Ustad Zakir Hussain’s demise irreparable loss
The passing away of Ustad Zakir Hussain, the globally revered tabla virtuoso, is an irreparable loss to the field of world music. Known for his amazing finger-work and rhythmic brilliance, he brought the tabla to a global stage, collaborating with some of the world’s finest musicians.
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His gargantuan contribution to music was recognized with Padma awards and the Sangeet Natak Akademi award. On the global stage, he was a four-time Grammy Award winner. His unparalleled skills earned him the reputation of a “fearsome technician” and a “whimsical inventor,” as The New York Times remarked in a 2009 review of his Carnegie Hall performance.
Beyond his musical prowess, Zakir Hussain’s life was a testament to the power of dedication, passion, and cultural exchange. His influence extended beyond the concert stage, as he mentored countless young musicians and left an indelible mark on the world of music education.
His collaborations spanned various genres, from traditional Indian classical music to jazz, rock, and film scores, making him a true ambassador of global musical harmony. As fans, fellow musicians and admirers around the world mourn his loss, Zakir Hussain’s legacy remains a lasting symbol of the power of music to transcend borders and unite people across cultures.
Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai
Constitution debate reduced to scoring brownie points
The Lok Sabha’s special discussion on 75 years of the Constitution was expected to be an occasion for the ruling party and Opposition to quietly reflect and assess functioning of the ideas contained in the document, identify its shortcomings and form a general consensus on the way forward. Instead, the occasion turned out to be a competition to score over each other.
The ruling side rapped the Congress for imposing Emergency in 1975 and the Opposition defended by saying there was an
“undeclared Emergency’’ in the country now.
Unfortunately, much of the debate about the Constitution dragged the Nehru family, the Emergency, the Modi government and a host of charges and counter charges.
Of course, the 1975 Emergency were the dark days for Indian democracy which lasted almost two years. Nonetheless, as a matter of courtesy, PM Modi should acknowledge the sacrifices made by his adversary to gain independence from colonial rule.
A mention of how the Grand Old Party stood for democracy by developing its institutions and staying the course would have made his criticism all the more credible.
Gregory Fernandes,
Mumbai
Awesome performance
South Goa is blessed. And I was blessed to watch the Opera Porgotnarr at Borda. What a fantastic Opera. Everything was so perfect and well managed. Hats off to Fr Simon and his team who orchestrated this show so wonderfully. So many actors, so many dancers, so many musicians and such a huge set up of the stage. So nice of a father to use his local parishioners who acted so vibrantly for the first time .
What an awesome performance by Fr Anthony Albuquerque as the main actor i.e. St. Francis Xavier and also Fr Benjamin as St. Ignatius de Loyola. I must appreciate Cecille for her wonderful dances where the dancers were so apt in matching their steps with the music. I am in awe of all the actors that I could watch this show again and again.
I must congratulate my friends Agnelo and Melba, the husband wife duo for their melodious voices and the other singers especially the child singers.
May God bless Fr Simon D’Cunha with good health for directing more shows like this in future. All the best to him for his last show at Pilar today.
Maria Gracias, Agacaim
Check on quality of chicken sold necessary
One hears of health authorities carrying our regular checks on sweets and snacks being sold in sweetmeat shops across the state.
The products are checked for quality, storage conditions, etc. In the past a hue and cry had been raised regarding fish being laced with formalin entering Goa from the neighbouring states. Strict vigil was initiated at the borders.
The health of animals is checked at slaughterhouses in Goa. Animals showing signs of disease are held for a veterinary examination. The question that arises is whether broiler chicken sold in the market is examined regularly by the health authorities? Eating unhygienic chicken can lead to food poisoning from bacteria like Salmonella, etc. resulting in symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, nausea, fever, and headaches.
Cholesterol, carcinogens, pathogens, and even faeces found in chicken products increase the risk of heart disease, breast and prostate cancers, urinary tract infections, and other illnesses. At room temperature, the quality and safety of fresh chicken are quickly compromised. If left in the open for a couple of hours it becomes a store-house for bacteria.
The tell-tale signs of chicken are bad smell and it is slimy to touch. Poultry products can become contaminated due to poor environmental conditions, unhygienic way of handling, cross contamination, among others.
A regular check on shops selling poultry products by health authorities seems necessary as chicken is the most widely consumed of all meat products.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
