Throw open KA for tiatrs after IFFI
It is learnt that the iconic Kala Academy (KA) building, which was steeped in controversy over the issue of renovation for nearly three years will finally reopen on November 10 in time for the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) which starts from November 20. Among the biggest sufferers due to closure of Kala Academy were the tiatr directors and tiatr lovers.
With the Ravindra Bhavan at Baina closed due to non-functioning of the air-conditioner system and that the Ravindra Bhavan at Margao will be closed during the IFFI, tiatr lovers have nowhere to go to watch a tiatr. It is learnt that staging tiatrs in villages causes huge losses to the directors due to less attendance. It would hence be prudent to throw open the Kala Academy for tiatrs as soon as the curtains come down on IFFI. Tiatr lovers from the capital city and other cities in North Goa have been deprived of this popular form of entertainment for far too long. It would be in the fitness of things for the management of Kala Academy to allow tiatr directors to book the hall well in advance, even before the commencement of the film festival and the dates for the shows can be allotted after IFFI comes to an end.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Illegal conversion and procurement of land
Illegal conversion of land in Goa is a major issue that has been plaguing the State for years. The conversion of agricultural land to non-agricultural use is a violation of the Land Use Policy of Goa, and it has led to the loss of valuable agricultural land. The illegal conversion of land is also a major cause of environmental degradation, as it leads to the destruction of forests and wetlands and precious houses of our Goan citizens. The illegal conversion of land is often carried out by powerful individuals and companies who have close ties to the government.
These individuals and companies are able to get away with the illegal conversion of land because they have the resources and the connections to do so. The government has been largely ineffective in stopping the illegal conversion of land, and this has led to a great deal of anger and frustration among the people of Goa. The illegal conversion of land is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. The Goa government needs to take strong action to stop the illegal conversion of land, and it needs to hold those who are responsible for the illegal conversion of land, accountable.
Ashwin Caeiro, Cansaulim
Hidden talents in hidden villages
Thanks to team O Heraldo for getting us acquainted with the talents/skills of people through the columns—Wards and Vaddos.
It was quite interesting to read about fearless Francis Monteiro, the snake catcher, and how he’s sought after to catch/save the dangerous reptiles. Nice piece of advice given by Francis of seeking medical care if bitten by a snake.
Furthermore, it’s not only the white coloured jobs like that of teachers/advocates/doctors/journalists etc are beneficial for the society, but we also understand that legacy of Gangi Varak’s oil massage for the tiny tots can’t be left behind. She has proven this over time, that her services of oil massage is well honoured by everyone. Most of the tiny tots have grown up and providing several other services across the globe.
Moreover, we have Trupti Gawas , top most milk producer of Pernem and her immense contribution towards the ‘White Revolution’. Proceeding ahead we have Anthony Furtado, the carpenter who has been adorning the houses in his community by gaining mastery over his carpentry skills.
Once again we are reminded of the fact that everyone is of utter importance to us.
Joseph Savio Desouza, Candolim
Pilots must get sufficient rest
Shocking incidents of pilots passing away ostensibly from work-related fatigue are reported from time to time across the world. The Nagpur shocker is still fresh in our memory wherein a private domestic airliner pilot collapsed near the boarding gate minutes before the flight was to takeoff. All stakeholders were in unanimous about the need for change in rules regulating duties of pilots. Finally, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has come out with a draft of revised duty and rest period norms for pilots. Among other features, increasing the rest period and alteration in definition of night duty are salient. The draft has proposed a 12-hour increase in rest, that is to 48 hours, after an average 12-hour-work per day for 1 week.
It is also proposed to change night duty hours to 12 am to 6 am instead of the present 12 am to 5 am, and this will provide day duty pilots more time to rest and prepare. The maximum flying duty length from 13 hours to 10 hours is also a step in the right direction.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Williamson: The nice guy of world Cricket
If any player who exemplifies the term ‘nice guy’ in modern day cricket, it is none other than the New Zealand captain Kane Williamson. He does not show undue aggression on the field, does not sledge the opposition, does not cry foul if his team is hard done and always keeps a smile while being friendly to teammates and opponents alike. But don’t mistake his nice guy image as a weakness. With the willow in hand, Kane is deadly, as a captain he is strategic, and as a fielder he can pull off some blinders like the stunning catch he took after returning from injury to send back Pakistan’s Abdullah Shafique in the ongoing ICC World Cup.
Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai
Stop export of rice grains
The proposed idea to export surplus rice grains, seems ridiculous. Unlike in the past, one finds today that all Indian food ingredients are available abroad. Given that in Goa itself, Goans are unable to secure quality rice grains from Fair Price Shops as per news reports, the idea seems to be preposterous!
However, in keeping with our diplomatic policy we can carry on supplying rice grains to impoverished nations such as in Africa, even if it is free of cost.
Vinay Rodrigues, Margao
Israel must vacate Palestinian areas
Unlike Israel, India has never occupied territories of its neighbours since Independence. So how can we be in the same terrorism-victim boat with Israel? How can we consider Israel’s stand against Hamas equivalent to our country’s stand against Pakistan-backed terrorism? The United Nations secretary-general António Guterres rightly said that Hamas attack did not take place in a vacuum. The truth is that 15 million Palestinians have been suffering the brutality of Israel’s oppression for decades.
Israel must vacate its occupation in Palestine.
Sujit De, Kolkata
Hearts go out to Nepal earthquake victims
Unfortunately, 157 people perished, and over 150 others got injured in Jajarkot district of Nepal following a powerful 6.4 magnitude earthquake. People felt the tremors in Kathmandu and surrounding neighbourhoods and even in New Delhi. The tragedy believed to be the worst since 2015, destroyed dwellings and left the inhabitants fending for themselves in the open spaces and fields without shelter. With many trapped underneath the rubble, the death toll could rise. In Nepal’s hour of grief, our hearts go out to the dead and their families.
N J Ravi Chander, Bengaluru
