SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2024
The Japanese magic
After Germany scored their first goal in the FIFA World Cup match and were aggressively moving forcing the Japanese to play a defence game, everyone thought that the Japanese were in for an unceremonious defeat with more goals coming from their opponents and they have to take it lying low. Contrary to this general perception, the Japanese exhibited totally a different kind of mettle and played one of the most awe-inspiring games in the second half of the play and with the substitutions of a few players. The two goals they pumped into the German goal post made all the difference and proved to the football enthusiasts that they are in for many more such surprises not only as from the Arabian and the Japanese teams but also from other unexpected quarters. That is the magic of the football game!
Tharcius S Fernando, Chennai
Zero tolerance towards beach driving a must
The Verna Police have reportedly registered an offence against an unidentified driver of an SUV who drove in a rash and negligent manner on Arossim Beach and ploughed through a flock of brown headed seagulls, resulting in the death of two birds. Recently a tourist car got stuck in the sand at Morjim Beach. It is pertinent to note that the Morjim Beach is a turtle nesting site in North Goa. Driving on the beach can also destroy the micro-organisms and other marine life existing in the sand. It also leads to destruction of sand dunes leading to loss of biodiversity. Driving on the beaches also poses danger to the other visitors, especially little children playing on the sand and senior citizens. If not for any other reasons people should not indulge in such illegal acts at least for the sake of their vehicles. Too much sand or dust can clog the air filter and reduce airflow to the engine, which can lead to overheating and internal damage to the vehicle. It can diminish engine oil quality, resulting in a need for more frequent vehicle maintenance. But the most pressing issue could be getting the car out when the tyres get stuck in the wet sand. There should be zero tolerance towards driving on the beach sand. Signboards warning people against driving on the beach sands need to be put up at the parking space meant for visitors to the beach.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Panjim spruced up
Thanks to the ongoing IIFI, Panjim has been spruced up a bit like newly-weds. The kerbs are painted, iron barricades installed along the DB Marg to regulate the traffic, lights blinking like stars from the trees, and other paraphernalia have been carried out. Even the rusted iron hand rail with holes which existed for ages at the entrance to the main market, from the fish market side, has been replaced with a new one. Hope it is not a used one with a coat of paint. Why is that some ‘developments’ and cosmetic changes occur (not only in Goa but elsewhere too) only if there an occurrence of major events or visit of heavyweight politicians? This gives an impression that the authorities are not concerned about the citizens of their States but want to curry favour with their bosses. But let us not look a gift horse in the mouth but appreciate the authorities for if they have a will to do something they do so whole-heartedly.
Sridhar D’Iyer, Caranzalem
Lessons from Indonesia quake
It is unfortunate to note that the powerful earthquake that hit Indonesia has killed over 200 people apart from leaving behind a trail of destruction out there. First off, immediate help should be extended to the affected in Indonesia. Plus, global forums like the UN should send officials to the earthquake-hit areas to take stock of the situation.
To begin with, Indonesia has long been one of the most beautiful Asian countries in the world. Thanks to amazing seas, natural resources and panoramic vistas, it has always been a tourist attraction. As a school student, I got to learn a lot about Indonesia and Jakarta in geography during my schooldays in the 1990s in Korkai, Tiruchendur, Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu.
At the same time, it is really a setback to understand that there have been no advancements or breakthroughs in forecasting natural disasters like earthquakes despite so many such natural calamities and in spite of massive damage caused by them.
The East or the West, countries have been grappling with numerous natural catastrophes right up till date. In this context, the West and Asian countries must come forward to make the most of technology to tackle natural disasters head-to-head.
Above all else, countries and governments could do better to encourage all kinds of green activities from expanding green areas to planting trees to facilitating rigorous agricultural activities like growing food crops so as to be able to save Mother Earth, humanity, the ecology and abundant natural resources from the clutches of natural catastrophes.
P Senthil Saravana Durai, Mumbai
Year of the underdogs?
Following Saudi Arabia slaying the mighty Argentina on Tuesday, the Japanese squad delivered a double punch to upset four-time champions Germany at the FIFA World Cup on Wednesday. Substitutes Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano were the heroes for Japan as they came back from a goal behind to topple the Germans, who appeared lackadaisical even though they enjoyed significant ball possession and strikes on the goal. Asano’s goal was exceptional as he found the roof of the net from an impossible angle. Could this turn out to be the year of the underdogs?
N J Ravi Chander, Bengaluru
What has attire got to do with education?
This has reference to the report in Herald ‘Commotion in school over wearing of saffron scarves’ dated November 24, 2022.
Once again the hijab row seems to have got heated up, with a group of students demanding to be permitted to wear a saffron scarf during exams, in a State-run school in Howrah. I mean, where are we heading? What has your attire got to do with education, whether it is a hijab or a saffron scarf? Why this unnecessary competition? Will it help one in the exams if he/she wears particular attire? We need to keep petty politics away from education. It’s like the Maharashtra government mandating that all signboards on shops be in Marathi. How does it help the business?
When are going to move beyond such petty issues? There are much more serious, important issues to be resolved, unemployment for instance. We are unnecessarily spending our time, effort, energy and money over trivial matters.
Melville X D'Souza, Mumbai
Scams and scandals
During the past few years, the images of our country have been defaced beyond redemption. A large number of scams and scandals, involving top politicians, administrators and VVIPs have come to light. These scams and scandals, most of them that have been unearthed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) involve huge sums of money running into thousands of crores of rupees. They have shaken the entire conscience of the country to the bones.
In my opinion, all ministers and public servants should be made to declare their assets. The Vigilance Department should also keep a constant eye on the corrupt officers and other public servants. Ministers and senior officials must set a noble example of an honest living free from corruption, bribery, nepotism and immorality.
The laws of the land should be provided with more teeth to deal with the corrupt elements. Corruption, at any level, is bad. The government must launch a vigorous campaign against this social evil.
Jubel D’Cruz, Mumbai
