Avoid communal tensions
The recent ugly incident at Taleigao, where a person allegedly used derogatory language and insulted a few of the peaceful members of the procession carrying the traditional Palki, is to be absolutely condemned by one and all.
It is therefore imperative that the police investigate this unprovoked incident and find out whether the said person was mentally unsound and/or under the influence of alcohol.
It would also be important to find out if he was instigated by some disgruntled person to create a situation so as to incite communal problems.
In general, the majority of our Hindu brethren are tolerant and peaceful in nature. Let us respect them for this great quality and live in peace and harmony, which has existed in our beloved state of Goa from times immemorial.
In all fairness, I think the offender in this case must apologise to the Deity and to the people concerned. His visit to that Temple for this purpose would be a befitting gesture.
Ruben O Fernandes,
Alto Betim
Margao’s dark underbelly
There seems to be complete lawlessness in Margao city. Margao happens to be the second largest town and a bustling commercial centre.
Besides being the commercial capital of Goa, it is also known as the cultural capital of the state. But with the rise in the crime rate one wonders whether Margao is also turning into the crime capital.
The other day there has been a foiled kidnapping attempt of a prominent jeweller at gunpoint in broad daylight at Aquem.
The kidnapping attempt has exposed Margao’s dark underbelly. In another incident a gang of five men allegedly stopped a Margao-based lawyer and two others who were going to a site inspection, verbally abused them and damaged the lawyer’s car with an iron rod and threatened her with dire consequences.
It must be said that even the lawyers are not safe as the incident took place in the heart of the town during rush hour. It may be recalled that in 2020, a prominent jeweller was murdered in daylight in the city. Crime against women is also on the rise. Residents of Aquem have become victims of a spree of burglaries. Over the years, Margao railway station has earned notoriety for anti-social activities like looting and other petty crimes.
The focus should be on installing CCTVs and enhanced police patrolling. Ahead of the festive Diwali season police should keep a hawk's eye on persons with criminal background.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
‘The Candle Still Burns’
On October 22 at 6.30 pm, the premiere show of the Film ‘The Candle Still Burns’ was shown at Holy Cross Church hall at Verna. This film is about the life and great missionary work carried out by St Francis Xavier, whom we lovingly and reverently call “Goencho Saib”.
This film’s depiction of the Saintly life and missionary zeal of St Francis Xavier touched the chords of the hearts of all in audience.
This film emerges like the sunshine at a time when some malicious people made attempts to put off the candle of St Francis Xavier by heaping all kinds of baseless accusations.
This film proves that the mighty candle of God’s priesthood still burns today come what may, dispelling the darkness of human malice and ingratitude.
Three cheers to the film director Mr Agnelo Fernandes for taking this giant step and to Brijesh Kakodkar in a special way for getting into the skin of the character so well. Congratulations also to all those who worked behind the curtains to make this film a great success.
John Joaquim Fernandes
Fast rate of urbanisation posing problems
The fast rate of urbanisation is currently posing substantial problems for major cities across India. The enormous population expansion in these cities is one of the biggest and most urgent problems they face. Also, the lack of buildable land has led to skyrocketing costs.
High-tech satellite towns have emerged as a possible way to address these issues and promote sustainable urban settings. By decentralising urban growth and spreading people, these cities have the potential to create balanced and equitable urban development across the nation. Another trend that is popular among satellite cities is the development of mixed-use areas. This involves creating areas that have a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. This allows for a more lively and vibrant city centre that can attract more people and businesses.
While satellite cities offer many advantages over living from the crowded centre of a metropolis, they have their own set of challenges too, like lack of amenities and job opportunities, rendering them as isolated suburbs.
Despite these challenges, satellite cities continue to be popular places to live for those who want to be close to a major metropolitan area but don’t want to deal with all the hustle and bustle. Overall, the future of satellite cities in India is looking very bright.
Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai
Uplift the poor
this Diwali
Every year we waste a lot of money on bursting crackers during Diwali. It would be better if we would use the same money for the upliftment of the poor.
There are millions of people all over the world who do not even get two square meals of food to eat a day. Instead of spending money on bursting crackers which goes up in smoke, we should donate the same money to an orphanage or a home for the aged.
At least the people who are left there to die by their ungrateful children will feel happy.
On the other hand, firecrackers create a lot of noise pollution and cause a lot of distress to animals and birds. We should avoid them if possible, or localise their use in a community to an open field. We should also clear up the mess, once the festivities get over.
The light of Diwali should be within us. It should symbolise our personal relationship between God and our families. Let the light of Diwali penetrate inward, for only then it will have the lasting benefit. A piece of cotton soaked in ghee lit with a pure heart, a conscious mind and a desire to be free from ignorance is far brighter than a thousand expensive electric bulbs or earthen lamps.
A cracker-free Diwali will save the lives of many people. Hence, I would request people to celebrate Diwali without harming the environment.
Jubel D'Cruz, Mumbai
Strong punishment must to curb illegalities
I appreciate the suo moto action by the High Court on illegalities in the State of Goa! However, I would like to suggest the following to ensure that this major problems is seriously addressed by the courts:
Suitable punishment in terms of jail sentences, suspension/barring from standing for elections and heavy fines on panchas/panchayat secretary /municipal or any government officials/bureaucrats found to be involved in allowing/facilitating illegalities.
In my village of Colva for instances where cases of such authorities allowing/allowed rampant illegalities particularly commercial and there are specific panchas/ex-panchas who themselves are involved in their personal commercial illegalities with absolutely no fear of the law!
The specific minister should also be made party to this case with the order to act or face judicial action.
Arwin Mesquita, Colva