Keeping a check on tourists
Ahead of the new tourism season set to kick off in October, the tourism department has reportedly proposed to mandatorily seek tourist information, on monthly basis, from the registered hotels and accommodation providers, failing which, a fine of up to Rs 50,000 would be imposed. Besides this providing data, identity proof or document of every tourist including domestic and international is mandatory.
This is a step in the right direction but it must be said that tourists visiting Goa do not necessarily put up in registered hotels and accommodation only. While many also prefer to stay in rented homes for a few days, others could even be spending the nights in their vehicles or under the open sky on the beach sand. Obviously no track can be kept on such low-budget tourists. Those with a criminal background who visit the state with ulterior motives will obviously not be staying in registered hotels and accommodation.
A correct figure of tourists entering the state can, however, be arrived at by maintaining a log of tourist vehicles entering the State at the border check posts along with the number of occupants of each vehicle.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Independence and personal freedom
Independence has to be a reality and not a mere illusion. Speaking from the heart and with a fearless mind in tune with the current sordid ground reality, we could in fact celebrate that historic August 15 only when we are once again truly and factually independent being free from a dictatorial and despotic regime. Independence means enjoying freedom and empowering others to do the same.
We are today far from being independent. The hard work of those who toiled for our country’s freedom has all gone down the drain since the BJP assumed power at the centre in 2014.
We all know that freedom of speech is today a myth. Nobody knows in which direction our once democratic nation is being channelled into. Our independence will only have some meaning when we, the world’s largest democracy, once again have a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
All that we sense is that our once great Nation is on the verge of bidding our once prized democracy a farewell.
The success of our country is now based on the belief that we need each other more than ever as we share one common destiny.
Mahatma Gandhi, the architect of our Independence, famously said, ‘I personally crave not for independence, which I do not understand, but I long for freedom from the English yoke’. One wonders how true that saying rings today as people long for freedom from the yoke of this Government.
Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar
The triumphant trio of Congress
The recent case of defection by the eight MLAs who were elected on the Indian National Congress tickets is at best a breach of trust of the voters and no words of condemnation can describe the damage that the defectors have drawn upon their image in the eyes of the public. If this is going to be a trend of behaviour of elected members and devaluation of the democratic norms, then it looks that the voter is immaterial in the whole process of elections in the country. We will soon earn the sad reputation of being a Nation of people who do not keep up to their word. Oaths and promises are distant dreams.
On one side, everyone is busy discussing and cursing the situation created by the defectors and the negativity that it has created on the minds of the people. On the other hand it looks like we have completely forgotten the positive aspect of the incidence which goes to show that the world still has some good people with a conscience. One must really appreciate and congratulate the Trio of the INC who stayed on with their depleted party and the opposition together with the others from the other parties.
Indeed, the Number “Three” bodes well for them and the future of their party.
It must be remembered by all politicians that once in power, if they are ready to misuse the trust placed in them by the people for their personal interests, they do not deserve to be in power.
Eddie Viegas, Vasco Da Gama
Cheetah reintroduction
At last, the majestic cheetahs have been reintroduced to India. The Kuno-Palpur National Park (KPNP) of Madhya Pradesh has welcomed its new guests with gusto. Asiatic cheetahs vanished from India as far back as 1950; the cheetah was declared extinct from the country in 1952.
Worldwide, its population is almost few and far between except for a few regions, and the total cheetah count is put at 7,100. Low genetic variability and prolonged inbreeding were once cited as reasons for the decline of cheetahs though many wild life experts claimed that the genetic variability was lost ten thousand years ago.
Though initially the Supreme Court had stayed the “Cheetah conservation plan” by upholding the plea of conservationists quoting the National Board for Wildlife’s policies, it later gave the green signal to the introduction of cheetah to India.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Inclusion of tribals in society
The peace agreement signed between the government and several tribal groups in Assam is commendable. Tribals are one of the most neglected communities in any country and it is unfortunate that their proper inclusion in society has still not been attained. Although reservations are given for their adequate representation in government jobs, their inclusion in mainstream society cannot be achieved until the society itself is made aware of tribals’ customs and lifestyle.
People, especially those living in urban areas, should be encouraged to interact peacefully and gregariously with the members of different tribal groups to understand the beauty of diversity that exists within our own country. We can learn their customs and beliefs and share our own knowledge and lifestyle with them in order to develop a mutual understanding.
Shivanshu K. Srivastava, Lucknow
Anand, Milind deserve Mangueskar award
It’s really delightful to know that yester years noted melody playback singer Shailendra Singh and popular music composer duo Anand, Milind will be conferred with the National Lata Mangeshkar Award for the years 2019 and 2020 respectively for their abundant contribution to Hindi film music.
Music duo Anand Milind redefined the film music scenario in the late eighties and nineties with their innumerable soul stirring and foot tapping numbers creating yet another golden period in the history of Hindi film music.
The numbers from hit movies like Qayatmat se Qayamat tak, Dil, Baaghi, Sangeet, Hero No 1, Sanam, Anari, Bol Radha Bol and so on simply prove the excellent mettle of this magical duo who simply mesmerised music buffs with variety packed numbers. The reason that even today their evergreen hits still linger in the hearts of the nineties and the present generation is simply because of their rich talented contribution of musical numbers.
Shailendra Singh, who is known for his distinct voice and sang many of the popular numbers in 1970s and 80’s was a singer who was a household name after the greatest of Hindi romances -Bobby- hit the screen.
His song “Main shayar to nahin” even today sets the hearts brimming with love and his “Humne Tumko Dekha”. The prestigious award is definitely being given to real music geniuses whose contribution to music is immeasurable.
M Pradyu, Kannur
