SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024
Is our India truly independent?
Today on August 15, we are observing 75 years of India’s Independence. But truly there is nothing to celebrate or cheer about. There is a lot to ponder and worry about while our nation is ebbing away from democracy. We are far from being truly free, and we may never be, unless we are unchained from this current failing and faltering political system that is corroded. The basic fundamentals of our Constitution are being fiddled with and even our fundamental rights are sought to be trampled on. We have a lot to reflect on what has been going wrong with the very guiding principles being flouted with impunity.
On Nov 26, 1949, the Constituent Assembly adopted our Constitution which was drafted by a committee headed by Babasaheb Ambedkar.
Perhaps the founding fathers never visualised or anticipated that money and muscle power would one day rule the roost in our country’s political arena. So now there is need of urgent amendments to our Constitution to safeguard those fundamentals while leaving no grey areas for manipulation and towards this the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary must look within. The CBI, Enforcement Directorate and the Income Authorities are functioning under political duress.
The world’s largest democracy is at crossroads. Let us all sincerely commit to protect and ensure that the doctrine of our Constitution is strictly adhered to in letter and spirit with no room for fudging or fraud.
Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar
Double day of liberation?
Pakistan Independence Day on August 14 could be considered a double day of liberation. Muslim Indians also fought to be free of British rule and later re-armed to battle for their own nation-state, present day Pakistan -- once part of the Indian subcontinent. After the British put down the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the Crown assumed full control during the British Raj period. This lasted until Pakistan’s independence in 1947. The Mountbatten Plan split Pakistan (comprised of West and East Pakistan) from India, creating an independent Muslim nation. In 1971, East Pakistan gained its own independence, becoming known as Bangladesh. Today, West Pakistan is known simply as Pakistan.
The main Independence Day ceremony is organised in Islamabad, where the national flag is hoisted at the Parliament and Presidency buildings. This is follow up by the national anthem and widely circulated and televised speeches by the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan.
Sadiksha Agrawal, Ujjain
Panchayat elections and family raj
Probably never in the past did family members of so many politicians contest in the village panchayat elections in the State. However, Goans appear to be divided on whether the concept of ‘family raj’ is good for the State or not. This was evident from the results of village panchayat elections, the results of which were declared on Friday. As many as five couples in three village panchayats of Salcete have made it to the panchayats of Benaulim, Loutolim and Betalbatim. But the husband-wife duo had to bite the dust at Aquem-Baixo panchayat.
However, it was thumbs down for the family raj in Bardez. Showing complete distaste for the family raj, the voters rejected two members of the same family in many panchayats with several husband-wife duo losing the contest. In several cases, one of the couples who chose to contest won, clearly showing that the trend is against politics becoming a “family business”. However, it must be said that the family name does play a big role in winning an election. Sons of some prominent politicians have also been victorious in the panchayat elections. Be that as it may, despite the mixed bag, it must be said that the family raj is here to stay. The village panchayat elections could be considered as the first step for the kith and kin of prominent politicians for testing the water in the competitive world of politics.
The results of the near-and-dear ones of political heavyweights at the panchayat elections also serve to ascertain the popularity of these politicians.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Arpora-Nagoa P’yat
needs panchayat ghar
It is a matter of happiness to have a website of Arpora Nagoa Village Panchayat. Congratulations to the Panchayat body for that. Now the website should be very informative. For the last 15 years, efforts have been going on to build the Panchayat Ghar. Only the government knows exactly where the procedures of the project are stuck. The Panchayat body is putting its efforts to achieve the dream. So who doesn't get cooperation and from whom is a profound question.
The people of the village are very eager for the panchayat ghar. Everyone's attention is on when and how the panchayat ghar will be built. Panchayat website should be informative so that citizens can get information about the project from time to time.
As per the plan, the panchayat house was to have three floors. The panchayat office would be on the ground floor, the gymnasium and library on the first floor, and the auditorium on the third floor. Sometimes a decision is taken that the panchayat ghar will be built in the same place of old panchayat. Of course, the auditorium has become important for the people. Because gram sabhas are held in temple halls or church halls. They are also taken in shelters of Ganesh immersion. Somehow arrangements must be made. But for how long can this go on?
But the website should be updated from time to time to provide information to the people about the progress of panchayat ghar construction or proposed projects. I congratulate the new newly elected VP body and wish every member all the best.
Rajesh Banaulikar, Arpora
Har Ghar Tiranga, what's life of common man?
The Goa government and particularly the Central government run by PM Modi is hell bent on spending millions of rupees on celebrating 75 years of independence under ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’.
I would be happy to raise the Tricolour on my house if after 75 years of free India the tears of my daily toil are wiped off. I’m living a costly life - price rise on gas cylinders, no quality water and electricity, no good jobs, during Covid no monetary help, and helpless in every aspect of my life. Where are the Ache Din? I’m longing for this promise to come true, even after eight long years of Modi-led government.
If you are really concerned about the common man, then please give us free gas cylinders, free water, uninterrupted power supply, and the many other basic things which are needed to live a decent life after 75 years of independence. Only then can we rejoice on our Independence Day, otherwise it’s just a hypocritical celebration.
Benny Pereira, Guirim
Deaths in the sporting world, quite sad
Even as the pompous and blissful extravaganza of the 44th Chess Olympiad came to an end, the sporting world has come across with a couple of dejected news - one, Serena Williams has hinted at retiring from professional tennis after the upcoming US Open.
A glittering career of nearly three decades, in which Serena has won a record 23 Grand Slam singles titles, is soon coming to an end. The American star who revolutionised women’s tennis with her powerful style of play, will be sorely missed from the circuit.
And two, veteran umpire Rudi Koertzen was killed in a road accident in Cape Town. The South African umpire was one of the earliest inductees to the clique of top-notch officials of cricket. He never held back his words on important cricketing matters. Koertzen always disfavoured and had a vicious view of the DRS. The iconic umpire will be revered and respected by the cricketing fraternity for years to come.
Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai
