More joy in giving than receiving
Positive vibe of kindness can work wonders in supporting friendship and unity. The quality of heaping benevolence on unkind persons may have an eclectic effect on the receiver as well as the giver, and it costs nothing. Similarly, unexpected kindness is least expensive and most powerful of all routes to societal change. On a larger platform, a kind environment is all the more necessary to push nations of the world to create a safe and secure place for all. There is a false notion that a country has to be cruel to be tough. Nothing can be further from the truth. People may forget anything but they will not forget how one made them feel. Small gestures like allowing the opposite side to talk, observing and hearing out the distressed by talking less, lending a hand for the elderly across the road, offering a seat to the old, disabled and women in public transport—are all signs and signals of kindness. The joy of being kind can trickle to the body as well as to the brain. Helping others, with a smile, may relax the physique and psyche to reduce pain and anxiety.
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Besides, stress level is found less in happy-go-lucky people. Kindness Day is observed on November 13.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Proper hygiene in street food outlets
There are numerous street-food vendors operating in the state in the cities, villages and more particularly along the coastal belt. It is prudent for these food outlets to follow proper hygiene while preparing and handling food. It is learnt that the Directorate of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Goa organized a training program aimed at raising awareness and educating street food vendors on food safety practices and hygiene. The program titled ‘Serve Safe Food’ is focused on practical knowledge about maintaining cleanliness, adhering to food safety standards and ensuring overall hygiene in the preparation of street food. It is understood that personal hygiene kits and food safety display boards were distributed to the participants.
Such a workshop is a step in the right direction and needs to cover most, if not all, street vendors across the state. It would be in the fitness of things to make, anyone applying for a license for a food joint from the civic body or the village panchayat, to mandatorily undergo a training workshop conducted by the FDA. It should be made compulsory for all street food outlets to possess the ‘food safety display boards’ which should be displayed at a prominent place in the food joint. It needs to be noted that the water used in the cooking plays a vital role in preparing hygienic food hence a check also needs to be maintained on the source of the water that is being used in the cooking.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Good decision to withdraw ferry hike
It was really a good decision taken by the Government of Goa to withdraw the fare hike in ferry service. The government has already started its procedure to construct new bridges but it has to also keep in mind to provide proper compensation to farmers whose fields will be acquired for the purpose. People too should support the government when it comes to development and not oppose the construction of bridges.
The Government should also immediately stop ferry services where there are bridges in the State because it’s a waste of tax payers money.
Ronnie D’Souza, Chandor
Respect law in letter and spirit
The strict warning given to the erring Governors of all the non-BJP ruled states by the Supreme Court is a hard knock on the heads of those Governors who are, no doubt, doing everything detrimental to the interest of the duly elected governments and the people of the respective states. It is time they heeded to the warning of the Apex Court and perform their duties not exceeding the powers vested on them by our Constitution.
Though the Apex Court had been advising the said Governors to heed to the advice of the state legislatures and take decisions on the bills sent to them within a reasonable time earlier also, this time, it appears to be the final warning to them by the honourable Court. Hope the Governors would realise their folly at least now and act as per the directions of the Supreme
Court lest the top court of the nation takes over their powers and accord assent to those bills kept pending for months together by the governors with vested interest.
They should never forget that the Supreme Court has the final say in all matters relating to our Constitution.
Tharcius S. Fernando, Chennai
Stop genocide in Gaza
It’s been a month since war broke out in Israel- Gaza. In 33 days, 4,324 children have been killed in Gaza, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. That is an average of 131 children Daily and UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called Gaza “a graveyard for children”.
From when Israel started attacking on Gaza Strip its main target has been only innocent children, women, hospitals, schools, and refugee camps that’s obsoletely against humanity. Around 20,000 Palestinians are dead so far and countless are buried under the rubble. Now, across the world, including in Israel, there is opposition to the war: People in many world capitals have marched for Gaza. Where does Israel want to take this war? And how long should the world continue counting the dead? Nations, maps, and organisations disappear, but memories haunt the living. It’s time to be agreed to a ceasefire.
Tauqueer Rahmani, Mumbai
Encourage, support local vendors
Varieties of items such as flowers, fruits vegetables, eatables and festival items are still being produced locally. This age-old tradition is continuing in the State in spite of an onslaught of products from neighbouring areas.
Unfortunately there are no buyers locally, so one has to travel to nearest city/town and toil in hot sun the whole day with the hope of selling it. But rarely is the entire quantity sold off. So local vendors have to carry back the left over produce and repeat the process the next day.
Mainly women are involved in selling local products and this is their only means of livelihood. It has not been possible to compete with identical products in the market and thus there are fewer buyers. There is no proper shelter, or place for them to sell their items forcing them to occupy road sides, pathways, corners etc. and fear of facing traffic police/municipal inspectors.
The present MLA of Fatorda and then Minister had taken note of this issue but did nothing as is the case of other ministers so far. The other political parties are prompt in coming to the street on silly issues but neglected local Goan vendors. The Government needs to look into their plight and give them minimum support price. It is hoped the concerned minister will act on this aspect.
Bhalchandra V S Priolkar, Margao
