Why bow to ‘freedom fighters’
Dr. Flora Miranda, Panjim, Ex-Professor and Head of Skin Dept. GMC
I read with concern the letters to the Herald written by Marcos Alemao, Nelson Lopes, Adelmo Fernandes (8th November) and Dr. Francisco Colaco (11th November). I am shocked that our State Government is going to bow down to the demands of the so-called freedom fighters like Naguesh Karmali and Flaviano Dias. Also, I am concerned that from December 19, all the sign boards in Goa, will be in Devnagari Konkani script and Marathi. People of older generation like me will find it tough to read the boards. This is not acceptable. Moreover, Goa is an international tourist destination English should be retained for sign boards. The Government should not listen to foolish suggestions of these so-called freedom fighters who seem incapable of doing any meaningful work. Karmali and F. Dias should concentrate their efforts on issues that plague Goa like mounting garbage problem, corruption everywhere, water shortage, electricity shortage and other issues that plague Goa. Real freedom fighters in India never claimed any pension and I expect Karmali and others to give up their pension, if they have other means to meet their needs. In future they should desist from making foolish suggestions to the Government. The Chief Minister must make not bow down to the wishes of the likes of Naguesh Karmali and others.
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Welcome Sagres FFs
Carlos Fernandes, by email
I write these few lines in regard to NRP Sagres’ arrival in Goa (Herald, 12 Nov). I can understand the BJP protests, as they are desperate to be in the limelight. But I fail to understand the Goan Freedom Fighters (FFs) joining them in the protest. They should have welcomed the Portuguese with garlands of gold. It is because of the Portuguese that they are able to call themselves Freedom Fighters and draw hefty pensions and other benefits. The Portuguese must be having a good laugh saying, “Goan Freedom Fighters got rid of the foreign yoke so that they could themselves be the heavier yoke to Goans forever,” as it would be impossible for Goans to get rid of this domestic burden on the tax payers.
Only colonial freedom?
Julius Carvalho, Dubai
BJP and ABVP are protesting because they are confirmed communal organisations for which history is waste paper and politics is divide and rule game. Nagesh Karmali may be one of the few genuine Freedom Fighters (FFs) unlike many other fake FFs registered soon after Liberation. Instead of calling for removal of Portuguese names from Goa, he should call for the removal of fake FFs names which are a burden on the taxpayer.
He should remember that only because of the Portuguese today he is President of Freedom Fighters and he along with his relatives enjoy free dole and other benefits at the cost of the state exchequer. It seems he is more anti-Goan and his fanatical nature is taking our State and country backward. Why protest against people who left Goa 50 years ago? If you really believe in freedom, then why are you silent against post-liberation atrocities committed by politicians and bureaucrats in corruption, crimes, nepotism, sycophany and mismanagement? FFs should protest against misrule of Congress and educate some Goans who think of democracy only in terms of making money.
Take alcoholism seriously
Rocky Dias, Raia
Alcoholism is one of the three deadliest diseases and as per the WHO. The alcoholic is a sick man. Alcoholics are good and helpful persons with charming ways when sober. On 10 June 2010 Alcoholic Anonymous International celebrated its 75th anniversary. AA is a fellowship of people who help others stay sober. There are no dues or fees for membership. The primary requirement is an acceptance of one’s alcoholism and a desire to stay away from that first fatal drink. Media and liquor barons have glamorised alcohol by sponsoring sporting activities and bringing an early end to the career of some of our brightest sportsmen. Responsible corporates are also taking the problem seriously with weekly AA meetings on the premises. The irony is the alcoholic when sober is more productive than the average worker. Government of Goa and business houses must encourage the increase of AA groups and set up at least 4 Rehab Centres.
Islands and the Airport
P L Fernandes, Old-Goa
First the contentious issue of whether the Dabolim Airport is civilian or naval (Military). All along we thought it was civilian with the assurances received that Dabolim will remain civilian even with new airport at Mopa. Now in order to guard the runway of Dabolim, the military wants two islands (Pequeno and Grande) of strategic importance to them. Come to think of it, it increasingly appears that they needed Goa for strategic, military purposes, or to exploit every which way, rather than to liberate Goans from the yoke of colonial repressive power. Were we sitting ducks?
BJP must stick to present
Maria Fernandes, Houston-Texas
Even after 50 years our administration is in turmoil with no party claiming popular mandate. Note also the irreversible plunder of our motherland in the name of development. Now extrapolate backward the physical change of Goa’s denizens to about 500 years at the beginning of Portuguese rule. The reasons that brought the famous ‘Beautiful Goa’ phrase would have been lost centuries ago. How dare BJP call 500 years of Portuguese rule as the darkest period in Goa when during this same period Harijans, a sizeable populace in India were condemned to live and die as lesser than human? I am for fairness not Portuguese.
Guv and CM to blame
Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar
Any other Advocate General would have put in his papers by now. What is more worrying is the inaction of Goa’s Governor and Chief Minister, despite a mountain of documented evidence of excessive billing and professional misconduct by Subodh Kantak. In a way, they must share the blame for just watching and allowing the high constitutional post of Advocate General deteriorate. Subodh Kantak who is India’s highest paid Advocate General has officially cost Goa’s exchequer over Rs 5 crore over the last five years. When will Goa get an ‘Adarsh’ Advocate General? Someone with a sound knowledge of law and impeccable integrity, someone who will not bleed the exchequer and who is not thick skinned?
Wake up BJP!
J Pinto, Mapusa
This refers to the news item titled ‘BJP trains guns on Portuguese Ship’ (Herald, 12 Nov). The BJP spokesperson spoke of ‘dark age’ and ‘undergo conversion’. I am grateful my ancestors converted to Christianity, because they have brought me from darkness to light. Instead of training their guns on the Portuguese ship, the BJP should train their guns on corruption, indiscipline and wanton destruction of our environment and the bull dozing policies we are witnessing today.
The various government buildings built by the Portuguese are still looked upon as monuments. The Portuguese are instrumental for the multi-cultural society and architecture which exist in Goa as a result of which Goa is on the tourist map of the World. BJP, awaken to reality. Do not try to fool others and in the process fool yourselves. Adopt a secular and positive outlook and let us move forward. Let us together make Goa the most beautiful and peace loving State to live in.
Parsekar on thin ice
Marcos Alemao,by email
I greatly respected the President of BJP Laximikant Parsekar, when he fought in the Assembly, but after ‘BJP trains guns on Portuguese ship’, (Herald, 12 Nov) he has lost his credibility. The Portuguese ruled Goa for more than 500 years efficiently and peacefully. The people were happy during Portuguese time as compared with today. People were safe from crimes, murders, house breaking etc. Innocent people were never punished. Only trouble makers like Naguesh Karmali and others were not spared for their misdeeds. Today, under Indian Democracy, it is the opposite. Trouble makers are spared, while the innocents are punished. The BJP has already eaten dust in the municipal elections and it will be routed during the coming Assembly election if a man like Laximikant Parsekar behaves in the manner he did yesterday.
Two pensions for the FF!
Nelson Lopes, Chinchinim
The prominent freedom fighter is in receipt of double pension from the State. One from his government job and the other as a freedom fighter. There is no moral justification for this. The dole is coming from taxes paid by the citizens. I salute my colleague Felicio Cardoz, who refused a pension, but instead created a corpus for scholarships in Konkani at SSC. The hate against the colonial masters is understandable, but overdoing it smacks of rabid prejudice. Going hammer and tongs at all things Portuguese is sheer madness. Today’s Goan benefits from a fusion of two cultures which makes Goa a unique soughtafter place in India.
Respect match officials
Stuart Cabral, Nagoa
With the dearth of sporting talent in Goa in every sports arena, there is a need to train youngsters to respect a match official (referee) in a game. It is the duty of the coaches, concerned sport authorities and parents to take up this matter seriously. Good habits initiated at a young age will yield good results.
Jesus is God
Dominic Mathews, Siolim
This refers to John A. Fernandes’ letter ‘Misusing the Bible’ (Herald, 2 Nov) on yoga and spirituality. Jesus prayed to the Father, but nowhere it says that he meditated because meditation leads you to union with God. Jesus is God himself (Son of God). Jesus is the Son of the Father, God made man. He humbled himself to share in our humanity in order to give us a share in his divinity.