Why hide reality from our netas?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be inaugurating the National Games 2023 at the Fatorda stadium on October 26. The VIP and VVIP culture in our nation seems to be getting stronger as any VIP movement will entail a whole lot of sprucing up and road repair along their planned path, which not only inconveniences the public by road closures but also puts people’s lives at risk by blocking ambulances and may delay people who have to catch a flight.
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Speed breakers maybe flattened, stray cattle and dogs removed for the occasion, slums are hidden behind a screen, etc, and a sanitised view presented all in the name of security!
Why do we need to hide reality from our own netas? Why in our democracy does this colonial culture exist and especially as security in these days of choppers and high tech equipment available can be effectively unobtrusive? In this highly technical age this unnecessary expense and great inconvenience to the public must be done away with or minimised!
John Eric Gomes, Porvorim
Address demands of affected fishermen
It is learnt that as part of safety and security measures which are required to be taken during the 37th edition of the National Games scheduled to be held in the State from October 26 to November 9, at 23 venues, in 43 sports events, fishing or water sports activities are banned within one nautical mile. According to a government notification, fishing activities are banned from October 27 to November 8. This move will obviously have an adverse effect on the fishing community.
Many of these fishermen could be living a hand-to-mouth existence and depending solely on the fish they catch each day. These fishermen will find it difficult to make both ends meet during the period of the ban. It is learnt that the fishermen have demanded for relocation of canoes and have also sought compensation for the income that will be lost due to restrictions on fishing activities during the event. The fishermen have also requested a safe site to relocate their fishing canoes during the specific period.
It is to be noted that whenever a national or an international event is held in the State it is usually the common citizen who has to face inconveniences. The government needs to look into the demands of the fishermen and address them positively.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Low denomination notes in short supply
It has been noticed that there are relatively much higher numbers of Rs 500 notes in circulation, but lower denominations notes and coins such as Rs 200, Rs 100, Rs 50, Rs 20, and Rs 10 notes as well as coins of Rs 20, Rs 10, Rs 5, Rs 2 and Re 1 are not available in plenty. Ideally at least the total value of the Rs 500 notes should be equal to the lower denomination notes and coins to ensure smooth transactions at all levels. In fact, the total value of the lower denomination notes and coins should be more than the total value of the Rs 500 notes. The RBI should thus ensure that at least the required printing of notes and minting of coins have to be streamlined. Also the distribution of all the denomination notes and coins have to be done even through the banks all over the country. Damaged notes should also be taken out of circulation promptly.
Elvidio Miranda, Panjim
Joe Biden adding fuel to the fire
Pompously declaring that US leadership is the glue that binds the world together, Joe Biden post his Tel Aviv visit affirmed that Israel and Ukraine should be supported and sought $ 100 billion from the US Congress for military aid to these two countries. He termed this as a smart investment which shall pay dividends for American security for generations to come. America’s days as a superpower and global policeman are all but over with the vacuum being filled by China. It’s writ doesn’t run large across the globe anymore. Biden’s policies are guided more for the benefit of the military industrial complex in the US and less by any altruistic motives.
In a war there never are any winners, only losers and the only entities which gain from a war are the huge armaments companies operating in America which also majorly fund the Presidential elections and state governorship races. US involvement in wars across the globe has only resulted in more misery, annihilation and ultimately they end up withdrawing their troops from the theatre of war, leaving allies and their protectees in the lurch. Afghanistan, Vietnam and Somalia are examples. Instead of adding fuel to the fire, the US president must play a constructive role, that of a peacemaker by using his influence to bring the warring parties to the table for negotiations and press for cessation of hostilities.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
Bonanza for volleyball fans
The Volleyball World, Beach Pro tour being held at Varca beach is a bonanza for sports enthusiasts across the state. It is one of the best organised tournaments with 17 nations participating. Spectators are treated to high octane matches which are held till late in the evening under floodlights, so that office goers can also partake of the proceedings. Music by Goa’s leading bands and international DJs liven up the proceedings during the night, the festive atmosphere is further enhanced by the food and beverage stalls at the venue. The best part is that all these events are free and open to everyone. Kudos to the Goa government for this excellent initiative, at least they are doing some things right.
Rekha Sarin Trehan,
Benaulim Usual excitement missing for cricket
A cricket connoisseur expected the ongoing cricket World Cup to be a magnificent extravaganza, after all India was hosting the tournament independently for the first time. However, the World Cup has not transcended a routine cricket tournament. The poor turnout for the matches is very painful. Even for matches involving the Indian team, the usual euphoria and excitement is missing. It appears people are bored by non-stop cricket –test cricket, T20 and ODIs. Further, when T20 is the latest trend, a die-hard fan seems to be least interested in the longer one-day format. In today’s fast-paced life, people appear more inclined towards the bang-bang form of cricket, the T20.
Mode of ticket-sale and astronomical ticket prices, too, are putting fans off especially when they have the option of viewing the same match in the safe and comfortable environs of homes. The World Cup could have been scheduled, maybe after Deepavali, and the absence of a befitting opening ceremony, and a damp-squib opening match, have not helped matters. No doubt, the game of cricket is still blessed by exceptional talents. But the fans are missing big and charismatic names who have hung up their boots over the last five years. Has India’s rise in other sport disciplines, and the country’s extraordinary performance in the recently concluded Asian games, taken the sheen off cricket? If so, then, everything happens for a reason.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
