Post stampede
situation at Shirgao
The tragic stampede at the Shirgao Lairai Zatra raises serious questions of accountability. Despite the Goa government declaring the Zatra a state festival, the current temple committee resisted this designation and, according to the former president, failed to consult previous members or adequately plan for crowd management.
Thousands gather for the event, particularly to witness the “Dhonds” walk on fire embers. On May 3, due to poor arrangements—narrow pathways, roadside stalls, and missing barricades—lives were lost and many injured.
A fact-finding report is awaited, but going forward, it is essential that only Dhonds be permitted during the ritual, with the general public allowed in later. A clear action plan, proper mapping and temporary relocation of stalls are crucial. The onus lies with both the committee and the administration to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Raju Ramamurthy, Vasco
Give right of way
to ambulances
Two people were reportedly injured in a head-on collision between an ambulance and a car near St Jacinto Island, Vasco on Tuesday. Fortunately there was no patient in the ambulance. A photo that has gone viral showing two ambulances being stuck in traffic during peak hours alongside the elevated corridor being constructed at Porvorim.
If an ambulance carrying a serious patient gets stuck in a heavy traffic congestion there is nothing much one can do except hope that the patient gets medical attention in time. There could however be drivers on the road who do not think it necessary to give way for an ambulance. It is crucial to give way to ambulances, especially when they are using their sirens and flashing lights.
One needs to give way, pull over to the side of the road and wait until the ambulance has passed. Research has shown that in India, more than 24,000 patients die each day due to delay in getting medical help in the Golden Hour. According to the Motor Vehicle Act (MVA), failing to give way to an ambulance can result in fine and even imprisonment. Most people do not realise that it is legal for ambulance and emergency vehicles to drive through the wrong side of the road and to break traffic signals.
In Europe, drivers are legally required to create an emergency corridor when an ambulance is approaching. This may not be possible on Indian roads. Ignorance and selfish attitude could be the reason why an ambulance is not allowed to overtake. Drivers on the road should show empathy towards the patient in the ambulance.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
India’s response
fully justified
‘Operation Sindoor’ represents a kinetic and fitting response by India to the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 innocent lives. Adroitly, India’s retribution was designed to be punitive, yet restrained, targeting only terrorist infrastructure while avoiding broader military confrontation with Pakistan.
India’s response is fully justified as a necessary measure against those responsible for the gruesome terror attack. Meanwhile, the stated nature of the operation by India as “focused, measured and non-escalatory” and the reported avoidance of military targets appear to be relevant factors in the context of international legal principles governing the use of force. A detailed briefing expected from the Ministry of Defence should provide further clarity on the specifics of the operation and the legal basis asserted by India.
Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai
Time for world
bodies to act
What does a common man truly require? A simple life - shelter, clothing, food, and employment. Yet what do global organisations offer? Endless meetings and lofty statements, with little tangible action.
One such body recently declared, “Ending global poverty demands prioritising investments in decent work, learning opportunities, and social protection.” Fine words, but how will these be implemented? Only through real engagement with the lived experiences of the poor can progress be made. Those living in poverty are too often stigmatised and dehumanised—judged for their appearance, accent, or lack of address—and blamed for circumstances beyond their control.
The world cannot afford to squander such human potential. Enough of narratives and declarations. It's time for global leaders to act decisively and practically to eradicate poverty.
Rajesh Banaulikar, Arpora
When will we learn
the true cost of war?
What exactly is war? It is the failure of diplomacy—when disputes between nations escalate beyond dialogue and lead to destruction. Despite the technological tools of the 21st century, we remain trapped in historical rivalries, with devastating consequences for innocent citizens.
Following the 11 July Mumbai train bombings by Pakistani terrorists, what concrete steps did our government take to ensure citizen safety? Political leaders are never the victims of such attacks—they are protected, while ordinary civilians suffer the consequences.
Diplomacy must be pursued to prevent bloodshed, but we cannot continue to absorb blow after blow. Pakistan must be held accountable, and India must defend its citizens. Let us not lose our humanity in the process, but neither should we tolerate further inaction. Peace must be restored—but not at the cost of innocent lives.
Savio D’ Costa, Chandor
Kudos to Bengal’s
Rugby too
Hats off to Bengal's rugby team for becoming the national champion and Khelo Rugby by Future Hope for producing so many brilliant rugby players from marginalised communities and street children. An NGO like Khelo Rugby holds up a mirror to our policy makers about how to utilise demographic dividends. The policy makers must acknowledge that young talents, both in academics and sporting fields, need support in their formative years when it matters. Otherwise, many talented boys and girls cannot reach the height they deserve.
A kite needs guidance and support, before reaching high in the sky. But, after it gains that height, it can fly on its own. Similarly, a person needs all kinds of support in the very beginning to bloom her or his talent.
Only a small percentage of families in our country can afford to financially and logistically nurture the talent of their children. Now, imagine what would have happened if almost all the children of our country had financial and logistic support either from their parents or from the state to nurture their talents. The result will then be as astounding as Khelo Rugby has done, but on a gigantic scale.
Sujit De, Kolkata