OHERALDOThe Voice of Goa Since 1900

Visit us at:www.oheraldo.in panjim, monday, noVember 15, 2010 postal reg. no. Goa 101 priCe rs. 3.00 (air Surcharge rs 2.00) pages 16

(Continued on page 10)

Business: Exports post robust

27% plus H1 growth Pg 13

Sports: Advani opens

gold account Pg 16

India: Rakhis arrest

demanded Pg 7

PTI

NEW DELHI, NOV 14

Yielding to relentless pressure,controversial A Raja resignedtonight as Telecom Ministerafter being ordered to do so byhis party, DMK, in the wake ofallegations that he caused a lossof Rs 1.76 lakh crore to the ex-chequer while allocating 2GSpectrum two years ago.

Raja, the 57-year-old lawyer-politician, who got the covetedportfolio after the exit ofDayanidhi Maran in 2007 andretained it after the May, 2009elections, drove to Prime Min-

isters residence late tonight tohand in his resignation aftersteadfastly refusing to do so forthe past few days even as theopposition paralysed Parliamentdemanding his ouster.

The resignation was submit-ted after he returned to Delhifrom Chennai where he met theparty chief and state Chief Min-ister M Karunanidhi twice in thelast 24 hours.

In order to avoid embarrass-ment to the Government andmaintain peace and harmony inParliament, my leader (DMKchief M Karunanidhi) has advisedme to resign, Raja said.

There was speculation thatthe telecom portfolio would goto a DMK nominee, possiblyKarunanidhis daughter andRajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi or TR Baalu who had earlier been aCabinet minister.

After meeting the Prime Min-ister, Raja, the Dalit face of DMK,told reporters that he tenderedhis resignation on the basis of

advice given by my belovedleader Karunanidhi.

I have tendered my resigna-tion to the PM to avoid furtherembarrassment to the govern-ment and avoid disruption ofproceedings in Parliament. Ihave resigned.

That does not mean I am ac-cepting everything. I will comeclean and I will prove that I dideverything according to the law.I wanted to send a messageacross to the people. WhateverI have done is in accordancewith the rules. I will prove it,he said.

EMBATTLED RAJA QUITSHERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, NOV 14

Peeved over the recent decisionof not all allowing private busesto operate from the old busstand in Margao, the All Goa Pri-vate Bus Owners Associationon Sunday gave a one-day tokenstrike call all over the State onNovember 22.

Addressing a press conferenceover the issue in the city, Presi-dent AGPBOA Sudip Tamankarsaid this recent developmentand other pending issues hadforced them to go on strike.

We have been operatingfrom the old bus stand for years.

This sudden decision has incon-venienced us. There has beenno suitable explanation for thismove, he observed.

Tamankar said they will beprotesting in front of the officesof the deputy collectors, whoare the chairmen of the regionaltransport offices. Besides therecent issue, there are otherpending issues, which we haveduly highlighted in the mediaand the authorities are awarebut are doing nothing, he main-tained.

Incidentally, the AGPBOA strikecall comes when schools reopenafter the Diwali vacation.

Pvt buses to stay off roads on Nov 22

Consider Goans on highway toll, CM asks Centre

PTI

PANJIM, NOV 14

Quelling the opposition for na-tional highway expansion, ChiefMinister Digambar Kamat todaysaid he has asked the UnionRoad Transport Ministry to givespecial consideration to theState as far as toll for the localsis concerned.

I have demanded with theUnion Ministry that toll within40-km radius from the toll boothshould not be charged for thelocals, Kamat said, adding thatif this happens almost 80 percent of the people will be savedfrom paying the toll.

In order to avoidembarrassment to theGovernment and maintainpeace and harmony inParliament, my leader (DMKchief M Karunanidhi) hasadvised me to resign.

A Raja

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GOA, MONDAY, 15 NOVEMBER, 2010

GOA Pg2OHERALD

O

CIVIC FORUMPeople use gutter at Cuncolim

Vishal DCosta, CuncolimThe photograph shows the open gutter at Cuncolim, which isused by pedestrians as an approach road to the bus stand. Re-cently, one person died in a hit-and-run case. So also, speedbreakers are required at the entrance and exit point on mainroad.

Demarcation of parking lotsMoon Charles Afonso, Vasco

Parking is in such chaos, especially when it comes to fourwheelers in the city. We need to have properly defined andregulated parking areas for four and two wheelers. Vehiclesare either parked haphazardly, preventing other vehicles fromparking, or parked so closely that one cannot get into his ownvehicle. This leads to a lot of denting and scratching. One sug-gestion is to have lines marked so that each vehicle can beparked within the slot and if found to be inappropriatelyparked, action should be taken. Parking of vehicles inappro-priately (two wheelers parked in four wheeler parking andvice versa) also should be taken care off not just for a bief mo-ment but until people get used to the system.

Horticulture vehicle

Gregory E. D'Souza, SiolimIt is heartening to know the vehicle carrying essential com-

modities like tomatoes, sugar, oil and cereals from the Horti-culture Department is now making a stop in the jurisdictionof Siolim-Marna panchayat once in fifteen days. I request theauthorities to increase the frequency by making it once inevery week on a particular day and include a stop at the SFXSchool. This would make the scheme very successful sincethere are lots of parents who wait to collect their children canalso buy these items from this vehicle. At present, not manypeople are aware of this scheme. The panchayat can also putup a board with details of the timing and stops were thepeople can wait and collect these items.

Speed breaker neededNelson Lopes, Chinchinim

The junction on NH17 at Dandeavado ,Chinchinim has 3 cross-roads. In the past, this has been the spot of many a chilling,deadly accident. It is a blind junction with the view of theNH17 completely obstructed. The road from Chinchinim joiningthe highway is sloping. Student and host of others, forced tocross this stretch daily, are in great danger. It is noted thatsuch speed breakers are installed on NH17 at Dramapur,Sirlim.and Panzorcone, strangely skipping Dandeavado, whereit is most needed. Political undercurrents can be the only ex-planation. The PWD Minister has been informed with a sitesketch. In fact soon after this request a lady lost her lifemeeting with accident at the place. Navelim speed breakersare notified recently. It is sincerely hoped that the case atDandeavado will receive the attention overdue.

Do you have a complaint against some authority or service? Arethere any violations of the law that you would like to bring to thenotice of the public? Do you have any suggestions for improvementand/or redressal of services?

If you do, then write to us at editor@herald-goa.com. With theaim of improving the quality of our civic life, every Monday Heraldwill publish the best letters on these subjects received during theweek. This is in addition to our regular Letters to the Editor column.

HERALD REPORTER

MARGAO, NOV 14

As tension flared up at MotiDongor again with miscreantsdamaging a motorcycle late lastnight, senior police officials haveinstructed the men-in-uniformto come down against troublemakers with a heavy hand.

As a first measure, MargaoSub-divisional Police Officer,DySP Umesh Gaonkar told theMargao police to round up allyoungsters loitering atop thehillock after 11 pm from Sun-day.

DySP Gaonkar along withMargao PI Santosh Desai rushedto Moti Dongor on Sundaymorning after last nights mo-torcycle damage incident.

Enough is enough. Therewont be any more talking ornegotiations with any groups atMoti Dongor. The police gaveenough opportunities to therival groups to settle their prob-lems amicably. The damagecaused to the motorcycle is aindication that things have notbeen resolved by the groups,DySP Gaonkar told Herald.

He said that strict instructions

have gone to the police to roundup anyone found loitering atopthe hillock after 11 pm. Instruc-tions have gone to the policeto round up people loiteringafter 11 pm. Only after verifica-tion and inquiry, the concernedpersons will be released the nextday, he added.

Margao PI Santosh Desai saidthe Margao police have regis-tered a non-cognizable case fol-lowing the damage caused tothe motorcycle. The police aremaintaining a close vigil at MotiDongor, he added.

Sources in the know said thata meeting took place at theMasjid a top the hillock thismorning, but what has tran-spired at the meeting is notknown so far. It is also notknown whether the meetingwas called to discuss the situa-tion or routine matters of thereligious body.

Sources said the police haveidentified two main rival groups,one owning allegiance to theChief Minister and the otherwhich supported the candidatesfielded by opposition in the re-cent Margao municipal polls.

Act tough againsttrouble makers at

Moti Dongor

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

PORVORIM, NOV 14

Mapusa Police arrested a nativeof Gujarat on charges of com-mitting fraud and cheating manypeople from Mapusa.

According to Mapusa Police,accused Parveen Rajani wasmostly dealing in furniture itemsand his modus operandi wasthat he used to pretend that heis dealing in furniture items. Onreceipt of orders from the cus-tomers, he was demandingsome advance money and ongetting the money, he woulddisappear.

In his complaint, Nitin Karekarfrom Mapusa told Mapusa Policethat he had placed an order withRajani for supply of furniture onAugust 1, 2010, and paid Rajanian advance Rs 43,000. But theaccused did not execute hisorder nor was he traceable inMapusa.

PSI Nitin Halarnkar, who wasinvestigating the case, tracedall the bogus activities resortedto by the accused and kept avigil on him.

Police further informed thatthey received the informationfew days ago that the accusedarrived in Goa and was stayingat Santa Cruz. However, by thetime Mapusa Police could nabthe accused, they learnt that Ra-jani has changed his residenceand has shifted to Porvorim.

PSI Halarnkar swung into ac-tion and rushed to Porvorimwith his team on Saturday nightand nabbed the accused.

Police Inspector Rajesh Kumarsaid the accused is a professionalcriminal and uses all possibleways and means of duping peo-ple.

The accused would evenpublish advertisements in news-papers to get work orders andlater cheat the people, in-formed PI Kumar.

It was also revealed that theaccused would change his resi-dence often while in Goa. Heused to steal and rob itemswherever he was staying on rentand hoodwink the people andpolice by traveling to his nativeplace in Gujarat, informed PIKumar.

HERALD REPORTER

MARGAO, NOV 14

Yet another Pangolin was res-cued from Salcetes coastal beltin a space of a fortnight.

This time, the Pangolin waswrithing in pain on a tree afterit got entangled to a creeper,before a youngster from the lo-cality, John Fernandes rescuedthe ant eater from a certaindeath.

I was called to Gujjir Mamsplace after they heard soundsof cries on the tree. When I wentto inquire, I found the Pangolincrying in pain as its neck gottrapped on the tree, John re-called.

After rescuing the ant eater,John took it inside the housewhere many neighbours cameto have a glimpse of the Pan-golin.

He said that the Forest offi-cials came within minutes totake possession of the Pangolin

Gujarat native held for cheating

Pathetic RoadsVenan B Dias, Santo Estevam

During my recent visit to Goa, I saw the pathetic condition ofroads in Goa, the so-called tourist destination. Being a Goanmyself, I was dismayed to see the stretch from GIM to Ribandarcrossroad (Teen Watt junction). There are potholes at everynook and corner of the road and if you are on a bike or a four-wheeler you are sure to end up paying more to the mechanic.Even a prestigious institute like GIM does not make the au-thorities think of a solution to this problem. It would be betterif the Government of Goa instead of wasting money on IFFIand other events not concerning the Aam Admi focused moreon the basic necessities, which would make a real differenceto the common man.

off duty lifeguard saves one

from drowningHERALD CORRESPONDENT

CALANGUTE, NOV 14

He was off duty but a DrishtiSurf lifeguard was at the rightplace and at the right time whenhe saved a resident of Patnem-Canacona from drowning in theTalpona river on Friday.

According to Drishti reports,Madan Pondekar (32) lost hisbalance while riding a two-wheeler and fell off the bridgeand into the Talpona River. Drishtilifeguard Kalpesh Pagi was returninghome when he noticed the incident.

He immediately jumped intothe river and saved the riderand brought him safely out ofthe river. Pondekar was imme-diately rushed to a nearby hos-pital in a 108 Ambulance.

Admitting that the lifeguardwasnt trained for the rescue inthe dark, the Drishti Team hasappreciated the brave lifeguardwho jumped into the river with-out a second thought and savedthe rider in the dark withoutany aid or back-up.

HERALD REPORTER

MARGAO, NOV 14

The Dindi festivities got under-way in the Commercial capitalon Sunday.

The festivities were inaugu-rated at the hands of the Chair-man of the Dindi FestivalCommittee, Chief Minister,Digambar Kamat in the presenceof Fatorda MLA Damu Naik, andmembers of the Hari Mandircommittee.

In his brief address, the ChiefMinister said the governmentwould provide wholeheartedsupport to the famous festival,especially when it is celebratingits centenary year this year.

While saying that the fes-tivities have coincided withthe Childrens Day, Kamatcalled for greater participa-tion of the people in theDindi festivities.

The main Dindi festival willbe held on November 19 andthe festivities will culminate thefollowing day at Hari Mandir.

Dindi gets underway in Margao

HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, NOV 14

Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpayee would be felicitated during in-augural of IFFI 2010, sources stated.

Directorate of Film Festival (DFF) has decided to honour Bajpayeefor his contribution to new emerging cinema, officials said.

IFFI 2010 inauguration is likely to take place at the hands ofIndian film industrys legend Yash Chopra. Ajay Deugan, whorecently shot in Goa during his Golmaal 3, will also be present forthe inauguration.

Union Railway Minister Mamata Benerjee will also be presentas the chief guest along with state Governor Dr S S Sidhu andchief minister Digamber Kamat.

I am very happy and humbled by this decision. They se-lected me for my work that is yet more rewarding, Bajpayeeis quoted as saying in a website dedicated to Indian cin-ema.

He said that to be honored and facilitated in the presence of in-ternational film fraternity is definitely great.

For me, as an actor, film making is a constant changing process.Indian cinema has come a long way and my contribution to it hasbrought me pleasure. As an artiste, I too, I have evolved alongwith it, he added.

Bajpayee has played memorable roles in films like Bandit Queen,Satya, Shool, Aks, Pinjar and recent one is Raajneeti.

DFF to honourBollywood actor Manoj Bajpayee

HERALD REPORTER

MARGAO, NOV 14

The Catholics for Devnagiri hasjoined the chorus of protestsagainst the arrival of the Por-tuguese boat NRP Sagres atVasco and has urged Chief Min-ister, Digambar Kamat to turndown the invitation to visit theboat.

President of Catholics for De-vnagiri Serafino Cota con-demned the visit of the boat toGoa and have demanded thatboat leave the Goan shores im-mediately.

He said it would have been adifferent thing if the boat hadto come in 1998 to commemo-rate the discovery of the searoute to India, but the commem-oration of the 500 years of theconquest of Goa is certainly notacceptable, more so whenthe people of Goa are brac-ing up to observe the 50years of Liberation from thePortuguese yoke.

Meanwhile, a public meetingwas held at the White Hall inCuncolim on Sunday eveningwherein speakers condemnedthe visit of the Portuguese shipto Goa and the commemorationof the 500 years of conquest ofGoa.

The speakers strongly con-demned the plans of the Goagovernment led by Chief Minis-ter Digambar Kamat to welcomethe Portuguese ship to Goa.

Speakers, including freedomfighters and youth leaders, re-called the valiant sacrifices madeby the freedom fighters, includ-ing the hundreds of freedomfighters from Cuncolim andneighbouring villages.

Ships visitcondemned

Another Pangolin rescued

The Pangolin that was rescued at Pedda-Varca on Sunday morning. Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

and the mammal was handedover to the officials after theyproduced their identity. Initially,I resisted the move by a man totake away the Pangolin, but theman showed his identity asbeing a forest official, he added.

A fortnight ago, a Pangolinwas rescued from Orlim on No-vember 1 after it had strayed inthe garden of residential house.

Animal lover Julio Quadros in-formed that the Pangolin will bereleased at the Bondla sanctuary.

Goa Governor S S Sidhu with the Ambassador of Portugal in India, Luis Castro Mendes, when he calledon him at Raj Bhavan on Sunday.

HERALD REPORTER

VASCO, NOV 14

A lunch hosted by the officer of NRP Sagres, Portuguese ship,became a flop, as most of the dignitaries skipped the onboardfunction on the ship anchored at Berth No 10 of Mormugao PortTrust on Sunday.

Governor Dr S S Sidhu and Chief Minister Digambar Kamat,who conveyed their message that they would be not attendingthe function, did not attend the lunch party amid protests by free-dom fighters and the opposition party, who are condemning thearrival of ship in the State to mark 500 years of circumnavigationof Portugal and glorify its rule in Goa.

Speaker Assembly Pratapsingh Rane, Power Minister Alexio Se-queira, Chief Secretary Sanjeev Shrivastav and Flag Officer of GoaNaval Area Rear Admiral Sudhir Pillai also skipped the function.

Vasco Police deployed police force at the entrance of the portas well as inside the port, where the ship is anchored, to avoidlaw and order problem.

Public who had turned up to visit the ship had to return backas only VVIPS were listed for the function on Sunday.

Dignitaries skipfunction on the ship

19 Lamanisheld for

harassingtourists

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

CALANGUTE, NOV 14

Calangute and Anjuna Police onSunday arrested 19 Lamanis oncharges of harassing tourists atCalangute, Baga and Anjunabeaches.

Calangute Police arrested 15lamanis on charges of disturbingforeign tourists, who were re-laxing on the beaches along theCalangute and Baga coasts.Calangute Police have also reg-istered 30 cases of smoking inpublic places.

Calangute Police also arrestedtwo persons for allegedly play-ing loud music under the NoisePollution Act.

Anjuna Police have also reg-istered 10 cases of smoking inpublic places and arrested fourlamanis on charges of harassingtourists at Anjuna beaches.

Meanwhile, Anjuna Policehave registered an offenseagainst the locals for alleged ex-tortion of money. According toAnjuna Police, Nirvana NestBuildcon Manager KrishnanKumar (Andha) in his complaintstated that locals demanded asum of Rs 15 lakh from the com-pany to permit construction ofa building at Vagator. PSI Pil-gaonkar is investigating.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

MAYEM, NOV 14

Chief Minister Digambar Kamatand Home Minister Ravi Naikrecently visited Bicholim to takestock of the dilapidated Bi-cholim Police station.

According to sources, Kamatand Naik expressed shock overthe dilapidated condition of thebuilding of Bicholim police sta-tion.

Home Minister Naik, who waswell aware about the state ofaffairs of Bicholim police station,requested the chief minister toundertake the construction ofnew police station building as

early as possible.After verifying the file per-

taining to the new police stationbuilding, Kamat assured to lookinto the matter as to why thefile is pending.

The chief minister also as-sured to undertake the con-struction of new building asearly as possible to give theend problem faced by Bi-cholim Police.

Kamat and Naik were accom-panied by Block PresidentNaresh Sawal, BMC ChairpersonAnisha Vernekar and DeputyCha i rpe r son Shash ikan tHalarnkar.

CM, Ravi Naik inspectBicholim police station

BMC deputy assures all-round development

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

MAYEM, NOV 14

Newly elected Deputy Chairper-son of Bicholim Municipal Coun-cil (BMC) Shashikant Naik hasassured to undertake al l -round development of Bi-cholim town.

Naik was addressing the gath-ering on the occasion of a get-

together organized by his sup-porters at Our Lady of GraceChurch Hall, Bicholim, on Sat-urday evening.

The deputy chairperson saidthat he would give priority tothe welfare of downtrodden sec-tions of the community.

Naik also informed aboutdevelopment works under-

taken by him after he tookover as deputy chairperson.Works includes commission-ing of 108 ambulance, sani-tation, etc.

D r G u r u p r a s a d K a p d i ,Ramesh Gawas, BMC Coun-cilor Kamla Teli and KarunaGovekar were present on theoccasion.

GOA, MONDAY, 15 NOVEMBER, 2010

GOAOHERALD

OPg3

HERALD REPORTER

MARGAO, NOV 14

The agitation against the pro-posed NH-17 widening has sur-faced in Salcete taluka. Whileresidents of Nuvem and Vernatook to the streets at Dongorimopposing the highway, the vil-lage panchayat of Navelim inPWD Minister Churchill Ale-maos home constituency op-posed the highway alignmentpassing through the villages ofNavelim and Telaulim. Armedwith placards and banners, ag-itated residents of Nuvem andVerna assembled at Dongorimand opposed the proposed high-way alignment through thewater bodies.

Led by Nuvem Zilla Panchayatmember, Wilfred DSa, the pro-testors warned the governmentto respect the sentiments of thepeople or face their wrath.

For the last one year andhalf, we have been makingrounds of the PWD Office andother Minister for a copy of aplan, but till date the plan is notmade public by the authorities,lamented DSa.

He said the authorities havetold them that the proposedhighway would be passingthrough the River Sal at Nuvem,raising apprehensions that theeco sensitive zones in the vil-lages of Nuvem, Verna andNagoa would be severely af-fected if the highway is passedas per this alignment. Thesewater bodies help in water con-servation in these villages. Thewells would go dry if these richnatural resources are destroyedto make way for the highway,he asserted.

Strongly opposing the high-way, DSa wondered why the

protests against NH17 widening in Salcete

Villagers of Nuvem and Verna opposing the proposed NH-17 widen-ing passing through the River Sal and other water bodes in Nuvem.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkargovernment is planning to takethe highway through the waterbodies and fields when land isalready acquired long ago forthe highway. Another protestor,a science teacher by profession,warned the government that thevillagers of Nuvem and Vernawould take the agitation to itslogical conclusion till the projectis scrapped..

Saying the highway would dividethe villages and destroy the rich nat-ural habitat, she said the governmentdecision to take the highway by theside of River Sal would destroy thenatural habitat.

If the government seriouslythink of the environment, theyshould practice the same andscrap the project, she said,adding that it is not just thequestion of saving the housesof people, but the project wouldaffect the whole of Goa. Thishighway alignment passingthrough Goa is just a corridorfor the states of Maharashtra

and Karnataka. The project willin no way benefit the people ofGoa, she added. The protestorscarried placards conveying mes-sage loud and clear that the highwayproject is disastrous for the state.

At Navelim village, the gramsabha held on Sunday opposedthe highway once again. A res-olution tabled by Sidharth Kara-purkar stated that the highwaywould affect the internal roadsleading to Sinquetim and Telaulimand would result on acquisition ofland for road diversions.

The gram sabha memberslamented that the PWD author-ities have till date not addressedtheir concerns and askedSarpanch Paul Pereira to sendreminders to the PWD depart-ment on a priority basis.

At the last meeting, the gramsabha had opposed the highway.We again reiterated our oppo-sition to the highway project attodays meeting, Karapurkar as-serted.

HERALD REPORTER

MARGAO, NOV 14

Demanding scrapping of theland acquisition process to ac-quire fields for the expansionof Margao sewage treatmentplant at Sirvodem, Navelim vil-lagers on Sunday have resolvedto write to the Margao Munici-pal Council to stop to the dis-charge of citys sewage into theonce picturesque Saipem Lake.

The gram sabha have also re-solved to protect the River Salfrom further pollution. A pro-posal was mooted to save theeco-sensitive areas on the banksof the river and to dredge theriver to curb pollution.

While opposing the land ac-quisition process to acquire thefields for the expansion of thesewage treatment plant, thegram sabha tabled a resolutionto implement the NationalFarmers policy in the villageand to scrap the land acquisitionprocess.

The gram sabha expressedconcern over the deterioratingcondition of the River Sal withmembers demanding urgent ac-

Expansion of sewage treatmentplant at Sirvodem opposed

tion to protect the river, the ecosensitive zones and its tributar-ies.

Sarpanch Paul Pereira latertold newsmen that the Pan-chayat would write to the Mar-gao Municipal Chief Officer tostop the discharge of Margaossewage into the Saipem lake.

The Panchayat would ask fora joint inspection with the Mar-gao Civic body to work out asolution to the pollution, headded.

He said the gram sabha hasfurther resolved to ask the land-lords to register their tenantswith the police and the villagePanchayat.

The gram sabha membershave also asked the Crimebranch to dish out crime statis-tics pertaining to the Navelimvillage. A similar request wouldgo to the health authorities toprovide information on the sta-tus of malaria and other vectorborne diseases in the village.

Gram sabha member SidharthKarapurkar said the membershave told the Sarpanch to alsorequest the local MLA to de-

mand early notification of theRegional Plan 2021 and de-manded a freeze of constructionactivity at 50 FAR till the final-ization of the plan.

Given that the village is cele-brating the feast of Our Lady ofRosary on November 17, thegram sabha members suggestedto the Panchayat to place binsin the market place for collec-tion of plastic waste.

Sapranch Pereira later toldthe members that the Panchayatbody in coordination with NGOswill organize a plastic drive onNovember 30 in the village.

HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, NOV 14

The Moira Civic and ConsumerForum in tandem with GoaBachao Abhiyan and on the oc-casion of Childrens Day kick-started its postcard campaignSave Goa for us children witha message to the leaders con-cerned at the Centre to impressupon the State Government tofinalise the Regional Plan 2021at the earliest.

Even though the Governmenthas assured the whole plan willbe ready by March 2011, a meet-ing of the MCCF today expressedlittle faith in the Chief Ministerwith a suggestion coming forththat they should address thepostcards only to All India Con-gress Committee PresidentSonia Gandhi.

Convenor GBA Sabina Martinssaid after the Diwali vacationends the campaign will spread

to schools and colleges wherestudents will be asked to sendpostcard messages to Sonia,Prime Minister ManmohanSingh, youth Congress PresidentRahul Gandhi and other key de-cision-making leaders.

Martins reiterated besides thedemand for finalisation of theRP their major thrust is uponsaving the eco-sensitive zonesand restriction of constructionsto 50 FAR (floor area ratio). Sheappealed to the people to ap-proach their MLA with the demandsand see his response and spoke onbringing a change in governance.

Representatives of otherneighbouring villages like Nachi-nola and Aldona also supportedthe call given by the GBA at themeeting. Local leaders likeSunita Rodricks, Vigilia D'Sa,Venita Coelho, Oscar Lobo, Flo-riano Lobo and Rupesh Maham-bre spoke at the meeting.

GBA kick-starts postcard campaign

in Moira for RP

HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, NOV 22

The Centre on Monday willmake its stand known in theSupreme Court on the formationof the much-awaited tribunal toresolve the water dispute be-tween Goa and Karnataka, whichhas taken up work on the KalsaBandura project opposed by theformer.

Chief Engineer Water Re-sources Department SandeepNadkarni said the matter wascoming up for hearing tomor-

row (Nov 15). We dont know the decision

of the Centre. A team of theState Governments team iscamping in New Delhi and willattend the hearing tomorrow,he stated.

The court had given the Cen-tre three weeks to notify theconstitution of the tribunal tosolve row. The bench of thecourt had asserted if the Centrefailed to notify the tribunal thenit would be forced to pass anorder in this regard.

Hearing on Mhadei tribunal in SC today

HERALD REPORTER

VASCO, NOV 14

Heavy showers accompaniedby gusty wind and lightning onSunday evening brought Vascoto a standstill with uprootingof trees, power disruption anda flight diversion.

The showers that lastednearly 45 minutes commencedat about 3.30 pm, forcing thepeople to remain indoors.

One flight, which was sup-posed to land at Dabolim air-port, was diverted back toMumbai.

Airport Director D Pual Man-ickam informed that a domesticflight from Mumbai was divertedback due to bad weather, oth-erwise the operation was nor-mal at the airport.

According to Vasco FireBrigade, three trees uprootedat three different places due togusty winds and heavy show-ers.

A tree that fell in Maimollemwas cleared by the people be-

fore the Fire Brigade could reachthe site. A mango tree fell onthe changing room of a resortin Hollant-Bogmalo, besidesdamaging window of a station-ary car.

Vasco Fire br igade alsocleared an uprooted tree nearthe Khapreshwar Temple, Head-land Sada, Mormugao.

The power supply was dis-rupted during the heavy show-ers. However, the power supplywas restored in some parts ofVasco.

However, no reports of anycasualty were reported.

The unprecedented showerstoo disrupted sporting activitiesand cultural programme.

A GFA Professional Leaguematch between Salgaocarand Dempo at Tilak Maidan,Vasco, was also called offdue to heavy showers, whilethe Women Festival at Chi-calim Panchayat ground wasalso called off due to heavyshowers.

Heavy showers poundVasco; flight diverted

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

MAyEM, NOV 14

Three persons were seriously injured, after lightning struck theirresidence at Mulgao-Bicholim late Saturday night.

According to reports, Sanjay Krishna Parab along with his twofriends, Ajay and Tushar Parab, from Mulgao were rushed to PHCBicholim. They were later discharged.

The incident occurred when Sanjay, Ajay and Tushar were sittingin the corridor of the house, when the lightning struck on theelectricity meter box.

The impact was such that all three youth were injured, as brokenpieces of the meter box fell on their faces.

3 hurt in lightning

Shiroda man succumbsMARCEL(HC): A 40-year-old man from Shiroda died of burn

injuries after he allegedly set himself on fire. According to Pondapolice, Vithal kamat of Daboli-Shiroda reportedly doused himselfin kerosene and set himself ablaze in his house at around 11 am.Police said the deceased was disturbed since the last few days. Heis survived by his wife and three children.

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GOA, MONDAY, 15 NOVEMBER, 2010GOAOHERA

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HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, NOV 14

An Incredible India campaignguy will be playing lead role inRajendra Talaks O Maria film,which will be premiered for IFFI2010.

Cory Goldberg, an American,who featured in Incredible Indiacampaign, has played a lead rolein the film, which speaks abouta foreigner who arrives in Goa.

I saw Cory in the IncredibleIndia campaign. He was shownbathing elephant and finallysigning incredible India card. Heappealed me and thereafter Istarted looking out for him,Talak, a national award winning,director said.

Talak later started scoutingfor the actor in Mumbai andcontacted several agents. Fi-

nally, I managed to get him, hesaid adding that Cory has playeda role of a foreigner in the film.

The film also features ShernazPatel, Sulabha Arya, Tiku Talsa-

nia, Meenacshi Martins, AryanKhedekar, Kavin Dmello, Rose-fern and John DSilva beside oth-ers.

The music for the film is com-posed by Remo Fernandes, whohas also sung three songs in themovie.

Cory has shot in Goa for 25days and his entire dialoguesare in English. There was noissue during dubbing as hespeaks English in the movie,Talak said.

The music for the film wouldbe released soon.

Talak said that he has alreadyreceived Censor Board certifi-cate for the film. This film willappeal all the Goans and I ex-pect good response from thedelegates for IFFI, the directorsaid.

American to play lead role in Goan film

n I saw Cory in theIncredible Indiacampaign. He wasshown bathingelephant andfinally signingincredible Indiacard. He appealedme and thereafterI started lookingout for him.

Narendra is MD of IOB PANJIM (HND): Manjunath Narendra recently took charge

as Chairman and Managing Director of Indian Overseas Bank.Narendra started as an officer trainee with the corporationbank in 1975 and was withthis Bank till November2008. He was appointed byGoI as Executive Director,Bank of India, on November6, 2008 and held this posi-tion, till his present assign-ment at IOB.

M Narendra said thatthe bank aims at growingits advances by Rs 14,000 crore and deposits by Rs29,000 crore in the second half of the year, which sharplycontrasts with the figures of the second half of last year,Rs 2,000 crore of advances and Rs 1,300 crore of de-posits.

The bank today announced a waiver of processing fees forits home loans, valid up to March.

MDAP organised at CanaconaCANACONA(HC): Health workers under Canacona Community

Health Centre (CHC) commenced four-day Mass Drug Admin-istration Program (MDAP) in the taluka to eliminate Filariasis,commonly known as Elephantiasis.

According to local health sources, health workers will visitall the residential areas and administer drugs under the pro-gramme to about 46,000 residents from the taluka.

A health worker informed that all residents above twoyears, except pregnant women and people with specific med-ication, will be given necessary drugs (DEC + Albendazoletablets) by the health workers. The programme will be con-tinued till Saturday.

POWER SHUTDOWN

NOV 15

MANDUR: From 9 am to 5 pm. Areas affected are Amparo Church,Bank of India, Miryabhat and surrounding areas at Neura.

NOV 16

NEURA: From 9am to 5pm. Areas affected are Neura Panchayat,Dayanand Arya HS, Alvares Saw mill, Gudiwala and surroundingareas.

PANJIM: From 9 am to 3 pm. Areas affected are Health department,Forest office at Campal and surrounding areas.

NOV 18

NEURA: From 9 am to 5 pm. Areas affected are Neura Churchand surrounding areas.

NOV 19

NEURA: From 9 am to 5 pm. Areas affected are Neura-O-Pequeno,Deubhat and surrounding areas.

NOV 20

NEURA: From 9 am to 5 pm. Areas affected are Neura Panchayat,Dayanand Arya HS, Alvares Saw Mill, Gudiwada and surroundingareas.

Credit society opened at Bicholim

Home Minister Ravi Naik inaugurates the Co-operative Societyat Bicholim. Photo by Vishant Vaze

MAYEM(HC): Home Minister Ravi Naik said success of anyco-operative institution depends upon sincerity, dedicationand devotion shown by the Society members.

He was addressing the gathering after inaugurating the10th branch of Bhandari Urban Co-operative Credit Societyat Bicholim market recently.

Bicholim MLA Rajesh Patnekar, Naresh Sawal, BMCCouncilor Ankita Vernekar, Riyaz Beig, ShashikantHalarnkar, Chairman Mohan Naik and Registrar of Co-operative Societies P K Velip Kanekar were present onthe occasion.

MLA Patnekar, Sawal and Kanekar also spoke on the occa-sion.

Bicholim Rotary Club efforts laudedMAYEM(HC): Dr Digambar Naik has lauded the efforts of

Bicholim Rotary Club for undertaking various social welfareprogrammes since the last 17 years.

Dr Naik was addressing the gathering on the occasion of17th Charter Night of Rotary International Bicholim at RotaryHall, Bicholim, on Wednesday.

Rotary Governor Gaurish Dhond, President RajkumarKamat and Secretary Sandesh Burye were present on theoccasion.

On the occasion, senior teacher Shyam Pai Kuchelkar, senioradvocate Raghoba Fadte and businessman Ramkrishna Mal-gaonkar were felicitated by Dr Naik with a shawl, srifal andmemento for their dedication towards the society.

Earlier, President Rajkumar Kamat gave a welcome speech,Sandesh Burye read the annual report, while Sandesh Buryeproposed the vote of thanks.

HERALD NEWS DESK

PANJIM, NOV 14

The Goa Medical College in col-laboration with the Indian Acad-emy of Cytologists organised aseries of CME (Continuing Med-ical Education ) Programmes inGMC Bambolim recently.

In the first CME Programme,Dr Vijay Ramanan, ConsultantClinical Hematologist and On-cologist, Ruby Hall Clinic andJehangir Hospital Pune spokeon the approach to a patientwith Anemia, and Dr GajananKanitkar Consultant CancerSurgeon, Ruby Hall Clinic,Sahyadri

Hospital Pune spoke on La-paroscopic Surgery in Oncology.The CME was chaired by Dr R GWiseman Pinto.

In the second CME Pro -gramme for Medical Studentsof GMC Dr CBS Chauhan, DIG.(Medical ) and Dr B S Pandey IG(Medical ) and Director (Med-

ical ) BSF (Border Security Forces), New Delhi spoke on the careeropportunities for doctors in theCPMF ( Central Para MilitaryForces ). This was chaired by DrR G Wiseman Pinto.

In the third CME Programme,Dr V Desai, Professor of Phar-macology, Mumbai spoke onnew antibiotic molecules andanti-thromotic molecules andthis was chaired by Dr R G Wise-man Pinto.

In the fourth CME Programme,Dr Shweta Singh, Consultant Nu-trition expert from Mumbaispoke on Scientific versusBlenderised Feeding in Hospi-talised Patients and this waschaired by Dr R G WisemanPinto.

All the CME Programmes wereaccredited by the Goa Medical

Council and well attendedby doctors and medical stu-dents of GMC, says a press re-lease.

CME programmesorganised at GMC

Dr Vijay Ramanan, Dr Gajanan Kanitkar and Dr Wiseman Pinto at theCME programmes held at GMC recently.

HERALD REPORTER

VASCO, NOV 14

Flag Officer of Goa Naval AreaRear Admiral Sudhir Pillai hasstated that Navy wants to reachout to the local community andseek their participation in theNavy Week celebrations.

Pillai was addressing themedia along with CommodoreAjay Chhabra, Commander Ma-hesh Joshi, Commander AtulBhatnagar and Capt Rahul Baliat INS Hansa on Thursday.

However, Sagar Pawan Aero-batic Team (SPAT), worlds finestaircraft aerobatic team of IndianNavy will be missing from thisyears Navy celebration.

We will definitely miss theSagar Pawan team of the Kiranfighter aircrafts, due to sometraining commitment and alsodue to air crash in Hyderabadthis year, the Sagar Pawan hasbeen kept in abeyance, said Pil-lai.

Navy has hired professionalan event management company,Innovations Inc, to ensure thatmost of the events and socialactivities are organized in a pro-fessional manner.

The Navy week is centered

Navy wants to reach out to local community

Rear Admiral Sudhir Pillai addresses media along with Commodore Ajay Chhabra, Commander MaheshJoshi, Commander Atul Bhatnagar and Capt Rahul Bali at INS Hansa. Photo by M Prabhav

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

PORVORIM, NOV 14

Expressing happiness that theBJP-backed panel succeeded informing the ruling group of Ma-pusa Municipal Council (MMC),Mapusa MLA Francis DSouzasaid lot of developmental worksare in the pipeline for Mapusatown.

Speaking to media persons,DSouza stated that he is confi-dent that the ruling panel willendeavour to get the projectscompleted soon.

Tender of the new fish mar-ket and vegetable market for Rs7 crore and Rs 1.5 crore respec-tively has already been issued.The land for construction of newbus stand has also been ac-quired, he said.

The process of land acquisi-tion for setting up garbage treat-ment has begun. The JAICA Cellof PWD has issued tender forms

to 15 companies for the con-struction of sewerage treatmentplant as per SBR technology atMapusa, said DSouza.

DSouza refuted the allega-tions that he is not in favour ofthe construction of new busstand on the land acquired bythe government.

He stated that such allega-tions are being hurled at him tomalign his image in the eyes ofthe public.

I am fighting for the right ofthe farmers. While acquiringland for the new bus stand, thegovernment has cheated thefarmers by paying them meagreRs 5 per sq mtr. The governmenthad acquired the land for marketsub-yard at the rate of Rs 120per sq mtr about 20 years ago,claimed DSouza.

Why same rate has not beenmade applicable to the farmerswhile acquiring the land for new

bus stand? The government hasdone great injustice against thefarmers. As a MLA, I have tolook after the interest of everycitizen of Mapusa, he added.

Hence, I am fighting for theright of the farmers and will con-tinue to fight for them, said D-Souza.

Regarding Kala Bhavan, D-Souza said the Kala Bhavan can-not be considered as firstpriority of Mapusa town.

Mapusa is still in the stageof development. The council willhave to address major issueslike cleanliness of the town andparking problem, he said.

Few areas in Mapusa are stillfacing acute water shortage de-spite releasing additional 20MLD water from Assnora Reser-voir. These prime issues needto be tackled by the new coun-cil on priority basis, said D-Souza.

Developmental works in pipeline for Mapusa: DSouza

on Navy Day, which is celebratedon December 4 every year, tocommemorate the daring attackby the Indian Navy on KarachiHarbour during the Indo-Pak-istan War of 1971.

Pillai said the curtain raiserfor this years navy week willbe a film festival at Rajhans, theNavy auditorium on the airportroad from November 12, be-sides celluloid feast and fun andfrolic events to make it a mem-orable outing for families andfriends.

An awareness campaignKnow Your Navy, where Navywill welcome young Goans toparticipate in an interactive ex-travaganza over two weeks tobe run in schools and collegesacross the State.

Besides, last years Navy ini-tiative Pilot of the Day pro-gramme for young Goans thatgenerated tremendous responsewill be continued in the nearfuture, assured Pillai.

As part of social responsibility,Navy will hold medical campsfor underprivileged in Sancoaleand Mangor on November 20and 28, said Pillai.

The popular Navy Ball eventheld at the Naval Officers Insti-tute on December 11 has beenplanned to be bigger with muchcloser interaction with the vi-brant Goans.

The Navy week festival willculminate with the Navy centralband and symphonic orchestraat Kala Academy on December21 and 22.

HERALD CORRESOPONDENT

PORVORIM, NOV 14

VPK Urban Co-operative CreditSociety Ltd, Mardol, has madetremendous progress during thecourse of last 17 years.

VPK Society, which was startedin 1993 with share capital of Rs1 lakh in a small house at Mardol,has been successful in raising itsshare capital to the tune of Rs6.91 crore and open 18 branchesas on October 31, 2010.

Addressing media persons atPorvorim, VPK Urban Co-oper-ative Credit Society Ltd GeneralManager Ashok Gaude informedthat the deposits of the Societynow stands at Rs 137.69 crore.

It is the vision of the Societyto raise bank deposit to Rs 3,000crore by 2030. The Society plansto open two more branches, oneeach at Vasco and Khandepar,by March 2011, said Gaude.

He further informed that theSociety has got 39,672 share-holders and they have givenloans to the tune of Rs 116.49crore till October 31, 2010.

Gaude said the Society offershousing loans, vehicle loans andbusiness loans to the extent ofRs 15 lakh, Rs 15 lakh and Rs10 lakh respectively to the cus-tomers.

The companys recovery sys-tem is very good, due to whichwe have been successful in

VPK credit society makes tremendous progress

VPK Urban Co-operative Credit Society Ltd General Manager AshokGaude addresses the press persons at Porvorim.

Photo by Anil Shankhwalker

bringing down the NPA to 7.98%.The society has made a netprofit of Rs 1,53,50,571 duringthe financial year 2008-09, saidGaude.

With regard to various de-posit schemes of the Society,Gaude said they recently intro-duced Golden Recurring De-posit scheme, under which ifthe customer invest initially Rs50,000 and thereafter Rs 5,000every month for a period of 180months, he can get back anamount of Rs 24,05,037.

Gaude said the existingbranch of the Society at HousingBoard Colony at Porvorim will

be shifted to spacious premisesat Chogum Road.

A ldona ML A DayanandNarvekar, Saligao MLA DeelipParulekar, Registrar of Co-oper-ative Societies Pratapsing Kankarand Marra-Pilerne Sarpanch Su-varna Malik will also attend thefunction, informed Gaude.

Society Chairman SuryaGaude, Vice Chairperson Pan-durang Gaude and Directors HiruKhedekar, Rohidas Khedekar,Dina Bandodker, Ramdas Kerkar,Anant Kerkar, ChandrakantGaude, Ramdas Velingker andRama Gaude were present forthe press conference.

Anjuna-Assagao farmers derive

benefit of crop harvester

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

CALANGUTE, NOV 14

The farmers of Anjuna-Assagao,who were facing acute shortageof manual labour to harvest theircrops, reaped the benefits ofthe Klaas Tiller Crop Harvester.

The farmers reaped the ben-efits of the Klaas Tiller Crop Har-vester through the initiative ofthe Siolim Youth Congress Blockunder the leadership of its Pres-ident Sandesh Khorjuemkar.

Over 100 farmers from Anjunaand Assagao villages, includingthe youth members , Dat -taprasad Mandrekar, Bharat Gov-ekar, Dinesh Kalangutkar andSuryakant Kalangutkar, availedbenefits of Klaas Tiller Crop Har-vester.

The Harvest machine was pro-vided through the AgriculturalDepartment in the interest ofthe farmers to encourage themto cultivate their paddy fieldsin the years ahead.

With the State governmentextending various agriculturalfacilities for farmers, the peopleof Goa should be able to get agood yield for their cultivation.

The farmers of Anjuna andAssagao have thanked SiolimYouth Congress Block PresidentSandesh Khorjuemkar and Agri-cultural officials Nagesh Dab-holkar and Lobo for theirsupport and co-operation.

HERALD NEWS DESK

PANJIM, NOV 14

NCC camps instill in young peo-ple self reliance, confidence,community living, working to-gether in disciplined mannersaid Commanding Officer of 1Goa Battalion NCC and CampCommandant ATC Camp,Colonel F S Virk. He was speak-ing to a group of journalists whovisited the Army Senior and Jun-ior Division Annual Trainingcamp at St Anthonys HighSchool at Duler, Mapusa recently.

Col Virk informed that thereare in all 742 NCC cadets at-tended the camp which includes260 Junior Division, 86 JuniorWing, 273 Senior Division and124 Senior Wing from 8 col-leges and 74 schools from allover the State.

During the 10-day camp, thecadets he said, were trained in

NCC camps instill sense of community living: Col Virk

weapon training, drill with armsand without arms, field craft, bat-tle craft, map setting and reading,health and hygiene, social serv-ices like blood donation. NCC hesaid develops the students asgood and responsible citizens.During camps the instructors alsotake the opportunity to completethe syllabus for answering partA, B and C certificates.

Speaking about advantagesof joining the NCC, he said thereare number of vacancies whichare reserved for NCC cadets inGovernment and also in privatesectors. At Officers TrainingAcademy, certain seats are re-served for NCC C Certificatecandidates with A or B grading.For such candidates written ex-amination is waived off. Also inprivates sectors such as Sahara,Reliance and others certainquota is reserved for NCC cadets.

The camp which commencedon November 1 concluded withcamp fire, prize distribution cer-emony and cultural programmesby the cadets. James Christopherand Capt Tushar Anvekar werecamp adjutants.

Ration quota for NovemberHERALD NEWS DESK

PANJIM, NOV 14

10 kgs of rice and 5 kgs of wheatper card will be distributed dur-ing month of November to APLcardholders. 60 kgs of rice willbe distributed by the familiesof Below Poverty Line (BPL) cat-egories families per card for No-vember and 35 kgs of rice willto the families of Antyodaya(AAY) categories families percard. Sugar will be distributedat 500 grams per person permonth to all except APL cardholders.

Fair Price Shops owners havebeen directed to lift the stockof the above commodities im-mediately and release the quotaof November. They also have todisplay the sample of the qualityof commodities supplied to thecardholders.

Complaints related to nonsupply of PDS commodities orthe quantity and quality suppliedby the FPS can be made to theDirectorate of Civil Supplies andConsumer Affairs, Panjim.

Clearance of Power duesHERALD NEWS DESK

PANJIM, NOV 14

The Electricity Department has declared the period from November15 to December 31 as Arrears Clearance Period for clearing ofelectricity dues by all its consumers. Consumers are thereforeasked to clear their outstanding dues during the said period,failing which they will face disconnection.

POWER LINE WARNINGThe newly erected 33KV double circuit line from Xeldem Sub

Station to Nessai Sub Station along with 33 KV XLPE cable will betest charged on November 15 and will remain charged thereafter.Public is cautioned to keep away from the lines and associatedequipment.

Poetrycompetition

PANJIM (HMD): An all Indiapoetry competition will be or-ganised in English, Konkani,Marathi and Hindi, limited to 12lines, by Nandanvan trimonthlyfor its Xmas and New Year spe-cial issue to be published in De-cember. 20 prizes, of Rs 100 eachwill be awarded to 20 selectedpoems. Poems should be sentby November 27 to the Editor,Nandanvan, 178/176, Narayan-nagar, Honda, Post Pratapnagar,Sakhali, Goa 403 505.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

BICHOLIM, NOV 14

The Animal Rescue Squad (ARS)Bicholim and fire force officialsrecently rescued a wild boarfrom a well at Mayem-Bicholim.

According to ARS Chief AmrutSingh, they rescued a wild boarfallen into the well of one Kali-das Naik at Gaonkarwada-Mayem.

The boar fell in the well onWednesday night and Naik in-formed us in the morning. Theboar was struggling in the water

and after about an hour, wewere able to rescue the animal,said Singh.

The boar survived as thewater in the well was lessand there was some space bythe side for the animal tostand.

ARS team including ShilpeshMayekar, Nitesh Narvekar, San-tosh Natekar along with the fireforce officials rescued the ani-mal. Later, the animal washanded over to the forest de-partment.

Wild boar rescued from well at Bicholim

The wild boar which was rescued from the well at Gaonkarwada-Mayem. Photo by Samir Umarye

GOA, MONDAY, 15 NOVEMBER, 2010REGIONOHERA

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PTIMUMBAI, NOV 14

The Adarsh Housing scam hasleft Maharashtra's image "sullied"and has given birth to an atmos-phere of growing "disillusion-ment" and "cynicism" amongcommon people, newly ap-pointed Chief Minister PrithvirajChavan has said.

"There is no doubt about thatit has sullied Maharashtra'simage," Chavan said.

"An atmosphere of disillusion-ment has crept in among thecommon people due to the hap-penings in the country. Thereis cynicism that nothing goodwill happen at the hands ofpoliticians," he said in an inter-view.

An enquiry panel has beenconstituted and whose crime ormistake (it was) will come outlater. But there is a perception,after all, politicians can't justsay they are yet to be sentenced,the chief minister said.

"In politics, perception is im-portant. If people are to trustyou...it is about perception," hesaid.

Chavan said his efforts wouldbe to provide an efficient ad-ministration. "Be it me or AjitPawar, we have to, through ourpersonal behaviour, set an ex-ample for colleagues and bu-reaucracy."

"It is everyone's effort to pickup the best ministry, Chavansaid. But it is also a fact that wepick up from amongst the leg-islators we have," he added. Be-sides, it is also important tostrike a regional balance andachieve social justice (in ministryformation), he said.

So, although it is a noble as-pirational feeling to form a min-istry solely on basis of merit, itis not feasible in practise, Cha-van said. "I have seen that sometimes, merit is sacrificed."

Adarsh scam has tainted Mrashtras image: Chavan

If those in administrationhave made mistakes, theyshould not be shielded, exem-plary punishment is needed, hesaid, when asked about actionstaken against the corrupt.

Chavan cited the actionagainst top politicians in the af-termath of 26/11 terror attacksand said, "No one's crime wasproven in court but there was aperception of dereliction of duty.So, the Congress president tooka daring decision and some peo-ple who were most efficient hadto leave, at least for some time."

The chief minister said hefeels importance of small "indi-

vidual-centric" regional partieswould gradually decline.

"I feel that slowly, the small re-gional parties, those who are cen-tred around an individual...theirimportance will gradually de-cline," Chavan told a TV channel.

"But one can't tell when thiswill happen. In the next elec-tions or the ones after that.

"Some people say that therewon't be a single-party govern-ment now. I don't feel so. I feelpeople realise that if they givea fractured poll verdict, theyhave to suffer the consequences,be it roads, drinking water orschools," he said.

Prithviraj to reach out to people opposing N-plant at Jaitapur

PTI NEW DELHI, NOV 14

New Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan today saidhe would reach out to local people opposing the proposednuclear power plant in Jaitapur and ensure that they get propercompensation.

"You cannot take resettlement for granted. The project-af-fected people must be duly compensated," Chavan said replyingto questions on the protests against the Jaitapur plan inRatnagiri district of Maharashtra.

Chavan said the state government along with officials ofthe Department of Atomic Energy and popular leaders likeNarayan Rane will lead an initiative to convince the people ofthe region on the necessity of the project.

"I will personally reach out to the people to convince themon the necessity of the project that will bring an investmentof over rupees one lakh crore in the region," he said at theIndia International Trade Fair here.

Chavan said it would be his endeavour to ensure that in-vestments in trade reach the remotest parts of the state.

He announced special sops and quick clearances for busi-nessmen making investments in rural areas of the state.

"We have to limit the migration by ensuring investments inrural parts of the state. From now on, the focus would be oncreating jobs in rural and other backward parts of the state,"Chavan said.

He also inaugurated the Maharashtra Pavilion at the IITF.There has been opposition from farmers and local villagers

to building the nuclear power plant on their farmland in Jait-pur.

HERALD CORRESPONDENTBELGAUM, NOV 14

Pioneer and great visionary ofprimary and higher educationin Belgaum and Karnataka andchairman of Karnataka LingayatSociety Dr Prabhakar Kore,under whose leadership theKLE has achieved global excel-lence, will be felicitated onMonday on completing 25 yearsof his chairmanship with dy-namism.

Cine actor and NationalAward winner Padmashri Anu-pam Kher will be the chief guestfor the function, which will beorganized at the Lingaraj Col-lege campus here, to felicitateDr Kore, who is also Member ofParliament in Rajya Sabha forthe second time.

Giving details about Dr Koreslegendary role in the phenom-enal success of the KLE Societyinstitutions, KLE Society Presi-dent Shivanand Kaujalgi said DrKore became chairman of thesociety in 1984 and since thenthe society that was formed in1916 has become a huge successstory.

Dr Kore, who was 37 yearsof age when he became thecha i rman o f the soc ie ty,showed exemplary compe-tence and extraordinary profi-ciency in leading the society,said Kaujalgi.

With a meager 38 educationalinstitutions, 33,508 students,600 acres of land and a turnoverof Rs 6.5 crore, the society hasmade phenomenal progress.Under the leadership of Dr Kore,the society has 211 educationalinstitutions, more than 75,000students, 1,200 acres of land,an annual turnover of about Rs440 crore and fixed assets withnet worth Rs 300 crore.

The society has the worldclass institutions imparting pri-mary and higher education inthe field of medicine, engineer-ing, science and technology,computers, law, managementand other areas of education.

The 1,000 bed KLES Hospital,920 bed charity hospital and

300 bed ayurvedic hospital arethe results of the exemplary vi-sion of Dr Kore.

He has also played an impor-tant role in getting the Legisla-tive session of the KarnatakaState Assembly in Belgaum andis instrumental in enriching theKannada language and culturein the region by organizing lit-erary meets occasionally in Bel-gaum.

He has also traveled widelyin major part of the world inpromoting KLE Society.

He miraculously survived thebullets fired at him in 2006 andsince then his commitment tostrive for the society has risenmultifold.

Dr Kore, now a MP, has alsoserved as a MLC in KarnatakaState Council. He is also theChancellor of the KLE Univer-sity.

He has a strong associationwith the people and leaders ofall religions. He also has cordialcontact with the leaders andpeople from all walks of life inGoa and Maharashtra.

Incidentally, KLE Society toois observing its 95th foundationday on the occasion. Distrcit In-charge Minister Siddeshwar Ma-haswamiji, Umesh Katti and alarge number of dignitaries willbe present for the felicitationof Dr Kore at Belgaum.

Dr Kores competence, visionhas aided KLE society

APMC president killed in Belgaum

HERALD CORRESPONDENTBELGAUM, NOV 14

In a horrific incident that hastraumatized the people of Bel-gaum, President of AgricultureProduce and Market Committee(APMC) was murdered in broaddaylight recently.

Accord ing to repor t s ,Parashram Devappa Kuranagi(50) was allegedly hacked todeath by some persons. The in-cident took place at about 2 pmon Thursday at Shahunagar lo-cality of Belgaum. The policehave arrested two persons inconnection with the case.

According to police, the inci-dent was the fallout of the pro-longed property dispute.

Giving details about the inci-dent, CPI Basvaraj Yeligar saidtwo persons entered Parashramshouse and started demandingthe sum of amount he had re-ceived as compensation fromthe government towards threeacres of land at Halga-Belgaum,where the Suvarna Soudha (Leg-islative House) is being con-structed.

After a scuffle, the duo al-legedly attacked Parashram withsickles they carried along withthem, though Parashram triedto escape. But the duo followedhim and he was hacked to deathon the road.

The impact of the hacking wassuch that Parashram, who is saidto have had multiple fatal in-juries, collapsed on the road.

PTIMUMBAI, NOV 14

The central government has told theBombay High Court that it had gainedtotal legal ownership of the historic Jin-nah House which is mired in controversyafter heirs of the original house-ownerPakistan founder Mohammed Ali Jinnahstaked claim to the property.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA),

in an affidavit filed recently before theHigh Court, claimed that the governmenthad acquired the Jinnah House in Mumbaias evacuee property and hence all rightsof evacuee and others stood extin-guished.

The affidavit was filed in responseto a petition by Dina Wadia, daughterof Jinnah, laid claim to Jinnah Housewhich stands on a 2.5 acre plot in

posh Malabar Hill area of South Mum-bai.

Ninety one-year-old Dina, who livesin New York, has contended that she wasthe sole heir to her father's property.

However, in another twist to thefight over the property, MohammedRajabally Ebrahim, grand-nephew ofJinnah, has claimed one-sixth share inthe estate.

The pleas of Dina and Abrahim wereadmitted in August this year.

Ebrahim has staked his claim on thebasis of Jinnah's will dated May 30, 1939,in which he had bequeathed his houseto sister Fatima.

Dina, on the other hand, has deniedthat Jinnah had left behind such a will.

The case will come up for final hearingnext week.

Jinnah House belongs to Govt, HC told

HERALD CORRESPONDENTBELGAUM, NOV 14

Karnataka Chief Minister B SYeddyurappa has stated that hisgovernments decision to im-pose ban on mining export andillegal mineral trade with Chinaand other countries has causedunrest among the mining lobbyin Karnataka, which was respon-sible for the recent coup againsthim in Karnataka.

He was speaking at a publicfunction that was organizedunder the Bhagyalakshmi schemeunder which over 11 lakh womenin the state, including about 1lakh women in Belgaum district,were distributed sarees so far,while all the girl children in thestate coming from BPL families

will be provided higher educationupto graduation.

Rally was also held at the CPed College ground here lateMonday evening.

Karnataka is the first andonly state in India to ban exportsand initiate an important stepto mobilize the minerals with avalue added advantage for thebenefit of the nation, saidYedyurappa.

However, the mining lobbythat was looting this nationalwealth was disturbed and triedto unsettle my democraticallyelected government, he saidasking the women gathered topray every morning that Godsaves his government.

Stating that the present BJP

government has the honour ofgetting Karnataka to the No 2position at National Level as faras overall development is con-cerned, he said the endeavourto reach the No 1 position wouldcontinue by implementing var-ious farmer and common manoriented developmental pro-grammes.

Do not discontinue the ed-ucation of your girl child anddo not send them to work at atender age, as my governmentunder the Bhagyalaxmi schemewill take sufficient measures toensure their education uptograduate level, said Yedyurappaurging the women be lowpoverty line, who had gatheredfor the rally in large number.

Unrest among mining lobby over govts decision: Ktaka CM

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yedyurappa distributes a saree and a bond to a woman and a girl child atBelgaum.

PTIMUMBAI, NOV 14

Abhishek Bachchan-BipashaBasu starrer 'Dum Maro Dum'will hit the screens on April 22next year instead of Februarywhich was scheduled earlier.

Sources said fresh releasedate is an Easter weekend whileFebruary was an examinationtime for youngsters.

Earlier, Fox Star Studios andRamesh Sippy had announcedthat the film would release inthe first week of February to co-incide with Abhishek's birthdayon February 5.

After their successful collab-oration in 'Bluffmaster', this filmmarks the coming together ofdirector Rohan Sippy and Ab-hishek Bachchan, who essays therole of a fearless cop in the film.

"The film has shaped up verywell and the audiences shouldget ready to enjoy a gripping,moving film with great visual ap-peal. The colors, feel and soundsof Goa are further complementedby music composed by Pritamand lyrics by Jaideep Sahni," pro-ducer Ramesh Sippy said.

"We are in the midst of re-searching the film amongst var-ious target groups and areexcited with the response thatwe are getting. It has a greatscript, it's vibrant and contem-porary, and we expect the filmto appeal to the multiplex andsingle screen audiences. SinceEaster is a big holiday weekend,it will provide a great releasewindow in India and across In-ternational markets," says VijaySingh, CEO, Fox Star Studios.

The movie is an exciting styl-ish thriller drama which racesthrough the by lanes, beachshacks and raves of India'slargest tourist destination Goa,director Rohan Sippy said.

He said the film promises totake the audience on a trip thatwill have them on the edge oftheir seat.

"Populated with unforgettablecharacters, punctuated with asoundtrack that moves fromhaunting Konkani songs to pul-sating dance music, the film isshot right in the midst of theinternational tourist hotspot,"he added.

'Dum Maaro Dum' stars Ab-hishek Bachchan, Bipasha Basu,Rana Daggubati, Pratik Babbarand Aditya Pancholi in the leadroles.

Fox Studios pushes release of 'Dum Maro Dum' by 2 months

PTIMUMBAI, NOV 14

Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab,sentenced to death for his rolein 26/11 terror attacks, does nothave any interest in the hearingof his appeal in the Bombay HighCourt and seems to be lost inhis own world, his lawyer AminSolkar said today.

Solkar, who met Kasab in hisheavily guarded bullet andbomb-proof cell at Arthur RoadCentral Prison here yesterday,said, "He does not evince inter-est in the 26/11 case".

"We talked about religion andthings in general but often hewent off at the tangent and di-verted from the topic...I thinkhe is lost in his own world,"Solkar told PTI.

"Kasab seems to be medicallyfit and showed interest in read-ing books. I have promised togive him some story books inUrdu as he is proficient in thatlanguage," Solkar said.

The jail authorities have al-ready provided him with theholy Quran and Kasab recitesthe verses regularly.

"All that I can understand frommeeting him is that he is un-predictable. He says one thingat a particular moment and sud-denly switches to another topic,"Solkar said.

Asked what was his purpose

Kasab not interested in case, lost in his own world: lawyer

of meeting Kasab, Solkar said,"I wanted to know his mentalframe of mind because of thetantrums he has been throwingin the court and jail."

Meanwhi le , hear ing onKasab's appeal and confirmationof his death sentence would re-sume tomorrow before JusticeRanjana Desai and Justice R VMore in the Bombay High Courtafter Diwali vacations and hislawyers have geared up to sub-mit arguments.

On Monday, GovernmentCounsel Ujjwal Nikam wouldharp on Kasab's confession andhis admission of guilt in the trialcourt on how he and other ter-rorists had come from Karachito strike terror in the commer-cial capital of India.

"I would focus on the con-spiracy of Lashkar-e-Taiba to givemilitary and intelligence toKasab and nine others who came

by sea route and killed 166 per-sons at Nariman House and ho-tels Taj Mahal and Oberoi,"Nikam said.

N ikam would h igh l ightKasab's confession in which hehas described how the securityapparatus of Pakistan was usedto train terrorists for the attackin Mumbai.

Nikam has already submittedarguments on the role playedby Kasab in gunning down peo-ple at Chhatrapati Shivaji railwayterminus, in and outside Camahospital, and planting a bombin a taxi.

Defence lawyers would arguethat identification of Kasab bywitnesses in the court did nothave evidential value because hisphotographs were flashed innewspapers and on TV on the dayof attacks. "There is no evidenceto show that Kasab conspiredwith other accused to strike terrorand also he did not participate inthe strikes", Solkar said.

Nikam would take at least aweek to conclude his argumentsfollowing which Kasab's lawyersAmin Solkar and Farhana Shahwould give their submissions.This would be followed by ar-guments from Faheem Ansariand Sabauddin Ahmed, whowere acquitted by the court asevidence against them wasdoubtful.

BELGAUM, NOV 14(HC)

Dr M V Jali, Medical Directorand Chief Executive of KLES DrPrabhakar Kore Hospital, hasbeen conferred with Distin-guished Services Award-2010by recognizing his contributionsto establish Geriatric Clinic(clinic to take care of elderly) atKLES Hospital, Belgaum.

This is only the second Geri-

atric Clinic in entire SouthernIndia, the first one being at Chen-nai.

Dr Jali awarded

Aamir puts wifeKiran at

centerstage forDhobi Ghat

PTIMUMBAI, NOV 14

Actor-Filmmaker Aamir Khan hasdecided to step back and letwife Kiran Rao to take center-stage for her debut directorialventure 'Dhobhi Ghat'.

Aamir had started a trend ofshowing the first theatrical tomedia and having an informalinteraction at the beginning ofeach film.

Starting with 'Taare ZameenPar', 'Jaane Tu...', 'Ghajini', '3 Id-iots' and 'Peepli Live', he alwayspersonally shows the first lookor theatrical to media.

But for the first time, in over3 years, he will not be there forthe launch of first look of'Dhobhi Ghat'.

Aamir's decision comes closeon the heels of reports ofAnusha Rizvi's discomfort in themanner with which Aamir tookthe entire control of marketingand promoting her directorialdebut 'Peepli Live'.

According to Anusha, expo-sure cannot come at misrepre-sentation.

After 'Peepli Live', 'Dhobi Ghat'is Aamir's latest production.

According to sources close toAamir, the entire marketingteam of 'Dhobi Ghat', includingKiran, were taken aback at hisdecision.

It is said, laughter is good medicine for ourmany woes. Laugh as much as you breathe andlove as long as you live. Indeed, we would love

to laugh at the right things and in the correct sit-uations, instead, we laugh at awkward situations,and at false premises. Comedians have made afortune from mishaps in society, and for creativelycrafting sarcasm at others. The socio-political sit-uation presents numerous circumstances, whichthen become a living reference book. However,the sarcasm is directed not to destroy but tobring a positive change in peoples attitude; toovercome the ills in society. As we know, Thehuman race has only one really effective weaponand that is laughter. So laugh even though welaugh at ourselves, and nothing shows a manscharacter more than what he laughs at.

Several months back, I wrote an article, TragicComedy, which ruffled a few feathers in the GoaLegislative Assembly. To take offence at such lit-erature was entirely uncalled for on the part ofthe elected representatives. What they wantedto do was flex their muscles to silence a voice, tocontinue their business to usurp public funds fortheir own benefit, and that of their immediatefamily members.

Someone once said, I always knew lookingback on my tears would bring me laughter, but Inever knew looking back on my laughter wouldmake me cry. Looking back, it was indeed anabomination to compare the act of the politiciansto our beautiful cultural art tiatr. The politicianshave descended to such an ethical low, violatingevery code of conduct, that there is no real com-parison. Tiatrists have shouldered the responsi-bility to right what is wrong in society and tobring about positive change. The elected legisla-tors were given this responsibility by the popularwill to work for the common good. They havefailed, failed and continue to fail miserably witheach passing day.

The political fiasco in Vasco is the epitome ofour past, present and future political life in Goa.People of Goa, you should not be surprised atsuch a declaration. The law makers are the law

breakers, and supposedly it is fine with us becausewe continue to elect them time and time again.How deplorable is this situation? It would bedisgraceful and reprehensible to elevate them tothe beautiful art of Tiatr, which has been handeddown to us, and continues to brighten the com-munity with values and entertainment.

However, in this Vasco production, there wasno proper script; neither was it comedy or tragedyfor the audience to have a thrill or chill. All theyfeel was pure disdain. It was an outrageous actof cowardliness and hooliganism.

These are not sporadic, random acts, but havehistory connected to them. Let me remind thepeople of Goa, if they are not able to recall, thatthese are the same hooligans who sabotagedthe inauguration of the new bridge at San JacintoIsland, not long ago. Despite having lost allself-respect and dignity, they still have the au-dacity to present an ugly brawl to the people ofGoa.

It is high time that we stop the bull fights, andlet Francisco Sardinha conduct a real fight in theFatorda Stadium among these 40 hooligans, whohave been fed by Goans for way too long.

I would like to make another point. Why are

national parties involved in civic elections? Cit-izens should choose their representatives inde-pendent of any political parties. But, you knowthe answer. Our politicians are never satisfied,as their greed grows by leaps and bounds. Theygrab whatever is available by hook or by crook.A case is made by Jose Philip against Mickky fortrying to sabotage his position in Vasco. It is in-deed wrong to entice voters by distributing ma-terial goodies, but one is free to give out of hisgenerosity and the people are free to receive,and free also to vote for the candidate of theirchoosing.

In a democratic society like ours, therefore,how could Jose Philip, the Revenue Minister, pre-vent someone from distributing what is his own?Why was similar outrage not shown towards theChief Minister and PWD Minister, as they cam-paigned for their candidates in Margao city? Thehypocrisy of our system has embedded itself sodeeply; it is a death trap for those willing tochange. Laughbut you will be laughing at your-self.

How we wish our tiatrists offspring wouldcontinue their legacy. But, we know it is a talent,which cannot be bought and sold. However, this

is not the case with politicians. They feel it istheir duty to pass on their political baton to theirprogeny even before they have left the office.None of the elected representatives have achievedany greatness for the present and the next gen-eration to remember and emulate. On the contrary,they have systematically destroyed what God hadblessed us with, by the way of our bountifulnatural blessings. They have created a web of de-ception to entice the people, and methodicallysold us to drug-lords, and land sharks. They haveno thought about the wellbeing of society, butonly of their own future.

How could you even think of promoting yourown kin? Is politics purely a family business whereyou better your life at the cost of the tax payers?Dont you feel any shame for having failed thepeople over and over again? Our forefathers, andespecially tiarists of yesteryears, would roll overin their graves if they see the plight of our statecreated by our own people. It is said, You mayforget the one with whom you have laughed, butnever the one with whom you have wept.

The current mess of our political scenario isour own creation. I want to remind you of thewords of Churchill Alemao. While addressing theopening ceremony of a political office for hisdaughter in Benaulim, he had this to say, If Con-gress National Party fails to give her a ticket tocontest for the next assembly election, she willcontest on the peoples ticket. It is laughable,yes? But, on the other side of that laughter is aharvest of deception, failure and lost opportunity.As Goans, what will we do differently for ourstate?

Yes, laughter is good medicine. Auschwitz sur-vivor, Viktor Frankl, called laughter the currencyof hope. We, Goans, must rediscover hope.Hope asks us to make changes in our lives, inour world, because despite the nature of Man,hope knows everything is possible. Hope is everpresent, ready to come forth, and because it isconnected to the Creator, the greatest Force ofall, I believe that the people of Goa will rise abovetheir political shame.

Welcome Sagres FFsCarlos Fernandes, by email

I write these few lines in regard to NRPSagres arrival in Goa (Herald, 12 Nov). Ican understand the BJP protests, as theyare desperate to be in the limelight. But Ifail to understand the Goan Freedom Fight-ers (FFs) joining them in the protest. Theyshould have welcomed the Portuguese withgarlands of gold. It is because of the Por-tuguese that they are able to call themselvesFreedom Fighters and draw hefty pensionsand other benefits. The Portuguese mustbe having a good laugh saying, Goan Free-dom Fighters got rid of the foreign yokeso that they could themselves be the heavieryoke to Goans forever, as it would be im-possible for Goans to get rid of this do-mestic burden on the tax payers.

Only colonial freedom?Julius Carvalho, Dubai

BJP and ABVP are protesting because theyare confirmed communal organisations for

which history is waste paper and politicsis divide and rule game. Nagesh Karmalimay be one of the few genuine FreedomFighters (FFs) unlike many other fake FFsregistered soon after Liberation. Insteadof calling for removal of Portuguese namesfrom Goa, he should call for the removalof fake FFs names which are a burden onthe taxpayer.

He should remember that only becauseof the Portuguese today he is President ofFreedom Fighters and he along with hisrelatives enjoy free dole and other benefitsat the cost of the state exchequer. It seemshe is more anti-Goan and his fanatical natureis taking our State and country backward.Why protest against people who left Goa50 years ago? If you really believe in free-dom, then why are you silent against post-l iberation atrocities committed bypoliticians and bureaucrats in corruption,crimes, nepotism, sycophany and misman-agement? FFs should protest against mis-rule of Congress and educate some Goanswho think of democracy only in terms ofmaking money.

Take alcoholism seriouslyRocky Dias, Raia

Alcoholism is one of the three deadliestdiseases and as per the WHO. The alcoholicis a sick man. Alcoholics are good and help-ful persons with charming ways when sober.On 10 June 2010 Alcoholic Anonymous In-ternational celebrated its 75th anniversary.AA is a fellowship of people who helpothers stay sober. There are no dues orfees for membership. The primary require-ment is an acceptance of ones alcoholismand a desire to stay away from that firstfatal drink. Media and liquor barons haveglamorised alcohol by sponsoring sportingactivities and bringing an early end to thecareer of some of our brightest sportsmen.Responsible corporates are also taking theproblem seriously with weekly AA meetingson the premises. The irony is the alcoholicwhen sober is more productive than theaverage worker. Government of Goa andbusiness houses must encourage the in-crease of AA groups and set up at least 4Rehab Centres.

Islands and the AirportP L Fernandes, Old-Goa

First the contentious issue of whether theDabolim Airport is civilian or naval (Military).All along we thought it was civilian withthe assurances received that Dabolim willremain civilian even with new airport atMopa. Now in order to guard the runwayof Dabolim, the military wants two islands

(Pequeno and Grande) of strategic impor-tance to them. Come to think of it, it in-creasingly appears that they needed Goafor strategic, military purposes, or to exploitevery which way, rather than to liberateGoans from the yoke of colonial repressivepower. Were we sitting ducks?

BJP must stick to present Maria Fernandes, Houston-Texas

Even after 50 years our administration isin turmoil with no party claiming popularmandate. Note also the irreversible plunderof our motherland in the name of devel-opment. Now extrapolate backward thephysical change of Goas denizens to about500 years at the beginning of Portugueserule. The reasons that brought the famousBeautiful Goa phrase would have been lostcenturies ago. How dare BJP call 500 yearsof Portuguese rule as the darkest periodin Goa when during this same period Har-ijans, a sizeable populace in India werecondemned to live and die as lesser thanhuman? I am for fairness not Portuguese.

Guv and CM to blameAires Rodrigues, Ribandar

Any other Advocate General would haveput in his papers by now. What is moreworrying is the inaction of Goas Governorand Chief Minister, despite a mountain ofdocumented evidence of excessive billingand professional misconduct by SubodhKantak. In a way, they must share the blame

for just watching and allowing the highconstitutional post of Advocate Generaldeteriorate. Subodh Kantak who is Indiashighest paid Advocate General has officiallycost Goas exchequer over Rs 5 crore overthe last five years. When will Goa get anAdarsh Advocate General? Someone witha sound knowledge of law and impeccableintegrity, someone who will not bleed theexchequer and who is not thick skinned?

Wake up BJP!J Pinto, Mapusa

This refers to the news item titled BJPtrains guns on Portuguese Ship (Herald,12 Nov). The BJP spokesperson spoke ofdark age and undergo conversion. I amgrateful my ancestors converted to Chris-tianity, because they have brought me fromdarkness to light. Instead of training theirguns on the Portuguese ship, the BJP shouldtrain their guns on corruption, indisciplineand wanton destruction of our environmentand the bull dozing policies we are wit-nessing today.

The various government buildings builtby the Portuguese are still looked upon asmonuments. The Portuguese are instru-mental for the multi-cultural society andarchitecture which exist in Goa as a resultof which Goa is on the tourist map of theWorld. BJP, awaken to reality. Do not tryto fool others and in the process fool your-selves. Adopt a secular and positive outlookand let us move forward. Let us togethermake Goa the most beautiful and peaceloving State to live in.

Parsekar on thin iceMarcos Alemao,by email

I greatly respected the President of BJPLaximikant Parsekar, when he fought inthe Assembly, but after BJP trains guns onPortuguese ship, (Herald, 12 Nov) he haslost his credibility. The Portuguese ruledGoa for more than 500 years efficientlyand peacefully. The people were happyduring Portuguese time as compared withtoday. People were safe from crimes, mur-ders, house breaking etc. Innocent peoplewere never punished. Only trouble makerslike Naguesh Karmali and others were notspared for their misdeeds. Today, underIndian Democracy, it is the opposite. Trou-ble makers are spared, while the innocents

are punished. The BJP has already eatendust in the municipal elections and it willbe routed during the coming Assemblyelection if a man like Laximikant Parsekarbehaves in the manner he did yesterday.

Two pensions for the FF!Nelson Lopes, Chinchinim

The prominent freedom fighter is in receiptof double pension from the State. Onefrom his government job and the other asa freedom fighter. There is no moral justi-fication for this. The dole is coming fromtaxes paid by the citizens. I salute my col-league Felicio Cardoz, who refused a pen-sion, but instead created a corpus forscholarships in Konkani at SSC. The hateagainst the colonial masters is understand-able, but overdoing it smacks of rabid prej-udice. Going hammer and tongs at all thingsPortuguese is sheer madness. Todays Goanbenefits from a fusion of two cultures whichmakes Goa a unique soughtafter place inIndia.

Respect match officialsStuart Cabral, Nagoa

With the dearth of sporting talent in Goain every sports arena, there is a need totrain youngsters to respect a match official(referee) in a game. It is the duty of thecoaches, concerned sport authorities andparents to take up this matter seriously.Good habits initiated at a young age willyield good results.

Jesus is GodDominic Mathews, Siolim

This refers to John A. Fernandes letterMisusing the Bible (Herald, 2 Nov) on yogaand spirituality. Jesus prayed to the Father,but nowhere it says that he meditated be-cause meditation leads you to union withGod. Jesus is God himself (Son of God).Jesus is the Son of the Father, God mademan. He humbled himself to share in ourhumanity in order to give us a share in hisdivinity.

OPINIONwww.oheraldo.in

Pg6Vol No CX No: 285

Goa, Monday 15 November, 2010

Why bow to freedom fightersDr. Flora Miranda, Panjim, Ex-Professor and Head of Skin Dept. GMC

I read with concern the letters to the Herald written by Marcos Alemao, NelsonLopes, Adelmo Fernandes (8th November) and Dr. Francisco Colaco (11th November). Iam shocked that our State Government is going to bow down to the demands of theso-called freedom fighters like Naguesh Karmali and Flaviano Dias. Also, I amconcerned that from December 19, all the sign boards in Goa, will be in DevnagariKonkani script and Marathi. People of older generation like me will find it tough toread the boards. This is not acceptable. Moreover, Goa is an international touristdestination English should be retained for sign boards. The Government should notlisten to foolish suggestions of these so-called freedom fighters who seem incapableof doing any meaningful work. Karmali and F. Dias should concentrate their effortson issues that plague Goa like mounting garbage problem, corruption everywhere,water shortage, electricity shortage and other issues that plague Goa. Real freedomfighters in India never claimed any pension and I expect Karmali and others to giveup their pension, if they have other means to meet their needs. In future they shoulddesist from making foolish suggestions to the Government. The Chief Minister mustmake not bow down to the wishes of the likes of Naguesh Karmali and others.

Printed and published by Vinayak Pai Bir for and on behalf of Herald Publications Pvt Ltd. Printed at Herald Publications Pvt Ltd, Plot No: L-135, Phase II, Verna Industrial Estate, Verna, Salcete, Goa. Published at PO Box 160, Rua Sao Tome, Panjim, Goa - 403001. Editor-in-chief: Mr R F Fernandes. Editor: Ashwin Tombat(Responsible under PRB Act). Regd Office: St Tome Road, Panjim, Goa. Tel: 2224202, 2228083, Fax: 2222475 (all Editorial); 2230535, Fax: 2225622 (Advertising); Margao: 2737689. Mumbai Office: 16-A, Bell Building, 2nd Floor, 19 Sir PM Road, Fort, Mumbai - 400001 (Tel: 22840702/22844908). RNI No: 43667/83.HOW TO CONTACT US: mail@herald-goa.com For press notes, general queries. junioryouth@herald-goa.com Junior Herald & Careers. heraldmirror@herald-goa.com Sunday Mirror. reporters@herald-goa.com For Reporters. business@herald-goa.com For Business news. editor@herald-goa.com For Letters to the Editor. sports@herald-goa.com For Sports news. advt@herald-goa.com For Advertisements. 2day@herald-goa.com For Herald 2day. tiatr@herald-goa.com For Tiatr Reviews and Reports. Disclaimer: Except for the editorial above, articles and letters in Heraldrepresent the views of the concerned authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Herald editor, publisher, and/or owners.

law makers are the law-breakers yet we re-elect them says PeteR FeRnanDeS

OHERALDOO

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Sometimes, you just have to laugh!

SMILE WITH SMITHA Smitha Bhandare Kamat

RevitaliSinG Goan SoCietY

Going to town on Yankee Doodle

Michelle Obama dances to the Rang de Basanti song. BarrackObama says Javed Akhtar is lucky to have Shabana as hiswife. Obamas minute-to-minute schedule, from every day

that he spent in India, was splashed across the main headlines ofthe front pages on all leading Indian dailies. Obama finds Indiaincredible! It surely is incredible when a foreign