Women lifeguards
on Goan beaches
It is learnt that in order to enhance beach safety, the state government appointed life-saving agency is in the process of demarcating 65 swim zones along Goa’s popular beaches, with 40 already in place across 10 beaches.
The swim zones have been divided into three categories for families, men and women. A dedicated women’s swim zone is introduced in order to ensure additional safety and comfort of women on the beaches so that everyone will have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Traditionally, life guarding has been seen as a male-dominated field, but women are now proving their capabilities in this role. Female lifeguards in Goa, like those in other fields, face the challenge of not being taken seriously by beach goers, who may underestimate their authority or ignore their warnings. Incidentally, an adequate number of women lifeguards may not be seen on the Goan beaches. Ideally every beach should have at least a few women lifeguards. Like men, women are equally at risk of drowning in the seawater while swimming. Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, a form of artificial ventilation, is the act of assisting or stimulating respiration in which a rescuer presses their mouth against that of the victim and blows air into the person's lungs. Lifeguards should be provided with resuscitation device for use in performing mouth-to-mouth. The device has a plastic film shield to place on the casualty's face, with a one-way valve that goes over their mouth.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Icon of 'Patriotic
Cinema' is no more
Manoj Kumar, one of the titans of India cinema departed for his heavenly abode last morning. Born Harikrishan Goswami in Abbotabad, erstwhile Pakistan Manoj Kumar carved a niche for himself with iconic roles in films like Shaheed, Upkar, Roti Kapda aur Makaan, Purab aur Paschim, Gumnaam, Rang de Basanti etc.
Throughout his career Manoj Kumar became known for both his acting and direction in films that focused on national pride and patriotism but without the obnoxious jingoism we see in movies today.
Those are gentler times when you need not wear your patriotism on your sleeve. Also addressed as Bharat Kumar due to his choice of films, his contribution to Indian cinema earned him several prestigious accolades including a National Award and seven Filmfare trophies. He was also awarded with the Padma Shree in 1992 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015. He leaves behind a rock solid legacy, many actors in later years tried copying his method acting but none even came close. Travel well Sir, and keep the Gods entertained with your oeuvre. Farewell.
Rekha Sarin Trehan, Benaulim
Cleaners deserve
respect, dignity
Garbage cleaners play quite a simple but essential role in our society by beautifying our streets and cities. Without their contribution, our neighbourhoods and roads would be messy, smelly and hard to navigate, even more so than they are now.
These hardworking people deserve respect, care, and support. We should try to make their jobs easier by sorting out our waste and using garbage bins properly.
Jubel D'Cruz, Mumbai
Bulldozers justice
in Prayagraj
The Supreme Court has rightly called the demolition of dwellings in Prayagraj ‘inhuman and illegal’, consequently ordering the city development authority to pay Rs 10 lakh compensation to each aggrieved house owner. This decision underscores the judiciary's commitment to upholding citizens' fundamental rights, emphasizing that the right to shelter is integral to Article 21 of the Constitution.
The so-called bulldozer justice trend started with the Yogi Adityanath government in UP where the bulldozer became a symbol of a ruthless administration and has spread to other BJP-ruled States like UP, MP and Maharashtra, where authorities carrying out demolitions of properties, cites the alleged criminal cases or encroachments as the reasons, without following the due process of law. The bulldozer demolition amounts to undermining the rule of law. What is surprising is that the latest spree of demolitions happened despite the SC’s clear guidelines. Making the most of legal loopholes, the authorities continue to overturn the SC guidelines. A zero-tolerance approach to encroachments on public land is mandatory and the same yardstick should be applied to illegal demolitions.
Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai
Don Quixote Trump
stokes trade wars
History will remember Donald Trump as the man who single-handedly destroyed all economies of the world, including that of the US. Time will tell. No country is an island. All are interdependent. US needs other countries, as much as other countries need US. One country cannot manufacture or produce everything.
If it produces cars, for example it needs several car parts from other countries. Without these parts the car will be stuck on the conveyor belt. And this exactly is what will happen in all industries. Trump has set off an internecine tariff war which will severely impact all sides. The world will become poorer. The people will suffer because of Don Quixote Trump.
Robert Castellino, Calangute/Mumbai