Depression is a
silent killer
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This has reference to the article ‘Everything is going to be okay’ (Herald, October 6, 2022). That was indeed an enlightening and interesting piece from Schirl Ema Carvalho, on the occasion of ‘National Depression Screening Day’ – (October 7).
Yes, depression is a silent killer and really speaking, there is no medical cure for this malady. And it is not restricted just to the adults or the elderly, but the younger generation as well. There could be several factors leading to depression, of course. But perhaps, the recent pandemic seems to be a major factor. Thousands have lost their loved ones spouses, parents (some cases both), siblings. As one who has lost a loved one, I understand the trauma people are going through.
The statistics for India are frightening – one out of three Indians is suffering from depression. Depression is indeed a very sensitive issue and we need to tackle this situation with kid gloves. Psychologists have a tough task ahead of them. The title of the article sounds so much reassuring. Yes, one only hopes ‘everything is going to be okay, that things could get better, with faith and hope in the Almighty.’
Melville X D’Souza, Mumbai
Recognise Taiwan
Both India and Taiwan face threats from China, the big international bully, has been more aggressive against Taiwan, India and nations around the South China sea. To stand up to China, India needs to boost its economy.
One area where we are dependent on China is electronics. With the help of Taiwan, which is the unmatched leader of global semi-conductor manufacturing sector, Taiwan foreign Minister Joseph Wu has indicated his country’s willingness to cooperate with India in semiconductor manufacturing. However, the problem is that we have not yet till date recognised the Democratic Republic of China, which is Taiwan. We should immediately rectify it as it will go a long way in getting help from Taiwan, which has so far been circumspect in dealing with India and it is about time India stood with Taiwan.
India should be more vocal in calling out China as it cannot be trusted. Right now, it remains the most hated country in the world. I pity the citizens of China who are not raising the voice against their government as they have been suppressed.
Narendra Modi should extend invitation to the Taiwan President as Chief guest for the Republic Day celebration next year. That will send a strong signal to China and the rest of the world. China will definitely create a fuss but India should ignore it and stand firm with Taiwan.
Diomedes Pereira, Corlim
Institute award in memory of late Dr Joe
Late Dr Joe D’Souza, a retired microbiologist of Goa University and an environmental warrior who always exposed environmental degradation contributed immensely towards conservation of nature during his lifetime. He used his knowledge to the hilt to save the environment.
A scientist who was well informed with great love for nature he fought relentlessly against projects which would destroy the environment. Dr. D’Souza should be an inspiration for those environmentalists who are working hard to protect our motherland from unplanned development which could leave very little greenery for future generations. Handling of hazardous wastes and legacy dumps, the leniency in granting permissions to constructions all along the North Goa beach belt, the harmful effects of using formalin to preserve fish were only some of the subjects he passionately felt for.
Dr D’Souza had challenged the construction of the ‘Captain of Ports’ department building on the banks of Mandovi in Panjim. Dr D’Souza had to fight many of the decisions of the government in order to save the environment. It would be most appropriate to institute an award for ‘Goan Environmentalist of the Year’ in memory of late Dr Joe D’Souza. This will be a befitting move in honour of one of Goa’s best known green activist.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
People’s power can save Sanguem farmers
Sanguem is a beautiful place with its natural beauty. Our CM along with Sanguem MLA is in hurry to start the work of IIT project within six months. The government does not want to listen to the voice of people. The farmers who stayed there for ages for their living are forced today to leave their lands for the project which will not be benefited for the people of Sanguem. Promising the jobs for locals is a game to fool the people to go ahead with their plans.
Politicians do not know what is promise or oath, all they know is only money and power. As we have seen that the politicians cheated even gods of all the religion and broken the hearts of many faithfully religious people. The government failed to give jobs in their ruling years, all empty promises. Now the police who are to save and protect the citizens are used to go against the citizens just to fulfill the wish of top businesses and leaders of this country. Because of the stupid reaction of police who have to dance on the government music has lost trust and respect from the people of Goa.
Hard working farmers have to face problems after problems not only in Goa but throughout the country today. The people have to come out on roads to save and protect the environment and their rights. The Sanguem MLA is only interested in IIT project and not interested in other facilities and services to its people because once the project will start, he is the only person who will benefit. Even the people of Sanguem do not elect him again, he doesn’t care because within the five-year term the MLA will make money for his generation next by hurting the people of Sanguem and our poor farmers.
Government will use all the dirty tricks to trap innocent people of Sanguem, they will even create a scenario which was created in other places for IIT project by hitting the people from police force but people have shown them their power and said big no to project which the CM along with the area MLA want to go ahead without their will.
They will file FIR against the people who stand on the front line to protect their lands. God give strength to the people of Sanguem and local farmers to fight for their rights to save and protect their lands for their future generations.
Ronnie D’Souza, Chandor
Release DSS to beneficiaries
The last time the issue of DSS and Griha Aadhar raised in the assembly was by the Aldona MLA after which the long time pending remittances were credited to the beneficiaries accounts for the Ganesh festival. Now the Pramod govt is silent with an obvious intention to gain credibility for the next release with much publicity. The beneficiaries wait for the release of August and September, two months over, and return from the bank with faces down after being told ‘not come, by the bank counter clerk.’
The Goa Chief Minister claims it has no fund, then where is this money coming from: Rs 20 crores for repair/reconstruction of old temples; 10 crores for a new Raj Bhavan; five crores extravaganza for swearing-in ceremony after the last Assembly election; and the least goes on only for high profile projects. The ministers draw their monthly salaries regularly. But the common man pays GST to the govt even on a simple cup of tea. Where is this public money going?
The senior citizens and the needy request the immediate release of pending dues and in addition to increase Rs1,000 on the social schemes. Diwali festival is also fast approaching and it is expected that the government will release the October DSS and Griha in advance. Is Dr Pramod Sawant sensitive to their feelings?
Ayres Sequeira,
Salvador do Mundo
