Will Corona test our strength?
Although our lives have changed for some time, to some extent, we must credit us being in a tiny state like Goa, who have challenged COVID-19 by religiously protecting self from infestation or infesting our living-in united joint family members, friends, neighbours and vice-versa.
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With COVID-19 pandemic having no sign of unfolding – with spikes in infection, deaths and suffering being the immediate ugly face of disaster, on the flip side the environment has become cleaner if you have noticed the bluer skies, cleaner air, louder birdsongs, cleaner rivers and beautiful mountains views in south Goa particularly – it is like a fairy tale come true, proving that we went wrong in protecting our beautiful environment by cutting loose or for our personal gains.
In March 2020, we were seriously advised on wearing mask, sanitizing, physical distancing – a question to us, did we trust and challenged COVID-19 or probably felt we are super immune to fight COVID-19. Our careless behaviour had economic rebalances and its ill effects bringing trade, tourism, hospitality and harvesting to our knees, although a greater recession is being forecasted, some believe mining may jump start at the earliest to have some remorse on Goa.
In conclusion, please note that wearing mask, sanitising and social distancing is the need of the hour and it is every one’s responsibility and we must practice it during this time of crisis to keep Covid19 at bay. Remember, there were positive factors also, the major being – we as Goan forgot the family differences, got united as sense prevailed, reached home for religious occasions and are praying the October Rosary together and in time with shy of hope that the earliest vaccine will be discovered by July 2021!
Gaston Dias, Sarzora
Old Goa monuments need maintenance
The Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Se Cathedral are World Heritage monuments of rich architectural genres. It is to be impressed here that monuments such as these will never again be constructed with their intricate craftsmanship. More importantly the Basilica houses the relics of St. Francis Xavier, the Goencho Saib, who is known to be the protector of Goa. Thousands of people, from all over the world have faith in St. Francis Xavier and have received miraculous favours and blessings from this great saint. People across all religions believe in the intercession of St. Francis Xavier. It is the duty of the Archaeological Survey of India to maintain these historical monuments which are very popular among the tourists both international and national.
The ASI should take immediate measures to maintain these iconic structures, so as to preserve these world heritage monuments. If help is required like in case of the silver casket housing the sacred relics of our patron saint which is to be sent to Italy for restoration, the ASI can sign Memoranda of Understanding with Portugal and Italy so as to utilize their expertise in the maintenance of these heritage monuments.
Water is not getting absorbed by the land and is collecting in low lying areas.
This year the walls are showing noticeable dampness which is not drying even in dry spells
Irreparable loss will result is quick and permanent steps are not taken.
Stephen Dias, Dona Paula
Gandhi’s principles no longer relevant?
We just marked the Gandhi Jayanti by organising functions and Peace Walk to highlight the doctrine of Gandiji. But Gandhiji’s thoughts and principles are any longer relevant now? To tell you the truth Gandhiji’s thoughts and doctrine are always relevant and will remain so too but the current generation and the current Indian leaders are not willing to follow them because Gandhiji means uprightness, sincerity, truth, patriotism, self sacrifices and non-violence.
To practice Gandhism one has to be a real Gandhi but can we in the land of Gandhi have anymore Gandhis? Surely not, and in the words of Jinnah, there was only one Gandhi in India and that was He (Gandiji).
Is it easy now to get another man as truthful as Gandhiji was? Since his assassination by RSS fanatic we are yet to get one more single Gandhi though Jayaprakash Narayan in came a bit closer to Gandhi but never equal to Gandhi. Politically both had mass following but Gandhiji remained tall.
We organize meetings and rallies to honour him but never follow him in any respect. If we had to follow him in his simple living habits instead of luxurious ways like British Monarchs, we would advance so high. Gandhism is good to develop the masses but our leaders who are preaching Gandhism are themselves guilty of committing breach against Gandhism. Can’t our President have a simple and ordinary Indian car for him instead of posh BMW foreign made? Can’t our President live in ordinary house instead of having luxurious mansion? Do we need Raj Bhawan for our Governor?
If we want to adore Gandhiji then we must first be non-corrupt and must live a simple life to save government money. Otherwise, goodbye to Gandhi and Gandhism.
A.Veronica Fernandes, Candolim
Walk for Peace, Walk for Hope!
Kudos to all the organisers, well-wishers, activists and participants of the ‘Walk for Peace’ from Mollem to Vasco! It was surely a commendable initiative on the occasion of Gandhiji’s birth anniversary. This walk emphasised on the utmost responsibility to preserve our heritage and resources for a bright future. Yes, development is needed, but not at the cost of compromising our fragile environment.
Relying upon the debates, contests and campaigns in recent times, a collective effort is required to work out sustainable solutions. Our government must work on bridging the gap with the public, to explore more feasible options.
As vigilant citizens, let us cast away the notion of ‘Mhaka kiteak poddlam?’, and contribute with active participation. It is high time to resolve these urgent issues!
Jude Fernandes, Vasco
Our vanishing heritage
Triggered by fast depleting green cover and haphazard ‘development’ the UNESCO listed Basilica of Bom Jesus and other monuments in the historical precinct are slowly but surely sliding into oblivion. Compounding the problem is the above average rainfall Goa has received this year which has led to a perilous rise in ground water levels within the heritage zone. The Basilica lies at the lowest level of the site drainage system fed by hills to the east and west. The scenic hills had till now acted as a buffer zone for the monuments but ill conceived hardscaping, highway widening and building construction has resulted in a large volume of water being diverted towards the protected monuments. During my last visit I was pained to see that the walls of the Basilica were substantially damp and mildewed with no drying up even during sunny spells. These historical gems will soon be completely destroyed if a ban on mega projects around the sacred precincts is not promulgated by an ordinance , mere tinkering with the byelaws won’t suffice.
‘Development’ and so called ‘progress’ is nothing but vandalism by the state and it’s people, Old Goa and other such eco- sensitive areas of global appeal should be actively protected if we wish our children to enjoy them as much as we did.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
