06 Dec 2022  |   06:46am IST

Letters to the editor ( 06 December 2022)

Leaving strong footprints

The images of migrant workers foot-slogged to their natives two years ago in the wake of the outbreak of the Coronavirus are etched in our memory forever. The pandemic had exposed India's deep economic divide and the Centre's apathy towards migrant workers who power the country's growth. Migrant labourers are among the most vulnerable parts of the informal sector, which make a sizable volume of India's workforce. India's infrastructure is built on the backs of these workers. They construct malls, multiplexes, hospitals, hotels, and what not?

A huge population of these workers migrate from rural areas to cities in search of work due to lack of alternate livelihoods and skill development. But more often than not, they are exploited and forced to work in conditions where their rights are not protected. Perhaps, the swollen feet of these migrant workers had left strong imprints in the pages of Indian history that can never be erased.

Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai


Infrequent buses plying from Panjim to Margao

The Kadamba Transport Corporation of Goa has been applauded for the long needed changes. The introduction of the electric buses has benefited not just the environment but has improved the journey, especially for the daily commuters.

This being said, the irregularities continue to haunt the corporation. I commute daily from Margao to Mapusa. At times I spend hours stuck at Cortalim during the traffic jam. This is very sad state of affairs. To add to this is the less frequency of shuttle buses plying from Panjim to Margao. At times, students and those travelling for work spend minimum 30 minutes in long queue before boarding the bus. There are days where it has taken me 3 hours to reach Margao from Panjim. 

That's not all. After 2:30 p.m. the buses assigned for the commuters are non-AC old buses. The seats of which move along with you as you bear the jerks of the brakes . 

The authorities should inspect the Margao/Vasco ticket counter at Panjim. It is filthy covered with cobwebs and dirt. I don't know if my voice is going to bring a difference but I hope that it at least enables other commuters to speak up on the bare minimum.

Valentina Colaco, by email


Need strict regulations for salons

The Government should come up with new laws to regularise the trade in the wake of several unlicensed facilities springing up. So that customers of salons and beauty parlours can expect better quality and safer experience. There are many unlicensed parlour running in Goa. The parlours are illegally operating in Goa, under the garb of health services. The Goa Public Health (Amendment) Rules, 2010 had made it mandatory for massage parlours and spas to register themselves with the Directorate of health services.

In beauty parlours the massage parlours are running. Spa and saloons are an integral part of the wellness industry. Many parlours are performing laser therapy, plastic plasma treatment and other treatments, which need professionals. Beauty salons can do marvel prettiness for their customers; however, they are also considered as major health concern. They are a reason for the spread of viral, fungal and bacterial diseases.

Among the disease that can be transmitted in beauty saloons are hepatitis B & C, herpes, AIDS, skin and eye infections, hair lice and chronic fungal disease. Research indicates that the position in which you have to hold your neck while being shampooed over a basin could, in a few cases result in a stroke, known as 'Beauty Salon Stroke Syndrome' and such case has also been reported.

KG Vilop, Chorao


They are born to shine

International Day of disabled people was celebrated on December 3 worldwide. This day was all about promoting the rights and abilities of disabled people.

According to World Health Organisation (WHO), around 15% of the world’s population is considered to have some form of disability.

 Our responsibility is to know their rights because when we secure the rights of persons with disabilities, we move our world closer to upholding humanity’s core values and principles. We should also raise awareness about the benefits of integrating people with disabilities into every aspect of social life, from economics to politics. We should also facilitate them in every aspect, but unfortunately, we are unaware of their problems to facilitate them; most often, in moments of crisis.

People in vulnerable situations such as persons with disabilities are the most excluded and left behind.

It is crucial for the governments, public and private sectors to collaboratively find innovative solutions for and with persons with disabilities to make the world a more accessible and equitable place because they are born to shine and should not be excluded from the general education system based on their disability.

Jubel D'Cruz, Mumbai


Free food served at Old Goa

The ‘Guru Ka Langar’ organised by Goa Sikh Youth Association during Saint Francis Xavier novena and on the feast day was a good initiative. They provided free food to the devotees/pilgrims visiting Old Goa. The generosity and kind hearted gesture of the Sikh community in general can be seen around the world. Langar is provided by the Sikh community to all people without any discrimination based upon religion, caste, colour, rich or poor etc.

The only other Goan organisation which served free breakfast at Old Goa for three days was ‘Food bank for the Poor’ started by Donald and his wife Ms Dorothy, Sangolda, in association with Navtara vegetarian restaurant.

There is a saying ‘Service to humanity is Service to God’. One can achieve great happiness in giving and sharing. No one will become poor if we come out of our selfish and miser mindset. It was indeed disheartening on the part of the Goan catholic community for failing to undertake such type of free food services at Old Goa. We should try to imitate the Sikh community and learn to give back to the society.

The Goan catholic communities spend a lot of money in displaying their wealth but when it comes to charity services they tend to ask a lot of questions more than assist. Our crab mentality will not allow others to climb nor allow others to do some good work. Jealousy is the prime cause of our downfall. Saint Francis Xavier’s teachings should be practiced in our daily life. Saint Francis Xavier was born to a noble family but left everything and followed Christ. He lead by example and practiced what he preached.

Our catholic leaders including clergy should take note of such free food services and inspire others to come forward. We should all work hard to defeat hunger.

Paul Pereira, Utorda


Leopard scare

The leopard scare continues to haunt the inhabitants of Mysuru and Bengaluru. On Thursday, a leopard pounced on Meghana, a college student, in Sosale Kebbehundi village in Mysuru and snuffed out her life. As a result, the forest department has launched a combing operation to capture or shoot the elusive feline. Meanwhile, panic spread in Bengaluru, with at least eight leopards sighted on the fringes of the city in the last few days. With forests shrinking and the absence of prey, it is no wonder that leopards frequently stray into human habitats.

N J Ravi Chander, Bengaluru


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