, Goa claims 54,000 people live below the poverty line --- 4 % of
its population. But the DSS dole is designed to extend to a wide swathe of
weaker self employed persons in agriculture, plantation, fishing, and
transport sectors --- whose numbers could run into lakhs.

Bogus applications have already become a major concern. 20,000 more
applications than the estimated state's population in the qualifying 60 plus
age group were received, government conceeded, promising to run a
door-to-door survey to ascertain genuine candidates.

Meanwhile, opposition reiterated its charge that implementation is
being selectively slowed down for their nominees.

Last week Congress MLAs pointed to discrimination against minority community
applicants whose baptism certificates were rejected as independent proof of
birth dates --- never a problem under earlier regimes. (ENDS)

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

involved about nine lakhs it is possible to reduce the
same once the causeway linking the island and the
Binaga mainland of 4 kms is ready this May 2003.

Hence once the reply from defence authorities is made
available the work can be undertaken.

Fundacao Oriente had also then readily agreed to carry
or contibute part of the repair expenses for
restoration this fiscal year when the under signed
approached the highest authority in Goa but on
condition that the necessary clearance from the State
Government and Defence authorities were obtained.
Your kindself had also agreed to provide the same when
this writer met you on World Heritage Day Muncipal
Garden Panaji in April 2002.

May I therefore request you Sir to make a statement on
the floor of the Assembly de novo on your Governments
stand and the steps you would take to safeguard the
structure which was built before the Taj Mahal and the
Babri Masjid and where the Portuguese first set foot
before the conquest of then Goa in November 1510.

Yours sincerely,

sd/
GODFREY J. I. GONSALVES
Borda Margao Goa INDIA
9822158584
gonsalvesgodfreyji at yahoo.co.in


________________________________________________________________________
Missed your favourite TV serial last night? Try the new, Yahoo! TV.
visit http://in.tv.yahoo.com

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

It's time again to celebrate the glory of Monte de Guirim. Ninth grand
annual social to commemorate the feast of our patron, St Anthony, at the
International Banquet Hall, 5835 Kennedy Road, Mississauga, Ontario on
Sunday, 8th June 2003. Time 11.30 am.

Snacks and sumptuous buffet lunch. Dance to the music of The New Illusions
& DJ Raffle. Dorr and spot prices. Adults 25.00 per person. Children 12
years and below $15.00. Children below 3 free.

For more information and tickets please contact:

Mississauga -- Tony and Edna Fernandes 905-816-0619, Auggie & Agnela
Pereira 905-275-0591, Tim & Leena Frles 905-824-7670, Edwin & Lygia
Saldanha 905-502-1322.

Pickering: Felix & Kathy Colaco 905-509-9294

Ajax: Robert & Beatrice Zuzarte 905-427-9262.

Email: Tony Fernandes <tonferns at hotmail.com>

Also check the Guirim alumni network on Yahoogroups.com by searching for
"Guirim".

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

JUDY LUIS-WATSON's music tells the story of Goan migration, it's
intermingling with varied cultures, and how it still makes its impact felt
in the most unlikely of places and times in various pockets of the globe.

Together with husband Paul Watson, Tanzania-born Judy (who studied for a
brief while at Siolim) is part of a BlueWorks. Some time back, BluesWorks
celebrated its tenth anniversary at a concert sponsored by the Institute of
Musical Traditions or IMT in Adelphi, Maryland.

BluesWorks likes to see its work as being "rooted in the past but firmly
grounded in the present... infusing the acoustic blues with a modern
sensibility". They've put up appearances in Canada to Florida, and performed
at arts centers, college campuses, clubs, schools and corporate events.

Blues, jazz and folk festivals have featured the group. Their list includes
The Smithsonian's Folklife Festival, the DC Blues Festival, Ohio's Cuyahoga
Valley Heritage Festival, and the Western Maryland's Blues Fest.

Someone once said of her: "Judy can truly kick a piano. She can make me cry
or jump up and dance..." The Washington Post's weekend supplement termed
their's "the sort of act that swiftly moves an audience, feet first".
Amazon.com's review said their "CD represents the rare case where the
recorded mix sounds even better than what we heard in the house that night
(when recorded live)."

Prof Peter Nazareth, writing in a past issue of The African American,
explains the context: "Goa was part of India but was conquered by the
Portuguese in 1510. Portuguese colonial rule ended when India, newly freed
from British rule, invaded in 1961. Under intense political and cultural
oppression, Goans created space for themselves in and through music."

"Judy was born in Africa; Paul's people were kidnapped from there. 'Another
day far from home,' they moan...."

In 1998, BluesWorks came out with 'Far From Home', which the journal
Bluesrevue termed "an object lesson in how powerful the blues can be even in
the absence of amplifiers and blues-rock licks". Judy, on vocals and piano,
and Paul (harmonica, mandolin and vocals) together with others like Ralph
Fortune (vocals, guitar) have also drawn media attention for their attempts
in teaching schoolkids in the US to learn to appreciate blues music.

"Luis-Watson played a 'boogie-woogie' tune while Watson showed the children
how to clap on the two and four beat. He said this was the most important
beat for blues," reported The Winchester Star, some months back.

An African-American folk tradition, the blues is the foundation of most
forms of American music. Don Morgenstern has noted in his book 'Birth of the
Blues': "The blues formed the basis of modern Jazz... and also spawned
rhythm and blues, which in turn became rock 'n' roll. Today's rock and soul
music would be impossible without the blues."

'HANV SAIBA': Some time back, the overseas, mainly expat-based Goan Musical
Society took on a project of composing the widely-known Goan folk song 'Hanv
Saiba... ' as a three-movement piece (Goan folk, Western Classical, and
Blues).

Judy Luis-Watson said she has been working on composing the Blues portion of
it. Says she: "I hope the finished product will be a wonderful tribute to
the folk song and to collaboration within the Goan diaspora."

Judy's fear about her 'Hanv Saiba Blues' is that it could pose difficulty
for the pianist playing it, because it usually "takes a long time to really
get the feel of the blues". In addition, as she points out, it isn't
normally played from written music since it is continuously improvised.

She says it would be possible to reinterpret other traditional Goan tunes
"and I would be honored to take a shot at it". But, as Judy cautions, "it
would take some time because I would need to internalize the sound/rhythm
before I could improvise on it".

Sometimes the ends of this complex circle tie up with each other.

Recently she wrote: "I am at a late-night jam session in a small town in the
mountains of West Virginia and I connect with the young guitarist playing a
Cuban tune popular in the 1950s.

"Of Venezuelan ancestry, Manuel learned 'Cumbaciero' from his uncle. I
remember my dad's band playing this tune in East Africa and the music comes
back to me. I am the pianist, a second generation Tanzanian of Goan-Indian
ancestry. How could I have imagined performing "Cumbaciero" as an
American?"

Responding to some news from the music scene in Goa, she commented recently:
"It's just nice to get a sense of what's going on in the arts in Goa, with
Goans, etc. I'd read about the (now no-longer active) Guitar Guild... but
it was very interesting to read the background details. The (news) give me
hope...."

FREE MUSIC: When we talked of the possibility of Goan musicians worldwide
contributing a small part of their work to a project of Free Music
(copyright-free, making it easily copyable and thus popularising it) she was
open to the idea.

"I am definitely open to making all this part of the free music with no
strings attached. I have a feeling that eventually, however, I may record a
few of these bluesy Goan tunes to make a CD....maybe!"

She describes her past thus: "I'm a Goan from East Africa (my parents and us
kids were born in Tanzania), but I spent two years in Goa in 1969-70 at Holy
Cross Girls High School in Siolim. I moved with my family from East Africa
to Canada in 1971 and in 1975 I moved to the U.S. where I've resided since
-- in New Mexico for 12 years and the rest here in the Washington, DC Metro
area."

One thing that Judy looks forward to, is being invited to do a performance
back home in Goa and other parts of India. She has been working on a
research project for a few years, using her dad's band in Dar (Tanzania)
called The Jazz Swingers and other contemporaries of his as a model for
understanding the link between being Goan and jazz/blues.

Says she: "I know it's a huge subject and I will have to narrow its focus
when I get down to writing it. My motivation is to honor these wonderful
musicians who gave so many people so much pleasure -- and inspired me -- and
also to show the connections between Goans, Goa/India with this American
music from across the oceans."

She's also trying to view that against the context of Goan migration,
education in Goa, social activities in East Africa and the like.

Her website, bluesworksband.biz, offers links to some soundbites from their
CD 'One Step - Live at IMT'. She adds: "It's got many shades of blues, and
was released last summer. So far, we've had very positive responses from
critics and fans."

Some time back, she wrote an article on her journey with the blues for the
Goan Overseas Digest published in London. She well might be the only
professional female Goan blues piano player in the world.

She can be contacted via email JLuisW at aol.com (ENDS)

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

...I am a researcher at the Daily Mail looking for a Goan family, living in
UK, with the surname Ferreira. The Daily Mail wants to do a feature
profiling a real life Ferreira family, to link in with the new family
arriving in EastEnders, also called Ferreira. It would cover a page in the
main body of the paper and I would be interested to hear from anyone willing
to participate.

**********************************************************

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

...Can you help me ...we are establishing a new character in the Square
who's origin is Goa and we were wondering if there were any shops which sold
Goan items that we could put on the set. The character has been in England
for most of his adult life so it is only to a small amount of items and we
have furbished the set so we are looking at ceramics, pottery etc. If you
could help me in anyway, it would be great. We need the items a s a p

**********************************************************

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

children are being raised as Hindu's from their mothers side....



**********************************************************



Eddie Fernandes

----- Original Message -----
From: "Eugene Correia" <gene_correia at yahoo.com>
To: <goanet at goanet.org>
Sent: Sunday, April 27, 2003 9:41 AM
Subject: Re: [Goanet] [GoanVoice-UK] Newsletter. Issue 2003-17. Apr. 25,
2003

I have never heard of Ferreira as a Goan last name.
The surname is common among Bombay's East Indians.
Maybe those who produce the TV show Eastenders are not
aware of it.
Eugene Correia

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

PANJIM, April 28: 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

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

<BR>
PANJIM, April 28: It flourished for a full century from 1850 to 1950, but<BR=
today the 'Mando' has been unable to survive turbulent times and it now<BR>
survives as a caricature of its former self.<BR>
<BR>
This, says a just-released book on the subject, is the fate of the Mando --<=
BR>
a dance song typically consisting of quatrains, frequently having appended<B=
R>
choruses, and set in six-four time.<BR>
<BR>
"A product of a tranquil feudal society, (the Mando) was unable to withstand=
<BR>
the turbulence produced by the large-scale emigration of the Goans from<BR>
their homeland, as took place from the 19th century, and the collapse of the=
<BR>
British and Portuguese empires in Goa," comments author Dr Jose Pereira.<BR>
<BR>
This is the second book in a trilogy on the subject Fordham University<BR>
professor emeritus of theology Dr Pereira (72). It is co-authored by the<BR>
late maestro Micael Martins of Orlim and priest-psychotherapist-musician<BR>
Antonio da Costa now based in Arizona.<BR>
<BR>
Published in 2003 by Aryan Books &lt;aryanbooks at vsnl.com&gt;, this volume de=
als<BR>
with Mandos of union and lamentation.<BR>
<BR>
"The world of the Mando is a romantic world: it is preoccupied with love; it=
<BR>
idealizes that emotion and its object, the beloved," says the book. It notes=
<BR>
that the Mando has a "uniformly melancholic" melody, but on the other hand,<=
BR>
its text is suffused with the imagery of light. <BR>
<BR>
FERTILE: In the authors' view, the West had a "fertile" cultural impact on<B=
R>
India, particularly in the fields of architecture and music.<BR>
<BR>
Goa, an early setting for the 'clash of civilizations', with Portuguese<BR>
colonial rule coming here as early as 1510, had mastered Western choral<BR>
music by the 17th century. <BR>
<BR>
Western impact brought in the 'harmonic' -- compositions simultaneously<BR>
combining two or more notes into chords and relating the latter among<BR>
themselves, Pereira notes.<BR>
<BR>
Indian classical music, with its bi-millennial traditions, was founded on<BR=
monophony and had a wide range of sophisticated instruments. This included<B=
R>
string instruments (vina and the sitar), wind (nagasvaram and shenai) for<BR=
its melody, and of percussion (mridanga and tabla) for its rhythm.<BR>
<BR>
But its concerts involved smaller ensembles of not more than six musicians.<=
BR>
<BR>
Musical traditions from the West brought in a growing number of instruments,=
<BR>
like the French horn, tuba, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, cello and violin (also<=
BR>
adopted by Indian classical musicians later). These were capable of being<BR=
assembled into gigantic orchestras, says Pereira.<BR>
<BR>
"In the rest of the subcontinent (other than Goa), apart from the areas of<B=
R>
musical instruments (including the harmonium and the mandolin), Indian music=
<BR>
absorbed little of the Western," says the book.<BR>
<BR>
Goan song, he says, also retained the 'gummott' -- a percussion instrument<B=
R>
of traditional Indian provenance, to mark its rhythm. It is shaped like a<BR=
pot, of clay mixed with powdered glass to increase its resonance, and with a=
<BR>
large and a small neck, on opposite sides. <BR>
<BR>
Goan harmonic music -- basically Western in character -- was also nuanced by=
<BR>
the use of grace notes, known in Konkani as 'kongre' (curved, wavy or<BR>
curled), which are an essential part of the melodic structure of Indian<BR>
music, as are the 'gamakas' or sound curves.<BR>
<BR>
"We can postulate that Goan song has been in existence as long as its<BR>
Konkani language, believed to have arisen around the 10th century," says<BR>
Pereira.<BR>
<BR>
Besides the Mando, among other forms Goa also has the Deknni (which Pereira<=
BR>
says could mean 'Song of the Deccan') that is sung imitating Hindu music in<=
BR>
harmonic idiom, mostly descriptive of Hindu life, with focus on the temple<B=
R>
dancers.<BR>
<BR>
The Dulpod is "typically descriptive of everyday Goan life, especially that<=
BR>
of the Christians".<BR>
<BR>
"Two phenomena precipitated the rise of the Mando in the first half of the<B=
R>
19th century, the political events of the time (with Goan consciousness of<B=
R>
politics enkindled by the French Enlightenment) and the introduction of<BR>
social dancing into Goa," says the book.<BR>
<BR>
Pereira and his co-authors' first volume, called 'Song of Goa: Mandos of<BR>
Yearning' (2000) comprises a lengthy essay on the Mando, a general discourse=
<BR>
on the types of Konkani song, a synopsis of Goan history, an overview of the=
<BR>
evolution of Goan song, and related themes. (ENDS)<BR>
<BR>
</BLOCKQUOTE><BR>
<BR>
</FONT></HTML>
--part1_154.1ec43da5.2bdfb5dd_boundary--

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

PANAJI, May 1: Goa, even if it's a state and not quite a city, finds
itself as the eighth "best city" in India to live in just published in the
'Outlook Money' magazine published from New Delhi.

'Outlook Money' called this India's first-ever survey of the best
cities to live in.

It said the survey was based on "12 parameters, 50 sets of indices, 60
variables, over 3,600 direct responses and 9,974 priceless statistical
nuggets for 55 cities".

But there's not much to be smug about.

Goa is rated behind Kolkata, overcrowded Mumbai and even Union Carbide
gas-tragedy struck Bhopal. Expectedly, the garden city of Bangalore and the
Chandrababu Naidu spruced-up Hyderabad are higher on the list.

Well-planned, spacious, unpolluted and green Chandigarh is at Number 1.

Goa rates very high for "entertainment", the second-best place in the
country. It also rates well for low pollution levels and, despite its public
transportation system long being in shambles, also gets good marks for
'transport'.

But among the top-ten lists, Goa figures nowhere in terms of
jobs-and-income, education, health, prices, safety, housing, and weather.

In terms of prices, Goa was a lowly 53rd best in the country -- thanks to
inflation and the perceptible higher cost of living. Education-wise, the
state ranked at 33rd, possibly due to the lack of sufficient higher
education facilities here.

Says 'Outlook Money': "Goa ranks No 8 in our top 10 cities and that means it
qualifies as a great place to live in, so many more people would want to
live there now, won't they?"

It points out that "unsurprisingly" Goa ranks next only to Darjeeling on the
country of entertainment. This analysis rates the state's surprisingly high
transportation rating as including "the charming ferries that cart everything
from cars to cattle to humans across the canals (sic)."

"What might keep prospecting property-seekers away is the comparatively high
rate of crime that puts (Goa) at No 27 and the housing problem that puts it
at No 37," says the mag. Issues like the water crisis or the lack of
infrastructure don't get directly mentioned.

It says "buying property in Goa continues to be a complicated affair for the
average Indian".

"Goa ranks a low No 33 in education. So that will mean commutes, boardings,
the works. In health-care, it comes in a fairly respectable No 18," says the
study, not mentioning the decline in Goa Medical College quality of service
in recent years.

On some issues, the analysis and comments seem way of mark.

Firstly, Goa is seen as a 'city'. It believes that Goa's "puritanical rage"
comes from the people's "Portuguese ancestry". Yet, at the same time, it
comments: "It's rare to see a bunch of Indians so devoted to their land that
they won't let the vultures take it away." (ENDS)

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

Casa de Goa a viable centre where Goans in Lisbon and its environs would come
together.

I was in Lisbon recently and I was determined to see this place. From
a Goan living in Costa de Caparica, I learnt that the Casa was a Casa de
Disputes and that casteism had entered by the backdoor and had disrupted the
activity of the Casa. I was surprised that we had carried this racist baggage
to Portugal. I phoned the number I had to learn that the Casa was closed
during the weekends. Clubs in East Africa were like beehives at the weenends.
During the week, sportsmen and those keen on a glass of staggering juice
patronised the club. I was told that I ought to go there during the week and
could not understand the logic. Does one not work in Portugal during the
week? I reasoned.

I took the Camboio (Train or convoy) to Alcantara station from Cais do
Sodre and after asking passersby I made my way to No.17 Calcada do
Livromento. I finally arrived at an edifice that looked like a fortress
without architectural beauty. I took a passage and suddenly I was in a
restaurant called Xanti (peace) with a Portuguese waiter in attendance. The
menu on the wall indicated Goan dishes and the prices were steep. I stared at
the dishes available and enquired about the Goans who I expected to meet. No
one was in sight.

I retraced my steps back to Lisbon and my hotel suite. Casa de Goa was
an abandoned idea and place. In Goa Eddie Fernandes who scoffed at my idea of
a Casa de Goa in Panjim with the help of the Goa Government, informed me that
the Portuguese Casa was in the boon docks. This is completely erroneous but
then Eddie was relying on some one else's view as always. Alcantara is two
stops on the train going to Cascais and the Casa is a 15 min. walk from the
station.

Edgar Martins

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

worldwide by United Breweries, producers of Kingfisher beer.



[Evidently, UB conducted market research to find an acceptable Indian spirit
drink for overseas sales. Feni proved to be the most popular of those
tested but the aroma put a lot of people off. It was observed that Feni is
unique as a distilled spirit with a strong scent. A process was devised to
deodorise it. Have there been any developments anyone is aware of?]

=================================

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

26 Apr. 2003. Coventry Evening Telegraph. A Perfect End To A Perfect Indian
Meal. Feni: The Goan drink made from cashews or coconut is the perfect beach
drink. It was originally a very basic and local drink, much like toddy;
recently it has been commercialised.

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

2003 at Toronto General Hospital at the age
of 60. Much beloved husband of Susan. Loving son of =
Angela and the late Manuel. Dear brother
of Gerry, Olaf, Teresa and their families. Friends =
may call at the Turner & Porter ''Peel'' Chapel,
2180 Hurontario St., Mississauga (Hwy. 10, north of =
QEW), from 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 8,
2003 until time of Service of Remembrance in the =
Chapel at 3 o'clock. Cremation has taken place.
If desired, remembrances to UNICEF would be =
appreciated by the family.
Date Posted:
2003-05-07=20

P.S. Hubert is the grandson of the late Dr. R. =
Ribeiro (benefactor of Dr. Ribeiro Goan School, Nairobi)

Posted by JJD'S

------=_NextPart_000_00A0_01C3145D.A66BC2E0
Content-Type: text/html;
charset="iso-8859-1"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable

<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN">
<HTML><HEAD>
<META http-equiv=3DContent-Type content=3D"text/html; =
charset=3Diso-8859-1">
<META content=3D"MSHTML 5.50.4134.100" name=3DGENERATOR>
<STYLE></STYLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY bgColor=3D#ffffff>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial=20
size=3D2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbs=
p;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>From Toronto Star</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial=20
size=3D2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbs=
p;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;=20
de SANTANA, Hubert _ Suddenly on Sunday, May 4, 2003 at Toronto General =
Hospital=20
at the=20
age<BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;=
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;=20
of 60. Much beloved husband of Susan. Loving son of Angela and the late =
Manuel.=20
Dear=20
brother<BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&n=
bsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;=20
of Gerry, Olaf, Teresa and their families. Friends may call at the =
Turner &amp;=20
Porter ''Peel''=20
Chapel,<BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&n=
bsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;=20
2180 Hurontario St., Mississauga (Hwy. 10, north of QEW), from 2 p.m. on =

Thursday, May=20
8,<BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&=
nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;=20
2003 until time of Service of Remembrance in the Chapel at 3 o'clock. =
Cremation=20
has taken=20
place.<BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nb=
sp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;=20
If desired, remembrances to UNICEF would be appreciated by the=20
family.<BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&n=
bsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;=20
Date=20
Posted:<BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&n=
bsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nb=
sp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;=20
2003-05-07 </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;=20
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; P.S. Hubert is =
the=20
grandson of the late Dr. R. Ribeiro (benefactor of Dr. Ribeiro Goan =
School,=20
Nairobi)</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Posted by =
JJD'S</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>

------=_NextPart_000_00A0_01C3145D.A66BC2E0--

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

o Aparnt Infomedia, publishers of it magazine digITal Goa
will publish Goa's first e-mail and website directory.
Details from aparant at goatelecom.com or
www.geocities.com/digital_goa
o Goa is a highly literate state, but is still
data-strapped. People are ill-informed about their own
state. Information is either unavailable or suppressed.
o aparant.com hopes to build itself up as a Goa-centric portal.
o Exchange your old computer for a brand new one. Options
starting from Rs 13,900 PCclinic
o Get a basic PC (Intel Celeron 1.2 Ghz) Rs 19,500
o Prabhu & Prabhu, customised software development, Fatorda
o Chowgule College heralds online admissions in Goa
o Jaykay Infotech has launched a software for the
computation of income tax, CompTx. Developed in Bangalore.
o Saviour of the World, Loutolim, wins CSI Schools Award.
o BSNL's new telephone tariff packages for rural and
urban Goa... tariffs at a glance.
o BSNL has started a Call Centre in Panjim to provide
its customers with information and sort out grievances.
Billing enquiry 1664 Changed numbers 195
Commercial enq. 1500 General enq 197/1500
Internet helpdsk 175/2432222/2232222/1500
Mobile customer care 1600449422 2425455 2426881
Email call_bsnl at goatelecom.com
o Goa takes long to finalise IT policy
o Using IT to improve the education system. What Goa
needs, suggests Dr Anil Shet, is information and trust.
o Software cooperatives can put Goa on the world
map, argues IT advisor to the Goa govt Anupam Saraph.

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

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)

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

jewel in the Alcantara area. Ralph D'Souza, who runs the restaurant, is
young and spirited enough to push his restaurant 'Xanti' on the "best
restaurants" list in Portugal. Two weeks away from Goa made me relish the
hot 'samosas', homestyle 'chappatis', delicious Fish curry / Rice and tangy
mango pickle more than ever. At 'Xanti', I heard a familiar request from
Ralph "Wendell, please do something at 'Casa de Goa'". I will! I am also
contemplating a commission on Mickey Pacheco's salary ..... for doing part
of his job. Anyway, considering Mr. Pacheco is a self proclaimed designer, I
feel a certain kinship. So, it's cool!

On a serious note, I hope the Tourism Department will join in and support
the cultural event at 'Casa de Goa' in Lisbon.
----------------------------------------

And now, a note about the title of Wendell's article ("April Showers").
April is, traditionally, a month of showers in Portugal and Wendell
experienced such a weather right from the moment he set his foot at Lisbon
airport, as he hmself says in the article: "Keeping with the Portuguese
phrase 'Abril, aguas mil' (= April, a thousand showers), it rained all
through my stay".

Of course, as regards 'Casa de Goa' Wendell wrote only about the 'Xanti'
restaurant which, by contract with the Managing Committee of the
association, is run by Ralph D'Souza (whose restaurant in Margao I hope to
be able to visit some time this year). But, by referring to the "cultural
event" which he hopes to present in the coming winter, he gave us to
understand that there are cultural (and other) events regularly organised at
'Casa de Goa'. There are book releases, at least one monthly talk on a topic
related to the culture and history of Goa and India (these talks are
announced under the general title of 'Conversas ao Balcao' ('Balcao' Talks),
guided visits to places of cultural interest in the city, etc. and once
every two months a printed (12- or 16-page) newsletter is issued, with -
among other items - news from Goa and the Goan Diaspora and regular features
on our folklore and history. And ... in the last quarter of 2002 and in the
present quarter of 2003 Konkani Language courses deserve a mention.

Jorge

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

Being a member of a given (Goan) society is knowing
Language.
History.
Geography.
Religion and its local history.
Culture (including life-cycle rituals).
Cuisine and Diet.
Art, music, song and dance.
Contribution to the region and the community.
In so far that none of us are perfect and can know or be interested in
all the above, one needs to over-compensate in other aspects of our
knowledge and interest. We cannot do none of the above and call
ourselves Goans. Even our kids (next generation) won't buy it.


From: jose lourenco
Oh please not again this Goan Identity polemic! Its getting tiring. Let
the
Goans living in Goa decide what they want to do with their lives. They
aren't badgering us so why should we? They aren't telling us not to east
junk food, to buy less and use public transportation. Anyway there are
hardly any families who encourage their kids to speak Konkani so if they
think English serves them better so be it. How many Goans living aboard
teach their kids to speak Konkani? I met a Bengali Prof at the U of
Mass.
and his kids speak and write Bengali and the kids of a friend of mine in
New
Orleans speak and read Marathi.

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

Much has been spoken of Goan identity in the last few years and a lot of
activism has emerged. The identity is much debated, but largely revolves
around the way of life in Goa in the past. The worry that leads to the
need to affirm this identity comes from the apprehension that our unique
way of life is rapidly being eroded.

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

16. Jun. The Express. Lucy d'Abreu (nee D'Souza) aged 109, has become
Scotland's oldest living person. She was born in Dharwar and educated at the
Belgaum convent. She married a doctor, Abundius Joseph d'Abreu, later to
become a cousin-by-marriage to the Queen Mother. They settled in Waterford,
Ireland. In all her years, she insists, she has never experienced racism.
She said: "Being Indian was a positive advantage for us. We were known the
length and breadth of Ireland." She now lives in Annfield Nursing Home,
Stirling.



Another photograph of her is at:
http://www.goanvoice.org.uk/newsletter/2003-3/

..................

Lucy d'Abreu is now fairly hard of hearing but I obtained her personal
details after speaking to one of her daughters.



Eddie Fernandes

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

chosen". Here we see, many are corrupt but few are
caught. I was thrilled to read that one Uday Naik has
been apprehended. Panchayat Sarpanches, Secretaries and
even Talathis are at their posts to harass the people
of Goa. Now we got one more group - Zilla Parrishads.
They say that fish starts rotting from the head
downwards. The Government of Goa is corrupt and this is
a bad example for those who serve the public.

In Salvador-do-Mundo, the ex-Sarpanch (who is still a
Panch Member) reaped a harvest in bribes that he built
a grand house, owns lots of flats in the Porvorim area,
walks around with a cellular and drives a car. Not too
bad for someone who once sold fish and worked as a
cleaner on a bus.

He was assisted by his Mummy as he calls Victoria
Fernandes - Member for the Santa Cruz riding whose son
is the famous Rodolfo. The son uses mussle to get his
mother elected and she uses her position to keep her
son in liberty.

The Sarpanch, Sanjiv Naik who now goes as Prabakar Naik
was once arrested for attempting to kill a newspaper
reporter of the Herald who has fled Goa and also
assaulted Ranjan Narain of the Herald who was badly
injured. Thanks to Victoria, Sanjiv Naik roams free.

EM

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

MOVIES

*The Indian Cannes Sutra*

*It's the mother of all film fests, and India's surely growing up*

GERSON DA CUNHA

The 56th Festival de Cannes has ended with its usual celebrations and a
veritable feast of the best of world cinema. As for Indian cinema, Cannes
2003 is possibly a watershed: it marked the bowing out of 'government' from
centrestage, and the hardselling of India as a top-drawer international
location.

The government has finally woken up to India's huge potential as a location
for international shooting. For instance, a team of 20 visitors to the
country could spend up to a million dollars over six weeks, creating dozens
of jobs in the bargain -- apart from promoting international understanding
of which, heaven knows, we need a bit.

* The trick for India this Cannes seem to have been done by professionals
with contacts and know-how. *

Visas and rules have been simplified and made competitive. Scripts from
abroad will be cleared in three weeks, when they used to take half a year
earlier.

There have been the Steven Spielbergs and Bernardo Bertoluccis of this world
who had wanted to shoot in India, but were driven elsewhere by the endless
torture of official dawdling. There is also this whole new crop of Indians
and ethnic Indians abroad wanting to make films at, and about, home.
Understandably, they have wanted to do it in dollars. But in the past, this
has caused problems. Now, one hopes, they will be fewer.

There is the much broader and larger business of business?distribution and
exhibition, joint productions, new technologies and, generally, entering the
21st century of mainstream entertainment. Progress began to be made two
years ago when the NFDC opened a small seaside stall. Last year, Sushma
Swaraj made her second trip for a government collaboration. This year, the
thrust is entirely on private sector. It has made a difference.

It is the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) that has helped in this
direction. This time, it set up a 1,300 sq-ft Indian pavilion in the Cannes
market section and sold it to eight parties wanting to hawk their wares. The
pavilion drew good crowds, there were meetings and video screenings. In all,
some evidence of success. As CII director Tarun Das says, "My indicator is
the satisfaction of organisations which bought space here. They report
achievement of their objectives. Next year, we'll do twice as well and make
India a really big thing here."

Stalls were taken, for instance, by Hyderabad's Ramoji Studios showcasing
their extraordinary Film City. The NFDC printed a businesslike brochure on
'Film Resources in India' listing studios, pre- and post-production
facilities and production houses. There was not an issue of daily festival
magazines without its clutch of ads promoting Indian movies. They ranged
from Dinesh Gandhi's big-budget /Armaan/ to the Shahrukh-Raveena starrer
/Yeh Lamhe Judaai Ke /, from Pooja Bhatt's /Jism/ starring Bipasha Basu to
Lemon Tree Production's /Leela/ directed by Somnath Sen and featuring Dimple
Kapadia.

There was a new confidence and bustle showing, especially during
announcements of new productions and film screenings. Shekhar Kapur
announced a new film /Pani/ centred on a waterless Mumbai in 2040. Kaizad
Gustad's /Boom/!, a fashion world-meets-underworld movie starring Amitabh
Bachchan and a slew of supermodels, also had its debut screening here.

The trick for India this Cannes seems to have been done by professionals
with contacts and know-how. There were well-attended parties, well-written
publicity materials, and well-informed folk at the stalls?nothing
revolutionary, just the routine, done professionally.

As veteran Bollywood filmmaker-producer Subhash Ghai, who is also in Cannes,
puts it, "People have forever been crying, 'The Indians are coming!' Maybe
we're here because we have learned our lessons." Ghai wants Indian cinema to
market itself to the world on its own terms. But it better be swift. As
Leslie Felprin, writing in /Screen International/, says: "This could be a
make or break time for India.So much has fallen into place for it." ENDS

See www.outlookindia.com for more by Gerson Da Cunha_*
<author.asp?name=Gerson+Da+Cunha>

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

The Goans Association Calgary, under the leadership of their President
Wilson Soares and in association with Goans of Edmonton have drawn up
this years WGD celebrations. They hope that Goans from Vancouver will
join
them too..... Your SUPPORT will be OUR SUCCESS....

Gilbert Lawrence writes:
Great job President Wilson Soares and the G.O.A. of Calgary and
Vancouver. Great programs. Do you know when your and our compadres in
Greater Toronto Area are hosting their World Goa Day celebration? We can
then put the dates on our calendar and collaborate with our neighbors to
the north making it an international event.

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

Thomas Pereira will be playing for FC VIKING (Norway) in the in the UFEA cup
match against Chelsea on 3 Oct. Thomas already has 6 International caps for
Norway. He is married to Hanne. & they have three sons. All of them seem to
follow their father's footsteps.



Thomas is the son of Austin Pereira mulleper at online.no an ex-Ugandan from
Masaka who was a keen footballer himself in early 1970`s.



Some sites with a profile of Thomas:

http://www.dagbladet.no/pls/dbprod/fotball.spillerinfo?pspiller=339&pliga=28

http://www.bold.dk/klubber/spillere/index.asp?klubId=505&spillerid=6267



Some photographs of Thomas:

http://www.vikingabc.com/nytt/96.html

Loading Image...



Eddie Fernandes

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

Goa's beaches and slums are the better for Jan Ugahi's work

By Maria Viency Cardoso
viency8888 at yahoo.com

It's a fairy tale success story. Gosby used to be a mendicant, of the Sakir
begging community. Members of the group do the rounds of the shops,
especially during the month-long Ramzan festival, and are considered to be a
nuisance by the general public. Gosby, at the tender age of nine, was just
another frail, dishevelled beggar-girl. Then, Jan Ugahi happened in her
life.

After six years, the transformation is unbelievable. Gosby, now 16, speaks
fluent English, has just passed her Xth Class through the National Open
School (NOS) and is now a trainer-teacher, handling the literacy programme
at Jan Ugahi.

* The Beach Project alerts locals and shack owners about child abuse cases
on the beach. Slum kids are counselled on who to be wary of.*

Today, she is confidence personified, determined to change the lives of the
many unfortunate children like her.

Jan Ugahi, a public charitable trust, was started by Greg and Bernie
D'Souza, a couple from Margao, Goa, in January 1995 with the sole purpose of
bringing some sense of dignity to the lives of the shanty dwellers. As
Bernie puts it, "They're a most exploited lot. Margao, the commercial
capital, has got it bad, with the mushrooming number of slums." Jan Ugahi,
which means "People's Realisation", works with the marginalised backward
classes -- women and children from the slums, labourers, domestic workers,
sex workers.

Taking into consideration their specific needs, Jan Ugahi has programmes for
each segment. For disadvantaged school children they take supplementary
classes while street/working children get a more non-formal education. It's
also active in cases of children in distress situations like sexual abuse
cases.

For women, adult literacy classes are organised with informal sessions,
workshops, street plays and even a newsletter to generate awareness about
issues like reproductive health and fertility. Jan Ugahi has also started
some self-help groups, like Swadhini for vocational training (tailoring,
batik-tie dyeing, paper bags) and Sahayog which extends savings and credit
facilities.

The D'Souzas had earlier worked with displaced tribal people in Bihar and in
Madhya Pradesh with the Narmada Bachao Andolan. Bernie recollects that they
started Jan Ugahi with practically no money or manpower. An old sewing
machine and cloth was donated by a friend to help the women learn to stitch.
"Initially, we were more service-oriented than issue-oriented," says Greg.
"The enthusiastic response from the slum people encouraged us to do more."

What is amazing is that those who had come to the shelter for literacy
classes have themselves now gone on to become teachers, trainers and
co-organisers of various programmes. Last year, Jan Ugahi had 206 children
in their literacy classes. In 1999, 21 children were given medical help, 27
given shelter and the same number rescued from physical/sexual abuse. Most
of the children belonged to Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka.

The organisation's particularly active in the case of the 'train sweepers',
the homeless children aged 8-14 who work to keep train bogeys clean. Most of
them also indulge in some form of substance abuse.

Classes, games and social activities are organised for them at the centre to
encourage community bonding. An annual one-month summer camp is also
organised at the Rajendra Prasad Ground here, with over 500 kids registering
for it last time. Says Bernie, "It encourages the children to not indulge in
matka or gambling, which slum children are prone to. They are given loads of
prizes for participating."

But perhaps Jan Ugahi does its most important work for child abuse victims.
Goa, being a tourist destination, has gained some notoriety in this regard,
especially with regard to foreign tourists. The Beach Project, hence, has
even more significance.

"We alert the locals and shack owners about child abuse on the beach or
paedophiles. Children working as migrant labourers are the most vulnerable.
We also counsel the children on who and what to be wary of," says Bernie.
Recently, a four-year-old child found drugged on the Colva beach (one of
Goa's well-known beaches) was rescued by its crisis intervention helpline,
Childline.

Jan Ugahi's literacy programmes does get some sponsorship from NRIs through
the Indian Literacy project but there's still a lot more to be done. For
more information, contact: Jan Ugahi, V-14, Vikrant, 5th Floor, Malbhat,
Margao, Goa. Ph: 737167 or e-mail: janugahitrust at yahoo.com

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

Panaji: Police and political mishandling of a ghastly gang rape of a fine
arts student on her college campus has created a furore here among
women's groups.

The victim's mother has complained that on 17 May, the 18 year old girl was
handed a drug laced cigarette at a college farewell party, and later
raped in a toilet by five of her seniors and the college canteen
contractor in an unpredendented crime that has shocked this relatively safe
state.

While police have arrested all the six accused over the past week, the
delay in registration of the crime, character assasination of the
victim by senior police officials and sections of the local press and
faillure to conduct a speedy medical report has angered womens' groups here.

The girl's mother was able to register a complaint nearly a week after the
incident as the heavily drugged victim was intially coping with the drug's
hallucinatory effects and the inability of two state run hospitals to
adequately detoxify her.

When the victim recalled the crime, police officials at first deterred the
victim's mother from filing a complaint, reflective of the reportedly high
burking rates in the state's police department.

Women's groups are also angered that a proper medical examination was not
conducted initially, yet official police statements cast aspersions on the
victim's background.

What has complicated the case now, is that forensic reports conducted a week
after the incident suggest the girl's hymen is intact, though the victim's
accounts suggest she was sexually abused in an unnatural manner, while in a
highly drugged state.

A medical team appointed to verify the facts of this now high-profile case,
is divided in its opinion. It is learnt that both female doctors on the panel
have pointed to other aspects of the sexual assault, while the other
panelists have confirmed the forensic report given earlier.

In an interview to a local paper, the victim's mother has now suggested that
complaints against four of the accused may be amended, while the still dazed
victim is narrowing down to two fellow students as her attackers.

Meanwhile opposition Congress leaders have sought the resignation of the
chief minister over lapses in the case, the easy availability of
narcotics on college campuses and increasingly audacious crimes against
women.

Last month, a young teacher was burnt to death in an acid attack,
while months earlier another young girl was shot dead while returning from
her workplace.

While police have yet to make a breakthrough in both cases, Congress
President Ms Nirmala Sawant has objected to the state's chief minister
disclosing intimate and damaging details of one of the deceased
victims.(ends)
--------------------------------

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

Of common ecological community.

Come.
Let's together voice
The suppressed words of our chests
Let's methodically tackle
our mining enemy
Let's plan to wipe out tears and misery
Let's in courage move ahead
To heal the shattered ecology
Let's move with precision
To accomplish our mission
Let's in humility mingle with people
Let's preserve in our heart
Values of democracy
Let's extend our hands
To bridge the gaps of generations
Let's listen patiently to the words of the studious
Let's immense deeply
In the habit of study
Let's dare to venture out
into new lands adventurously.
Let's keep in focus
Pissurlem as a case study
Let's remember always
Love and affection of the Pissurlem people
Food and shelter they provided us
Swimming in the Mahadai river, indeed joyous
And the exposure to archeological insights tool
Let's prepare to respond
In the style of Liberation
Let's do all at our command

For I love Pissurlem
It's suffering people
And natural charm...
Let's not allow to be destroyed
It's serene calm.

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

network that will make the local environment less harsh and degraded.
Villagers have reported how their environment is on the mend. Agricultural
seasons have lengthened, women get clean drinking water near their homes, and
migration to the cities will hopefully be stopped.

How did Lobo get involved in this direction, unusual for a priest7

He recalls: "As a youngster I was working with Fr Herman Bacher, a Swiss
Jesuit who has worked in India for 50 years, and the founder of Social
Centre, a voluntary agency based in Ahmednagar, working for 35 years in
agricultural and rural development. The work appealed to me. There's no
pastoral work, just direct development work."

On becoming a Jesuit priest, he again met Bacher in 1989, who by then had
launched the Indo-German Watershed Programme. Given the chance Lobo came to
join the progrsmme, grasped the opportunity and was subsequently groomed by
the Swiss Jesuit to take over the mantle.

What does watershed development actually mean? Says Lobo: "It means -- at the
operational level -- to trap and conserve rain water as it falls. Since rain
falls from the top, the main thing is to stop its hammer effect, break its
speed, and force it underground."

As Lobo puts it dramatically, "Where water runs, you make it walk. Where it's
walking, you make it crawl. Where it's crawling, you stop it."

To really trap the water, one has to put in a lot of work. To begin with, you
have to start from the top, a high point in the locality. Depending on the
topography, you put in continuous contour trenching. You put barriers.
Vegetative barriers like grass and trees. There could also be mechanical
barriers, like earthern ones or continuous contour trenches which store
water. It is also helpful to put up water absorption trenches and contour
bunds.

Lower down in the village, one needs farm bunds. Along river courses one does
gulley plugs, nalla bundhs (local name for a system of blocking tiny
rivulets) and check dams. Right down at the water outlet, at the end point of
the catchment, one can put up percolation tanks.

Lobo explains that the whole aim of the exercise is to save as much water as
possible, and store it. On the surface, and primarily underground. "In an
area where there's drought, the limiting factor is the availability of water.
Areas we work in get 15 cm to 50 cm rainfall a year. In five years, you could
have three years of drought and two of normal rain. So our problems are lack
of drinking water, poor agricultural productivity, poverty. This leads to
out-migration. So children and women get a bad deal."

In past decades, the Indian state believed that poverty was a result of low
agricultural productivity. But the modern technical inputs did not change
rural agriculture in a manner that would tackle mass poverty.

Under the watershed programme, the catchwords are: conservation,
re-generation and management. As Lobo explains, it makes sense to work with
the watershed as the unit. Watershed is the area from where the water to a
particular drainage system -- river or stream -- comes from. It could be tiny
or huge, covering few or several thousands of hectares.

Watershed development implies conservation, regeneration and the judicious
use of all natural and human resources within a particular watershed.
Including land, water, plants and animals.

Watershed development aims at bringing about a balance in the environment,
between natural resources on the one hand and man and grazing animals on the
other. "It requires people's participation hence while we do make efforts to
promote the idea, we don't go about arguing with reluctant villagers. We just
tell villagers that other people have done this. We ask them to go and see
for themselves, talk to the other villagers, and decide for themselves," says
Lobo.

Currently the project he heads is working in 20 districts of Maharashtra and
covers about 110,000 hectares. There are over 200,000 people involved.

To complete a thousand hectares, it would take four to five years of work.
Villagers involved in the work are paid, but one-fifth of the work is put in
as voluntary labour.

Fortunately, the impacts are visible very quickly. Ground-water gets
positively affected, for irrigation, cattle-needs and drinking supplies. As
soil-moisture improves, better cropping patterns set in. Animal-husbandry
possibilities grow. Biomass is created. Food-security increases.
"Out-migration has stopped 100% in most cases. In-migration has in fact
started," says Lobo. Once drinking water increases, women and children are
benefited.

Maharashtra is seen as a leading state in watershed development today. Other
Indian federal states -- like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh --
have also done noteworthy work.

Cautions Lobo: "We can't solve all problems. But we're offering an
opportunity for survival, which otherwise is very bleak. Unless people have
their basic needs met in terms of food, clothing, shelter you can't talk of
development." --Third World Network Features.

- ends -

About the author: Frederick Noronha is a Goa-based writer, interested in
developmental issues.

When reproducing this feature, please credit Third World Network Features and
(if applicable) the cooperating magazine or agency involved in the article,
and give the byline. Please send us cuttings.

Reproduction rights are offered to subscribers of TWN Features. If you are
not a subscriber and would like to reproduce this feature, you can get
permission or subscription details from our India office via email
twnfeatures at vsnl.com

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

portfolio and gain some valuable experience with a
Goan newspaper or magazine. If you know of any
publications who could help this young gentleman in
achieving his career aspirations, please visit the
following web address and email him directly:
http://www.goacom.com/goyan/

To protect a person's privacy, GOYAN does not display
the person's email address in it's entirety. You will
have to click on Neal's email address to contact him
directly.

Apologies in advance for any inconvenience this may
cause any potential employers.

Below you will find a copy of his post. Thank you and
have a good day.


* * *

From: <npais at u...>
Date: Wed Jun 4, 2003 4:39 am

Hi All,
I am a Goan student (final year) at the University of
Michigan-Ann Arbor...I am looking to freelance (paid
or unpaid) for a Goa-related newspaper/magazines for
the summer and beyond. I currently write for The
Michigan Daily, which has one of the highest
collegiate circulations in the country, and have
previous journalistic experience. Please do contact me
if you know of any opportunities; it would be much
appreciated! I will be happy to send along my resume
if
anything comes up.

All the best,
Neal

* * *

__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
The New Yahoo! Search - Faster. Easier. Bingo.
http://search.yahoo.com

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

Zadgaonkar, head of the Department of Applied Chemistry, insists she holds
the key to converting plastic waste into petrol - 25 lakh litres per day.
Production cost: Rs 7 per litre.

Heard that before?

Zadgaonkar, with two Indian patents behind her, is but busy fielding an ugly
controversy over allegedly forging an approval letter for her PhD. Two years
after the invention went public, her PhD guide still wants his share of the
credit.

But petrol kings from Faridabad to USA, Japan and Germany don't care. They
want to grab the formula. The Zadgaonkars say they trust Indian Oil
Corporation (IOC), not foreigners.

After a presentation by the Parliamentary Advisory Committee (PAC) of the
Petroleum Ministry - organised by old friend and PAC member Shiv Sena MP
Satish Pradhan, who met minister Ram Naik and President Abdul Kalam - Kalam'
s office wrote to the Department of Science and Technology on January 30 to
''take appropriate action.''
''I thought if her claim was true, it could solve the global problem of
plastic disposal. Naik sent an expert team to Nagpur to take samples. I also
raised the issue in Parliament and met Kalam,'' Pradhan told The Indian
Express.

Demos were arranged for Naik, an IOC team led by executive director Sobhan
Ghosh and three chief research managers at Faridabad on March 5 and 6, with
11 litres of petrol produced.
IOC's report confirms that waste plastic is fully converted into fuels and
value-added products through the technique. IOC is happy that petrol thus
produced contains .02 pc sulphur, compared to 0.25 to 0.1 pc in regular
fuels. The only disadvantage is high olefins and diene contents, which, the
IOC report says, can be eliminated by known methods.

Dean of Research & Development at IIT, Mumbai, Professor K C Khilar felt
that it is an ''interesting development'' if the facts portrayed were true.
Professor V A Juvekar, also from the Chemical Engineering department of the
IIT, said: ''In theory, it is possible to make petrol from plastic because
it contains the same hydrocarbon chain of molecules as found in gasolene. So
it is a much more easier process than making petrol out of water!''

Word has spread beyond Faridabad. Japanese oil giant Izemitsu has invited
the couple to Japan, with a message from their equipment financier Akash
Madnani, to strike a 60:40 deal.
Joe White, director, US Applied Sciences Inc, New Jersy, was present at
testing and the company has offered an MoU for major shareholding for the
Zadgaonkars - on condition that the Americans control the international
patent. Marlos Thormann, director of Germany's Thormann Energy Solutions met
the couple a fortnight back.

''We can use any waste plastic recycled any number of times,'' says Alka,
who's patent application has been published by the World Intellectual
Property Organisation (WIPO).
The secret formula: Shredded plastic waste - free of oxygen - is heated with
coal and a secret chemical. The products include 80 pc fuel range liquids, 5
pc coke and 15 pc LPG range gases. One kilo plastic and 100 gm coal churn
out 1 litre of fuel, which contains the gasoline range. More processing, and
Alka claims it yields refined petrol.

The Zadgaonkar couple have demonstrated this technique at Delhi, Mumbai (for
CM Sushilkumar Shinde) and Pune. Umesh has more ideas: ''Municipal bodies
can clean up cities by starting petrol units and provide fuel to employees,
instead of paying conveyance allowance.''

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

politician, engineers, scientist, journalist, etc) will write or talk or
plan regarding harvesting rain water and improving treated water supply
network any more till summer 2004.

If it so, will this attitude help to improve water supply problems in Goa?

Cip Fernandes
London

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

Ant?nio Sousa who at a young age left for Mozambique
and later pursued a career as a military person in the
Portuguese army.

His military achievements led the Portuguese
government to bestow commendations on him. In 1960 the
last Portuguese governor of EIP, Gen. Vassalo e Silva
erected a statue on the outskirts of Mapu?? to honour
our Goan son.

Bharati troops arriving as pseudo liberators in 1961
destroyed this statue by bombing it, in what is to be
the beginning of the eradication of Goan history.


__________________________________________________
Yahoo! Plus - For a better Internet experience
http://uk.promotions.yahoo.com/yplus/yoffer.html

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

PANJIM: It's called Colonial Photo, and via the quaint village of Arpora in
North Goa it takes you back to a bygone era when maharajas posed with the
tigers they slayed, and Bollywood films had their own black-and-white
celluloid tales to tell.

Italian expat Silvio Ciancia, who is based in Arpora's Viegas Vaddo, has put
together an amazing collection of British-era and Bollywood photographs,
which apart from gathering as a passion he also duplicates as collector's
items among tourists visiting Goa.

"This is only a fraction of my collection. There are lots more," says he,
showing you around his old-style Goan villa. On one wall, a 1941 photograph
of Bombay's Homeopathic General Hospital has a Miss V. D'Souza as the nurse.

What he offers for sale includes old Indian photos, Japanese ones, "colonial
photos" and Bollywood pics from the 1940s. There are originals too, while
others are printed on paper, canvas or big-size posters.

Before shifting gears, Ciancia held a "serious job" in a financial
institution of the Italian city of Milan, or Milano. Says he: "I was always
interested in photography. Besides, my mother had an antique shop in
Milano."

Since he was "fed up", he simply took a sabbatical year and came to India.
Once here, he decided to "do something".

On his first trip to Rajasthan, some seven to eight years ago, he discovered
there were a huge amount of old photographs still available in places like
Rajasthan.

He toured all over India, and started to buy. His dealer, based in that
legendary used-goods market with a suggestive name of 'Chor Bazaar' in
Mumbai, comes to Goa once a month with offers.

"It's now getting difficult to find good photographs. But there are
interesting things from Bollywood. They've tried everything (in the Indian
film industry). From a make of Jurrasic Park, to old movies. They've even
tried Frankenstein and Robin Hood," says Ciancia.

Sometimes, he says, there are "too many Kapoors and too many Kumars" in the
Indian film industry, making it a bit difficult for him to keep track.

Calcutta (now Kolkata) is seeing its colonial-era collectables vanish, says
Ciancia. One can still find something in South India. In Goa, he has found
little apart from a few not-too-interesting post-cards.

"Over the years," says Ciancia, "the price of photos has become so high.
Good classic subjects sell for ten to twenty times more over seven years."

Sometimes, the price asked for in today's Mumbai is comparable to what is
being sought in prominent auction houses like Christy's in London, says he.

Ciancia discovered that there is a "huge market" for copies of such
photographs and posters. He sells copies for as little as Rs 200-300 each,
during the weekly flea market held at Arpora during the tourist season. "I
try to be democratic," says he.

Some of his reprints are done abroad. "Milano is good not only for fashion
and design, but also for printing. Good books are printed there," says he.

Foreign tourists visiting Goa find the Bollywood posters a suitable
souvenir. Colonial India does have a 'desi' market too, with some going in
for the maharaja pictures.

In his collection there are pics of the Victoria Jubilee Training Institute
final year mechanical engineering class of 1940, adverts for the Guinea Gold
cigarettes, and Maharajas of Navanagar to Cooch Behar, Dhar, Junagad,
Jaipur, Dhrangudhra and Porbandar.

Other scenes show noblemen from Hyderabad with a British officer (1893), a
young prince with attendants (1900), and maharajas with the tigers they
killed in what might now be seen as a pretty eco-unfriendly manner.

Ciancia points out that some of his black-and-white photographs have been
re-touched and coloured in the fashion of the 1930s. So, some of those
posing in the pictures, has "crazy" coloured turbans, while the rest of the
pic remains just shades of grey.

On one wall, a photograph shows members of a Freemason's Lodge standing
proud. It was the 1930s, when this ideology was considerable fashionable.
Later on, by the 1950s, another set looked older, duller and depressed.

"By then, this story was over," explains Ciancia.

One of the posters from Bollywood is a Johar Films poster of the film 'Goa'.
"His (Johar's) daughter is living in Assagao," informs Ciancia.

In October 2002, the Bowrings, a prominent fine art auctioneer, held a
special show on the Indian film memorabilia in New Delhi, and said a
prominent collector, Bhagwan Das Garga (born 1924) was "living in Goa" too.

Goa's other links with Bollywood, as the Indian centre of film making is
known 600 kms away in Mumbai, trace back to the many Western-trained
musicians from here who virtually recast the music of Indian film.

Ciancia says he "stopped counting" how many pictures he has, but has over
800 digitalised ones, from which he can make "prints quickly".

What's his take on Goa doing a Cannes, as this small Indian state has dreams
of copying the world's best-known film fest? "We still have many problems
here," says he, stressing the high quality needed to organise a festival
like that. "It will take for a lot of work," he says, mentioning
difficulties in getting hygiene maintained in his own neighbourhood, for
instance. (June2003)

Email contact: silviogoa at yahoo.com Phone [phone]

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

SALDANHA, Edgar _ Passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 12, 2003 at the age
of 87.

Retired Surgeon Commander of the Indian Navy. Beloved husband of the late Marie
and loving father of Ellen and Clint Ayling (Australia), Carol and Denis
D'Silva, Gloria and Rajiv Rodrigues, Derek and Peggy Saldanha, Austin and Anna
Marie Saldanha.

Loving grandfather of Nicola, Fiona, Gillian, Allison, Peter, Matthew, Kristen,
Lindsay, Brandon, Jessica, Austin Jr. and Sean.

Friends may call at the DIXON-GARLAND FUNERAL HOME, 166 Main St. N. (Hwy. 48),
Markham on Monday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Mass in the Church of St. Patrick,
5633 Hwy. No. 7, Markham on Tuesday at 11 a.m. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Edgar's name to the Heart and
Stroke Foundation.

Date Posted: 2003-06-14

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

"The UNDL Foundation (a United Nations Organisation), Geneva, with the help
of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mumbai is developing a software
programme which will provide a machine translation from Konkani."

The item was based on a report in the Herald and quoted the url.
Unfortunately, the link is no longer active.

Could this be yet another instance of sweet talk by the authorities?
Actually, I am quite certain that there was a report a few years ago that a
body called perhaps, the Konkan Basha Mandal, is working on a MT Konkani
Corpus.

Eddie Fernandes
==============================
----- Original Message -----
From: "Frederick Noronha (FN)" <fred at bytesforall.org>
To: <goanet at goanet.org>
Sent: Sunday, June 22, 2003 6:23 PM
Subject: Re: [Goanet] Re: Konkani on the computer?

Pat, As far as Konkani goes, precious little seems to have been done till
date in terms of making it smoothly workable on the desktop. What it means
is that someone, somewhere has to start the work to make this language
work with Free Software. A tough job, but not impossible. FN

<Anyone out there interested on taking Konkani to the computer?>
Fred, is a direct link, specifically for Konkani?
Those gnomes got me confused.
Pat

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

GOA SUDHAROP is organizing an International Goan Youth Appreciation Day on Sunday, August 17,
2003, from 11am to 3pm in the San Francisco Bay area. We invite your nominations for recognition
of our graduates from University, College, High School, Junior High, as well as for any other
grades parents wish to have their children recognized. All academic achievements and
accomplishments will be awarded certificates. Additionally, nominations are invited for young
Goans doing volunteer work. There will be a buffet lunch for these young Goans, their family and
friends at Sugandh Indian Cuisine, 4515 Rosewood Dr., Suite 700, Pleasanton, California 94588.
Phone: [phone] or [phone] for directions.

Tickets for the buffet lunch event are $12 per adult (18 years and over), $10 per child (5 to 18
years), children 4 and under are free. Please send your nominations and include all names along
with your check made payable to GOA SUDHAROP. Mail to Acaria Almeida, 18 Wimpole St., Moraga,
California, 94556, (Phone: [phone]) or email her at jarks at attbi.com (checks need to be
mailed). All invited, including those who wish to support this event even if no family member is
being awarded a certificate. Deadline for nominations and payment is August 4, 2003. No tickets
will be sold at the door. To be a sponsor for the event, please email jarks at attbi.com.





__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
SBC Yahoo! DSL - Now only $29.95 per month!
http://sbc.yahoo.com

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

Auckland (New Zealand) - Sidney (Australia) - Mumbai-Goa-Delhi (India). If
any Goa-Netters have time to meet me then I will appreciate their private
email to mailto:goa999 at hotmail.com please.

Kind regards,

Cip Fernandes
London

Email:
goa999 at hotmail.com
copy to goa at btinternet.com

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

So why did you post it on the Goanet?
Regards, Gilbert.

-----Original Message-----
From: goanet-admin at goanet.org [mailto:goanet-admin at goanet.org] On Behalf
Of Gabe Menezes
Sent: Friday, July 04, 2003 7:49 AM
To: goanet at goanet.org
Subject: [Goanet] Goan girl same sex marriage.

2 Jul. Malayala Manorama. Excerpts: In Canada marriages between members
of
the same sex are becoming increasingly common. Lawyer Maretta Miranda,
whose
parents are from Goa, is married to Joanna Radbord. "Joanna is expecting
a
baby and with this new ruling, I will become the child's parent
automatically without going through an adoption process," she said.
Miranda
and Radbord have been together for 10 years and had a church wedding
last
year. Full text, 725 words, click here.


Well, well our Canadian Goans certainly are showing us the way to go.
Maretta Miranda was born in London I believe. Her parents Anthony and
Christine, were residing in London before moving on to Canada. They had
emigrated from Nairobi, Kenya - not from Goa as the article says.


cheers.

Abu Giles.



########################################################################
##
# Send submissions for Goanet to goanet at goanet.org
#
# PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts
#
# More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/
#
# Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others
#
########################################################################
##

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

Kurt

__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
SBC Yahoo! DSL - Now only $29.95 per month!
http://sbc.yahoo.com

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

_________________________________________________________________
Tired of spam? Get advanced junk mail protection with MSN 8.
http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

r=20
crossing at Isebania - and onto Kisumu.

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

I am writing this in a 'deluxe' room in the most luxurious Royal Palm Hotel=
in Dar es Salaam. Outside, I look over the Gymkhana Club and the golf=20
course; inside, I can watch the world through more than fifty TV channels.

I've made a couple of visits to offices in the city. And I hardly recognize=
the place. Clearly, liberalisation has made a difference to this once=20
low-key and run-down town. Concrete and glass constructions dominate the=20
leftover German colonial and Indian commercial buildings.

But Tanzania is experiencing a new kind of colonialism, it seems. South=20
Africans are managing the hotel where I am staying. They are managing the=
beer that I am drinking. They are managing the aircraft that I will fly to=
Mwanza. And, there, they are managing the gold mines ...

And what are all these colonial echoes I am hearing in the names of the new=
hotels? Here I am staying in a Royal Palm. In Kisumu it will be the=20
Imperial. And in Kampala it will be the even more grandiose Grand Imperial!

With the new commercial invasions from the South and the nostalgic reminders

of the colonising west, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere must be turning in his grave.

John Fox is Managing Director of IntermediaNCG

Copyright =A9 2001, 2002, 2003 Arusha Times.


Visit our website at http://www.halcrow.com

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The contents of this email do not give rise
to any binding legal obligation upon
Halcrow Group Limited unless subsequently
confirmed on headed business notepaper sent
by fax, letter or as an e-mail attachment.
If you receive this email in error, please
contact the sender and delete the message.
Thank you.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

emerge (or be misused) recently in posts to derive a derogatory
meaning."

If PEZ is all that great why 'the poor peasants' eat it and not the
badkars? If PEZ is so great why do only those who toil with sweat and
blood have it? Do you have PEZ daily? If not, may I ask why not?
We all 'upper class Goans' want PEZ around - but for somebody else.
This is not an academic and cerebral dialogue and I do not plan to
continue with it. Though I wanted to make the above points. GL

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

eastside through Musoma and back into Kenya through the most western border
crossing at Isebania - and onto Kisumu.

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

the Lake towns of Jinja, Entebbe and Kampala. Finally, there will be the
easy flight back to Nairobi.

I am writing this in a 'deluxe' room in the most luxurious Royal Palm Hotel
in Dar es Salaam. Outside, I look over the Gymkhana Club and the golf
course; inside, I can watch the world through more than fifty TV channels.

I've made a couple of visits to offices in the city. And I hardly recognize
the place. Clearly, liberalisation has made a difference to this once
low-key and run-down town. Concrete and glass constructions dominate the
leftover German colonial and Indian commercial buildings.

But Tanzania is experiencing a new kind of colonialism, it seems. South
Africans are managing the hotel where I am staying. They are managing the
beer that I am drinking. They are managing the aircraft that I will fly to
Mwanza. And, there, they are managing the gold mines ...

And what are all these colonial echoes I am hearing in the names of the new
hotels? Here I am staying in a Royal Palm. In Kisumu it will be the
Imperial. And in Kampala it will be the even more grandiose Grand Imperial!

With the new commercial invasions from the South and the nostalgic reminders
of the colonising west, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere must be turning in his grave.

John Fox is Managing Director of IntermediaNCG

Copyright =A9 2001, 2002, 2003 Arusha Times.

_________________________________________________________________
Dress up your desktop! Get the best wallpapers.
http://server1.msn.co.in/msnchannels/Entertainment/wallpaperhome.asp Just
click here!

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

since Maretta is a South Asian. Her story and photo
has appeared elsewhere.
I wanted to use the photo and was seeking Joanna's
permission to protect the paper from copyright
infringement. I could have just used the photo from
the internet and she would not know.
Joanna, in an email, said they made an "exception" to
the Indian paper but they withdrawing consent for me
to use.
Joanna said she and Maretta didn't want to be focus of
the story or the debate but she would talk to me on
the issue of same-sex marriage.
I have used her quotes on the issue and also mentioned
the fact that she is married to a South Asian. I
deliberately avoid mentioning Maretta is a Goan.
I also quoted a Goan gay lawyer, Andrew Pinto, who is
a constitutional expert. He speaks from a South Asian
perspective. This is journalism, doing a sotry on
current issues. It's NOT gossip, as Edgar belives.
Maretta has already said what her parents felt on her
marriage. I know her close family members and if I
really wanted to do the story, I would have gone
through them.
Joanna told me to "understand" their issue, and I
respected her wish. I wanted to use the photo as it
would be a good illustration to the story. What's
private about their lives when the story is already on
the internet?
Journalists go to various lengths in getting a story.
Some use deceptive methods. I wanted to give them a
chance to talk.
On the Wenells Rodricke's issue, here are exceprts
from a South Asian gay magazine (June 2003 issue):
Fashion designer Wendell Rodricks's Dec. 26 wedding in
Goa attracted quite a bit of celebrity attention. Not
just because he was a celebrity but also because his
spouse was a man named Jerone. For the ceremony held
in Rodricks ancetral village, celebirty guests flew in
from across the country and a senior consulor of the
French government from Paris, Jerone's home country,
reports Indian Express (Dec. 27 2002).....
Rodricks and Jerome are perhaps the first well-known
celebrity gay couple to seal their love and stand in
the full glare of the public eye...
So whiel Rodricks' and Jerone's ceremony is recognised
on French soil, in India it is not.
---
In California, two gay Indian men, Ashok Jethanadani
and Arivnd Kumar had married a couple of years ago.
Both are journalists and edit INDIA CURRENTS, a
monthly.

PS: The post was sent to goanet by mistake. It was a
query and a request to Eddie.


---



__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
SBC Yahoo! DSL - Now only $29.95 per month!
http://sbc.yahoo.com

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

that uses Roman script. i.e. mostly the Christian sector.

Will the Indian Govt. and the RBI respond to cater to such a small number?

And, Oh! Yes!

VIVA GOA!!!

Tim de Mello
timdemello2 at hotmail.com
Goa, INDIA

_________________________________________________________________
MSN 8 helps eliminate e-mail viruses. Get 2 months FREE*.
http://join.msn.com/?page=features/virus

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

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


A report on the
2nd TANZANIA GOAN CONVENTION
By Kalpna Rebello, Tanga - Tanzania


The delegates from different places arrived Tanga on
Friday from 6.00pm onwards.We had 325 people
registered for the convention and it was as follows

Dar es Salaam 137, Arusha 58, Zanzibar 18, Tanga 102,
Morogoro 4, England 2, America 2, Dubai 1, Mombasa 1.

So as on Saturday morning at 9.30am we started with
the convention speaking forum. We had about 130 people
present during the speaking forum, All the different
Chairmans introduced themselves and the Host Chairman
Lazarus Rebello welcomed the delegates from different
regions and the invited guest Ivan Fernandes from
Mombasa.


The convener for the convention was Agnello Fernandes.
After the discussion and resolution the convention
meeting was officially closed by the Host Chairman at
1.30 pm in the Afternoon.

After the evening Mass we had the culture programme at
Tanga Institute, we had about 10 different culture
dances preformed by different Regions in Konkani.
On Sunday we had the morning for indoor sports and in
the evening we had the dinner and dance at the Mkonge
Hotel.The function started at 8.00 pm in the evening
and went on to early morning till about 5.00am.
We had the Goannetter from Dar es Salaam playing the
Band.

During the Ball we had the presentation of the
Souvenir done by the different Chairmans.
We had the Winners of different indoor games
receiving their trophy

Badminton Arusha
Table Tennis Zanzibar
Darts Dar es Salaam

The host Chairman thanked all the delegates,the
convener Agnello Fernandes, the St. Xavier's Tanga
committee members and the ladies of the committee for
all the Hardwork and support they put in to make this
convention a success and an enjoyable one.
It was really a great honor to have everybody working
together and having unity.


The theme of the Convection was " UNITY IS STRENGTH "
And this was proved by all of us working together as
one.

And lastly after all the eating and dancing we were on
the farewell day that is Monday Morning when the
Arusha group left Tanga at 10.30am and the rest of
them Dar, Zanzibar and Morogoro left after Lunch from
Tanga Institute to their Homes.

In my conclusion i would say that it was after about
20 years we had so many Goans together under one roof.
We also met and made so many friends. We really had a
wonderful time and what remains in over hearts are
memories of the Convention.

I will send you the Resolutions and the topics
discussed as soon as they are printed.

The message you sent us we put it on the Souvenir
booklet, which was given to everybody during the
convention.

Once again On behalf of my husband Lazarus Rebello and
myself i thank each and every delegate for attending
the convention and making it a rememberable one.

Thanks & God Bless



Kalpna Rebello
Tanga.

Photographs of the event can be viewed at
URL: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/goans_tanzanite

posted by rene barreto

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

tandem to move humanity forward. Agreed, India loses
in a west-bound brain-drain. But rather than lament
that, it would be better to build up the reverse flow
as?quickly and as efficiently as possible. The
successful exports can contribute a lot back to the
mother-country. Their expertise and capital would help
tremendously if channelled back to the country
properly. Somehow the government seems to flounder on
this point.
?
---Jose


__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
SBC Yahoo! DSL - Now only $29.95 per month!
http://sbc.yahoo.com

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

May you grow and multiply and make all Torontoans - "Goans for a day"
Dukrachem mass kobar kor with sorpatel, Vindaloo anim Feijovada.
Ani tea bair borem Cajel mar. Please finish the feni now sold in GTA.
Fresh supplies will be shipped in August.=:))

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

allowed the full blooming of life, but Lazarus was out of the tomb. On the
lower slopes of the mountain I saw little fields of barley and of rye; deep
in the narrow valleys the meadows were turning green.
It has taken only the eight years since then for the whole countryside to
glow with health and prosperity. On the site of ruins I had seen in 1913
now stand neat farms, cleanly plastered, testifying to a happy and
comfortable life. The old streams, fed by the rains and snows that the
forest conserves, are flowing again. Their waters have been channeled. On
each farm, in groves of maples, fountain pools overflow on to carpets of
fresh mint. Little by little the villages have been rebuilt. People from
the plains, where land is costly, have settled here, bringing youth, motion,
the spirit of adventure. Along the roads you meet hearty men and women,
boys and girls who understand laughter and have rediscovered a taste for
picnics. Counting the former population, unrecognizable now that they live
in comfort, more than ten thousand people owe their happiness to Elzeard
Bouffier.
When I reflect that one man, armed only with his own physical and moral
resources, was able to cause this land of Canaan to spring from the
wasteland, I am convinced that in spite of everything, humanity is
admirable. But when I compute the unfailing greatness of spirit and
tenacity of benevolence that it must have taken to achieve this result, I am
taken with an immense respect for that old and unlearned peasant who was
able to complete a work worthy of God.
Elzeard Bouffier died peacefully in 1947 at the hospice in Banon.

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

1617 were for murder, 12,591 for hurt, 2824 for rape, and 31,376 for offenses listed under the SC
and ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989. These numbers represent only registered crimes. Either
due to intimidation, inaccessibility of police stations, or loss of faith in the law enforcement
agencies, many cases go unreported.

There is more than enough data and evidence to show that "untouchability is not an ancient
cultural artifact, it is human rights abuse on a vast scale," as reported by Smita Narula,
researcher for the Asia division of Human Rights Watch.

Right to Reservation & Employment: The Unacknowledged Reservation System
Reservation has come under a lot of fire in recent times as anyone familiar with the Mandal
Commission controversy can attest to. Certain interests among the upper-caste slander the
Reservation Policy as "anti-merit" and "undemocratic."

Government Service- A Brahminocracy: A close examination of the caste composition of government
services, institutions of education and other services, however, show that there exists an
"unacknowledged reservation policy" for upper-castes, particularly Brahmins, insidiously built
into the system. Though they were only 5% of the population in 1989, Brahmins composed 70% of the
Class I officers in governmental services. A very similar situation can be found in the caste
composition of University teaching faculties: Upper-castes occupy 90% of the posts in the social
sciences and 94% in the sciences, while SC/ST representation is 1.2% and .5% respectively.

Reservation not Filled is Justice Denied: The ruling elite in control of appointments has been
deliberately delinquent in filling the reservation quota. Nowhere has the reservation policy been
fulfilled per the requirements of the law. Of the total SC reservation quota in the Central
Government, over 54% remain unfilled. More than 88 percent in the Public Sector and 45 percent in
the Banks remain unfilled.

At the level of the states, an October 1998 writ petition in the Andhra Pradesh High Court
challenged the non-filling of 37,649 reserved posts when a staggering 2,60,000 SC/ST candidates
had already registered themselves in the Employment Exchange! The backlog of SC/ST reservations is
reported to be 25,000 in the Karnataka state government services and some vacancies have not been
filled since 1978!

Reservation is the Ground Floor of Dalit Rights: It is not enough that Dalits are deprived of
almost all their fundamental rights, but the dominant caste-class combine also feels it necessary
to deny Dalits the one and only political and legal right available for them to acquire the power
necessary to secure themselves these other rights. The Black Paper shows that it is not democracy
and merit that upper-castes genuinely value, but exclusive power and control of the state
machinery so that they can perpetuate their feudal caste rule and exploitation into the next
millenium.

Some of our Demands
Right to Livelihood
? To amend Art. 21, Part III, Fundamental Rights, so as to include the following rights for all
citizens, but with preferential consideration for SCs and STs: right to a standard of living
adequate to their health and well-being in areas such as food, safe drinking water, clothing,
housing, public health and medical care, social security and social services; right to free and
compulsory education; right to own five acres of cultivable land, or to gainful employment; right
to a living wage.
? To allocate adequate funds in the annual budget of the Centre and States to the tune of 20% of
GDP in order to enable the implementation of the policies and programmes related to the same
amendment of the Constitution.
? To enact a law in Parliament which would tax 15% of the annual income of the private corporate
sector in order to augment the resources necessary for the effective and swift implementation of
the policies and programmes.

Right to Education
? Implement both in letter and spirit compulsory, universal and free education for Dalits.
? Make the reservation quota mandatory for all private educational institutions at different
levels- from primary to technical and professional.
? Take total responsibility for making Dalit communities literate within a specified period of ten
years.

Right to Land & Labour
? Bring down the ceiling limit of land ownership in the Land Reforms Act.
? From the declared surplus land under the Land Ceiling Act distribute a minimum of five acres of
cultivable land to each Dalit household within three years.
? Appoint statutory committees at national and state level, under the purview of the SC/ST
Commission, to identify within a specified time-frame all the Panchami Lands; to study the extent
of areas occupied by non-Dalits; to assess the quantum of compensation to be paid by the
non-Dalits for having utilized the lands; to identify and distribute the lands to the original
Dalit owners and their nearest kith and kin.

Dalit Women's Right to Gender Equity
? Recognise Dalit Women as a distinct social group, rather than mask them under the general
category of women.
? Make segregated data on Dalit Women available in census reports, status reports, and progress
and impact reports.
? Make special and distinct provisions for Dalit Women in policy making, programme planning,
allocation of finances and distribution of reservation facilities in education and employment.

Dalit Right to Life & Security
? Effectively implement, in spirit and action, the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act (1989) and
Rules (1995).
? Establish special courts at the level of Supreme, High and District Court to try cases of
untouchability within a stipulated time frame for each level.
? Recruit a proportional percentage of Dalits to all the different classes of police forces at
both national and state levels.
? Launch a State-sponsored nationwide public awareness campaign, through electronic media and
public and private print, regarding the legal prohibition of untouchability, atrocities and other
forms of discrimination and violence against Dalits.

Right to Reservation & Employment
? Fill all backlog posts meant for Dalits immediately and, that too, only with Dalits.
? Make reservation mandatory in the private sector in the same proportion as it is in the
government institutions.
? Review the earlier policy of prohibiting reservation to certain areas like judiciary, trustee
posts, etc.
? Ensure, in the light of the Supreme Court verdict- reservation should not exceed more then 50%-
that the representation of the forward castes (non-SC/ST/OBC) does not exceed 50%.

Black Paper Objectives
In order that our grievances be heard and our demands taken up, ten thousand copies of the BLACK
PAPER will be distributed and presented to MPs, MLAs and journalists across the country for
tabling before the parliament and state assemblies and for reviewing in the press.

The Black Paper vigorously challenges the Indian State to not enter into the 21st century without
releasing a White Paper to Dalits detailing its performance record in protecting Dalit human
rights and the concrete actions it will take to protect Dalit Human Rights in the next century.

The BLACK PAPER is an _expression of our anguish, our language of anger, our voice of protest, our
instrument of campaign, our symbol of assertion, our cry of appeal, our statement of proclamation
and our demand charter of rights.




__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software
http://sitebuilder.yahoo.com

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

O Canada |
We stand on guard for thee |
God keep our land | Desh ho amcho
Glorious and free | devan sodanch rakcho

And there was this note .......

The national anthem of Canada was construed in Konkani by Marshal Fernandes in
1999, and now lies in the public domain. The National Anthem Act declares all
translated copies to be in the public domain , and people are free to use the
anthem freely.

Viva Goa - Viva Konkani

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

lovers to witness the first ever show organized by KONKANI HERITAGE KUWAIT
in association with Youth Recreation Centre at Indian Arts Circle Funaitees,
Kuwait. This grand show is One Act Play and Solo Singing competitions.
Such a show was never organized before in Kuwait and Konkani Heritage Kuwait
is taking a leading part in organizing this show. This show will consist of
5 Plays from top directors one of them is a well known TV Star coming from
Filmi world Mr. Arif Kazi who is going to present his Play ?Sombondh?. Our
Mangalorean brother and well known stage artiste and Konkani show promoter
Mr. Lancy Rodrigues with all his seasoned artistes is ready to dazzle the
audience with a wonderful Play ?Besaum? which will give lot of lessons for
the present generation. The third director is none other than youthful
Merxekar where One Act Play presentation has created deep rooted tradition
as many of the Merxekars are known to be prize winning directors, Mr. Felix
de Merces with his ?Xantichem Hatear? with some of the topmost artistes of
Konkani Stage will surely steal the show. The fourth Play ?Ek Zadd
Vhoddachem? by Ignatitius de Xelvon should definitely give some moral
lessons for the people especially in the current turbulent society of ours.
Mr. Ignatius is known on Konkani Stage as a good character actor and his
songs are full of examples and figures of speech. In this play he is surely
using the title of his play figuratively which people according to him will
appreciate. The fifth and last Play ?Resped Diat? by Felix Gonsalves will
deliver special message in which the director along with all his experienced
artistes will tell how we must give and take respect.

The second part of this show is Solo Singing competition in which young and
energetic singers, males and females, will participate. The males are
Milagres, Savio, Domnick, Bab Agnelo, Nelson and Jacinto some of these are
already known earlier as prize winning artistes elsewhere. Among the
females are pretty Sandra and youthful Conchita both are known to Konkani
Stage in Kuwait while attractive Joyline a well known singer on Mangalorean
Stage winning laurels for her singing capacity with her melodious voice will
satisfy the tastes of the audience.

The third part of this grand Show will be the presentation of songs such as
solos, duos & trios by all the guest artistes namely Querobina Carvalho,
Rosary Ferns, Sanny de Quepem, Sylvester Vaz, Marcus Vaz, Roney D?Cunha &
Michael D?Silva.

The audience should make a point to be present in the hall in time so as not
to miss a fine opportunity of listening to the excellent opening chorus
especially prepared only for this Show so also a memorable trio by
Rosary-Sanny-Sylvester.

The fourth part of this Show will be the presentation of Comedy Skits by
well-known comedians Nelson and Salu.

The fifth part of this Show will be the presentation of one beautiful comedy
solo by the Chief Guest Prince Jacob who is coming along with his wife
Cynthia all the way from Goa. No doubt Prince Jacob is coming to attend this
show as chief guest yet as a special gesture to the audience he has
volunteered to sing one solo. The other important personality attending
this show will be the well-known Goan activist Francis Correia also with his
wife and young daughter coming all the way from Bahrain as Guest of Honour.
Francis Correia has done yeomen services from Bahrain for the promotion of
Konkani and Goan causes.

For this Show one of the major surprises will be the last minute addition of
Vishwas Remimbus a golden voiced singer from Mangalore. He is none other
than the young son of great and renowned artiste from Mangalore Wilfy
Remimbus who is known as Konkan Kogul in the Konkani world. Vishwas was the
leading member of his father?s troupe that performed in many parts of the
world including Kuwait earlier and according to me for this show he will
sing such an attractive song that everyone in the hall should be on their
toes.

During the show renowned comedy and decent solo singer Michael D?Silva will
release his second Audio Cassette ?Ghorkar?. Gate passes available with Raja
Stores & Organisers. Or contact Tel. [phone]. Buses will leave at 2.30
p.m. sharp near the Church.

Since this is going to be a lengthy programme, it will start in time and
hence the audience is requested to come in time so that they don?t miss any
part of this grand show.

A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.

_________________________________________________________________
The new MSN 8: smart spam protection and 2 months FREE*
http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

called a Malabar Spinach. It can be either Green (Basella
alba) or Red (Basella rubra). It is obvious that you
have the Red species. It is not a true spinach (Spinacia
oleracea), but it is a vine with leaves, resembling
spinach, and are used likewise.

Malabar Spinach is a perennial.
Seeds can be sown directly or vines may be established
directly from stem cuttings.
It can thrive under conditions of moderate soil fertility,
but is quite responsive to nitrogen fertilizer.
It is tolerant to insect pests and diseases.
The Red variety is slightly more productive than the
Green one.

To grow indoors, you need to provide at least half a
day of sun and moist, well-drained soil.
-----------------------------
The Curry Leaf plant (Murraya koenigii) is a pretty
hardy, almost indestructible, rapid grower. It is a
tropical, deciduous tree from strangely enough, the
Citrus family.

Being tropical, it loves 2 things: sun and rain. New
growth is encouraged by constant clipping.


Good luck.
Asit K. Ghosh
Rockledge, Florida, USA
=======================================================
From: "Gabe Menezes" <lilygabe at blueyonder.co.uk>
To: <goanet at goanet.org>
Date: Wed, 6 Aug 2003 19:54:18 +0100
Subject: [Goanet]LEAF VEGETABLE.
Reply-To: goanet at goanet.org

Recently having visited Goa, my neighbour gifted us a
creeping plant, the leaves of which are used as a
vegetable. We have grown in indoors and it has done
remarkably well.
I cooked some of the leaves together with sweet corn
and it came out pretty good with a distinctive flavour.
I remembered seeing this plant in Nairobi Kenya. When
it is mature it produces purple coloured berries which
if squashed emit a bluish/purple ink.

Can someone tell me the name of this plant and also if
it has any medicinal properties. My neighbour in Goa
uses it for all sorts of dishes including making bajias
with them.

We also brought back a curry leaves plant which almost
gave up but has come back nicely, in the hot weather we
are now having. Both plants are grown indoors - what
are the best conditions for the curry leaves plant?

Cheers.
Gabe Menezes.

__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software
http://sitebuilder.yahoo.com

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

rough estimate more than 5,000 people came for this annual jamboree that had
Goan talent from young and old on display.

The huge response, beating all previous records, surely gladden the hearts of
the Goan Overseas Association, the organizers, if one went by what its president
Oscar Furtado said.

Furtado admitted he was overwhelmed at the response and promised to make the
event a bigger show next year. He declared the event to be a part of the global
celebration of Goa Day, though the designated day is August 20.

Though some people from the United States make their annual pilgrimage to this
summer fest of all things Goan, this year the number of visitors from the
neighouring country was big.

Numbers are not available but there was a big section in the stands cheering the
two teams with majority of players from the United States in the six-a-side
soccer tournament. Many of the team members were from Washington, DC.
Unfortunately, the teams didn't make it to the final, but they were a sturdy
bunch.

There were young kids doing various acts to solo singers such as Melissa
D'Souza, Stacey Fernandes and Ruth Kumar to solo and group performancers doing
hip-hop, with a Hindi remix song thrown in between, Latin, Portuguese, African
dances and a pair doing ballroom dancing. Goan traditional dances such as the
dekhni and a Goan version of the famous Gujarati dhandia dance were part of the
entertainment program of 25 acts.

It was a nonstop session, with some acts were repeated from the benefit of
latecomers. The entertainment began with kids marching with the Canadian and GOA
flags, and youngsters doing an opening number, a ribbon dance, called Viva
Goenkar. Frank Fernandes sang the Konkani version of the Canadian national
anthem, O Canada.

The show was interrupted for almost half hour as fire officials wanted some cars
parked illegally to be moved. The parking lot was full and people just left
their cars where there were no-parking signs. The entertainment came to a close
around 6:30 pm and the floor was then occupied by dancers who swayed and rocked
to D.J. Fatz.

Melissa has matured into a good singer, and she's waiting eagerly for the
release of her first album of Konkani/English songs. She sang Goa (My Heart), a
lilting tune to a mixture of western and Indian beats, particularly the tabla
and soulful strains of the santoor, from the forthcoming album. Backed by
dancers, Melissa worked the song slowly and then, unwaveringly, kept the tempo
to a tune that was rhythmic and mellow.

If Melissa wowed the crowd with her grace and style, Ruth Kumar had the crowd
engaged with her rendering of a Lorna song, Kallzan Son Mog Khello.
Lorna&#65533;s song always has a magical spell and Ruth put in her best to
imitate and do justice to her famed cousin's song. Eleven-year-old Stacey
Fernandes appeared to imitate Canadian pop star Avril Lavigne. It was an act
deserving all the encouragement. She has won several awards in various
competitions, such as the Kiwanis Festival, and the Peel Festival, and most
recently, advanced to the third round of the Junior American Idol Competition.

As usual, there were stalls selling everything from pickles to handicrafts, and
financial services. For the first time, a stall was selling wedding services.
Shaadi.ca is one of the growing companies that provide a one-stop show for all
weddings needs. They distributed a wedding planner free to all visitors to its
stall.

Foodstalls made roaring business. The three main ones were Gomantak, Dom's
Kitchen and Konkan Delight. Gomantak stall presented a native look and offered a
range of dishes. With serves in colourful shirts, the line-up at Gomantak was
long. People had to wait at least half hour to be served.

The Indian snack stall run by Gita too fared very well. The two-person stall had
their hands full and tried to cope with the rush as fast as they could.

The excitement on the indoor soccer fields seemed unmatched on the entertainment
floor. The thrills of scoring a goal or missing one by one's favourite team sent
the crowd into frenzy.

With a record 16 teams participating in the men's section and five in the
women's, it was an endless exhibition of skills and force. Parra, which had won
the tournament previously, won the men's final with a facile 2-0 margin against
Calangute, while Aldona lifted the women's trophy defeating Calangute in a
penalty shoot-out after the teams were locked goalless.

Ian Fernandes, Connie Almeida and Jude de Souza were adjudged Jr. MVP, Sr. MVP
and MVP, respectively, in the men's while Nakita Remedios and Noela de Souza
were adjudged Jr. MVP and Sr. MVP in the women's. Mandopa got the most
disciplined trophy in the men's section.

One of the mayoral candidate, John Nunziata, made a brief speech, saying if
elected he would turn Toronto into a city of festivals.

Seira Furtado, the coordinator, said it took 180 volunteers to put up the show.
She thanked the sponsors, and noted that the success of this event has already
prompted requests from participants for next year's event.

The Platinum sponsors were Scotiabank Group, RBC Insurance, and RBC Financial
Group, and the Gold sponsors were HSBC, ICICI, Emirates Airlines, Labatts,
Aerotours International, Jet Airwys, and Conros Corporation.


World Goa Day - 20-August - www.goaday.com

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

HETA PANDIT lives and works in Goa, India from where she writes about Goan heritage. Ms. Pandit
has a number of books, articles and short stories to her credit. She also translates from the
Marathi language into English for the benefit of English language readers around the world. Ms.
Pandit was felicitated for her contribution to Goan literature by the prestigious Menezes Braganza
Institute in April 2000. Ms. Pandit authored, along with architect Annabel Mascarenhas, a
beautifully illustrated book titled HOUSES OF GOA published by the award-winning architect Gerard
da Cunha in 1998. In January 2001, she wrote and published a book listing out 1000 historic
properties in Kerala for which she won an award from the Kerala Government. Following this, she
wrote and produced DUST AND OTHER SHORT STORIES FROM GOA which was released by Shri Manohar
Parrikar, Hon. Chief Minister of Goa. In October 2000 Ms. Pandit won a two year research
scholarship from the Homi Bhabha Fellowships Council, Bombay to document the work of artisans and
craftsmen in Goan house-building from between the middle of the 18th and the middle of the 20th
centuries. This research work has now taken the form of a beautifully illustrated coffee-table
book titled MASTERBUILDERS OF GOA that is currently being printed in India. Ms. Pandit is
currently visiting her sister in Camarillo, Southern California and has placed both DUST AND OTHER
SHORT STORIES and MASTERBUILDERS OF GOA on sale in the United States. She returns to her beloved
Goa in October 2003 to pursue her studies at the Goa University on a Ph.D programme in the
Department of History.

For book lovers interested in DUST AND OTHER SHORT STORIES FROM GOA, the sketch on the cover
illustrating the title story has been superbly done by renowned artist Mario de Miranda, now based
in the southern Goan village of Loutolim. Sketches on the pages inside the book have been deftly
rendered by artist Sunita Dalvi. Ms. Margaret Mascarenhas, author of the novel Skin has written
the foreword for this collection of short stories and says in her foreword, "Heta Pandit is a
refreshingly good writer, and Dust and other stories from Goa is an eminently readable book.

"Like a ventriloquist, whether in the first person or in the third, Pandit's narrator is credible
as a man, woman, young or old. She crosses Indian class and cultural boundaries with amazing
facility, and, frequently, with an ironic and unexpected humour. Equally impressive is the
author's deft handling of descriptive prose, which serves to not only buttress the reader's sense
of character, but also sets the tone of the story".

For those who have enjoyed her earlier book Houses of Goa, MASTERBUILDERS OF GOA will be a delight
to savour. Amply illustrated wth photographs taken by United Kingdom trained photographer Ms.
Farah Vakil, this book gives an insight into the lives of the artisans-carpenters, masons,
stonebreakers, roofers, basketweavers, potters, painters and gardeners- that have made the houses
of Goa look and feel the way they do. The contribution of each of these artisans, their
relationship with the houseowners, the tools they used, the methods of construction they employed,
their remunerations and their lifestyles have all been described vividly and sympathetically. The
book is peppered with proverbs, legends and folk songs in their original Konkani (with English
translations) that are pertinent to each of the crafts described in the book. Towards the end of
the book, eight historic homes have been singled out and described to reflect their owners'
attachment to his or her own unique piece of Goan domestic architecture. Drawings and sketches of
the tools used and methods employed add another dimension to this beautiful book authored by an
expert in her field of research. It would do any library proud.

Besides being a full-tme writer, Ms. Pandit is also a heritage activist in Goa and has set up a
small but powerful group of heritage activists called the Goa Heritage Action Group. Any books she
publishes through her publishing house The Heritage Network and sells is good news for the cause
of heritage preservation in Goa. 10% of all sale proceeds will be donated to the Goa Heritage
Action Group, a non-profit organization registered in Goa. "Dust" and other short stories from Goa
is priced at $8.00 in the United States, including shipping and handling. "Masterbuilders of Goa"
is priced at $35.00, including shipping and handling. Sales are being handled by an experienced
marketing professional in the United States. Orders may be placed over e-mail by writing to Ms
Heta Pandit at hetapandit at rediffmail.com and enjoying the experience of direct communication with
the author.


__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software
http://sitebuilder.yahoo.com

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

English.....and he shows NO regret at that horrendous
statement he made.

And of course, came Staju Jacob to Vishy Washy's
defence with total nonsense like "if the woman agrees
that the person who has raped her, has a full right to
do so"

Can you believe these NUTTY statements!

This must be a new Goa! ( soon to be Bihar ...with
NUTS like this roaming around there )

Wow!

jose


=====
From: "Gilbert Lawrence" <gilbertlaw at adelphia.net>
Date: Sun Aug 10, 2003 5:27 am
Subject: RE: [The Goan Forum d-list] RE: My views on
Uniform Civil code- Who cares!!!!

My views on Uniform Civil code- Who cares!!!!

Hi Vishwanath,

Before you go into long philosophical discussion on
any subject; And after you have tried to give a cop
out excuse of your poor English;

You owe the readers of the Goan Forum an apology for
your Totally absurd, tasteless and vile posting on
rape and your ritual.

You should be man enough to accept your lapse in
judgment.

You just don?t seem to have gotten how bad your post
was!!!
Dr. Gilbert Lawrence

==========================

Vishwanath Shirwaikar <vshirwa at sancharnet.in> wrote:

[Dear Staju,

I fully support your views on UCC. UCC is being
opposed by the conservatives among the religious
communities who fear losing their religious identity
on implementation of the UCC. This is not true but is
assumed to be true.

I think that Hindu and Christian religious leaders
have no problem with the UCC as both are open to
reforms in their respective religions. Also, Goa is a
good example before India where Hindus and Christians
maintain their religious identity inspite of UCC being
in force.

In a TV show being beamed on a private channel, Father
Dominic of Delhi Catholic Association asserted the
implementation of UCC provided there are no communal
riots in the country. Surprisingly, VHP,RSS leaders
supported the stand taken by the Father.

But, the greatest opposition came from the Muslim
leaders of AIMPLB (All India Muslim Personal Law
Board) who felt that UCC would wipe out Shariat (a law
applicable for the Muslims) and its Islamic identity.
Their stand was secularly supported by the
Samajwadi Party and the Left parties who justified
AIMPLB on this issue. There lies the problem. When
certain political parties are hell bent on opposition
to the UCC, it is quite impossible to bring such a
bill in Parliament by any group. The condition of
UCC is similar to the Women's reservation bill which
is pending in the parliament for a long time due to
political opposition by certain groups.

Regards
Vishwanath



__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software
http://sitebuilder.yahoo.com

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

Regale with delight, without any doubt.

On this our Goa Day, let us sing our way,
To God, Our Heavenly Creator, to bless the day.
Lets us sing in praise of Goa and its people,
As we fight Corruption, and save it from dishevel.



- CLARE De SOUZA
-----------------------------------------------------------

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

and his piece of jazz is one good example.
Like many of you, I am waiting to read the third
installment.

Eugene Correia



__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software
http://sitebuilder.yahoo.com

[b***@does.not.exist.com]

shows NO regret at that horrendous statement he made.

And of course, came Staju Jacob to Vishy Washy's defence with total
nonsense like "if the woman agrees that the person who has raped her,
has a full right to do so"

Can you believe these NUTTY statements!

This must be a new Goa! ( soon to be Bihar ...with NUTS like this
roaming around there )

Wow!

jose


=====
My views on Uniform Civil code- Who cares!!!!

Hi Vishwanath,

Before you go into long philosophical discussion on any subject; And
after you have tried to give a cop out excuse of your poor English;

You owe the readers of the Goan Forum an apology for your Totally
absurd, tasteless and vile posting on rape and your ritual.

You should be man enough to accept your lapse in judgment.

You just don't seem to have gotten how bad your post was!!!
Dr. Gilbert Lawrence

==========================

Vishwanath Shirwaikar <vshirwa at sancharnet.in> wrote:

[Dear Staju,

I fully support your views on UCC. UCC is being opposed by the
conservatives among the religious communities who fear losing their
religious identity on implementation of the UCC. This is not true but is
assumed to be true.

I think that Hindu and Christian religious leaders have no problem with
the UCC as both are open to reforms in their respective religions. Also,
Goa is a good example before India where Hindus and Christians maintain
their religious identity inspite of UCC being in force.

In a TV show being beamed on a private channel, Father Dominic of Delhi
Catholic Association asserted the implementation of UCC provided there
are no communal riots in the country. Surprisingly, VHP, RSS leaders
supported the stand taken by the Father.

But, the greatest opposition came from the Muslim leaders of AIMPLB (All
India Muslim Personal Law Board) who felt that UCC would wipe out
Shariat (a law applicable for the Muslims) and its Islamic identity.
Their stand was secularly supported by the Samajwadi Party and the Left
parties who justified AIMPLB on this issue. There lies the problem. When
certain political parties are hell bent on opposition to the UCC, it is
quite impossible to bring such a bill in Parliament by any group. The
condition of UCC is similar to the Women's reservation bill which is
pending in the parliament for a long time due to political opposition by
certain groups.

Regards
Vishwanath