30 June 2014

CANACONA: Canacona Police warned four persons, including a candidate, for allegedly pressurizing a lady candidate to withdraw from contesting the July 13 by-election of a ward in Agonda Panchayat. According to Canacona Police, Swapnali Dessai, who filed nomination, complained that she was approached by four persons who threatened her to withdraw her candidature. One of the four reportedly offered money. Incidentally, Ward 4 (Dessaiwada) of Agonda Panchayat was earlier represented by her husband late Sapnesh Dessai, who died in an accident. Police registered a non-cognizable offence against the four persons and called all the four to the police station and warned them of stern action if any such act is repeated. The last day for withdrawal was Friday last and according to sources, only two candidates are left, paving way for a straight contest.

PONDA: Ponda Police on Sunday arrested two persons from Belgaum on charges of stealing gold-plated ornaments worth Rs 40,000 from a jewellery shop at Marcel. Ponda Police have identified the accused as Vithoba Pawar and Sangu Pawar, while three more accused persons are reported to be absconding. Police said five persons including two women entered the shop at Marcel and removed the items and put them in a bag. However, the shop owner, Anurada Naik noticed them and informed her husband, who nabbed two persons, while the remaining three accused fled from the spot.

PANJIM: Rotary Club of Panaji organised a tree plantation activity in Merces on June 24 from 5 pm onwards. 40 steel guards were erected around fruit bearing trees which were planted around the Merces crematorium and on the highway. Assis Fernandes, the Sarpanch of Merces was the guest of honour. 

PANJIM: Solfa Music School, Mapusa will conduct music classes as usual during the week. Office is open only in the evenings from 3.30 pm to 6.30 pm. Music lessons will be given for keyboard and violin and other subjects too, with computer applications in music. Students will be trained for Trinity College London, for theory and practical. The admissions start from July 1, at 3.30 pm.

PANJIM: The Nirmala Institute of Education, Altinho, Panjim is launching the MA Wellness Counselling degree programme (two year) which is affiliated to the Goa University. The basic objectives of this programme are the optimal development and functioning of individuals, groups, and organizations. The programme is a job oriented one. The candidate must have passed the Bachelor/Post Graduate Degree examination of this University with a minimum of 50 per cent marks or equivalent grade. 

VALPOI: Valpoi Police observed the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Thursday. All the students from schools in Valpoi participated in the programme. The programme commenced with an awareness rally, which was flagged off by SDPO Gajanan Prabhudesai. About 200 students from government higher secondary and various high schools took part in the rally. Valpoi PI Sanjay Dalvi addressed the students on various kinds of drug abuses encountered across the State and appealed to the students not to fall in bad company and protect their future by saying no to drugs.

PANJIM: Pilar Fathers will conduct a residential inner healing retreat in English at Pilar Animation Centre from July 5 (10 am) to July 6 (4.30 pm). It includes Praise and Worship, inner healing service, preaching of God’s Word, adoration, confessions and Eucharist.

PANJIM: Cancanamoddi, a small ward in Cuncolim, celebrated the feast of St John the Baptist with great enthusiasm. The programme began with a prayer followed by displaying and selling of sweets like atol, pancakes, pinarge, patoleo and seasonal fruits like jackfruits and pineapples. The traditional kopel competition was held for children and adults. At 8 pm the annual Sao Joao litany was said followed by breaking of the pot for women and breaking of the coconut for men. Housie was also conducted, scholarships were distributed to the meritorious students.