16 Jan 2017 | 02:02am IST
Letters To The Editor
The attempt by PM Modi to misappropriate the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation by replacing the spinning wheel picture of the Mahatma with that of Modi in the Khadi calendar and diary is shameful and deplorable. One can never compare a great man like Mahatma Gandhi to a present day PM who is accused of various misdemeanors which can stretch from being banned by certain countries to even being accused of firebombing the citizens by demonetising legal tender.
Gandhiji would have been ashamed to be compared to a person who wears a Rs 10-lakh suit as against a handmade dhoti. It is also shameful to see the BJP bhakts like Sambit Patra, Nalin Kohli and Anil Vij defend a PM who is being mocked all over the country and abroad for his inordinate lifestyle which is not suited for a self-professed ‘chaiwalla.’
It is a matter of deep regret that in the calendar of Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) the picture of Mahatma Gandhi is replaced with Prime Minister Modi. Though Midi advocates wearing Khadi by government staff and in a bid to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's passion and vision for khadi the Goa government via an official circular was asked all its employees to voluntarily wear khadi every Friday. Despite it in no way he qualifies for his picture in this calendar –as this picture immediately gets a reflection of Mahatma Gandhi in every mind. The officials are trying to justify it by saying that no rules are violated. It is not the legality of rules herein but justification of such a picture in calendar, which fails on all tests comparing Mahatma Gandhi’s stature and position he has in Indian history.
To make it clear I have nothing against personally with our Honourable Prime Minister but these are my views only.
It is for the first time in political history of Goa some political parties have come forward with the idea of ‘Friendly Fights’ for the ensuing Assembly elections to be held in February 2017. We have heard of friendly soccer games around the world to promote soccer or even other games to promote sport and cultural relations between the nations.
At a time when Goans are thinking of a conscience vote following the BJP rule in Goa which was marked with several anti-populist legislations the idea of these people and political parties who have come forward with the idea of Friendly Fights is a clear indication they want to fool the people of Goa.
Surprisingly the masters here are politicians who have been in corridors of power now and earlier and want the taste of power at any cost. It is for each and every Goan to think properly and positively. Your vote is precious, cast the vote for a clean, healthier and corruption free Goa.
Francis Fernandes, Margao
History has reversed itself It was a moment of joy and pride for the Goans to welcome their son of the soil, Antonio Costa, Prime Minister of Portugal now leading the country. It appears that history has reversed itself. The Portuguese ruled Goa for 450 years from 1510 and left this land in 1961. If one should talk of that period, our elders speak of an administration that was well disciplined, peaceful and happy days. There were no crimes, robberies, unrest but tranquil Goa in all its splendour. But conversely it now appears that a Goan from Margao who played here in the house of his ancestors is now ruling Portugal. In fact this historical event can be looked forward as change of times to live with perception and cultural relationship to foster friendship between the two nations, India and Portugal and their people.
We are fast moving into the digital world. The technological marvels are mind boggling. Be it Internet, mobiles, space achievements, the list is endless. In the mist of all these only a progressive minded generation will think and talk of perception and foresight looking forward. In doing so we project ourselves as astute, civilized and well mannered and educated, not looking backward seeking grudge and revenge for the past.
Wherever Prime Minister Antonio Costa went, he was well received by his fellow Goans to show him love, affection and cordiality, inherent in every Goan, making him feel at home. One presumes the Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa has returned to Portugal with memories to cherish till he returns for another visit to delight Goa.
Make Sunday Collection more meaningful Sunday collection in churches is taken up after the homily and in larger parishes this continues well past the consecration. The collection is then taken to the sacristy 'behind the altar'. Ideally the collection should be placed as an offering 'in front of the altar' as is done in north American churches. In Canada the collection is taken up in baskets beginning from the front pews and moving on to the last pew. It is then brought in a procession and placed at the foot of the altar, which is much more meaningful, as the offering is seen as being made to God. The collection is swift with several ushers move around with large open baskets as they don't have fans, which may blow away some of the notes. In our churches mostly slotted boxes are used which slow down the collection. This makes it difficult to place the collection as an offering in front of the altar.
In some US Christian churches the collection is made in a more meaningful way. Large open boxes are placed in front of the altar. Immediately after the homily the people walk up to the altar and drop in their contributions---not in single file as during communion.
. The collection is swift and meaningful. In any case, in order to make the collection more meaningful, the collection from the first few pews may be placed at the foot of the altar during the offertory.
Robert Castellino, Mumbai
Time for Trump to improve his image Starting next week, Donald Trump will be sworn in as the next President of United States succeeding President Barack Obama. However, since his victory last November 8, he still behaves as if in campaign mode showing his aggressive and divisive style of working. His first press conference last Wednesday after becoming president-elect, he proved that he has yet to hone the skill of acting as the President of the world’s largest economy.
One had expected that he would tone down his anger on Mexicans but on the contrary he insisted building a wall between US and Mexico, the cost of which to be borne by latter. Perhaps, this is the first time in modern history the US has witnessed a President coming to power in a controversial and adversarial manner.
Comparatively, President Barack Obama’s farewell speech was dignified and displayed grace. It is high time that Trump amend his way of functioning style which can lead to good governance and fulfill his ambition of making America great again.
It is a fact that women excel in all fields and are no lesser than men. It is a fact that women are not allowed to excel as they are degraded and leveled to be below man by the women and men in villages and also in cities unless women are recognised for their achievements like men, no country can make progress. Some nations and societies are still backward because their women are not given the respect or the opportunity that they rightly deserve. Women who are successful and independent are usually the happiest ones.
