Intensify drive against underage riding
A tragic accident reported in Pirna on Sunday claimed the life of a 14-year-old boy and left a 16-year-old seriously injured after their motorcycle crashed into an electric pole.
It is learnt that the minor boy was riding a bullet motorcycle, one of the heaviest Indian motorbikes and even adults may struggle to ride it. In India, the minimum age to ride a motorcycle with an engine capacity not exceeding 50 cc is 16, while it is 18 years for all other vehicles. Underage riders face a fine of Rs 5,000. They are barred from obtaining a driving license until they turn 25. Section 199A of the Motor Vehicle Amendment Act of 2019 holds guardians or vehicle owners responsible for offences committed by juveniles.
Underage motorcycle riding is not just illegal, but extremely dangerous. For teenagers, motorbikes represent the freedom to go further and faster. Speed can be thrilling. In certain circles, having a bike can elevate social status. Teenagers often struggle to accurately perceive and assess risks. Goan roads pose significant challenges even for experienced adult riders, due to infrastructural issues.
When underage adolescents attempt driving, these risks are exacerbated. They lack the requisite knowledge of traffic rules and driving techniques, increasing the chances of crashes. Preventing underage driving requires a multifaceted approach involving education, awareness, and strict enforcement of the laws.
Empowering children with knowledge and fostering a sense of responsibility ensures that they value their safety and that of others, creating safer roads for everyone.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Old Goa agitation:
A strong impact
Citizens pledging to save Old Goa heritage is really an eye-opener and very heart touching.
It’s nice to see our Goan brothers and sisters coming out in large numbers to join the agitation, a peaceful agitation to save Goa our beautiful paradise. We, Goans were called susegad people because first our Goa was not turning into a concrete jungle and there was lot of peace. Our Goans now will no longer be susegad, but will remain alert and try to save our beautiful paradise from turning into concrete jungle.
Anita Fernandes, Verna
Old Goa controversy
This is in reference to the report ‘ASI slams brakes at Old Goa construction site’ appearing in O Heraldo edition dated March 25, 2025.
It seems like our country is never going to fall short of unnecessary controversies, the latest is the construction activity in the vicinity of Bom Jesus Basilica at Old Goa. What we need today, is a complete moratorium on construction activity at all heritage sites, whether in Goa or elsewhere. With regard to the present construction activity in Goa, from the news report it seems like the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing. Who gave the permission? For what? Why? What is being constructed? Somebody needs to be answerable to the people.
Melville X D'Souza, Mumbai
Parents as digital
role models
In today’s digital age, it’s all too easy to blame kids and young people for their social media use and digital addiction. But let’s take a step back.
Children are constantly observing their parents, teachers and their surroundings. This influence shapes their behavioural patterns significantly. For instance, if parents are glued to their phones 24×7, expecting their children to read a book seems a bit unfair, doesn’t it? Role models play a crucial part in how children adapt to their environment. If they see adults engaging positively with technology, they’re quite likely to follow suit.
It’s about striking a balance and setting a good example. We need to recognise that children mimic what they see. So, let’s be mindful of our own habits and create a more supportive atmosphere for them to thrive in. After all, our actions speak louder than words.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
Trump’s Overreach: A threat to global order
Donald Trump’s expansionist ambitions are growing bolder, disregarding international law and sovereignty.
His push to merge Canada as the 51st State, absorb Panama, and now sending a delegation led by Second Lady Usha Vance to Greenland after expressing interest in annexing the island, signals a dangerous precedent. His recent focus on a Greek island raises further alarms.
Meanwhile, his plan to displace Palestinians from Gaza to build an exclusive city while they struggle for survival is a grave violation of self-determination. His so-called peace proposal for Ukraine, contingent on Kyiv handing over indefinite mineral rights to the US, echoes economic colonialism. Such aggressive overreach reflects a Don-like attitude that endangers global stability. Silence from world leaders only emboldens this reckless pursuit of dominance. If unchecked, this sets a precedent for territorial annexations under diplomatic and economic pretexts. The world must act before Trump’s unilateral ambitions spiral into a new era of imperialist expansion.
Gopalaswamy J Chennai
Protect Old Goa heritage
Amcho Serkar, Amche Khatir (our government is for our purpose) was the slogan at Old Goa against a proposed mall expected to come up at the heritage site just behind Basilica of Bom Jesus.
The intention of the Goa government, Tourism Department is very clear, to take advantage of the annual feast and decennial Exposition of St Francis Xavier for monetary gains at the cost of destruction of world heritage declared by UNESCO and protected for preservation.
It appears that the heritage protection doesn’t matter to the Tourism Ministry, but pushes the said project in prohibited areas under the guise of development.
As indicated, some historical findings have proved the existence of history relating to the past which needs to be protected and preserved. The clearance of the site by cutting down trees and making a road without the permission of the local authority speaks of the government's audacity against the wishes of the people. The Tourism Department must take heed of the people protesting against the proposed project of the mall and refrain from the world heritage site for such unwanted development.
Ayres Sequeira, Salvador do Mundo