The recent news that a Christian church in Aligarh is closed because of a serious threat of being forcefully converted into a temple for Hindus by the DJV (Dharam Jagran Vighag), a branch of the RSS, is very disturbing. Decades ago, several dalits in Aligarh embraced Christianity of their own volition. The seventh day Adventists then built a church on its own land for its converts.
Recently, 72 of these dalit Christians have been re-converted to Hinduism by the DJV as part of a drive to stop conversions and do re-conversions. Our Constitution permits voluntary conversion and re-conversion from one religion to another. To this extent, the action of the DJV, if devoid of force or inducement, may not be wrong. But the move to convert the church into a temple on the argument that the church may belong to Christians but the land in which it stands is of Hindustan is preposterous. DJV says it will not compromise on its dharti (earth). How would it feel if the several Hindu temples which are built in Christian countries are converted into churches on the same premise? Such groups will become more active, now that a RSS controlled political party is in power at the Centre. This trend is dangerous and must be arrested before it destroys the secular fabric of our country. As one writer has aptly put it – this tumour must be cut out before it becomes a malignant cancer.
Rodney de Souza, Assagao
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PKL was impressive
The stupendous success of the first edition of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) took even the organizers of the event by surprise. The stadiums were packed with fans enjoying every moment of the fare that was dished out by the players. And the enthusiasm was sustained through five long weeks.
The PKL proves that Indian fans will support other sports too and not just cricket, provided it is well packaged. The success of PKL will give the promoters of the new football Indian Super League (ISL) the courage to dream big. Hopefully the ISL chaired by Nita Ambani will take football to the next level. Team owners of the eight teams will do well to build up fan clubs with a broad base by offering membership to fans at nominal rates. This will foster a sense of belonging among fans , which is as important as team spirit, if football is to take rapid strides in FIFA rankings.
Prof Robert Castellino, Calangute
Helmet for pillion rider
Goa is not ready for helmets for pillion rider as yet even though there are deaths due accidents of head injuries it is mainly due to the bad roads and lack of proper traffic management. First of all the RTO must be proactive rather than issuing challans after violation. An example in point is how the cops are hiding themselves on a curve behind a tree to fine offenders. Government must not take a hasty decision on helmets for pillion rider. It would make better sense in improving our public transport system and the roads.
Dixon Vaz, Margao
Naming the island
With respect to the new island formed in the river Mandovi. It could be called as ‘Reva de Rio’, an adaptation roughly translating into ‘sand from the river’. Alternatively another name for the new island could be ‘Dichori’. A name formed from the first two or three letters of the two neighbouring islands of Divar, Chorao and mainland Ribandar.
A third possible name could be ‘Bandar’ or ‘Bhandar’. A name taken from Ribandar. In Hindi ‘Bandar’ means monkey. A reminder to the land sharks not to monkey around with this new island. I trust the ability of the Forest Department to develop this Island suitably.
Vinay Rodrigues, Margao
Stricter traffic police
Making wearing helmets compulsory both for riders and pillion rider, justified by the Transport Director that this exercise will help save lives and reduce safety risks, is a welcome note to some and unwelcome to others. Before implementing this rule it would be prudent if traffic police were strict enough to curb those driving rashly, constant overtaking at high speeds, talking on the mobiles, not wearing seat belts, both the two wheelers and the drivers of four wheelers who do not have any traffic sense, overtaking even at speed breakers and on reaching the cross roads and circles. Besides, the pot-holes on the roads and non-visible speed breakers are also causes of most accidents in Goa.
John Rebello, Old Goa
Issues beyond helmets
The authorities are always harping on “alarming fatalities” to force helmets in Goa. I am alarmed and concerned about other important issues. The lack of interest to regulate traffic by the traffic police, haphazard erection of speed breakers in Goa casing numerous accidents, creation of mini water pools at these speed breakers, collection of water on the sides of the roads, lack of maintenance of roads in Goa, bad illumination of major roads, stray cattle menace, missing traffic signals at major junctions and issues of licence by the RTO without serious verification of the person ability to ride or drive. Please address these “alarming” issues and we will have less fatalities in Goa!
Gary Fernandes, Mapuca
