15 Sep 2018 | 05:08am IST
Letters to the Editor
After the scare of the carcinogenic compound formalin found in imported fish from the neighboring states, which has led to several Goans to abstain from consuming our daily staple fish, curry and rice, it comes as a pleasant bolt from the blues that the fishermen at Caranzalem beach are netting huge quantity of mackerels and sardines especially during high tide.
It is time for those who visit Caranzalem to begin to find their lost confidence on our essential item of daily consumption, since we can witness live the large catch of fish which gives a big boost to our confidence for breaking our self-imposed abstinence from in particular mackerels and sardines. While many simply come with a carry bag and fill them to the full, the other more discerning customers buy medium-sized mackerels for Rs 50 per dozen only.
Hundreds of people throng this beach area not only to take fresh fish, but also to bask in the bounty of the produce of the seas as mackerels and sardines are washed to the shore with every incoming tide.
It is a great opportunity to partake of our local fishermen's catch of locally available fish, and wash away the fears of formalin in the imported fish. Since with the recent newspaper/TV reports our confidence in imported fish which continues to be brought to Goa, with fears abounding about the testing procedure for incidence of formalin.
The owners of the cattle are least bothered to take care of their animals and they let them stray on the roads without any fear. (Herald dated 14/09/2018). So many accidents are caused by these stray animals on the roads.
The government should fine the owners heavily for not taking care of their cattle. I wonder where are the so called Gau Rakshaks gone. They only come shouting when they (cattle) are taken for slaughter. The so called Gau Rakshaks should take the stray cattle to their homes or in their temples and worship them, instead letting them to cause accidents and kill innocent people.
The ever increasing number of social welfare schemes paraded by the Centre and the States in front of the citizens to woo for their votes is making the entire nation subject to becoming lazy and complacent. It is of utmost importance that each and every Indian works hard so that India can become a super power. In the light of these enticements that are making our country lazy, it would be suggested that compulsory conscription in the Army, Navy and Air Force be made for every Indian, both men and women, up to the age of 28 for at least 21 months, like is the case with South Korea.
Military training for our youth will instill not only the benefits of a healthy mind and a healthy body, but will also make each and every one to gain confidence in ourselves so that we can turn the corner into a shinning India that will compete with the best in the world. Initially, only non-combat operations may be allowed for the women, but men should also have to take part in combat operations which will toughen them up and lead to a very strong society, self-reliant and sturdy.
Social activists in the state are carrying out a tremendous task by bringing to the fore the misdeeds of the government. Many of them have been very vocal against the government policies with regards to land in Goa which is becoming scarce by the day. However, the activists could play a wider role in safeguarding the interest of Goans. It is probably time for these activists to have a say in the working of the government by being a part of it. Hence it would have been desirable for like-minded activists in the State to come under one banner and contest in the forthcoming State elections. They could even form a political party.
Goans need to have a regional alternative to the national parties. Activists who understand the need to preserve our land for future generations as also those who are fighting for the cause of Goan people, will make for deserving political leaders as they are in the know of the various issues plaguing the State. Hence they will be in a better position to take decisions in the interest of the State by being a part of the government.
Take time for amending kid’s Act
The recent advertisement by the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights asking citizens to send in their suggestions for the necessary amendments to the children's Act has to be given sufficient time by the commission. Secondly the commission needs to initiate the participation of citizens who many do not know about the children’s Act, groups from anganwadi, lawyers, self help groups, panchayats, village child committees, schools teachers and headmasters and religious heads of institution should be given the necessary time to reply to the suggestions.
We also need the panchayats to call for special gram sabhas for citizens from the village to make their suggestions. The problem lies with the Government. We need to do things in short time as there seems to be many activities already planned by the Central govt like the completion of GPDP. Schools have their curriculum after Ganesh so lots of activities means less participation .Will the commission extend the date?
Teaching in schools not realistic?
Kudos to Debapriya Mukherjee for the article titled "Revamping the education system"(September 13). Less said about the education system currently being pursued in India the better! Indeed I feel very sad to say that the knowledge of many teachers in high profile schools, in say English, Maths or Physics is highly questionable and superficial. Does nepotism and political equation play a major role behind such recruitment consigning all norms of quality and efficiency to oblivion?
Also nowadays it seems that education is nothing but memorising the topics on which questions will be based in the examination! Suppose there are 6 pages devoted to Panchayati Raj Act in the Civics book. None other than the teacher asks the students to read few particular paras only and leave out the rest! No idea needed about Panchayat Raj, just memorise the parts upon which questions will be based!
And absolutely there is no teaching of moral education in schools imparting sense of values, ethics, principles or humanity! So we are seeing how "creamiest of creamy" students in highly reputed institutes are physically and mentally ragging the juniors or taunting the Dalit students on ground of caste!
In today's India, Education has turned nothing but a farce as this basic service or spine of the nation has been "promoted" to bloody business and nothing but business to be exploited to the full so as to fill the coffers of vested interests.
Politics is all about blaming each other and keeping the ball rolling to fool common people. Rise in petrol price (A) government is responsible,
Rise in crime rate (B) minister is responsible, A, B, C & D are involved in corruption. This all is debated on TV but not a single individual or a political party has the guts to file cases for what they blame A, B, C & D for, now we (voters) must act smart and stop those who try to play the blame game may it be a politician or an activist. The only option is to tell them straight on their face if you want to blame or accuse A, B, C or D first make a police complaint and then claim your blame.
Savio Almeida, Banda Assolna/Texas, US
