Politicians must lead by example
That public statement made by Panjim MLA Babush Monserrate that it is time to make way for younger persons to run the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) is so very commendable. His assertion that 80% of the sitting Corporators would be nixed at the ensuing CCP elections is further admirable. Let us hope that former Corporators don’t find their way through under the guise that they are not sitting Corporators. New faces have to be truly new, young and energetic.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
The other advice given by Babush to the sitting Corporators asking them to step down and allow their children to contest is so very outrageous to say the least. Is politics now to be reduced to a family business and a trader’s paradise? This advice encouraging others to step down and replace it with family Raj politics is robbing Peter to pay Paul. It is only a new broom that sweeps clean not a second hand replica.
Serving the people at whatever level of governance has to be a selfless dedicated mission and not a means to rise quickly from rags to riches. It has to be the best person with integrity honesty and dedication that must be elected or appointed to public office. Officials, who at all times, put peoples’ lives and welfare ahead of their own or that of their political party.
And while appreciating Babush Monserrate’s opinion that the CCP should be manned and managed by young talent, doesn’t our MLA feel that Panjim deserves in 2022 a young, educated, vibrant and energetic MLA with a broad vision to rescue Goa’s capital city from its decades of languishing in the dumps.
It is vital that our leaders lead by example. Practise what they preach or do not preach at all. Walk the talk. People watch what you do more than they listen to what you say. Inspire, challenge and encourage others to do their best, by your actions, example and by doing your very best.
Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar
Of 2020, opportunities and lessons learnt
The train wreck which was 2020 has birthed an optimism which is 2021, it has less to do with positivity and more to do with hope. While Covid is still manifest we look forward to the vaccine which shall eradicate it. They say that every adversity is an opportunity in disguise and maybe the pandemic was one such which helped us shed hardwired neural habits cloaked under a shroud of metronomic regularity and inevitablity.
Our work patterns were vampires of our time and attention with me-time and family time being frowned upon as killers of productivity and efficiency. Work became synonymous with attending office rather than accomplishing tasks, we commuted to mark our presence. Work From Home proved that all this was unnecessary to a large extent and that more could be achieved from the comfort of one’s home rather than by wasting hours travelling to and from distant offices. Virtual meetings turned out to be as impactful as physical ones with the added benefit of nil office politics and hierarchial heartburn.
Down the road ‘work from home’ morphed into ‘ work from anywhere’ as quite a few of us turned digital nomads shifting to the hills. Covid also taught us that health is the only true wealth and that interpersonal relationships need to be prioritised over material success which can only take us this far and no further… at the end of the day all we have is each other.
Local communities are the primary coping mechanisms which came to our aid during this time of crisis. The contagion also taught us that greed garbed as consumptive behaviour is not good and that we can make do with very less resources without any visible impact on our well-being. Let’s move forward into 2021 with renewed hope and vigour and yes, also not forget the lessons which 2020 taught us. This will hold us in good stead in coping with crises of tomorrow.
Rekha Sarin Trehan, Benaulim
Damaging our planet with trash
It’s so disgusting to note this Butterfly beach has been left in a mess after the New Year Eve revelry. It is the same story all across the country. During normal times in cities like Mumbai, one will find the beaches filled with trash after their evening of fun. And then, some NGOs or volunteer groups will come out the next day, clear the garbage and feel happy about their good deed. It’s back to the old story thereafter — people continue to leave their waste on the shore. It’s certainly a disgrace to see such irresponsible behaviour on the part of the people.
Jack Fernandes rightly asks, who has to teach these irresponsible kids, it’s the responsibility of each one who went to this last left paradise on earth to take back their trash they created. It’s time even the so-called educated class of people, educate themselves on the damage they are doing to the only planet which has life! Or one fine day, we shall all find ourselves buried in trash.
Melville X D’Souza, Mumbai
Hidden clauses in health policy
The insurance companies should stop rejecting insurance claim due to hidden clauses after policy is issued. There are incidents where term insurance or health schemes claims have been rejected by insurance companies by stating that information about health was given wrongly while taking policy. And they reject claims mentioning history of medical was not revealed or simply finding reasons for rejecting them.
Ideally all required checks should be done by the insurance companies before issuing a policy. It’s their responsibility to take required medical tests and do all the validations before issuing the policy.
Emergencies in the family can cause many problems including stress to family members if their insurance claims are rejected. And it also breaks the trust and faith. Economical burden will have harmful impact on the family and their future.
KG Vilop, Chorao
Adeus Mahadev Joshi
It is sad to hear that our Goan activist and media sensation Mahadev Joshi from Valpoi is no more. Yes he passes away due to prolonged illness. He was a simple man who fought for Goa’s cause in his own unique way and the people of Goa will remember him forever. Special his famous words direct chandrar. A person who spoken direct face to face and from front and not back.
The brave people like Mahadev Joshi who stand up and fight for the cause of Goa and Goans will be remain in the history of Goa and in our hearts forever. May your soul rest in peace.
Ronnie D’Souza, Chandor
Goenchem Noketr
Come January 6 and it’s time to bring down all the lights, the Christmas tree and all the glitzy decorations. It’s with a tinge of sadness that we carry out this exercise. More so when Baby Jesus has to be wrapped up and boxed till the next year.
But there is a spot of joy in all this because the very next day begins the Novenas to St Joseph Vaz. Of course this year, due to the virus, things will be totally different. Many will not be able to make it to Sancoale. But we could honour the Saint in our own homes. As we remove the lights and decor let’s leave only the star displayed as a sign of our love for him.
St Joseph Vaz is often referred to as Goenchem Noketr or the Star of Goa. When Joseph Vaz was born his father is said to have looked to the day sky and seen a bright star. He is said to have recorded in his diary “this child will be great”. And the boy far exceeded his father’s expectations, rising to the honours of the Altar in the Catholic Church.
Looking at all the stars lit in his honour from his heavenly abode St Joseph Vaz will surely intercede for and bless Goa and all Goans in particular being the son of our soil.
John Pacheco, by email
