Government’s Recipe for Disaster
People are vehement in their angst against the Government , but where is the justice, asks CAETANO DE ABREU
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It is acknowledged that our Government is tendering lip-service to all and sundry. However, by putting on the mat their warped factors while simultaneously trying to consolidate over the grieving malfeasances of sorts, which is creating undue havoc amongst the law-abiding populace who voted for a clean and transparent government clubbed with earnest and genuine development works, is like shooting in the dark. However, pitifully consolidating all the aspects, the end is never in sight. Thus, it does make me wonder about the undesirable gimmicks that we are coping with as our Government is reaping the spoils and all at the cost of Aam Aadmi. And, yet, we are pondering over the seemingly ill-will impugned upon us by our elected representatives for no fault of ours.
Rationally there is the price rise factor which is non-relevant in the general context, as the people have already accepted the Sword of Damocles. However the BJP cadres who are in the process of recovering lost grounds, are trying the maximum to capitalize upon that folly swapping the Aam Aadmi. The BJP is equally to be blamed for that equivocal pun of action over the minds of people in general, unrealistically forgetting what they did while in power. In regards to the lost electorate, the BJP are trying to bring them into its fold, by stoking the circumstances with canards spewed like the frustrated identities, which in actuality they are. They overtly impart us with the hollowness in disguise which can be discerned with the IFFI 2004 scam perpetrated seemingly by Parrikar & Co. for which he is being chastised by the CBI. Presently the BJP is cozying up to the minorities. It is an up-hill task, considering that the same minorities are well onto their scheme of things as they do not trust the BJP. For, whatever it may take and to woo them is near impossible task unless some cash flow is made evident. Thus, they are quite contented with the present Government, never mind the frustrating debacle they are malaise with. The BJP is trying every stunt to acquire the reins of power after a disastrous debacle suffered during two consecutive elections and were drubbed for having no essence to reign over a Country where regionalism and factionalism is the order of day. Nitin Gadkari may claim that Afzal Guru is Congress’ Son-in-Law; I therefore want to ask who the Uncle is? The other option could be, the crime being perpetrated during BJP’s tenure makes me wonder about the Paternity factor. Regardless, the BJP is spewing venom against the present Government which can be deemed as ranting out of frustration.
It is a forlorn conclusion the Congress Government in the State has deteriorated from bad to worse and seems to be unredeemable, giving no breathing space for the Aam Aadmi to raise its voice of discontent which could be relevant in the present circumstances.
To commence with there is the mining imbroglio. The Centre has issued specific instructions to curtail its activities. The mining leases are all in the hands of the powers-that-be, the reason therefore the mining activity is going unabated and there is no one to question the illegalities surrounding over that aura of invincibility. The end result is that people are being maimed or killed or left penniless due to reckless digging of that low-grade ore compounded with reckless driving. People are vehement in their angst, but where is the justice? It is surreptitiously mentioned that our CM and some members from his ruling coalition are closely involved in that nefarious activity, where the lure of money is the criteria for the devastation of our pristine land although I concur that being in Power has its own unassuming advantages which I presume is totally capitalized upon .
The PWD’s Head Honcho is promising the world on a platter. But his working format is not much to be desired, as can be seen from areas where work has been haphazardly implemented. Let not the sleeping dogs lie low as there are loads of discrepancies in the issuing of Tender documents where a fast buck amongst the Ministers seem to be the rational order, for which I am ruing about the choiceg a Congress Government in the State.
Our beloved Road Transport Authorities had promised to take immediate action against rash and erratic driving, but where is the action? Our transportation is incongruous with no traffic police to penalize the perpetrators and they can only be seen perhaps when their finances are down and the need to make heckles rise, arises. Besides erratic road rules the people themselves with dearth of authority are parking the way they want to, unconcerned about the pedestrians. The case in point being, the pavement of Joao de Castro’s road linking 31st January Road of Panjim is blocked with motorbikes belonging to the workers of Casino boats bottling the rightful pedestrian’s access. At such times where are the authorities to curb these malfeasances where even the sign-boards notices are not observed?
The Police Department seems to be on over-drive with the capture of criminals. However, it makes me wonder why the criminals are presented hooded while the Police personnel are basking in all of its glory. I agree about “until proven guilty” and everything, although I would like to see their faces, to forewarn me and be wary about them. Thus my moot question remains: If you are going to hide their faces then why the tamasha about their arrest?
The Government is always harping about job-employment to Goans only, which in my world it is a pipe dream, for I can see in many prestigious places patronized by Goans, umpteen number of chinky eyed servers enjoying the gullibility of Goans with their ruckus Hindi while hogging solely at the cost of patrons, the Telly with Hindi Bollywood extravaganza, with which I for one do not agree, as our Culture is to be preserved and not destroyed which is just what seems to be happening. Thus, where is Government’s prevention of terror? I can clearly emphasize that Naxalism is stealthily gaining entry into the ambit of Goans, and what is Government doing about it? Should they contemplate enrolling them in the electoral process to secure their coveted seat, or should stringent laws be applicable to the trespassers irrespective that they may not vote in favour of seat retention. I have not forgotten the Margao incident where a truck with killing weapons was seized, and what the Government has done about it … nothing except inscribing theirs name in the electoral roll.
About the erroneous behaviour of the Government I have just uttered my minor grievances, although there are many more which only time can tell. For now, I can safely state that the Goa Government is sliding downhill with no hope for redemption. Hence we should be forewarned and set the platter clean lest we come across the same people who will bulldoze their way through in the next elections. Thus my moot question is, should we follow the same recipe over and over again?
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The Spark of Life
By Vanessa Lobo
Enthusiasm, is that zest for life that motivates us to do things wholeheartedly. Derived from the Greek word which means “in God”, enthusiasm is that special recognition of God’s presence in each of us. An enthusiastic person is cheerful, self-motivated and usually more efficient than others.
What should we be enthusiastic about? We have so many things to be happy and enthusiastic about. We can be enthusiastic about God’s great infinite love for us. Our lives are a gift from God. Why not be enthusiastic about how beautiful you are as a person? Each person is so unique with so many gifts and talents. Only when we try out something, we realize that we have a gift or talent to do it. So just imagine, you may not know even today about certain talents that you possess. And that’s because you’ve never tried it out! God’s blessings in our lives are so numerous, that sometimes we don’t even realize it.
Why not be enthusiastic about the people around us? Ooops! I hit a sore spot there, didn’t I? Why should we be enthusiastic about family members who nag and irritate us, the boss who squeezes the life out of us, colleagues who harass us, nosy neighbours who talk about us out of our earshot or in our absence…etc.
Well, in certain cases, we don’t get to choose the people we interact with. We definitely can’t change them and their ways. But we can change how we react to them. You have a choice to be happy, sad or angry etc. No individual or circumstance can take that away from you. When we make an effort to be enthusiastic and happy in spite of people who are a thorn in our side, we brighten our own lives. We refuse to let others control our happiness! Enthusiasm is contagious and infectious. Sometimes, if you are lucky, the “thorn in your side” may actually turn into a “rose in your hand”!
As with any fire, the spark of enthusiasm needs care. But, how can we nurture this enthusiasm everyday?
Rest in God- It isn’t easy to be happy and enthusiastic in today’s world. But God is the source of joy, peace and strength. Talk to Him about any and everything because He is your best friend.
Forgive, encourage yourself and others. Settle any matter that troubles you. Forgive all involved and move on optimistically expecting good things. God himself has created you as a precious, valuable gem. If He didn’t love and care for you, you wouldn’t even be alive. You are beautiful to Him. Affirm yourself and give yourself a Pep talk. When someone is feeling low, give him/her a Pep talk too.
Refresh yourself. Work-related stress, bills to pay and everyday troubles of life leave us exhausted and discouraged. So take a break at least once a day. Go for a walk, read a book or listen to soothing music. Do something you enjoy.
Bless others. Share your happiness and enthusiasm with others. The happiness we give away enriches our lives. Find ways to bless those around you (even the “thorns in your side”)- Focus on doing something to make at least one person happy each day. Present someone with a flower from your garden, phone an old friend, send a card, give your seat in the bus to someone etc. Surprise someone who least expects it and enjoy the look on their face!
If the flame of enthusiasm in your life is burning low or already put out, light it again. Spark up your life! It’s worth it!
