Sare Jahan Se Accha…
When I speak in English, I say Panjim. When I speak in Konkani, I say Ponnje. When I write in English I write Panjim, but if it is an official or legal document I write Panaji.
When I speak in English, I say India. When I speak in Hindi I say Bharat. And so forth.
I don’t write on stone. Such things are not, and should not, be written in stone.
They grow out of convention and usage, and should not be shoved down anybody’s throat. I am proud to be an Indian. I love my India! Mera Bharat Mahan! Jai Hind!
Cecil Pinto, Aldona
Dengue cases on the rise in Goa
Dengue cases are on the rise at various places in Goa such as Vasco, Ponda and other towns. We have to take care of ourselves. Many people are going to doctors in big numbers. Dengue fever is a viral disease which is spread to human through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes. It can cause high fever, bodyache, headache, skin rash and pain around the eyes.
Reduce mosquito bites by maintaining cleanliness in and around your living space to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Uncovered water storage, trash cans, plastic covers, flowers pots, water logging, may breed mosquitoes. Close all the doors and windows early in the evening and open late in the morning, use mosquitoes repellent and please wear long sleeves clothing and pants. Use mosquitoes nets on the bed especially when there are kids in your home. Dengue virus is transmitted from affected person to another through bite of mosquitoes. Visit doctor in your area, health center and do the test. Take good care of yourself. Requesting health authorities to take action as soon as possible to avoid the spread of dengue fever throughout the state.
Ronnie Dsouza, Chandor
Is one nation, one election feasible ?
The Centre has been advocating one nation one elections and this been in the pipeline for some years, but it was impossible to implement it. Law Commission had made certain suggestions but I don’t think hardly any attention was paid to them. The Modi government has suddenly decided to follow up with the concept and even notified an eight member high level committee. The timing, just before general elections, looks a little suspicious and also a special session of Parliament has been convened. What was the reason behind convening such a session when recently the Parliament monsoon session had concluded? This leaves a lot of doubt in the minds of MPs and public of the country.
If elections are held simultaneously the cost factor and law and order needs to be taken in account, as the police personnel will not be sufficient to be deployed at all polling stations, but only across sensitive police stations resulting in law and order problems. This may lead to rigging of polls as security will be limited and may result in poll irregularities galore in the election process due to which deserving candidates may not get elected. It may also benefit the dominant and ruling party at the cost of regional parties and this is the reason why it is opposed by Opposition parties.
Diomedes Pereira, Corlim
Partying with ‘wanted’ elements
Former Solicitor General of India and senior lawyer Harish Salve has tied the knot for the third time. Interestingly, he is a member of ‘One Nation One Election’ Committee. Ex-Chairman of IPL Lalit Modi, who has caused financial trouble to the country and elements such as Qureshi, the accused wanted by ED, were present at the wedding party.
Partying with the cheaters of the country, inviting them to the programme and also being part of the country’s main committee, is a serious matter.
How I behave in my personal life and how I am in professional life is in front of everyone. It is through professional life that prestige is attained. What is the government going to do to make Salve know this?
The Constitution of India has given equal rights to everyone. Whether the person is ringed or normal. Both are related to the country and society. Therefore, one holding public office or responsibilities should be responsible while acting and speaking.
Jayesh Rane, Mumbai
Pollution is a cause for worry
Rapid industrialization, progress and development have consequences and come at a price. The burning of fossil fuels for transportation has resulted in rise of temperature and melting of ice and flooding. Climate change has led to massive destruction and displacement caused by rain. Nuclear fuel though clean has catastrophic consequences. The space is now flooded with man made satellites albeit for development. Moon, Mars are littered with lost rovers and other objects.
Some asteroid and moons of planets are invaded by man. The air, water and land are reeling under the burden of waste. The vital water and air needed for survival of human race is under stress. Use and throw is a dangerous principle for waste management. Segregation at source, collection and disposal by recycling is the solution. The proposal to treat waste at local levels is not a feasible option..The beautiful landscape of Goa is an eyesore covered by dumping waste.Western nations are luring poor nations with incentives to accept their hazardous waste. Polluter pays is a limited option. Banning all types of plastic is not economically viable. Pollution is a slow poison to wipe out humans instead of astronomical collusion.
Nelson Lopes Chinchinim.
Abundant prowess in space technology
In the aftermath of the moon exploration and soft landing, India has achieved a special status in a four-member elite club, displaying its abundant prowess in space technology. India could see a potential space technology export market in future wherein nations in this G-20 bloc willing to do bilateral space business which could catapult our nation into a win-win situation.
Now ISRO has ventured into a new solar Aditya L1 mission to orbit a distance of 1.5 lac miles from the core of the Sun only to display an exponential growth in space technology enough to make the high and mighty to blink. Foremost of the meetings on agenda in the G-20 will be climate changes afflicting the Earth’s environment, with unseasonal earthquakes, volcanoes, very heavy, scanty or no rainfall, beach soil erosions, unexpected wild fires, eliminations of insect, birds, animal species, etc. India will impress on high fossil fuel emission countries to cut down or trim high emissions by leaning on to renewable solar energy wherein our nation has striving hard to research and rely on solar powered vehicles and other machinations utilizing this form of energy. India should set the agenda to its advantages, by stressing on beneficial aspects of bilateral trade with emphasis on exports.
Ashley Noronha, Fatorda
