Restore core of Goan music and culture
FM Rainbow Goa, once a beacon culture, music and heritage, has undergone a significant transformation that has left its listeners disheartened. For generations, FM Rainbow Goa has been more than just a radio station and had bonded as friend in every Goan household, companion in daily drives, a source of entertainment, local news, and a proud representation of our unique identity. The melodies and rhythms that once flowed through its frequencies were not just tunes but they resonated with its listeners heartbeats, reflecting our rich cultural tapestry. From Nomoskar GOA at the wee hours to Kantaram during the afternoon siesta and then to the wonderful Phone-in at the twilight hours and array of programs.
However, in recent times, the soulful music that used to define the essence of FM Rainbow Goa has been conspicuously absent. The shift in content, focusing more on prachar and less on the cultural representation of Goa and India, has left a void. The station, which was once an integral part of our daily lives, capturing the spirit of Goa through its diverse selection of Konkani, Hindi, Marathi and English pop and classical songs, radio plays, folklore, and local talent showcases, now seems to have lost its connect with its roots, turning a three-decade-old music into misery of “donkey songs on repeat”.
This station, which has held a special place in the hearts of Goans since time immemorial, is now seemingly reduced to a mere conduit for advertisements and propaganda hub, primarily serving as a deafening bard for central ministry agendas. All this harmonious entertainment has been confined to a simple spiteful rant that appears to be aimed at facilitating dissemination of the ideas kindled by the national supremo; wrapped with information regarding government initiatives, plans, DD curriculum, and repository of Indian culture projects to ensure their reach.
This change has had a major impact on Goan cultural promotion and preservation; in addition to its entertaining value. A potent tool for fostering community cohesion and cultural expression in a world when local cultures are in danger of being eclipsed by globalisation.
The listeners are greatly saddened by the loss of Goan music on FM Rainbow Goa, which represents a break from our history. We urge that the station’s founding principles be revived in order to restore the core of Goan music and culture. With its extensive reach, FM Rainbow Goa must keep celebrating and advancing our distinct cultural identity.
Sieno Gomes, Benaulim
Goa sinking into drug-trade quicksand
In the biggest haul of drugs of the year, the Anti-Narcotic Cell (ANC) of Goa police reportedly arrested a Russian drug dealer at Morjim allegedly with narcotics worth Rs 1.75 crore in the international market. This seizure by the police could be just the tip of the ice-berg. The coastal beach belt in North Goa including Anjuna, Baga, Calangute, Vagator, etc. and beaches in Canacona have been described as vulnerable areas for drug trafficking in the state. Strict anti-narcotics laws prevail in Goa.
Nevertheless Goa is now a major hub and focal point on the International drug map. Several (Electronic Dance Music) EDM festivals being held along the coastal belt in the state only enhance drug use.
Deaths due to over-dose of drugs have been reported at such music festivals in the past. In the first six months of 2023, 85 persons have reportedly been arrested for possession of drugs. The rise in seizures is not just a point of success for authority, it’s a warning sign of how seriously Goa has sunk into the drug trade quicksand. Goa is now a major hub of psychotropic drugs. It is learnt that drugs are allegedly freely available around college premises and even schools.
Substance abuse in Goa is becoming an epidemic and Cannabis is fast catching up as the gateway drug when in the past tobacco was considered as the gateway drug. Incidentally gateway drugs are milder drugs that can open the door to exposure to or experimentation with harsher substances.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Jesus is the reason for this season!
Even though the date of 25th December is not exactly mentioned in the Bible, pertaining to Jesus Christ’s birth day, but yet it’s a day kept in the world wherein we celebrate Jesus’ arrival in this world, obviously from heaven. As we all know that Jesus Christ came to this world to save mankind from sins and render salvation to the world doomed to destruction. Christmas is infact the birthday of Jesus Christ and in no means connected to Santa Claus, the pagan deity.
However, the ‘Gospel Truth’ is that, Jesus died on the Cross for our sins, shed His Precious Blood on the Cross, and on the third day, He rose from the dead. Evidently, Jesus Christ is alive today and assures us forgiveness of sins and eternal life in heaven, only if we trust and believe on Him. Jesus already paid the price for our sins on the cross. Believing is our part, out of our own free will.
After all, Jesus Christ is also the Prince of Peace and His grace is sufficient for us to live a victorious lifestyle. By His sacrifice on the Cross, Jesus has also gained victory over evil. Isn’t that so wonderful? Once we meditate on these truths by trusting Jesus, we get enlightened to the fact that we are no longer the ‘Victim’ but victorious in Him. Eventually, let’s celebrate this Christmas by rejoicing in our Lord Jesus Christ, our saviour and salvation provider.
What a great friend do we have in Jesus! Merry Christmas!
Joseph Savio Desouza, Candolim
Pave the way for sustainable peace
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine is yet not solved. The escalating violence has resulted in tragic losses of life and untold suffering for civilians on all sides. The cycle of violence must cease immediately. It’s imperative for global leaders to step in, facilitating dialogue and initiating concrete steps toward a lasting resolution. The humanitarian crisis demands urgent assistance, especially for vulnerable populations, including children, who are bearing the brunt of this conflict. The international community cannot afford to remain silent or inactive in the face of this crisis. Immediate action and concerted efforts are essential to halt the suffering and pave the way for a sustainable peace.
Jahangir Ali, Mumbai
MPs should confirm credentials of visitors
The security breach in Parliament has prompted the authorities to take action. On Thursday, sniffer dogs patrolled the grounds and visitor access was restricted. MPs now have their own exclusive entrance and exit gate in the new building, separating them from the rest of the crowd. The Lok Sabha Secretariat suspended eight security personnel for dereliction of duty. MPs ought to confirm the credentials of Parliament visitors before granting passes.
N J Ravi Chander, Bengaluru
