Avoid taking students
to dangerous areas
47 students and 5 teachers from a school in Siolim were stranded at Charavane (Valpoi, Sattari) waterfall due to a sudden rise in the water level because of heavy rains. Fortunately, all were rescued and brought back safely. The outlandish decision of the school authorities to visit the waterfall during the ongoing monsoon and the permission (may be an undertaking) given by the parents cannot be condoned. During monsoon, the waterfalls would be in spate and even if there is a lull in the weather a sudden cloud burst or heavy rains might lead to rise in water level in the watershed area that feeds the waterfall. The streams and rivers that are enroute to the waterfalls would swell making it tricky to cross them. Under such circumstances it is foolhardy to visit water-borne areas.
School and college students are taken on picnics, trekking, field trips, excursions and visits to various places. The outings give a break from the boring books and the children and even the teachers look forward with excitement and for the learning experiences. But some of the places are fraught with danger (beaches, forests, waterfalls etc.) and caution and safety are of concern and need to attention. The government could issue a directive to educational institutions as to which sites the school students could be taken depending on their age and also the necessary precautions to be taken. Students who need to conduct field works should be supervised by teachers and the areas and work could be chosen wisely, without putting anyone at risk.
Sridhar D’Iyer, Caranzalem
Pope Francis visit to
India can happen
There is lack of clarity over the visit of Pope Francis to Goa and India as the Central Government has reportedly not shown any interest, so far, for an official invite to the Vatican. This despite the fact that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant through an official communication had reportedly requested the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to invite Pope Francis to India stating that Goa would like to host the Pope for the upcoming exposition of St Francis Xavier, scheduled from November this year.
Goa would have been privileged to host the Holy Father during the decennial Exposition of the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier which is a 45-day event. Leader of Opposition in Goa Yuri Alemao reportedly said that the government has failed to respect the sentiments of the people and called upon the government to act swiftly to explore the possibility of the Pope visiting the state. He has called upon the government to immediately convene a high-powered committee meeting in order to discuss the issue. It is pertinent to note that the itinerary of the Holy Father is decided well in advance. However since Pope Francis is on an on-going Southeast Asia visit as released by the Vatican, there is a remote possibility that a visit to India by the Holy Father could be included in the itinerary. This possibility should be explored by the Indian government.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Postal cover on
Exposition needed
The Government of Goa and the Department of India Post, Goa Circle, should bring out a commemorative Philatelic Postal cover with special cancellation, to mark the occasion of decennial exposition, where the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier lie in state at Old Goa, from 21st November 2024 to 5th January 2025.
The Exposition of the relics of St Francis Xavier this year will be the XVIII Public exposition, since the first Public exposition was held from 6 to 12 November in 1782 at Old Goa.
The Government of Goa should cherish the gift of communal harmony bestowed on the people of Goa, by (Goencho Saib) St Francis Xavier, who is the ‘Patron Saint of Goa’.
This proves to the World, that Goa is a state of India, where people of different communities live harmoniously and seek his blessings.
Melson F M Louis, Margao
Educate boys to
respect girls
The words ‘protect your daughter’ are said and heard very frequently. However, ‘educate your son’ is hardly ever voiced. To break this cycle, we must prioritise educating boys about respect and equality. From an early age, girls are taught to be cautious and compliant, constantly reminded of their potential vulnerability. In the meantime, boys are repeatedly given unchecked free rein, without understanding how their behaviour can affect others. This difference in upbringing furthers a culture where gender-based violence escalates. Boys must learn from an early age that their rights do not include the power to control or harm others. Such education is indispensable to tearing down the harmful cycle of toxic masculinity that continues violence against women.
Jubel D’Cruz, Mumbai