Why mock elected representatives?
Since the war commenced between Russia and Ukraine, there are memes, jokes and posts belittling the Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy who was a comedian on a TV show. Similarly, now the Chief Minister of Punjab Bhagwant Mann is being made fun of. Let us not mock at the past professions of these humble persons as it is no joke (pun unintended) to enter the dirty world of politics and rise to fame and position.
People in high positions (politicians, film stars, corporate honchos etc.), whether in India or elsewhere brag about their humble beginnings, some of which may be suspect and not corroborated by facts and even by people close to them. Yet we believe these larger-than-life people and consider them as role models.
As it is said, “Every Saint has a past and every Sinner a future,” hence it would be prudent to respect their privacy and wish them the best in their new found profession, whether politics or anything else.
Sridhar D’Iyer, Caranzalem
Protests and arrests
Goa is well on its way to becoming a 100% police state dutifully following in the footsteps of the Centre. The recent arrest of Mayem villagers including the sarpanch who were protesting against ore transportation through the village is a cause for extreme concern.
The denizens had merely demanded that transportation be halted till the work of laying cables and water pipelines is complete which were being frequently damaged by the ore laden trucks ; the rupture of the water lines had led to extreme shortage of water in the area, a photojournalist covering the protests was also arrested.
Similar treatment was meted out to Mopa locals who were agitating against the construction of a link road through their land without them being adequately compensated. Last year students protesting in the state capital for their just demands regarding NEET were lathi charged and then loaded in buses like cattle to be carted off to the police station.
‘If you protest we will arrest’ seems to have become the standard template for the Goa government as also others across India. Dissent, demand of just rights and voicing of opinion contrary to the saffron ideology is anathema to this sarkar, it is unfortunate that we have elected the same party to power again. Expect more of the same from what is in effect a police state in the next 5 years; we Goans never seem to learn.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
‘The Kashmir Files’, a discourse
Jammu and Kashmir, an union territory shared border with Afghanistan, Pakistan and China which has been the subject of a dispute between India and Pakistan. In the process, both the nations moved to claim their respective portions of the state. But largest portion of the original state of Jammu and Kashmir remains as a state within India.
In 1947, at the time of Independence, the state decided not to join either with Pakistan nor India, and was enjoying special status enshrined in Article 370 of Indian constitution. Prime Minister Narendra Modi revoked the special status of state through the ”Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill 2021 tabled by Home Minister Amit Shah.
The recently released movie ”The Kashmir Files” is based on the real events occurred in the past i.e on the exodus of Kashmiri pandits during the Kashmir insurgency. This has caused the refugee crises in early 1990’s. Kashmiri pandits faced refugee crises in their own country. This event has resulted in genocide in the state of Kashmir.
But the manifestation in the movie that Kashmiri pandits were assassinated by the Islamic community can be said as to be inaccurate as it is said that it was carried out by separatist. India being a secular country respect all the religions equally and such discourses may create communal tension in the state of Indian. The movie received the mix type of reviews including controversies faced by the movie.
Sarvashi Naik, Curchorem
Electoral democracy
Are we worthy of electoral democracy? What efforts we did to get us this system? In fact, electoral democracy is given to us on silver platter by Bharat. In fact the electoral democratic system prevailing in Goa is the corrupted system. Can we purchase the electoral democracy?
Yes, in Goa we can since it is totally faulty where there is no limit to play mischief with the help of EVM machine that was introduced to give better service and other means. Does this voting machine serve our purpose? Absolutely no, because of its faulty results and repeat counting indicating the different total counts. I have no objection in such circumstances to believe all those pundits who had no trust in these machines. But for the government to take necessary action to clear the doubts ingrained in their minds, the opposition did not bring a heavy pressure on the government to discontinue with these EVM machines and revert to old system of ballot papers.
Bribery by giving money to the voters by the candidates was rampant in the just concluded election and moreover it was done openly. When one contestant approached me at my place 48 hours before the election during his last minute canvassing, with the envelope containing money, most of the people seeing me rejecting it, considered me as bloody fool.
This being the forbidden exercise of electoral democracy yet those concerned people did not get afraid of law nor of the joke that was done of electoral democracy in the promotion of democracy which turned into a farce admitting the fact that we are not worthy of electoral democracy because we are playing with it to suit our needs.
A.Veronica Fernandes, Candolim
Enjoy Holi with caution
Festivals in India are a reflection of the country’s cultural and religious richness. Holi is one such festival, as it spreads goodwill among people. However, revellers often get drunk on thandai (a soft drink) laced with bhaang (an intoxicant) and behave in a rowdy manner. There are other problems too. Mischief-makers apply colours that are harmful for the skin on others. Several instances of sexual abuse have also been reported during Holi.
Holi is a festival of colours and the festival of love. It is an ancient Hindu religious festival, which has become popular with many non-Hindus too taking part in the festivities in many parts of India and around the world.
People should remember that the festival of Holi is about spreading joy. Forcing the rituals on people who do not want to participate in the festivities is wrong. Dowsing unsuspecting passers-by with coloured water and throwing balloons filled with coloured water on them is unacceptable. A celebration for some should not turn into a nightmare for others.
The festival in recent times has spread in parts of Australia, Europe and America too as a spring celebration of love, frolic and colours. Holi brings joy and fun. However, as we get into the spirit of this festival, it is important to be watchful about your skin and body. Colours were traditionally made from dried flowers and herbs, but with time, harsh chemicals and dyes have replaced these natural ingredients. Every year during Holi, we hear of people suffering of skin ailments due to the use of colours that contains harmful chemicals.
So play a safe Holi with caution and let the colours of Holi spread the message of peace and happiness to one and all.
Jubel D’Cruz, Mumbai
