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The Voice of Goa — Since 1900 panjim, friday, september 10, 2010

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Separate caste census in 2011 PTI NEW DELHI, SEPT 9

IN BRIEF Suicide blast kills 17 in Russia In one of the deadliest terror attacks in Russia’s Muslim dominated Caucasus, a suicide bomber on Thursday rammed his car into a central market in

Vladikavkaz, the capital of North Ossetia, killing at least 17 people and wounding more than 100.

The attacker exploded his explosive-laden car near the gate of the market, Interfax quoted the local Emergency Situations Ministry. -- (PTI)

Giving in to demands from almost all political parties, government on Thursday decided to hold caste census next year under an exercise to be carried out separately from the enumeration of population.

After several deliberations within the government on the politically-sensitive issue, the Union Cabinet decided to carry out a separate house-to-house caste enumeration from June to September next year.

“After considering various options, the option that we have approved is, based on the responses of various political parties, that caste must be canvassed and the integrity of the headcount must not be affected,” Home Minister P Chidambaram

THE FINE PRINT

The caste enumeration will be conducted in a phased manner (house-to-house) from June to September 2011, after the population enumeration.

A legal regime to be formulated for collection of data on castes.

The office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner would conduct field operations of the caste enumeration.

The Central government will constitute an expert group to classify the caste/tribe returns after the enumeration.

The last caste-wise census was held in 1931 and such a practice had been given up as a matter of policy after Independence. told reporters while briefing on the decisions of the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The caste enumeration will be conducted in a phased manner after the population enumeration, which will include

biometric capture and headcount, is completed by March next year, he said.

He evaded a reply when asked whether caste enumeration would be merged with the headcount.

(Continued on page 2)

priCe rs. 3.00 (air surcharge rs. 2.00) pages 18

Sports: Roger Federer in US Pg 17 Open semis Narrow escape for Goa-Delhi Indigo flight HERALD CORRESPONDENT NEW DELHI, SEPT 9

Indigo Flight GE-333 from Goa to New Delhi reportedly had a narrow escape on Wednesday when attempting to land at Delhi’s Palam Airport. According to an ANI report, passengers on the flight said that the aircraft was about to land at Delhi’s Palam Airport on Wednesday evening, when it suddenly took off again.

The pilot said the deviation in flight plan took place because another plane was on the runway. Passengers said the plane circled above the airport for at least 25 minutes after the scheduled landing time before landing finally at the airport.

The incident went unreported in the media. When contacted, Indigo staff said they had no information about the incident.

Indigo was recently in the news for another narrow escape.

On the night of May 26, an aircraft of Jet Airways and Indigo almost crashed at the Mumbai airport.

Goa to celebrate Id-ul-Fitr on Sat Delhi’s Fatehpuri Masjid, M u f t i M o h d M u k ka r a m Around two lakh Muslims all Ahmed, said, “The moon of over the State are set to cel- Shawwal was not sighted ebrate Id-ul-Fitr on Septem- today. Id-ul-Fitr will be celeb e r 1 1 , f o l l o w i n g t h e brated on Saturday.” culmination of Shahi Imam the holy month Govt holiday today of Jama Masjid, of Ramzan on Syed Ahmed Even though Id-ul-Fitr will be Bhukari said Friday.

During the celebrated in Goa on Satur- the moon was Id-ul-Fitr cele- day, the holiday declared by n o t s i g h t e d brations, Mus- the State government on and “therefore lims will offer September 10 will not I a n n o u n c e special prayers change, according to De- that the first of (Id Namaz) at partment of Information.

Shawwalfalls Central government of- on Saturday”.

Idgahs all over t h e S t a t e a t fices in the State will also be Muslims in about 9.30 am. closed on Friday.

Kerala will celPTI adds: Idebrate Id on Friul-Fitr will be celebrated in day with imams declaring the National Capital Region sighting of the new moon and West Bengal on Saturday marking the end of the fasting while Keralites will celebrate month of Ramzan this evening. the festival on Friday.

Id celebrations culminate After a meeting of Royat fasting by devotees for a Hilal Committee Thursday month during Ramzan, ninth evening, Shahi Imam of month of the Islamic calendar.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT VALPOI, SEPT 9

CBI sleuths seize Mickky’s laptops, mobile phones HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 9

A day after they raided the residence-cum-business premises of former Tourism Minister, Mickky Pacheco, the CBI sleuths on Thursday returned back to Betalbatim to seize four laptops and four mobile phones of the Benaulim MLA. There were reports that the Income Tax sleuths have also joined the raid as evident by the fact that the officials arrived at Pacheco’s residence in a vehicle hired by the Income Tax depart-

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 9

CBI sleuths carrying a bag containing laptops and mobile phones of Benaulim MLA Mickky Pacheco.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

ment.

Sources said the CBI sleuths after descending at Pacheco’s residence laid their hands on

his laptops and SIM cards of mobile phones. The officials were holed up in the building for (Continued on page 2)

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Thursday said that former tourism minister Mickky Pacheco is “no problem” for the party, but quickly added that “he is free to leave the party if he wants.”

The NCP spokesperson Trajano D’Mello made the state-

ment while he was questioned about Pacheco during a press conference here.

Pacheco has been once again in thick of controversy for his alleged involvement in the US immigration racket and with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registering a case against him alongwith two others.

(Continued on page 2)

With 273 traffic personnel already manning the city roads, the new recruits don't have any place to stand.

OHERALDO

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GOA, FRIDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER, 2010

Councillors forum decries seat reservations at eleventh-hour HERALD REPORTER VASCO, SEPT 9

The All Goa Councillors Forum (AGCF) has decried the government's "eleventh-hour" decision to reserve seats for ST, OBC and SC in the forthcoming municipal polls, claiming that this has been done without an authentic data of their population.

The AGC has threatened to file a petition in the high court if malpractices are observed in the decision to reserve ST, OBC and SC seats in the civic polls.

"If any malpractices are observed in the policy decision of reservation, the AGCF has decided to approach the high court," warned AGCF President and former Mormugao mayor Carlos Almeida.

Almeida criticized the "eleventh hour" decision of state government to hold elections by reserving 19.5% seats for candidates from Other Backward

Two shops damaged in landslide at Durbhat HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, SEPT 9

Two shops at Agapur in Durbhat-Agapur were damaged due to a landslide following incessant rains since the last few days.

According to residents, huge boulders along with mud came crashing down from a hillock and damaged two shops.

The loss, according to shop owners who reside in the village, is estimated at over Rs 1 lakh.

The panchayat later inspected the area and is reported to have assured villagers to construct a retaining wall to prevent further damage to other shops in the area.

Villagers feat that the hillock poses a danger to residents and that boulders could roll down at any moment, thereby endangering life and property.

Three shops, one general store, one salon and a bar are located along the landslide prone site, while there are houses on the other side of the road.

While authorities have assured to construct a retaining wall, residents are wary of such promises and claim that such assurances are rarely honoured.

"The landslide has damaged our shops. This shop is our only livelihood. We hope authorities will act this time. Some two years ago, a landslide took place on the same hillock.

Though it was minor, but nothing was done to remedy the situation," said Meena Naik, shop owner.

Almeida criticized the "eleventh hour" decision of state government to hold elections by reserving 19.5% seats for candidates from Other Backward Classes (OBC), 12% seats for Scheduled Tribes (ST) and 2% seats for the Scheduled Caste (SC) communities.

Classes (OBC), 12% seats for Scheduled Tribes (ST) and 2% seats for the Scheduled Caste (SC) communities.

"Being the president of the AGCF, I have sought various documents under Right to Information (RTI) Act to ensure that the State government is is unbiased to allocate municipal wards in the reservation categories," said Almeida.

"We have already sent a memorandum to the chief secretary,

Director of Municipal Administration (DMA) and Director of Panchayat (DoP) regarding the reservation for ST, OBC and SC under the Representation of People Act," he said.

"The government is trying to gain control over the councils by dictating their own terms, despite lacking authentic data on the population of the reserved community."

"Section 10 of the Goa Mu-

nicipal Act 1968 is very clear over reservation as the department has to specify the wards in which seats are reserved (SC, ST and OBC), with reference to the concentration of population in the particular wards," Almeida said.

"The government's eleventh hour decision to reserve seats for the civic polls has hampered the prospects of aspiring candidates. The government should have announced the list of reserved wards at least six month in advance," he said.

He alleged that MLAs are lobbing hard to eliminate councillors by reserving their wards.

"If the council election is held as per the reservation quota, why should the same not be applicable to assembly elections?

We demand that the next MLA election also be conducted as per the present reservation quota," insisted Almeida.

Ramzan ends today HERALD CORRESPONDENT VALPOI, SEPT 9

The holy month of Ramzan will come to an end on Friday, following a month-long period of prayers, fast and acts of charity.

This period was marked by fast, an observance that began before dawn and ended after sunset. Besides the compulsory prayers five times a day, Muslims during Ramzan also observed the supererogatory prayer at night, known as 'Traweeh'.

Alms or 'Zakat' were also distributed to poor and needy people during Ramzan.

On completion of the Ramzan fast, a special charity known as 'Sadquatul Fitre' (charity of fastbreaking) is compulsorily dis-

tributed by Muslims to needy people.

Id-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on September 11, following the culmination of the holy month of Ramzan on Friday.

During the Id-ul-Fitr celebrations, Muslims will offer special prayers (Id Namaz) at Idgahs all over the State at about 9.30 am.

Muslims are found in all 11 talukas of the State, though only a few reside in Pernem and Canacona talukas.

Majority of Muslims are found in Vasco (Mormagao), Margao (Salcete), Chimbel, Bhatlem and Taligao (Tiswadi), Valpoi and Keri (Sattari), Bicholim, Mapusa (Bardez) and Naga Masjid, Haveli and Shapur (Ponda).

In Quepem taluka, Muslims largely reside at Muslim Wada and Ravabhat, while in Sanguem they live near the bazaar area and Belpar.

Following the Id Namaz, many muslims visit the Kabrastan (burial ground) to pray for the souls of their departed relatives.

Muslims also give money and food to the poor, while children get money from elders in form of 'Iddi'.

'Sheerkhurma', a special sweet made of milk, sugar, vermicelli and dried fruit, is also prepared on the occasion.

Non-Muslims in the State also visit the homes of the Muslims, thereby strengthening the bond of unity and integrity among the different faiths.

ground, the Governor said.

Goa has proudly inherited the distinction of being a place where people from various faiths live in peace and harmony, sharing the joy and sorrow of each other. Id-Ul-Fitr is a solemn occasion for all of us to celebrate with unity and friendship, in order to further promote peace, harmony and secular outlook, the Governor added.

In his message Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat said that Id is a culmination of month-long fasting and keeping away from all evils. Fasting also helps experience hunger and develop compassion for the less fortunate. Id is a day of joy and thanks giving and also of forgetting ill feelings about others.

Archbishop-Patriarch Filipe Neri Ferrao has also greeted the Muslim community on the occasion of Id-Ul-Fitr.

"We cordially greet our Muslim community and wish them joy and serenity as they end their Ramadan, a month that

they have spent in prayer, fasting, helping the neediest and strengthening relations of family friendship," stated Archbishop Ferrao in a press note.

"Christians and Muslims: Together in overcoming violence among followers of different religions' is the theme the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue has proposed for this year."

"Among other measures, this Vatican Department has appealed to recognize and respect the dignity and the rights of each human being, without any bias related to ethnicity or religious affiliation and to promulgate just laws which guarantee the fundamental equality of all."

"Let this feast be an occasion to further these values," added archbishop Ferrao.

The Goa State Councils of Communist Party of India (CPI) and All India Trade Union Congress extended warm greetings to Goans on the occasion of IdUl-Fitr

Muslims greeted on Id-Ul-Fitr HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, SEPT 9

Governor Dr SS Sidhu has extended warm greetings to people of Goa on the occasion of Id-Ul-Fitr.

Governor in his message said: “on the auspicious occasion of Id-Ul-Fitr, I extend my warm and cordial greetings and best wishes to the people of Goa, especially the Muslim brethren.”

In our continuing efforts to further strengthen the egalitarian and secular foundation of our society, it is our bounden duty to draw inspiration from the values and virtues of all religions that thrive in our country.

Prophet Mohammad blessed us with the eternal message of love, compassion and universal brotherhood. At this juncture when the world is afflicted with violence, social tensions, communal hatred and religious fanaticism, the perennial message of Prophet Mohammad assumes much greater relevance to be followed by all people, irrespective of their religious back-

CM sets deadline to streamline traffic at Nuvem junction HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 9

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat on Thursday set September end as the deadline for government agencies to streamline traffic at the Nuvem junction at the Eastern bypass.

The Chief Minister along with officials of various government agencies inspected the accident prone Nuvem traffic junction and suggested a slew of measures to rid the junction of the traffic bottlenecks.

Kamat accepted the suggestion mooted by DySP, Traffic Ganajan Prabhudessai to utilize the land acquired by the Water Resources department to build

a bypass road from the Eastern bypass junction to Nuvem near the new market complex.

In this respect, the Chief Minister also issued instructions to the PWD to immediately undertake land filling of the WRD acquired land so that the bypass road is put in place before September end. The PWD officials were further instructed to build bus bays at three place along the highway.

District collector G P Naik said all the officials were called at the Nuvem junction to work out a permanent solution to the acute traffic congestion. “The authorities have accepted the sugges-

tion to construct a bypass road from the junction, connecting the highway to the Nuvem market complex”, he said.

DySP Traffic Gajanan Prab-

hudessai told Herald that the authorities has taken up five roads and has issued notifications to streamline traffic in the city.

Explaining his proposal for a bypass connecting the highway for the eastern bypass to Nuvem market, DySP Prabhudessai said the WRD had acquired land for a water canal some years ago, and is now proposed to be utilized for a bypass road at Nuvem.

“If the land is developed as a bypass road, people of Nuvem and Majorda can taken the road instead of taking the Church road to come to Margao”, he said.

GSUDA shortlists 5 consultants for Vasco fish market, Maimollem lake

HERALD REPORTER VASCO, SEPT 9

The Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) has shortlisted five consultants to build a new Vasco fish market and develop the Maimollem lake.

The GSUDA will shortly invite bid for the Detailed Project Report (DPR) under Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Towns (UIDSSMT).

At a special council meeting convened by Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) Chairperson Shekhar Khadapakr on Thursday, Khadapkar informed that GSUDA has will appoint a consultant to two of the four projects submitted by the council.

It may be recalled that the MMC, in its standing committee meeting on May 26, had resolved to ask GSUDA to appoint a consultant to take up four projects and subsequently had sent a letter to the GSUDA in June.

Informing councillors about the four projects, Khadapkar said the MMC had sought the appointment of a consultant for all four projects, Vasco Fish market, Maimollem lake, Sada Market and beatification of Kadamba bus stop, of which two had been sanction by GSUDA. The meeting was also attended by Revenue Minister Jose Philip D'Souza. The council informed D'Souza that five consultants from Mumbai and Delhi

have been shortlisted for the fish market and Maimollem lake.

The GUSDA will finalize the consultant and hand over the project to the council to execute and monitor it.

The GSUDA will shortly invite bids for the Detailed Project Report (DPR) under Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Towns (UIDSSMT) to build a new Vasco fish market and beautification of Maimollem lake.

An official from 'Design Consultancy' made a presentation when agenda was discussed to formulate the city development plan and to identify various projects under UIDSSMT. The official informed that they

have taken up projects under UIDSSMT scheme in Bicholim.

He mentioned that the central government allocates nearly 80 per cent funds under this scheme for towns with a population below five lakh.

Under this scheme, basic amenities like sewage, roads,water supply and gutters could be improved.

Councillors Manesh Arolkar and Carlos Almedia opined that since scheme is viable, the consultant should focused on those aspects to be developed in Vasco.

Khadapkar later asked councillors to provide a detailed list of development works to be carried out in their wards.

10 hurt in road mishaps at Ponda, Canacona HERALD NEWS BUREAU PANJIM, SEPT 9

Ten persons were injured in three separate road mishaps in Cucoliem-Ponda and Canacona on Thursday.

MARCEL CORRESPONDENT ADDS: Seven passengers were injured after a passenger bus turned on its left side along the Cuncoliem slopein Veling-PriolCuncolim panchayat area on Thursday evening.

Six persons were discharged after medication in a private hospital at Priol, while one injured girl was later shifted to the GMC hospital at Bambolim.

According to Ponda police, the mishap took place as the passenger bus (GA-01/W-4895) was on its way from Panjim to Ponda.

On reaching the Cucoliem slope, around 12 kms from Ponda, the bus driver, in a bid to avoid an accident, swerved towards the right and the bus went over a road divider and turned on its side.

Traffic was disrupted for some time, but a Ponda Traffic Cell rushed to the site and regulated vehicular movement.

"We were on traffic regulation duty at Kundaim. We rushed to the site as soon as we got in-

formation of the accident. We first shifted passengers in private vehicles and later in the 108 ambulance. We also managed to control the traffic," said Ponda Traffic PSI Achala Gawas.

A private crane was pressed into service to lift the ill-fated bus.

CANACONA CORRESPONDENT ADDS: Two accidents at two different places involving a passenger bus, car and a motorcycle left three persons injured in Canacona on Thursday.

In the first accident, a WagonR car (GA-01/J-0740) veered along the sloppy road and collided with an oncoming motorcycle (GA-09 D-4359) at the Karmalghat. The recently erected crash-barriers blocked both vehicles from plunging off the hill.

Motorcycle rider, Ratnakar R Velip (33) and pillion rider, Anant Velip (29), both from BalliQuepem, were badly injured with multiple fractures.

They were shifted to the Canacona CHC and were later referred to the Hospicio at Margao.

Incidentally, Canacona police carried out the panchanama and later handed over the case to Cuncolim police, as the accident, which took place just across the

The ill-fated bus being lifted by a crane at Cuncolim-Ponda.

Photo by Amresh Parab

Karmalghat hilltop, falls under the jurisdiction of the Cuncolim police station.

When contacted, Cuncolim police informed that the WagonR driver,Chungtak Bhutia (48), a native of Sikkim, has been made the accused in the accident.

In the second self-inflicted accident, a minibus (GA-02 T-4889)

proceeding from Polem to Margao rammed a roadside cashew tree on Thursday evening.

The driver, Zaheer Munaf Shaikh, was injured in the mishap and was shifted to the Hospicio.

Other passengers in the bus escaped unhurt.

The bus cabin was badly damaged in the mishap.

Nearly half of police officers faced disciplinary action HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 9

The bad phase still hovers over the Goa police, as information sought by social activist Aires Rodrigues under Right to Information (RTI) reveals that nearly half of the police officials have so far faced disciplinary action.

This includes officers holding the rank of sub-inspector to Superintendent of Police.

Of the total 233 officers presently in service with Goa police, 108 have not faced any disciplinary action.

The information released to Advocate Rodrigues further reveals that of 14 SPs, eight have faced action which does not include SSP V V Chowdhary,

Sancoale, Cortalim hit by power cut HERALD CORRESPONDENT CORTALIM, SEPT 9

Several areas in Sancoale and Cortalim witnessed a power blackout after a tree fell on a power line at Sindolim-Sancoale.

A resident from Sancoale called up Herald at 10.10 pm informing that the power was shut down for over 3 hours and was restored only at 11.20 pm.

"When I contacted Assistant Engineer Naik to find out the problem, the engineer informed me that the lines were snapped after a tree fell on the lines," he further informed.

"I told Naik that the main line could be charged and the line to the affected areas could be shut down. But he (engineer) informed me that it would require more work force which is not available with them," said the resident and criticised the department of its inefficiency.

Despite efforts, Junior Engineer Karekar did not attend to his mobile phone to comment on the exact nature of problem and the department land phone was found surprisingly continuously busy.

‘Ponda police station to be renovated’ HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, SEPT 9

Home minister Ravi Naik on Thursday said the present Ponda police station building would be renovated, while efforts are being made to relocate the police station to a more spacious building.

Naik was interacting with officials of the Ponda police, when he along with PWD officials inspected the Ponda police station building.

Claiming that the present building will be renovated, the home minister also said the government is trying to relocate the present police station.

"The present police station building is insufficient as the workload of the Ponda police has increased. A new building is needed and we are identifying land for this purpose." "However at present, we are looking to renovate this structure and PWD officials will prepare the renovation plan," said Naik.

SPs Veenu Bansal, Atmaram Deshpande, Shekhar Prabhudesai, Vishram Borkar and Melwyn Fernandes.

Similarly, 22 out of 24 Deputy Superintendents of Police had to face disciplinary action except DySPs Rina Torcato

and Nilu Raut Desai. Besides, 43 of the total 53 inspectors and 52 of the total 142 sub inspectors have faced similar action.

The information to Ro drigues further reveals that out of 233 officers, 20 are women officials, of which eight have faced disciplinary action. Interestingly, nearly all Crime Branch officers including SP Mangaldas Desai have had to face disciplinary action during their service with Goa police.

Crime Branch is already under tremendous pressure of probing cases resulting in more acquittals even as it is carrying out a slack investigation in the much touted police-drug mafia nexus probe.

FROM PAGE 1 CBI sleuths seize laptops ...

some time, before they left in a waiting vehicle. The mobile phones, which the Benaulim MLA was using in recent days, were seized by the sleuths.

Incidentally, Pacheco’s office staff drew attention of the CBI sleuths to the Sessions court order not to dispose off the cell phones as they are required in the investigations of Nadia’s death. Sources in the know said the office staff even showed the sleuths copy of the court order, but the mobile phones were attached and taken away.

The sleuths declined to talk to newsmen waiting outside Pacheco’s residence and zoomed away with the seized material.

Sources said that the CBI sleuths, who participated in the raid at Pacheco’s residence Wednesday night, are believed to have taken away some documents from his business premises.

It is learnt that the sleuths returned this afternoon after scanning the documents for further investigations into the alleged immigration racket and money laundering.

Like on Wednesday, the former Tourism Minister was unfazed over the seizure of laptops and mobile phones by the CBI sleuths. “Last night, they had taken in their possession some documents.

Today, they have taken my laptops and mobile phones”, he said.

Pacheco said he has been cooperating with the investigating agency from day one and asserted that he would continue to cooperate with the investigations. “As I have said earlier, I have nothing to hide. The investigations will absolve me of all the charges slapped against me. I will come out clean”, he added.

Free to leave party: NCP

On asked to spell out party’s stand on Mickky’s alleged involved in immigration racket, the NCP spokesperson maintained that they will take a stand once the investigation is complete.

“Let the whole thing come out and we will take a stand then,” said D’Mello further adding that “party’s image cannot be tarnished by one individual.”

It must be recalled that Pacheco was compelled to step down as cabinet minister by NCP when his close friend Nadia Torrado died after consuming rat poison and a case was registered against him. He was slapped with charges of culpable homicide.

On a question as to whether NCP is protecting Mickky in the present case he (D’Mello) remarked, “where is the question of giving him protection as he has himself said that he is open for investigation.

The NCP spokesperson though did not side with Mickky directly, he said, “he (Mickky) is not doing anything but it is happening to him.”

Separate caste census in 2011 The decision has been taken after considering options suggested by the Group of Ministers (GoM) set up on the issue and the consultations that Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee held with leaders of various parties.

“Every point of view has been accommodated and the time-table drawn up....We hope this will be a satisfactory arrangement,” he said, in an apparent reference to political parties which have been demanding such an exercise.

Parties like RJD, Samajwadi Party and JD(U) had disrupted proceedings in Parliament for several days during the Budget and Monsoon sessions while pressing for caste census.

The BJP, which was divided initially, later decided to support it.

The issue even divided the Congress as well as the Union Cabinet with some favouring caste census and others opposing it, prompting the government to set up a GoM to consider all aspects related to such a move. Mukherjee told the Lok Sabha recently that all political parties had supported the idea of including caste in census and there was no need for any “apprehensions” over the issue.

Chidambaram said a suitable legal regime for collection of data on castes would be formulated in consultation with the Ministry of Law and Justice.

There will be an additional cost for the exercise which will be assessed at a separate meeting.

The office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner would conduct the field operations of the caste enumeration.

The Central government will constitute an expert group to classify the caste/tribe returns after the enumeration is completed. The office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner would hand over the details of the castes/tribes returned in the enumeration to the proposed expert group.

The last caste-wise census was held in 1931 and such a practice had been given up as a matter of policy after Independence.

“In response to the demands for enumerating castes other than Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Census 2011 raised inside Parliament as well as by various groups outside, the Ministry of Home Affairs submitted a note to the Union Cabinet in May 2010 pertaining to this issue,” an official release said.

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GOA, FRIDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER, 2010

Cops in search of Atala’s Russian girlfriend HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 9

After Herald exposed drug peddler Yaniv alias Atala Benaim’s lifestyle on Thursday, Goa police have launched a search to trace the Russian girl with whom the Israeli stayed before his mysterious disappearance.

Sources inform Herald that senior officers also directed Anjuna police to locate the house of the deported drug lord Baba Alexi at Igrezwado, Siolim where the former pair were often found along with group of other men.

Alexi was known to be an alleged notorious drug dealer in Goa who was blacklisted and deported back to his country, couple of years ago.

The tattooed man has been

n“Atala had the audacity to violate Court’s order that directed him to inform the investigating team for change in address, not visiting coastal places and other conditions… efforts are on to locate him,” said a senior officer. missing for nearly a month, which came to light when Crime Branch officials required him on

August 7 to assist in the policedrug mafia nexus probe. Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Court (NDPS) at Mapusa granted conditional bail to the drug peddler on June 21, over a month after his arrest on March 11 from a shack at Pernem.

“Atala had the audacity to violate Court’s order that directed him to inform the investigating team for change in address, not visiting coastal places and other conditions…efforts are on to locate him,” said a senior officer.

It has been known that Atala has apparently been fond of ‘special steak’ for which he paid Rs 6000 each at Arambol even as he was seen driving a blue Wagon R all around.

Three held for robberies by Calangute police

Government has nothing to do with CBI raids, says CM HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 9

Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat has once again declined to comment on the CBI raids on the residence of the Benaulim MLA, even as the United Goans Democratic Party (UGDP) slammed the government for witch hunting against the former Tourism Minister.

When newsmen sought comments from the Chief Minister, he said the raids are not handled by his government, adding that he has no idea what is going on at the residence of the former Tourism Minister. “Let me make it clear that the raids are not handled by my government. I have no idea what’s going on”, he said.

Meanwhile, UGDP Secretary General Anacleto Viegas on Thursday called upon the Congress government to stop the witch hunting of the Benaulim MLA who has been the embodiment of benevolence for the

people of South Goa. “His faults may be many and yet his credentials are above board. There is none among us who is a paragon of virtue, for there is little bad in the best of us and a little good in the worst of us”, he said.

Viegas said the Congress government is now attempting to cripple Pacheco financially by damaging his character after they failed in its attempts to rope him in the Nadia suicide case. “Goans will not be fooled by the propaganda of money laundering, for we know first hand that those who serve abroad have huge savings and those who do business in the west are multi-millionaires.

Mickky has been going business abroad for the last 30 years much before he was elected as the MLA. It is only with his money power that he was able to defeat the Benaulim strongman in the first elections”, he said.

NCP levels more allegations against GPYC chief

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, SEPT 9

Calangute police on Thursday arrested three persons, while a fourth managed to escape, in connection with a series of robberies in different parts of the State.

A Calangute police team led

by PI Nolasco Raposo raided a guest house at Siolim and nabbed John Yong (39), a native of Nagaland, Raju Temraj (25), a native of Karnataka but residing at Margao and Kalpesh Shirodker (20) of Cuncolim.

The fourth accused managed to escape by jumping off the first floor of the guest house and injuring himself in the process. A pistol loaded with bullets, a knife and a car were also recovered from them.

Speaking to Herald, PI Raposo said Yong had confessed his involvement in the two separate crimes at Calangute, where Hungarian, Spanish and Goan as well as a Pune couple were recently robbed at gunpoint a few days back.

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HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 9

Artists giving final touches to the Ganesh idol which is made of termacol fruits and vegetable at Maruti Gad, Mala-Panjim on Thursday evening.

Photo by Rozario Estibeiro

2 rescued from drowning HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, SEP 9

Two tourists from Tamil Nadu were rescued by the Drishti Surf Life Team from drowning in the Arabian Sea off Calangute on Wednesday.

According to reports, Drishti Life Guard Pradeep Halarnkar noticed Gaurav Toma and Vishnu Venugopal, both 20 years, struggling in the rough sea.

Halarnkar alerted his colleagues Sachin, Ritesh and Pandurang who immediately rushed to their aid and pulled them ashore.

Security measures are in place, says Ravi

HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, SEPT 9

As the state prepares to celebrate Id-Ul-Fitr and Ganesh Chathurthi, Home Minister Ravi Naik has said security measures are in place and are being monitored by Goa police.

"Security measures have been intensified for these celebrations and the police is well prepared for the festivals. While there is no need to worry, we, however, urge people to co-operate with the police," said Naik.

"We also request residents who visits their ancestral homes during Ganesh Chathurthi to avoid keeping valuables in their houses, as burglars target empty houses during the festival," the home minister said.

Naik, however, added that police has intensified night patrol in various parts of the State. Claiming that antisocial elements try to disturb peace, Naik advised people not to fall prey to such tactics.

"In the name of religion or caste, there are many antisocial elements trying to disrupt peace. However, people should not fall prey to such tactics. They should inform police if they notice any unclaimed luggage or suspicious movement of unknown persons," he said.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) today leveled some more charges against Goa Pradesh Youth Congress (GPYC) President, Sanklap Amonkar alleging scam of over Rs 70 lakh in collection of Canacona Relief Fund (CRF).

Picking holes in the explanation offered by GPYC President pertaining to CRF yesterday, NCP Spokesperson Trajano D’Mello while addressing a press conference on Thursday here questioned, “why an account was not opened in the name of CRF when collection was started? .

Why the fund collected was deposited immediately in the bank?” Amonkar had reportedly told a press conference that he had handed over flood relief fund of Rs 10.38 lakh to Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC).

However, the NCP Spokesperson criticized Amonkar for not giving the account of the bank where amount collected was deposited.

“What is surprising is that having called a press conference to explain the position of the funds, they could not state the account number and the branch wherein the money was deposited, “retorted NCP Spokes person.

He said, “ the Youth Congress has betrayed the trust of the people of Goa who out of pity and sympathy generously donated for rehabilitation of the flood affected people of Canacona.”

Tr ying to strengthen his charges against Amonkar, NCP Spokesperson also produced a photo copy of the complaint letter of ex-Congress man, Tanveer Khatib that was addressed to Rahul Gandhi, General Secretary of All India Congress Committee (AICC).

In his letter dated January 17, 2010 Tanveer Khatib has also leveled charges against Amonkar with regards to CRF, saying his activities are giving bad name to Youth Congress.

“Money was collected in the name of Youth Congress by way of coupons for providing relief to flood victims, however the amount of coupons printed and amount collected by way of cash, cheques do not tally. “

He also pointed out in his letter that serial numbers were not printed on the coupons amounting Rs 30 lakhs and amount collected did not match with the amount of coupons printed.

The NCP Spokesperson also produce a copy of the coupon pointing out that it’s ironical that serial numbers were not printed on the coupons. “ The argument that funds were collected for other disaster management is once again a cruel joke on the people of Canacona,” he retorted. Reacting to remarks made by Amonkar against him, he said, he was elected member of Bastora Village panchayat for two terms and has also served as sarpanch.

Viegas said that in the past there were attempts to use the CBI against opponents of the Congress, which attempts have not been successful, adding that these attempts will only help Pacheco to be elevated from a clay statue to an idol of worship.

“The Congress appears to be jittery with the growing popu-

larity of the Mickky Pacheco who is held in high esteem by his constituents. One who provides employment opportunities abroad is the real leader of the people, for none and none can match his stature in this regard”, he said, while asking the Congress to stop forthwith stop harassment of the Benaulim MLA.

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s H o Rt ta K e s Gokulashtami celebrated

Cops caution people to keep valuables in safe custody

Janmashtami celebrated at Valpoi

native villages. They should also carry their valuables including gold ornaments as a precautionary measure”, he added.

Admitting that the police is facing manpower shortage to cover each and every house or area, DySP Gaonkar said the

Students of Bal Bhavan Kendra, Valpoi, recently celebrated Janmashtami with great enthusiasm.

About 40 students participated in different cultural events.

Dandiya dance, choreographed by dance teacher Prema Chari, was an added attraction of the programme. Besides, a number of other performances, including group singing, folk dance, etc, were performed under the guidance of teachers Prema Gaonker, harmonium instructor Sandeep Gaonker and tabla instructor Balkrishna Gaonker.

Bal Bavan Kendra In-charge Anil Pokle spoke on the importance of celebrating Janmashtami.

Parents and public appreciated the efforts put in by teachers of Bal Bhavan Kendra Valpoi.

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 9

Narve Gokulastami fair and palnkhi of goddess.

Photo by Vishant Vaze

MAYEM(HC): Gokulashtami was celebrated at NarvemBichloim with a variety of religious rituals in local temples and on the banks of Pachaganga River, Narvem.

Devotees took holy bath in the Panchaganga River and later offered Belpatras and flowers to Lord Krishna and other deities, which were taken at this holy place through Palkhi.

Deities including Shantadurga, Chamunda, Mahamaya, Kelbai, Navdurga and other allied gods like Mharingan are believed to be attending this holy mountainous place on the day of Janmashtami to give darshan (appearance) to the devotees, who later offered prayers to their forefathers with religious rituals.

Different household materials and decorative items used during Ganeshotsav celebration were kept for sale in the fair.

Besides, sweets like Saath (mangled jackfruit roti) and fried Chanaas were also available.

Teachers’ Day held at Majorda

Chief guest Mickky Pacheco, MLA Benaulim along with the guest of honour Victor Soares, GM Royal Orchids, ZP Member Wilfred D'Sa, Sarpanch Visitation D'Silva, Nelly Rodrigues (Coordinator) club presidents with the felicitated teachers.

PANJIM(HND): Benaulim MLA Mickky Pacheco said, teachers are a beacon of hope and the second parents of students in school. He was addressing as the chief guest on Teachers Day function after felicitating retired teachers at a function organised by A A de Majorda Club and Lion Clubs of Zone VIII, in the presence of the guest of honour Victor Soares, General Manager, Royal Orchids and special guest Wilfred D'Sa, ZP Member and VisitationD'Silva, sarpanch, Majorda.

At the outset Nelly Rodrigues, Zone Chairperson of Lions Club and President of A A de Majorda Club welcomed the dignitaries guests and teachers. The teachers who were felicitated by the chief guest Mickky Pacheco were Oscar Gonsalves, Philomena Soares, Ida D'Silva, Mario A Pereira, James Chirstopher, Maria Pereira, Pooja Lotlikar, Marigold A P Colaco e Rodrigues and Sr Fermina Martins.

Computer certificates were distributed to the students.

Joe D'Costa treasurer of the Club then proposed the vote of thanks. James Chirtopher, NCC officer along with dignitaries and club presidents of Nuvem- Verna, Colva , Mormugao and Majorda - Cansaulim Ln Naguesh Naik, Ln Alexender Fernandes, Ln Daniel D'Souza and Ln Agnelo Alcansoas were present.

The NCC Army Wing, NCC Cadets collected plastic and the drive was flagged of by Mickky Pacheco. The dignitaries then distributed saplings given by ZP Member Nelly Rodrigues.

The NCC Cadets, Cubs and Bulbuls led by Mario Pereira and James Christopher then had a cultural programme and distributed sweets to the inmates of Home for Aged at Calata.

Monteiro excels

PANJIM(HND): Levin Monteiro aged 12 years from Merces excelled again in mental arithmetic international competition.

He bagged second runners-up at the 11th Pan Pacific Abacus and Mental Arithmetic competition held at Grand Ballroom, Genting International Convention Centre, Malaysia recently in toughest Group D, grade five of age group 11-13 years. About 150 students from all over the world participated in the said age group competition.

Earlier, Levin brought laurels to Goa by winning the championship award in Chennai in the year 2006 at the age of 8 and international award in 8th Pan Pacific Abacus and Mental Arithmetic competion held in Hong Kong also at the age of 8.

He was felicitated by IMA, Chennai in the year 2007 for being the only Indian child winning international competition at the age of 8 in Abacus and mental arithmetic competition.

He was the only Goan to be felicitated by IMA. He has been felicitated by different organizations and he has been described by media as mathematician. He was trained at Quest Consultancy, Magsons super centre, Miramar by Andrea Mangalal and Patricia Carmello. He is student of Don Bosco High school, Panjim and son of Adv Atanasio Monteiro and Alda Monteiro, says a press release.

Ajit to head Merces panel PANJIM(HND): Ajit D Naik is elected as Chairman of the Merces Sanskrutik Trust for the year 2010-13. The Trust is celebrating 20th Sar vajanik Ganeshotsava this year at Santeri Devalaya Sansthan, Peribhat Merces in Santa Cruz.

The 11-day programme will start from Friday, September 10 with the deity of wisdom Lord Ganesha’s arrival at the venue at 6 pm.

O n S a t u rd a y a f t e r t h e prastisthapana of Ganesh idol at 12 noon, ghumat aarti, prasad and bhajan singing will be in the evening at 6 pm.

Competitions like rangoli, ghumat aarti, gavlan, dance etc will be held during the following days with bhajan and kirtan singings, too.

Various programmes will include singing by Kshavbua Shivadekar, Vithal Khandolkar and Pundalik Kalangutkar, comedy Hasya Darbar by Dilip Dhargalkar, humorous play ‘Zhopa aata gupchup’ written by Anil R Hoble, a free health camp on Sunday, singing by Pratap Amonkar and an orchestra ‘Three Stars’ will perform. There will be Ganesh Visarjan on Tuesday at 6 pm, says the press release.

With Goans set to leave for their native villages to celebrate Ganesh Chathurti, the Goa police have appealed to the people not to leave their valuables behind and carry them to prevent burglaries during the festivities.

Margao Sub-Divisional Police officer, DySP Umesh Gaonkar told newsmen that people should intimate the police before leaving their native villages so that adequate patrolling arrangements can be made in certain areas to keep the miscreants at bay. “The people should either intimate to the police or their immediate neighbours when they leave for their

Workshop on nutrition held in Panjim HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, SEPT 9

Porvorim-based Community Food and Nutrition Extension Unit organised a state level workshop on ‘Nutrition Promotion for Stronger Nation’ in Panjim, recently.

MP Shripad Naik stressed on the importance of nutritious food for a healthy life. He also spoke on the prevention of malnutrition among children. Assistant Professor of Goa Medical College Dr Vanita Pinto Silva talked on nutrition promotion for a stronger nation. Lecturer of Department of Preventive and Social Medicine Dr Nitin Dupdale, and lecturer of Department of Pediatric, Goa Medical College Dr Shilpa Joglekar also delivered lectures on the occasion.

Earlier technical assistant Gajanan Naik Tari welcomed the guests and the gathering. Exhibition on different aspects of nutrition, complementary food, vegetable and fruits was held.

Fifty officers such as CDPOs, ADEIs, Mukhya Sevikas and officers from government departments, participated in the workshop.

Women and Child Development Secretary V P Rao was the chief guest for the valedictory function. Technical assistant Aruna Naik compered the programme and also proposed vote of thanks.

buRglaRies on Rise Margao police subdivision has asked for additional two platoons of policemen during the Ganesh Chathurti. “We have the IRB platoon, besides the two Quick Response Teams to tackle any problem”, he added.

Teachers transform students into self-reliant citizens: MLA

The Goa College of Home Science in collaboration with the Department of Women and Child Development recently organized various awareness and outreach programmes for Anganwadi beneficiaries.

The faculty of Department of Food and Nutrition Madhavilatha along with students of TYBSc (Home Science), specializing in food, nutrition and dietetics, created awareness of the importance of breastfeeding at Aivao Wada, Dona Paula, through a skit, songs, demonstration of different recipes containing Galactogogues for the lactating mothers.

Galactogogues are foods which enhance the volume and flavour of breast milk such as ginger, methi seeds, dill leaves, cumin seeds, garlic, etc.

Another outreach programme was organised at Volebhat, Taleigao. The faculty of Department of Textiles and Clothing Charlotte Facho and Suvarnagowri Y along with TYBSc (Home Science) students, specializing in textiles and clothing, disseminated information on suitable clothing during breastfeeding.

The session included a PowerPoint presentation on the process of breastfeeding, positions of holding a baby, suitably well-designed clothing and innerwear and demonstration of baby slings and nappy folding.

An awareness programme was also held at the post natal ward of GMC by the faculty of Department of Human Development Nadisha Coelho along with students of TYBSc (Home Science), specializing in human development.

The students performed a puppet show indicating the importance and advantages of breastfeeding, followed by distribution of leaflets.

Throughout the week, visual

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, SEPT 9

Preparations for Ganesh festival in Canacona are in full swing, as artisans are busy giving final touches to the idols.

Various artisans working in different localities are in the midst of frantic activities with almost ever y one working through the night to be ready in time.

The Chari family, traditional artisans at Char-Rasta, has already made over 300 idols and are working on many more idols.

The five brothers take an annual break from their regular jobs during the season to prepare Ganesh idols.

“We have already readied 300 idols for which people had placed orders, including a few large-sized Sarvajanik idols. But every year, more and more people comes only on the festival day, makes their choices, purchases and takes away their idols,” said a senior family member.

“That’s the reason we have to prepare around 50 addi-

tional idols and keep it ready.

Interestingly, people turns up in large numbers to have look and book their idols not to get disappointments at the last moment,” he informed.

Presently, even as few family members are busy in curving out the shape and sizes of the mud idols, others are busy painting it. The finished idols are stocked in four different rooms.

Interestingly, the residencecum-art workshop of this Chari family is situated at Char-Rasta just across the NH-17. Every year, when people comes to purchase Ganesh idols beginning the feast day, police have to remain present throughout morning to regulate the rush of people and highway traffic, which at times remains blocked for hours.

Idol artisans at Saleri-Khola, Palolem and Poinguinim are busy in giving final touches to their works for readying it on time. The ready idols are already on display for the visitors.

Mother’s Day celebrated at Bicholim Parish

Aldona MLA Dayanand Narvekar lights the traditional lamp at Salai.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, SEPT 9

Stating that teachers occupy an important place in the society, Aldona MLA Dayanand Narveker said they transmit knowledge and transform students into selfreliance and self-assured citizens of the country.

He was speaking as the chief guest at a function organized

by Goa Pradesh Mahila Congress Porvorim Block in the premises of Sunandabai Bandodkar High School at Salai to felicitate retired teachers of Salvador-doMundo.

"The teacher has an enormous task to mould students into useful citizens of the future and it is a duty that cannot be taken lightly," said Narvekar.

"While recruiting teachers, the government should also be

Outreach programmes organised for Aganwadi beneficiaries HERALD NEWS BUREAU PANJIM, SEPT 9

Meanwhile, DySP Gaonakr urged the organizers of Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav to carry out checks in view of safety as regards to fire and electrical harzards at the pandal from the fire department and electricity department. “The organizers have been told to ensure installation of close circuit TVs to monitor the movements of devotees and people visiting the venue”, he said, adding that the organizers have been told to require the local police to install door frame metal detector at entry points.

“In the event of any eventuality, the organizers have been told to keep ready evacuation plan to avoid stampede and casualties”, DySP Gaonkar added.

HERALD CORRESPONDNT VALPOI, SEPT 9

Canacona artisans busy giving final touches to Ganesh idols

aids were also on display at the College premises.

All the programmes were highly appreciated by the beneficiaries who expressed a need of such programmes in future.

The Goa College of Home Science, being an amalgamation of various disciplines such as Food, Nutrition and Dietetics, Textiles and Clothing and Human Development, sees itself as having a major role in spreading awareness, on the topic in an innovative and comprehensive manner.

Every year, the Goa College of Home Science commemorates World Breast Feeding Week from August 1 to 7 to disseminate information and create awareness of the importance of breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding, the lifeline of every child, is the foundation for healthy growth and development. It provides for the child’s basic needs of nutrition, love and security.

Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant’s life provides nutrition in the unique composition as required by the infant’s body, a stronger immune system, healthy development of the teeth, vision and physical structure, cognitive advancement and emotional security.

It also saves the mother’s resources and offers some protection against certain illnesses and cancers.

able to measure the worth of a candidate not only on their capability and degrees, but also look at the character and the integrity of a person," added Narvekar.

"Teachers are expected to be role models, a profession that demands honesty, sincerity and self-sacrifice. In today's world, where success is defined by power and material gain, not everyone can fit into this role," he said.

Dr Pramod Salgaonkar said the personality of the teacher reflects on the minds of the students.

"If the teacher is honest, it leads a balanced and disciplined life, the children adopt these virtues as an ideal conduct unconsciously," said Dr Salgaonkar.

"The ideal teacher is one who

The building workers covered under the Goa Building and other construction workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996 are required to be registered as beneficiaries which will entitle them for the benefits provided by the Goa Building and other

through his thoughts, words and deeds, gives an impression of an honest upright life, which can serve as a model for the students to copy, follow and emulate," added Dr Salgaonkar In her speech, Goa Pradesh Mahila Congress President Monica Dias announced that Salvador-do-Mundo Sarpanch Veronica Albuquerque has been appointed president of Goa Pradesh Mahila Congress Porvorim Block and issued her a letter of appointment later.

Chief guest Narvekar lighted the traditional lamp. Later, 17 retired teachers from Salvadordo-Mundo were felicitated with shawl, shreefal and memento

by Narvekar. Albuquerque welcomed the gathering and proposed the vote of thanks.

NCC cadets urged to keep State clean

The NCC Cadets of Shri Mallikarjun High School, Canacona, clean Patnem-Columb beach along with Deputy Collector and Chief Officer of Canacona Municipal Council Dipak Desai and environmentalist Bhanudas Naik Gaonkar and others.

Photo by Kathy Pereira HERALD CORRESPONENT CANACONA, SEPT 9

Canacona Deputy Collector and SDM Deepak Dessai has urged NCC cadets of Shri Mallikarjun Vidyalaya, Canacona, to keep their surroundings, especially the beaches, clean and beautiful.

Dessai was speaking to the NCC unit of Shri Mallikarjun Vidyalaya High School, Charrasta, after inaugurating a cleanup drive undertaken by the cadets in collaboration with Canacona Municipal Council ( C M C ) a t Pa t n e m - C o l o m b beaches recently.

“Tourists and visitors will take back healthy memories of Goa, once they return to their respective countries or other states,” he told the cadets.

About 70 cadets of the School and some teaching and non-

Registration for building workers made compulsory HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, SEPT 9

Photo by Anil Shankhwalker

Construction Workers Welfare Board.

Interested workers are advised to contact the Secretary, The Goa Building and other Construction Workers Welfare Board, Office of the Commissioner, Labour and Employment, 2nd Floor, Shram Shakti Bhavan, Patto-Plaza, Panaji, on telephone no 2437083/81.

teaching staff participated in the one-day clean up drive on the beach, hit by debris and tar balls menace, although in smaller quantity since the last 15 days.

Dessai, who is also the chairman of Canacona Taluka Disaster Management Committee, explained to the cadet how to tackle floods even of the magnitude of October 2 Canacona floods, last year.

The beach clean-up drive was specially organized by the NCC Unit of Shri Mallikarjun School by Troop Commander and First Officer of 1 Goa Battalion NCC, Panjim Ashokkumar Desai.

Environmentalists Bhanudas Naik Gaonkar and Dilip Desai also joined the drive with spade and other equipments along with some labourers of CMC and tourism department.

Archbishop’s House closed today HERALD NEWS BUREAU PANJIM, SEPT 9

In view of Id-Ul-Fitr, end of Ramadan, the offices at the A rc h b i s h o p ' s H o u s e , A l t inho, Panjim, will remain closed to the public on September 10.

The children welcoming the statue of Mary carried by Fr Herculano Correia, Administrator at St Xavier’s College, Mapusa.

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, SEPT 9

The Parish of Bicholim reverberated with religious fervour and enthusiasm as the parishioners came together along with their Parish Priest Rev Fr Tomas Lobo to celebrate Mother’s Day, coinciding with the feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Wednesday.

The solemn mass began with the flower girls welcoming the statue of Mary with a prayer dance. Rev Fr Herculano Correia, administrator at St Xavier’s College, Mapusa, was the main celebrant. The theme chosen for the Eucharistic celebration was: “Kristi Totvank Sakxi Diunk, Maria Amkam Nomunno”. In his homily Fr Correia highlighted the values that epitomized the beautiful life of Mary exhorting the congregation to emulate

Mary especially in fulfilling God’s plan for them. Emphasizing that children should demonstrate their love towards their mothers by listening to them, he also stressed upon the mothers to listen to the children, as Mary listened to her son, Jesus.

At the conclusion of the mass, one of the mothers cut the traditional birthday cake as the congregation sang “Happy Birthday Mother Mary” Thereafter the children wished their mothers and offered them cards and flowers. A variety entertainment program planned in honour of mothers saw the young and old of the parish displaying their talent on stage.

The entire programme was well organised and deeply appreciated by one and all, says a press release.

upcoming events Dhempe College PTA meet

PANJIM(HND): The general body meeting of the Parent Teachers Association of Dhempe College of Arts and Science, Miramar will be held on September 25 at 3 pm.

Distribution of Jonos

PANJIM(HND): Communidade of Neura-O-Grande will distribute Jonos and dividend of shares to its Jonoeiros and shareholders for the year 2010 at the office of Administration of Communidades, Panaji on September 13, 14, 15 and 16 between 10 am to 12.30 noon, says a press release.

Draw postponed

PANAJI (HND): The raffle draw organised by the YMCA Women’s forum, Vasco has been postponed due to unavoidable circumstances. The press release here states that the draw will now be held on September 18 and the results will be declared in the local dailies, says the press release here.

Ganeshotsav at Calangute

CALANGUTE(HC): Shree Shantadurga Devasthan committee has planned various religious ceremonies and cultural programmes at its premises to celebrate Ganeshotsav at Calangute.

On September 11, the Shri Ganesh Sajavot Spordha (Lord Ganesh Decor Competition) will take place at 4 pm, while on September 14 the Sangeet Vividha competition will take place at 6.30 pm.

On September 16, a cultural programme of devotional and other songs by Prahlad Hadfadkar will be staged at 6.30 pm.

On September 17, a cultural programme by Khobravaddo boys will be presented at 6.30 pm.

On September 18, a bhajan programme by Dada Maharaj Bhajani Mandal-Ponda will be presented at 6.30 pm, while on September 19,the all-Goa Solo Singing competition (Juniors & Seniors) will be staged at 4 pm.

Besides, there will be singing programmes on a daily basis till the last day of the Ganeshotsav Celebrations.

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Mapusa District Hospital begins partial operation Gynaecology, paediatric clinics thrown open to public

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, SEPT 9

After months of uncertainty, the new Mapusa District Hospital at Peddem began partial services, with the gynaecology and paediatric clinics commencing on Thursday.

These clinics will remain open from 9 am to 1 pm for the general public, while CT Scan, Doppler Test and Ultra Sound services are being offered to the public on prior appointment only.

Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane, Director of Health Services Dr Rajananda Dessai, Medical Superintendent Dr Sanjeev Dalvi and Dr Pradeep Padwal were present in the hospital from 9 am to 1 pm to ensure smooth functioning of the clinics.

Speaking to reporters, Rane said he had honoured his commitment in the recent assembly session by starting the two clinics in the New Mapusa District Hospital.

"The medicine clinic will be started shortly. OPD services at the Asilo Hospital will, however, continue till the Mapusa District Hospital is fully operationsl," he said.

"Once the Gynaecology, paediatric and medicine clinics of the Mapusa District Hospital starts functionally smoothly, the government will open a mortuary unit in the hospital.

This hospital will be one of the best hospitals in North Goa," said Rane.

"Two Personal Relation Officers and administrative staff have already been appointed.

Recruitment of doctors to various sections are in progress," the minister added.

He informed that the government wants to start a super specialty wing under 'Private Public Partnership' arrangement by the end of December so that the Cardiac and Neuro surgeries can be performed in the Mapusa district Hospital.

People at the registration counter of the Mapusa District Hospital.

Photo by Anil Shankhwalker

"The government has already appointed a Consultant 'Centrum' to identify the right PPP model and the private partner will provide expensive medical equipment for the super-speciality wing.

"Poor people undergoing operations in the super-specialty wing will be entitled to the Mediclaim scheme of the gov-

ernment," Rane said.

He informed that the old heritage wing of the Asilo Hospital will be upgraded and converted into a state-of-the-art Gynaecology unit.

Meanwhile, Chairman of State Law Commission Ramakant Khalap has expressed happiness over the commencement of the two clinics in the

Hospital.

"Asilo Hospital was small in size and was unable to cope up with the needs of people from North Goa. This new hospital has all the modern facilities and hence will be able to compete with the private hospitals in the city, if the doctors and the staff provide better services to the patients," said Khalap.

Khalap said he had suggested to the health minister to affiliate Mapusa District Hospital and Margao Hospicio with the Goa Medical College Hospital and to bring them under one roof.

"There are complaints that doctors in the government hospitals are doing private practices. Hence, I have suggested to Rane that the government should work out a model which will enthuse the government doctors to work diligently and discourage them from doing private practices," said Khalap.

Sewage chamber near Hospicio overflows HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 9

Motorists and pedestrians had to literally walk through sewage waters on the main road opposite Hospicio following overflowing of the sewage chamber.

That’s not all. When the PWD officials came to repair the chamber, they found to their shock that the sewage chamber was choked with plastic bottles, hand gloves, syringes, bandage rolls, phenyl bottles, plastic bags, etc.

A worker engaged for the cleaning work said that these items were removed from the chamber after they choked the line.

The sewage chamber was overflowing since the last two days onto the main road. School children and parents were the worst hit, as they had to unknowingly walk through the sewage waters. A similar incident had occurred last year too, and was rectified by the PWD after hue and cry from the public.

Shekhar Priolker, president of Shree Naguesh Maharudra Saunsthan, Bandora performs Padya Pooja during Chaturmas of Sreemad Vidyadhiraj Teerth Swamiji Partagal mutt at Siddhapur, Karnataka. He also performs Padya Pooja during Chaturmas of Sreemad Shivanand Saraswati Swamiji of Kavle mutt at Walkeshwar, Mumbai.

Consumer forum reprimands GHB for not following norms Orders refund of money to housing plot applicant HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 9

The South Goa Consumer Redressal Forum has held that Goa Housing Board is expected to act diligently by discharging its duties and obligations to the satisfaction of the deserving members of the public at large when they opt for housing schemes after complying with other necessary requirements by paying due consideration.

President of the Forum, Adv Jagdish Prabhudessai further directed Goa Housing Board to refund to an applicant for a housing plot at Ambaji the amount of Rs 1.14 lakh, being the amount equal to the difference in the per square meter rate of Plot No 12 and No 9 proportionate to the area of plot No 9 with interest @ 12 per cent per annum thereon from November 4, 2004 till ac-

tual payment.

In his order, Adv Prabhudessai observed that the Forum has absolutely no hesitation to hold that the Goa Housing Board was bound to follow the procedure established by law and departmental norms while considering the application for allotment made by the complainant. “Goa Housing Board, it may be noted, is essentially functioning based on the sole motto of providing housing facilities to the needy people of the state and not on any profit oriented motive. In doing so, they are performing public duties and hence their official acts are expected to be transparent and accountable to the public at large. Such a transparency and accountability on the part of the opposite party is seen lacking in the presence case. The established norms of dealing with the application for allotment of the plot cannot be permitted to be construed arbitrarily and to the disadvantage of the complainant”, the Forum observed.

The Forum further observed that the element of good faith and service oriented helpful attitudes must be seen to be reflected in the public conduct of public authority as the Goa Housing Board. “We find such an element conspicuously missing in the behavioural pattern of the Housing Board in the present case, ultimately resulting in harassment and immense hardship to a person honestly in search of a shelter like the complainant”, the Forum said.

Jeanette elected deputy Sarpanch of Guirdolim HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, SEPT 9

Jeanette Dias has been elected as the deputy sarpanch of Guirdolim village Panchayat.

At a special meeting held on Thursday, Ms Dias was elected unopposed after the Presiding officer received her lone nomination papers for the vacant post.

After her election, Jeanette said she along with the Sarpanch would work for the all round development of the village with the help and support of local MLA and Urban Development Minister, Joaquim Alemao.

Truck overturns, driver hurt HERALD CORRESPONDENT QUEPEM, SEPT 9

A truck driver sustained minor injuries when the truck overturned near the Government Polytechnic at Cacora on Thursday. As soon as mishap

took place, locals rushed to the site and managed to pull out the driver, who was trapped in the cabin.

The cause of the mishap is unclear, as investigations are in progress.

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INDIA

GOA, fridAy, 10 september, 2010

Srikrishna Committee to suggest optimal solutions: Duggal PTI HYDERABAD, SEPT 9

The Srikrishna Committee would suggest optimal solutions to the Centre to resolve the contentious Telangana issue rather than saying yes or no about division of Andhra Pradesh.

"As per the mandate given to the Committee and as per its Terms of Reference, the Committee will seek, discuss and examine a range of solutions on the subject and will endeavour to recommend or suggest optimal solutions as a way forward for the resolution of the issue," V K Duggal, the committee's member-secretary, told reporters here.

Observing that the committee is leaving no stone unturned to prepare a well-researched and objective report, he expressed confidence that the report would be established as a most credible document that is in the interest of every citizen of Andhra Pradesh and in national perspective.

"However, like you have observed, the intention may be to

please all, but it is possible that it may not please some sections, in which case, of course, India is a democracy and people have a right to express their views. Sometimes, it is through peaceful agitations, sometimes it is not so much peaceful way of expressing. So, that situation will be handled if it arises."

TELANGANA ISSUE

"Our hope is that once the report is out, going by the labour that has credibility that it will get established, there should be no reason for anyone to agitate," Duggal said.

Responding to the accusations from some quarters that the committee is "useless", Justice B N Srikrishna, Chairman of the panel, said the committee is not "useless or direction less".

"The committee would definitely suggest a good direction to the Centre," he said.

Asked if the committee would examine making Hyder-

abad a Union Territory, Duggal said the committee was examining everything that is brought before it.

The committee has so far received 1,20,000 memoranda or communications so far out of which about 3,000 are wellcompiled reports, he said.

As part of the consultation process, the committee has so far met 103 groups and heard over 1,000 people.

With this, the consultation process and 95 per cent of field visits are over and couple of visits to districts remained, Duggal said.

The exercise would be over by this month-end and the committee would start writing its report from next month.

Duggal said the committee has appointed four expert groups on complex and technical issues of water resources, power, growth of Hyderabad as a metropolis and its impact and the implementation of Government Order that deals with proportional representation of locals and non-locals in government jobs.

BJP denigrating all institutions in the country, says Cong PTI NEW DELHI, SEPT 9

Rejecting BJP's allegation that P J Thomas' appointment as Central Vigilance Commissioner was a 'cover up' exercise linked to the 2G spectrum scam, Congress today accused the principal opposition of "baking political bread" over the issue.

"Unfortunately BJP has made a practice of denigrating all institutions in the country be it CBI or CVC. The issue on which the Leader of the Opposition opposed CVC's appointment has no valid ground. But if you want to bake political bread out of every issue, who can stop you," party spokesperson Manish Tewari said.

He was responding to BJP's attack on the government over the appointment of Thomas.

Dubbing the 2G spectrum scam as "maha Bofors", the BJP had yesterday targeted the government over the appointment of former Telecom secretary Thomas and said it was

done to "cover up" the irregularities in the allocation process.

Claiming to have "dug up" details about Thomas' role in keeping corruption watchdogs like the CVC and Comptroller and Auditor General away from probe into irregularities concerning the 2G spectrum allotment, the main opposition party circulated a document in this regard to the media.

The BJP had also boycotted the swearing-in ceremony of Thomas and senior leader Sushma Swaraj met President Pratibha Patil to protest against his appointment.

Asked about the Union Cabinet's nod to caste census today, the Congress spokesperson said the party is with the government over the issue.

"Casteism is the reality of India. If the government of India has recognized this reality and agreed to inclusion of caste in census, nobody should have any objection," he said.

No armed camps in West Bengal: Karat PTI PATNA, SEPT 9

CPI-M General Secretary Prakash Karat today denied that his party was running "armed camps" in West Bengal but said they had opened camps in the three naxal hit districts of the state to shelter people who had fled their homes in the wake of Maoist terror.

Denying reports that the CPI-M was opening the camps to take on the Maoists, Karat accused the Trinamool Congress of trying "to isolate" the CPI-M and other Left parties in the Left ruled state.

"We have opened up camps in the three districts for sheltering the people migrating under the fear of naxalites... and these are taking their better care", Karat said.

He claimed that around 272 Left activists lost their lives as on May 2009 in the attacks allegedly perpetrated by the Maoists in league with the Tri-

namool Congress.

"Now Maoists have started facing resistance from our cadre in West Bengal", he added.

"Sinister attempts are being made by the Trinamool in connivance with the Maoists to isolate the government in West Bengal. Around 272 Left activists have lost their lives in violence perpetrated by them", Karat told a press conference.

Asked whether the Centre too was involved in instigating attacks on CPI-M workers, he said, "You know the fact that the Trinamool is a part of the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre. Its stand on Mamata Banerjee's Lalgarh rally with the support of the Maoists is fully known."

"Central Para-Military Force (CPMF) and Railway Protection Force (RPF) were used during the rally, a fact which is in the know of the Centre and Union Home Ministry", he said.

Nithari killings: Non-bailable warrant against victim’s father PTI GHAZIABAD, SEPT 9

A non-bailable warrant has been issued against Nand Lal, father of a victim in the sensational Nithari killings case that shocked the nation in 2006, by a special CBI court here.

The warrant was issued yesterday after Lal, a witness in the case and father of the victim Payal, failed to appear before the court.

"Nand Lal has withdrawn his statement given in a trial court that he saw Pandher giving a bribe to the then Noida DSP Dinesh Yadav, who had recovered an axe used in butchering children from his house.

Lal later tuned hostile in the case.

"He was avoiding to appear before the court for long. The Judge took it seriously and di-

rected the police to arrest Lal and present him before the court on October 21, 2010," Defence Lawyer Khalid Khan told PTI. Payal is one of the victims, whose body parts were found in a drain behind businessman Moninder Singh Pandher's D31 bungalow in Nithari in Noida in Uttar Pradesh. Both Pandher and his domestic aide Surinder Koli have been accused of killing young children and women and a total of 19 cases have been lodged against them.

Both Pandher and Koli were on February 13, 2009, sentenced to death in the Rimpa Haldar case in the first verdict in the Nithari killings. However, Pandher was acquitted by the Allahabad High Court on September 11, last year.

Tewari, however, said it would be premature to comment further till the modalities of the exercise are worked out.

Asked about the US indicating that it was looking for "changes" in the Nuclear Liability Bill passed by Parliament here, Tewari said the "bill has been passed by Parliament and now it the land of the law."

US State Department spokesman P J Crowley yesterday said in Washington, "We continue our discussions with Indian Government on this issue and we note that Indian business leaders are concerned about some specific aspects of the law that was just passed by Parliament... We will look to the Indian Government to see what changes can be made."

Tewari, however, said that some people can have objections to it but now it is a law and cannot be changed unless fresh amendments are brought in.

Canada asks Punjab govt to check illegal immigration PTI CHANDIGARH, SEPT 9

Canada today alleged largescale illegal immigration from Punjab to that country and sought the state government's cooperation to help check the problem.

A high-powered delegation led by Canadian Minister for Citizenship, Immigration and Multi-culturalism Jason Kenney met Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal here to draw his attention to the problem of unlawful immigration from Punjab to Canada and seek his cooperation to check it, an official spokesman here said.

Sharing Canada's concern over the issue, Badal told the delegation that top Punjab police officials have been asked to coordinate with the office of Consulate General of Canada based in Chandigarh to deal with cases of illegal immigration and expressed his government's determination to find a permanent solution to the problem, the spokesman said.

Badal asked Kenney to direct the Canadian embassy to be in touch with the state police department to immediately bring to its notice cases of unlawful immigration to Canada from Punjab.

He also impressed upon the Canadian Minister the need to simplify the procedure of getting a visa for the benefit of the majority of people.

Kenney told the Chief Minister that acceptance of visa applications by Canada had almost been doubled during the last five years especially in case of visitors' visas.

Likewise, there had been a considerable increase in the acceptance of visa applications for higher education also, the spokesman quoted the Canadian Minister as saying.

He also sought Badal's personal intervention to nab the unscrupulous travel agents who were aiding the persons in illegal immigration to Canada.

OHERALDO

OPINION

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O HERALD O

Infrastructure Planning for Safety of Women

Vol No CX No: 230 Goa, Friday 10 September, 2010

F

Being hung out to dry

inally, former Tourism Minister Francisco alias Mickky Pacheco has got his wish. He is now the subject of a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe. Only, it isn’t the investigation he wanted. While Mickky wanted the CBI to look into the death of Nadia Torrado, the agency has booked him for his alleged involvement in a US immigration racket. It has registered a case against him and two others he supposedly helped to travel to America, on allegedly forged documents.

What to do? As the song by the ‘Rolling Stones’ says: “You can’t always get what you want / But if you try sometimes, you might find / You get what you need…” Just two days earlier, Mickky had stoutly denied any hand in a US immigration racket. Out on bail since 26 July following 18 days in custody for allegedly abetting the suicide of ‘close friend’ Nadia Torrado, 28, after being forced to resign from the ministry earlier, Mickky needs his latest indictment like a hole in the head.

The question is, did he conspire to cheat, forge and certify fake documents to enable Pedro Antonio Joanes and Daniel Raymond Fernandes to travel to the United States in 200708, in return for “hefty sums of money”? The CBI seems to think so, as does the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, a unit of the US State Department, which was the original complainant in the case. He has been charged under Section 120-B read with 420, 468 and 471 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Apparently, the racket was to ‘help’ people obtain ship’s crew member’s visas from the United States Consulate in Mumbai. In itself, this is unexceptionable. But in the instant case, this was done on the basis of allegedly forged documents, to facilitate their travel to the United States, for the purpose of illegal immigration into that country.

That’s not all. There is a further allegation that Mickky “may be involved” in a money laundering racket. He is supposed to have had a staggering $15 million (Rs70 crore) in a bank account in the US, out of which he is alleged to have transferred $2 million (Rs9.5 crore) to India “recently”.

Would that correspond to about the time that the Nadia Torrado scandal was in full spate? We do not know, but this particular aspect of the case has been referred to the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and Mickky should fully expect another case on his already heavily-laden hands if the documents handed in by the Bureau of Diplomatic Security are as ‘substantial’ as the agency claims.

In the US, illegal immigration is a very sensitive issue. It causes frayed tempers and paranoid reactions. Those who are accused of organising or even aiding and abetting it, get charged with ‘human trafficking’, as if they were in the slave trade. In a way, Mickky is lucky that he is being indicted in India. Had the US administration decided to prosecute him, he could be looking at jail time in the short term if found guilty. Here in India, well-heeled former ministers can hire expensive lawyers who are experts at delaying the legal process for years.

On Sunday, the Benaulim MLA in a show of bravado said that he “does not need a party nor a symbol to win an election”, because what mattered was that “the people are with me and I am with the people”. This came shortly after his Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) said that it had taken a serious view of Mickky’s alleged involvement in the immigration racket.

Mickky should not be so cocky, at least not now. It is fairly certain that for the foreseeable future, he is going to be very, very busy in various courts of law, fighting to stay out of jail. And, at the end of it if he does get locked up, he will neither be with the people, nor will the people be with him.

Happy Eid-ul-fitr Zemir Shaikh, Margao Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated by Muslims all over the world after completion of 30 days of fasting. This Eid is called Fitr because a certain share of essentials is kept aside for the poor and needy in this month. Muslims also have to pay Zakat to poor and needy relatives, neighbours, wayfarers, etc. It can be paid at any time of year, but Muslims prefer Ramzan, because there are more blessings in this month.

Most Muslims wear new clothes on this auspicious day and go to the Eidgah or Masjid for morning prayers. One is required to eat a little before and after prayers (Namaaz).

100 Years Ago

PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

10 September 1910 Garibaldi leads march

The Government of Italy celebrated the 50th anniversary of the conquest of Sicily and Naples by 1,000 red-shirt volunteers led by the celebrated Garibaldi.

Whither Lyceum?

There is no basis to believe that our National Lyceum is affiliated to the Central University in Lisbon.

No postage stamps!

The newspapers from the Capital City and the Vila de Mapusa are complaining over the scarcity of postage stamps of Rs3 and Rs6 denominations, which is affecting their subscriptions.

Attack on Macau

A telegram from Hong Kong reports that Chinese mercenaries made a frontal assault on the Portuguese Fort at Coloanne. However, the Portuguese garrison riposted through its cannon boat, which killed a vast number of attackers besides sinking two Chinese Junks.

T

If a place is safe for women and children, it is safe for everyone. So let’s plan for them, says Dr SaBINa MarTINS

he global campaign ‘Make cities safe for women’ has put the spotlight on infrastructure planning for the safety of women. The world over, violence against women in homes and public spaces has been a subject of debate.

The 3rd International Conference on Safety for Women will be held in November 2010 in New Delhi.

Any strategic intervention looks for results within a time frame. Education for behavioural and attitudinal change is a long term solution, the outcome of which is slow and therefore inadequate to deal with situations here and now.

The focus, consequently, is on immediate and effective solutions. Infrastructure planning of cities for safety has been identified as a short term strategy, while policies and legislation are medium term strategies to stop rising crime against women in public spaces.

As a run up to the conference, a safety audit of public spaces was conducted by NGOs in three cities – Delhi, Trivandrum and Mumbai – supported by UNIFEM .The findings of the Delhi Safety Audit, conducted by Jagori with the Delhi government, were released last month, and got vast media coverage. These findings were discussed recently in Delhi with women’s organisations across India, who have been actively associated with the women’s movement. Several suggestions were made.

The focus was on infrastructure in the cities, which also applied to other areas like towns and villages. The emphasis was on conducting safety audits of places and through advocacy and public pressure, asking authorities for their implementation.

A safety audit of a public space involves a walk in the area, identifying specific areas which make women feel unsafe. Adequate lighting, wide enough pavements that allow walking without brushing against another, whether garbage bins on roadside are overflowing and reducing walking space, whether public toilets for women are safe and hygienic, the location of alcohol, gutkha and cigarette outlets – hangout places for men and areas where eve-teasing is maximum – all contribute to such audits. Public transport, which has a high incidence of molestation, also comes up for scrutiny. Spaces where women have to spend time – like bus stops, areas around schools, parks and gardens where women and children gather – are all surveyed. Access to police and telephones in an emergency situation is assessed.

The BeTTer haLf The checklist is exhaustive.

After identifying problem areas, solutions are sought from the respective department or the Municipal Council. If there is inadequate lighting, the Electricity Dept is approached; for garbage removal the collection body; for overcrowding in buses the Transport Dept; for proper signage the local bodies; for removing gambling dens, the Home Dept; for safe parks and gardens the Forest Dept. The list of authorities responsible for various works are listed and then systematically approached for intervention.

Participatory planning is a powerful process to address concerns that affect women. A safety audit walk is part of the micro-planning tool adopted for village and urban planning.

The Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA), which includes several organisations and individuals, had raised the demand for a participatory process to formulate the Regional Plan 2021. While the government did not amend the laws to make participatory planning mandatory as per the 73rd and 74th Amendments of the Constitution, GBA’s insistence and persistence ensured that draft plans of villages were sent to the village concerned for the people’s say.

Village committees were formed and Gram Sab-

angels on earth

Little matters

A

ll of us have heard of angels. Whenever the word is mentioned, the picture that comes to mind is of a beautiful, heavenly being with blue eyes, golden hair and long silvery wings.

They are creatures who possess the sweetest nature and go about doing good, trying to make the world a better place. Angels have for a long time now, captured the imagination of Man. So much so that, artists have featured them in paintings, carvings, and there are even quite a few songs named ‘Angel’. There are stories too about how guardian, angels have many a times saved people from danger and death. Some even claim to have seen angels. It is said that when babies smile in their sleep, it is because they can see angels in their dreams!

Well, enough has been said about heavenly angels. I’d like to introduce you to a different kind of angel. Different because they aren’t as beautiful as those in heaven, and they definitely don’t have wings! But there’s no doubt that they are angels, for they possess that characteristic quality of going out of their way to make the world a better place. God in His infinite wisdom and

Muslims exchange Eid greetings with each other. Special foods like traditional Biryani, Shainyaa are prepared, and people from all faiths invited to dine.

Eid is auspicious for Muslims who fast all 29 or 30 days. Allah showers his choicest blessings on them. I wish all Muslims in particular and Goans in general a very Happy Eid-ul-Fitr.

GFA must go professional Savio Pinto, Nagoa

The new Direct Tax Code (DTC) will impact NRIs who spend 182 or more days in India.

People working on ships and oil rigs – engineers, superintendents, consultants and specialists employed by foreign companies – who travel and work all over the world and are paid in foreign currency abroad, may have to start paying tax!

The new DTC scraps the 182 days rule and make it only 59 days a year. This spares only Gulf workers who get 30 days of leave each year. There are tens of thousands of Goans working on cargo ships, and twice that number on cruise ships. They all spend more than 60 days per ‘financial year’ in India.

Many on cruise ships have ‘graduated’ from working in the Gulf; salaries are much higher and they get a well-deserved rest. These shippies will be taxed as if they are Resident Indians. If they pay 30 per cent tax, their salaries might be lower than their Gulf counterparts!

Merchant navy officers and crew work on ‘contract’ basis for more than six months at a stretch, to avoid paying tax. Then they relax at home. They too will become ‘Resident’ under the new DTC. If shippies have to pay 30 per cent tax, it will deter these affected NRIs from sending funds to India legally. They too will open ‘offshore accounts’ in ‘tax havens’, like our politicians, and send money through Hawala dealers, boosting the parallel ‘black’ economy that is crippling India.

Commissioner for NRI Affairs Eduardo Faleiro should urgently raise this matter with the Finance Ministry. Shipping will no longer be my cup of tea if the new DTC becomes law as scheduled on 1 April 2012. I might as well start organising football tournaments, take all the local guys to Aunty’s bar for free drinks, and stand for the next elections…!

Injustice to students

What about abortion?

Obie Nogueiro, Navelim Slaughter of cows and cutting of trees is a crime. What about the murder of infants by abortion? Are animals and trees more valuable than humans? Abortion ought to be a crime, and the doctors performing it, as well as the person asking for it, should be murderers!

Away with all shacks!

Mike Carvalho, Canada Though born in Panjim, I originally hail from Colomb in Canacona. Its pristine virgin beach has now become a distant memory.

I must commend the High Court for stay-

By Vanessa Lobo that you don’t cry. These angels care enough about you to place themselves in your shoes and see what that feels like. It is someone who knows what you are going to say before you can say it. It is that person who will do the sweetest thing to make you smile after a long, hard day. Some one who makes the happy times, even more happier. It is someone who walks into your life when everyone else walks out. It is someone who is there for you when you need them the most. It is someone who cheers you on from the sidelines when you feel like quitting the race.

Unfortunately, it seems that this world is so full of and ruled by selfish and greedy people, that it is extremely hard to find the angels that I am speaking of, anymore. But believe me, they do exist. I dedicate this article to all the angels who have shaped my life and I thank them for helping me become the person I am today. With a grateful heart I thank God for them as I could never have made it this far without them. And everyday, I in turn, try to be someone else’s angel. Whether I will succeed at that, only time will tell!

Letters to the Editor

New Tax Code will hit NRIs Roydon Costa, by email

Will the Goa Board now set uniform question papers for all schools? If not, it should immediately stop this haphazard policy.

The Goa Board’s new grading system for Std X, including so-called ‘internal assessment’, puts an unnecessary and tremendous burden on students, quite contrary to the Education Dept’s avowed intention of ‘decreasing pressure’ on them. Now, every mid-term and terminal exam must be answered as if it is the final! Projects and assignments are also counted.

There is no level playing field. Each school can evaluate students as per their whims and fancies. During the recent mid-term exams, the top student in one school got 98 per cent, whereas an equally bright student at a different school got 94 per cent.

love has given all of us angels on earth. Each one of us has at least one angel in our lives and if we‘re lucky we may have more.

It could be any one; our mother, our best friend, a teacher, or colleague or even a total stranger! These angels make mistakes too, they aren’t perfect. But they are the closest anyone could get to being perfect. They come in all shapes and sizes. The angels I’m referring to are those certain people around you, who watch out for you. They are those who lend a hand when you are down on your knees, and you have no strength to rise up. It is that person who genuinely tries to understand you, when no one else can. It is someone who bandages your broken heart when you are too hurt to do it yourself. It’s the person who helps you pick up the pieces of a shattered dream and yet encourages you to try again. It is that someone who you know will just not give up on you and moreover not let you give up on yourself. It is someone who believes in you and your dreams no matter what. It is the person who listens to what you are not saying, and sees the tears

Letter of the Day

The latest buzz around Goa is the GFA election, scheduled for 24 October. Unnecessary comments from politicians’ mouths like: “GFA should not go into the wrong hands,” should be treated with the contempt they deserve. Will there ever be unanimity about GFA being in the ‘right hands’?

It is high time that GFA went professional, if the football interest of Goa is to be protected. The topmost priority of the new Executive Committee should be to engage with parents who are not fully convinced today that their wards can make it big playing football in Goa. Without parental support, football cannot prosper.

Spectator interest must be enhanced.

This can be only achieved by conducting lower division tournaments professionally, not just the elite league. Standards need to go up. Presently, too many players are looking more for quick financial windfalls than making the game their passion.

Francis F Fernandes, Margao

has held to discuss the plans. There was a massive involvement of people, which itself was an empowering process. Many village groups evolved, which took ownership to protect their villages by recommending land use and type of infrastructure required, as well as opposing unwanted developments.

In Goa, inadequate infrastructure for women’s needs has been raised at various points by different groups of women. Margao women vendors who did not have a toilet, demonstrated ‘unconventionally’ in the Municipality’s office. The sexual harassment prevention committee recommended lighting of all pathways and lanes in the Goa Medical College (GMC) to make the place safe for women relatives of patients, as well as for nurses, doctors and staff. More buses have been recommended to avoid overcrowding in buses. Display of Helpline 1091 for women in buses is a demand conceded, but falteringly implemented.

Women’s concerns can be incorporated in planning infrastructure, if the planners and authorities are properly sensitised. When Bailancho Saad made a presentation to the Task Force on RP 2021, one expert did not feel the need to sit through the presentation, as he saw no link be-

tween gender and planning. Bailancho Saad believes that all issues are women’s issues. Whatever affects society affects women; that is why we work with civil society organisations and GBA. The media hype resulting from the involvement of international bodies is now waking urban planners. Several workshops are being conducted, and the campaign at the national level is gaining momentum. The demand of women’s groups is: ‘Release of funds for infrastructure only if the checklist includes safety for women’ – like the checklist of the Union Environment Ministry for clearance of projects.

The issue confronting Goa is not about identifying needs. GBA has brought out a booklet on how to do village planning. It includes a walk through the village, mapping resources, discussing needs and finding solutions, and framing needs into a format for budget allocation by authorities.

Various organisations are already training people to make the next five-year Socio-Economic Plan, 2012, and the annual development plans more participatory.

The issue is, how does one get the people’s plans implemented? There is a great resistance from those in power, as well as those aspiring to power. GBA is under constant attack, from both pro- and anti-government forces. If any of the GBA’s positive suggestions is accepted or it succeeds in getting any demand met, the ruling dispensation takes credit. This does not go down well with anti- government forces. So the organisation becomes a target. If GBA objects to any government policy or project, it does not go down well with pro-government forces; the saga of attacks continues. The pressure to break the organisation or discredit it peak when elections are due.

This is a period of great stress, as individuals come under personal attack, to weaken collective bargaining power. The challenge before us is to stand up and use our collective bargaining power to get the best for our society. The elections for Municipalities are in October this year, and Assembly Elections in 2012. Before the municipal elections, let us do a safety audit of municipal areas and demand a commitment from candidates to implement our suggestions. Better still, let us identify persons who have proven their commitment, so that people do not have to channelise their energies into protests. Remember, if a place is safe for women and children, it is safe for everyone.

ing allotment of Palolem shacks. I wish the Court would extend this stay to all beaches in Goa. Shacks do booming business, but do the shack owners give back? Do they properly recycle/dispose garbage? Do they contribute to beach and locality clean ups and security? Sadly, no. These greedy shack owners mint money, while the environment and locals suffer. It is not the government’s responsibility to clean up the mess left by shacks!

Kabrastan problems Jonas Correia, Aldona The government could have solved the Kabrastan issue long ago. But when it is doing so little for the living ‘aam admi’, it will not help in this case, as there is no voting by the dead!

There are instances when Christians have

opposed even Christian cemeteries close to their houses. Buildings constructed next to cemeteries or crematoriums fail to find buyers, as it is considered a bad omen to live near them.

It is not correct to say that Catholics are anti-Muslim, just because some of them oppose the Kabrastan. The Catholic community has a very good rapport with Muslims. The erstwhile United Goans (UG) party, which had a large Catholic following, gave Goa its first Muslim legislator.

Rotting grain P L Fernandes, Old Goa The recent orders of the Supreme Court ordering free distribution of grain to the poor brings to mind past tussles between the Judiciary and the Executive, one of which led to the internal Emergency of 1975-77.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh very subtly and politely remarked that the Judiciary shouldn’t take over the role of policy making. Ex-Speaker Somnath Chatterjee also expressed a similar view. But can’t the government be responsible enough to build sufficient storage instead of allowing grain to rot? Is that not wasteful and criminal when millions go hungry?

Religious persecution Tony Alphonso, Mapusa Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani of Iran has been sentenced to death by stoning for adultery, and 99 lashes for not wearing a burqa. This is intolerance, discrimination and religious cruelty against a hapless woman. What about the man she had a relationship with? Can we equate adultery with crimes like rape and murder?

The good news is that Pope Benedict XVI is pursuing all diplomatic means to free this woman. Let us all pray that she may be released.

Letters should be 150 words or less in length, and should have the writer’s name, address and telephone number. The editor reserves the right to edit letters for size and readability, and to delete any personal attacks or libellous /objectionable matter.

Paths of Wisdom Eid ul Fitr

By Samir Khan Eid-ul-Fitr is a day of thanksgiving and jubilation as it signifies the successful completion of the sacred month of Ramadan. This festival marks the completion of an act of duty and devotion. It teaches us that real happiness comes from performing one’s duty and making sacrifices for a noble cause .

Fasting is one of the most significant pillars of Islam. Fasting is the highest of moral exercises. It sublimates man’s inner self and helps him understand the hardships faced by the poor. All spiritual exercises observed during the the sacred month of Ramadan, celebrate the revelation of the last and perfect message of Allah to humanity, through the Holy Qur’an and its implications, in the dedication and devotion in the month of Ramadan. “Allah has revealed to you the Book and Wisdom and taught you what you did not know before. Allah’s goodness to you has been great indeed.”

(Qur’an 4:113) Fasting has many results (Siyam) in the shape of vigorous duties, moral and spiritual self-discipline and austerity.

This reward equips man and helps him swim in the roughest seas of life. Hence Fasting is a blessing, not a calamity. Allah desires your well being, not your discomfort. He desires that you fast the whole of the month to attain piety and magnify Him for His guidance.

It is with this spirit of thanksgiving that Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, by praying, rejoicing and feasting – commemorating the accomplishment of an act of dedication and submission to Allah. Muslims meditate and pay obeisance to Allah in a congregation, displaying the real spirit of brotherhood, equality and fraternity through the prayers and through the zest of meeting and embracing their Muslim brothers.

The payment of fitrah to the poor and needy is obligatory. It has to be paid before Eid prayers. The real happiness of Eid is in sharing our happiness.

Printed and published by Vinayak Pai Bir for and on behalf of Herald Publications Pvt Ltd. Printed at Herald Publications Pvt Ltd, Plot No: L-135, Phase II, Verna Industrial Estate, Verna, Salcete, Goa. Published at PO Box 160, Rua Sao Tome, Panjim, Goa - 403001. Editor-in-chief: Mr R F Fernandes. Editor: Ashwin Tombat (Responsible under PRB Act). Regd Office: St Tome Road, Panjim, Goa. Tel: 2224202, 2228083, Fax: 2222475 (all Editorial); 2230535, Fax: 2225622 (Advertising); Margao: 2737689. Mumbai Office: 16-A, Bell Building, 2nd Floor, 19 Sir PM Road, Fort, Mumbai - 400001 (Tel: 22840702/22844908). RNI No: 43667/83.

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OPinionatEd Sonia for balanced approach National Highway impasse: in land acquisition The Goa dimension

By ANTONIO MASCARENhAS

All over the world, highways are designed to tackle mass transit of people or used for rapid movement goods. In Goa, the public at large is not aware about various type of roads, as to how wide their roads need to be, whether they need to be widened or not, and the environmental consequences of unwanted interference on geological features. The total road width to be considered has unfortunately acquired a dangerous magnitude.

As such, the national highways imbroglio refuses to die down.

Every time the public seeks permissions for road side constructions, the PWD thrusts an age-old manual, published in 1980 by the IRC (Indian Roads Congress). The document IRC 73-1980 is an obsolete manual that deals with geometric design standards for rural (non-urban) roads. The mandate and functions of the IRC are unknown, and nobody is aware how this document attained a statutory position.

Personal discussions with IRC engineers revealed that this association comprises a group of engineers devoted to the amelioration of roads and bridges. These expert engineers only offer suggestions and appropriate designs. At no point of time has IRC imposed their guidelines on any organisation.

It is pertinent to note that the scope of IRC 73-1980 clearly cites: (1) the standards prescribed are essentially advisory in nature, (2) it deals with designs for rural highways and roads located in open country outside built-up areas, (3) the standards are not applicable to urban roads or city streets.

As such, it is obvious that the manual only offers guidelines which cannot be interpreted as rules and regulations, or laws.

Moreover, the document neither has any scientific validity nor any legal sanctity. The way that a large road width is being imposed on the public is absolutely superfluous.

The origin of the 40-metre setback on either side of highways in Goa merits discussion. Information obtained through RTI by this author reveals some strange decisions. A letter by the PWD dated 10 April 2007 titled ‘Restoration of setback for NH 17’ requested the then Chief Minister of Goa to decide the road widening issue, considering that haphazard building permissions were being granted. The then CM simply ruled: “Approved, 40 mts,” on 13 April 2007. It is this lopsided decision that acquired a sort-of legal status that was, and still is, blindly shoved at people in Goa. In India, we have four types of roadways – national highways (NH), state highways (SH), major district roads (MDR) and village (panchayat) roads (VPR). Expressways are the new-generation motorable tracks fenced on either side. The Mumbai-Pune expressway, for example, is nothing but a good quality highway from which travellers can enter and exit only at designated points.

Based on IRC 73-1980 manual (page 5), the “desirable” total land width for open areas is 45 m, for built-up areas it is fixed at 30 m, and for mountainous terrains it is 24 m. Importantly, the setback of 40 meters that we hear about is only advised for open areas devoid of habitation.

A two-lane carriageway has to be 7.5 m wide, a four lane highway needs a width of 15 m, a 1-2 m wide median and 3 m wide shoulders. This equals 20 m width. Service roads (built only for expressways) may take an additional 8 m. A 30 m wide strip is largely adequate for a comfortable four-lane highway in any terrain.

If we consider the NH 17 from north to south, we observe that the IRC guidelines cannot be used for Goa, except in places which are wide open. But such strips are few. In fact, about 70 per cent of NH17 in Goa passes through settlements. The major agglomerations – from north to south – are Guirim to Porvorim, Verna to Nuvem, Navelim and Cuncolim. These strips are densely populated, and fall under the urban or municipal category.

Smaller obstructions are found at Tivim, parts of Siridao and Cortalim, Balli and Maxem in Canacona. For NH 4A, the same predicament applies. Therefore, imposing an 80 m wide land width through scarce ancestral properties simply defies logic.

Having travelled extensively across Europe, I have seen that nowhere are highways as wide as they are sought to be in Goa. The six-lane ‘autoroute’ from Montpellier in France to Barcelona in Spain is barely 40 m wide in its entirety. The ‘autobahns’ of Germany are as wide. The newly upgraded (2006) ‘autoestrada’ from Lisbon to Algarve in Portugal is just a four-lane roadway less the 40 m wide. The fact that highways in Dubai, Singapore or Beijing are of mind-boggling 12-lane width is no justification to bulldoze our ancestral assets.

A simple fly-by of Google images reveals all, in India or elsewhere. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway is exactly 40 m wide, including shoulders. The four-lane Belgaum-Dharwar NH 4 proves that no additional setback exists, as hundreds of small houses are seen all along, close to the highway. The Bangalore-Chennai four-to-six-lane highway land width does not exceed 40 m.

Endless examples justify the fact that our highways need not be wider than 35 to 40 m.

It is depressing to note that the road widening psychosis has infected village areas as well. No distinction is made between busy thoroughfares that traverse settlements, those that pass through open areas, and those that do not need any intervention.

The recent widening of the Margao-Borim SH has bisected Raia and desecrated the heritage ward of Majilwado. In comparison, the Arlem-Margao, Curtorim-Macazana and Raia-Quelossim MDRs are so shamelessly narrow that small cars cannot negotiate unhindered.

In several Panchayat areas, villagers are subjected to the tantrums of local bodies. Peaceful wards like Sonarvado, Damon or Solva in Raia are sought to be widened to 15 m, when such VP areas ought to have 8 to10 m wide roads. A bizarre case is that of the Ozro-Solva VP road, projected as 15 m wide, a sparsely populated 2 km stretch that ends at the foot of a hill.

These are roads to nowhere!

What is the solution to the highway imbroglio? A 30 to 35 m broad corridor is adequate. The major part of the present NH 17 can be easily made four-lane. Even inhabited strips like Porvorim and Nuvem can have a four-lane roadway, as ample land is available, provided a couple of business houses are cleared. Smaller areas like Siridao or Cortalim will, of course. have to be compensated suitably. Settlements like Cuncolim have no solution except for a bypass.

And what happens when Goa highways reach Patradevi, Polem or Anmod? How do we constrict a six-lane roadway into a twolane track?

(The writer is a scientist at NIO, Goa. Comments made above are his personal views)

Akshay turns 43, wants to cut down on his work PTI MUMBAI, SEPT 9

Even though Akshay Kumar believes that life begins at 40, he wants to cut down on his work.

This is the star’s birthday resolution as he turned 43 today.

Talking to reporters at the first look unveiling of his ‘Action Replayy’ opposite Aishwarya Rai releasing in November, Akshay said he wanted to enjoy what he had worked for all these years.

“I want to work less and give more time to my family, especially my son,” he said.

Aishwarya, who is shooting for an ad campaign in Italy, was not present at the event.

Akshay recalled that he spent his birthdays during childhood by making trips to different places in Mumbai like Hanging Garden, Borivali National Park and Zoo. “Today, I will be taking my wife out for a date,” he said.

PTI NEW DELHI, SEPT 9

The debate in the Congress and the UPA government over land acquisition acquired a new edge with party President Sonia Gandhi favouring a balanced approach in securing land for industrial purposes without losing large fertile tracts.

“New industries and infrastructure cannot be built without acquiring land. This is obvious and there is no argument about it.

“But land acquisition must be done in a

manner that it does not result into the loss of large tracts of fertile and productive agriculture land,” she said at a public function here.

Gandhi was speaking after dedicating to the national Stage II of the National Thermal Power Project (NTPC) in Dadri in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh. The Stage II project of 2x490 MW power plant will supply power to the Commonwealth Games.

Her comments acquire significance in the context of the current debate over land acquisition, an issue on which Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had recently met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and got an assurance that the government would bring a new legislation on acquiring farmers’ land.

“Farmers must be provided adequate compensation and an alternative occupation” where their lands are acquired, Sonia Gandhi said.

She said that some states like Haryana have progressive legislations in this regard and other states should emulate it.

Touching on the issue of environment, Gandhi said while “we definitely need to generate more power”“ for our farmers’ needs, factories and industries, “at the same time we must protect environment to ensure a sustainable development.”

“In whatever we do, we must not forget that our lush forest, mountains are necessary... we have a responsibility to protect them,” she said adding that there is a need to “sustain and nurture” the river and clean air.

“It is our obligation to ensure that affordable electricity is provided to all sections of our population. It is, therefore, evident that if we have to sustain our pace of economic growth and lift all our people out of poverty, the power sector has to lead the way,” Gandhi said.

She said the future energy requirements of the country necessitate paying much more attention to clean and renewable sources of energy.

Since Parliament has now passed the Civil Nuclear Liability Bill, the country is in a position to invest in nuclear power, she said.

“I understand NTPC is gearing up to enter the field of nuclear energy....it has also taken steps to expand the utilisation of green and solar energy on a large scale,” Gandhi said.

She also referred to Rajiv Gandhi Rural Electrification project’s plans to provide electricity to all villages in the country and said the supply of electricity has to be reliable and regular.

BJP MLA sentenced in Chidambaram appeals Kandhamal riots case QURAN BURNING PLAN

to media to exercise ‘great restraint’ FROM OUR BUREAU NEW DELHI, SEPT 9

India on Thursday joined the worldwide condemnation of plans of a small Florida church’s pastor to burn copies of the holy Quran to mark the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 terror attack on New York, telling the US authorities to take “strong action” to prevent such an “outrage.”

Home Minister P Chidambaram on Thursday also issued an unusual appeal to the India media, both print and TV, to exercise “great restraint” in the coverage of the possible deplorable act to prevent any communal backlash.

The appeal comes amid condemnations of Pastor Terry Jones of a Gainsville church in the United States from across the political and religious spectrum, warnings of possible retaliation against Americans abroad, and threats by Islamic radicals.

Hoping the US will prevent the outrage, Chidambaram said: “While we await the action of the US authorities, we would appeal to the media in India – both print and visual media – to refrain from telecasting visuals or publishing photographs of the deplorable act. We would also appeal to the media to exercise great restraint over the next couple of days and help in maintaining communal peace

and harmony.”

In a statement issued here, Chidambaram said the dastardly act is calculated to increase bitterness and strife between different religious groups. “We condemn the action of the pastor. It is totally unbecoming of anyone who claims to be a man of religion. ...No one who is interested in maintaining harmony and peace among different sections of the people can condone such action,” he said.

Sources said the Home Minister felt the appeal necessary as even allegations of the holy Quran’s real, perceived or rumoured desecration in any part of the world in the past have led to violence in India as the Muslims are quite sensitive to anybody fiddling with their religious beliefs.

They pointed out how violent protests and strikes erupted in the Kashmir valley and other parts of the country in 2005 to protest a Danish newspaper publishing a caricature of the Prophet.

Back in 1994, fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld had to issue an apology and burned the garments incorporating a pattern with an inscription from the Taj Mahal that turned out to include a phrase from the holiest text after German model Claudia Schiffer who wore it got death threats.

Munda to take oath as Jharkhand CM on Sat PTI RANCHI/NEW DELHI, SEPT 9

Arjun Munda will be sworn in as Jharkhand’s new Chief Minister on Saturday at the head of a BJP-JMM coalition with the Governor inviting him to form a government today shortly after the Union Cabinet recommended revocation of President’s rule in the state.

42-year-old BJP leader Munda, who is getting the chief ministership post for the third time, will be the eighth CM in 10 years since the mineral rich state was carved out of Bihar on November 15, 2000. No Chief Minister has ever completed a full term in the state.

Governor M O H Farooq invited the BJP’s chief ministerial candidate to take oath on September 11 at 11 am, Raj Bhavan sources said in Ranchi, two days after Munda staked claim. The BJP and Shibu Soren’s JMM came back together over three months after they parted ways leading to imposition of President’s rule.

Munda was asked to prove his majority on the floor of the assembly within seven days from the date of taking oath the sources said. The present Assembly, which was kept under suspended animation after imposition of Central rule over three months back, is the third and was constituted on December 30 last.

The invitation by the Governor came after Munda called on him shortly after the Cabinet recommended revocation of President’s rule.

“The Cabinet has made appropriate recommendation to the President based on Governor’s recommendation. You will have to wait for the President’s decision,” Home Minister P Chidambaram told reporters Iin New Delhi after a meeting of the Union Cabinet which took up the issue.

Munda has claimed the support of 45 MLAs in the Assembly with an effective strength of 81.

In the list submitted by Munda to the Governor on Tuesday to back up claim he had majority support, there are 18 MLAs each of BJP and JMM, two from JDU, five from AJSU and two Independent MLAs — Chamra Linda and Bidesh Singh.

Farooq had sent his report to the Centre on September 7 after Munda, the newly-elected BJP legislative party leader, staked claim to form the government, submitting a list of 45 MLAs in the 81member house and parading 44 of them at the Raj Bhavan.

President’s Rule was imposed in Jharkhand on June 1 with the Assembly being put under suspended animation after BJP withdrew support to the Shibu Soren-led government after the latter voted with the UPA during cut motions in Parliament and no party came forward to form an alternative government.

Congress, which has 14 MLAs and its ally JVMP 11, has not shown interest in forming government in the state owing to “trust deficit” with JMM.

AGENCIES PHULBANI, SEPT 9

Sitting BJP MLA Manoj Pradhan was on Thursday sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for six years by a fast track court for a murder during the 2008 communal riots in Orissa’s Kandhamal district.

Fast track court-II judge C.R. Das convicted Pradhan for the murder of Bikram Nayak from Budedipada of Tiangia village under Raikia police station limits on August 26, 2008. He was convicted under section 304 (punishment for culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the IPC. The judge also slapped a fine of Rs 15,500 on the convict, representing the communally sensitive G Udayagiri assembly constituency, for setting ablaze houses of people belonging to the minority community and inciting communal violence.

Though Pradhan’s name was initially not in the FIR filed at Raikia police station, his involvement in the killing came to light during the investigation.

At least 12 cases were registered against Pradhan for his alleged involvement in the riots in Kandhamal which claimed at least 38 lives in the aftermath of the killing of VHP leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati.

Of the 12 cases, Pradhan has been convicted in two murder cases and acquitted in seven others relating to arson and rioting.

Three more cases are pending against him.

Pradhan was a close disciple of Saraswati, whose killing on August 23, 2008, had sparked off large-scale violence in Kandhamal and other parts of Orissa.

Pradhan said he would move a higher court against the sentence.

This was the second case in which Pradhan, arrested from Berhampur in December 2008, has been convicted.

APPOINTMENTS

Vested interests against Meghalaya Lafarge Project: village council

SHILLONG, SEPT 9 (PTI) -- The traditional council of the village where the limestone mining project of Lafarge is located in Meghalaya today said vested interests were spreading wrong information about the mining project.

“Some parties with vested interests who are not concerned about the welfare of local people or the protection of environment are giving totally wrong information about the Lafarge Umiam Private Limited (LUMPL) mining project,” Pynshai Rapmai, secretary of Nongtrai Village Dorbar said in a statement.

APPOINTMENTS

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FBI has large backlog of DNA cases REUTERS WASHINGTON, SEPT 9

The FBI's laboratory has a backlog of more than 3,200 forensic DNA cases, which can prevent timely capture of criminals and prolong incarceration of innocent people, according to a US Justice Department report released today.

The report by the department's inspector general said the backlog, which has increased sharply in the past year, can cause delays in legal proceedings that must await DNA analysis results.

The DNA evidence typically comes from forensic samples from crime scenes or from such items as clothing, envelopes and drinking glasses.

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Americans oppose burning of Quran, Pastor adamant PTI WASHINGToN, SEPT 9

Cutting across political and ideological lines, Americans strongly came out to condemn

the plans of a small Floridabased church to burn the Holy Quran, but its adamant Pastor vowed to go ahead with the plans on the ninth anniversary of 9/11 on Saturday.

Republican leader and former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin in her posting on the Facebook and Twitter urged the Pastor Terry Jones to drop his controversial plans, describing them as an unnecessary provocation, much like the building of a mosque near Ground Zero.

"It will feed the fire of caustic rhetoric and appear as nothing more than mean-spirited religious intolerance. Don't feed that fire," Palin asked the Pastor.

"Book burning is antithetical to American ideals. People have a constitutional right to burn a Koran if they want to, but doing so is insensitive and an unnecessary provocation – much like

building a mosque at Ground Zero," Palin said.

The Pastor, who has some 50 followers, has remained adamant, shrugging off outrage not only in America but around the world, and said he is going ahead with his plan to burn the Holy Book.

Palin urged Jones to "consider the ramifications" of the Koran burning. "If your ultimate point is to prove that the Christian teachings of mercy, justice, freedom, and equality provide the foundation on which our country stands, then your tactic to prove this point is totally counter-productive," she added.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton yesterday described as regrettable and outrageous the Pastor's plan which US Commander in Afghanistan General David Petraues has said would put American troops in harm's way.

"It's regrettable that a pastor in Gainesville, Florida with a church of no more than 50 people can make this outrageous and distressful, disgraceful plan and get the world's attention, but that's the world we live in right now," Clinton said.

"It doesn't, in any way, represent America or Americans or American Government or American religious or political leadership. And we are, as you've seen in the last few days, speaking out," Clinton said.

Pak asks Interpol to stop it PTI ISLAMABAD, SEPT 9

Pakistan today strongly condemned an American pastor's plans to burn copies of the Quran to mark the anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks and asked Interpol to stop the "insane" man from going ahead with the move.

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed grave concern over the pastor's threat and believed that anyone "who even thought of such a despicable act must be suffering from a diseased mind and a sickly soul," according to his spokesman Farhatullah Babar.

Such an act will "inflame sentiments among Muslims throughout the world and cause irreparable damage to interfaith harmony and world peace," Babar said.

The President has called for "doing all that it takes to stop such a senseless and outrageous act," he said.

Separately, Interior Minister Rehman Malik, in a letter addressed to Interpol Secretary General Ronald Noble, said Interpol should stop "insane" pastor Terry Jones from burning the Quran.

Malik drew Interpol's attention to the "very serious and grave" issue, which is a crime against humanity and an "international offence".

Woman flogged, executed by Taliban REUTERS HERAT, SEPT 9

Taliban insurgents publicly flogged and executed an Afghan woman for alleged adultery, a police official said today, in a reminder of the era when the militant Islamist group ruled Afghanistan.

The 48-year-old widow was given dozens of lashes before being shot dead yesterday in the remote Qades district held by militants in northwestern Badghis province, said Abdul Jabar, a senior provincial officer. ''It happened before the public ... Although no-one has complained, the government will take its own measures about the incident,'' Jabar told Reuters by telephone from Badghis.

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GOA, FRIDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER, 2010

Govt plans to set up Rs 500 b power fund REUTERS NEW DELHI, SEPT 9

The government plans to set up a 500-billion-rupee debt fund for the power sector, Power Secretary P Uma Shankar said on Thursday.

"There are thoughts of setting up a debt fund. It is at a planning stage," Shankar said.

The fund would be the latest in a series of recent government measures to overhaul India's creaky infrastructure,

TALK BUSINESS

BoB opens branch at Taieigao

long seen as a drag on growth in Asia's third-largest economy.

A separate $11 billion debt fund for infrastructure has already been announced.

Shankar said an investment of 5 trillion rupees was required to meet a target to build 100,000 mega watt (MW) generation capacity in 2012-2017.

India's Planning Commission said in a recent report capacity shortages in the power sector could prevent India from achieving double-digit growth.

ICICI Bank bags award MUMBAI (PTI) -- ICICI Bank, has been awarded the World Finance Awards 2010 in three categories.

The three categories are Excellence in NRI services-Worldwide, Excellence in Remittance Business-Worldwide and Excellence in Private Banking Business-Asia-Pacific Region awards at the prestigious World Finance Awards, UK, 2010.

The bank has won the private banking and NRI services awards consecutively for threeyears and the remittance business award for the second year in a row, the release said.

SUD Life to focus on endowment PTI MUMBAI, SEPT 9

BoB Taleigao branch opening.

PANJIM (HBD) – Bank of Baroda opened its 27th branch in Goa at Taieigao. The new branch was inaugurated by C D Kalkar, general manager of the Bank of Baroda, in the presence of Jenifer Monserrate, sarpanch, Taieigao Panchayat.

Rev Fr Acquilo Gomes blessed the premises. The gathering included people of Taleigao, branch staff members, and banks staff and branch heads of other branches.

A V Bhende, Dy regional manager (Goa &WM Region) delivered the Function started with the welcome speech.

Jenifer Monserrate assured all support to the branch. C D Kalkar, GM of the bank in his speech highlighted the widespread banks presence in India and all over globe and various milestone achievements of our banks in its journey across a century.

S D Inamdar, assistant GM, Goa & West Maharashtra Region, emphasized on the importance of new technological advancements our bank has made and its positive impact on our customers. He also stressed on the importance of customer service in the banking industry as a whole.

Branch manager, Vilas Prabhu proposed the vote of thanks.

Goa Tourism wins two CNBC Travel Awards

Star Union Dai-ichi Life Insurance (SUD Life) plans to focus on endowment policies rather than introducing new unitlinked insurance products (ULIPs), a company official said.

The insurance company has decided to take this "cautious" step following the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA's) regulations on ULIPs, SUD Life's MD and CEO, Kamal Sahay, said.

"Under the new regulations, selling pension plans has slightly become a challenge for insurance companies. Hence, we have decided to focus on launching more endowment policies than introducing any new ULIP," Sahay said.

As a part of this strategy, the insurer has launched a new traditional endowment product-Defined Benefit Endowment

Plan, which ensures tax-free monthly benefit for 15-years.

The company, which had initially introduced 4 ULIPs is now planning to re-launch them based on the new guidelines of IRDA. SUD Life has re-launched its two unit-linked insurance products--Dhan Suraksha 3 and Dhan Suraksha 3 Premium, which comply with the new IRDA guidelines, Sahay said.

The products would offer protection as well as market-related returns.

"We will not be launching any new ULIP in the coming days considering the challenges posed due to the regulations. But we would definitely venture into this at a later stage," he said.

The company, which garnered a fresh premium of Rs 525.38-crore in FY 10, is eyeing a 100 per cent jump in FY 11.

Aug passenger car exports dip 7% PTI NEW DELHI, SEPT 9

Passenger car exports from India declined by 7.21 per cent in August, as automakers decided to focus on robust domestic market, while the international markets are yet to pick up in demand, SIAM said today.

According to figures released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), passenger car exports in August were at 37,952 units, as against 40,901 units in the same month last year.

"The decline in export is understandable, as compa-

Japan, India agree to expand ties REUTERS NEW DELHI, SEPT 9

Japan and India agreed on a free trade deal on Thursday which Tokyo said would lead to a 10-fold jump in trade flows as it eyes the fast-growing economy as a low-cost production centre and a market for exports.

Trade and investment flows between the two countries have been unspectacular because Japanese companies have focused on business with China and Southeast Asia.

Bilateral trade in 2009 was $11 billion, about 4% of Japan's trade with China, government figures show.

Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada said he expected the figure to jump significantly as the free trade agreement will eliminate tariffs on 94 percent of two-way flows in 10 years.

nies have decided to focus on meeting the domestic demand," SIAM Director General Vishnu Mathur said.

Domestic car sales grew 33.24 per cent to 1,60,794 units in August, against 1,20,681 units in the same month last year.

"Moreover, the export markets are still not yet buoyant," Mathur added. The dip in overseas shipments of car was on account of the biggest exporter from the country, Hyundai Motor India registering a decline of 12.28 per cent in August at 22,035 units, as against 25,120 units in the year

The Minister of Tourism, Nilkanth Halarnkar with the CNBC Awaaz Travel Awards, awarded to Goa Tourism along with the Union Minister of Tourism Kumari Selja during the presentation ceremony held in Delhi on Wednesday. The Director of Tourism, Swapnil Naik and the director of TV 18, Ajay Chacko are also seen.

PANJIM (HBD) -- The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa bagged two awards at the CNBC AWAAZ Travel Awards 2010.

The awards were presented by the Union Minister of Tourism Kumari Selja to the Minister of Tourism Nilkanth Halarnkar at a ceremony held on Tuesday in New Delhi. The Director of Tourism Swapnil Naik and the director of TV 18 Ajay Chacko were present.

Goa won the public vote in both categories for ‘Best State’ and ‘Best State Tourism Board’.

The CNBC Awaaz Travel Awards aim to recognise and honour ‘Best in Class’ tourism organisations, destinations, infrastructure and service providers based on an objective, robust and comprehensive study conducted by India’s leading research firm The Neilson Company. This study is India’s most exhaustive pan-India study conducted across 12 cities with over thousands of respondents voting for their choice of travel services and destinations.

Sensex extends gains for third straight day, up 22 pts PTI MUMBAI, SEPT 8

Recovering from early losses, the BSE benchmark Sensex today ended almost 22 points higher at a fresh two-and-half year high, ignoring weak global cues.

Rising for the third session in a row, the 30-share index of the Bombay Stock Exchange closed at 18,666.71, up 21.65 points, or 0.12 per cent, with the major contribution coming from SBI, Bharti Airtel, Infosys and HUL. This is the best close of the Sensex since January 18, 2008, when it settled at 19,013.70.

Farmers are improving crop yields, using new technologies besides learning video-making skills - thanks to Digital Green which is catalysing a quiet revolution in the little hamlets of India. Its founder, Rikin Gandhi, has been named as a top young innovator by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Delhi-based Digital Green focusses on educating farmers about farming techniques through locally produced videos in which local cultivators are featured. The project works in over 200 villages across Jharkhand, Orissa, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh with seven NGOs, helping famers improve their living standards and productivity.

'We do not produce the videos ourselves but rather facilitate the process of training people from the community in the production of locally relevant videos,' Gandhi, 29, said.

'We intend to extend the Digital Green system to 1,200 Aban Offshor, 824.45, 833.8, 819.5, 822.4 Abb Ltd., 783.65, 788, 781.3, 785 Abg Shipyard, 248, 259.65, 244.3, 252.4 Acc Limited, 990.4, 990.4, 970.7, 980.9 Adani Enterp, 654.5, 663.45, 648.1, 661.05 Aditya Birla, 835.1, 879.4, 829.1, 871.4 Allahabad Ba, 227, 228.5, 224.15, 227.5 Alstom Proje, 724.7, 732.4, 716.65, 721.9 Ambuja Cemen, 138.5, 138.5, 134.6, 136.5 Andhra Bank, 156.35, 159.45, 155.8, 158.95 Ashok Leylan, 74.1, 74.8, 71.95, 72.35 Asian Paints, 2855.9, 2870, 2800, 2808.75 Axis Bank Li, 1385, 1391.9, 1367.3, 1379.4 Bajaj Hindus, 123.8, 123.9, 120.25, 122.15 Bank Of Baro, 839, 848.2, 835.55, 842.65 Bank Of Indi, 463.1, 492.8, 462.2, 489.45 Beml Limited, 1180, 1238, 1180, 1205.95 Bharat Elect, 1712, 1735, 1705, 1709.1 Bharat Forge, 365.7, 371.5, 362.3, 368.9 Bharat Petro, 757, 761.95, 748, 750.8 Bharti Airte, 354, 357.95, 347.7, 350.1 Bhel, 2445.1, 2482.3, 2443, 2477.2 Bhushan Stee, 1889, 1907.5, 1867.5, 1874.6

villages in the next two years across South Asia and Africa.

We will also be exploring closer collaborations with ministries of agriculture as well as with private sector agri-businesses,' said Gandhi.

He was recently named one of the world's top young innovators under the age of 35 by Technology Review, a publication of the prestigious MIT, for his non-profit setup.

'Gandhi demonstrated that for every dollar spent, the (Digital Green) system persuaded seven times as many farmers to adopt new ideas as an existing programme of training and visits,' the Technology Review said.

Gandhi, originally a native of Vadodara in Gujarat, founded Digital Green in Bangalore in 2006. Under the initiative, more than 500 videos have been produced - documenting more than 300 farming practices - and screened over 5,000 times. It has been viewed by over 16,000 farmers.

Gandhi, who aspired to be an astronaut as a child, realised

Biocon Limit, 351.35, 352.7, 345.2, 345.85 Bombay Dyein, 645, 648.5, 628.35, 634.95 Bosch Limite, 6400, 6400, 6280, 6313.95 Brigade Ente, 141.05, 143.5, 138.4, 139.85 Cairn India, 329.4, 332.3, 325.7, 326.3 Canara Bank, 550, 569.2, 547, 564.95 Central Bank, 180.85, 184.4, 179, 183.2 Century Text, 514.5, 519.8, 509.3, 513.75 Cesc Ltd, 399.2, 402.7, 395.2, 399.4 Chambal Fert, 73, 76.75, 72.05, 75.9 Chennai Petr, 244.85, 245.45, 240.05, 244.45 Cipla Ltd, 311.1, 312.95, 304.55, 306.5 Colgate Palm, 828, 832, 824, 826.85 Container Co, 1310, 1311, 1290, 1295.65 Crompton Gre, 310.65, 311.5, 302.25, 304 Cummins Indi, 736.95, 745, 733.05, 737.1 Dabur India, 108.8, 109.4, 107.4, 108.5 Deccan Chron, 132.5, 134.8, 130.1, 133.1 Dish Tv Indi, 56, 56.7, 55.8, 56.3 Divi’s Labor, 760.1, 763.9, 755.05, 757.05 Dlf Limited, 320, 323.65, 318.5, 322 Dr. reddy’s, 1418, 1421, 1397, 1403.5

that spacemen, after orbiting the earth, wanted to connect with the planet more closely and make it a better place. This was the keynote in most of the biographies he read.

He armed himself with degrees in computer science from Carnegie Mellon University and aerospace engineering from MIT, besides a pilot's licence. But before he could become an astronomer, destiny intervened.

He landed in India to check out a biodiesel venture of a colleague from the US. He joined Microsoft Research in Bangalore in 2006 to figure out how technology could be applied to marginal and small farming. Thus began his tyrst with the country.

Under the initiative, an 8 to 10 minute video screening is organised for small groups of farmers on a daily basis. The videos focus on various types of optimum agricultural techniques, social issues, government programmes, livestock and seed germination, among other issues.

Edelweiss Ca, 52.5, 53.15, 51.1, 51.35 Educomp Solu, 573.55, 576.6, 563.1, 569.7 Eih Limited, 143, 143.9, 140, 140.85 Engineers In, 352.5, 364.9, 350, 359.2 Essar Oil Lt, 127.8, 128.45, 126.35, 127.1 Essar Shippi, 113.55, 116.15, 112, 114.05 Exide Indust, 160.45, 161.7, 157.55, 158.1 Federal Bank, 365.8, 373.85, 364.1, 372.35 Financial Te, 1380, 1388.95, 1360, 1365.6 Gail (india), 467, 469.7, 458.7, 461.6 Gammon India, 226.5, 226.5, 221.2, 223.65 Glaxosmithkl, 1910, 1924, 1905, 1916.8 Glenmark Pha, 285.3, 286.8, 283.6, 285.35 Gmr Infrastr, 59.2, 59.9, 58.35, 59.1 Godrej Indus, 233, 246.6, 228, 244.65 Grasim Indus, 2166, 2186, 2141, 2150.7 Great Offsho, 408, 410.75, 393.2, 400.85 Gtl Infra.Lt, 46.5, 47, 45.7, 46.65 Gujarat Mine, 137.5, 137.95, 135, 135.85 Gujarat N R, 64.5, 65.1, 62.1, 63.35 Gujarat Stat, 119.5, 119.7, 114.65, 115.6 Gvk Pow. & I, 50.95, 51.1, 50.1, 50.85 Hcl Technolo, 405.95, 411.4, 403.6, 410.1

Hdfc Bank Lt, 2195, 2250, 2183.1, 2244.85 Hdfc Ltd, 631, 634.65, 625.65, 629.95 Hero Honda M, 1710, 1738.85, 1706.5, 1733.15 Hindalco in, 181.5, 183.9, 177.7, 182.4 Hindustan Co, 61.5, 62.8, 60.9, 62.45 Hindustan Ma, 77.05, 78.45, 76.05, 76.4 Hindustan Pe, 532, 534.9, 524.85, 527.55 Hindustan Un, 275.25, 284, 275, 279.05 Hindustan Zi, 1133, 1133, 1086.3, 1089.95 Housing Dev, 280.95, 284, 275.25, 278.55 Icici Bank L, 1035.05, 1054, 1032.1, 1050.2 Idea Cellula, 75.9, 77.65, 75.4, 76.75 Ifci Ltd, 60.9, 61.25, 59.85, 60.4 India Cement, 114.5, 115, 111.3, 111.65 India Infoli, 98.9, 102.05, 98.55, 101.65 Indiabulls F, 148.5, 149.3, 146.2, 148.1 Indiabulls R, 179, 181.35, 178, 179.25 Indian Bank, 259.5, 261.45, 257.15, 259.9 Indian Hotel, 107, 107, 105.25, 105.95 Indian Oil C, 416, 417, 409.05, 410.15 Indian Overs, 141.5, 141.9, 138.6, 140.55 Indus Dev Ba, 135, 140.5, 134.65, 139.75 Indusind Ban, 242.4, 242.4, 235.5, 238.4

robust overseas shipments.

According to the SIAM data, total two-wheeler exports from India grew by 39.17 per cent to 1,25,057 units during the month, as against 89,856 units in the year-ago period.

Motorcycle exports soared by 37.61 per cent to 1,20,275 units from 87,405 units in August last year.

Scooters exports stood at 4,440 units, up 102.19 per cent from 2,196 units in the same month last year. Three-wheeler exports grew 46.43 per cent during the month to 21,492 units from 14,677 units in August last year.

India Inc lost $27-b merger deals this year PTI NEW DELHI, SEPT 9

Merger deals worth USD 27 billion have soured so far this year in India. The biggest nonstarter was that of Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries'' USD 14.5 billion bid for LyondellBasell.

This was followed - in terms of deal value - by the cancellation of his younger brother Anil Ambani run Reliance Communications'' USD 10.8 billion merger deal with GTL Infra. According to the data compiled by research firm VCC Edge, as many as nine deals have been called off this far in 2010.

"The failure of the mega deals was primarily due to valuation concern. Management control issues and strategic unsuitability of the deals was another reason for cancellations", SMC Capitals Equity Head Ja-

Digital Green catalyses quiet Rev AGENCY NEW DELHI, SEPT 9

ago month.

Maruti Suzuki India also saw its exports down by 18.4 per cent at 11,972 units from 14,672 units in August last year, SIAM said. Nissan Motor India, which had started production of its hatchback Micra from the Chennai plant from this year sold 1,469 units of the car in overseas market in August.

Ford India registered an over nine-fold jump in exports at 983 units in August, compared to 105 units in the same month last year. Although passenger car exports were down, twowheelers continued to register

The process has three components, the farmers, a cameraman and a facilitator, all from the village community.

The facilitator is trained by Digital Green in identifying topics for dissemination.

Villagers produce videos using handheld camcorders.

The videos are then shown by village folk serving as mediators in their villages, using handheld projectors. These mediators nurture an environment for discussion, asking questions, obtaining feedback from farmers, before incorporating them in the next set of videos to better address the community's interests.

'Recently, we began piloting an interactive voice response (IVR) system to allow facilitators and farmers a questionand-answer mechanism and to share feedback,' Gandhi said.

The videos empower at least three groups of farmers - community members involved in producing videos, members involved in screening videos using projectors and members who watch videos.

Infosys Tech, 2870.1, 2900, 2858, 2895 Infra. dev., 186.25, 190.5, 185.15, 189.35 Ispat Indust, 20.6, 21.6, 20.3, 21.45 Itc Ltd, 165.6, 165.6, 161.4, 162.35 Ivrcl Infras, 162, 163.5, 160.15, 162.1 Jai Corp Lim, 266.5, 268.85, 262.25, 263.25 Jaiprakash A, 119.95, 120.5, 117.9, 119.6 Jet Airways, 753, 761.95, 747.55, 750.7 Jindal Saw L, 214.8, 215.9, 211, 212.6 Jindal Steel, 718, 719.7, 708.25, 714.95 Jsw Steel Li, 1219, 1227, 1203.3, 1217.05 Kotak Mahind, 849.5, 867.5, 849.5, 864.6 Lakshmi Mach, 2499, 2520, 2465, 2483.8 Lanco Infrat, 69.1, 71.2, 69.1, 70.1 Larsen & Tou, 1871, 1885, 1858.1, 1881.5 Lic Housing, 1177.5, 1189, 1172.25, 1178.2 Lupin Limite, 378.5, 379.8, 370.4, 375.8 Mahanagar Te, 66.3, 66.5, 64.3, 64.65 Mahindra & M, 640, 658, 637.45, 655.6 Maruti Suzuk, 1312, 1321, 1307.5, 1314.8 Max India Lt, 165, 172.5, 163.15, 171.7 Maytas Infr., 212.6, 223.9, 210, 220.75 Moser-baer (, 67.55, 68.15, 66.65, 67.15

gannathan Thunuguntla said.

The country''s most valued firm RIL''s bid to acquire a majority stake in bankrupt petrochemical group was called off

by LyondellBasell after the latter found the price offer was undervaluing the company. The transaction could have been the largest buyout ever made by an Indian firm overseas.

So far, Tata Steel''s acquisition of Anglo Dutch steel producer Corus Group in 2007 for USD 12 billion, is the biggest deal in the Indian corporate history. Besides, the most recent cancellation was of RCom''s arm Reliance Infratel''s USD 10.8 billion tower merger deal wih GTL Infrastructure.

Interestingly, the Ambani brothers, who have been most active in merger and acquisition activity this year, accounted for over USD 25 billion of the deals in 2010 that could not take off in 2010. Mukesh Ambani led RIL, last month, had made foray in the hospitality sector by picking up a 14.18 stake in EIH Ltd, promoted by Oberoi group of hotels and resorts.

This was his seventh acquisition in the current year. Early in the year, EIH also witnessed a deal cancellation of USD 272 million in which Max Hospital''s founder and chairman Analjit Singh was interested in 17 per cent stake in the hospitality major.

Other than the Ambani brothers, another significant deal that did not work was Sin-

gapore''s GIC Special Investments'' USD 84.7 million bid for 6.58 per cent stake in the billionaire brothers Malvinder Singh and Shivinder Singh led Fortis Healthcare. Naveen Jindal led Jindal Steel and Power (JSPL) was also denied a stake in Zimbabwe Iron & Steel, estimated to be in the range of USD 600 million- USD 1 billion by the government, as it did not approve of selling the ailing company to large corporates.

Rest of the transactions that turned sour so far this year include---US based Scripps Networks Interactive attempt to buy stake in NDTV Lifestyle, drug major Abott Laboratories'' interest in Wockhardt, multiplex chain PVR Cinemas'' bid for DT Cinemas and Ingersoll Rand USA''s attempt to merge the Indian subsidiary into itself.

BOARD MEETINGS Gujarat NRE Coke Polygenta Tech Source: Indiainfoline.com

MF FUNDA UTI MID CAP FUND declares tax-free dividend of 22% (Rs 2.20 per unit on face value of Rs 10). Pursuant to the payment of dividend, the NAV of the dividend option of the scheme would fall to the extent of payout and statutory levy (if applicable). The record date for the dividend is September 14, 2010.

All unit holders registered under the dividend option of UTI Mid Cap Fund as on Sept 14, 2010 will be eligible for this dividend. Also investors who join the dividend option of the scheme on or before the record date will be eligible for the dividend.

The NAV per unit as on September 8, 2010 was Rs 25.86 under the dividend option. During the last one year the scheme has generated a return of 49.24% as compared to the benchmark return of 47.44%. UTI Mid Cap Fund is an open-ended equity oriented scheme. The investment objective of the Fund is `capital appreciation` by investing primarily in mid cap stocks.

Mrpl, 78.3, 78.7, 77.25, 77.35 Nagarjuna Co, 158.8, 160.5, 157.5, 160.05 Nagarjuna Fe, 31.6, 32.5, 31.5, 32.15 National Alu, 406, 408.5, 402, 403.6 Neyveli Lign, 162.9, 164.5, 161.05, 161.8 Ntpc Ltd, 196.9, 203.5, 196.15, 202.65 Oil And Natu, 1345, 1359, 1332.5, 1355.95 Omaxe Limite, 132.6, 135, 130.3, 133.95 Oriental Ban, 442.8, 456.75, 441.6, 455.45 Pantaloon Re, 492, 492, 484, 486.15 Parsvnath De, 139.75, 141, 139, 140.2 Petronet Lng, 113.55, 114, 110.6, 111.25 Power Fin Co, 349, 354, 347.55, 349.9 Power Grid C, 106.9, 107, 104.15, 104.5 Praj Industr, 78.8, 78.9, 77.1, 77.75 Punj Lloyd L, 112.65, 113.85, 112.2, 112.65 Punjab Natio, 1230, 1243.7, 1214.65, 1222.4 Rajesh Expor, 94.7, 98, 94.5, 95.15 Ranbaxy Labs, 513.55, 515.1, 504.15, 506.2 Rashtriya Ch, 85.5, 87.55, 84.95, 85.8 Rel. nat. re, 39, 39.3, 38.35, 38.5 Reliance Cap, 778.05, 785.1, 775.55, 781.65 Reliance Com, 165.5, 165.8, 162.35, 163.6

Reliance Ene, 1174.9, 1174.9, 1101.11, 1111.19 Reliance Ind, 883, 902, 874.5, 876.3 Reliance Ind, 962.95, 967.2, 955.2, 958.55 Reliance Pow, 156.5, 157.7, 155, 155.3 Rolta India, 170, 170, 166.55, 168.45 Satyam Compu, 94.05, 94.6, 91.25, 91.85 Sesa Goa Ltd, 317.35, 317.75, 308.2, 311.4 Shipping Cor, 171, 173.9, 168.5, 168.9 Siemens Ltd, 707, 715.5, 699.2, 710.35 Sintex Indus, 374.9, 384.85, 371.15, 379.95 Sobha Develo, 379, 379, 370, 374.25 State Bank O, 2900, 2994.7, 2897.05, 2984.05 Steel Author, 199, 202.2, 198.2, 199.85 Sterlite Ind, 167.8, 168.55, 163.75, 165.55 Sun Pharmace, 1775, 1775, 1741, 1745.55 Sun Tv Netwo, 511.4, 515.3, 505.95, 508.5 Suzlon Energ, 51.75, 52.2, 51.2, 51.35 Tata Communi, 336.55, 343.95, 336.55, 338 Tata Consult, 882, 882.5, 871.35, 874.7 Tata Motors, 1034, 1043.4, 1008.65, 1014.85

Tata Power C, 1280.5, 1295, 1255.05, 1259.9 Tata Steel L, 583, 596.65, 575.05, 593.65 Tata Teleser, 23.7, 24, 23.35, 23.45 Tech Mahindr, 715, 716.9, 705.1, 711.2 The Ge Shpg., 319, 319, 311.6, 314.35 The Phoenix, 244.35, 269.9, 244.35, 254.05 Thermax Ltd, 797, 802, 778, 787.55 Titan Indust, 2970, 2997, 2945, 2951.05 Torrent Powe, 341.8, 341.8, 336.55, 340.2 Triveni Engg, 105.9, 106.9, 103.6, 105.5 Tv18 India L, 95.1, 97.9, 95.1, 97.65 Uco Bank, 117.5, 118.4, 116.25, 117.55 Ultratech Ce, 1000, 1030, 995.25, 1026.3 Union Bank O, 347.45, 356.85, 344.3, 355.65 Unitech Ltd, 82.9, 83, 81.3, 82.05 United Phosp, 185.4, 186.9, 183.05, 184.35 Videocon Ind, 263.75, 268.8, 263.1, 266.9 Vijaya Bank, 84, 84.8, 83.6, 84.25 Voltas Ltd, 219.95, 228.95, 219, 227.7 Wipro Ltd, 411, 413.55, 405.75, 408 Yes Bank Lim, 319, 324, 318.3, 320.75 Zee Entertai, 293.2, 296.4, 288.65, 291.15

OHERALDO

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BIZ

GOA, FRIDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER, 2010

India growth at near pre-recession rate: Prez PTI VIENTIANE (LAOS), SEPT 9

President Pratibha Patil today said Indian economy was resilient to global financial crises and growing at a pace close to the pre-recession rate, which is a positive signal for friendly nations to invest in the country.

"The Indian economy has weathered the impact of the global financial crises with resilience and is now growing at rates close to those it had achieved prior to the crises....

"We believe this growth will not only qualitatively transform our economy, but will give a boost to economic relations with friendly countries, also offering them many opportuni-

ties for trade and investment," Patil, who is on a five-day state visit here, said at a dinner hosted by Indian ambassador Jitendra Nath Misra in her honour.

In the last quarter, the economy has posted a remarkable growth, not only in terms of overall growth figures, but more importantly, in terms of certain fundamentals, which justify optimism and confidence in the Indian economy, Patil said at the event attended by several eminent Indian-origin people, including businessmen.

The President said she would meet the leadership of Laos tomorrow and together review

the "entire gamut of our relations, and seek ways to further develop our partnership".

She hailed the achievement of the Indian community in Laos in businesses ranging from textile to mining.

"I am happy that several corporate groups from India participated in the development of important hydropower, irrigation, agarwood and mining projects in Laos," Patil said.

Earlier, Patil was received by Khempheng Pholsena, Minister in the Office of Prime Minister of Laos, at the Wattay airport here upon her arrival as part of her two-nation tour that will also take her to Cambodia.

...India, China can achieve trade aspirations together PTI ON BOARD SPECIAL AIRCRAFT, SEPT 9

President Pratibha Patil today said there was enough scope for both India and China to achieve their economic and trade aspirations simultaneously, especially among ASEAN countries. "Laos and Cambodia have good relations and cooperation with China and also with India.

Our relations (with these two countries) have improved since we started our Look East policy in the 1990s.

"We believe there is enough scope in the world for both countries, China and India, to develop and grow.

Both the countries can achieve their aspirations simultaneously," Patil, who commenced a 10-day state visit to Laos and Cambodia today, told

reporters on board her special aircraft. The President was replying to a question on whether Laos and Cambodia leaned more towards China than India.

Patil felt that the full potential of trade and commerce between India and the two ASEAN countries had still not been exploited and hoped her visit would prove effective in enhancing it. "A business delegation is accompanying me.

India is one of the largest trading partners of ASEAN countries today. But I feel the potential is much bigger and has not been fully realised.

My visit should encourage them to explore more areas of economic cooperation," she said. Patil said India had longstanding cultural relations with Laos and Cambodia.

Credit growth slow: Bhatt PTI MUMBAI, SEPT 9

State Bank today said there is some concern regarding the pace of growth of credit offtake, but added the bank expects it to gather momentum as busy credit season begins next month.

"We have estimated credit growth to be around 20-22 per cent this fiscal, but now it is only around 18 per cent. It will be a concern if it doesn't pick up. But we hope it picks up as we enter the busy credit season," State Bank Chairman OP Bhatt said on the sidelines of the ninth global banking summit organised by Ficci and Indian Banks Association here.

To a pointed query on whether there is a decline in credit growth, Bhatt said, there is no deceleration but it is not

growing as the bank expected.

However, compared to last year, it is growing, as it was only around 11 per cent this time last year.

When sought his response to Reserve Bank Governor D Subbarao's observation the public sector bank heads need to be paid better to retain talent, Bhatt said, "Badani hi chaahiye. Obviously, it has to be increased."

"We have maintained political dialogues with both these countries.

My visit will be an opportunity to continue discussions with the leaderships of these countries and to reaffirm our commitment to strengthen and consolidate our relations as well as enhance our economic engagement with these countries," she said. She noted that India had been the Co-chair of International Commission for Supervision and Control on Indo-China, where it played a significant role for which there is considerable appreciation in the region.

Patil also said that both Laos and Cambodia have given unconditional support for India''s candidature for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.

Mapusa Consumers' Co-op Society posts net of Rs 6.6 cr PORVORIM (HC) -- The Mapusa Consumers' Co-operative Society Ltd earned a net profit of Rs 6.66 lakh during the financial year 2009-10, an improvement of the net profit of Rs 4.63 lakh in 200809. The society has completed 47 years of its existence and its membership strength has reached to 2340 and the share capital to the tune of Rs 2.64 lakh as on March 31.

Briefing media at Mapusa, chairman of Mapusa Consumers' Cooperative Society Ltd Gurudas Dhulapker said the turnover of the society had increased to Rs 6 crore during the fiscal year 200910, as against Rs 4.69 crore for the year 2008-09.

"When the society started 'Mapusa Bazaar', our daily turnover was hardly Rs 13,000, which has now increased to Rs 1.7 lakh and nearly 1500 consumers visit our bazaars everyday," he said.

"The society has opened two self-service counters one each at Ansabhat and Dattawadi and these counters have been receiving good response from the public." "The society has its fair price shop catering services to Ration Card holders. However due to less rebate and increasing expenditure on staff and transportation, the net profit is almost negligible," said Dhulapker.

He added that they are offering 2% cash discount to their shareholders to encourage purchases.The scheme of lucky coupons on purchase of goods worth Rs 100 and above are introduced during Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali,Christmas and New Year to boost the sales of Mapusa Bazaar.

"The society has been receiving 'A' Audit classification for the past several years. The Mapusa Consumers' Co-op. Society believes in observance of co-operative values and principles The membership of the society is open to all," said Dhulapker.

Vice-chairman of Mapusa Consumers' co-operative society Ltd. Kishor Kolge and Directors Ramakrishna Dangui, Dr Ramakrishna Morajkar, Dr M R Patil, Pramod Duikar, Vinayak Diukar, Eknath Mapsekar and Secretary Tukaram Shet were present at the press conference.

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Roseferns – the King of Centuries An integral part of the world of tiatr, Roseferns is one of the most talented personalities in Konkani theatre.

Herald takes a closer look at this versatile actor, scriptwriter and director par excellence

BY ELVIS SEQUEIRA HERALD FEATURES his man needs no introduction. He is known to triastrists and tiatr fans as Roseferns- the King of Centuries, a versatile actor, a thoughtprovoking scriptwriter and a director par excellence. Traversing on his journey to success through the years, he has crossed many unique milestones and has many firsts to his credit, yet, he remains a simple down-to-earth man, unperturbed by his success and greeting those known and unknown with a smile.

Hailing from Benaulim, Salcette, the birthplace of many a tiatrist, Anthony Rosario Fernandes began his career in 1980 as a writer and director. At that time, he had just returned to his roots after working for a short time in the Gulf, and was searching for a job. Disappointed by the awful red tape involved in securing a government job, he changed his plans and instead, decided to try his luck as a writer and director on the Konkani stage. He chose some talented artists from Benaulim and other neighbouring villages and formed the ‘Roseferns Dramatic Troupe’.

From then on, there was no looking back. With a rose placed on a fern as his trademark logo prior to the formation of Roseferns Dramatic Troupe, he had staged ‘Bolidan’, ‘Dileli Bhas’, ‘Nimnni Chitt’, Mortolo Munis Hanslo’, ‘Avaz’ and ‘Aroma’. His first tiatr under the aegis of Roseferns Dramatic Troupe was ‘Thapott’.

After a slow start, the frequency of performances increased and ‘Thapott’ became a hit, breaking records and setting new trends. The tiatr completed 205 shows. He went on to score centuries, as many of his tiatrs like ‘Dev vo Denvchar’, ‘Ghanti Bailem’, ‘Xezari Arso’, etc completed 100 or more shows. The title of ‘King of Centuries’ was bestowed on him by Mr Talwar, the then commissioner of Customs and Central Excise, Goa in 1983. In October 1984, he was crowned ‘The Greatest King of Centuries’ by Simon D’Souza, the then Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly on behalf of Vasco Citizens Committee.

T

slim at our Mu th t s fa n usly solem The long, ave religio h s r e th o f r d b morning o ly r sisters an a e t s r fi to from the rald gets in e observed H t. h ig n f the ends to Ramadan members o h it w g in tt cha t h e y w il l w o interesting h n r a ow it y t o le val tomorr ti commun s fe s u o this joy celebrate

BY CHRISTINA VIEGAS HERALD FEATURES here are excited smiles and a sense of joie de vivre among people of the Muslim community. Yes, for good reason! It is the eve of their most famous and celebrated festival, ‘Eid-ulFitr’. Our Muslim friends enlighten, “This festival has a lot of significance for us, because it is preceded by our month-long fast, ‘roza’, which is a period of abstinence, sacrifice, generosity; basically a very disciplined way of life. And this ‘roza’ ends on the day of the ‘Eid’ celebration.”

The very word ‘Eid-ul-Fitr’ is derived from the Arabic language and means happiness. It is celebrated after the completion of the holy month of Ramadan and citing of the crescent moon. It is a festival which denotes celebration of life and is a thanksgiving to God. It is a delight to cite happy people attired in new, shimmering clothes as they do ‘namaaz’ at the mosques and go about visiting relatives and inviting friends over. They enlighten, “It is a great time of bonding and sharing.”

It gets even more interesting to get a snippet of information from my greatly respected, senior Muslim friend (a sincere Muslim) in his ‘Pathani’ suit and long flowing beard, as he enlightens me about an age-old tradition that is still beautifully followed amongst the community. He informs, “Till today, majority of our people walk to the mosque and keep giving alms to each and every beggar sitting along our route.”

And mind you, beggars queue up in very huge numbers. But then, great virtues about any Muslim are charity and generosity and this is witnessed in abundance on

T

As a director, Roseferns has many firsts to his credit. He is the first Goan director to stage his Tiatr in Germany, while on a tour to Europe in 2006. When Joao Agostinho Pai Tiatrist Hall in Margao was commissioned, Roseferns who is VicePresident of the Tiatr Academy, Member of the Advisory Committee of the Kala Academy and Art & Culture Committee (Government of Goa), was given the honour to stage the first Konkani tiatr. He is also the first director to do away with backstage prompting in tiatrs. The complete eradication of this age-old practice has increased the level of confidence in the artistes whilst on stage. He also holds the record of having 100 advance bookings for performances of his tiatr ‘Baillem’.

Roseferns has won the ‘Gulab’ best director award thrice for his tiatrs ‘Ghantt’ (1983), ‘Tuzo Vantto Tuka’ (1995-96) and ‘Ami Goykar, Tumi Konn?’ (2006-07).

His tiatrs ‘Maim Tuzo Put Hanv’ staged on a novelty revolving stage and ‘Goykar’ on a sliding stage are unique additions to the list of his numerous achievements. A great admirer of Dr Jack de Sequeira, the Father of Opinion Poll, Roseferns is a Goenkar who is deeply concerned about issues that affect the sons of the soil. His tiatrs ‘Goykar’, ‘Amchem Goem?’, ‘Ami Goykar, Tumi Konn’ and ‘Goenkara, Tumi Ragar Zainaka’, conveyed a strong message- ‘Save Goa for Goans’. He along with many other tiatrists, formed The Konkani Non-Stop Tiatristanchi Sounstha, and was its president from 1996- 2000.

Today, at the age of 56, Roseferns continues to entertain tiatr lovers with the same zeal and enthusiasm. His wife Succurine (Succu) is the biggest critic of his work and a pillar of strength, supporting him in all his endeavours. A devoted family man, Roseferns says that his wife Succurine and children Ageema, Frazier and Roseanna are his inspirations and his home – his comfort zone.

Rosefern’s latest tiatr ‘Bhurgim Tim Baulim Nhoi’ is a thought-provoking tiatr with a powerful message to all parents and is currently running houseful in Goa.

Arbaaz proud of Malaika’s Item Number

­H­O­R­O­S­C­O­P­E Handle each conflict you encounter today with patience and things will go smoothly. Some think of (21 Mar – 19 Apr) you as totally self-motivated, but you're more altruistic than anyone realizes. Today brings out your good energy in a way that makes all your critics sit up and take notice!

You're more perceptive than you've been for a while. Reexamine critical issues. You are flirting (23 Sep – 22 Oct) like crazy with almost everyone around you today -- even those you don't really have much interest in! That might cause some tiny troubles down the road, but for now it's all good fun.

Art holds the inspiration you're looking for -- especially structures and sculpture. Let your health (20 Apr – 20 May) concerns rise to the top -- otherwise, they might drive you a little crazy! It's the perfect time to take positive steps toward a healthier lifestyle, so figure out what you can do and then do it.

Toss ideas back and forth -- together everyone can smooth out the small details. Sometimes the best (23 Oct – 21 Nov) way to win is to give up and walk away from the game -- and that's the situation you find yourself in today. Don't let pride get in the way of total victory for your side!

Running errands will take up any free time you have today. You'll get a break soon. Make (21 May – 21 Jun) sure that you're having fun today, no matter what else you have to do. Even cleaning gutters can be light work if you let your mood run with whatever is going on down deep in your soul.

Grab a friend who relaxes you -- take a break from your hectic life with them today. Let that one hottie (22 Nov – 21 Dec) (or your boss, or your mate or whomever) know what you want -- people are much more easygoing today, and you might actually get it all without having to lift a finger.

Issues around your home will force you to turn to an important partner for insight. You're (22 Jun – 22 Jul) feeling more energetic than usual, though you may not be in the best of moods. Let yourself go with the flow and you should find that life starts to get better and better as the day goes on.

Today, every challenge you encounter will be a chance for you to impress people. You are (22 Dec – 19 Jan) in need of a cultural infusion. That could be anything from exploring your own roots to heading out to a festival to soak up other people's ways of living.

Open your horizons!

Today you'll understand why friendship is called 'the gift you give yourself'. It's vital for you to (23 Jul – 22 Aug) share your feelings today -- even if you're not sure yourself how certain you are of them. That very uncertainty can be quite appealing to the right kind of person, and honesty is always a plus!

Feeling more grounded gives you the confidence you need to tackle anything today. You really (20 Jan – 18 Feb) need to make new connections today -- otherwise, you might be seen as aloof at a time when that's not good for you. Your social energy is quite good, actually, so make a new friend or two!

Watch out for impulse buying -- retail therapy only works for a very short while. You should (23 Aug – 22 Sep) make sure that your partner (romantic, business or other) is down with your big plans today. You might have to deal with something unexpected, but you can handle almost anything.

The focus of your contemplation may be misdirected. Who are you really dealing with? It's (19 Feb – 20 Mar) the best time to forgive and forget. Your energy is a little dispersed anyway, so it's hard for you to hold a serious grudge for very long. You may want to let the right person know they're off the hook.

‘Eid’. They send out food, apparel and money known as ‘fitra’ to the needy so that they too get the opportunity to celebrate with joy.

Besides, the giver believes his prayers will be answered. And another ancient tradition still followed which excites the children among the families is the ‘eidi’. This is money gifted by the elders in the family to the youngsters, as a sign of love and affection.

And talking about Muslims, how can delicious, lip-smacking food be far behind? A whole buffet of scrumptious Muglai delicacies is churned out which can make your stomach churn as you drool to dig in. There is the one-and-only Muglai ‘biryani’ (which only a Muslim can churn out in such a delicious manner), brinjal gravy which is such a fine accompaniment to the ‘biryani’, various ‘kebabs’, ‘chole’, ‘masala dal’, and other foods items. But what is of significance is the preparation of the ‘sawaiyaan’(vermicelli) which is prepared in two forms; the dry ‘muzafar’ and the liquid ‘sheer korma’. And what is more exciting is to see the beautiful Muslim ladies, both young and old, in their intriguingly beautiful ‘burqas’ gathered together in the huge kitchens, happily dishing out the festive meal. Prettily they coo, “It is not just about food but an occasion that brings family and friends together.”

And a fact to be noted here is that most of the Muslim men are brilliant cooks and can put any hotel chef to shame with their excellent culinary skills passed down from generation to generation.

As for wishes, while the personal hug remains the best form of greeting each other, with technology dominating our lives today, a lot has evolved, especially for the ones living far off. Many people wish each other ‘Eid Mubarak’ through SMSs and social networking sites such as Facebook, Orkut, etc. But there are those that still take the trouble to purchase greeting cards and have them posted.

On this special occasion people make it a point to meet each other; they gather in large numbers in their relatives homes. Sacrifice, kindness and sharing are the key activities associated with this festival.

What else can we say on such a joyous occasion, “Eid Mubarak!”

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as ‘Dabangg’ been over-publicised? Salman Khan has been going all-out to promote the film like never before.

However, Salman’s brother Arbaaz who produces the film disagrees. “I think Salman has publicised ‘Dabangg’ as much as his last film ‘Veer’. It’s just that the media got interested in ‘Dabangg’ and splashed stories on it. We didn’t ask for it.”

Arbaaz Khan can’t stop preening about his wife Malaika Arora Khan’s triumphant item song in ‘Dabangg’.

“I’m so glad my wife’s song ‘Munni badnaam hui’ is as big as ‘Kajra re’ and ‘Beedi jalai le’,” says Arbaaz, barely able to keep the pride out of his voice as the song climbs up the charts.

“Honestly I am not going to say I am taken aback by the success of ‘Munni badnaam hui’. We had designed it to be a blockbuster item song,” he said.

‘Dabangg’ is the family film for the Khans. “My sister (Alvira) has done the clothes. My brother Sohail has helped me with the production and my wife is the co-producer. It’s a product from the Khan family. And we’re very proud of it.”

Arbaaz is very confident of ‘Dabangg’. “It could be the biggest hit of the year. Or it could be the one of the biggest hits of all time. Who knows?,” he hoped.

Spencer Pratt apologises to Ex-wife Heidi S

pencer Pratt recently issued a long apology to Heidi Montag over the couple’s impending divorcing.

The reality TV villain, 27, also added that he’s planning “intense soulsearching” and pursuing “appropriate avenues for my issues.”

“Divorce can be a trying, draining, and emotionally devastating experience for all involved,” the celebrity was quoted saying.

“Despite these hardships, most individuals manage to conduct themselves with dignity and maturity. I did not - I failed spectacularly.”

Addressing his actions toward Montag, 23, he says, “I horribly embarrassed the one person that meant the world to me. For my outrageous and infantile behaviour, I offer Heidi my most sincere apologies.”

He didn’t specify what actions, but Pratt has been threatening to release a sex tape involving Montag, launched rants against her on Twitter and has been relentlessly pursuing her in Costa Rica.

“Over the years, her love, support, and friendship were always given, but never properly cherished. I let her down,” he says. “She never deserved the pain and anguish I put her through, and although I don’t expect it, I hope in time she’ll be able to forgive me.”

“Even though our relationship has changed, I will always count her among my best friends,” he added.

Lifestyle

Relationships

Sports

Business

Health

Art

Culture

Environment

GOA’S HEARTBEAT

Education

CURR

Friday, 10 Sept, 2010

WHAT’S UP IN GOA??

‘St Francis Xavier and F Mendes Pinto, pioneers of Globalisation and Ecumenism in Japan’ is the subject of the talk to be given by Eduardo Kol de Carvalho, director of Fundacao Oriente on September 16 at 5.30pm at the Xavier Centre for Historical Research, Porvorim. Visit www.xchr.in. E-mail info@xchr.in. Call 2417772.

‘Rising Number of Suicides in Goa, A Cause for Concern’, will be the topic of discussion at the Friday Balcao on September 10 from 4pm to 6pm at Goa Desc Resource Centre, Mapusa. Email goadesc@gmail.com.

‘83rd Annual All India Art Exhibition’ is announced by the All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society, New Delhi.

It will be held in two parts. Part I will be All India Painting and Sculpture Exhibition and Part II will be All India Drawing and Graphics Exhibition.

Registration for Part I and II is from September 13 to 20. The corresponding exhibitions for Part I and Part II will be held from December 15 to 29 and January 3 to 17, 2011, respectively. Call the Kala Academy, Panjim on 2420452.

The All Goa Toroloco Tequila Cocktail Competition is on for bartenders, both experienced and amateurs. Call 2262922, 2253377 or 2407030-71.

‘Portrait of My Teacher’, organised

by Big Foot, Lotoulim is open to the public till September 13 from 9.30am to 6pm. Call 2777034.

The 3rd All India Annual Art Competition and Exhibition 2010, organised by Bhikuram Jain Foundation, New Delhi is open for entries. Registration closes on November 30. The exhibition and the award presentation ceremony will be held on February 12, 2011. Call the Kala Academy, Panjim on 2420452.

‘Empowering Children for HIV and AIDS Mitigation’ will be the theme for the consultation of children infected

hinterland

DAILY GROOK LADY MALADY

by Francis Rodrigues in times hitherto oft singing vamps, went awol due to ministrel cramps!

Instructions for Sudoku SUDOKU SOL 651 9 x 9 letter: To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in each of the nine vertical columns, in each of the nine horizontal rows and in each of the nine boxes

10:00 Papad Pol 10:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta...

11:00 Lapataganj 11:30 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 12:00 Gutar Gu 12:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 13:00 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 13:30 Papad Pol 14:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 14:30 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale

11:20 Cyborg Soldier 13:10 The X-Men 15:15 The Pink Panther 2 17:10 Fab Five19:00 Ruslan 21:00 Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade 23:25 Adventureland

10:00 You Don't Mess with the Zohan 12:00 The Damned United 14:00 He's Just Not That Into You 16:30 Holy Matrimony 18:30 TMZ 19:00 Paul Blart: Mall Cop 21:00 10,000 BC 23:15 Starship Troopers 3

10:00 Mile Jab Hum Tum

Parenting

Pg15

HERALD FEATURES he Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG) had announced the organisation of a competition of Konkani songs namely duets, duos, trios, quartets/quintets.

The competition, earlier scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 18, 2010 at the Auditorium of Goa State Museum, Patto Plaza, Panjim, has been postponed.

TAG is compelled to postpone the competition because many of the composers who have applied to participate in the competition have not composed the songs as per the rules and regulations of the competition.

As there is confusion about duets, duos, trios, quartets/quintets as far as the nature of these songs are concerned, TAG has decided to organise yet another workshop on duets, duos, trios, quartets/quintets etc on the same day ie September 18, 2010 from 10am to 1pm at the Auditorium of Goa State Museum, Patto, Panjim.

The fresh date of the competition will be finalised after the said workshop.

Composers and singers of duets, duos, trios, quartets/quintets interested in attending the workshop are requested to give their names to the office of TAG through phone nos.

2230738/2230739 on or before September 16, 2010.

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TIATR/VCD Review

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The comedy of this tiatr is not situational. This was necessary to maintain a smooth trajectory of events in the main plot, reveals the writer Cajie. Nevertheless, the comic interludes between ace Comedian Sally, Comedienne Janet and Comedian Socorro evoke peals of laughter. They are ably supported by newcomer Sharon.

Veteran Jaju has delivered a polished performance as Professor John, whilst versatile actress Carmen excels as his wife Shania.

Bushka plays Rene with élan and Joicelan as Royston is promising. Elvis (Dr Aaron), Filipe Almeida (Prof Ronald), Franky (Bosteao) and Cajie (Adv Roosevelt) are well cast in their roles.

There are quite a few songs in this tiatr sung by prominent singers such as Marcus Vaz, Mini Mario, Jr Reagan, Cajetan de Curtorim, Elvis-Carmen and Ignatious de Xelvon.

Elvis-Carmen’s political duet, Marcus Vaz solo based on Rosary, Mini Mario’s solo on Catholic faith and Jr Reagan and Bushka’s duet are some of the outstanding ones.

The music is written and arranged

by Anthony de Velim.

‘Goem Soddun Paulem Ganttar’ holds a Social Message

08:45 Aaj Ka Goonda Raaj 13:00 Raja 17:15 Deewar: Man of Power 20:00 Ghayal

09:30 Janani 12:30 Shortkut: The Con Is On 16:00 Main Hoon Rakhwala 20:00 Dil Maange More

08:50 Open Season 10:40 A Good Man in Africa 12:35 Spin

14:15 The Gift 16:30 Sleepless in Seattle 18:40 Hard Ball 21:00 Big Stan 23:20 Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle

08:30 Muqabla 12:00 Rishtey 16:00 King Uncle 20:00 Sooryavansham

12:00 Nagina Ek Vardaan 16:00 Main Tera Dushman 20:00 Krantiveer

E N T E R TA I N M E N T 15:00 Malegoan Ka Chintoo 15:30 Gutar Gu 16:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta...18:00 Gutar Gu 18:30 Papad Pol 19:00 Lapataganj 19:30 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 20:00 Malegoan Ka Chintoo 20:30 Gutar Gu 21:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta 23:00 Malegoan Ka Chintoo

Tourism

TAG’s Kantaram Competition postponed

BY ELVIS SEQUEIRA ajie from Canancona and Joicelan from Benaulim are two new entrants who have joined the professional tiatr stage with their tiatr ‘Bukh ani Tan’. Whilst Joicelan makes his debut as a director with this tiatr, Cajie has penned scripts for other directors.

‘Bukh ani Tan’ is about an overambitious, selfish woman who goes to the lowest extent to fulfil her dreams and aspirations. The tiatr revolves around the family of John, a university professor, his wife Shania and brother Royston. Theirs is a happy family that loves and cares for one another. Royston is secretly in love with Rene, an over-ambitious young woman, and one day, when he finds Rene alone, he confesses his love for her. Rene accepts and Royston brings her home and introduces her to his family. This is the turning point of the plot. The audience needs to give the entire tiatr its undivided attention, as each scene is related to the other.

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10:00 Choti Bahu 10:30 Pavitra Rishta 12:00 Sa re ga ma pa Singing Superstar 12:30 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 13:00 Jhansi Ki Rani 13:30 Pavitra Rishta 14:00 Sanjog Se Bani Sangini 15:30 Choti Bahu 16:00 Pavitra Rishta 16:30 Jhansi Ki Rani 17:00 Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Singing Superstars 19:00 12/24 Karol Bagh 19:30 Choti Bahu 20:00 Jhansi Ki Rani 20:30 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 21:00 Pavitra Rishta 21:30 Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Singing Superstars 23:00 Pavitra Rishta 23:30 Jhansi Ki Rani

Travel

email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com

Bukh ani Tan’ – An Ideal Entertainer

HERALD FEATURES f Goans stick to their roots, then everything is possible under the sky. But if they try to seek greener pastures elsewhere, then there’s every possibility for non-Goans to take advantage of the situation. This is the message conveyed by Peter-Roshan in their tiatr ‘Goem Soddun Paulem Ganttar’.

Even after the death of her husband, Diana Fernandes (Antonette de Calangute) is not discouraged as she believes that she has a mission of taking care of her ‘pampered’ brother Norman (Peter.

Diana also has a younger sister, Simran (Roshan), who ties the knot with Raj Pillai (Willy) from Andhra Pradesh and settles outside Goa. One day, Simran decides to come down to Goa along with her husband and children, Pravesh (Benzer) and Prachi (Shenaya).

Diana is all excited and welcomes her sister, nephew and niece, but is unwilling to accept Raj as her brother-in-law. She is of the strong notion that non-Goans come down to Goa only to loot and cheat Goans of their wealth and property.

And those happen to be the exact intentions of Raj Pillai. He is not interested in the welfare of his wife and children. Instead, as heir of the family, Raj seeks a share of his wife’s property. But Diana is astute and handles her brotherin-law tactfully.

Fearing that his plans are going haywire, on the sly he gets himself involved with a wealthy Goan girl, Nikita (Steffi) only for the greed of money and possessions.

WIZARD OF ID

10:30 Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega 13:00 Baat Hamari Pakki Hai 13:30 Comedy Circus Ka Jadoo 15:00 Comedy Ka Daily Soap 16:00 C.I.D 19:00 Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega 20:30 Baat Hamari Pakki Hai 21:00 Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega 22:00 C.I.D 23:00 Aahat

BY ELVIS SEQUEIRA awry Travasso is not called the ‘Melody King’ for nothing. His knack of penning down lyrics, setting them to tune and then breathing life into them with his melodious voice, the standing ovation he receives for his performances and the many awards that he has won are proof indeed that he is the King of the Konkani music world.

The eight major awards that the performer has won are Global award (Best Singer), Gulab Award (Best Singer), Kala Academy Best singer award (5 times), Dr Jack Sequeira award (twice as best singer salso for producing the highest number of Konkani music albums), Tiatr Academy award (Best Lyrics), Yuva Srujan Puraskar (State Youth Award), Kuwait Goans Tiatristanchi Sounstha Award (Best Singer) and the Goa Cultural Troupe, Doha Qatar award for outstanding achievement in Goan music.

His latest album ‘Sopnam ieun fottoinaka’ is a collection of twelve songs rendered by an array of melodious female voices of Konkani music, namely Ageema, Steffie, Rosy Alvares, Silvy and the king himself. Interestingly, all the twelve songs are based on one single theme - ‘Love’, with each of them focusing on a different situation that one may face while in love.

The lyrics and the tunes for the songs are composed by Lawry and the music is arranged and rendered by Philip Barretto. The album is priced at Rs150.

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“We'll love you just the way you are if you're perfect.”

– Alanis Morissette

GARFIELD

10:00 Tere Liye 10:30 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 11:00 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 11:30 Behenein 12:00 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 12:30 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 13:00 Tere Mere Sapne 13:30 Hamari Devrani 14:00 Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat 14:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 15:00 Chaand Chupa Badal Mein 15:30 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 16:00 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 16:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 17:00 Sasural Genda Phool 17:30 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 18:00 Tere Liye 18:30 Sabki Laadli Bebo 19:00 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 19:30 Sasural Genda Phool 20:00 Chaand Chupa Badal Mein 20:30 Behenein 21:00 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 21:30 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 22:00 Tere Liye 22:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya

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Different Shades of Love

Fashion

INGS

HERALD FEATURES he ‘Sound for India’ campaign of Panasonic was launched in Goa recently. The campaign will be organised in 70 cities in India and create a bank of distinctive sounds of each of the regions it travels to.

The ‘Sound for India’ exhibition will invite local talents for on the spot recording of a sound with synthesizer. The most interesting sounds, as judged by the jury at the end of the contest on September 11 will be rewarded. The contest campaign in Goa was enlightened by a scintillating performance by singer Sumitra Iyer.

With the Indian economy among the fastest growing in the world, the household incomes have increased substantially in not only the metros but also in the tier II and tier III cities. Rising incomes have also resulted in a rise in discretionary spending. The demand for digital TV has also been fuelled by the DTH boom, and the consumer expectation of experiencing the best the world has to offer.

Consumers would know the itinerary of ‘Sound for India’ through the internet and through local announcements. During its duration consumers can also avail the offer of a Casio synthesizer complementary with purchase of a Panasonic 32 inch LCD TV. The offer will be a limited period offer ‘Sound for India’ will be marked by a moving van that will travel from city to city. A bank of all the sounds will be created by Panasonic at their website www.soundforindia.com where the participants can go and listen to the music they created and also share it with friends.

Funny Quote

Pronunciation HIN-tur-land Function Noun Meaning 1: a region situated inland from a coast 2: a region remote from urban areas; backcountry Example Sentence Sam loved trekking into the lush hinterlands of Napa.

EN

PEN T HAP

Entertainment

Panasonic launches ‘Sound for India’ campaign

LAFFS

WORD OF THE DAY

SUDOKU 652

and affected by HIV and AIDS, organised by World Vision, Help India Charitable Trust and Zindagi, Goa. It will be held from September 13 to 15 at the SVD Seminary, Raia-Margao.

This will be followed by the children sharing their issues with the government on September 15 at 3pm in Panjim.

The State Level Youth Festival 2010, organised by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs will be held to select young persons for the National Youth Festival 2011. The North District Level Youth Festival will be held on September 30 and October 1 at Gomantak Maratha Samaj Hall, Panjim. The South District Youth Festival will be held on October 7 and 8 at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao. Registration closes on September 27 at 5pm. Visit www.dsya.go.gov.in to download application forms or collect them from the office of the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Campal. Panjim.

Call 2463197.

The 10th Goa State (under-16) interschool Tennis Ball Cricket Championship for boys and girls and the 7th State (under-19) inter-higher secondary school championship for biys and girls, organised by the Goa Tennis Ball Cricket Association and the Sports Authority of Goa will take place from October 3 to 5 at Vasco and Campal, Panjim. Registration closes on September 20. Call 2462609, 2463266 or 2464726.

Preliminary rounds for ‘Vem Cantar – The Portuguese Song Contest 2010’, organised by the Heritage Cell of the Rosary College of Commerce and Arts, Navelim and the Fundacao Oriente will be held on September 11 from 5pm onwards at the Clube Harmonia de Margao, Margao and on September 12 at 5pm at Clube Vasco de Gama, Panjim. Call 2736864, 2701584, 2701564 or 2714546.

Information Technology

10:30 Rang Badalti Odhni 11:00 Geet 11:30 Mano Ya Na Mano 13:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 13:30 Geet 14:00 Dill Mill Gayye 14:30 Mile Jab Hum Tum 15:00 Geet 15:30 Rang Badalti Odhni 16:00 Dill Mill Gayye 16:30 Mile Jab Hum Tum 17:00 Geet 17:30 Rang Badalti Odhni 18:00 Dill Mill Gayye 18:30 Mile Jab Hum Tum 19:00 Geet 19:30 Rang Badalti Odhni 20:00 Dill Mill Gayye

20:30 Jaane Pehchaane Se Yeh 21:00 Mile Jab Hum Tum 21:30 Geet 22:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 22:30 Dill Mill Gayye 23:00 Geet

12:00 Guinness World Records 13:00 Destination Truth 14:00 Sports Crash 15:00 Fear Factor 17:00 So You Think You Can Dance 20:00 Destination Truth 21:00 Sony Style Tv Magazine 22:00 24 23:00 The General's Daughter

On the other hand, Simran encounters her ex-lover Reagan (David), who is disheartened with her decision of marrying a non-Goan when she could have made a better choice with several employed Goykars.

Despite her marriage, Reagan expresses his love for Simran. But Simran is firm with her fidelity to her husband and children. In a twist of events, Reagan spots Raj in the company of Nikita in a garden and lets Simran in on the truth.

Frustrated with his wife and sister-in-law, Raj decides to desert Simran and gets totally involved with Nikita. But will that relation last for long?

What is Simran’s next decision? If united with Reagan, what will be the fate of her children?

Antonette de Calangute excels not only in her role as the elder member of the family, but also as a stepmother to her sister’s children. Willy projects himself well as a non-Goan with that typical accent but seems more Goan than non-Goan in his involvement with Steffi.

Some of the songs like ‘Dotor ani Advogad’ by Xavier Gomes, ‘Cheddum’ by Antonette/Steffi/Steffi, ‘Respet Diunk Kollona’ by Roshan/Benzer/Peter had powerful messages to the audience.

HERALD CROSSWORD - 652 10:00 Glee 11:00 MasterChef Australia 12:00 Moment of Truth 13:00 Friends 15:00 Glee 16:00 Best of Koffee with Karan 17:00 Moment of Truth 18:00 How I Met Your Mother 20:00 V.I.P 21:00 Moment of Truth 22:00 Ugly Betty 23:00 V.I.P

12:00 Guinness World Series of Pool 13:00 FIM Motocross World Championship 2010 15:00 Sports Max 16:00 TNA Sikander 18:00 Inside Grand Prix 18:30 Ace 2010 19:00 Score Tonight 19:30 Champions League Twenty20 2010 20:30 Champions League Twenty20 2010

10:00 WNBA Action 2010 10:30 16 Nations: Road to Qatar 11:00 Barclays Premier League 2010/11 13:00 Planet Speed 2010/11 13:13 Pakistan Tour of England 2010 H/ls : 2nd T20 14:13 Superstars (A CLT20 2010) : JP Duminy 14:43 Pakistan Tour of England 2010 : 1st ODI 22:30 Sportscenter India 23:00 Football Asia

10:30 US Open Tennis H/ls : Quarter Final: Men's 11:30 US Open Tennis H/ls : Men's Quarter Final Women's Quarter Final 12:30 FIM Speedway 2010 H/ls : Round 6: Cardiff - Great Britain 13:30 World of Athletics 14:00 Motorsport Mundial 14:30 FIFA: Futbol Mundial 15:00 ICC Cricket World 15:30 WWE: Smackdown 17:30 Winning Post 18:00 Total Italian Football 18:30 US Open Tennis H/ls : Quarter Final: Men's 19:30 WWE: Smackdown 21:30 US Open Tennis : Semi Final: Women's

06:00 Art of living 06:30 Health Watch 07:00 Kids Club 07:30 Fusion Concert 08:00 English News 09:00 Konkani News 10:00 Marathi News 11:00 Dance Goa Dance 12:00 Classical Music 12:30 Baton of Queen in Goa 13:00 English News 14:00 Tiatr 15:30 HCN Smash Hitz 16:00 Fusion Concert 16:30 Classical Music 17:00 Kids Club 17:30 Village Wise 16:00 Konkani News 19:00 Marathi News 20:00 English News 21:00 Ganesh Chaturthi Special 21:30 Face-2-Face 22:00 English News 23:00 Disha 00:00 Revolutionz Note: Subject to change

Across 1- Robust; 7- Direct a gun; 10Swedish auto; 14- Not us; 15Bikini top; 16- Let ___; 17Beard type; 18- Outlaw; 19Some Ivy Leaguers; 20- Buffoonery; 23- Implied; 26- ___ see it...; 27- Beginning; 28- Golf club which can be numbered 1 to 9; 29- Radical '60s org.; 30___ roll; 31- Danced at Oktoberfest, perhaps; 33- Hindu title; 34- Desire; 37- Concorde, e.g.; 38- ___ kwon do; 39Green shade; 40- ___ Darya (Asian river); 41- Affirmative answer; 42- Bruins great Bobby; 43- Ben Cartwright, for one; 45Hosp. workers; 46- Accomplished; 47- Seemingly forever; 48- Sir ___ Newton was an English mathematician; 51- Mahayana movement of Buddhism; 52- Part of LED; 53Terrestrial; 56- Vichyssoise ingredient; 57- Actor Vigoda; 58Very cold; 62- Doing nothing; 63Like some vbs.; 64- Permanentmagnet alloy; 65- Skin; 66- Deserter; 67- Very thin sheet iron; Down 1- Pig; 2- DDE's command; 3- Eureka!; 4- Reconsider; 5- Pay for; 6Belgian river; 7- Superior of a convent; 8- Talabani, e.g.; 9- Hindu lawgiver; 10- Yellowish brown pigment; 11- Collection of maps; 12Put up with; 13- Attack on all sides; 21- Climbing device; 22Sea off Greece; 23- Slightly intoxicated; 24- "______ by any other

name…"; 25- Young male SOLUTION - 651 horses; 29- Singes; 30Mountain nymph; 32- Immediately; 33- Burst of speed; 34- Lout; 35- Correct; 36Suckle; 44- Overhead interior surface; 45- Uproar; 46- Barren place; 48- Long Island town; 49- Jacket material; 50- Clear as ___; 51- Horselike African mammal; 52"Our Gang" girl; 54- Den; 55___ first you don't...; 59Rocker's show; 60- Bump off; 61- Golden, in France;

Pg16

SPORTS GOA, Friday, 10 September, 2010

UC Nerul move into quarters HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, SEPT 9

United Club of Nerul defeated St Anthony’s Sporting Club, Colva 2-0 to enter the quarterfinals of Gold Silver Trophy inter-village football tournament organised by Navelim Sporting Club at Rosary ground, Navelim on Thursday. All goals came in the first session.

Nerul dominated the proceedings right from the word go and attacked the rival citadel repeatedly.

St Anthony’s were a subdue

lot as they could not combine as a cohesive unit.

Nerul were rewarded when Charles Pereira rocked the citadel with a pile driver in the 10th minute. They piled on the pressure with striker Charles Pereira striking the second time with a stiff shot.

Nerul continued to hold sway in the second session and fired sorties against the rival citadel but could not increase their tally due to inept shooting.

Yesterday, Sporting Club of Davorlim blanked Sarzora Sports Club 3-0.

Verna too good for Areal MARGAO (HC) -- Verna Sports Club beat Sao Jose de Areal Sports Club 3-0 via the tie-breaker to sail into the quarter-finals of St Joseph Festival inter- village football tournament at Dramapur

ground, on Thursday. Both teams were locked in a goalless draw at the end of normal period.

Mario Fernandes, Christino Dias and Ajay were on target for Verna.

Durgadas stars for Holiday HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, SEPT 9

A brace from Durgadas Morajkar ensured Holiday SC Arpora, went two points clear at the top of the table as they defeated Sai Avtar 5-0 in GFA’s 3rd Division at Anjuna ground on Thursday.

T h e s c o re w a s 1 - 0 a t t h e breather.

Former Churchill Brothers player Samir Naik came on as an early substitute to increase the tempo of the game and win the ball at the heart of the midfield for Holiday.

Sai Avtar played their final match in the 3rd Division and failed to qualify for the playoffs after securing only four points from five outings. The team put up a spirited display

with good passing and can feel proud of their performance.

In the 36th minute, Holiday Sports Club opened the scoring after a stroke of luck. The Sai Avtar goalkeeper attempted to clear the ball but it hit the onrushing Holiday forward Durgadus Morajkar and rebounded into the net.

In the 47th, Samir Naik punted home to double the lead.

Twelve minutes later Holi-

day’s Kalpesh Naik shot from the right side, the ball rattled the crossbar on its way in.

Abhijeet Salgaocar was injured in the 70th minute which reduced Sai Avtar to ten men momentarily as they had already used their three substitutions.

Durgadus took advantage of having the extra man, firing in his second and Holiday’s fourth of the match.

A minute later, Holiday’s Cyril Lucas ran down the right and

UC Benaulim hold CRCC HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO , SEPT 9

United Club of Benaulim and CRC, Chinchinim were involved in a 2-2 draw in GFA Third Division league at St John Baptist

ground, Dando, Benaulim on Thursday.

The Group G match between Mandopa Sporting Club and Carmel Sports Club was washed out.

delivered in a cross for substitute Zion Carvalho to tap in to seal the victory.

In another match at Chapora ground, Arpora Sporting Club and Nagoa Sporting Club were involved in an amazing 3-3 draw.

Francis Coutinho opened the scoring for Nagoa in the fifth minute. Suraj Diulkar equalized in the 32nd for Arpora.

After the breather Joachim Gonsalves put Arpora ahead in the 57th only to see the lead wiped out 15 minutes later, after a strike from Nagoa’s Maximo Fernandes.

Arpora stormed in the lead again through Rajesh Pombursaker with victory insight. Jetlie Simone levelled in the last minute to bag an important point for Nagoa.

Urmila, Tejas claim double crowns l Wesley, Mangesh, Tanisi, Eleanor win

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, SEPT 9

Urmila Mense and Tejas Shevde claimed double crowns each at All-Goa Major Ranking Table Tennis Tournament organised by Panjim Gymkhana at Gymkhana hall, Campal, here on Thursday.

Urmila carried her fine form into the finals as she won both the cadets as well as sub-junior girls events with comforable ease. In the cadet finals, she beat Arantxa Noronha 11-9, 117, 11-5 while in the sub-junior

girls, she eased her way past R Aishwarya, 11-5, 11-4, 11-8.

Wesley Rosario continued his winning ways in the mini-cadets to claim his sixth straight title this season. The young sensation was all business as he thumped Varun Gangodkar 113, 11-5, 11-7. However, in the cadets, second seed Mangesh Sakordekar played an exceptionally well controlled game to shock Wesley 11-4, 9-11, 11-8, 11-9 to claim his maiden title of the season.

Tejas Shevde, Goa's top pad-

dler in the sub-junior and junior category, too claimed a double crown, winning his events in emphatic style. In the sub-juniors event, Tejas beat Yash Salgaonkar 12-10, 11-5, 11-8 although his younger opponent did manage to give him a scare in the first set.

In the junior boys event, Tejas scored an 11-4, 13-11, 11-6 victory over his second seeded opponent Krishal Peres to clinch the title.

In the other matches, Tanisi Kirani smashed her way to a 115, 11-5, 11-3 win over Vaishali Chandana while in the junior girls event, Eleanor do Rosario beat Devika Sood 11-7, 11-9, 11-5 in another one-sided contest.

Richard D' Souza (MD, Goa Forest Development Corporation) was the chief guest and distributed the prizes in the presence of Narahar Thakur (jt. secretary, Panjim Gymkhana) and others. Prashant Kakode (secretary, Panjim Gymkhana) proposed the vote of thanks.

St Aloysius, Rosary, St Anthony, St Pius in quarters

BY HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO SEPT 9

St. Aloysius High School, Benaulim, Our Lady of Rosary HS, Fatorda, St. Pius HS, Orlim and St. Anthony's HS, Majorda stormed into the quarter-finals of under-14 boys Salcete Taluka inter-school football tournament at Government ground, Manora, Raia on Thursday.

St. Aloysius scored a 5-4 tiebreaker win over St. Francis Xavier HS of Macasana. Sergio Fernandes gave the lead to St. A l o y s i u s w h i l e S a m Va z equalised for Macasana.

In the tie-breaker, Shylan Furtado, Joelson Alphonso, Ajay Singh and Joylon Rodrigues scored for St. Aloysius while Cyrus D'Costa, Fayzico D'Costa and Selwyn D'Costa scored for St. Francis Xavier School.

Rosary beat Fr Agnel Multipurpose, Veran 5-4 via the tie-breaker.

Jasmon Soares, Liston Fernandes, Clive Miranda, Shahid Afrid and Ryan Fernandes scored for Rosary while Hemant Halgegar, Alric Fernandes, Joston Fernandes and Shankar Gaundar netted for Fr.Agnel.

St. Pius rallied to beat Perpetual Succour Convent, Navelim 2-1. For St. Pius Joylon Cardozo scored a brace while Alric Coelho reduced the margin for Perpetual.

St. Anthony's blanked Vidya Vikas Academy 4-0. Lester Vaz, Snell Rodrigues, Josley Dias and Austin D'cunha scored for the winners.

Rosary, Navelim scored a hard fought 4-2 tie-breaker win over St. Joseph's, Nagoa. Suraj Naik, Jasper Pereira, Waljero Mascarenhas and Niasso Attlan scored for Rosary while Sahadev Mahato and Mathias Fernandes were on target for Verna.

Kingfisher Goa Pro league: Salgaocar Sports Club v. Sesa Football Academy, Tilak Maidan, Vasco, 4.15 p.m.

4th all-Goa Remigio De Araujo memorial married soccer finals organised by Santa Cruz Boys: Santa Cruz Married v. St Anthony Goa Velha Married, St Agostinho ground, St Cruz, 4.30 p.m.

2nd all-Goa 2-a-side tiebreakar soccer organised by United Boys of Santa Cruz, near Dempo House, Santa Cruz, 11 a.m.

Gold Silver Trophy soccer: Sao Jose de Areal Sports Club v. Parish Youth, Nuvem, Rosary ground, Navelim, 4.30 p.m.

SPORTS

Pg17

GOA, Friday, 10 September, 2010

Lavinio, Rafael, Andrew, Prakash, Welvin in fray Federer in semis

ElEctions HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM, SEPT 9

Bardez’s hardworking Lavinio Re b e l l o ( A n j u n a - C a i s u a Sarpanch) today became the first to file the nomination for the post of North Goa Vice-President of GFA’s Executive Committee, the elections for which will take place on October 24. Four others also submitted the nominations for the post of members.

Rafael Pereira (Panjim, Ilhas), Andrew Rodrigues and Prakash Naik (Vasco, Mormugao) and Welwyn Menezes (Goa Velha, Ilhas) were the four who have filed for the posts of members.

Lavino has been virtually the face of GFA in North Goa, espe-

Welwyn Menezes

Rafael Pereira

cially Bardez, sometimes singlehandedly taking charge of the events at Duler Stadium, Mapusa.

Being the president of Anjuna Gymkhana for pretty long time, Lavinio saw that the team would perform with a high degree of consistency, taking great pains to mould it as a performing, rising club. However, Lavinio’s biggest contribution has been in the field of youth development with his club scouting for promising players, many of whom were spotted as talented ones and as such found recognition at junior international levels.

Lavinio, a physical education teacher with St Mary’s HS, Mapusa, has proved to be an asset for GFA, having served with dedication and commitment for seven years in the Executive Committee, attending all the meetings and promptly taking up the leadership role.

Rafael, has been the centre head for Ilhas for GFA’s grassroots and youth development programmes, which he conducted with aplomb with the cooperation of the clubs, schools and qualified coaches.

With rich experience gained under Tonito Botelho and late Vishwas Vaigankar who were

St Joseph, Fr Agnel, Rosary, Perpetual up HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, SEPT 9

St. Joseph's Educational Institute, Chandor, Fr. Agnel Multipurpose High School, Verna, Our Lady of Rosary High School, Fatorda and Perpetual Succour Convent High School, Navelim moved into the pre-quarters of the U-14 Salcete Zone interschool football tournament at Government ground, Manora, Raia on Tuesday.

In the first match, St. Joseph scored a solitary goal victory over St. Rock's HS, Tollecanto.

The all-important goal was scored in the first session by Myron Fernandes. In the second

match, Fr. Agnel had to wait till the tie-breaker to shoot out Manovikas English Medium School, Margao 4-3. In the ensuing tie-breaker, Hemant Halgegar, Joston Fernandes, Flester Gomes and Shankar Gaundar scored for Fr. Agnel while Sinclair Vaz, Bryce Pereira and Clyde D'silva netted for Manovikas.

A fine strike by Ryan Furtado helped Our Lady of Rosary to register a narrow 1-0 win over Our Lady of Snow's HS, Raia.

Perpetual Succour downed Holy Spirit Institute, Margao 3-0.

Aldrich Coelho scored a brace while Euclid Peres was the other scorer.

GOA DIARY All-Goa swimming at Campal

PANJIM (HSD) – The Lotlikar and Co. will organise the 6th allGoa swimming competition for U-14 on September 18 from 3.30 p.m. at SAG swimming pool complex, Campal. Entries may be submitted to coach Jose Thomas upto before September 16 alongwith a copy of birth certificate. Entry forms are available at swimming pool complex, Campal and Lotlikar and Co, Panjim.

Details may be obtained on 2425177.

Pro league matches postponed

PANJIM (HSD) – The Kingfisher Pro league matches between Sporting Clube de Goa and Vasco Sports Club, Dempo Sports Club and Goa Velha Sports Club which were scheduled for September 11 and 12 respectively at Duler ground, Mapusa have been postponed due to unsuitable ground conditions. New dates will be announced shortly.

8-a-side football at Canacona

PANJIM (HSD) – The Maxem Boys will organise their ‘Outsiders Cup’ 8-a-side Canacona taluka football tournament at Dapot ground, Maxem on September 12 from 10 a.m. The winners will be awarded Rs. 10,000 and the runners-up will take home Rs. 5,000. Besides, the third and fourth place winners will receive Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 2,000 respectively. Consolation prizes worth Rs. 10,000 will be awarded. The tournament has been sponsored

by Danny D’Souza.

2-a-side football at St Cruz

PANJIM (HSD) - The United Boys of St Cruz will organise their 2nd all-Goa 2-a-side tie-breaker on September 10 near Dempo House from 11 a.m. Details may be obtained from Steven on 9011929661 or Rohan on 9637505057.

Tainted trio to return to Pakistan soon: PCB PTI LAHORE, SEPT 9

The three Pakistani players, who are at the centre of a spotfixing scandal, will return home in the next few days while fast bowler Wahab Riaz will appear before police on September 14 for questioning in connection with the worst scandal that has rocked the world cricket.

Disclosing this, PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt told a press conference that the three players will return since there are no

police charges against them nor have their movement been restricted.

"They were interviewed for nine hours. If there was anything against them they would have been arrested. They did not arrest them," he said.

Butt however did not say why Riaz will be interrogated by the police. "Police has also asked Wahab Riaz should be made available to them for an interview on 14/09/2010 and we have arranged for the interview in London."

FIFA may abolish extra-time at WC AGENCIES ZURICH, SEPT 9

FIFA may abolish extra time at the World Cup with drawn knockout matches going straight to penalties, the federation's president Sepp Blatter said Thursday.

Blatter said in an interview with FIFA's web site (www.fifa.com) that too many teams had played defensively at the World Cup in South Africa and soccer's governing body would look at ways of encouraging more attacking tactics.

"We plan to take the opportunity to look at the concept of extra time," said Blatter, whose remarks differed slightly from an interview he gave to the German magazine Focus last month when he said penalty shootouts could even be used after drawn group matches.

"Often we see teams set themselves up even more defensively in extra time, in an attempt to avoid conceding a goal at all costs.

Schubert Furtado, who also filed his nomination was a member of GFA Technical Committee (199093), Executive Committee (1993 to 2004).

GFA’s general secretaries then, Rafael, who played for the then Fontainhas Sports Club in late sixties, was part of the working force as a dedicated volunteer at the then Campal football stadium. He was assigned the duties of spotter and manager for various State football teams, including seniors, under-21, under-19, girls under-13 and he always excelled in that role. He was a member of the Executive Committee from 1991-93 under late Joe Vaz and joint secretary,

General Assembly from 199396 when Shivanand Salgaocar was the president.

Andrew and Baina Sports Club are the two sides of the coin.

As the organizer of Bandodkar Shield in Vasco, he has always been at the heart of the event, which is among the oldest one in Goa. Talk of Andrew and one’s mind goes immediately to the person who always raised queries at the GFA annual general body meetings, to such extent that both the secretary as well as the treasurer would only be looking for Andrew once the report was presented. Andrew was a member of the Executive Committee during 1987-90.

Prakash Naik has been synonymous with Baina Youth Recreational Centre for several years now, having been at the helm of affairs for the conduct of Ciano Pereira tournament. He was the pivot at Vasco’s Tilak Maidan being responsible for the events under the GFA. He was elected to the 1987-90 Executive Committee and later also from 1995-99.

Welvin is the new face of Goa Velha Sports Club, which earned

a promotion to the GFA Pro League last year and still continue this year in the premier event. He has been the secretary of the club for the past five years in his 10-year attachment with goa velha football and as such the key person for keeping the club in the top league. He was the manager of the Goa Under21 team which won the National championship in Gurgao recently who feels that the GFA has not had a representative from Bambolim, Siridao, Pilar and Agasaim, Neura and other contiguous areas and hence his keenness to contest.

Meanwhile, the names of Bishut Temudo (Navelim) and Benjamin D’Silva (Ambelim) were also doing the rounds for the posts of members from South Goa. Francis Fernandes of Siolim, member of the present Executive Committee, will contest for the post of Vice-President from North Goa. He stated that he alongwith Babli Mandrekar (Arpora), Tony Remedios (Saligao), Uday Ligudkar (Anjuna) and Gaja Kerkar (Calangute) will file their nominations together, after holding a meeting.

Friends Sporting up

Marshall no more HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, SEPT 9

Marshall Coutinho, ex-footballer of Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) and Navelim Sporting, died in the Cayman Islands on August 30.

The ever enthusiastic Marshall was on his morning jog with a friend when he suffered a cardiac arrest.

Marshall leaves behind his wife Zeeta and two daughters Haylee and Lynsey.

Son of Feliciano and Rosalina from Telaulim-Navelim, Marshall was a well known footballer in Navelim right from early 90s when he started playing for UCTTelaulim, and Navelim Sporting.

He played as a striker for MPT for several years and was a bright prospect before injuries forced him to leave the sport and head for Cayman Islands.

Besides being a good player, Marshall was known to be very humble and a friendly person among the Goan football fraternity. A dynamic personality involved in all kinds of activities on the football field and in the church, he was also a member of the All Goa award winning choir - Serenaders of Telaulim.

IPL: Lalit Modi files petition against BCCI AGENCIES NEW DELHI, SEPT 9

Suspended IPL commissioner Lalit Modi on Thursday filed a writ petition against the Board of Control for Cricket in India in the Bombay High Court challenging the Board's refusal to change the Disciplinary Committee members.

The BCCI had earlier rejected Modi's recusal plea to remove current IPL chief Chirayu Amin and Arun Jaitley from the Disciplinary Committee that is probing allegations of financial irregularities against him.

The officials of GCA, Cricket Australia, Goa Police inspecting the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Tuesday.

Photo: Third Eye

GS Amonkar Vidya Mandir, Kapil wonders how betting Saraswat Vidyalaya up HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, SEPT 9

Following are the results of inter-school boys and girls swimming cchampionship organised

by DSYA at Peddem complex on Wednesday.

U-14 boys (50m freestyle): Rajat Sirsat (GS Amonkar Vidya Mandir, 0:30.09), David Fernandes (St Britto’s, Mapusa 0:36.75), Prasad Jadhav (Saraswat Vidyalaya, Mapusa 0:45.10). 50m backstroke: Rajat Sirsat (0:37.44), David Fernandes (0:42.03), Sadanand Sirsat (Saraswat Vidyalaya, Mapusa 01:13.32). 50m breaststroke: Rajat Sirsat (0:43.42), David Fernandes (0:51.72), Gabriel Zuarte (St Britto’s 1:12.98). 50m butterfly: Rajat Sirsat (0:33.02), David Fernandes (0:46.91), Gabriel Zuarte (0:59.28). 100m backstroke: Rajat Sirsat (1:27.43), David Fernandes (1:39.58), Prasad Jadhav (2:20.57). 100m freestyle: Rajat Sirsat (1:12.46), David

Fernandes (1:25.18), Gabriel Zuarte (2:06.87).

U-17 boys (50m freestyle): S h e l d o n Re m e d i o u s ( S t Britto’s, 0:30.75), Anthony D’Souza (Little Flower of Jesus 0 : 5 4 . 3 1 ) , Ya s h K a m a t (Saraswat Vidyalaya, Mapusa 0:59.74).

100m freestyle: Shelton Remidious (1:14.65), Anish Palkar (Saraswat Vidyalaya, 2:28.4), Aniket Palkar (Saraswat Vidyalaya, 2:38.0).

U-12 girls (100m freestyle): Neeta Halankar (SFX, 1:22.20), Suman Patil (St Anthony’s, Duler 1:26.09), Simran Bhaidkar (St Mary’s, 1:43.29). U-14 girls (50m backstroke): Magd a l e n e Pe re i r a ( S t A n n’ s , 0:49.05), Siddhi Nar vekar (Saraswat Vidyalaya, 01:00.27), Bhavana Bichanna (St Mary’s Convent, 01:31.33). 50m breaststroke: Magdalene Pereira (0:46.56), Siddhi Nar vekar (0:57.66), Bhavana Bichanna (01:29.91).

Chanu pleads innocence Accuses IWF of keeping her in dark PTI NEW DELHI, SEPT 9

Facing a life ban after failing a second dope test, weightlifter Sanamacha Chanu today accused the Indian Weightlifting Federation of keeping her in dark about the banned substance methylhexaneamine, which she said she cannot even spell properly.

The 31-year-old Chanu, who failed a dope test conducted by the National Anti-Doping Agency last month, said she was never informed by the Federation that methylhexaneamine was a

banned drug.

"I exactly don't know about this substance and was never told by the federation that this is a banned substance. They never informed me about this. Even all the athletes who have been tested positive in recent times on this substance, they were unaware about methylhexaneamine," Chanu told reporters here.

"I am waiting for my 'B' sample result. After that I will decide what to do next," said Chanu, a former Asian champion and 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games champion.

Now, England’s T20 WC triumph comes under fixing scanner AGENCIES DUBAI, SEPT 9

England's triumph in the World Twenty20 is sensationally the latest event to come under the match-fixing microscope.

Sun Sport has learned that the ICC is investigating the Pakistan squad that played in the event in the Caribbean in April and May. England beat Pakistan by six wickets in the Super Eights stage on May 6 and went on to win a global trophy for the first time

On a wind-swept day at the US Open that had everyone complaining about the conditions, Roger Federer simply embraced them.

Choosing placement over power on his serve and using a handful of sublimely spinning drop shots to take advantage of winds gusting to 35 mph, No. 2 Federer moved one win away from his seventh straight final at Flushing Meadows with a 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 victory Wednesday over No. 5 Robin Soderling.

Could Federer, a five-time champion at America’s tennis championship, actually enjoy playing when the wind affects every toss, every groundstroke, even makes it hard to see?

Everyone felt that way, includ-

in more than 30 years of trying.

It is understood that two players have been asked for the details of the mobile phones they were using in the Caribbean and other information. Their responses so far are described as "unsatisfactory".

England coach Andy Flower could barely conceal his fury on Thursday because of the way England's ruthless displays in recent weeks have been "overshadowed".

He also accused the ECB of

damaging attendances by jampacking the schedule with too many matches.

The Sun quoted Flower, as saying: "There's a bit of a gloomy atmosphere and, with the sullying of cricket's name and reputation, that's understandable.

It's a pity because we are playing some outstanding cricket. We've won two games comfortably and for the skills of the bowlers to be completely overshadowed is sad."

went unnoticed PTI MUMBAI, SEPT 9

India's World Cup winning former captain Kapil Dev today said there should be no mercy for the three Pakistani cricketers embroiled in a spot-fixing scandal if they are found guilty.

Kapil said betting in sport is well-known but it is incomprehensible how law enforcement agencies do not know anything about the shady happenings.

"Everybody knows that betting is rampant in the game...how is it possible that the Government or the police do not know about it?" the cricketing great, who led India to the 1983 World Cup triumph, told reporters here today.

He said the International Cricket Council (ICC) should act against those guilty in the betting scandal allegedly involving the Pakistani team in the strictest way and promptly.

"I am feeling sad for the Pakistani people, not for the three players who let their country down. I am feeling bad that because of the three, Pakistan is being looked at in this way," he said.

ing No. 7 Vera Zvonareva and No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki, who each won their matches to advance to the women’s semifinals.

In one men’s semifinal, Federer will play No. 3 Novak Djokovic, who beat No. 17 Gael Monfils 7-6 (2), 6-1, 6-2 in another windblown match.

Wozniacki, a finalist last year, is already figuring out how to succeed in the Big Apple. For instance, when The Donald calls asking for something, you say yes.

She beat unseeded Dominika Cibulkova 6-2, 7-5 in a match that “featured” 43 unforced errors from the loser.

Earlier, Zvonareva was singing the same tune after her 6-3, 75 victory over No. 31 Kaia Kanepi, a match in which Kanepi committed a cringe-inducing 60 unforced errors.

CLT20 kicks off amid spot-fixing gloom

l Mumbai look to hunt the Lions PTI JOHANNESBURG, SEPT 9

Under the watchful eyes of the ICC's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU), the glitzy Champions League Twenty20 starts tomorrow with the shadow of the spot-fixing scandal, that has shaken the core of the game, looming large.

Featuring the top three Indian Premier League teams and the top two each from Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, South Africa and the West Indies, the twoweek event will open with IPL runners-up Mumbai Indians taking on Highveld Lions (South Africa).

Organisers say the tournament will have strict anti-cor-

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, SEPT 9

Friends Sporting Club, Carambolim defeated Khandiwadi Boys, Carambolim 5-0 in the Sunshine League Cup 2010 at Carambolim Panchayat ground on Sunday.

Nithesh Mistry, Frankie Mascarenhas, Gourish Vaigankar and Bosco Gonsalves (2) scored for Friends to send them through to the quarter-finals.

In the other matches, hosts Sunshine SC defeated Carambolim XI 3-0. Diniz D’Costa (2) and Shabir Shaikh scored for Sunshine.

Other teams to make it to the last eight were Small Boys Club, Khalpora SC, SAI-PDA, Sunshine Blue, Dulapi SC. The quarter-finals will be played on September 19.

AGENCIES NEW YORK, SEPT 9

ruption measures in place to ensure that the menace of spotfixing, which has led to the suspension of three Pakistani cricketers, does not find a mention in the event.

Apart from Mumbai, the other Indian teams in fray are IPL champions Chennai Super Kings and third-place finishers Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Australia will be represented

by South Australian Redbacks and Victorian Bushrangers, while South Africa will have the Warriors and Highveld Lions in fray.

Central Stags (New Zealand), Wayamba Elevens (Sri Lanka) and Guyana (West Indies) are the other three teams in the field.

pg 18_Layout 1 9/9/2010 11:53 PM Page 1

SPORTS Pg18 ‘Indo-Pak Express’ in US Open finals GOA, FRIDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER, 2010

Lavinio, Rafael, Andrew, Prakash, Welvin in fray Pg 17

Durgadas stars for Holiday Pg 16

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brothers Bob and Mike Bryan in the finals.

"I mean, to win a Grand Slam you have to beat the best there is. That's what Aisam and me keep telling (each other)," Bopanna said after the win last night.

T h e I n d o - Pa k d u o w a s cheered on from the stands by, among others, the United Nations ambassadors from their respective countries. India's ambassador Harpreet Suri and his Pakistan counterpart Abdullah PTI NEW YORK, SEPT 9

There was no stopping the 'IndoPak Express' as Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi inched closer to their maiden Grand Slam title together by advancing to the US Open finals

here.

Continuing with their message of 'Stop War, Start Tennis', 16th seeds Bopanna and Qureshi b e a t A rg e n t i n e s E d u a rd o Schwank and Horacio Zeballos 7-6 (5) 6-4 to set up a summit clash with top-seeded American

H Haroon even met the two players after the match.

Though there summit clash seems tough on paper against the Americans but Bopanna and Qureshi can draw confidence from the fact that they beat the Bryans just a few weeks ago in an ATP tournament in Washington.

"They are the best out there now. For us, we just have to go there, play our games. You know, we just beat them few weeks ago in Washington, so, you

know, we are really looking forward to that Friday match, and we go in confident, playing and doing well there," Bopanna said.

Qureshi said his pairing with Bopanna has worked perfectly so far because he shares a warm relationship with the Indian offcourt as well.

"I always believed if we played consistently on ATP, me and Rohan both as a team, we can do really well on the tour and we can make our mark," he said.