What’s going on in my India?
It is a shame that being the largest democracy, we have silenced our voices, and put aside out most powerful weapon –our democratic rights. Having the most educated, smart, brilliant entrepreneurs in our country we are ruled by illiterate goons making a joke of themselves on stage addressing the world without a clue of what they are speaking. These same goons are silently executing the massacres of our own in Manipur and we are all watching silently.
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Why are we all silent? Is it because they are not related to us? Is it because they are not the ones who we associate with? Then why is my India silent when our own people are killed in broad daylight? Where is the pledge that we take, that says all Indians are my brothers and sisters? Have we forgotten that we as the Citizens of India have the power to crush these rats?
Wake up India and act now, we have already lost our environment and heritage and very soon we will lose our country. It’s a shame to call ourselves as Indians if we cannot prove that democracy is still alive in our country. Let’s not hang our heads in shame but be the soldiers to protect the values taught by our ancestors who gave us the freedom. Let’s not go back to the dictatorial era because our silence will dig our graves.
We will be the victims of our own silence, the silence that will destroy what was given to us by our founding fathers of the Constitution.
Savio D’Costa, Chandor
Global vs local Goenkar
The way Goans are rapidly migrating out and with it many selling out Goan properties, it appears that in the near future there will mostly be ‘Global Goenkars’ and hardly any ‘Local Goenkars’!
I think that at this point in history generally ‘Goans’ do not deserve ‘Goa’ and all those genuine Goans who risked their lives, made many sacrifices for Goa’s Liberation, anti merger, Konkani movement etc wasted their time though I will always appreciate and thank them for their efforts for Goa!
Arwin Mesquita, Colva
All should unite for peace on earth
In a world full of terrorism, ‘peace’ is a word almost unheard of. The sound of bomb explosions and guns interrupts cool thinking about peace. Yet it is the sound of these bombs and explosives rather than the most fervent prayers and an anthem that makes us think about peace. Very often newspapers are full of news of violence and terrorism. Violence can erupt anywhere in the streets, places of worships, college campus or even in a football field. And innocent people die in bomb explosions, clashes between different communities or supporters of rival factions. Today, we are slowly losing compassion, love and fraternity for our fellow beings. We are like robots, fighting and killing for reason we ourselves are unaware of.
At a time like this, we must realize that God created us all the same but we have divided ourselves into communities. How nice the world would be if we forget our differences of caste, creed etc. This can be done by casting aside our petty differences and patching up our broken relationships. If we look around, we find that the world is passing through much pain and suffering Nations are divided into hostile camps. Racism, communalism and prejudices of colour are only some of the reason, which can start and material wealth, which is the main cause of violence and unhappiness. What is our future? Where is the joy of peace with a Damocles Sword hanging over us? Have we forgotten the teaching of Jesus Christ, Lord Buddha, Guru Nanak and Mahatma Gandhi who dedicated their lives to the cause of peace and love? Peace of mind is a balm, which the world needs at the moment. Harmony and peaceful co-existence are the essential ingredients for a prosperous nation. Before it is too late, we should resolve to assist the law maker in building a nation where peace and security prevails on earth.
Babluis Pereira, Pomburpa
Bring Manipur under President’s rule
The BJP leaders were seen aggressively making a big noise against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for visiting ethnic strife-torn Manipur recently. Why? Just because they feel that Rahul Gandhi might become more popular than Narendra Modi with this just one single visit in Manipur?
Well, Manipur has been burning since the last two months or so. Unfortunately, the BJP leaders (which includes Prime Minister Narendra Modi who otherwise has ample time to visit even some foreign countries) have been refusing to visit this state even one’s for unknown reasons and taking any steps to restore peace in the ethnic strife-hit state. Why? Just because the BJP leaders have absolutely no chance of playing their most divisive politics in a tribal state of Manipur even in the near future?
And why the BJP leaders do not want the opposition leaders to visit Manipur? Doesn’t Manipur fall in India? Or does it fall in Pakistan, if not Japan or China?
Well, I personally feel that the Biren N Singh led BJP government which has allegedly allowed the ethnic violence to spread across the state for its own political benefit, by fully backing militant groups should be dismissed, and Manipur should be brought under President’s rule to really restore peace in the ethnic strife-hit state at the very earliest… Hope better sense prevail.
Jerry Fernandes, Saligao
Live telecast of local body meetings
It is learnt that the Mapusa Municipal Council on Friday unanimously decided to officially video record the proceedings of all council meetings, in order to avoid discrepancies and improper recording of minutes of the meetings. This is a step in the right direction and needs to be adopted by other civic bodies in the state. It would also be desirable to telecast live, the meetings held by the municipalities, village panchayat bodies and gram sabhas. The locals need to be in-the-know of the decisions taken by the local governing bodies as they can have an effect on their daily lives.
Many-a-times the citizens are in the dark as regards important decisions being taken at such meetings. The meetings can be telecast live in the respective locality by romping in the services of local cable TV operators. The local bodies also need to be receptive to the questions raised by the citizens and address it at the meetings. When the State Legislative Assembly sessions are being telecast live why should the meetings of the local governing bodies not follow suit?
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Importance of Gurupurnima
In the present birth, everyone seeks guidance from teachers, doctors, lawyers etc. for simple aspects of life. If this be so, it is really beyond our imagination to understand the importance of the Guru, the one who releases us from the cycle of birth and death. One should surrender unto the Guru, so that the Guru can control his mind till its dissolution. Surrender unto the Guru completely and then leave the rest to Him. The Guru is aware of the disciple’s progress. The Guru consciously bestows his grace on the devotee through his eyes, words or touch, continuously. This grace is bestowed upon the disciple by the Guru’s efforts.
For devotees, seekers, disciples, etc. who practice spirituality under the guidance of Shriguru, Gurupurnima is a festival of expressing gratitude. Let us all celebrate Gurupurnima this year and commence spiritual practice, and thus, fulfil the purpose of human life.
Shreya Shirodkar, Mapusa
