Kudos to villagers of Siolim-Sodiem
This has reference to the report ‘ Siolim-Sodiem gram panchayat stresses on preservation of Village fabric’ (O Heraldo December 20, 2023).
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The villagers of Siolim-Sodiem must be complimented for their spirited, united opposition to the mindless development in their village. The news report gives a good insight into the importance of preservation of the village fabric in a fast urbanising scenario. Villages have a unique feeling of being one with nature and it is important to preserve the village fabric.
In Mumbai for instance, there were a number of villages once upon a time. Unfortunately however, almost all these villages have fallen prey to the onslaught of urbanisation, leading to a concrete jungle.
Today, there are just a couple of villages like Gorai-Culvem-Manori across the sea which still preserve their pristine beauty but are now under threat of being destroyed, with plans for a bridge, without applying their mind to the negative impact of their actions.
Another victim of urbanisation is the destruction of the local culture as well.
Certain organisations like the Mobai Gaothan Panchayat (MGP) however, are trying to revive and atleast preserve the local culture in Mumbai.
Melville X D’Souza, Mumbai
Keeping a tag on vicious dog breeds
The Colvale police have reportedly booked an owner and a caretaker of a Rottweiler dog after the pet attacked and injured a ten-year-old girl at Camurlim. It is learnt that the dog which was left unattended went outside the house gate and bit the minor girl, who was passing by. It may be recalled that about four months back in a brutal dog attack also involving a Rottweiler dog two minors, a boy and a girl aged five and seven were severely injured at Taleigao. The two minors reportedly suffered multiple bleeding injuries over the face, head and other parts of the body. The government has decided to come out with a list of fierce dogs that will be banned. Henceforth no one would be allowed to purchase dogs that are on the list. The department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences (AHVS) was asked to compile a list of vicious dogs. It may not be possible to order dog owners to give up their pets, but going forward no one will be allowed to buy any of the dogs on the banned list. Hence people could still be owning ferocious dog breeds. Aggression is one of the top reasons dog owners seek the help of a professional dog trainer. It would be advisable for owners of vicious dogs to keep the pet on a leash and not let them out unattended. Incidentally the Rottweiler was originally bred to herd livestock and pull carts.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Time to pray for Jerusalem
Christmas is celebrated to remember the birth of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the Son of God. The name ‘Christmas’ comes from the Mass of Christ. Year after year, around the world, people celebrate the birth on 25th December by attending mid-night Eucharist service, wearing the best of jewellery, dress, suit and perfume. It’s a day – and a colourful season, in some countries it is end of autumn and beginning of the snow fall inviting spring. Christmas is filled with carol singing, fir trees beautifully decorated, exchanging sweets and gifts, traditional food – wine and parties during the whole festive season, which is filled with love, happiness and music. And, among all the celebrations, you should give a thought on the birth place of Jesus Christ, how it will be this year, the usually bustling streets of Jerusalem where Christmas was at it best with the joy to world spread from Bethlehem since Christ was born. How sad it is to think if “O Come All Ye Faithful, Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem” may be replaced “Silent night, holy night..” in the deadly war zone between Israel and Palestinian – sadly these Christians have to watch for bomb shells rather than the beautiful shining stars and glittering Christmas trees. As we spend time on this holy day, we should unselfishly keep the religious place Jerusalem and the innocent people in our prayers!
Let me end with a quote: “The earth has grown old with its burden of care, but at Christmas it always is young, the heart of the jewel burns lustrous and fair, and its soul full of music breaks the air, when the song of angels is sung” – Merry Christmas!
Gaston Dias, Sarzora
Israel should stop carnage in Gaza
Israel is turning into a malignant country in its conduct of strife in Gaza. First it was the use of air raids on civilian occupied areas which resulted in massive casualties of mostly children. Thereafter Israel asked the Palestinians to move South in the territory at very short notice so that they could ostensibly cleanse the northern areas of Hamas.
After people had moved South, Israel bombed those same areas to which people had moved believing in Israel’s assurance of safety. What was expected to be a haven of refuge for the Palestinians turned out to be hellfire and brimstone.
The latest is the shooting down by the Israeli forces of 3 hostages who were showing white flags. This situation is ridiculous and completely irresponsible on the part of Israel and defies any logical or reasonable explanation.
Israel and its soldiers seem to have lost their mind in the overdrive to wage war and have become trigger-happy in their desire to seek retribution.
And this is the country which the US, UK and France assured support at the beginning of the conflict when the Hamas took those 200 odd Israeli hostages! Since then the eyes of the US have opened somewhat and they have successively warned Israel of limiting civilian casualties, in the use of white phosphorus during the fighting and to avoid deaths of children. The latest is the call of the US to Israel to show restraint. This could be part of the public relations exercise that the US is indulging in of maintaining its good image.
Israel on its part is not paying any heed to these cautionary advices. In contrast the UK and France have not exercised any restraining influence on Israel in the present conflict. But even the US’s warnings have not been heeded by Israel who continue with more vigour than earlier in the conduct of killing the Palestinians. Israel even harangued UN officials when a resolution was moved to restore peace in the area. This resolution was however shot down by the US’s veto in the Security Council. With Israel continuing in its uncontrolled pursuit of war in Gaza a massive humanitarian crisis that is already there, is reaching alarming proportions. Unless the world calls for a unilateral cease-fire by Israel in Gaza, things which have reached disastrous levels will sink further to a point of no return for the Palestinians.
Srinivas Kamat, Alto St Cruz
