13 April, Herald Publication Pvt. Ltd

O HERALD O

The Voice of Goa — Since 1900 Visit us at: www.oheraldo.in panjim, wednesday, apRiL 13, 2011 postal Reg. no. Goa 101 pRiCe Rs. 3.00

Sports: Happy to have Symonds Pg 15 in team — Bhajji We keep on deceiving ourselves in regard to our faults, until we at last come to look upon them as virtue.

— Heine

TIDES TODAY High Tide: 0526; 1913 Low Tide: 0008; 1203

TH E D A

What is Antimicrobial resistance ?

Also known as drug resistance - occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria/viruses/fungi & parasites change in ways that render the medications used to cure the infections they

cause ineffective. to be cont ....

D Dire iceess ireccto rvic torrate ate of of Hea Health llthh SSeerv

Estd. 1930

t of India

An ISO 9001:2008 Certified, Recognised by the Government of India

AIL UNT VO

US

RE

OGA

INAUGURAL OFFER

Health TiP OF Y

DA ILY VOLVO

Antimicrobial resistance is facilitated by the inappropriate use of medicines, for example, when taking substandard doses or not finishing a prescribed course of treatment.

BUS SERVICE

GOA TO CALICUT (KOZHIKODE) via

THALASSERY, KANNUR, KASARAGOD

ts)

Dep:. At 2:00 Pm. From Panjim

Basis)

ey eing

4

BRING THIS AD & AVAIL

UPTO 30% DISCOUNT

m 10th 11

OOR

In a first-of-its-kind step, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) will sign an agreement on Thursday under which they would be able to give credit and grants to each their own cur1stother Aprilin 2011 rency instead of dollars. (PTI)

Health TiP OF Y

. 1930

ER

BRICS deal on own currencies

GOA - MANGALORE - GOA From MA PUSA : 1.30 PM. l 14th PA NJ IM : 2.00 PM. Apri 2011 MA RGA O : 3.00 PM.

TH E D A

D Dire iceess ireccto rvic torrate ate of of Hea Health lth SSeerv

7

Health TiP OF Y TH E D A

‘7th April’

World Health Day Theme :

“antimicrobial resistance” irecctotorrate rviciceess ate of of Hea Health lth SSeerv DDire

10

Health TiP OF Y TH E D A

Infection caused by resistant microorganisms often fail to respond to the standard treatment, resulting in prolonged illness and greater risk of death.

D Dire iceess ireccto rvic torrate ate of of Hea Health lth SSeerv

Business: Oil price rally may lead to global slowdown Pg 9

(air surcharge Rs 2.00) pages 16 + 4

India: Warsi going to be jolly LLB in new film Pg 7

Goa FliGhts may take a hit Union tells pilots ‘not to undertake flights’ 2

3

Health TiP OF Y

Health TiP OF Y

TH E D A

THE D A

Cont ... When the microorganisms HERALD CORRESPONDENT resistant NEW DELHI,become APRIL 12 to most All flights to Goa are threatened to be stopped untilantimicrobials month-end as the Indian Commercial Pilot’s they often Association (ICPA) struckare back referred to as asking its members not to fly to the Dabolim airport until April “superbugs”.

30 even as managements were to be cont . . . engaged in talks with authorities

Cont . . .

Drug resistance is a major concern because a resistant infection may kill, can spread to others, and imposes huge costs to individuals and society.

Dire iceess irectorate of Health Servic D

irectorate of Health Serviciceess DDire

ctorate of Health Serv torate of Health Serv to prevent shutdowncof the services. Some 45 flights land at Goa daily.

“All Pilots are hereby directed 5 ‘not to undertake flights’ repeat 6 Photo by M Prabhav ‘not to undertake flights’ to The affected portion of the runway which is under repairs.

Health Health TiP VAGO (GOA) till the landing aidsTiP OF THE DAY OF THE DAY such as PAPI (Precision Approach misuse of hit back quality DgCa ups ante The use &pilots Path Instrument) andLow GP (Glide antimicrobials in human Had served notices on All Pilots are hereby Path) are fully available and func-wrong medicines, medicine and animal Kingfisher, GoAir, JetLite directed ‘not to undertake tional”, ICPA General Secretary prescriptions and husbandry over the past 70 Rishabh Kapur said in a stateand Jet Airways to explain flights’ to VAGO years have increased the (GOA) till ment. ICPA is onepoor of theinfection two within 48 hours how theirnumber theandlanding types of aids such as unions of the pilots. control, encourage flights made “blind landing” PAPI and GP are fully microorganisms resistant The aggressivethe call was given development to these medicines, risking lives of all aboard available and functional, by the Association in retaliation deaths, greater spread one of the two to the Directorateand General of ofdespite forewarning thatcausingICPA and diability, the runaway is shut for suffering unions of the pilots said in drugordering resistance.

Civil Aviation (DGCA) & higher health de-roster or suspension of picertain hours. a statement. care costs. lots of four privateDDire airlines landirecctotorrate ateofofHea Health lthSSeervrviciceess DDire iceess ireccto rvic torrate ate of of Hea Health lth SSeerv While a DGCA official said the ing there on Monday during 30 for repairs of the radar syscurfew was clamped on landing “curfew hours” notified making tem that guides landing.

Though the Indian Navy that of flights at Dabolim only from the airport off-limit for land8 maintains the airport allowed a 3 to95.30 pm through a notice ing.

The DGCA has served notices small time span for landing of issued on April 1 at the instance of the TiP Navy, the ICPA asserted on Kingfisher, GoAir, JetLite andTiP the civilian aircraft on one of its Health Health OF THE DAY OF THE the DAY directorate’s NOTAM Jet Airways to explain within 48 two runways until the repairs that (Notice to airmen) says the Untill the are completed, the pilots’ As-Think, hours how their flights made act is shut from 9 am sociation asserted that no flights Goa airport “blind landing” risking lives of and discovery to 1take pm and again from 3 pm all aboard despite forewarning will land till PAPI, runway lightsand and GP are made available on to 7 pm, leaving hardly any time that the runaway isavailability shut for cer- of responsibility(Continued on page 8) antimicrobials in runways. tain hours from April 4 to April both

the 1940s, people died needlessly from infectious diseases.

for combating drug Sanguem-Curchorem-Sanvorresistance.

Bus owners divided HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 12

Private bus operators appear

dem route, besides Betul and Cavelossim routes have resolved

irecctotorrate irecctotorate rviciceess ate of of Hea Health lth SSeerv rateofofHea DDire DDire SSeervrviciceess clearly divided over the question notHea tolthlthparticipate in the indefi-

11

Health TiP OF Y TH E D A

of going on indefinite bus strike, nite bus strike as announced by (Continued on page 8) with many bus owners from South Goa opposing the deciOn page 3 sion taken by General Secretary l Transport dept to act tough if 12th April 2011 strike of All Goa Private Bus Owners bus operators Association Sudip Tamankar. l KTC requisitions 150 buses to TiP situation “ B u s o p e r a t o r s o n t h e Health tide over OF THE DAY

Register under Combat Janani Suraksha Drug Yojana, opt for Resistance hospital delivery No action & get cash assistance. For HERALD CORRESPONDENT TODAY PORVORIM, APRIL 12 details contact 26-year-old resident of Kailash- no cure your nearestAnagar-Assnora died, after he was TOMORROW health cente.knocked down by a mining truck

Mining truck kills 26-yr-old lad at Sirsaim

Directorate of Health Servat irecctotorrate ateofofHea Health lthSSeervrviciceess DDire ic esSirsaim on Tuesday afternoon.

According to Mapusa Police, the mishap occurred when Radesh Challapan was talking on his mobile phone, standing by his motorcycle (GA-03-J-1355) along the roadside at Sirsaim.

The truck (GA-03-T-6499), which was proceeding towards the main road from the side road, knocked down Radesh, who was crushed to death under the wheels of the truck.

His motorcycle was also crushed completely in the mishap.

Mapusa Police rushed to the site and shifted the body to Asilo Hospital in Mapusa, where Radesh was declared dead on admission.

Mapusa Police have arrested truck driver Mohammed Rehman (26), a native of Manipur but residing at Sirsaim, under Sections 279 and 304 of IPC towards rash and negligent driving. Police Sub Inspector Dhawaskar is investigating the case.

polls today in Tn, Kerala, puducherry PTI CHENNAI, APRIL 12

Ta m i l N a d u , K e r a l a a n d Puducherry will go to polls tomorrow to elect their new assemblies in one of the closest battles that witnessed a bitter race between rival fronts.

About 6.91 crore voters will have the right to vote in these elections which may be the swan song of the political careers of chief ministers M Karunanidhi and V S Achuthanandan, both 87.

Landings safe: Hansa Commander HERALD REPORTER VASCO, APRIL 12

Commander of INS Hansa Ravnith Singh on Tuesday claimed that flights have been landing safely at Dabolim airport even when few navigational aids along the runway have been turned off during the runway repair work.

“In the absence of these devices, military operations have been operating smoothly and civilian aircraft have landed safely on many occasions. Even

today, an international flight landed during this restricted period,” said Singh.

Speaking to Herald, Singh l

On page 2 navy sees double standards in notice to airlines

expressed dissatisfaction over reports in the national media and said “All commercial airlines including Airport Authority of India (AAI) were briefed about the restriction of runway length and closure of aid device

during the two-and-half hour civilian aircraft operation”.

“NOTAM (Notices to Air men) was issued on April 1, after briefing all airlines about the closure of these facilities from April 4 to 30 for periodical maintenance of the runway,” said Singh.

“All the airlines were provided with minutes of meeting so that they could produce it before management and work out rescheduling of timings (Continued on page 8)

OHERALDO

GOA

Pg2

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 13 APRIL, 2011

Navy sees double standard in DGCA’s notice to airlines HERALD REPORTER VASCO, APRIL 12

Is the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) following double standards on restricted flying operations at Dabolim airport?

The tough stand adopted by DGCA in asking airlines to avoid flight operations at Goa airport in the absence of aid devices like PAPI (Precision Approach Path Instrument) and GP (Glide Path) has been questioned by the Navy.

It may be recalled that the Navy had convened a meeting of airline representatives and Airport Authority of India (AAI), before issuing the NOTAM (Notices to Air men) on April 1 stating that only 9000 ft of runway would be made available without the PAPI and GI.

Incidentally, a similar NOTAM had been issued on October 23, 2010, when the runway needed urgent repairs after a fuel tanker had met with an accident on the runway.

“During that time, commercial airlines were operating with a restricted length of only 6900 fts of runway in the absence of aiding devices for nearly eight days and there had been no hue and cry from the DGCA,” said a pilot, while speaking to Herald.

Confirming this incident, Navy PRO Commander M C Joshi said that when the NOTAM was issued on October 23, 2010, the runway length was comparatively lesser that the NOTAM issued on April 1.

“At that time, all civilian aircraft had operated, except for

UGDP to contest all 40 Assembly seats HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 12

Derecognized by the Election Commission of India, the United Goans Democratic Party has said the outfit will contest all the 40 seats in the upcoming Assembly polls whether the party gets a charismatic leader or not.

Party General Secretary Adv Anacleto Viegas said though the two-decade old regional outfit stands derecognized by the Election Commission, the party has been given the facility to use the Two Leaves symbol for six years. “We can use the Two

Leaves symbol in the coming polls by intimating the Election Commission within three days after the notification of polls”, he said.

Viegas said the UGDP has been derecognized by the Election Commission after it failed to secure six percent of the total votes polled in the Assembly polls and blamed Churchill Alemao for a split in votes of the regional forces. “Churchill came out with the Save Goa Front on the eve of the polls and split the regional vote. Alemao did not save Goa with the party but only ruined everyone. Goa has not benefited from the SGF. He raked up the Mopa airport and the issue of taxi drivers on the eve of the polls. This affected the UGDP, resulting in its derecognition”, Viegas said.

He, however, said that the regional party is all geared up to fight the coming polls on the regional plank. “We will take up the issues such as special status, clean environment, mining and preference for the sons of the soil on all fronts, including jobs and employment”, he added.

Replying to a question, Viegas admitted that the party has been trying to rope in a charismatic leader to lead the party in the coming Assembly polls, but hastened to add that the party will contest all the 40 seats irrespective whether they party get the leader or not. “We will fight the coming polls on our own platform and we will contest all 40 seats”, he said, saying only the regional parties can save Goa from destruction.

a few chartered flights and the Haj flight jumbo jets, due to reduction in the length of runway,” said Com Joshi.

“During that time, no one has raised the issue about lack of the aid devices till the runway was repaired.”

Voicing similar views, Commander Ravnith Singh of INS Hansa said that civilian aircraft were landing in a much shorter runway and that too in the absence of aiding devices, when the runway repair work was carried out in October 2010.

“Incidentally at the Ahmedabad (Gujarat) civilian airport, similar periodic maintenance is presently going on and civilian aircraft are operating smoothly without aid devices,” Com Singh said.

Nepali held with drugs HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 12

One Nepalese man was arrested on Monday with illegal possession of drugs in an antinarcotics raid at near a shack at Anjuna, police said.

Ishwar Buddha, 46, was arrested with 1.115 kgs of charas which, according to the police is worth Rs 1,11,500 in international market.

He was caught late Monday night on a tip off that the Nepali would carry a packet of drugs for his prospective customer. He was caught redhanded from near Margao bus stand.

He was placed under arrest and remanded to police custody in an order by the NDPS Court, Mapusa.

Mickky rubbishes opinion poll idea Says parents’ opinion loud and clear

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 12

Requesting P WD Minister Churchill Alemao to stop fooling the people on the medium of instruction, former minister Mickky Pacheco has said there is no need for any opinion poll as suggested by Alemao, with the opinion of the parents loud and clear to include English as the medium of instruction at the primary level along with the regional languages.

Terming Alemao’s statement asking for an opinion poll is another farce and double standard, Pacheco said that Alemao and other MLAs should serve an ultimatum on the Chief Minister to either accept the demand or

Separate HC for Goa: CM chided over hypocritical stance HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 12

The South Goa Advocates Association (SGAA) has said the hypocritical stance of the Chief Minister that his government is unaware of any demand for an independent high court is baffling.

“The posture of the Chief Minister is apparently intended to appease those in authority over the Bench of the high court.

Be that as it may, the necessity of setting up a high court for Goa cannot be wished away”, asserted President of the South Goa Advocates Association, Adv Anacleto Viegas.

He said the Bar Association has been every grateful to the Bombay high court for shouldering the responsibility of nurturing and painstakingly setting up the paraphernalia for the setting up of the bench of the court in Goa, when Goa was in its nascent stages of judicial independence.

“It is now high time that Goa gets its own high court in terms of the mandate of Article 214 of the Constitution of India. The state can be a complete state only with the setting up of its own high court as judicial governance has today acquired immense importance in the life of

SGAA to take up Desmond’s suspension with Chief Justice HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 12

The South Goa Advocates Association has sought an appointment with the Chief Justice of the Bombay high court on the issue of suspension of Additional Sessions Judge Desmond D’Costa.

Association President Adv Anacleto Viegas said the Chief Justice of the Bombay high court was in Goa on Tuesday.

“We have sought an appointment with the Chief Justice any state. It cannot be accepted that judicial governance of Goa should continue in the hands of the adjoining states”, he added.

Welcoming the setting up the Bar Council of Goa, Viegas said this would meet the long standing demand of lawyers and litigants for a Bar Council.

“Immense hardships were caused to the litigants and lawyers on account of long distance involved in matters of disciplinar y proceedings and certification of documents and other works of importance”, he said.

through the Registrar of the Bombay high court. If granted, we will take up the question of Judge Desmond’s suspension by the court”, he said.

Asked to throw light on the future course of action by the Advocates on the issue, Adv Viegas said the Association will take up the matter with the new Registrar of the Bombay high court so that justice is finally meted out to Judge Desmond.

Saying that the Bar Council of Goa is a step in the right direction as it would enable the state to run its own affairs once the high court for Goa come into being, Viegas said the Bar Association of Goa is in favour of a high court for a state as judicial independence is a must for running the affairs of any state.

He urged the Goa government to take immediate steps to concretize the dream of Goans and of the legal fraternity to have an independent high court for the state of Goa.

quit, rather than making a public show for an opinion poll. “I could understand Churchill asking for an opinion poll if he was in the opposition”, Pacheco added.

Saying that Churchill should understand that he is not Dr Jack Sequeira, the Benaulim MLA said that the great work done by great leaders like Dr Jack Sequeira and others in maintaining and retaining the identity of Goa is being undone and totally thrown to the winds by corrupt and selfish leaders like Churchill Alemao.

“Churchill should understand that he is a Minister in the government and if he seriously wants English to be the

medium of instruction, he has to simply press it with his Chief Minister and with his other Cabinet colleagues, like they all came together to bar Mickky’s re-entry into the Ministry. Let all 10 MLAs give an ultimatum to the Chief Minister, you do it or else we resign, rather than making a public show of asking an opinion poll”, he asserted.

The former tourism minister said that if at all an opinion poll is needed today, it is needed on the topic “why do so many people from one family have to contest in an Assembly elections?

Does it mean that other people of Goa are not capable of running this state”.

Meanwhile, Adv Anacleto Viegas in a press statement has urged Diocesan Society of Education to stop encouraging people to organize protests, meetings to demonstrate against Konkani as the medium of instruction and replace it with English.

“The Diocesan Society of Education, after 20 years of teaching Konkani, has yet to come to grips with the teaching of the language to the children”, he said, adding that teaching English at the primary level will emaciate the people and transport them into an artificial life. “The knowledge of the mother tongue will be lost in the English idiom”, he added.

Controversy shrouds Cortalim Communidade re-elections

Polls for Treasurer, Attorney not notified HERALD CORRESPONDENT CORTALIM, APRIL 12

The re-election to the Managing Committee of Cortalim Communidade is likely to snowball into major controversy with the Administrator, South Zone notifying election to the post of President only.

The Administrator apparently called for the election for President Post only, going by the Administrative Tribunal (South) order annulling the election to the post of the president and calling for fresh election.

However, what has raised controversy is the elections for Treasurer and Attorney which were not held, a submission also made to the court by Advocate P Sardesai appearing for the Administrator and UDC (Returning officer) who were the respondents (2&4) in the suit.

As per the normal practice, the election to the post of President is held first followed by Treasurer and Attorney and their substitutes.

Meanwhile, aggrieved by the notification issued, some shareholders have petitioned to the Administrator to hold elections for all three posts -- president, treasurer and attorney since they were not held in December 2009.

They also claimed that earlier the Administrator had issued notice on its board calling for elections on April 10 for all three posts and wondered as to why there was sudden turn around.

Meanwhile, former Cortalim sarpanch and Panch Anthony Vaz who is also a component has warned that he would be forced to move the court against the bias attitude of the Administrator.

“Administrator should be neutral and interpret the order in letter and spirit,” Vaz said.

Vaz also maintained that since elections to the post of Treasurer and Attorney were not held at all, there was no question for the Administrative Tribunal to annul them and call for elections to these posts in its Order. The

elections to these posts should follow naturally, he said.

Convenor of the Standing Committee of Administrator, South and social activist John Philip Pereira told Herald that he has strongly objected to the Administrator, the election notification for the post of president only.

The “Administrator still has got time to publish in the forthcoming official gazette calling for elections to the post of Treasurer and Attorney also,” Pereira said and warned that he would file a writ petition against the Administrator for not acting in accordance with the code.

When queries were raised to the Administrator Pravin Barad about Cortalim election, he told Herald that he was busy and to contact him later. However, later his phone was out of range.

It may be recalled that the elections to Cortalim Communidade was called off following protests that the elections were not held as per the code.

Dr Hubert leaves political future in hands of people

Asks them to speak up against ground lease HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 12

In a surprise development, Dr Hubert Gomes on Tuesday announced his temporary withdrawal from politics and made it categorically clear that he would not contest the Assembly polls if the people of Benaulim does not come out against the government’s decision to lease the Vaddi-Benaulim football grounds to Churchill Brothers.

“I announce my temporary withdrawal from politics since I don’t want to give an impression that I want to contest the polls from Benaulim on the issue of the lease agreement. I will contest the polls only if the people of Benaulim are willing to come on the road and voice against the lease agreement. Otherwise, I will not contest the Assembly polls”, he asserted at a press conference.

Dr Gomes further said he has left his political fate in the hands of the Benaulim villagers, adding that he would take a decision on the eve of the polls whether to contest from Benaulim or not.

Replying to a question, Dr Gomes said though the lease agreement between the government and Churchill Brothers is nothing but a fraud, there is silence in Benaulim on the issue.

“May be the people are quite because of threats or some of them are bribed to keep quiet”, Dr Gomes said, but vowed to continue the battle against the lease agreement, both legal and otherwise, till the agreement is scrapped.

“My future in politics depends on the people, whether they want to support the movement against the lease agreement or not. If they are not willing to support me on the issue, then I will take a decision to quit politics”, he asserted.

Saying that he has no vested interest in opposing the lease agreement with Churchill Brothers, Dr Gomes said “I am not against Churchill Brothers football team, but the lease agreement is a fraud. It is nothing but a daylight robbery. The terms and conditions are totally

unacceptable to me. This is an assault on our self pride”.

Saying that he is totally opposed to the terms contained in the agreement, Dr Gomess aid the government has literally given him the blank cheque to do what they want with the grounds. “What is the guarantee that the shops to be leased out will not be converted into casino one day”, he asked.

He took strong exception to Clause 5 of the agreement empowering Churchill Brothers for sub-letting or licensing the structure, premises, including shops and kiosks and other infrastructural facilities upon such terms and condition as may be decided by them.

Saying that the value of the football ground is approximately around Rs 20 crore, Dr Gomes said the agreement has mandated Churchill Brothers to make use of the land along with any adjoining property that may be acquired hereafter by the football team for the purpose of construction.

Soccer tournament organisers split over invite to MLA Opposers land up at police station

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 12

It is often claimed by many intellects that politics and sports are not interlinked, but here’s a classic example of how a sports organising group split when a local MLA was sent invitation to attend a football tournament.

A football tournament organised by the ‘Villagers of Goa Velha’ is underway, final match of which will be played today.

The group, according to Francis D’Souza had resolved not to involve any politician during the tournament.

“However, after the semi-finals, some members of the group invited local MLA Francis Silveira to be the chief guest for the final match. We objected and instead suggested to invite

a priest, but our offer was turned down,” D’Souza told reporters.

The match was re-scheduled to Wednesday from Tuesday even as D’Souza and three others were summoned at Agassaim police station. D’Souza however claimed that they were not informed as to why they were summoned.

The police on the other side claim that they received reliable information that this group would commit cognizable offence and hence to desist them from committing such offence they were summoned.

“Today is our feast (procession of saints) and we are called at the police station. This is nothing but harassment for not supporting MLA as the chief guest,” he alleged adding that they don’t intend at stopping

the game, but strongly oppose politics in game.

The foursome who were accompanied by supporters, were then summoned before the Deputy Superintendent of Police Deu Benaulikar at Panjim police headquarters.

Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesman Govind Parvatkar, who lent his support to D’Souza’s views, alleged political interference in the police working.

“This is total harassment to BJP supporters. It is not only in St Andre, St Estevam but our people are targeted everywhere in the State,” Parvatkar said.

One of the members alleged that while police swiftly acted on a false complaint, his genuine case of assault was not taken seriously by the Agassaim police.

Devotees at the Ram Navami celebrations at Ram Mandir, Bhatlem.

Cops stop trench work near Colva creek HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 12

Police rushed to the Colva beach on late Tuesday evening to stop labourers from digging a trench to link the creek to the beach to drain the contaminated waters into the sea.

The police action came following a complaint lodged by the secretary of the Colva Civic and Consumer Forum Judith Almeida that labourers were engaged by a business establishment to discharge the polluted creek waters into the Arabian Sea. PSI Chawan attached to the Colva police station told Herald that labourers engaged in the work of digging a trench were stopped by the police from carrying out further work on the beach. “The police have told the business to take up the issue of pollution and foul odour with the authorities including the Tourism department to keep the odour at bay”, he added.

This is not the first time that attempts have been made by the business establishment to dig a trench to drain off the contaminated waters into the sea waters.

Incidentally, the Colva Civic and Consumer Forum has knocked the doors of the high court seeking relief and action against the concerned departments for its failure to curb the nuisance and pollution of the water bodies.

Photo by Sachin Ambdoskar

Fomento submits performance guarantee to MMC HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 12

Sociadade de Fomento has finally submitted a performance guarantee of Rs two crore to the Margao Municipal Council under the Concession agreement on Sonsodo.

In another development, Ahmedabad-based consultant on waste management P U Asnani has accepted the Margao municipality’s offer for consultant services to oversee the construction of the waste treatment plant and the landfill site at the dumping site.

MMC Chief Officer Prasanna Acharya informed that Foment Green CEO Sridhar Kamat submitted the performance guara n t e e o f R s t w o c ro re a s mandated by the Concession agreement. “In return, the civic

body has refunded the bank guarantee of Rs 30 lakhs executed by Fomento”, he added.

Replying to a question, Acharya said that Fomento has submitted in writing to the civic body how the company plans to go about executing the work at the Sonsodo site. “The company has informed that they have placed orders for the plant and machinery to be set up at the dumping site”, Acharya said.

As per the Concession agreement signed by the MMC with Fomento, the company was mandated to submit the Rs two crore performance guarantee within one month of signing of the agreement. The company, however, has finally submitted the performance guarantee more than two months after the signing of the agreement.

North, South ZPs resolve to file contempt plea in HC HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 12

The Zilla Panchayats of North and South Goa on Tuesday has resolved to file a contempt petition in the Panjim bench of the Bombay high court within the next one week.

The decision was taken after a joint meeting between the Chairpersons and members of the two zilla panchayat at the office of the South Goa Zilla Panchayat on Tuesday morning.

South Goa ZP Chairperson Maria Rebello informed that the two sides agreed to file the con-

tempt petition within the next one week since the government has failed to positively consider the request for more powers and functions as per the 73rd Amendment to the Constitution.

“After today’s meeting, we have decided to file the contempt petition since the government has not honoured the assurance made to the high court”, Rebello said.

She, however, said that no decision has been taken on the question of the ZP members going on an indefinite hunger strike.

OHERALDO

GOA

Pg3 GOA, WEDNESDAY, 13 APRIL, 2011

MediuM of insTruCTion row

BBSM’s next mission: educate parents HERALD REPORTER PANAJIM, APRIL 12

After having a massive convention in support of local languages as Medium of Instruction (MOI), earlier this month, Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch (BBSM) has now decided to educate parents on the MOI issue wiping out the misconceptions created by English language proponents.

The BBSM has however decided to skip Salcete taluka from their awareness campaign.

Addressing a press conference, BBSM member Subhash Velingkar informed that the organization would be forming around 176 village committees in each panchayats, which would further help in creating the awareness about the importance of education in the mother tongue.

“We have decided to skip Salcete panchayats, as they have already raised their support in favour of English language being MOI,” Velingkar said.

He said that BBSM will make sure that all the village committees are formed by end of May. “Taluka level committees would be also constituted by end of April to educate the parents about the real essence of Right to Education (RTE) Act,”

BBSM convenor Shashikala Kakodkar addresses the media on their next course of action over the medium of instruction.

Photo by Sachin Ambdoskar

the activist added.

Velingkar said that all these committees will enlighten the public over the large scale confusion and misconception spread by supporters of English language about MOI. He said that meeting conveyed by English language supporters at Azad Maidan, last month had wrongly portrayed the importance of MOI and RTE act.

“Wrong impressions are being created in which parents are told that the child will be forced to learn Konkani or Marathi till 10th standard, which is absolutely weird,” Velingkar said.

He stated BBSM will educate parents that only education from first to fourth standard would be in Konkani and Marathi and from fifth standard onwards, the pupil can learn in English.

When asked, Velingkar said that the issue of MOI does not exist at pre-primary level as it is a play school, where kids need to be taught in the language they know and not what parents or teachers want.

BBSM has also demanded that the state government should implement the recommendation of Madhav Kamat committee report, which had put forth its

suggestions to improve the quality of primary education in the state.

“Several years have passed since the committee presented its report. But till date government has completely failed to implement its recommendations,” Velingkar said adding that government is literally trying hard to extinct our own languages.

The BBSM recommended formation of a new committee, which would study the need in improving the quality education at primary level.

BBSM convenor and former Goa chief minister Shashikala Kakodkar said that MOI in local language is a step towards nationalization and imbibing culture in our next generation.

She said that various intellectuals, irrespective of Konkani and Marathi language supporters, have come under a single umbrella to press down their demand for local language at primary level, which would help in strengthening and securing the future of the state.

Educationist Arvind Bhatikar said that not just RTE 2009, but Goa Education Act 1984 has already made it clear that ‘elementary education should be in the mother tongue.’

Burglars strike Poinguinim temples, Princess removal: decamp with silver, gold ornaments Govt, Arihant likely to ink deal today Canacona police alert HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, APRIL 12

Burglars decamped with silver and gold ornaments worth Rs 5.53 lakh from two temples in Poinguinim in the wee hours of Tuesday, besides desecrating one idol and vandalising the sanctum sanctorum at the two temples.

According to Canacona poice, the temples of Shri Parashuram Narcinva Devasthan and Navadurga Devasthan, situated within 500 mtrs distance of each other at Welwadda-Poinguinim, were the latest targets in the growing list of burglaries and desecrations in places of worships in the State.

The burglars systematically outwitted the police beat team on patrolling duty, who discovered the thefts as early as 3.15 am in the wee hours of Tuesday.

Both thefts occurred within 3 hours, sometime between Monday midnight and 3 am on Tuesday, police said.

Silver ornaments (4.220 kgs) and gold (62 gms) valued at Rs 2 lakh were burgled from Navadurga Devasthan, while silver (5 kg) and cash of Rs 5,000, all worth Rs 3.53 lakh, were stolen from the Shri Parashuram Narcinva Devasthan.

Police informed that burglars lifted various crowns, masks etc, from the Narcinva Temple, be-

Karwar counterparts

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, APRIL 12

Canacona police has alerted its counterparts in neighbouring Karwar and other police stations in the State, in a bid to nab those involved in the burglaries in two temples at Poinguinim.

“The police team on beat round noticed the burglary while signing the register at about 3.15 am on Tuesday. A police dog squad was pressed early Tuesday morning, but no clue could be found, while experts lifted finger prints from both the temple sites,” informed Canacona PI Raju Raut Dessai.

“However, police is on the trail of the culprits,” PI Dessai sides gold bangles, chains and two silver masks from the Navdurga temple.

Most of the brass ‘Divlis’, except for one at the Narcinva Temple, were reportedly intact, while a 200-year-old idol ‘Prabhaval’ occasionally taken out during specific temple was found thrown outside the temple premises.

added.

Some Mahajans informed that they had left the temple premises about 12 am and since the police beat party signed the temple register at 3.15 am, it is suspected that the miscreants at both the temples struck within these 3 hours.

“These two thefts are outcome of meticulous planning, easily outwitting the police patrolling team,” said the Mahajans.

DySP Rohidas Patre visited the site early Tuesday morning and took stock of the situation.

He assured some aggrieved residents that police will do everything to solve the twin thefts as soon as possible.

Incidentally, burglars also vandalised the sanctum sanctorum of both temples, apparently in a bid to remove the gold and silverware from the idols.

The thefts first came to the notice of a police team on night patrol. The police team noticed both doors of the temple open and accordingly alerted the nearby mahajans and residents.

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM APRIL 12

The final agreement between the government of Goa and Arihant shipbreakers Pvt Ltd is expected to be inked ‘most probably’ tomorrow, April 13.

“The agreement is ready and approved and will most probably be signed tomorrow,” director of Tourism Swapnil Naik told Herald.

The work on cutting of the ship began on March 14 with the government just issuing the work order and not actually signing the contract.

As of today 10% of the ship has been cut and the scrap loaded onto barges.

Meanwhile, unloading of scrap at the designated customs point Brittona jetty has not resumed since it was stopped by a delegation of villagers led by Aldona ML A Dayanand Nar vekar had stopped unloading scrap at the customs’ point on April 7, alleging that the company was further cutting down the scrap there in violation of the terms.

“The villagers had objected to the cutting of scrap at Brittona. We have given them an assurance that no cutting will

Transport dept to act tough if bus operators strike HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 12

Transport Department today refused to bow down to the demands of private bus owners who are on a hunger strike warning them of severe action if they pull out buses from April 15.

Director Transport Arun Desai told reporters that the Department has decided to cancel the temporary permits of these buses, permanently, if they join the strike.

The members of All Goa Private Bus Owners Association (AGPBOA) are on indefinite hunger strike in front of the Directorate of Transport office in Panjim from Tuesday. The Association has also threatened an indefinite bus strike from April 15.

Stating that the Association was not clear in its demand for review of half ticket scheme to the students, the director said the demand for compensation through Social Welfare Department was also irrational.

The Association had demanded that the 50 per cent concession granted to students in the State should be reviewed with certain riders, to curb its misuse.

Desai said that the demands of bus owners were illogical and many of their wishes had been accepted by the Government.

“As promised, the government in its financial budget has already approved to schemes for the bus operators. As per the scheme the Association will be provided subsidy for the re-

KTC requisitions 150 buses to tide over situation HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 12

The KTC has requisitioned around 150 buses – 75 buses each from Maharashtra and Karnataka – to meet the indefinite strike by private bus operators in the state, beginning from Friday.

KTC Managing Director, Venancio Furtado said that the KTC is gearing up to meet the threat issued by the private bus operators. “I have officially asked the Maharashtra and Karnataka State Road Transport corporations to make available 150 buses to the Corporation. We are assessing the situation”, Furtado told Herald.

He said the KTC will deploy the entire fleet of buses, including the buses purchased under the JNNURM scheme.

“We will ensure that passengers are not put to hardships on account of the indefinite bus strike declared by the private bus operators”, he added.

PANJIM REPORTER ADDS: State Transport Department placement of two tyres,” he said adding that all the transport associations will be provided with one time grant of Rs 1 lakh each for their various welfare schemes.

Desai, however, said that it’s been mandatory now for the private bus operators to form their own society, as suggested

has decided to requisition buses from neighbouring states to cater to the shortfall, if private bus operators strike from April 15.

Director transport Arun Desai told reporters that the letter has been already forwarded to the Managing Director of Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) asking to have talks with the neighbouring government corporations for providing buses to run state routes.

“We will ask them to provide us with maximum bus transport, which will run here.

KTCL has also asked to provide with additional force,” he said.

The department has decided to cancel the temporary permits of all the buses, participating in the strike.

“This will help us in strengthening Kadamba transport. We will be in a position to issue more permits to this government owned body,” he said adding that government might also think of nationalizing more routes. to them in the past, which will help them to avail more benefits.

Director alleged that the operators are not interested in forming society as it will give more powers and benefits to drivers and conductors rather than bus owners.

Desai said that the depart-

ment had already replied to the association over their various demands on March 30, 2011.

Talking about the progress of their various demands, Director said that wherever possible action has been mooted by the department.

He said that department has already appointed one of the bus operators from Ponda Venkatesh Naik as member of the subsidy committee headed

by Transport Minister Ramkrishn Dhavalikar.

“However, their demand of having one of their member’s representation in Regional Transport Authority (RTA) cannot be fulfilled as the same person cannot function as an ‘operator’ and the ‘regulator’ at the same time,” he cleared.

Desai said that the department is planning to hike the subsidy from Rs 2 lakh on purchase of every new bus to maximum. He said that they have already received the proposal from State Transport Authority (STA) over the issue.

“The STA has already given its nod to hike the subsidy for the buses considering the hike in the rates of the vehicles, which is now Rs 16 lakh as against earlier Rs 12 lakh per bus,” he stated.

Putting light on their demand for use of Automatic ticket mac h i n e ( AT M ) , D e s a i s a i d Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) has already given their expression of interest and once they start using the machine, the same would be made mandatory for private buses.

be done there. The unloading will resume once the deal is signed,” Naik told Herald.

The unloading of scrap had begun on April 6, after a prolonged wait for the customs’ clearance.

However the very next day a group of villagers forcibly stopped the unloading and drove away the security guards deployed at the point.

Meanwhile the cutting of the ship is on at a hectic pace to stay ahead of the inclement weather.

“The rains over the last few days have not had any impact on breaking of the ship. In fact the company has requisitioned more barges to aid in the cutting,” sources said.

Currently there are seven barges docked in the River Mandovi at the Brittona awaiting the unloading of scrap. If the number increases, they could partially block the channel.

Michael gets GSCW seeks info from police on police custody action against DMD makers HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 12

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 12

Notorious gangster Michael Fernandes on Tuesday was produced before the Judicial Magistrate First Class, Panjim and remanded to nine days police custody.

Michael, 23, is presently undergoing interrogation for a spate of offences including robbery, threatening, assault, dacoits and other cases.

He along with his partner-incrime Deepak Kerkar was nabbed in the thick forest area of Khola in Canacona on Monday, two months after he escaped at Chicalim junction while being transported from Vasco sub jail to Goa Medical College at Bambolim for regular medical check-up, on February 22.

Michael had confessed of accepting ‘supari’ to kill Home Minister Ravi Naik’s son Roy, has nearly 30 cases booked against him in Goa, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat and other parts of the country, which also includes three cases after his recent escape.

Goa State Commission for Women (GSCW) on Tuesday shot off another letter to Goa police seeking details on action taken on their complaint against the makers of the upcoming release ‘Dum Maro Dum’ (DMD).

Commission’s chairperson Ezilda Sapeco has demanded a reply from the police within 48 hours including postal addresses of the movie director Rohan

Sippy, script writer and actors.

Speaking to the media, Sapeco said that the commission has asked the government to review the film before its release on April 22. The film producers, according to Mumbai media, have hinted at deleting Bipasha Basu’s alleged derogatory remarks against the State and its women here. The commission, last Friday had filed a police case demanding action against the film’s production unit.

OHERALDO

GOA

Pg 4

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 13 APRIL, 2011

UPCOMING EVENTS Painting exhibition at Campal PANJIM (HND): A painting exhibition by Gayatri Siddhaye, Kranti Chari and Veenita Chendvankar will be held at Harshada Art Gallery, Campal, Panjim from April 14 to 17. The exhibition will be inaugurated on April 14 at 5.30 pm by Director of Art and Culture Prasad Lolyenkar. The exhibition will be open from 10 am to 7 pm.

Bone check-up camp at Mapusa PORVORIM (HC): A free bone check-up (Osteoporosis) camp will be held on April 16 from 9.30 am to 12.30 noon at Sirsat Hall, Mapusa. HoD of Orthopaedics, Goa Medical College, Dr Shivanand M Bandekar will conduct public forum education programme on various types of ‘Arthritis’. Bone density will be checked through BMD machine and specialised doctors will be available for consultation. Those who have attended earlier camps should bring them their earlier BMD reports and prescription. For registration and details, call Union Pharmacy on 2252557 or 2250347.

CM launches underground power cabling work HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 12

The Chief Minister Digamabar Kamat launched the work of proposed Rs 30 crores underground power cabling in presence of PWD Minister Churchil Alemao at a function held at Loutolim on Sunday. The underground cabling will be laid in the areas of Loutlim, Camurlim and part of Raia village. It will ensure uninterrupted power supply and effective distribution of power transmission.

Speaking on the occasion, Kamat said that it is the bounden duty of every elected representative to work to solve the grievances of the people.

They have to work for the welfare of masses and elevate their living conditions. He informed that the Government has been implementing various welfare schemes for the betterment of the people from BPL category and appealed to the people to avail the benefits these schemes.

He also sought the co-operation

of the people to achieve further socio-economic development of the State.

Speaking on the occasion Alemao said that the Government has accorded top priority to provide and monitor potable water to the people in the State. Parish Priest Usgao, Fr Felix Lobo, also spoke on the occasion.

Chief Electrical Engineer Nirmal Braganza, welcomed the gathering. Arthier Alvares compered the function and proposed the vote of thanks.

Right to Information workshop PANJIM (HND): Asha Family Responsibilities and Rights Association will conduct a Workshop on ‘Right to Information (RTI)’ on April 16 from 10 am to 12.30 pm, at Grace Church Complex Hall, First floor, Margao, Salcete. M S Kenny, Goa State RTI Commissioner will be the chief guest. The workshop will be conducted in Konkani and English. For any details, call 2256445/ 9822166876 or e-mail: trustasha@yahoo.co.in.

Mango Mania at Cidade de Goa

PANJIM (HND): Mango mania fest will be held at Cidade de Goa from April 20 May 20 from 11 am to 11 pm with the best varieties of mangoes at all its restaurants. Varieties such as Alphonso, Musarad and Mancurado will be an integral part of this Mango Mania. Customized boxes of 12 Alphonso Mangoes will also be available at Doçaria, the 24 hour coffee shop. Besides pristine taste of ripe mangoes, one can also get to try a variety of drinks and dishes, veg as well as non-veg crafted by expert chefs. For more information, call 2454545.

Knee braces medical camp

PANJIM (HND): Specialized three-day knee braces medical camp will be held from April 16 to April 18 at ‘'Rugnashrava’, St Cruz Road, Bambolim Old Panjim. On April 16 and 17. The camp will be held from 10 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 5 pm and on April 18 from 9 am to 1 pm. The camp is for osteo-arthritis patients. The knee brace is custom-made and will be delivered to the patients on the same day at the camp within two hours after measurement of their leg is taken. The brace is highly subsidised at the camp and will cost Rs 3000 only.

The patients will be treated on first come first served basis and can call 9823030900 or 9890188459 for details.

Get together at Don Bosco

PANJIM (HND): The ex-teaching and non teaching staff and students of Don Bosco Night High School and Higher Secondary unit will offer a Thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration on April 28 at 6 pm at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Don Bosco, Panjim, followed by a get together in honour of Principal J S Rebello on his retirement after completing 40 years of dedicated service to the institution. Ex-teaching and non-teaching staff and students may participate in the thanksgiving mass which will be followed by a get together. For details call 9823185805,

Dr Sadanand Purushottam Shet Verekar receives ‘Rashtriya Udhyog Ratna’ award at Pune by Central Education Development and Research. Dr Verekar is the owner Chairman of Sunshine Electrical, Tivim Industrial Estate Karaswada, Mapusa, with a turnover of about Rs 10 crore. Earlier, he earned kudos from former Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde for development of unique trolley mounted transformer.

After a long wait, farmers who were affected by natural calamities are being compensated.

Agriculture department has finally commenced releasing compensation payments to distressed farmers.

Director Satish Tendulkar said that 1750 cheques for different amounts have been drawn from the State government are being disbursed to farmers through respective zonal agricultural officers (ZAO).

“The affected farmers whose cheques are ready are advised to contact their respective ZAOs. The amount is being distributed depending on the area of the farm land, crop damage and others losses faced by an individual farmer,” Tendulkar told Herald.

The procedure for processing remaining applications is underway whereas other distressed farmers, who had applied in old

pattern, are asked to re-apply in the prescribed format to avail the benefit.

The officer added that financial assistance is being released to an affected farmer within 15 days after thorough scrutiny by the ZAO and Agriculture department.

The department, in February had decided to pay compensation of Rs 15,000 per acre for the farmers affected due to natural calamities.

Each farmer’s total loss due to unseasonal rainfall, flooding and cyclonic damages for the year 2008, 2009 and 2010 have been covered under the compensation scheme.

For this, Goa government already sanctioned a corpus of Rs 2.13 crores under the Farmers Assistance Fund, which has now been elevated to four crores.

The relief scheme will first give financial assistance to farmers affected by natural calamities in March 2008 and gradually it will

HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, APRIL 12

Ponda Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), C Court, on Monday convicted Shrinivas Naik and Sameer Naik in connection with the assault case registered against them in June 2009.

According to Investigating O f f i c e r, H a w a l d a r V i n o d Salunke, in his complaint registered on June 1, 2009, one Rama Naik from Agapur-Ponda had stated that accused Shrinivas Naik and Sameer Naik assaulted him and three other people, Jitendra Naik, Rekha Naik and Gulabi Naik.

Both are neighbours and an issue pertaining to putting up of Tarpolin resulted in the assault.

According to Salunke, the accused had used tarpolin to cover his house from rainwater.

Incidentally, it also caused water to flow in the complainant’s house. When the complainant went to question, he along with three others was assaulted by the accused.

Based on the complaint, Salunke conducted investigations and filed a charge sheet.

As many as eight witnesses were examined in the case along with Investigating Officer Vinod Salunke.

Azgaonkar pledges better health care HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 12

Minister for Panchayats Manohar Azgaonkar has said that the Government is committed to providing better health care facilities to the people in the State.

He said, all efforts will be made for improvement of medical facilities at Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Casarvarne and the Community Health Centre (CHC) at Tuem and appealed to the people in Pernem make use of these facilities.

Azgaonkar was speaking at the function held to inaugurate of the ambulance van for the

Calamity-affected farmers to finally get compensation HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 12

Ponda assault accused convicted

cover farmers who suffered due to unseasoned rainfall in October 2009 and November 2010.

Tendulkar said that before the scheme came into force, the department had received application from more than 5000 affected farmers.

The farmers were asked to fill up fresh forms accompanied with documentary evidences showing land ownership and contact their respective ZAOs to complete formalities for compensation.

Some 10,000 farmers endured losses during the three years period. The worst affected areas were Quepem, Pernem and Salcette.

However, if any farmer has already received compensation under the National Calamity Relief Fund, Tendulkar said, under the Goa Government scheme the amount will be deducted and the farmer will be paid the balance amount.

PHC at Casarvarne in Pernem on Monday.

Speaking further Azgaonkar highlighted the importance of health and education sector which are vital for the all round growth and development of the society. He reiterated that the proposed sports city at Dhargal will provide over 1000 jobs which will address the problem of unemployment in these areas to some extent.

Azgaonkar urged the PHC authorities to make utmost use of the ambulance. He also assured to provide adequate health care facilities and asked the hospital

visiting committee of its recommendations for the effective functioning of both the health centres.

President of North Goa Zilla Panchayat, Pandurang Parab, urged the Casarvarne PHC to maintain cleanliness and greenery around the centre said that he will provide fruit bearing

saplings for campus in next monsoon season.

Chairman of hospital visiting committee, Sakharam Parab, ZP member Surangi Harmalkar, and Ashok Kamat also spoke on the occasion.

Dy Director of Health Services, Dr V Devari was also present on the occasion.

Dr Bhatkar receives honorary doctorate

Auditing of GSHC accounts gets underway

Honorary Doctorate conferred on Dr Vijay Bhatkar, Dr P Venugopal, Dr Narendra Jadhav and Adv Ujjwal Nikam by Dr DY Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune. Former president of India, Dr Abdul Kalam was the chief guest.

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 12

The Degree of Doctor of Science was conferred on Dr Vijay Bhatkar, Dr P Venugopal and the Degree of Doctor of Letters was conferred on Dr Narendra Jadhav and Adv Ujjwal Nikam at the recently held 2nd convocation cere m o n y o f D r D Y Pa t i l Vidyapeeth, Pune.

Dr Bhatkar is Chairman ETH Ltd and former Director CDAC. Former President of India, APJ Abdul Kalam was the chief guest.

He stressed the need for introducing values in the education system and integrating research into the teaching system in the

universities. He aptly described the world in the 21st century as: “A knowledge based society with multiple opportunities.

What worked yesterday, won’t work today. Educational Institutions will be the power house for knowledge”.

Dr Kalam congratulated the graduating students and praised the teaching and research system followed at Dr D Y Patil, Vidyapeeth, Pune.

Present on the occasion were guest of honor, Governor of Tripura, Dr D Y Patil Chancellor Dr P D Patil, Vice Chancellor Dr P N Razdan, Registrar B S Mane and others.

Calangute VP’s pay parking Mid-day meal scheme: Corruption prevention at Baga beach sparks row SHGs bills not settled workshop organised HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 12

The Calangute Panchayat has begun pay parking at the Baga beach, for what they claim is an effort to gain revenue to maintain the area.

However, their decision has caused a flutter as shack owners and hoteliers claim the beach is being maintained at their expense.

“We have started pay parking since April 1. It falls in area around where the GTDC (Goa Tourism Development Corporation) property lies.

Earlier this area was full of garbage and rubble. We have now cleaned up the place and are maintaining it with the money we are generating from the pay parking fees,” Calangute panchayat sources have said.

“We have also installed lights and kept a security guard at the scene,” the sources added saying the fee was necessary for the upkeep of the place.

Hoteliers, however, debunked claims that the panchayat is using the funds

collected to keep the area clean.

“The beach and surrounding areas is being maintained by one group which goes by the name of ‘Baga Boys’ who are paid jointly by the shack owners and the hoteliers,” a source said.

However the location of the pay parking has got the officials of the GTDC worried.

“If the pay parking is being carried out in our (GTDC) land, it is illegal. We have not authorised the panchayat or anybody to use our land, much less so to use for pay parking. I will need to verify the situation on the ground,” GTDC MD Nikhil Dessai had said.

The GTDC land was recently in the news after locals opposed what they thought were GTDC’s plans to build an eco-hotel or ‘ecotel’.

The GTDC has in the past been pulled up by successive CAG reports for allowing its properties to lie idle and thereby losing potential revenue.

HEARLD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 12

Various Self Help Groups (SHGs) empanelled by Education department for mid day meal scheme, have not received proper payments of their bills since last five months even as current academic year is nearing end.

As per rough estimate, bills worth Rs 4 crore are due for these SHGs. Education department officials said that the process is on to pay the bills and the file is pending with the accounts department.

Sources stated that the SHGs were paid their monthly bills at regular interval and timely between June to October, 2010. A total of Rs 6.86 crores were paid to these self help groups during this period.

But thereafter the Education Department has started either skipping to pay their bill or is paying reduced amount financially affecting the functioning of these groups.

In case of Tiswadi taluka, for first five months, all the eight SHGs were given Rs 87 lakh while for the next five months, beginning from November, they

n As per rough estimate, bills worth Rs 4 crore are due for these SHGs. Education department officials said that the process is on to pay the bills and the file is pending with the accounts department. were paid only Rs 52 lakh.

Similar is the situation of SHGs from other talukas like Bicholim, Sattari and Salcette where currently 14, 4 and 14 SHGs are operating respectively.

The SHGs are left groping in darkness as academic year will end soon and they are not sure about the payments.

Education department officials said that ‘lack of financial provision had stopped the payments, which would be released soon.’

The students between first to eighth standard are provided with mid day meal. In all, 82 SHGs have taken the contract to provide the food under this scheme.

Radhika elected Kudchire panch BICHOLIM (HC): Radhika Raghalo Gaonkar was on Monday elected as the new panch of Ward 6 of Ona-Maulinguem-Kudchire Panchayat in the by-elections held on Sunday. In all, 365 voters cast their votes for the four candidates in the fray.

Radhika Raghalo Gaonkar polled 146 votes, while Sudha Ranganath Umarye secured 92 votes, Rajeshri Rajendra Gaonkar (47) and Savitri Shahu Gaonkar (66). As many as 14 votes were rejected.

DKA’s novel award for Sharon

PANJIM (HND): Sharon R Fernandes e Sores bagged the first prize of Rs 15,000 for her novel Handbag in a novel writing competition organised by Dalgado Konknni Akademi (DKA) for writers of Konknni in Romi script. Vincy Quadros bagged the second prize of Rs 10,000 for his novel Suryadoy, while Willy Goes bagged third prize of Rs 5,000 for his novel Kotrina.

Besides the cash prize, the three awards also carry specially designed mementos and certificates. Premanand A Lotlikar, President of Dalgado Konknni Akademi has congratulated all the award winners of the competition. DKA’s Novel Writing Awards will be presented on 15 April at 4.15 pm in Ravindra Bhavan’s Conference Hall, Margao.

Portuguese speaking professors of then Escola Normal Luis de Cameos, along with Dr Arnolfo Mazarello, former Rector of Rachol Seminary and then professor of Lyceum, who celebrated the mass in Portuguese on Sunday at the entrance of Igreja Matriz, Panjim, before proceeding for the luncheon.

Walter to head Parra school function

PANJIM (HNB): Walter D’Souza was elected as president of the Centenary Celebrations Committee of Sacred Heart High School, Parra.

Sacred Heart High School will celebrate its centenary celebrations from January 5, 2012 to January 5, 2013.

In the recently held meeting of parents, staff, exstaff members and ex-students of the school, the centenary celebrations committee was formed. Various activities to be conducted during the year-long celebrations were also chalked out.

The committee members elected are Walter D’Souza (president), Gajanan Salgaonkar (vice president), Maria Helena Martires (ex-officio chairperson), Vasudev Bicholkar (treasurer), Anna Marie Lobo (assistant treasurer), Marilyn Vaz (secretary) and Elita D’Mello (assistant secretary).

Members elected are Anand Desai, Cecilia D’Souza, Adriana Maciel and Mahesh Churi (staff), Anthony D’Sa, Mavis D’Sa and Juliet Noronha (ex-staff), Michael Lobo, Umakant Korgoankar, Alex Alphonso, V Gadekar, Edwin Lobo, Belita Faria, Joseph D’Souza, Alton D’Souza and Pradeep Morajkar (exstudnets) and Atmaram Salgaokar, Maria D’Souza and Vithu Revadkar (parents).

Earlier, School Manager Walter D’Souza welcomed the gathering and briefed history of the school, Marilyn Vaz compered the meeting and also proposed the vote of thanks.

NCP General Secretary quits

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 12

Goa State Horticulture Corporation (GSHC) accounts which were not audited for years will finally be in place by next two weeks.

The corporation has forwarded the accounts to the accountant general and its further process is underway.

“The auditing will begin full fledged in the next few days.

The administrative procedure is presently underway. The audit report will be submitted to the government,” Satish Tendulkar, who is holding additional charge of GSHC, said.

Agriculture minister Vishwajeet Rane held discussions with the Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar and concerned officers before handing over the GSHC details for audit investigation.

Rane had called for an audit during the recently concluded Legislative Assembly session over allegations of alleged corruption within the corporation.

S H O RT TA K E S

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, APRIL 12

Asha Family Responsibilities & Rights Association (AFRRA) recently conducted an interactive workshop on ‘Prevention of Corruption’ at Asha Centre, Mapusa.

AFRRA Coordinator Rui Da Gama presented his own writeup on ‘Prevention of Corruption’ to all the participants.

Gama explained two sides of corruption beginning with the ‘Giver’ and ‘Taker’. It was explained that as materialism keeps on increasing, human values keep on falling due to the ever-increasing greed of human beings.

Gama explained how Public Servants (Enquiries) Act, 1850 and Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 have been nullified by inserting a clause in the Indian Penal Code which states that ‘Prior sanction is required to prosecute any government servant’.

He further stated that the Lok Ayukta Bill which is applicable to all the government employees as also the elected representatives including the Chief Minister should be passed by the State government as early

as possible.

A copy of the Karnataka Lok Ayukta Bill was read out for the knowledge of the participants.

On enquiry by a participant, Gama explained the difference between the Central Lok Pal Bill and Goa Lok Ayukta Bill.

Participants at the workshop spoke vociferously about rampant corruption taking place in all segments of government departments. Participants also complained about various bribes being asked by the government officers/servants in kind and cash.

They stated that even senior citizens and poor people are being harassed to feed the greed of government employees.

“Elected representatives are equally responsible for such corrupt practices in the State administration,” stated the participants.

After much deliberation, the participants agreed that the people should be educated not to indulge in corrupt practices and abet in corrupting the society.

The participants encouraged AFRRA to hold many such workshops on ‘Prevention of Corruption/Lok Ayukta’ in other parts of the State.

PORVORIM (HC): NCP General Secretary Santosh Divkar from Arpora, who was holding the charge of public relations, has submitted his resignation to NCP President Surendra Sirsat.

Speaking to media, Divkar stated that he has resigned both from the post as well as from the primary membership of the party, as NCP did not recognize his contribution for the party.

“My resignation has been accepted and I will be joining the Pradesh Youth Congress shortly,” said Divkar.

50 donate blood in Canacona

CANACONA (HC): Over 50 donors volunteered to give their blood at a blood donation camp organized by Lions Club of Canacona in association with a starred hotel.

Hospicio Hospital Blood Bank in-charge Dr Vasundhara Dessai and her team members assisted in collecting around 50 blood sachets from as many donors.

The camp was organized with the help of staff members of The Lalit, The Intercontinental Resorts, Rajbag and general public.

The Resort's General Manager Shrikant Wakhardkar, Manager (Liaison & PR) Guilherme Martins were present along with Lions Club president Motesino Fernandes, treasurer Lawrence Barretto, Lions district officers Mario Fernandes, Sandeep Dessai and Valerian Viegas, and other lion members.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Dessai assured to allot blood donors cards to each and every donor who gave his/her blood and also assured to assist any patient recommended by Lions Club of Canacona in the eventuality of blood needs.

Lions president Motesino Fernandes thanked Intercontinental staff and all others who volunteered to donate their blood.

POWER SHUTDOWN APRIL 13

KARAPUR-SARVAN: From 8.30 am to 2 pm at Sarvan, Dhavaskarwada, Kothiwada, Ghadiwada, Gawandiwada, Kudapwada and Kolam in VP Karapur, Sarvan in Bicholim.

PONDA: From 7 am 11 am at Zingdimol and surrounding areas.

DIWAR: From 10 am to 12.30 pm at Belsur, Ambol, Goddar, Santerbhat, Fetorim and Vinthogen.

PANJIM: From 9 am to 5.30 pm at Regal Chamber, Consumers along side and behind Manhoshanti Hotel, Keni Office and surrounding areas.

APRIL 14

SANKHALI: From 8.30 am to 2 pm at Kadamba bus stand area, Government Hospital, Maulingtad, Gokulwadi, Multipurpose Hall area, ICICI bank area and Market area in Sankhali Municipality.

APRIL 15

KUDNE-SANKHALI: From 8.30 am to 2 pm at Gauthan Village in Sankhali Municipality and VP Kudne area in Bicholim.

PONDA: From 7 am to 11 am at Kirti Nagar, Mestwada, Shantinagar, Bondbag and Durgabhat.

PANJIM: from 9 amto 5.30 pm at Navelkar Trade centre, Café Real, Godinho Bar, Café Bhosle, Aroma Hotel, Primary Health Centre and surrounding areas.

SIOLIM: From 9.30 am to 4 pm. Areas affected are Siolim PHC, Ingrezwado, Oxel, Madhlabhat, Marna Gudem, Dando, Vagali, Tarachi Bhat, Partawada, Bamanwada, Waddi Siolim, Oxel, Sodiem, Gausawada and surrounding areas.

APRIL 16

KADCHAL-KHODGINE: From 8.30 am to 2 pm at Khodagine and Kadachal Villages in VP Surla in Bicholim SALIGAO- PILERNE-VEREM- CANDOLIM: From 9 am to 5 pm at Nerul, Verem, Kegdevelim, Saligao, Pilerne, Pilerne Industrial Estate, Candolim, Orda, Saipem and surrounding areas.

PANJIM: From 9 am to 5.30 pm. Areas affected are Vidhyut Bhavn, Police Head Quarters, Udyog Bhavan and surrounding areas.

OHERALDO

GOA

Pg 5

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 13 APRIL, 2011

Educationist Dessai calls for revamping the system HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, APRIL 12

Stating that statistics are deceptive, educationist Narayan Dessai provided in-depth details of educational imbroglio in the State, calling for a sustainable reform to drive the actual benefits of the system to the masses.

Dessai, former principal of SS Angle Higher Secondary, Loliem, was speaking at the ‘Shikshanik Parishwad’ on educational statues in the State, organized on the occasion of first death anniversary of Milind Kamlakar Mhalsi at Canacona Municipal hall.

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (Goa Chapter) Director Pandurang Nadkarni was also present for the meet attended by several educationists and stakeholders.

In his speech, Nadkarni was statistic while saying that primary education has to be compulsorily taught in mother tongue and even divulged few names of advance countries that impart elementary education in mother tongue.

“A child initially taught in mother tongue can easily grasp knowledge/education in any other language in later stages of life,” said Nadkarni.

Dessai, categorically stating that adhering only to pass percentages can be dangerous, there should be efforts not only from the government, but also from educationists to trap the ‘drop-outs’ and the faulty system

Underground power cabling for Aldona soon: Narvekar HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 12

Educationist Narayan Dessai speaks at the Shikshanik Parishwad at Canacona.

Photo by Kathy Pereira

of education itself.

Dessai incidentally provided a detailed statistical PowerPoint presentation providing various trends/aspects especially in secondary education.

In one such figment, Dessai informed that there were just 95 secondary institutes in Goa and that figure rose to 376 in 2010.

Similarly in 1961, teachers’ strength was 1,089 for the students’ strength of 1,181, while in 2010, 3,218 teachers’ takes up as many as 58,208 students.

“In 1961, the teachers/students ratio was 1:12, while it is 1:18 in 2010,” he informed.

Similarly, Dessai informed that the students’ enrollment in 1961 which was just 9,511, was 58,208 in 2010.

The drop-outs of students is also a serious matter, as only less than 50% of the students manage to reach the secondary

level of education, after taking admission at class I. Dessai informed that even though Goa’s annual birth is somewhere between 22,000 and 23,000, he wondered how government statistics shows annual class-I admissions between 28,000 and 29,000.

“Where these 6,000-7,000 children come from,” questioned Dessai pointing fingers that lots of inflated figures are provided by the institutions/managements to the government for various reasons, that also includes fear of retrenchments of staff, etc.

Giving his views on entire education scenario in the State, Dessai said a study showed that poor teaching in class-I, followed by again poor teaching from Std 5 to 7, 8 and 9 detention, and suddenly struggling at SSC are the hallmarks of today’s systems.

Former Finance Minister and MLA, Dayanand Narvekar has said that the work of laying underground power cabling will be taken up in Aldona and surrounding areas incurring an estimated expenditure of Rs 50 crores. Narvekar disclosed this during his visit to Salvador do Mundo Panchayat on Monday.

Narvekar said that the underground cabling once laid will ensure effective power distribution system and will also improve the quality of power supply. He also informed that an amount of Rs 2.5 crores has been earmarked for the development of areas coming within the jurisdiction of the Salvador do Mundo Village Panchayat.

Narvekar gave hearing to the problems of the people related to various civic amenities. He

gave assurance to solve the problems.

J E P W D ( Wa t e r S u p p l y ) , Damodar Shirodkar, AE (Electricity), Joseph Fernandes, AE (PWD), Ratnakar Challan, JE (WRD) Nazareth Vaz, accompanied Narvekar during his visit.

Shopkeepers vacate Valpoi municipal market building HERALD CORRESPONDENT VALPOI, APRIL 12

All shopkeepers operating in the Valpoi Municipal Council (VMC) old market have vacated the building.

The shopkeepers vacated the old building following the court order to vacate the building to have a new market complex by demolishing the old building, which is in dilapidated condition and unsafe for public.

When contacted, VMC Chairperson Umesh Gulelkar said the process of demolishing the old

building has already been started. “All the shopkeepers have vacated the old market building and the demolition work of the building is in progress,” he informed.

Gulelkar further informed that the weekly bazaar (on every Tuesday) has been shifted opposite the Goa Bagyatdar building, Valpoi, and arrangement for fruit and vegetable sellers have been made in VMC shed, constructed opposite the Maruti Temple, Valpoi.

When asked, Gulelkar dis-

closed that so far no final decision has been taken by VMC to rehabilitate the shopkeepers, who have vacated the old market building.

It may be recalled that the foundation stone of new market complex was laid some 3 years ago, but the matter was pending in the court after one shopkeeper moved the court against VMC’s decision. However, recently the shopkeeper compromised with VMC and the court passed order to vacate the building by March 31.

The 20th All India Konkani Sahitya Sammelan will be held at Sadashivgad-Karwar from April 29 to May 1.

Konkani Sanskritik Mandal of Sadashivgad-Karwar is the organizer of this mega event.

Speaking to Herald, working president of the event Adv R V Naik informed that delegates from all over the country will be attending the meet and an amount of nearly over Rs 1 crore will be incurred for the event.

Adv Naik said that they have

got tremendous response from people in Goa, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala and other states, where Konkani-speaking people flourish since past many generations, but have not lost touch with their mother tongue and have pledged to participate in the event.

It is learnt that the originals of Konkani-speaking people at Karwar, Joida, Supa, Haliyal in Karwar district hail from Goa. Those speaking Kannada in these regions are recent entrants in these regions who gained entry after commissioning of

Ambulance service launched at Valpoi

Kadra Hydro electricity project, Navy’s Sea Bird project, Kaiga Nuclear plant and other development projects where outsiders gained entry on the pretext of job but the locals who are Konkani speaking are today at Karwar are compelled to speak and write in Kannada.

Adv Raja Naik said Konkani language should be preserved and should be given a boost in the art and culture field and said for this reason he put pressure on the Union government to hold the convention at Karwar where majority of the people

Valpoi PI Shivram Vaigankar pacifies the mob at Khotode-Sattari.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT VALPOI, APRIL 12

Few social activists from Sattari

have been accused of blocking mining trucks at Khotode-Sattari on Monday.

Photo by Ashraf Khan

According to sources, about 50 mining trucks were blocked at Khotode for about 3 hours

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, APRIL 12

Valpoi Municipal Council Chairperson Umesh Gulelkar inaugurates the new ambulance service at Valpoi.

Photo by Ashraf Khan HERALD CORRESPONDENT VALPOI, APRIL 12

Valpoi Municipal Council (VMC) Chairperson Umesh Gulelkar on Monday launched a new air-conditioned ambulance for the welfare of people of Sattari taluka at Community Health Center Valpoi.

ZP member Humlo Gawde, Dr Pradeep Padwal, Councillors Ramdas Shirodkar, Darmendra Salonke, Sehzin Shaikh, Prakash Gawas, Idrus Shaikh and Veluskar were present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Gulelkar said new ambulance was needed at CHC Valpoi as due to inadequate ambulance service at this hospital, extra

burden was put on 108 emergency services.

He urged the hospital staff to create healthy environment for quick recovery of patients.

Dr Pradeep Padwal said: “Individual health must be taken on priority, as government can only provide facilities.”

He also advised the hospital staff and the health officer to take utmost care of the new hospital which will be operated soon and informed the drivers to be careful in handling and maintenance of the new ambulance.

ZP member Umlo Gawde also spoke on the occasion. Health Officer Dr Surekha Parurlekar proposed the vote of thanks.

are Konkani speaking.

“Those who speak in Kannada are outsiders who have settled in since the past two decades and are ruling on the Konkanispeaking people by using their own dialect that becomes a difficulty for the Konkani-speaking people to understand what they communicate,” said Adv Naik.

“Let there be freedom of speech. I am neither against Kannada nor any other language,” he added. Working President Adv Raja V Naik said for further details he can be contacted on his mobile phone 09448347650.

Don’t transect matters at home, Poinguinim sarpanch told Members of the Poinguinim Gram Sabha have instructed the sarpanch to refrain from signing any office matters at her residence or anywhere outside the panchayat office.

Attending a second Gram Sabha after the first remained inconclusive within 15 days, members took Sarpanch Tejaswini Deikar and her supporting panchas to task over issuance of three shack licenses on village coast despite Gram Sabha resolution, passed earlier, not to entertain any tourism trade licenses in the village coast.

When the large turnout of members confronted, the sarpanch informed that she unknowingly signed licenses brought at her residence by one of the panchas.

Members claimed that Gram Sabha had earlier passed resolutions against issuance of tourism shack licenses and even if any party happened to bring tourism department permissions, the matter should be brought to the notice of villagers by calling an emergency Gram Sabha.

“No such a thing happened, besides no permission have been obtained from Tourism

Department, Forest Department, CRZ, etc,” complained members.

Interestingly, a few of her supporting panchas sought to distance themselves, leaving the sarpanch alone to face the members’ ire.

Members then pushed and passed a resolution, asking the sarpanch not to sign matters pertaining to panchayat at her residence, which Sarpanch Deikar reportedly agreed.

A resolution was also passed to serve notices for revoking three shack licenses with members terming it as “issued illegally by the panchayat” besides asking the panchayat to carry out detailed inspection of village coast.

It is learnt that three shack licences are issued at Talpona coast by-passing the resolutions earlier adopted by the Gram Sabha.

There were heated arguments between the elected members and few Gram Sabha members over the issue, while maximum time was lost to discuss the issue and Regional Plan abnormalities.

Later, members proposed to construct few wells and Bhandaras in different localities and called for sterilization of stray dogs in the village.

Ex-MLA Gonsalves roots for English HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 12

Ex-MLA Victor Gonsalves has come out strongly in support of English as the medium of instruction at the primary level of education in the State.

Stating that he had raised the issue of medium of instruction in the State Legislative Assembly way back in 1991, Gonsalves in a press statement issued here reiterated that, English has become national and international language of communication in the world of electronic age.

Therefore, primary education should be in English only then the children can face this competitive world.

The children should not be forced to study only in regional language just because it is a government policy, he said.

He also argued that the medium of in-

struction should be oriented towards employment.

He has cited a 1990 Circular No 61 of Dept of Education which clearly states the Government’s decision that “medium of instruction at primary stage from std I to IV should revert back to original form of instruction to English”.

Victor Gonsalves has reiterated the demanded that he made in 1991 Assembly session, that, medium of instruction, should be in English and one subject compulsory from STD I to X, in Konkani or Marathi.

He has appealed to the people of the State, especially people of lower income group who cannot afford to send their children to private schools, to support movement for English medium and has urged Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and Education Minister, Atanasio Monseratte to take an immediately decision on this issue.

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 12

The Goa Fire and Emergency Services will observe the National Fire Service Day on April 14 to pay homage to the firemen martyrs who laid down their lives during the course of duty.

Wreaths will be placed by all ranks of the Fire Service personnel on the Firemen Martyr’s Column at a ceremonial function to be held at the Fire Force Training ground, St Inez, Panjim. Live fire fighting and rescue demonstrations by the fire Personnel and an exhibition of fire fighting equipments will be organised.

50 mining trucks blocked at Khotode

Konkani sammelan at Karwar from April 29 Pagui Samaj plans silver jubilee HERALD CORRESPONDENT POINGUINIM, APRIL 12

National Fire Service Day on April 14

Canacona Municipal Council Chairperson Ratnakar Dhuri and AGKPS President Shekar Pagui address the press conference along with other office bearers.

Photo by Kathy Pereira HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, APRIL 12

The Akhil Goa Kshyatriya Pagui Samaj (AGKPS) in association with the Department of Arts and Culture and Information and Publicity will celebrate silver jubilee of its existence by organising a ‘Mahamelawa’.

The ‘Mahamelawa’ is being organised to bring together all the community members of Pagi community.

Addressing a press conference, AGKPS President Shekar Pa g i i n f o r m e d t h a t ‘ M a hamelawa’ will be inaugurated

by Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and will be held for two days on May 14 and 15 and about 10,000 people of Pagi Samaj are expected to converge at Chaudi-Canacona.

Canacona Municipal Council (CMC) Chairperson Ratnakar Dhuri, who was appointed as chairman of the organizing committee, informed that the silver jubilee celebrations of AGKPS, having approximately 1,900 membership will be used to bring together the community people spread all over Goa, particularly community people residing in the coastal belt from Polem-Betul. Organising comm i t t e e S e c r e t a r y Pa n k a j Namshikar briefed that various

competitions for children, women and men including fancy dress, solo dance, group dance, drawing, Rangoli, singing, Dhalo, Fugdi, Dandiya, folk dances like Talgadi/Goff, Suari-Wadan and net weaving will be organised.

“About 50 stalls depicting and selling goods, locally prepared by self help groups and mahila mandals, besides exhibition of traditional fishing equipments, a general medical camp for people above 50 years, release of a souvenir, a grand musical show by international artistes, attendance of a celebrity artist, are some of the highlights of the melava,” informed Namshikar.

Incidentally, late Vishram Pagi from Galgibaga as founder president established AGKPS in 1985 (mainly comprising 12 villages in the coastal belt from Polem to Betul) and since then the society had 12 past presidents with 2 years tenure with few having occupied the post for two terms.

The organising committee will also felicitate nine past presidents on the occasion.

Former CMC chairperson Diwakar Pagi, AGKPS ex-president Deelip Mokhardkar and Sanju Pagui, Secretary Shailesh Dhuri were present for press briefing, while Poinguinim ZP member Daya Pagui is on the coordina-

tor’s panel of the organizing committee.

reportedly by some social activists and villagers of Khotode.

However, Valpoi Police pacified the mob and trucks were allowed to proceed.

Later in the evening, a mine truck owner filed a complaint against some social activists and residents of Khotode.

It may be recalled that the residents of Khotode had blocked mine trucks for few hours at Khotode on Saturday in protest against a speeding truck which had knocked down and seriously injuring a two-wheeler rider at Khotode.

Meanwhile, social activists and villagers are strongly opposing illegal operation of mines at few places in Sattari and over speeding of mining trucks for the past many months.

Library science course

PANJIM (HND): The Government College Khandola-Marcel, in association with State Central Library has offered certificate course of four months duration including one month job training in Library and Information Science from April 18. Eligibility is 12th /HSSC pass or those appearing for these exams, with preference to employees of Library. Minimum intake is 35 and maximum 45. Last date of admission has been extended to April 16. The Prospectus with application form can be obtained from the Cashier, Government College Khandola, Marcel. Eligible candidates may contact the College Librarian Anandan Mastan on 2287718 or 9049502693.

OHERALDO

Pg 6

www.oheraldo.in

O HERALD O Vol No CXI No: 102 Goa, Wednesday, 13 April, 2011

Bust this bus mafia

I

f Bollywood films and even some Goan letter writers are to be believed, the tiny state of Goa has many mafias.

Some, of course, are into crime while others are into drugs and still others into trafficking of women (remember the offending dialogue about liquor being cheap and women cheaper in ‘Dum Maro Dum’?). Then there’s the mining mafia and the real estate mafia…

But the oldest mafia in the state, undoubtedly, is the bus owners’ mafia. For decades, they have operated with impunity, breaking every single rule in the book. And they have always got away with it. They can operate buses that have no brakes, as well as buses that can barely crawl along, and so block traffic and create massive traffic jams. They stop their buses in the middle of the road, holding up other traffic. They wait at bus stops for inordinately long, then race at breakneck speed to the next stop to pick up passengers before the rival bus arrives. Often, they race each other along busy roads, endangering other traffic and pedestrians. They take on more than twice as many standing passengers as they are allowed to. They issue no tickets. The conductors do not wear uniforms. Their conduct towards the passengers is rude, and their attitude towards women passengers can only be described as indecent. Services are never on time and are often arbitrarily cancelled… The list of woes is almost endless.

Every now and then, they demand and get fare increases.

But the service never improves. Besides, private bus owners rarely implement the fare increases they demand; they prefer to price their buses cheaper than the state-owned Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC), so that the latter is permanently in a loss. There appears to be an insidious nexus between the private bus owners and the KTC staff; Kadamba buses will invariably leave just after the private buses operating on the same route, so that the latter get to pick up all the passengers.

Now, the private bus owners, who have organised themselves into a so-called All Goa Private Bus Owners Association (AGPBOA), have become so audacious as to demand a review of the 50 per cent concession for students of Goa. Association members sat on a hunger strike yesterday in front of the Transport Director’s office in Panjim, while the AGPBOA General Secretary Sudip Tamankar is said to be going on an ‘indefinite’ hunger strike (inspired by Anna Hazare?).

The hunger strike would be followed by an indefinite bus strike on 15 April if the government fails to accept their demands. Apart from a review of the 50 per cent concession, they want Transport Director Arun Desai and two Assistant Directors – who look after enforcement – to be transferred.

While other demands like increased subsidy and permission for advertisements on buses are commercial matters we would not want to comment on, under no circumstances should the government agree to either of the above two demands. Mafias that are given a free hand almost invariably go out of hand.

It’s all politics!

T

he sudden ‘commitment’ of our MLAs for grants to English medium primary schools, as seen in their largerthan-life presence at the Azad Maidan rally of parents last month, has been exposed as plain politics. Director of Higher Education Bhaskar Nayak, who on Monday submitted the draft of the ‘The Goa State Integrated Education Policy 2011’ to the government, has revealed that it was circulated to all MLAs, but not a single of them made any recommendation about giving grants to English medium primary schools!

One-sided version B V S Priolkar, Margao The editorial ‘What price disruption’ (Herald, 11 April) is a rather one sided version of blaming BJP for disruption of Assembly proceedings. Does it mean that ministers in the government are clean as saints?

There is a needle of suspicion pointing towards one minister involved in foreign exchange violation. The CM and others are shielding him and not bothered of the house. They have given fuel to the Opposition and blame them for the hold up in proceedings. The Minister who claims to be clean, should have resigned on his own accord, or else, should have been removed to avoid controversy. It seems he is scared of losing his ‘red car’, and is, therefore,

100 Years Ago PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

13 April 1911 Dough in short supply

A meeting of seven hundred bakers from Vienna decided that in view of scarcity of flour, it was impossible for them to supply the bread anymore.

Incorrect equation

It is reported that a Country like ours cannot be linked with the triumphal march of foreign industrial houses as such it cannot be detained from the march of its own progress if those countries are suffering from economic meltdown.

Wishes fulfilled

The Commercial Association of Nova Goa fulfilled the wishes and efforts of our Proprietors and the Businessmen by allowing to their demands in a sentiment which is beneficial to the Country at large.

Bakers resort to strike

There was an impromptu strike undertaken by the Bakers of the City due to high cost of the flour.

OPINION

Medium of Destruction

What we need today is primary education through the play way method, but in Konkani, says SANDeSH PrABHuDeSAI

I

am neither a linguist nor an educationist. But as a parent, I feel the issue of Medium of Instruction in primary schools is not being debated in a proper perspective. It is slowly taking a communal colour. Assembly elections are round the corner, politicians are playing to the gallery and children are being taken for a ride.

I personally studied in the Marathi medium till Std X. Though my English is not perfect, it is at least as good as of those who studied in English medium schools from Std I. Besides, my knowledge of Konkani, Marathi and Hindi has helped me immensely in today’s multilingual era, with a booming service industry in India.

Both my children studied in the English medium from KG. When my elder son had to be admitted to Std I, we tried our best to start a Konkani Bhasha Mandal (KBM) primary school in Panjim, like the one in Margao, which I still consider to be the best Konkani primary school in Goa. It didn’t happen. And when I compare the sons and daughters of my friends and family in Margao to my children, I find a huge difference. None of them have suffered in terms of English; their English is as good as my children’s. But my children have suffered immensely in terms of confidence, boldness and the vast knowledge of the world that the KBM students have acquired by becoming ‘locally global’.

Of course, the KBM students missed out on different things. Our children went to Nisha’s Play School (KG) and Shiksha Niketan (primary), both full-day schools. They had continuing assessments, with exams only in Std IV, and learnt through the play way method. They were taught swimming, cooking, traffic rules; even how to behave in society. No other school in and around Panjim – Konkani or English – matched this standard.

We decided to send our daughter to a private aided Konkani primary school. But she had dyslexia in KG; a learning difficulty. Comprehension of words was a problem – a milder version of the film ‘Tare Zameen Par’. Dr Nandita D’Souza’s ‘Sethu’, a child development NGO, came to our rescue.

Anjali Barreto from Sethu became my daughter’s favourite teacher. She tackled her dyslexia with the help of special software in English. I have heard that Sangath, another NGO, has now started experimenting with it in Konkani. But we missed it. Our second child, too, was also deprived of Konkani medium primary education. What we need today is imparting primary education through the play way method; but in Konkani. It

CleAr Cut would work wonders.

If we go by the arguments of those fighting for primary education in ‘regional’ languages, I am an anti-national. In fact, the whole of Goa is anti-national, since it is 90 per cent English medium from Std V onwards. On the other side, those who study in Marathi medium should be called ‘Maharashtrawadis’. Is Goa full of colonial slaves and expansionists from Std V onwards?

Are parents who send their children to Konkani primary schools nationalists? And those sending their children to unaided English primary schools (also those who run these schools with ‘government recognition’) are anti-nationals? And does everybody become nationalist even if they learn in English from Std V onwards? These are mere arguments, with no substance.

Why blame Christians for English medium? I was at a party recently. Of the 20 to 25 people gathered, not a single was Christian. Parents were discussing medium of instruction. My wife and I had a tough time arguing with them, because they were all for English medium. Their children spoke to each other in English. None of these parents are affected by the ongoing controversy since their children are already in unaided English primary schools. The well-to-do Goan – Hindu, Christian or Muslim – is already ‘English’.

Goodies galore

Tongue in Cheek

O

ne usually finds boards in shops and malls which reads ‘Customer is King’. Come election time and it must be said that the voter is king. The common man is pampered a lot just before the elections and is ignored for the next five years.....till the next elections. Elections-time comes once in every five years unlike Christmas-time which comes annually. And of course, the politicians do the job of Santa Clau by distributing gifts and goodies to the aam admi. The only difference being that while Santa Claus does not expect anything in return as he distributes the gifts, the politicians expect your precious vote in return.

Politicians obviously believe in Murphy’s Law which says ‘Nothing is ever given for nothing’. They probably do not believe in the quotations from the Bible which says “It is more blessed to give than to receive”. There was a time when hard cash used to exchange hands just before the elections. It still does. But now the notes that are being distributed are of more value, probably in keeping with inflation and price rise. Politicians have probably found out the hard way that it is hard to please a voter. How expensive the

clinging to it by any means. The government is to be solely blamed for this impasse.

It was expected that a balanced view should have been forthcoming, instead of taking sides.

Are we independent?

Allwyn George, Carmona Indian politics is riddled with corruption, crime and shame that is displayed live by our politicians. We see how public funds are being siphoned off in foreign accounts by way of scams and frauds. Amidst all this, the common man struggles for his daily sustenance. He lives on the edge due to lack of any social security and health care system in our country. Even foreign aid by friendly government’s for India’s poor ends up in the coffers of our politicians.

Successive governments dole out lot of promises and schemes which never benefits the common man due to the system bureaucracy. Are we independent?

Lokayukta, a top priority Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar Goa’s top most priority should be the setting up of a Lokayukta. Rampant corruption is Goa’s biggest obstacle to its overall development and prosperity. As we complete 50 years of liberation, the present Chief Minister’s government is the most corrupt and weakest. There has been a total collapse in the administration. A powerful Lokayukta may be the only way forward.

Chalo Lohia Maidan Cedric da Costa, Margao The movement to include English language as the Medium of Instruction will gain momentum with the focus of attention on today’s meeting at Lohia Maidan. This could possibly be the decider of FORCE. With the government dilly-dallying on the issue and with the opinions expressed by government ministers, all eyes will be focused on how the Ministry of Education takes decisions. The Director of Education may, however, try to tilt the situation against English. And, as usual, the CM has maintained a staunch silence on this issue.

I hope today’s decider will enable the

The Diocesan Society of Education (DSE) did take some initiative to support the rally in Panjim demanding government grants for English medium primary schools. But are they alone responsible? What about the so called educationists in the Education Department who have permitted hundreds of unaided English medium primary schools since 1991? Perhaps due to this, Goa suffers from English mania. Parents converse with their children in ‘English’. “Baba, Hello say,” is what we teach them, even before they join school.

We could call it Konglish, but it definitely is not English. What has actually spoiled the English of our children is this misplaced mania; not primary education in Konkani.

Ultimately, these children speak neither proper Konkani nor English. Neither can they write or read in these languages properly. Konkani medium has been ‘exploited’ purely to get salary grants for the teachers, not to impart education in proper Konkani.

Schools shifted to Konkani medium overnight in 1991, but no DEd course has started in Konkani till date to train Konkani teachers, except for a few initial workshops by the DSE in the ’90s. Our educationists have been sleeping.

On the other hand, Konglish has spoiled our English. Kids don’t know the difference between

‘than’ and ‘then’, ‘its’ and ‘it’s’. Many ‘aks’; they don’t ‘ask’! Teachers in schools try hard, but rarely succeed in changing this. Can these children really compete in the world job market? Then why blame Konkani medium education at primary level?

In comparison, students who have learnt in Konkani medium (even in Marathi) do better in English – as a language as well as medium. Their base is strong, since they learnt without stress; they even learnt English as a language, with proper grammar, not Konglish.

Children from schools like KBM are also prepared to shift to English medium. They face no difficulty in writing or reading English in Std V. In addition, they have the advantage of knowing Konkani well. The multilingual candidate is preferred in today’s service industry to those who cannot write, read or speak even one language properly.

We recently made friends with a Telugu couple that was in Goa earlier, but moved to England.

Their son wants to settle in India and make his career; not in Mumbai or Hyderabad but in Goa. The reason is that he knows no other language than English, which works in Goa, as it’s a tourist state.

His parents repent today for not introducing him to his mother tongue, Telugu. His future lies in vibrant, booming India. But he is completely lost...

I can’t understand why our educationists come out on the roads only for medium of instruction, and not to improve our faulty system of primary education. I can’t understand why they all turned a blind eye towards the ‘cheating of teaching’ going on all these years. I can’t understand why we shy away from speaking our own mother tongue but prefer spoiling our child’s English with this obsession. I also can’t understand why politicians politicise education, in which lies the future of our children.

As a parent who was a victim of circumstance, my humble request is to maintain the status quo and study the issue thoroughly first. We need our children to learn proper English (not Konglish).

We also don’t want them to be uprooted from the local culture and language. We want them to be multilingual. We need all-round development.

For this, we need a well-planned roadmap for Goa’s prosperity. This issue cannot be resolved by coming on the streets or getting emotional.

Temporary solutions are mere eyewash. We can’t afford unscientific short cuts. We need a scientifically formulated permanent solution. It’s Education; not Politics! (This article first appeared in Goanews.com)

gifts which are distributed is directly proportional to the power the politicians wield after elections.

In elections to the civic bodies, the ‘goodies’ distributed could be anything from a five-kilo bag of rice to sugar to even cooking oil. But then a politician was recently in the news for distributing LED television sets, washing machines and other home appliances, so that the voters elect his panel in the civic poll. The voters did not disappoint the said politician.

Not lagging behind political parties, independents contesting the 13 April assembly elections in Tamil Nadu too have come up with the promise of freebies to woo the electorate, but most of them border on absurdity. It must be said that when it comes to wooing the electorate, the sky is the limit. Also, one can expect the politicians to come out with innovative ideas.

It is understood that an independent candidate has promised a cell phone, a generator set to each family to relieve them from power cuts, free cable TV connections and pocket money of Rs200 to every student if he gets elected. Another independent candidate

Unpalatable comments Rocky Dias, Raia Unmistakably, it has been resounding year after year at the Goa International Film festivals that Goa is a peaceful and beautiful place, and its people are warm, affectionate, loving, hospitable and generous. This has been echoed in the international fraternity because seeing is believing. They believe in the truth, as positive thinking is an affirmation of ourselves, of life and others.

With Bipasha Basu acting in ‘Dum Maaro Dum’, a dark drug menace film, it has been reported that she had the audacity to call Goan women cheaper than liquor.

For such loose mouthed people, the adage either be a woman of experience or get married to a man of experience, rightly suits.

Bipasha must not forget that Goan parents love their girls and get them married at a proper time to live a respectable family life. No respectable person will ever make such unpalatable comments.

Bipasha Basu has killed the purity and sanctity of Goan women. Only one MLA raised his voice. This is credible, because the other 39 MLAs may have felt that they are no better than Bipasha.

Another political gimmick?

from Musiri in Tamil Nadu (TN) has promised free gold coins to all voters if elected, besides a piece of land to those who worked for him during the polls. Vincent Paul, another independent from Manapparai, TN, has reportedly offered a gold chain of five sovereigns to all girls getting married.

In a war of freebies, ruling DMK and AIADMK parties have promised a bonanza ranging from a mixer grinder to mineral water and free rice. But probably the one that takes the cake is an independent candidate contesting from Salem South and North constituencies of that state, who has made the most unbelievable offer of a Nano car each to every voter if they elected him. Did anyone say about politicians taking the voters for a ride? It seems that there are also very smart voters around. They accept freebies from all the candidates, promise everyone of their support but votes as per his/her conscience. That is like giving these corrupt politicians back in good measures. Will all this change when the LokPal bill is introduced in the monsoon session Parliament and then made into a law? Well, we will have to wait and see.

Letters to the Editor

Letter of the Day

parents to do their bit for their ward’s future, in educating them.

By Adelmo Fernandes

be another gimmick to divert focus from the scams and to check ‘Baba’ upsurge on this issue.

Tulsidas Malkarnekar, Margao

Fair justice

One of the political parties presently in power is known for creating wave to attract the masses and divert attention for their lapses. Many years ago, they came out with a plan to infuse young blood in the party leading to dropping of stalwarts from the cadre and government positions. Recently, many major scams were unearthed which eroded their image.

A new sensation was required in the form of ‘Hazare’ who had to come out in the open to fight for rooting out corruption.

We have adequate laws to tackle the menace, and have been rendered toothless by these politicians. A high drama was made to impress the public, with an eye on the forthcoming elections in some states. There was a quick response to accept the demands for formulating the Lokpal bill. It is not known what prevented them all these years in formulating such a bill.

There appears to be no sincerity the way the things are progressing. This seems to

The situation of Goa has changed by existing legislation and introducing or proposing new legislations according to the convenience of elected representatives in the Assembly of Goa, to fortify their vote bank.

Fair justice is denied to interested people, including land owners.

There are wrong or backdoor entries of names in survey records, i.e. Form No I and XIV with blessings of some politicians in collaboration with corrupt Talathis, etc.

Also, Mundkars and Tenants are encroaching upon comunidade and other land to grab the same illegally. If any interested party goes to the Civil or Mamlatdar’s court, sometimes, they are protecting them as possessors of land without verifying ownership or title documents, etc., and justice is denied for ulterior motives, or sometimes to protect them or their own community with corruption.

If you go for litigations, it takes years.

Efigenio Dias, Colva

Sometimes, justice is denied.

Bestow them the honour Melson F M Louis, Margao Team India’s historic triumph over Sri Lanka in the 2011 Cricket World Cup, brought joy and pride to millions of Indians at home and abroad and made the country proud.

Captain M S Dhoni and Team India will go down in history as one of the most brilliant cricket team, which gave India 2011 World cup victory.

Famous sociologist Ashish Nandy, once said, “Cricket is an Indian game, accidentally invented by the British.”

Goa Cricket Association (GCA) President Dayanand Narvekar should propose to the members of GCA to bestow the honour and grant free life membership to all members of the Indian team, as a token of our love and gratitude from the people of Goa.

Gifting reasonably S Kamat, Alto-Betim When it comes to celebrating anything, Indians are prone to excesses but when it comes to cricket, then the excess crosses all boundaries.

The manner in which crores of rupees are being bandied about while gifting our cricketers after their World Cup triumph is something which has crossed all reasonable norms.

India is a poor country. Here it is almost as if all and sundry are trying to outdo the other vis-à-vis the quantum of the gifts.

Some amount of restraint has to be shown as these gifts in the form of cash, are taken out from the exchequer.

Friend turned foe?

Jerry Fernandes, Saligao The Leader of the Opposition, Manohar Parrikar is currently trying to score some political points against his close rival Babush Monserrate over the issue of recent detention at the Mumbai Airport for carrying foreign currency beyond permissible limits.

He says that Babush should be forced to resign immediately. Who has created this Babush in Goa? Isn’t it Parrikar himself?

Paths of Wisdom The Mother

Mirra Alfassa, later Mirra Morisset and Mirra Richard (21 February 1878 – 17 November 1973), also known as The Mother, was the spiritual collaborator of Sri Aurobindo.

She came to Sri Aurobindo’s retreat on 29 March 1914 in Pondicherry, India to collaborate on editing the journal ‘Arya’. Having to leave Pondicherry during World War I, she spent most of her time in Japan where she met the poet Rabindranath Tagore. Finally, she returned to Pondicherry and settled there in 1920.

After 24 November 1926, when Sri Aurobindo retired into seclusion, she founded his ashram (Sri Aurobindo Ashram), with a handful of disciples living around the Master. She became the leader of the community, a position she held until her death. The Trust she had registered after Sri Aurobindo’s death in 1950 continues to look after the institution.

The experiences of the last thirty years of Alfassa’s life were captured in the 13volume work ‘The Agenda’. In those years, she attempted the physical transformation of her body in order to become what she felt was the first of a new type of human individual by opening to the Supramental Truth Consciousness, a new power of spirit that Sri Aurobindo had allegedly discovered. Sri Aurobindo considered her an incarnation of the Mother Divine, hence her followers called her ‘the Mother’. The Divine Mother is believed by some to be the feminine aspect (Creative Energy) of the Divine consciousness and spirit.

(Source : Wikipedia)

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.

HOW TO CONTACT US: mail@herald-goa.com — For press notes, general queries. junior@herald-goa.com — Junior Herald; junioryouth@herald-goa.com — Careers. heraldmirror@herald-goa.com — Sunday Mirror. reporters@herald-goa.com — For Reporters. business@herald-goa.com — For Business news. editor@herald-goa.com — For Letters to the Editor. sports@herald-goa.com — For Sports news. advt@herald-goa.com — For Advertisements. 2day@herald-goa.com — For Herald 2day. tiatr@herald-goa.com — For Tiatr Reviews and Reports. Disclaimer: Except for the editorial above, articles and letters in Herald represent the views of the concerned authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Herald editor, publisher, and/or owners.

OHERALDO

pg7_Layout 1 4/12/2011 10:11 PM Page 1

Pg 7

INDIA

GOA, WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL, 2011

opinionated ED to attach properties of ex-Jharkhand CM, aides

Legislator injured in stone pelting

PTI

AIADMK MLA and candidate for Madathukulam assembly constituency in Tirupur district C Shanmughavelu was admitted to government hospital after he sustained head injury following clashes with DMK workers over alleged distribution of money to voters.

According to police, AIADMK workers led by Shanmughavelu surrounded a house at Udukkampalayam where his rival candidate and Highways minister M P Swaminathan (DMK) and his supporters were meeting voters last night.

AIADMK workers alleged that the minister was distributing money to entice voters, which was denied by DMK volunteers there leading to a brawl between workers of the two parties, police said.

Stones were hurled at each other and in the melee, Shanmughavelu sustained head injuries. He was taken to government hospital in Udumalpet, police said.

Let’s hold our tongues

By Oscar de Noronha

The present debate on the medium of instruction hinges on the definition of the ‘mother tongue’. The issue first became polemical twenty years ago; but since a policy decision was then made in a mighty hurry, it has now come back, raging like a tsunami. A nuanced response is the need of the hour: One must consider the historical context of our language imbroglio as well as the new ground realities and change in the people’s world views so that a generally acceptable solution is found.’

What is ‘mother tongue’?

The mother tongue is defined as ‘a language that a person has learned from birth’ or as ‘a language of one’s ethnic group or of a community’. The first definition reflects the fact that, in the intimate contact of mother and child, her language becomes the child’s ‘first language’, the language of his/her thinking, the one that he/she finds most comforting and empowering.

The second definition looks at our other mother: our society, our motherland. Language helps social bonding or to forge a socio-cultural identity. This is what prompts us Goans to declare Konkani as our mother tongue.

It would be ideal for the two definitions to coincide; but in a global village one can’t expect them to. Thus, in Goa, by the first definition, Konkani, Marathi, English, and Portuguese, among others, qualify as ‘mother tongues’. By the second, a curious situation arises: Konkani as the ‘mother tongue’ of all residents of Goa, even if some of them know not a word of it…!

This means that in heterogeneous societies, one cannot simply presume the other’s ‘mother tongue’!

NEW DELHI, APRIL 12

The Enforcement Directorate is all set to attach properties worth Rs 130 crore allegedly belonging to former Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda and his aides.

The directorate, which is probing charges of huge illegal investments and hawala transactions against Koda and his associates, got an approval order from the adjudicating authority under the Prevention of Money Laundering (PMLA) Act in the national capital.

Sources said this is the first order that the Directorate has got and more such attachments are in the offing as the total cost of the properties ascertained and identified by the ED is more than Rs 200 crore.

The attachment action under the PMLA is a step where properties of the accused are attached as “proceeds of crime”, the sources said.

The ED has identified properties primarily in the State of Jharkhand and a few in adjoining Bihar, which will be sealed and

The directorate, which is probing charges of huge illegal investments and hawala transactions against Koda and his associates, got an approval order from the adjudicating authority under the Prevention of Money Laundering (PMLA) Act in the national capital.

a complete embargo would be issued by the agency against their sale and purchase as an inquiry is in process against the owners- Koda and his associates.

The properties to be attached also include those allegedly owned by Koda's associates like

Binod and Vikash Sinha, who are in judicial custody.

The Directorate had on March 4 filed a charge sheet at a special court in Ranchi against Koda accusing him of amassing illegal wealth of over Rs 1,340 crore in connivance with four of his close associates.

PTI COIMBATORE, APRIL 12

Goa’s multilingualism

Proposed Path

Here are some features of the proposal: -- Single medium of instruction throughout school, with a medium switch-over allowed, preferably at Std V; -- Standardised quality of education in all three mediums; -- Distinct presence of Konkani over a ten-to-twelve year period, irrespective of the main medium of instruction; -- Other languages to go alongside subjects like Music or Art. If found to be an added burden, they may be left to private institutions, or to post-S.S.C.; -- Planners to gradually prepare syllabi for higher studies in the Konkani and Marathi mediums; -- The sustainability level of each medium will eventually become evident, helping to devise a state cultural policy.

To conclude: It is high time we realised that in a globalising world ethnicity is, unfortunately, a casualty; but turning a blind eye to English is not the remedy. Rather, concerted efforts must be made to see that this ethnicity becomes beautiful, relevant, powerful and acceptable. Meanwhile, we must live and let live.

Let none play God. If we hold our tongues, our mother tongues

As Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry go to assembly polls tomorrow, the Election Commission today asked the electorate to vote as per their “conscience and without any inducement”.

“Please go by your conscience. Vote without fear. Vote without any inducement," the Commission said in an appeal to voters in the three southern states.

The commission said its machinery has worked day and night over the last many months to make it possible for the voters to vote “freely and fairly”.

The EC's appeal comes in the backdrop of Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi terming the conduct of assembly polls in Tamil Nadu a “challenging" one in view of incidents of distribution of money.

“We are enforcing expenditure control measures in great detail in these elections to check the role of money power. Tamil

HERALD CORRESPONDENT NEW DELHI, APRIL 12

The Indian Army is switching over to trendy sports shoes for its soldiers, discarding the brown canvas PT shoes that formed part of their uniform for the past five decades for exercises.

Tenders are being floated for purchase of 10 lakh pairs of sports shoes that are well-cushioned and comfortable and sync with the modern trends. While the jawans will get them free of cost, the officers will have to pay for them.

The army is also exploring to redesign the combat boots its personnel wear while performing the operational tasks as a

Drawbacks of English?

Goa has a three-in-one official language formula; why not a similar arrangement for state-funded schools, as proposed below?

Medium – Pre-primary to Std X – English, Konkani, Marathi.

2nd Language at primary school – Konkani, English/Marathi, Konkani 2nd Language at middle and secondary school – Konkani, English/Marathi, Konkani 3rd Language at secondary school – Hindi, Hindi, Hindi Other languages and options, at secondary schools – Marathi/Portuguese/French/Urdu/Music/etc., Portuguese/French/Urdu/Music,etc., English/Portuguese/French/Urdu/Music etc.

PTI NEW DELHI, APRIL 12

n Voters must come out and press the button of your own future and carry home the ink mark of personal pride on your finger.

-- EC Nadu has been a challenging case. But we are doing our best and will not allow any let up,” he had said.

“Tomorrow, what is on offer for you is perhaps the best gift of our country to her citizens.

It is the choice to elect your representative and your government," the EC said.

The commission asked the voters not to forget to take the Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) to the polling booth or other prescribed documents if they have not received the EPIC cards.

Jawans switching over to trendy sports shoes

Konkani is the language of the Konkan region; its speakers are the most multilingual community of India today. As regards Goa in particular, researcher Madhavi Sardesai (in ‘Mother Tongue Blues’) points out that, until Shenoi Goembab’s intervention, Hindus even if not fluent in Marathi considered this their mother tongue and Konkani a dialect thereof; and since Portuguese was used in administration, higher education and the media, they accepted its supremacy and sought it for upward social mobility.

For their part, the Christian elite culturally identified themselves with Portuguese, which often became their mother tongue. The Christian linguistic ethos created a wider space for Konkani, but like all others, the Konkani-speaking masses aspired to rise and shine through Portuguese.

Replace Marathi and Portuguese with English and you have a picture of Goa today. While Konkani is no longer considered a dialect but a language, English has gained acceptance across communities, geographical areas and socio-economic strata.

The march of multilingualism was unstoppable then as it is now!

Haughty China and Japan apart, several Indian states that were once intolerant of ‘Western imperialism’ have bowed to it.

Should Goa – whose spirit of internationalism shone bright much before ‘globalisation’ was spoken of – just stand and watch the world pass by?

Besides enjoying an undisputed presence the world over, English as an ‘associate official language’ is the de facto language of administration in India. In Goa, as the first language of a sizeable section of our educated lot, and a dream language with a potential to transform the lives of thousands of others, it eminently qualifies to be a state-funded medium of instruction.

Let us, however, briefly examine some real or imagined drawbacks of English as a medium of instruction. Some resent that its introduction will put in-migrants on a par with the locals; others allege that it will ‘de-nationalise’ and ‘de-culturise’ us; some others opine that, not being class-neutral, it is divisive; yet others fear that state-funded schools in English will spell doom for Konkani and Marathi – both of which are viewed as antidotes to all those ills.

In response one can say, first, that an allergy to in-migrants itself betrays a denationalised mind.

Second: Nationalism comes more easily to a contented lot, to people who when not feeling discriminated against communicate freely. Here English scores high, higher than Hindi.

Third: Language is not the sole standard-bearer of a culture, and the task of preserving this should not be placed on the shoulders of our kids. Besides, what is ‘deculturisation’? Doesn’t culture have a right to evolve? Yes, we can’t leave our land and culture to the vultures; but, then, relevant legal provisions in this regard should have been in place long ago.

Fourth: All communication creates a pecking order, our dialects and scripts being good examples! So, while class neutrality is plain wishful thinking, opportunities should be made available to all citizens to find their own levels.

Fifth: The fear that English will spell doom for schools in the vernacular mediums is an indirect admission that English is the preferred medium of instruction in 21st century Goa. Those who can afford will learn English in private schools; why not extend the same benefits to the masses?

Sixth: How have the people responded to Konkani as a medium of instruction in the last twenty years? How well has the language benefited? One thing is sure: there has been a relatively greater rise in the number of state-funded Marathi-medium schools and privately-owned English-medium schools.

Last but not least, while we talk of Goa’s ‘mother tongue’ in the singular, how come we practise it in the plural? If Marathi can qualify, why can’t English? If there can be two languages, why not three? Both UNESCO and the RTE Act recognise the legitimacy of more than one mother tongue in heterogeneous societies.

Vote without fear, EC tells voters in poll-bound States

Devotees dressed as Ram and Laxman participating at a procession during Ram Navami celebration in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Fresh tussle by NGOs over Lokpal Bill HERALD CORRESPONDENT NEW DELHI, APRIL 12

The NGOs on the National Advisory Committee (NAC) of Sonia Gandhi are squirming over the government snatching away from their hands the task of revising its Lok Pal Bill and virtually outsourcing it to another batch of NGOs led by social crusader Anna Hazare.

They were, in fact, in the midst of examining the government's Bill and redrafting its weak clauses when Hazare snatched away their agenda by resorting to a fast-unto-death and forcing the government to take him and his team on a joint committee to draft a better Bill.

The NAC's working group of the NGOs headed by Aruna Roy had rather invited the associates of Hazare who are now on the drafting committee for a hearing on April 4, just a day before he

started the fast, to record their views.

Noted jurist and former law minister Shanti Bhushan, who is co-chairman of the joint drafting committee for Lok Pal Bill, and its members lawyer Prashant Bhushan, Karnataka lokayukt Santosh Hegde and RTI activist Arvind kejriwal had appeared before this working group to give their view points on lacuna in the government Bill. They were to appear again before it on April 16 for further discussions but it is unlikely since after the government conceding to listen to them directly in the joint committee.

The NIC members are sceptic that Sonia Gandhi will take a call to let them continue with their task of formulating a better Lok Pal Bill lest the government is embarrassed as it will be otherwise besieged with two ver-

sions of the Bill, one forwarded by the NAC and another formulated by the new joint committee.

Their worry is that Hazare and company may encroach upon their turf if he starts taking up one after another issues sidelining the role they are playing as members of the all powerful NAC in virtually dictating the government by firing the gun from the shoulders of Sonia Gandhi.

They are, therefore, trying to poison mind of Sonia Gandhi, bringing to her attention how Hazare praised Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi for decentralisation of powers and how he threatened to put the government on the mat by engineering one after another agitation on other burning issues.

As one NGO member of the

NAC points out, Sonia Gandhi has to choose between one band of the NGOs assembled under her leadership to convey the civil society's view points to the government peacefully and another band of NGOs who want to resort to a creating a media hype with dharna, fasts and other tactics to show the government in poor light.

He said the Lok Pal Bill is just one specific element in the campaign against corruption and the NAC won't grumble if Hazare's group contributes to its formulation, but there are the gamut of many other issues like electoral, administrative and police reforms, black money on which the NAC would not like to give the turf to other NGOs just because they are assertive in forcing the government's hand.

Warsi going to be Jolly LLB in new film PTI NEW DELHI, APRIL 12

After playing an entire spectrum of crooks, from the gold loving Circuit to Babban who prefers women, Arshad Warsi is set to step into the black coats of a lawyer in his upcoming film 'Jolly LLB'.

The third outing of 'Phas Gaye Re Obama' director Subhash Kapoor, the satire will take a look at the haloed courts of justice and the hilarity of their daily going-ons.

Bollywood 'badshah' Shah Rukh Khan himself was reportedly in the running for the role but now the 'Munna Bhai' star has been chosen by the director.

“Arshad is a perfect fit for the role, a small town lawyer trying to fit into the Delhi courts. He looks the part and

n Arshad is a perfect fit for the role, a small town lawyer trying to fit into the Delhi courts.

- Subhash Kapoor has proved with his previous work that he can easily match the mannerisms and body lan-

guage too,” Kapoor told PTI. The film is based on the filmmaker's own experiences of court-rooms and judges. The director had the opportunity to witness many while working as a journalist in Delhi and the episodes were far removed from the solemn sessions depicted in Bollywood films.

“During my days as a journalist I had the opportunity to see many court-proceedings and hung out with a lot of lawyers and it is so unlike the cliched Bollywood idea, with the judge saying 'Order Order'," said the filmmaker. “ The judges sometimes mixed up cases and the verdict for one was delivered at another.

The lawyers came up with the silliest objections and received some funny put-downs. A courtroom is the perfect setting for a comedy,” said the former-hack.

Kapoor's 'filmi' dreams took him to Mumbai from the courts of the capital city, but he got off to a bad start. Hemade his directorial debut with the 2007 dud 'Say Salaam India' but all changed with his second ‘Phas Gaye..’.

The film which revolved around a small-town mafia reeling under the effects of the global recession, received critical and commercial success. But it was 'Jolly LLB' which was conceptualised before 'Phas Gaye'.

“I actually wrote the story in 2007. But then the recession happened and I just could not find a producer. That gave me the idea for 'Phas Gaye' and that film got made," said the director.

And it changed the entire equation for Kapoor, who had the producers now lined up and ready to make 'Jolly LLB'.

Woman police officer, hubby held for running sex racket PTI KANPUR, APRIL 12

A woman police officer, stationed at Lucknow, and her husband were arrested for allegedly running a sex racket at Chakeri area here, police said today.

“The accused Usha Singh Tomar and Ram Prakash Singh

Tomar were arrested on the information divulged by Jamil Ahmed who was arrested on Sunday for allegedly running the sex racket. Ahmed told that the couple were running the sex racket from Chakeri area and had expanded it to nearby districts,” they said.

“The telephone numbers which have been derived from the couple also revealed that they were running the sex racket in other districts of the state as well,” police said.

The couple were arrested yesterday at Central Railway station,

they said, adding, they were planning to flee from the city.

Usha's track record has been abominable and was sent to jail in a murder case. She was also suspended on this charge from 1994 to 1997 from the police service.

study showed that the present design of the boots tired them fast while required to wear them for long hours.

Foreign designers and suppliers as also Indian companies will be approached to design, produce and supply these new boots as a part of the modernisation plans.

The new combat boots the army is looking for will be ankle high lightweight boots with sufficient cushion and ventilation to provide suitable footwear for all kinds of rugged terrain, including the counter-insurgency operations in jungles and mountains.

APPOINTMENTS

Sai Baba still stable

Satya Sai Baba's health condition continued to be stable today but doctors attending on him were concerned over the slow pace of improvement.

“Sri Satya Sai Baba, is still on ventilator to assist his respiration and intermittent haemodialysis to assist his kidneys,” a health bulletin issued this morning by Director of Sri Satya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences A N Safaya here said.

APPOINTMENTS

OHERALDO

Pg 8 GOA, WEDNESDAY•13 APRIL• 2011

Pak wants drastic cut in CIA, US agents on its soil PTI WASHINGTON, APRIL 12

Pakistan has demanded a drastic cut in number of CIA agents and special forces personnel operating on its soil and a halt to drone strikes in the country's restive northwest, in signs of near collapse of intelligence

cooperation between the two nations. The demand for scale back of its intelligence presence in Pakistan is the immediate fallout of a row between the two countries over the arrest of CIA officer Raymond Davis, New York Times reported.

NEWS

6.3 quake hits Japan PTI TOKYO, APRIL 12

A strong offshore earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 jolted Chiba Prefecture, just east of Tokyo, this morning, a day after an aftershock of 7.1 rocked Japan's northeast, country's Meteorological Agency said.

There was no immediate report of any damage to life or property due to quake which hit the prefecture and its vicinity at 8.08 am (local time). Residents in Tokyo also felt the jolts as buildings in the Japanese capital shook for several seconds.

No tsunami warning was issued, but the runways of Narita international airport in the prefecture were reportedly closed for checks in the wake of quake.

Another aftershock hit of 5.5 magnitude hit Nagano Prefecture in central Japan at 7.26 am today, the MeT officials said.

There was no report of any damage.

Yesterday, a strong aftershock of magnitude 7.1 jolted Japan's northeast on the one-month anniversary of the devastating quake and tsunami that had left thousands of people dead, prompting authorities to evacuate workers from the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant.

A rebel fighter with an amputated leg walks at the front line of the western entrance of Ajdabiyah Tuesday.

NATO not doing enough in Libya: France PTI TRIPOLI, APRIL 12

As forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi continue to push the rebels from their positions, cracks seem to be appearing in NATO over military strategy in Libya, with major NATO alliance partner France demanding that the punishing raids should be carried out to finish strongman's tanks and heavy artillery.

NATO is not doing "enough", the French Foreign minister Allen Juppe said, as he clamoured for heavier strikes to destroy heavy weaponry used by Gaddafi's forces in Libya to break the present stalemate on the ground.

"NATO must play its role fully.

It wanted to take the lead in operations," Juppe said, adding that Libyan civilians remain at risk.

France, UK and the US under the banner of NATO are leading the drive against pro-Gaddafi forces in Libya.

"It must play its role today which means preventing Gaddafi from using heavy weapons to shell civilian populations," Juppe was quoted as saying by BBC. Libyan rebels have been pushed back despite air raids

by NATO on the forces of Gaddafi.

Meanwhile, Libya's former foreign minister Mussa Kussa, who is in the UK after defecting from Moamer Gaddafi regime, feared that the restive nation could be-

come a "new Somalia".

"I ask everyone, all the parties, to avoid taking Libya into a civil war," the former minister said in a statement issued to the BBC. "This would lead to so much blood and Libya will be a new Somalia," he said. "We refuse to divide Libya.

"The unity of Libya is essential to any resolution and settlement for Libya," he added.

Meanwhile, the government forces pounded besieged western town of Misurata, which has been the scene of heavy bombardments for more than a month now.

The rebels pushed back an advance by Gaddafi's forces into the town.

FROM PAGE 1 Goa Flights may take a hit

to land except to violate the restrictions.

Being a military airbase of INS Hansa, Dabolim airport is not open for landing of the civilian flights during the night hours while there are as many as 45 flights that land there during the day time, excluding the period when the Naval aircraft carry out the daily sorties for practice.

The DGCA cracked the whip on four airlines for violating its directive not to operate flights to Goa during certain hours when the ground navigational aids are switched off for carrying out the repairs. It is particularly very risky for blind landing of the jet aircraft as a slightest human error of pilot in gauging distance and height before touchdown can be disastrous, the DGCA official said.

PAPI is a crucial navigational aid to assist the pilot with the landing path and provide features like distance and height for touchdown and guide him to acquire and maintain the correct approach to the airport. It is basically a light array generally located beside the runway approximately 300 meters beyond the landing threshold of the runway and normally consists of four equi-spaced light units, colour-coded to provide a visual indication of an aircraft’s position relative to the designated glide slope for the runway.

Both DGCA and Navy had issued NOTAM regarding closure of these facilities from April 4 to April 30. DGCA chief E K Bharat Bhushan is quite furious at four flights landing at Dabolim airport without navigational aid at the airport, risking lives to passengers.

“Despite our warnings to respect the curfew hours, some airlines have violated this directive. They will have to pay for it. We will take action,” Bharat Bhushan told a news agency.

He said he had a meeting with the chiefs of operations of all airlines “and told them that these curfew hours should be respected entirely. I had also warned them that in case of any violation, we will come down heavily on the operators as well as the flying crew.”

Landings safe

during restricted hours with their management”, added Singh.

He informed that the total runway length is 11,250 ft, which is quite lengthy compared to other metro airports in the country.

“The repair work is carried out at the starting and ending points of the runway. That leaves nearly 9,000 ft of runway available for flight operations, which is quite sufficient”.

“Apparently, runway is undergoing periodical maintenance, where joints of the runway are cut and filled with special mixtures that have been tested in Mumbai”, he informed.

“The runway joints are cut and filled with a special mixture, which settles down within five minutes after it is poured in cut joints and this task has to be completed during day”, informed Singh.

When there is enough visibility during day, landing is done comfortably with available stretch of runway and in case if visibility is very low, then full length of runway is made available within half an hour.

Requirement of PAPI (Precision Approach Path Instrument) and GP (Glide Path) guideline laid down by Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is an assisting device.

When pointed that DGCA has issued guidelines that in the absence of PAPI and GP, Boeing 737 and other jumbo jets are not allowed to land or take off, he said that it is an issue between airline operators and DGCA, as Navy had nothing to do with it.

“Nearly 9,000 ft runway is made available and when airline show willingness that they can land or take off with 9,000 ft of available runway,” he said.

He specifically said that NOTAM has clearly mentioned and it is the airlines and DGCA that have to decide whether to operate or not during the restricted hours.

“Moreover, an option is available with airlines to change timing during restriction hours, as we are ready to accommodate”, assured Singh.

Bus owners divided

Tamankar”, declared Manuel Rodrigues to newsmen here this evening.

“We are not supporting Tamankar’s decision and do not approve of his unilateral decisions”, Manuel said, adding that the general secretary did not take all the bus owners into confidence before announcing the indefinite bus strike and hunger strike.

Manuel said the bus owners are looking out for the resolution of their grievances and not a game of one-upmanship with the Government or the Transport Director or their transfers.

Bus owner Domnic Fernandes, said the buses plying on the Margao-Cavelossim route will not participate in the bus strike.

“Let us make it very clear that all the bus owners are not supporting Tamankar’s unilateral decisions. Tamankar did not hold any meeting in South Goa before announcing his decisions. We will not participate in the bus strike”, he asserted.

Another bus owner, Denis Miranda lashed out at Tamankar, charging him of being a one man show. “Tamankar should know there are bus owners from all over Goa and ought to have taken them into confidence before taking the unilateral decision”, he said, adding that Tamankar takes the bus owners for granted on issues plaguing the private bus operators by taking unilateral decisions.

OHERALDO

Biz9_Layout 1 4/12/2011 9:44 PM Page 1

BIZ

Pg9

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 13 APRIL, 2011

TALK BUSINESS

Heritage Village Club refurbished

Oil price rally may lead to global slowdown: IEA REUTERS LONDON, APRIL 12

PANJIM (HBD) -- The Heritage Village Club Goa located on Arossim beach a mere 20 minutes drive from the Dabolim Airport has been refurbished.

After adding 24 luxurious club rooms last year and a new live grill restaurant called Forrest which serves a wide range of grills and roasts and also having completed the renovation of the Chutney restaurant and the Casa Rosa bar, the resort has now refurbished 48 of its design rooms and 23 superior rooms with new fabrics, including bed linen, and other room fabric, wifi in room and public areas, safes in room, new 8 inch spring mattresses, new LCD TVs and hair dryers.

The resort is India's first All-Inclusive Boutique Resort; weekend hotel for goans, popular charter resort, and winner of many charter awards where you will experience Goa and a holiday without a worry. This charming 97 room resort offers a choice of the very best of contemporary accommodation in Goa. As Guitry Velho, the GM says “to give you a totally satisfying holiday we have pioneered the ‘All-Inclusive’ holiday concept. You pay one comprehensive price for all facilities. You get accommodation, unlimited food, snacks in-between meals, in house beverages and entertainment activities for the whole family.”

A complete family destination; Heritage Village Club, takes care of your relaxation needs while magicians, clowns, face painters keep the children busy. Lavish buffets. Exotic drinks and Exciting activities… Karaoke, Live bands for guests to unwind and relax by amidst the swaying palms and large inviting swimming pool.

Simone is GM for Zuri Goa PANJIM (HBD) -- Zuri Group Global has appointed Roberto Simone as the GM for its Goa properties – The Zuri Whitesands Varca Casino and Resort and The Retreat by Zuri.

Roberto’s responsibility areas at The Zuri properties in Goa will include management of all 600 associates, ensuring the implementations of the operations in line with company targets and business plan, property management and development of human resources.

A hands-on manager with a creative streak, Roberto Simone Roberto Simone has taken over his duties as a General Manager at The Zuri Whitesands, Varca Casino and Resort and The Retreat by Zuri, Goa. His bent towards a logical and systematic approach, coupled with his outgoing nature, makes him a natural communicator.

Roberto is an Italian national with an MBA in Finance from United Kingdom. He has also done his F&B Management program from the prestigious Cornell University. Roberto started his hospitality career as a Sales Agent, Bar Manager, and Banqueting Manager before moving on to being a Food & Beverage Manager. His past experiences also include being the General Manager at Silversea Six Star Cruise in Miami, The Vine Hotel Design Hotel in Madeira Island and Vintage Hospitality which is a leading hotel of the World properties in Rome. Roberto has also served the role of a Deputy General Manager at the famous JW Marriott Capri Tiberio Palace Resorts in Capri Island.

BMW India March numbers ahead of competetion PANJIM (HBD) -- BMW India delivered 1027 cars to customers and further consolidated its leadership position in the luxury car segment in India.

Dr Andreas Schaaf, president, BMW India said, “BMW India is proud to become the first luxury car manufacturer to cross the 1000 mark in a single month. This proves that we have a whole range of competitive advantages: exciting new products, first class premium dealerships, superior customer service and a very strong and aspirational brand. As the market leader in the Indian luxury car segment, I am convinced that we are well-positioned for a very promising future.”

BMW India has delivered 2147 cars to customers in calendar year 2011 (January – 500 Units, February – 620 Units, March – 1027 Units). Dr Andreas Schaaf further added, “Today, BMW stands for sport-inspired and efficient driving. The new BMW 5 Series has contributed tremendously to the success story of BMW in India and is the largest selling luxury sedan in its segment. The new BMW 5 Series has received extremely positive feedback from the market and and has positioned itself as the best business limousine in India.”

Last year, BMW India retained the Number One position in the luxury car segment in India for the second consecutive year with a market share of over 40%. With 6246 cars delivered to customers in the calendar year 2010, BMW India achieved the “highest sales by a manufacturer in the luxury car segment in a year”.

ESPD enhances capacity at Pune, Bahadurgarh PANJIM (HBD) -- The Essar Steel Processing & Distribution Facility (ESPD) at Bahdurgarh (NCR) and Pune recently added a world class slitting line for thicker HR steel coils. These slitters have the capacity to process 100,000 tonnes of HR Coil per annum. Targeted at meeting the needs of the fast-growing auto and construction sector in the region, the HR Slitter facility will be complimented by narrow cut-to-length lines, which will provide high speed, high quality blanking of HR coils in the customers’ desired sizes. With the commissioning of these facilities, Essar Steel will enhance its steel processing capacity at each of these centres to 400,000 tonnes per annum.

The newly installed HR Slitter will process coils up to 12 mm thick and 2,000-mm wide into strips of desired widths down to 50 mm, which clearly is a benchmark in the country. The processing range of this slitter is unmatched as HR Steel with tensile strength of 750 MPa and thickness of 12 mm can be processed at a speed of 40 meters per minute, while 1.2 mm thick coils can be processed at as high speed as 120 meters per minute.

Sky-high oil prices are beginning to dent oil demand growth, the International Energy Agency said on Tuesday, adding prices could ultimately moderate through a global economic slowdown.

"Most analysts see a more formal OPEC policy response as unlikely... That leaves a less palatable route to price moderation -- namely economic slowdown and weaker demand growth," the agency, which advises 28 industrialised countries on energy policy, said in its monthly report.

"There are real risks however that a sustained, $100 per barrel plus price environment will prove incompatible with the currently expected pace of economic recovery," it added.

The agency said data for January and February suggested that high oil prices may have started to dent demand growth. It however kept its 2011 global oil demand growth forecast unchanged at 1.4 million barrels per day or 1.6 percent.

The head of the IEA's oil industry and markets division David Fyfe said the agency had noticed slowing demand trends

in the United States and Asia Pacific in the past months.

"There's been a marked slowdown since autumn last year.

China is looking a bit slower.

Thailand and Malaysia have seen a bit of a slowdown," he said.

"We are quite early in the cycle, we have only been above $100 a barrel for the first quarter. We would expect sustained economic effect from prices to take 6 to 12 months to fed through," he added.

He said that slower demand in some Asian countries could be offset by stronger demand from Japan which may have to ramp up its oil use by about 150,000 barrels per day to compensate for lost nuclear power generation after a devastating quake.

Fyfe also said that despite early signs of demand destruction because of high oil prices, it was too early to predict the end of the rally.

"It's difficult to see where is the high water mark for political unrest. Arguably some of this uncertainty in the MENA (Middle East-North Africa) region has a while further to run," he said.

TIGHT SUPPLY The IEA said tight supply was a

Mango yield in Gujarat to dip PTI AHMEDABAD, APRIL 12

The mango harvest in Gujarat is likely to dip marginally by 1015 per cent this season, primarily due to unfavourable weather conditions, a State Horticulture Dept official said.

After a bumper crop last year, the mango harvest is expected to drop by 10-15%, primarily due to an extended winter period, thereby leading to poor setting of fruit, according to experts.

"Mango output last year was in excess of 9 lakh MT, of which 60 per cent was of kesar variety. The flowering is not so good this time as it was last year, so production can dip marginally by 10 to 15%," Horticulture Director S R Chaudhary said.

According to government estimates, production in the state had dipped to 2.99 lakh MT in 2008-09, when only 20% flowering could mature into fruit.

The average acreage under the crop in Gujarat is pegged at around 1.15 lakh hectares, while the production in 200708 stood at 9.30 lakh MT. "Mango production is likely to dip this season due to an extended winter period between Dec and Jan. The temperature was below 20 degrees as a result the setting of fruit has been poor," Dean, Horticulture Navsari Agriculture University (NAU), N L Patel, said.

The NAU has undertaken a project to mitigate the hazards of climate change on crops like mango and paddy to begin with.

further concern. Global oil output fell by around 0.7 million barrels per day in March to 88.27 million bpd due to civil war in Libya.

"Hypothetically, if global supply were to chug along at March levels for the rest of 2011, OECD inventory could slip to near five-year lows by December," it said.

The IEA said OPEC March production was 0.6 million bpd below what it sees as average demand for OPEC oil in 2011.

However, the IEA said it believed OPEC spare capacity stood at a comfortable level of 3.91 million bpd, with Saudi Arabia accounting for 3.2 million alone, countering industry concerns OPEC's spare supply cushion was much smaller.

"The response from OPEC to the loss of Libyan crude has been quite modest. We are still waiting to see much sign of a pickup in terms of rising OPEC supplies," said David Fyfe, head of IEA's oil industry and markets division.

The IEA also said non-OPEC output was up 0.2 million bpd in March to 53.3 million despite unrest and strikes in Yemen, Oman, Gabon and Ivory Coast.

GMR Infra to raise $150 m in PE REUTERS BANGALORE, APRIL 12

GMR Infrastructure Ltd , which develops airports and power projects, is looking to raise $150 million through private equity for its airport arm, its group CFO said on Tuesday.

The company was in the process of securing government approvals for the deal, which had already won clearance from the Foreign Investment Promotion Board, Subbarao Amarthaluru said, adding it would be difficult to set a timeline for the deal closure. There would be no immediate equity dilution due to the investment as it would be in the form of compulsorily convertible structured product that will be convertible at the time of the unit going public, he added.

IT firms set for robust outlook as tech spend rises REUTERS BANGALORE, APRIL 12

India's top three technology firms are likely to post strong quarterly profit and indicate robust revenue growth for the year ending March 2012 as overseas clients boost technology spending in an improving global economy.

However, salary increases and currency volatility could put pressure on margins for the country's top software service exporters, Tata Consultancy Services Ltd, Infosys Technologies Ltd and Wipro Ltd. "On the whole, this year will be better than last year. There may be some improvement in pricing and the business outlook will be slightly better than last year as the U.S. market is improving," said K. K. Mital, head of portfolio management services at Globe Capital in New Delhi.

"Wage inflation and the rupee's appreciation will limit profit improvement."

Companies could raise salaries by 10 percent to 15 percent on average this fiscal

year, analysts said. However, some of them expect higher billing rates to offset the effect of salary increases on margins.

In April, research firm Forrester forecast the U.S. technology market to expand 8 percent in 2011, up from 7.4 percent projected previously, with software, IT consulting services and technology outsourcing growing faster than last year.

The United States is the largest market for the Indian technology firms, contributing more than 50 percent of their revenue.

Investors will await management comments on the pipeline for deals, hiring targets and salary rises as Indian firms battle for contracts and employees with larger global rivals such as IBM, Accenture and Hewlett-Packard.

"We will have to see how these companies manage their margins this year," said Srividhya Rajesh, vice president-equity at Sundaram Mutual. "We have to see if Infosys is willing to give up margin expansion

for growth."

The country's top three technology firms, who manage computer networks and maintain IT operations for several Fortune 500 companies, are expected to see profit growth of 14 percent to 22 percent for the fourth-quarter ending March, according to a Reuters poll of analysts.

Revenue is seen rising 18 percent to 31 percent this fiscal.

GROWTH OUTLOOK Infosys, which sets the tone for the near-$60 billion outsourcing sector, opens the earnings parade on Friday and analysts expect India's No. 2 software services exporter to forecast dollar revenue growth of 19 percent to 20 percent for fiscal 2011/12.

"The demand environment seems to be pretty good with the trend for offshoring continuing," said Srividhya. "We are looking at pretty strong growth this year. It will be volume driven. We do expect to see some price increases this year."

TCL expects higher stake in Gabon fertiliser proj PTI MUMBAI, APRIL 12

Tata Chemicals Ltd (TCL), which has acquired 25.1 per cent stake in the ammonia-urea fertilizer complex at Gabon in Africa plans to raise the stake further and invest USD 170 million in phase two.

"We have acquired 25.1 per cent stake in stream 1 (phase 1) and are expecting to hold a substantially higher one in stream 2, which could be equal to Olam International. We are expecting to invest USD 170 million in stream 2," Tata Chemicals MD R Mukundan said.

TCL has acquired a little over 25 per cent stake in the ammonia-urea fertiliser complex at Gabon in Africa for USD 290 million (nearly Rs 1,300 crore).

Out of the investment of

Intel Xeon processor E7 family out PTI MUMBAI, APRIL 12

Intel, the world leader in computing innovation today announced the launch of Intel Xeon processor E7 family.

Enabling IT departments to better manage data-intensive environments through new security and reliability features and record-breaking performance, a new family of server processors that accelerate mission-critical computing have been announced by Intel, a company statement said here.

The record-setting Intel Xeon processor E78800/4800/2800 product families build on Intel's previous generation of server processors to set a new standard for high-end computing applications, including business intelligence, real-time data analytics and virtualization.

Strengthening the line of defence for data centers, the new processors also provide advanced security features that ensure greater data integrity, the release said.

USD 290 million, USD 82 million would be raised through preferential share allotment, sale of investments worth USD 68 million over next three years and the balance through debt funding of USD 140 million, he said.

The fertiliser complex, with a production capacity of 1.3 million tonnes per annum, is being set up through a joint venture between Olam and the Gabon government at an investment of USD 1.3 billion.

In the JV, Olam had 80 per cent stake while the Gabon government has 20 per cent.

The time schedule for executing stream 2 would be mutually decided by Olam International, Republic of Gabon and TCL over next 24 months. The project is envis-

aged to have a capacity of 2.6 MTPA per annum.

Post this development, TCL also expects its international sales to go up, Mukundan said.

Execution work on stream 1 and 1.3 million TPA of urea has already commenced and it is expected to be commissioned in three years time.

TCL expects the cost of production at the facility at only about USD 70 per tonne, one of the lowest in the world.

A sales and marketing joint venture has also been set up by TCL, Olam and government of Gabon for selling the output of the project. TCL, Olam and Gabon government will hold 42.5 per cent, 42.5 per cent and 15 per cent stake respectively in the proposed sales and marketing JV.

Emami eyes Rs 40-cr Rev PTI MUMBAI, APRIL 12

FMCG major Emami, which acquired exclusive rights of a skin-care technology from Mibelle Biochemistry to manufacture and sell products under the Pure Skin brand in India from May, is eyeing a Rs 40-50crore revenue from it in the first-year itself, a top company official said.

The technology known as Multi Plant Stem Cell, that is likely to change the dynamics of the skin-care industry going forward, will help Emami enjoy a cutting-edge technology in terms of product offering.

"We got the exclusive India rights of Multi Plant Stem Cell from Swiss-based Mibelle Biochemistry. The acquisition is significant as no other Indian player is doing this currently.

We plan to launch the products from May onwards and expect an around Rs 40-50-crore revenue from these in FY 12," Emami's Director, Priti Surekha, told reporters here today.

She, however, would not di-

vulge the financial details of the acquisition but said that the company has got a longterm (3-4-years) license for the technology with a provision of renewal.

The company would initially be launching an array of face washes in the market this May followed by moisturisers, lotions, cleansers and toners, Surekha said, adding that the products would be manufactured at its Indian facilities currently.

While she did not disclose on the pricing strategy of these products, Surekha said that it will be positioned as a premium brand that will take on other players like Ponds of Hindustan Unilever and Garnier in the Rs 5,000-crore skin-care industry.

The company, which, in the past, has roped-in Bollywood superstars like Shahrukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Kareena Kapoor and Bipasha Basu, would be spending heavily on advertising and promotion of the new brand.

'Indian cocktail culture will influence global market' PTI NEW DELHI, APRIL 12

India has a vibrant cocktail culture and soon there will be an explosion of its influence globally as the appetite for an evolved bar culture is growing here, according to an international expert.

"India is one of the fastest growing luxury goods markets, with an upcoming cocktail culture. Bartenders here are being inspired to create drinks using the local flavours and ingredients and I have no doubt that we’ll see an explosion of Indian influence globally over the next year," says Tim EtheringtonJudge, brand ambassador of leading drinks brand Diageo Reserve, known for brands like Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff and

Talisker.

Tim is in India to judge an international bartending competition, 'Diageo Reserve World Class 2011', the global search for the best bartender in the world with estimated 10,000 entrants across 39 markets from the most famous bars around the world.

The inaugural edition of the competition was held in 2009 and it educates bartenders and inspires them to create exceptional cocktails, service and experiences for consumers. This time, India has been chosen as the host nation.

"We are committed to nurturing and supporting emerging markets across the globe.

This is why India, a vibrant country, with a rich culture and

heritage, has been chosen as the host for the grand finale," says Etherington.

"Our brand is well positioned to cater to the growing appetite for luxury experiences in India and this competition brings to Indian consumers, the opportunity to experience the latest international trends and rituals in mixology," he says.

The cocktail segment in India has received a major shot in the arm with the entry of foreign liquor brands. Also, people are traveling a lot and getting exposed to a variety of drinks abroad.

Etherington feels that the bar scene in India is still to catch up with the US or Europe, but he is amazed by the

passion, creativity and dedication of Indian bartenders.

When asked about the current trends in bartending, he says,"the current trend focuses on the drinker and giving memorable experiences through theatrical table serves and cocktails that titillate all the senses. The bar scene has grown so big so quickly that there are no single trends sweeping the world any more. You can now find a bar that specializes in almost every facet of drinks like beer, wine and classic cocktails."

With bartender competitions, the sponsors have an exciting vehicle to promote their products and services to the right target market. The in-

crease in such competitions in India proves that bartender's profession is slowly coming out of the shadows of the not-so dignified job it once was.

"This is a white collar job abroad, however in India, it is looked upon as a blue collar one. But anyone having skills, showmanship and loyalty to the organisation can definitely rise higher in this job. Indians are now open to taking up bartending as a serious career option, in the same vein as a professional chef, which was not the case earlier," says Etherington.

Technically two drinks mixed together is a cocktail and an ordinary drink becomes exotic with a few deft additions and garnishes. With a lot of permu-

tations and combinations, it opens up a whole new world, both for the creator and the drinker.

The 2011 competition will travel to four cities in India Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Kolkata, where participants will receive extensive training on the finest spirits while challenges will be held amongst individual brand categories for vodka, whisky, rum and single malts.

For the contenders, Etherington has some words of advice.

"To succeed on this global platform, a participant must ooze passion and style, be extremely dedicated, be driven to perfect his craft and embody a love for life behind the bar."

Pg 10

OHERALDO

Biz10:Pg12 4/12/2011 11:26 PM Page 1

BIZ

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 13 APRIL, 2011

PM arrives in China for BRICS meeting PTI SANYA (CHINA), APRIL 12

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today arrived in this resort city in southern China to attend the third BRICS summit where he is expected to discuss "fresh uncertainties" in Gulf and North African countries.

At the summit meeting of top leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa

(BRICS), Singh is expected to make a strong pitch for coordinated efforts on major issues like energy and food security.

Singh, who arrived in this coastal city on Hainan island, will hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, Brazilian President Dilma Rouseff and South African President Jacob Zuma.

The Prime Minister will be

here for three days after which he will travel to Kazakhstan as part of five-day two-nation tour.

"The traditional sources of economic growth are still under stress, even as fresh uncertainties have emerged as a result of recent developments in different parts of the world," Singh had said in his departure statement in New Delhi.

The Summit is expected to

Trade deficit with China matter of concern: India PTI ON BOARD PM'S AIRCRAFT, APRIL 13

Ahead of the meeting between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chinese President Hu Jintao, India today said trade imbalance in favour of China was a matter of concern and India had sought greater market access to bridge it.

The issue is expected to come up during the talks between Singh and Hu tomorrow in the Chinese resort of Sanya on the sidelines of Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa (BRICS) Summit.

"Trade imbalance with China has been a matter of concern.

It has been discussed at the highest level when the Prime Minister met Chinese President in Hanoi in October last," Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma told journalists accompanying the Prime Minister.

He noted that the trade imbalance in favour of China had gone up to USD 20 billion in the overall bilateral trade of USD 55 billion as of December 2010. The imbalance was about USD 16 billion till 2009.

Pointing out that the Prime Minister had termed the imbalance as "untenable", Sharma said India had sought more access in Chinese markets across

the board so that the gap could be bridged.

He said China had assured India that it would give access through government contracts in sectors like pharmaceuticals and IT. "We are trying our best to close the gap," said Sharma who was travelling with the Prime Minister to attend the BRICS Summit and the preceding BRICS meeting of Trade and Economy Ministers.

To a question, Sharma said India welcomes investments from everywhere, including China.

When pointed out that India had barred Chinese investments in certain sectors citing security concerns, he said some areas were sensitive in the context of national security and it was not specific to China.

In this regard, he noted that in December 2009, India had banned import of all mobile phones which did not have IEMI numbers (specific numbers that a handset carries which enables tracking it in case of a need).

With regard to China pushing Yuan as an alternate to dollar as currency exchange for trade, Sharma said such a stage

had not been reached to warrant a comment.

National Security Adviser Shivshanker Menon said the BRICS countries, at the upcoming Summit, would be signing an agreement under which the five member countries could grant credit among themselves in own currency.

On making Yuan as the international reserve currency, Menon said it was a larger issue that could not be settled by five countries.

Sharma said the BRICS countries, which are fastest growing economies and projected to contribute 48 per cent to the global economy in the next decade, would discuss their role in addressing the international financial and economic crisis.

As part of the evolution process of BRICS, the Trade and Economy Ministers would be meeting for the first time to take stock of the international economic situation and their inputs would go to the Summit on Thursday.

The BRICS countries have been pushing for restructuring of the global financial architecture to make it more representative.

Centre mulls new way of appraisal PTI BHUBANESWAR, APRIL 12

location of coal blocks by the Centre, Patnaik said that The Orissa government today Jaiswal agreed to consider recclaimed that the Centre had ommendations of the state agreed to consider the state's level committee under the suggestion to put in place a chairmanship of the chief senew system for assessing roy- creatry for orderly develpment alty on coal on ad-valorem of coal blocks, keeping in view basis after due consultation the concerns of large scale land with all stakeholders. acquistion, human displaceThis was stated by Chief Min- ment and environment. ister Naveen Pat"Jaiswal also naik on hisCOAL ROYALTY agreed to set up return to the state capital a day a Zonal Office of the Coal Conafter meeting Union Coal Min- troller's Organisation in Orissa ister Sriprakash Jaiswal and at the earliest," he said.

Union Urban Development On his meeting with Kamal Minister Kamal Nath in New Nath, the chief minister said Delhi. that the Centre has agreed to During his meeting with the work out appropriate policy on Union Coal minister, Patnaik one-time incentive to large vilhad yesterday stressed on the lages for facilitating urbanisaneed to replace the existing tion. system for calculating royalty on coal by putting in place a new system of assessing royalty on ad-valoram basis at the rate of 20 per cent of the market price.

Patnaik said the centre has also agreed to pursue categoriPTI sation of Manoharpur and Dip MUMBAI, APRIL 12 Side coal block in IB Valley allo- Essar Oil, which sources threecated to Orissa Power Genera- million barrels per month of tion Corporation in to "Go" crude from Iran, today said it category." will continue to import crude On the state government's from Iran in the coming days. concern over the large scale al"Crude supplies from Iran is normal and there is no disruption. We will continue to import crude oil from Iran in the coming days," Essar Oil's Chief Executive Officer & MD Naresh NOTICE Nayyar, told reporters here.

NOTICE is hereby given in terms of Clause 41 of the Listing India's crude oil supplies Agreement with the Stock Exchanges that a meeting of the from Iran were under threat Board of Directors of the Company will be held on Monday, after the RBI in December last th 25 April, 2011 to consider and approve the Unaudited year scrapped a long-standing Financial Results for the Quarter and Audited Financial payment mechanism used to pay for Iranian crude imports.

Results for the Year ended 31st March, 2011.

The two countries had made For SESA GOA LIMITED temporary arrangements for payments and were negotiating C. D. CHITNIS Place : Panaji, Goa a new payment system.

SECRETARY & AVP - LEGAL Date : April 11, 2011

‘Crude import from Iran to continue’

VILLAGE PANCHAYAT PENHA DE FRANCA BRITONA, BARDEZ - GOA

PUBLIC AUCTION All the General Public are hereby informed that the Public Auction for the collection of Market Fees (SOPO) within the Jurisdiction of Village Panchayat of Penha De Franca for the period of 20th April, 2011 to 31st March, 2012 will be held on 19th April, 2011 at 10.30 a.m. in the office of Village Panchayat of Penha De Franca, Britona, Bardez - Goa. Those who are interested to take part in the said auction have to deposit Rs. 1,000/ - (Rupees one thousand only) with the Panchayat and the same will be refunded to the un-successful bidder on the same day.

The terms and conditions of the Auction can be obtained from the Panchayat upto 10.00 a.m. on 19th April, 2011.

Sd/Eknath Chanu Narvekar Sarpanch, V. P. Penha De Franca

discuss the volatile situation in Gulf and North African countries, including Libya, considering the feeling of uncertainty it has created with regard to energy supplies and prices, a senior official said.

Libya is an "extremely important issue" as it affects all the BRICS nations and is expected to be deliberated upon, Manbir Singh, Secretary (Economic Relations), in the External Affairs Ministry said.

"I look forward to a wide ranging exchange of views with BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) leaders on the state of world economy and the contribution which BRICS can make in sustaining the process of global economic and financial recovery," Singh said.

India would like to discuss and understand the viewpoint of other member countries on the international financial and economic situation, inflation that is affecting several countries and volatility in currency.

"If we can coordinate our positions on some key areas such as sustainable development, balanced growth, energy and

food security, reform of international financial institutions and balanced trade, that will be to our advantage," the Prime Minister said.

Singh, who would be attending the third summit of BRICS grouping since the first stand alone meeting in 2009, said the conclave would see the participation of South Africa for the first time.

"India welcomes South Africa's membership of BRICS, which will provide an African perspective to our deliberations", he said.

During the five-day tour, Singh will also pay a two-day bilateral visit from April 15 to Kazakhstan where the two countries are expected to sign at least six pacts, including an inter-governmental agreement on civil nuclear cooperation.

BOARD MEETINGS Bafna Spinning Bharat Seats Hero Honda VST Inds Dev Credit Bank Zenith Fibres Source: Indiainfoline.com

MF FUNDA HSBC muTuAl FuND has launched a new open ended fund of fund scheme, named HSBC Brazil Fund. The new fund offer will be open from April 15 to 29, at a price of Rs 10 per unit. The investment objective of the scheme is to provide long term capital appreciation by investing predominantly in units / shares of HSBC Global Investments Funds (HGIF) Brazil Equity Fund. The scheme would charge an exit load of 1 per cent if the units are redeemed or switched out within 1 year from the date of allotment. The fund will be benchmarked against MSCI Brazil 10/40 Index. Gaurav Mehrotra, Niren Parekh will be the fund managers for foreign securities and Sanjay Shah will be the fund manager for investments in Indian market.

IPO CORNER

Neesa Leisure to launch IPO

PANJIm (HBD) -- Neesa Leisure Ltd, (NLL), a Gujarat based Integrated Hospitality Company and having a presence in Goa, has filed a Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with market regulator SEBI for entering the capital market with its initial public offering.

The company intends to raise about Rs 200 crore through the process with additional component of offer for sale of about Rs 50 crore by private equity investors. Thus the total amount it aims to raise through its maiden public offering is approx Rs 250 crore.

Company said it may consider to raise upto Rs 65 crore as preIPO placement.

Centrum Capital Limited and Axis Bank Ltd are the book running lead managers to the issue.

Promoted by Sanjay Gupta and Neelu Gupta, NLL operates and manages hotels, resorts, spas, clubs, golf, vacation ownership services and hospitality education. Sanjay Gupta , 47 years, is a Civil Engineer from IIT Roorkhe, holding a Diploma in Business Finance from ICFAI, who joined the Indian Administrative Service in the year 1985 and played a key role by implementing various policy initiatives in the Tourism, Industry, Energy and Infrastructure Sector in Gujarat and held different positions in the Government of Gujarat during his 17 years tenure.

The company is positioned as a 'full service provider' in hospitality space, having significant geographical spread of hotels and resorts including presence in Goa, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Gandhinagar, Jaipur, Udaipur, Neemrana and Kerala. Its hotels and resorts are strategically located with a blend of “Business cum Leisure for our business and corporate customers. The issue proceeds will be used for further expansion activities in Tier2, Tier3 cities across India. The company plans to develop new properties in Lucknow, Raipur and Nasik Company has also developed a substantial multiple campus hospitality education business to address the issue of shortage of trained manpower in operational and managerial cadres in hospitality industry.

Company also has tie up and affiliation with RCI India to provide multiple resort access worldwide to its vacation ownership members.

Shares offered through the IPO are proposed to be listed on the NSE and the BSE.

LAUNCH PAD

Reliance Digital TV’s iKids PANJIm (HBD) -- Reliance Digital TV (RDTV) the leading Direct–toHome (DTH) service provider in the country has announced the launch of an exclusive educational interactive service – iKids for its young audience. iKids is a highly interactive and simple application that has been specifically designed for pre-schoolers to help boost their developmental skills in a fun manner. Available at a nominal cost of just Rs 25 per month, iKids is a unique way of engaging with kids as well as giving parents a more convenient and interactive alternative to supplement their kid’s classroom education right in their living rooms.

The iKids service has fun activities like Find the Number, Math Tree, Play Ball & Under the Sea that contributes to kids learning experience. With an educational focus, these simple games help kids to identify numbers, pictures, shapes and alphabets in order to enhance their visual skills and intelligence quotient. Not only do these fun games offer kids an opportunity to learn but also makes it an enjoyable and entertaining experience.

Tata Docomo’s SongShare PANJIm (HBD) -- To bolster the VAS portfolio, Tata Docomo, the GSM brand of Tata Teleservices has launched an innovative application ‘Songshare’ on popular social networking site Facebook, under its Call Me Tunes (CMT) service.

The application captivates CMT subscribers with extremely unique and interactive Facebooking features like publishing their Call me tune status/updates on Facebook wall, allowing their friends to copy songs by clicking the postings on the wall, recommending a song from the available songs list to friends group or fans and searching song content available and downloading them for all callers or a specific caller. What More! Customers can also subscribe to Call Me Tune service on their Tata Docomo numbers, using the application. The application is available for all Tata Docomo post-paid and pre-paid subscribers.

To subscribe to the application, the customer has to log on to Tata Docomo Songshare application on Facebook. During the process of setting up the application, the customer is prompted to share his/her mobile number for authentication purpose. The application then generates a random number and sends it to the registered cellphone via SMS. Post the same, the customer has to enter the number received via SMS and complete the registration.

5

OHERALDO

Pg 13 GOA, WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL, 2011

IAEA probing data on Fukushima mishap PTI NEW DELHI, APRIL 12

Top nuclear scientists at IAEA are this week examining the raw data from the troubled atomic power plants at Fukushima and discussing changes in the safety features for such reactors even as Japan raised the severity rating of their nuclear crisis to the highest level, seven.

The Senior Advisory Group on Nuclear Energy is meeting in Vienna from today where nuclear experts from Japan will also participate and share their experiences in tackling the nuclear crisis following the massive March 11 earthquake.

"It is not a review, but (we are) only trying to comprehend how it happened. It will be like getting first hand information on the crisis in Japan," Baldev Raj, Director, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam told PTI here.

He said the Senior Advisory Group (SAG) meets once every six months and this time the agenda has become Fukushima and the scientists will get a perspective from Japan on how the crisis unfolded.

Raj is member of the SAG which has representation from 20 member countries of the global nuclear watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Japan raised the severity level of the ongoing emergency at the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant to seven on the INES scale, bracketing it with the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, the world's worst nuclear accident in the then Soviet Union.

‘ICRC met Hamas chief over captured Israeli’ AFP JERUSALEM, APRIL 12

Red Cross officials have met with Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal in Syria and asked him to furnish proof that an Israeli soldier captured by militants is alive, according to Israel's Channel 10 TV. Re d C r o s s o f f i c i a l s i n Jerusalem told AFP on Tuesday they had no comment on their reported efforts for Gilad Shalit, seized in 2006 by Gaza-based militants with ties to Hamas, who is believed still held somewhere in the coastal strip.

Channel 10 said that the meeting came after Shalit's family threatened a sit-in outside the organisation's Tel Aviv branch unless it stopped visiting Hamas prisoners in Israel while Hamas denied the Red Cross access to Shalit.

Germany's Spiegel news magazine reported on Monday that "German efforts to negotiate the release of Shalit... appear to have failed."

Also on Monday, Yaakov Peri, a former head of Israel's Shin Bet security agency, told a news conference that Israel should be prepared to release Palestinian militants who had killed Israelis if that was what was needed to secure Shalit's release.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later responded in a statement that past experience had shown that dozens of Israelis "were killed in attacks committed by terrorists released in previous prisoner exchanges."

Women in combat role soon in OZ army PTI MELBOURNE, APRIL 12

Australian women could soon win the right to serve in frontline combat role according to the country's Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

"I think it's right...that men and women should have an equal right to fight and die for their country," Gillard said.

If Canberra okay's the move, then Australia would become the fourth country in the world after Israel, Canada and New Zealand to allow women a frontline combat role.

So far, Australia only allowed women soldiers to fill non-combative supportive roles in the military keeping them away from enrolment in special forces, rifle companies and fighter pilot roles.

A review of women's combat role was announced by the Defence Minister Stephen Smith after recent scandals that rocked the country's military.

Pg 14

SPORTS

GOA, Wednesday, 13 April 2011

Sodiem beat Nuvem HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, APRIL 12

Sodiem Sports and Cultural Association scored a hard fought 2-0 victory over Nuvem Sports Club to move into the semi-finals of Rusi Daver Rolling Trophy inter-village football tournament organised by Adarsh Yuvak Sangh at Saligao Sporting ground, on Tuesday.

The teams began on a promising note but it was Sodiem who forged ahead through Gopal Shirodker off Chandrakant.

Gopal doubled the lead for Sodiem in the second half.

Nuvem tried hard to bounce back but their forwards failed to find the net.

St Sebastian win HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 12

St Sebastian, Majorda defeated Mollem Bhatt, Navelim 2-1 in Cruz memorial soccer at Carmona panchayat ground on Tuesday.

Joyston scored a brace for Majorda. Benson reduced the margin for Navelim.

GFA Second Division North Zone play-offs: Laxmi Prasad SC v. Penha de Franca SC, Duler Stadium, Mapusa; Goa Police SC v. Sao Minguel de Taleigao SC, Taleigao ground.

Kick off 4 p.m.

Aldona Panchayat Cup soccer: Mandapa SC, Navelim v.

Fr i e n d s X I S C , Wa d d e a , Calvim, Aldona, 4.45 p.m.

Cruz memorial soccer: Sirlim Boys v. Barretto Boys, Cortalim, Carmona panchayat ground, 4.30 p.m.

Goa Velha Villagers Super Soccer finals: Carmona Boys v. St Mathew Azosim, Goa Velha ground, 4.30 p.m.

All-Goa Conceicao Colaco memorial soccer: Union of Chinchinim Villagers v. Wilred Leisure SC, Curtorim, Assolna ground, 4.45 p.m.

Cavelossim Panchayat Cup soccer quarters: Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim v. St. Anthony SC Colva, Fr.Druston and Wellington ground, Cavelossim, 4.30 p.m.

Nasaf hammer Dempo 4-0 AGENCIES PUNE, April 12

Nasaf Karshi exposed the gulf in difference between themselves and the rest of Group A with a classy 4-0 demolition of hosts Dempo Sports Club at Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Tuesday.

The Uzbekistan side scored twice in each half but two goals inside the opening 11 minutes had effectively killed off the match as a contest. Dempo were completely outplayed and did not have a single shot on target in the match watched by about 200 fans.

The win leaves Nasaf in an enviable position in Group A with a maximum of nine points from three matches. The Uzbek League co-leaders – with four wins and a draw in five matches – started their campaign with a 3-0 win over Lebanon’s Al Ansar and then followed it up with a tough 3-2 triumph away to Al Tilal in Yemen.

Dempo, on the other hand, are left with just three points from their opening win against Al Tilal and will now have a mountain to climb to qualify for the last-16 stage of the competition.

Ilhom Yunusov started the goal rush with the match just

Al Ansar (Libya) routed Al Tilal (Yemen) 4-1 in another match today. four minutes old and seven minutes later, Nasaf had doubled their money after Lutfulla Turaev struck a beautiful volley from close range that left Dempo goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani rooted to the spot.

Nasaf continued with their strong start and had an Andrejs Pereplotkins effort from long range gone in, or Botir Karaev's powerful shot not been saved

by Kattimani, the match would have been declared well and truly over.

After the double setback, Dempo regained their composure and tried to take control of proceedings. They came up with some good moves but lacked the quality up front to breach a strong Nasaf defence, led by captain Karaev.

Nasaf goalkeeper Murotjon Zukhurov had absolutely nothing to do through the 90 minutes of play as Dempo did not manage to hit a single shot on target.

Dempo’s Nigerian striker Ranti Martins had two wayward

Dempo goalkeeper Kattimani has his hands full at a Nasaf try in Pune on Tuesday

attempts and Brazilian Beto had a good look at the goal on two occasions but ended up firing way too high both times.

In the second period, the script remained the same as Nasaf continued to dominate and even though they had a two-goal lead, appeared hungry for more.

The visitors put the match beyond Dempo’s reach in the 72nd minute when substitute Shuhratbek Mirhoidirshaev produced a low strike that found the back of the net.

There was more misery for Dempo as Pereplotkins hammered the final nail in the proverbial coffin with eight min-

utes to go.

Mirhoidirshaev's shot was initially blocked by Dempo defender Mahesh Gawli but it fell to the feet of the midfielder, who applied the finishing touch.

Dempo: Laximikanth Kattimani (GK), Debabrata Roy, Car-

valho Peter (Abranches Joaquim), Lawrence Climax (Dias John), Soleye Ranti Martins, Roberto Mendes Silva, Ogba Kalu Nnanna (Godwin Franco), Miranda Clifford Rayes, Rebello Valeriano Joseph, Samieinia Rouhollah, Gawli Mahesh.

Group A M W D L GF-GA GD P

Nasaf (Uzb) Al Ansar (Lib) Dempo SC (Ind) Al Tilal (Yem)

3 3 3 3

3 2 1 0

0 0 0 0

0 1 2 3

10-2 6-4 2-7 4-9

8 2 -5 -5

9 6 3 0

Chinchinim Villagers up HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 12

Union of Chinchinim Villagers prevailed over Sao Jose de Areal SC via the tie-breaker 4-3 in Cavelossim Panchayat inter-village football tournament at Fr Druston and Wellington ground Cavelossim, Tuesday.

On changing ends Areal had two easy chances but Socoro Monterio and Mariano Rebello shot weakly into the hands of Chinchinim keeper Benson Fernandes.

In the tie- breaker, Junard Fernades, Franky Oliverio,Jorex Fernandes, Benson Fernandes shot on target for Chinchinim.

Redrick, Raymond, Affagio converted for Areal.

Vailankani Boys win 3rd place HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 12

Vailankani Boys, Calangute defeated St Lawrence, Agasaim 30 for the third place in Villagers of Goa Velha Super Soccer at Goa Velha ground on Tuesday. There was no score at the lemon break.

Vailankanni shot into the lead when Valent dribbled past the St Lawrence defence. Valent doubled the score just a few minutes later.

Richard completed the rout just before the final call.

Fatorda Oratory Zaino’s Social Welfare Club triumph enter quarters HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, APRIL 12

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 12

Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda defeated Deao Sports Club, Quepem 4-0 to move into the quarter-finals of 13th Immaculate Soccer organised by Immaculate Conception Sports Club, Avedem, Paroda at village pan-

chayat ground, Avedem on Tuesday. There was no score at the lemon break.

Don Bosco shot into the lead through Rosario Azavedo in the 36th minute. Joel Camara doubled the lead in the 40th minute.

Ashwin Araujo netted a brace in the 44th and 49th minutes.

Brasil FA gain walkover HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, APRIL 12

Brasil Futebol Academia earned a walk over in their GFA U-16 match against SAI STC, scheduled to take place at Agasaim ground on Tuesday.

It is understood that SAI have withdrawn their team on Monday, after not having enough players and because of ground availability. SAI had six matches left to play. They claimed that the league has been extended

beyond time with the students either busy with the exams or already in holidays.

Piedade Youth Association, who have two matches left to play have also withdrawn from the competition on Monday, as their players have already gone on holidays.

The match between Don Bosco Orator y and Dempo Sports Club Juniors scheduled to take place on Tuesday was postponed.

Hosts Social Welfare Club of Zaino got the better of Goa Velha Sports Club 2-1 to emerge champs in All-Goa SWC Cup inter-village football tournament organised by Social Welfare Club of Zaino at Zaino ground, on Sunday.

Zaino who had better exchanges and good ball possession, created many openings in the opening session. Zaino swarmed all over the rival territory and gave a harrowing time to the rival defenders.

On the other hand, Goa Velha who dazzled in the earlier rounds were a pale shadow of themselves as they could not trouble the rival defence and their movements were restricted to their own half.

Zaino shot into the lead when striker Romeo Fernandes slotted past the rival goalkeeper with a stiff grounder.

The change of ends saw Zaino

Panjim Oratory NZ champs

The captain of Social Welfare Club of Zaino receiving the SWC Trophy from Donald Colaco in the presence of Alberto Colaco at Zaino ground on Tuesday.

continuing in the same vein and they exerted pressure on the rival citadel with their forwards showing more spunk and fired umpteen forays into the rival territory.

Zaino doubled the lead soon after resumption when striker Samson Fernandes, who had the best run in the tournament, increased their tally when he beat the rival keeper with a blistering shot.

After taking a 2-0 cushion, Zaino slackened their pace and

Margao Advocates triumph HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 12

The victorious Don Bosco Oratory U-14 team alongwith GFA executive member, Babli Mandrekar, Fr Ralino and Physical Education teacher, Diogo Gomes.

Photo: Aldrid Da Costa HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, APRIL 12

Don Bosco Oratory, Panjim emerged champions in GFA’s U14 North Zone finals defeating Dunes Sports Club, Mandrem 30 via the tie-breaker, after the match ended in an exciting 2-2 draw at Duler Stadium, here.

Dunes led 2-1 at the interval.

Don Bosco goalkeeper Sherwin da Cunha was the hero, saving three penalties in the penalty shoot-out.

It was Don Bosco who grabbed the lead after just four minutes, when their prolific

striker Akeraj Martins was alert to spot the Dunes goalkeeper off his goalline and proceeded to lob the ball over him from 25 yards out.

Dunes came back strongly and found the equaliser within nine minutes, when the Don Bosco keeper allowed the ball to trickle through his legs after a slippery free kick shot from Leslee Britto.

Three minutes before the breather, Dunes took the lead, as Harshad Naik battled his way through, holding off his marker, before slotting past the Don

GOA DIARY

Cycle ride to Old Goa

PANJIM (HSD) -- The Goa Cycle Club will organise a cycle ride on April 17 from Indoor Stadium to Old Goa, to the chapel on The Monte and back to Indoor Stadium (approx 28km). The climb upto the Monte will be preceded by a workshop on ‘Uphill and Downhill Cycling’ by Brian Sopher (Muscat Cycling Club). It will be followed by a workshop by Ajay Dongre on ‘how to do your own minor repairs and how to maintain your cycle.’ Details may be obtained from Joseph on 9049915164 or Haresh on 9766553054.

U-16 boys cricket selections

PANJIM (HSD) – The GCA will conduct selection trials for U-16 boys on April 15 at 8 a.m. at GCA ground, Porvorim. The selections will be exclusively for North Goa players only. The last date to register is April 15. Participants may report alongwith a copy of their birth certificates and passport sized photographs.

Details may be obtained on 6514595 or 9326126466.

Tiswadi sports festival

PANJIM (HSD) – The Tiswadi Women Sports Festival Committee will organise their festival on the following dates. Table tennis – April 19 and 20, badminton – April 19 and 20, cycling – April 19, swimming – April 19, basketball – April 19, volleyball – April 20, kabaddi – April 20, kho-kho – April 20, athletics – April 20.

Entries may be submitted to women project officer, SAG, Campal, Panjim or Principal, Fr Agnel HSS, Pilar or Pratima Dhond, Hotel Manoshanti, Panjim or Chetan Kavlekar, Dempo HSS, Mira Mar.

Bosco custodian.

After a strong team talk at the lemon break, Don Bosco came out with a spring in their step. After only three minutes, Ajinkya Volvoikar blasted in the equaliser.

For the remaining half, both teams didn’t take too many risks, so it was up to the dreaded tie-breaker to separate them.

Dayne Britto, Jonathan Cardozo and Gautham Dias were on target for Don Bosco while Bevan Dias missed. Richard Fernandes, Omkar Satelkar and Harshad Naik saw their attempts saved by the Don Bosco goalkeeper.

In South Zone semi-finals, Vasco Sports Club hammered Salcete Football Club 5-0.

Margao Advocates Team ‘A’ led

by Vivek Naik defeated Margao Court staff by 4 wickets to win the 1st 5-overs limited tennis ball cricket organised by Margao Advocates at Fatorda, on Saturday.

Margao Court Staff scored 36 runs in five overs. Tushar Karmalkar scored the winning run off Margao’s Baburao.

Individual prizes: Man-of-thematch - Tushar Karmalkar.

Bowler-of-the tournament Ashish Dessai. Best batsman Shailesh Redkar. Uday S Naik welcomed. Virendra Dessai proposed the vote of thanks.

allowed their opponents to strike rhythm and Goa Velha scored the consolation goal in the dying minutes when Roiden Camilo unleashed a powerpacked shot giving no chance to the rival goalkeeper.

Zaino were richer by Rs 40,000 and a trophy while Goa Velha had to settle for Rs 30,000 and a trophy.

Following individual prizes were awarded: Best player of the tournament - Samson Fernandes (Zaino). First goal of the

finals - Romeo Fernandes (Zaino). Best player of the finals - Vishant Pednekar (Goa Velha).

Best goal of the finals - Roiden Camelo (Goa Velha).

Donald Colaco, Unit Manager, Carlsberg India Private Limited, was the chief guest and gave away the prizes in the presence of guest of honour, Alberto Colaco, secretary, SAFF. Earlier, Gurudas Kudalkar, secretary, welcomed. Later he proposed the vote of thanks.

SC Davorlim advance HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, APRIL 12

Sporting Club of Davorlim beat Ambelim Sports Club 5-4 via the tie-breaker to enter the quarter-finals of All-Goa Conceicao Colaco memorial inter-village football tournament organised

by Shooting Stars Club of Colleavaddo at Assolna ground, on Tuesday. The teams were tied 1-1 at half time.

Davorlim who had better of the exchanges during the first 15 minutes, went into the lead when midfielder Perryson Rebello beat the rival keeper with a snap shot.

Stung by the early reversal,

Ambelim regrouped quickly and took the fight to the rival camp with their forwards and midfielders working in tandem to put the rival citadel under pressure.

Ambelim neutralised the lead when Maxwin Fernandes punished the rival keeper with an adroit placement.

Changing ends, both teams showed urgency and went all out in search of the elusive match-winner.

In the tie-breaker, Davorlim had the last laugh.

Davorlim’s Parryson Rebello was adjudged man- of-thematch.

Bresources down Salgaocar south zone under›14 HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, APRIL 12

Bresourecs Betalbatim Sporting Club defeated Salgaocar Sports Club 2-1 to romp into the finals of GFA South Zone U-14 at Curtorim ground, on Tuesday.

All goals came in the first half.

Betalbatim enjoyed the lion share of exchanges, created many forays in the rival territory and tested the Salgaocar keeper with well measured sor-

ties.

Betalbatim were rewarded in the 3rd minute when striker Moses D’Sa pounced on the rebound after Jaison Lucas’ flag kick was headed by Salgaocar defender towards the path of Moses, who without wasting any time punted the ball in.

The early goal helped Betalbatim to mount pressure and their persistent forays bore fruit when Josley Dias picked the ball from the left flank and outwitted a couple of rival defenders before beating the rival

keeper.

Stung by the double blows, Salgaocar scored the consolation goal when Delbert Fernandes bulged the net in the 20th minute.

After resumption, Salgaocar tried their best to neutralise the lead but failed to get past the rival rearguard.

On the other hand, Betalbatim had scoring chances but their for wards either shot straight into the safe hands of the rival keeper or shot wide.

Indian Strikers lift Alvernaz Lalush Trophy HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 12

Indian Strikers defeated United Friends Club 4-3 via the tiebreaker after a 1-1 draw in Alvernaz Lalush’s 21st NYC Trophy football tournament organised

by Navelim Youth Centre (NYC) under the auspices of Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) at MOH ground, Shuwaikh on Friday. Strikers were leading 10 at the break.

Roy Pathrose put Strikers ahead with a precision header.

Changing ends, Godwin Fernandes restored parity for United.

In the tie-breaker, Strikers goalkeeper, Naufal Man saved the first penalty off Teotonio Fernandes while Remedios Fernan-

The captain of Indian Strikers receiving the winners trophy from Sharon Alemao D’Costa in the presence of other officials.

des hit United’s last kick on the post.

Sharon Alemao D’Costa, daughter of PWD Minister, Churchill Alemao, was the chief guest and gave away the prizes.

Denis D’Costa, Larissa Lopez, a young Goan singer who was

the special invitee, Neeta Fernandes, Olinda Fernandes, Mona l i s a Fe r n a n d e s , E u s e b i o Fernandes, Norman Noronha and Navelim club vice-president, Luis D’Silva were among those present.

Following individual prizes were awarded: Best goalkeeper

of the tournament - Martin Dias (United Friends Club). Best defender of the tournament - Syed Muneer (Indian Strikers). Player of the tournament - Unnikrishnan (Skynet FC). Man-of-the match - Roy Pathrose (Indian Strikers).

Gasper Crasto compered.

Pg 15

SPORTS

GOA, Wednesday, 13 April 2011

Long way to go: Gambhir PTI KOLKATA, APRIL 12

A guarded Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Gautam Gambhir today refused to get carried away with their victory over Deccan Chargers here and said the Shah Rukhowned team have a long way to go in the fourth edition of the Indian Premier League.

After the shocking two-run loss to Chennai Super Kings in their tournament opener, all eyes were on the Knight Riders in their first home match today and they did not disappoint the crowd, securing a nine-run victory over Deccan to register their first points in the ongoing Twenty20 tournament.

"It was a great feeling. We want to play some good cricket and bring some joy to the people of this city. The venue is fantastic.

We hope to win a lot more games. We are hungry and we want to do well," he said at the post-match press conference.

"We are just happy, not relieved. It's just the start of the tournament. We got a long way to go. I don't believe in a word called relief. I want to take every game seriously. It's a good feeling to get points on the board and we hope to continue with the momentum," a visibly upbeat Gambhir said.

Gambhir said he was confident of a victory after setting

Deccan a challenging 164-run target.

"It was a very good total on this slow and low wicket. 163 was a par score. We have a good bowling attack as well. Initially we were thinking of 150, but getting to 163 was good," he said.

Gambhir hailed young leftarm spinner Iqbal Abdulla, who returned with impressive figures of three for 24 runs from his four overs.

"The wicket suited him (Abdulla). We thought he could be used in the first six overs. He is a quality player and has a great future ahead.

"The way he has shown his

Happy to have Symonds in team: Bhajji AGENCIES NEW DELHI, APRIL 12

Liverpool’s Dutch forward Dirk Kuyt (second left) celebrates after scoring the second goal during the English Premier League football match against Manchester City at Anfield, in Liverpool.

Carroll double crushes City REUTERS LONDON, APRIL 12

England striker Andy Carroll scored his first goals for Liverpool with a double in a 3-0 defeat of fourth-placed Manchester City on Monday to maintain their faint hopes of Champions League football next season.

Carroll, the most expensive

English player after his ÂŁ35 million transfer from Newcastle in January, lashed in the opener from the edge of the box after 13 minutes and added his second shortly after Dirk Kuyt's strike.

City's first half went from bad to worse after striker and captain Carlos Tevez hobbled off with a hamstring injury and is set to

miss the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United on Saturday.

Kuyt slotted the ball neatly into the net on 34 minutes before Carroll's second, a header from a Raul Meireles cross, left Liverpool in sixth place on 48 points with six games remaining. City remain fourth on 56 points from 32 matches.

Sans Ganguly, KKR gets mild crowd response AGENCIES KOLKATA, APRIL 12

With city's favourite son Sourav Ganguly absent from Kolkata Knight Riders first home match of IPL-4, there was a lean response from the crowd in the beginning but as the match progressed the empty stands started to fill up at the gigantic Eden Gardens on Monday.

Although a decent crowd turned up in the second innings of the match, familiar scenes of a packed stadium with boisterous crowd was missing at the Eden.

An official figure from KKR team management could not be obtained but according to estimates, approximately 30,000-odd crowd turning out at the 63,500capacity stadium.

With Ganguly being shunned in the latest IPL auctions, the main reason for the most of the crowd entering the stadium through complimentary tickets was Bollywood heartthrob Shah Rukh Khan, who is the KKR principal owner.

Asked about the number of tickets being sold, Abhishek, in-charge of KKR ticketing affairs, behaved in a rude manner saying, "We are not supposed to talk to the media.

I''ve told you again, and I don't know Bengali."

He later said that ticket sales have been "good".

There were many empty seats in the club houses -- both upper and lower tiers -- even as most of the tickets for the seats there were distributed as complimentary.

There was only one refrain from the crowd - ''We are missing Ganguly''.

59-year-old Somnath Mitra, at the upper tier of club house, said his main reason to come here was to see the renovated Eden Gardens in the new avatar.

"The way KKR treated Ganguly is unacceptable. We hate KKR now. It's quite obvious that Eden will not get a full house.

"Kolkata public is very secular.

We are not saying we want Ganguly to be in the team. But the

way he was treated was unfair," 58-year-old Soumendra Chakraborty said.

"If Dravid, Laxman can play then why can't Ganguly. There was no cricketing reason behind dropping Ganguly. If they did not want him in the team, why was Ganguly put up in auction."

Management students Tushar Bhattacharya and Sanish Kumar got two complimentary lower tier tickets from his relative and their main reason to come here was to see Shah Rukh Khan.

"We are missing Ganguly. This should not have happened to a successful former India captain.

Hope the team does well under Gambhir. We are here to see Shah Rukh," the duo said.

Vendors selling KKR flags, head bands and caps are equally unhappy with the crowd response.

Jyoti Biswas, a flag seller in front of Eden Gardens, said he got a stock of 150 flags but till 5pm in the evening he had managed to sell only four.

KKR reduces ticket prices PTI KOLKATA, APRIL 12

Alarmed by the poor turnout in their IPL-4 opener at home, Kolkata Knight Riders today decided to slash ticket prices for the upcoming matches.

The Knight Riders CEO and m a n a g i n g d i re c t o r Ve n k y Mysore today informed that they have taken a conscious decision to reduce the ticket prices that will now start from Rs 400.

Mysore assured that those who had already bought tickets in advance through online would get the refunds.

"There will be a loss of revenue but we want to give the crowd a total value for money," Mysore told PTI. Mysore denied the reports that the Eden last night witnessed the lowest turnout in their entire IPL history and said the gate sales were 40 per cent less.

Federer crushes Kohlschreiber AFP MONTE CARLO, APRIL 12

Roger Federer marched into the third round of the Monte Carlo Masters Tuesday as the three-time finalist inflicted a 6-2, 6-1 defeat on German Philipp Kohlschreiber.

World number three Federer, seeded second in the knee injury absence of Novak Djokovic, earned a sixth victory without a loss against the 32nd-ranked Kohlschreiber.

When Andrew Symonds was picked up by Mumbai Indians during the IPL Season Four players' auction in January, almost instantaneously there was talk about sparks flying in a dressing room that the Queenslander would have to share with his nemesis the man who most Australians, including Symonds, claim curtailed his international career.

In an interview last year, Symonds revealed the incidents that followed Monkeygate had sent him into a depressive state, and even propelled him to start drinking a bit more.

Symonds said that Harbhajan Singh 'was lucky' to escape the controversy without a match ban. Later that year, Harbhajan told Mid Day in a freewheeling chat that he wanted to bury the hatchet with Symonds, and 'was hurt' when he read that Symonds had blamed him for ending his international career.

The feisty off-spinner has held out the olive branch to Symonds, and it is learnt that the two have been getting along really well in the Mumbai Indians dressing room.

Mid Day caught up with Harbhajan soon after his side's eightwicket victory against Delhi Daredevils here at the Feroz Shah Kotla on Sunday. Harbhajan, Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Munaf Patel the four Indian players who were part of the World Cup winning

MONKEY GATE XI were invited by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for a dinner soon after the game.

On sharing the dressing room with Andrew Symonds, the turbanator said, "Honestly, it feels great. We are playing for one team. Obviously, it's fantastic to have him in the side.

"He's a genuine match-winner.

He has proved that over the years with Australia, probably one of the cleanest strikers of the cricket ball. I am sure with his capability and power-hitting, he will be able to win us a lot of games."

Harbhajan further added, "I am looking forward to seeing some firecrackers from his bat this season. Also, I am looking forward to spending time with him and getting to know him a lot better. I will surely celebrate when he hits a 50 or a hundred.

We both can do really well for Mumbai. Hopefully, we will lift the IPL trophy together."

Sri Lanka recall players from IPL AFP COLOMBO, APRIL 12

Sri Lanka's sports authorities on Tuesday ordered its cricketers playing in the ongoing IPL to return home for training ahead of next month's tour of England.

Sports Minister Mahinadananda Althugamage said he wanted team members to prioritise the national side over the IPL, which is financially lucrative for players.

"In future, national cricket players can participate in foreign tournaments only in a manner that will not affect practices of the Sri Lankan national team," the ministry said in a statement.

It said those who are selected for the three-Test series in England will have to return

home for practices despite their commitments in the ongoing IPL Twenty20 tournament.

Former skipper Kumar Sangakkara and his deputy Mahela Jayawardene are among 11 Sri Lankan national players in the IPL and at least five of them are tipped to be included in the squad for England.

The statement did not say how the players will be penalised if they did not attend practices as required under a new sports ministry decree, but official sources said they were likely to be dropped if they did not comply.

Sri Lanka cricket has seen a spate of resignations following the side's defeat in the World Cup final against India earlier this month.

character bowling in the first six overs and then in the death, it says a lot about him. I hope he can keep his head on his shoulder and it will be a lot more for him," the left-handed batsman said of Abdulla.

Gambhir insisted that his team was the better side on display today but said Knight Riders should have won their opening fixture against Chennai Super Kings the other day.

"It was not much different. We just played better cricket. I feel we should have won the first game as well. It's how you finish the game is important. Our batting order was flexible and we have the depth," he said.

pg 16_Layout 1 4/13/2011 12:02 AM Page 1

Pg16

GOA, WEDNESDAY, 13 APRIL, 2011

SPORTS

Carroll double crushes City Pg 15

Nasaf hammer Dempo 4-0 Pg 14

Contact us on: sports@herald-goa.com

www.oheraldo.in

Rajasthan post second win

Sachin, Rayudu star as Mumbai thrash RCB PTI BANGALORE, APRIL 12

Rajasthan Royals captain Shane Warne celebrates the wicket of Delhi Daredevils batsman Naman Ojha with teammates at the Swai Man Singh Stadium in Jaipur on Tuesday.

AFP JAIPUR, APRIL 12

Shane Warne's Rajasthan Royals thrashed Delhi Daredevils by six wickets to pocket their second successive victory in the Indian Premier League on Tuesday.

Chasing a stiff 152, Rajasthan rode on fine knocks by Rahul Dravid and Johan Botha to overhaul the target with nine balls to spare

at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.

The usually sedate Dravid struck a quickfire 38 off 31 balls and South African Botha continued his fine form with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 39 with four fours.

Ross Taylor (18 not out) capped off a fine victory for Rajasthan with a four and a six in the penultimate over to delight

Delhi Daredevils: David Warner c Raut b Singh 54, V Sehwag c Dravid b Tait 4, A Finch c Botha b Tait 11, U Chand c Dravid b Warne 2, N Ojha c Tait b Warne 0, V Rao c Warne b Trivedi 60, I Pathan not out 10, R Merwe not out 2. Extras: 8. Total: 151 for 6. Fall of wickets: 5-1, 29-2, 363, 36-4, 119-5, 139-6. Bowling: Shaun Tait 4-0-40-2, Amit Singh 4-1-18-1, J Botha 4-0-36-0, S Trivedi 4-0-36-1, S Warne 4-0-17-2.

Rajasthan Royals: Amit Paunikar b Dinda 5, R Dravid c Ojha b Merwe 38, J Botha not out 39, A Menaria c Sehwag b Pathan 22, A Rahane b Morkel 18, R Taylor not out 18. Extras: 12. Total: 152 for 4. Fall of wickets: 26-1, 61-2, 92-3, 121-4. Bowling: A Dinda 3.3-0-34-1, M Morkel 4-0-11-1, I Pathan 3-0-32-1, R Merwe 4-0-41-1, S Nadeem 4-0-25-0.

Man-of-the-match: S Warne

a sizeable home crowd.

Delhi slumped to their second defeat in as many matches after having lost to Mumbai Indians in their opening match.

Delhi were in early trouble after skipper Virender Sehwag won the toss and elected to bat but opener David Warner and Venugopal Rao posted responsible half-centuries to pull their

side from the pits.

Sehwag was dismissed off the third ball of the first over when he edged Aussie quick Shaun Tait to Dravid in the slips.

Tait returned to send back Aaron Finch (11) in his second spell before Warne dismissed Unmukt Chand and Naman Ojha in the same over to reduce Delhi to a shaky 36-4.

Warner fought back with a 44ball 54 and Rao top-scored with a superb 60 off 40 balls, containing four fours and four sixes to take Delhi to a competitive total.

Australian spin legend Warne impressed the most among the bowlers, finishing with 2-17 but Tait proved expensive with his two wickets coming at the cost of 40 runs off four overs.

I am concerned about batting: Sehwag PTI JAIPUR, APRIL 12

Delhi Daredevils captain Virender Sehwag failed to hide his disappointment about the failure of the toporder that led to their second defeat in IPL in as many matches after Royals won with 10 balls to spare.

"To win matches, we need to bat well and put up a challenging score. I am really concerned about our team's batting. Although Venugopal Rao and David Warner played well and Irfan hit a couple of boundaries in the end, we should have scored around 165-170 in order to win the

match," Sehwag told at the post-match presentation ceremony.

With the Daredevils batting lacking experience, Sehwag knows that his form will prove to be crucial if Daredevils ought to have any chance of doing well in this marathon tourney.

"I have to score runs in the coming games.

May be, if I start scoring runs, we can reach 160170 consistently," the Nawab of Najafgarh said.

Sehwag praised Morne Morkel's effort as the South African fast bowler gave away only 11 runs in his four over spell.

Skipper Sachin Tendulkar and young Ambati Rayudu clobbered the Royal Challengers Bangalore bowling as title contenders Mumbai Indians cruised to a nine wicket victory in an Indian Premier League match at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, here today.

Chasing a target of 141, Mumbai Indians reached the target with nine balls to spare. Mumbai Indians now have two wins from as many matches.

On a strip where RCB batsmen struggled to get going, Tendulkar (55 not out, 46 balls), Ambati Rayudu (63 not out, 50 balls) sent the RCB bowlers on a leatherhunt with an undefeated 110-run second wicket partnership from 86 balls.

They were also helped by some lacklustre fielding by the home team.

It was Davy Jacobs (22, 16 balls) who started the charge by hitting Zaheer Khan for a couple of fours and two big sixes over long-on and deep mid-wicket.

Jacobs was cleaned up by Dirk Nannes when he backed too far down the leg-side trying to hit over extra cover. Tendulkar who

Deccan Chargers skipper Kumar Sangakkara has asked his batsmen to be more attacking in their approach than allowing opposition bowlers pile pressure on them in the remaining matches to get their campaign back on track in the Indian Premier League IV. Deccan suffered their second loss on the trot in the tournament with their nine-run defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders here

last night and Sangakkara felt that his batsmen lacked the attacking instinct.

"Our batsmen now have to start rethinking and attack slow bowlers," Sangakkara said.

Knight Riders' left-arm spinner Iqbal Abdulla scalped three wickets for 24 runs to play a major role in his side's win and Sangakkara said his batsmen had paid to much respect on the bowler.

"He (Abdulla) is not a bad bowler and he managed to bowl a couple of good overs

at the start. But we need to bat a bit smarter.

A few less mistakes would have got us over the line," said the Sri Lankan wicket-keeper batsman.

"They (KKR) batted well to get there. But it was a gettable score if we had a better start. We lost wickets at regular intervals," he said.

Sangakkara conceded that Deccan gave a 15 runs extra but backed pacer Ishant Sharma, who was lacklustre against Knight Riders today.

Having lost their Indian Premier League opener in their debut season, Kochi Tuskers Kerala would be eager to turn things around quickly when they lock horns with the other new franchise Pune Warriors at the D Y Patil Stadium here on Wednesday.

For this to happen the Kochi bowling attack, that includes maverick pacer S Sreesanth and India discard Rudra Pratap Singh, needs to pull up its socks and deliver the goods.

Kochi's batting clicked reasonably well as the team managed to post a challenging total of 161 for five against Royal Challengers Bangalore.

But the bowlers failed to show sufficient discipline to defend that score, resulting in a six-wicket defeat at home.

Against Yuvraj Singh-led Warriors, who recorded a comprehensive seven-wicket victory a day later against Kings XI Punjab to start their IPL campaign on a promising note, the Kochi attack needs to show better con-

Miandad turns down Pak coaching job AFP LAHORE, APRIL 12

Pakistan confirmed Tuesday that former captain Javed Miandad had turned down an offer to become the side's batting coach for personal reasons.

The team has been let down by faltering fielding and underachieving batsmen and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt and one-day captain Shahid Afridi had asked Miandad to come on board, manager Intikhab Alam said.

"The Pakistan team surely needs a batting coach and the board approached Miandad but he unfortunately declined the offer because of personal reasons. But I am sure that he will come and help the players in the near future," Alam told reporters during team's training camp for the West Indies tour.

Pa k i s t a n f l y o u t t o t h e Caribbean early Thursday to play one Twenty20 international, five one-day matches and two Tests.

Royal Challengers: M Agarwal b Malinga 0, T Dilshan not out 59, V Kohli c Jacobs b Pollard 12, AB de Villiers c and b Pollard 38, A Pathan b Malinga 0, S Tiwary not out 16. Extras: 15. Total: 140 for 4. Fall of wickets: 0-1, 19-2, 110-3, 112-4. Bowling: L Malinga 4-0-32-2, M Patel 3-0-10-0, K Pollard 4-0-25-2, A Murtaza 4-0-26-0, Harbhajan Singh 40-27-0, J Franklin 1-0-9-0.

Mumbai Indians: D Jacobs b Nannes 22, S Tendulkar not out 55, A Rayudu not out 63. Extras: 3. Total: 143 for 1. Fall of wickets: 33-1. Bowling: Zaheer Khan 4-0-36-0, D Vettori 4-0-18-0, D Nannes 1-10-1, A Mithun 3-0-31-0, V Kohli 2-0-15-0, T Dilshan 1-0-12-0, A Pathan 3.3-0-30-0 Man-of-the-match: Sachin Tendulkar

PTI MOHALI, APRIL 12

After a disappointing loss in their opening match, Kings XI Punjab will have to get their act together pretty quickly to bring their campaign on tract when they take on in-form Chennai Super Kings in their second match of the Indian Premier League.

Having lost to debutants Pune Warriors by seven wickets in their last game in Mumbai, Adam Gilchrist-led Kings XI Punjab start as underdogs and will require a huge effort to bounce back into the tournament with a strong performance against the strong Chennai team at the

into winning ways PTI MUMBAI, APRIL 12

who now plays for Baroda a glimpse of his talent when he clipped Zaheer over mid-wicket for a boundary and followed it with a lofted bowlers' back drive.

He matched the legendary Tendulkar stroke-for stroke as never did MI look in any sort of trouble.

Earlier, Tillakaratne Dilshan and AB de Villiers added 91 runs for the second wicket as Royal Challengers Banaglore managed to set a modest target of 141 for the Mumbai Indians after being put into bat.

Dilshan (59 not out) carried his bat through while De Villiers (38, 36 balls) scored some useful runs on a wicket where the ball wasn't coming onto the bat. Lasith Malinga and Kieron Pollard got a couple of wickets each.

KXIP aim revival against in-form Super Kings

Our batsmen need to attack more: Sangakkara Kochi hope to get PTI KOLKATA, APRIL 12

was watching quietly from the other end then took it upon himself. A signature straight drive off Abhimanyu Mithun started it all. When the spinners came on, he was quick to rock on to the backfoot and hit them over deep mid-wicket.

Rayudu, who was watchful for the first few balls started with a flat-batted boundary over deep mid-wicket off Mithun and then followed it up by charging down the track and hitting the bowler through the covers. The youngster beat Tendulkar to his half-century in style when he lofted Asad Pathan for a boundary over extra cover.

Considered as an India prospect till he joined the rebel Indian Cricket League, the Hyderabadi

trol.

"Batting is our strength," Yuvraj had said ahead of their lung opener against Punjab but the Pune bowlers and fielders also rose to the occasion to help their team register a thumping win with plenty of overs to spare.

The Tuskers bowlers, including Sri Lanka ace Muttiah Muralitharan, thus need to be at their best to apply brakes on the free-stroking Warriors batsmen like New Zealander Jesse R y d e r, Yu v r a j a n d Ro b i n Uthappa.

The trio chipped in with useful knocks, along with seasoned domestic campaigner Mithun Manhas, as Pune easily overhauled the modest score of 112 put up by Punjab in the previous game.

The Warriors bowlers also used the extra bounce on the wicket to unsettle the rival batsmen and, but for Ryan McLaren's excellent, unbeaten half-century, Kings XI would have folded up for under 100 after being reduced to 9 for 4 at one stage.

Today’s fixTures

Kings XI Punjab v.

Chennai Super Kings 4 p.m.

Pune Warriors v.

Kochi Tuskers Kerala 8 p.m.

PCA stadium.

An ordinary display in all three departments of the game in their opening match has come as a big disappointment and a cause of concern for KXIP. Describing the defeat at the hands of Pune Warriors as a "poor all-round performance", Gilchrist had said that the team would take a little time to settle down.

The KXIP would be looking at their 39-year-old captain to turn things around, like he did for the Deccan Chargers when he led them to the title in 2009 in South Africa after a poor show in the inaugural edition under VVS Laxman.

Barring their semi-final appearance in the first edition of the IPL in 2008, the KXIP could not do much despite having big stars including Yuvraj Singh, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, who are now leading different IPL sides, in the later editions and they will be desperate to prove a point with a new-look team this time.

They would draw a lot of confidence from the fact that they will be playing in front of their home crowd tomorrow.

KXIP crumbled to nine for four against Pune to eventually get bundled out for a 112 in their last outing and if they want to have any chance against Chennai tomorrow they would definitely need Gilchrist, Shaun Marsh, Paul Valthaty, Dinesh Karthik, Abhishek Nayar and Sunny Singh to fire with their bat.

They would also be banking heavily on the lone successful batsman of the previous game -- Ryan McLaren -- who scored an unbeaten 51 to take the team past 100-run mark.

Lifestyle

Relationships

Wednesday, 13 Apr 2011

Sports

Business

Health

Art

Culture

Environment

Education

Information Technology

Entertainment

Fashion

Travel

GOA’S HEARTBEAT

Honouring Goa’s Great Litterateur The Works of Pundalik Naik As young students, we studied his Konkani poems and short stories and in college, we learned about and performed his plays. Now, Pundalik Naik’s plays will be performed exclusively in a five-day theatre festival. Herald learns more in a chat with Naik as well as Shridhar Kamat Bambolkar, the festival’s organiser

BY DOLCY D’CRUZ HERALD FEATURES undalik Naik’s contribution to Konkani literature is commendable. He was the first Konkani litterateur after Goa’s Liberation and his works are even featured in the Konkani syllabus in schools and colleges. To pay tribute to his works, a five-day theatre festival, titled, ‘Pundalik Naik Natya Mahotsav’ is being organised by the Goa State Art and Culture Department and the Cricketer Shubham Naik Trust from April 12 to April 16, 2011. The festival, featuring five of Punadlik Naik’s award winning plays, will be held at five venues – Shiroda, Sanguem, Sattari, Canacona and Pernem. The Konkani plays include ‘Suring’, ‘Shabai Shabai Bahujan Samaj’, ‘Chaitanyak Mutt Naa’, ‘Shree Vichitrachi Jatra’ and ‘Cansulo’.

Pundalik Narayan Naik is a noted Konkani poet, short-story writer, novelist, playwright, and screenwriter and has 40 books and two films to his credit. His novel ‘Acchev’ was the first Konkani novel to be translated into English, which is a huge achievement. He was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in Konkani for his work, ‘Chowrang’, in 1984, by Sahitya Akademi.

He was recently awarded the Gomant Sharda Puraskar for Lifetime Achievement in 2010. His ‘Shree Vichitrachi Jatra’ won him the Australian Award of Australian Academy of Broadcasting, Arts and Science Pater Award.

The plays will be performed in the interiors of Goa and not in the busy areas of the cities. Shridhar Kamat Bambolkar, Chairman of Natya Mahotsav, the organising committee of the festival, says, “This is deliberately done as the cities always get to watch while the audience from the interiors are deprived of seeing brilliant plays. Special attention has been given to every detail. Even the venues are not around temples; instead, special ‘mandaps’ have been set up for the performances. About 250 theatre artistes will participate in the festival and we are expecting at least 1,500 people for every show at every venue.”

Overall 25 plays will be performed, five plays at five venues everyday at 7pm. “Pundalik Naik is a versatile writer and as Goa is celebrating its Golden jubilee since liberation, we thought of the only Konkani writer who was well received at the State level. This is the first time we are organising such an event for a single writer and in future we plan on doing more, especially for children. Pundalik Naik will visit each venue for the five days and will also interact with the audience and the artists. These are not new plays, these plays have been performed time and again and the directors of each play are well versed with the performance,” adds Bambolkar.

Xanneak u t r a m m a r, pixeak chabkam mar - Anonymous

“This festival is a commemoration of the centenary year of Konkani plays and leading theatre groups have been assigned to each drama.

Two of the best dramas will be staged in Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Pundalik has written 32 full fledged dramas and while selecting the dramas, we thought of the different styles he has written in and the social theme that he followed and selected the ones that are relevant to the society today. Goan Konkani theatre during its last four decades is very much indebted to Pundalik Naik for its tremendous growth. We didn’t want any preparation left incomplete so we gave a good subsidy in Production Grant especially for this festival to the drama troupes. On April 17 there will be a day-long theatre artistes’ meet with Pundalik Naik,” says Bambolkar.

Pundalik Naik seemed more than happy to have his plays performed in five consecutive days. “I am very happy and I feel proud to be the first writer to have his plays performed at a festival especially in my honour.

My literature is a part of the Konkani syllabus and plays a huge part in the Konkani education of a child. My plays are studied in colleges and here is a chance for college students to see the plays being performed.

I have met the organiser and I know the directors of each of the plays like Pramod Mahadeshwar, Shridhar Kamat Bambolkar, Nilesh Mahale and Dilip Desai. These are well known plays and old plays which are performed often but what stands out is the standard of production and the study these directors have done for each play.”

To conclude, he says, “This is going to be a unique opportunity for theatre lovers, students, researchers and the general public to watch modern trends and styles of Goan theatre. It’s a good step to urge students to appreciate Konkani literature.”

Parenting

email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com

The difficulty of literature is not to write, but to write what you mean - Robert Louis Stevenson

India in 2047 AD

Urban Jungle or Planned Lifestyles?

S

P

Tourism

olar-powered terrace gardens, self-cooling rooms and a basement parking where hundreds of cars can be ‘piled’ one atop another might describe a skyscraper in any city in India, say another forty years from now. Or would it?

Will India in the year 2047, a hundred years after it became a democracy, be able to create for its one billion plus and counting population, sustainable cities or would it spawn ghettoised habitats that deplete vital resources like water and energy?

City planners, architects, artists and other professionals have put together a weeklong event ‘India @100Festival of urbanity’ combining artworks, debates, seminars, theatre and music that seeks ideas and solutions to make cities better.

“Cities are a continuum of rural life. We should stop seeing them as a collection of only iconic buildings. In another 37 years India will turn 100 and we need to see ahead of what will become of our cities then.

Say, how would the densely populated and congested Chandni Chowk look in 2047?” stated architect Sanjay Prakash.

By the end of the next 50 years, 50 per cent of Indians would end up living in cities, say the event organisers, who point out that the need of the hour is to develop cities that address the challenges of the 21st century – issues of infrastructure, ecological security, shelter, employment and opportunity. “Instead of imitating places like Singapore or other western cities and creating photogenic buildings that are good to look at with tall glass facades, developers should

look at future ready buildings that factor in changing environments of work, rest, recreation and other lifestyles,” said Suparna Bhalla, architect and conservationist.

In her installation ‘Neo Camouflage’ Delhiartist Vibha Galhotra explores issues relating to uncontrolled growth of Indian cities. She morphed digitally manipulated photographs taken of places in old Delhi – street views, buildings rooftops, bylanes etc onto a digital print on canvas.

“This is my satiric take on how if we go on living in an unplanned world, one day we many need a new uniform for our military,” commented Galhotra whose installation shows mannequins of men dressed in military uniforms that are a montage of the picture behind them.

Another installation ‘Urban Tyrannosaurus’ by Kristene Micheal displays a tyrannosaurus whose each body part resembles a giant chilli. “The indigenous south American chilli has so much been integrated into India’s culture that it is difficult to think of it as ‘foreign’.” said the artist.

Pointing out that 70 per cent of buildings in Delhi may not survive till 2047, architect Prakash says even if they do it would become just waste buildings that cannot be used for living or other purposes. “Planners and builders need to work with materials like bamboo and other eco friendly materials to factor in the fact that India with its tropical climate needs an entirely different perspective when planning cities and the spaces around them,” concluded Prakash.

(Courtesy: PTI)

Tales and Trials of the Goa Fashion Week The first ever Goa Fashion Week has come to a close, and after the glamour, glitz and stress revolving around an event of this calibre, the designers take away a lot of memories, some good and some not so good. Herald catches up with the various designers and learns about their experience with the GFW

BY JANICE RODRIGUES HERALD FEATURES oa was recently treated to three days of fashion – models designers and a whole lot of garments. The first ever Goa Fashion Week showcased a lot of talent, both new and old, giving the new designers on the fashion scene a platform to present their designs on, and for those who are already established, to add another feather to their cap. Some of the young designers, namely Jyotsna Bhat, Andrea Dias, Siobhan D’Silva and Cherylyne Estibeiro, who are relatively new in the field, consider this as a good opportunity.

“I think the show was a really good platform for the new designers to showcase their talents on and for those who were established, it was another added show to their credit,” said Andrea Dias who had taken part in such an event for the first time.

Jyotsna Bhat, who has a boutique, Fusion, in Caranzalem, was also ecstatic about being a part of the event, “It was the first time such an event had taken place in Goa, and it gave a chance for Goan and Mumbai based models to come together.”

No matter how perfect or not so perfect a show is, it is what happens behind the scenes that usually leaves a mark on the minds of the participating members.

The same happened here. “It was a good start and I hope it gets better from here on; I haven’t organised anything in my life so I am not in any position to speak.

The show had its own faults but I think as a first time attempt, the organisers did a good job. They could have had stalls for each designer to display her or his designs in apart from the show itself,” said Siobhan, who felt that opening the Fashion Week was a great honour as it paid off the hard work and late nights.

G

Andrea Dias

Cherylyne Estibeiro

Monty Sally

“Each model was given a helper and that was a great relief. Also, there were two cubicles – one for changing and the other for the makeup artists, this made things faster too,” said Jyotsna. Though there was some confusion about the helpers, Andrea felt everything went on fine. “We were supposed to get helpers from the Goa Polytechnic but some backed out due to exams and work. But the students from SOFT in Pune came in to help out,” she said.

The established fashion designers, like Philu Martins, had a different opinion.

“The event was badly organised, backstage was open to anyone, and some of the crew were rude too. Some of my high clientele were made to wait at the gates and told to move after each show was over, that is not the way to treat them, it is the people who have made me a designer and they have to treated well,” she said.

The problem regarding the buyers was something on all the minds, even though the event was held to facilitate the buying of these designer clothes, not many buyers were to be seen. “Being the first time, we were warned not to expect much from the buyers, but it was a great experience though, and the organisers have promised to get in more buyers the next time, so I’m just hoping for the best,” said Cherylyne who owns a boutique in Margao.

Monty Sally, on the other hand was supportive about the whole show.

“It was the first time they organised something like this in Goa, and they have to grow, and become better. There were good assistants and it was a great opportunity for everyone,” he said.

Philu Martins

Siobhan D'Silva

Jyotsna Bhat

Lifestyle

Relationships

Sports

Business

Health

Art

Culture

Environment

Education

GOA’S

Information Technology

Entertainment

info ‘nf’un zone

Wednesday, 13 Apr 2011

WHAT’S UP IN GOA??

Pundalik Naik Natya Mahotsav 2011 a 5day state level theatre festival and one-day theatre artists meet, organised by the Cricketer Shubham Naik Trust-Pundalik Naik Natya Mahotsav Committee will take place from April 12 to 17 at Shiroda, Sanguem, Canacona, Sattari and Mandrem-Pednem, the Committee’s centres in Goa. ‘Summer Hungama 2011’, a summer camp for lower primary, preprimary and primary students organised by Ramcon Institute and the Junior Chamber International Vasco will be held from April 19 to May 3 at Janata Vachanalaya, Municipality Building, Vasco. It will also be held in t h e f i v e c e n t r e s o f Va s c o , Curchorem/Sanvordem, Fatorda, Cansaulim and Margao. Call 9730065677, 9766496277, 9096700377 or 9823869918.

Tiatr Day, organised by the Kala Academy will be held on April 17 at 5.30pm at the Kala Academy, Campal-Panjim. Call 2420456.

A theatre workshop for children between the age group 8 to 16 years, organised by the Bal Bhavan, Campal-Panjim is underway till April 26 from 2:30pm to 5:30pm. Registration closes on April 13.

Call 2226823 or 2223001.

COCO’JU, the Coconut and Cashew Fest ‘11, organised by Ancestral Goa, Big Foot, Lotoulim will be held from April 30 to May 2 from 9am to 5:30pm at Ancestral Goa, Big Foot, Lotoulim. Call 2777034.

The Certification-cum-Exhibition of art work of the children of Apna Ghar, organised by SCAN-India in collaboration with the Directorate of Women and Child Development, Goa will be held on April 12 at 3.30pm at the Kala Academy, Campal-Panjim. Call 2420452.

‘Right To Information (RTI)’, is the topic of a workshop

Fashion

Travel

Tourism

Parenting

Pg2

email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com

HOROSCOPE organised by Asha Family Responsibilities and Rights Association, to be held on April 16 from 10am to 12.30pm at Grace Church Complex Hall, First floor, Margao. It will be conducted in Konkani and English.

Email trustasha@yahoo.co.in Call 2256445 or 9822166876.

‘The Mango Tree Art Camp’, organised by Sunaparanta – Goa Centre for the Arts will be held from May 2 to 7 from 10am to 4pm at Sunaparanta - Goa Centre for the Arts, Altinho-Panjim. Call 2421311.

‘Tuberculosis’, is the topic of the interactive session on the upcoming series on health co-organised by the International Centre Goa and Manipal Hospital Goa, to be held on April 16 from 4pm to 5pm at the International Centre Goa, Dona Paula. The speaker is Dr Haradatta Karande, Consultant Chest Physician, Manipal Hospital Goa. Call 2452805 to 2452810.

Karate classes, conducted by Sensei Joseph Rodrigues, 4th Dan Black Belt will be held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6pm at Pharmacy College, Panjim and at 6:15am at Basilios Gym, St Inez.

‘Children’s Theatre Workshop’ for boys and girls between the age group of 7 to 13 years, organised

by Abhivyaktis is underway till April 17 from 9am to 1pm at the Club House, Government Colony, Patto-Panjim. Call 2423951 and 9422448494.

‘CARZ’, a one-day workshop on cars for kids by Rohan Coelho will be held on April 16 from 9am to 6pm at Sunaparanta - Goa Centre for the Arts, Altinho-Panjim. E-mail info@sgcfa.org.

Call 2421311.

‘Indradhanush’, a 3-day cultural festival, organised by the Ganga-Zuari Academy will be held from April 22 to 24. There will be competitions in the areas of dance, singing, essay and drawing. Call 9822486204 or 9404434878.

Creation is a powerful experience, and one that will be es21 Mar - 19 Apr p e c i a l l y r e warding today.

Your creative juices are flowing in a big way, and you should find that at least one person close to you is in sync with your thought processes.

Collaborate on something big, bold and new!

Taurus Try to find your own way of making an impression on 20 Apr - 20 May f o l k s . B e i n g unique is key.

Don't let yourself get too serious when talking with kids, employees or anyone else who sees you as an authority figure.

People are looking for any excuse to ridicule any perceived pomposity.

Get a grip on Gemini what's going on to make the best out of a less than ideal situation.

21 May - 20 Jun No one would accuse you of being a wallflower, and today you tend to wade right into arguments without waiting to assess who may be right or wrong. Your opinions are powerful forces!

When you see a chance to get away from the drama or pressures of your 22 Jun - 23 Jul life, take it! You aren't typically all that impulsive, but on a day like today, you just can't help yourself. See if you can get your friends to follow along as you lead them to somewhere mysterious but fun.

An outside voice sounds sweeter than ever today -- listen to what they 24 Jul - 23 Aug have to say. Add another notch to your belt -you've racked up another big win! It may be hard for you to see the full scope of it right now, but you should look back on today as a milestone of sorts.

Get ready for a heated (and possibly flirtatious) chat with 23 Aug - 22 Sep an intellectual equal. It's hard to figure out what is happening today, thanks to the frenzy of activity that seems to be going on all around you (or just in your mind). Things should settle down tomorrow.

Fix an inequity you're feeling in a relationship by asking for 23 Sept - 22 Oct what you need.

You may dream big, but when you do, you can pull almost anything off! Write down one goal or ambition that you've been too scared (or realistic) to go for, and then resolve to make it come to life.

Scorpio Say 'yes' to as many opportunities as your schedule al23 Oct - 22 Nov lows, but keep some free time.

You may not be fully satisfied with your work situation, and there's at least one person to blame: the boss. This is not a good time to cross authority figures, but you may want to look into switching yours out.

Sagittarius This is a time

Capricorn Communication is a twoway street. It's impossible to lis22 Dec - 20 Jan ten when you are talking. Business or work-related issues pop up at the least convenient time today -- but you are responsible enough to know what to do about them. You make at least some progress, if not the kind you wanted to, this morning.

Aquarius O t h e r s a r e doing all the work -- but it's okay for you to 21 Jan - 19 Feb take advantage of it. Whether you are at work or at home, power struggles seem to pop up all over. It's not you -- or at least not just you. If you are willing to back off somewhat, you may find that others do so in return.

Don't take any shortcuts today -- they may prevent 20 Feb - 20 Mar your long-term satisfaction.

Your diet may be perfectly healthy or quite the opposite -- but you need to mix it up a little! Now is a great time to try a cuisine you've never experienced or revisit that one food you think you hate.

Aries

Libra

when you should be listening to yourself 23 Nov - 20 Dec physically and emotionally. A little boost comes your way in the form of an upgrade -maybe a new gadget or phone, maybe a new gig or maybe even a new romance. Make the most of it and see if you can take in even further.

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

Pisces

DID YOU KNOW? Nature’s Wonders – The spider’s web

irradiate Pronunciation ih-rey-dee-ate Function Verb Meaning 1: to shed rays of light upon; to illumine intellectually 2: to treat by exposure to radiation, as of ultraviolet light Example Sentence The detective relentlessly questioned the convict to irradiate the mysterious reason behind his crimes.

LAFFS

A spider’s web is a device built by a spider out of proteinaceous spider silk extruded from its spinnerets.

Insects can get trapped in spider webs, providing nutrition to the spider; however, not all spiders build webs to catch prey, and some do not build webs at all. Spiders initially started producing silk for reasons other than web-making. When spiders moved from the water to the land in the Early Devonian period, they started making silk to protect their bodies and their eggs. Spiders gradually started using silk for hunting purposes. Spiders produce silken thread using several paired spinneret glands located at the tip of their abdomen. Each gland produces a thread for a special purpose, like as a safety line or to wrap prey. They use different gland types to produce different silks, and some spiders are capable of producing up to 8 different silks during their lifetime. The tensile strength of spider silk is greater than the same weight of steel and has much greater elasticity. Its microstructure is under investigation for potential applications in industry, including bullet-proof vests and artificial tendons.

WIZARD OF ID

Funny Quote

“The problem with beauty is that it's like being born rich and getting poorer.”

– Joan Collins DAILY GROOK X-BOX ROCKS!

by Francis Rodrigues great mike tyson now rarely talks, jst keeps playin' u know...ex-box!

GARFIELD

MIND BENDERS

SUN MOON TIDES

Tongue Twister Wednesday 33° C | 25° C Dawn 06:01

Gertie’s great-grandma grew aghast at Gertie’s grammar

Clear

Sunrise 06:23

Sunset Dark 18:49 19:11

Moon rise 14:10 Moon set High —

Low 12:08

02:13

21:00 Chamatkar

09:30 11:20 13:25 15:50 18:20 21:00 23:05

09:30 12:15 15:00 17:00 19:15 21:00 23:00

I run but never walk. Who am I?

TIDES High Low High 17:44 12:00 07.01

D Tide timings are for Mormugao Harbour. For Panjim/Calangute add 20 mins. For Colva add 30 mins

Serious Moonlight Made of Honor Gone in 60 Seconds Tomorrow Never Dies Spider-Man 3 The Princess and the Frog Law Abiding Citizen

The Delta Force Star Trek The King of Fighters My Sister's Keeper The Uninvited Kickboxer Snakes on a Plane

08:30 11:30 15:00 19:00 22:30

Last ‘Riddle Me This’ Answer: Because people are dying to get in

18:50 An American Werewolf in Paris 21:00 The Water Horse 23:25 Red Cliff

Daud Beti Mawaali Jo Bole So Nihaal The Shaggy Dog

10:10 xXx 12:35 Jesse Stone 14:30 Did You Hear About the Morgans?

16:35 Bulletproof Monk

10:15 Bade Ghar Ki Beti 14:00 Chandni Chowk to China 17:50 Soldier

10:00 11:30 15:00 16:00 20:00 23:30

IPL 4 H/ls Yaarana IPL 4 Extraaa Innings Indian Premier League 4 Indian Premier League 4 IPL 4 Extraaa Innings

12:00 Sirf Tum 16:00 Masterji 20:00 Aan: Men At Work

11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30

Chashma Mrs. Tendulkar Lapataganj Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Mrs. Tendulkar Papad Pol Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo Lapataganj FIR Ring Wrong Ring Mrs. Tendulkar Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Gutar Gu Ring Wrong Ring Papad Pol Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo Mrs. Tendulkar Lapataganj FIR

11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00

Geet Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

IDIOT BOX 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30

Navya Saath Nibhana Saathiya Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya Maayke Se Bandhi Dor Gulaal Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Tere Mere Sapne Hamari Devrani Sapno Se Bhare Naina Maryaada ... Lekin Kab Tak? Navya Maayke Se Bandhi Dor Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya Sasural Genda Phool Saath Nibhana Saathiya Behenein Navya Saath Nibhana Saathiya Sasural Genda Phool Chaand Chupa Badal Mein Maayke Se Bandhi Dor Gulaal Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Navya Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya

10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 16:00 17:00 20:00 20:30 21:00 22:00 22:30

Khotey Sikkey Adaalat Surya: The Super Cop Chhajje Chhajje Ka Pyaar Krishnaben Khakhrawala Saas Bina Sasural C.I.D C.I.D C.I.D Classics Krishnaben Khakhrawala Chhajje Chhajje Ka Pyaar Surya: The Super Cop Saas Bina Sasural Kismat

11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30

Chhoti Si Zindagi Pavitra Rishta Chhoti Si Zindagi Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli

SUDOKU 832

Riddle Me This

13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30

Choti Bahu Pavitra Rishta Sanskaar Laxmi Chhoti Si Zindagi Ram Milaayi Jodi Sanjog Se Bani Sangini Shabaash India Pavitra Rishta Bhagonwali Apno ke liye Geeta ka Chhoti Si Zindagi Choti Bahu Jhansi Ki Rani Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli Pavitra Rishta Ram Milaayi Jodi Sanjog Se Bani Sangini Sanskaar Laxmi

10:00 Ring Wrong Ring 10:45 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta

13:22 13:44 14:06 14:28 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30

Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein Geet Rang Badalti Odhni Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein Rang Badalti Odhni Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein Geet Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Rang Badalti Odhni Geet Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein Geet Rang Badalti Odhni Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani

11:25 Wipeout 12:20 Top Chef 13:15 House

14:10 15:05 16:00 16:55 17:50 18:50 19:55 21:00 21:55 22:50

Criss Angel Mindfreak Fear Factor The Amazing Race Top 20 Countdown Criss Angel Mindfreak Fear Factor Most Daring Leverage Masters of Illusion Most Daring

11:00 12:00 13:00 13:30 14:00 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 20:30 21:00 22:00

Koffee With Karan Dexter The Bold and The Beautiful Friends Las Vegas Detroit 187 Community Family Guy Dexter Las Vegas Koffee With Karan How I Met Your Mother The Simpsons Las Vegas Dexter

11:00 12:00 16:00 18:00 18:30 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30

Mr. Bean: The Animated Chhota Bheem Marathon Pokemon M.A.D Chhota Bheem Anpanman Breadman The Pink Panther Show Just for Laugh Gags Takeshi's Castle Takeshi's Castle Just for Laugh Gags Bam Bam Bam Gir Pade Hum

10:30 FIA F1 World Ch’ship Raceday 2011 11:15 FIA F1 World Ch’ship 2011 13:15 FIA F1 World Ch’ship Chequered Flag 2011 14:00 Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters 22:00 Nike Football Locker Room 22:30 Ace 2011 23:00 Score Tonight

12:00 Barclays Premier League 2010/11

14:00 MLB Regular Season 2011 17:00 Uca National High School Cheerleading Ch’ship 18:00 Asian Tour H/ls 19:00 Goals!

19:30 Global Football 20:00 Sportscenter India 20:30 Sportscenter Asia 21:00 Bpl Express 22:00 Sportscenter India 22:30 Sportscenter Asia 09:00 ATP 1000 Masters 2011 15:00 WWE: Bottom Line 16:00 WWE: Specials 19:00 UEFA Champions League 2010/11 21:00 Mobil 1 The Grid 21:30 La Liga 2010/11 H/ls 22:30 WWE: Bottom Line 23:30 UEFA Champions League 2010/11

06:00 Art of Living 06:30 Dudhsagar 07:00Argam Diumia 07:30Kids Club 08:00 English News 09:00 Success Mantra 09:30Prevent Child Abuse 10:00 English News 11:00 Clown Fiesta 11:30 All Goa Youth Fusion 12:00 Flavors 12:30Trendsetter 13:00 English News 14:00Konkani Movie 15:00Success Mantra 15:30Kids Club 16:00 English News 17:00 Argam Diumia 17:30Health Watch 18:00 English News 19:00 Way of the Cross 20:00 English News 21:00 Immaculate Heart of Mary 22:00 English News 23:00 Art of Living 23:30All Goa Youth fusion 00:00Trendsetter 00:30Prevent Child Abuse 01:00Healthwatch Note: Subject to Change

Instructions for Sudoku 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

SUDOKU SOL 831

HERALD CROSSWORD - 832 Across 1- Mild cigar; 6- 1999 Ron Howard film; 10- Hula hoop parts; 14- Enthusiastic; 15- Actress Petty; 16- DDay beach; 17- Roman goddess of the moon; 18- Collar fastener; 19Member of the Conservative Party; 20- Sign up; 21- Estimator; 23- Big Blue; 25- Best; 26- Borodin's prince; 29- Cairo cobras; 32- Bellows; 37- Figs.; 38- Turkish honorific; 39- Forward; 40- Reticent; 43- Objects from everyday life; 44Children's author Blyton; 45- Conger; 46- Made a mistake; 47"______ sprach Zarathustra"; 48Coil; 49- Letters on a Cardinal's cap; 51- Japanese drama; 53Short cape; 58- Sows; 62- Verdi heroine; 63- Grease (up); 641949; 56- Abba of Israel; 57- Canvas shelter used Smooth transition; 65- Editor's mark; 66- OPEC on camping trips; 59- Sponsorship; 60- Sand hill; member; 67- One of Chekhov's "Three Sisters"; 61- Actor Connery; 62- Botanist Gray; 68- ___ extra cost; 69- 1/100 of a monetary unit; 70- Ruhr city; SOLUTION - 831 Down 1- Give up; 2- Reclined; 3- Culture medium; 4- Impressionist Pierre; 5- Toothbrush brand; 6- Designer Schiaparelli; 7- Specks; 8- Expects confidently; 9- Home movie medium; 10- Rude dwellings; 11- Langston Hughes poem; 12- Henry VIII's sixth; 13- Bashful; 22- Move apart; 24- Molten material; 26- Accustom; 27- Dead duck; 28- Academy award; 30- Moo ___ pork; 31- Cartoon part; 33- Thunder Bay's prov.; 34- Farewell; 35- Wanderer; 36- Fishhook line; 38- In the thick of; 39- Descendant; 41- Cheer for Manolete; 42Connections; 47- Attract; 48- Applauds; 50- Tending to a definite end; 52- Actor Davis; 53- Baseball glove; 54- Mideast gulf; 55- Defense grp. since

Lifestyle

Relationships

Sports

Business

Health

Art

Culture

Environment

Education

Information Technology

Entertainment

e n in p p a h ’ n ot ‘

GOA’S h Public ask for Lok Ayukta Bill in Goa during Interactive Workshop

g

Fashion

Travel

Tourism

email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com

Wednesday, 13 Apr 2011

Parenting

Pg3

DKA’s Novel Writing Awards announced

I

n order to give a much required boost to the writers of Konknni in Romi script, Dalgado Konknni Akademi (DKA) had organised the Novel Writing Competition, in which Sharon R Fernandes e Sores bagged the first prize of Rs 15,000 for her novel Handbag. Vincy Quadros bagged the second prize of Rs 10,000 for his novel Suryadoy and Willy Goes won the third prize of Rs 5,000 for his novel Kotrina.

Besides the cash prize, the three awards also carry specially designed mementos and certificates.

The awards will be presented in a special function to be held on Friday, April 15, 2011 at 4:15pm in Ravindra Bhavan’s Conference Hall, Margao.

A

HERALD FEATURES sha Family Responsibilities and Rights Association conducted an interactive workshop on Prevention of Corruption / Lok Ayukta on April 9, 2011 at the Asha Centre, Mapusa. Asha NGO Coordinator Rui Da Gama presented his own write-up on Prevention of Corruption/ Lok Ayukta to all the participants.

In his presentation, Da Gama explained the two sides of corruption beginning with the giver and taker. It was explained that as materialism keeps on increasing, human values keep on falling, resulting in defects in human character such greed, self centeredness, conning, lying and manipulating. He also explained how the Public Servants (Enquiries) Act, 1850 and Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 has been nullified by inserting a clause in the Indian Penal Code which states that ‘Prior sanction is required to prosecute any government servant’. It was stated that the Lok Ayukta Bill which is applicable from the chief minister to the last government servant, be passed by the Assembly in Goa. People pointed out to rampant corruption taking place in all segments of the government departments through the government servants.

On enquiry by a participant, the difference between the Central Lok Pal Bill and Goa Lok Ayukta Bill was explained. Participants also complained about the various bribes being asked by the government officers/servants in kind and cash. It was agreed that people should be educated not to indulge in corrupt practices.

Participants were vocal in expressing their disgust against all forms of corruption in Goa. They stated that even the senior citizens and poor people are being harassed in order to feed the greed of the government employees. People confirmed that the elected representatives are responsible for such corrupt state affairs in Goa. Hemant Sawant, Giselle Mendes, Suresh, Vivian Pinto, Florence Mendes and many others participated in the workshop.

Willy Goes

Sharon R Fernandes e Soares

Vincy Quadros

Learning the Skills of Acting

Photos by Rozario Estibeiro

HERALD FEATURES bhivyaktee, a theatre group from Panjim organises acting workshops for children every summer, Diwali and Christmas vacations. This summer saw them organise one for children between the ages of seven to 13 years. It was held at the Club House at the Government Colony located in Patto, Panjim.

The group of young children attentively listened to Sanjay Mapare, a Marathi and Hindi theatre actor and resource person for the workshop. Conducted in Marathi, Sanjay introduced the process of acting to the young ones and further went on to explain its nuances. A few children were used to demonstrate the lesson to the rest. The other resource person besides Sanjay is Geeta Mangueshkar, a yoga teacher who has also worked on the Marathi stage.

The on-going workshop is open to all. The group also conducts free workshops for all every Saturday from 4pm to 6pm, all throughout the year.

A

Actors we aspire to be: The children participating in acting-related exercises at the workshop

Santamchem Pursanv – A Divine Procession

BY JOEGOAUK antamchem Pursanv or Procession of Saints is a colourful, religious event that takes place in the village of GoaVelha. Every year, on the fifth Monday of the season of Lent, the life size statues of thirty-one saints are taken out through the lanes of the village as part of a twohour long procession.

Except for Rome, an event like this does not take place anywhere else in the world, making it unique to our little state. The age-old procession originally had about sixty to sixty-five saints, which more recently became twenty-seven. This number remained steady for a number of years, u n t i l v e r y re cently when four more were added making it a total of 31.

S

Photos by JoeGoaUK

Names of the Saints and the order in which they are taken out: 1) Armais Franciscan 2) Papa Inacio 3) Sam Minguel 4) Cardinal S Boaventura 5) St Clara de Orde Franciscan 6) S Lucio e Dona Primogeni 7) Sam Pascoal Baylon 8) St Rosa Viterbo 9) Sam Roque 10) St Izabel Rainha de Portugal 11) St Izabel de Rainha de Urgria (Hungary) 12) Sant Antonio 13) Cardinal Sam Pedro Damiao 14) Sam Bernardo 15) S Luis Reis de France 16) Sam Filipe 17) St Inez de Assisi 18) S Rosa de Lima 19) Encorno Domingos 20) Immaculada Franciscan 21) Acce Home 22) St Francisco Abracado Pelo Crucificado 23) St Joao Evangelisto 24) Maria Magdalena 25) Maria Santissima 26) St Angela Mericia 27) St Andrew (New added 1981) 28) St Francis Xavier (New 1984) 29) St Peter (new 1985) 30) Blessed Jose Vas (New 2009) 31) St Francis de Chagas

Lifestyle

Relationships

Sports

Business

Health

Art

Culture

Environment

Education

Information Technology

t r en ’ n ‘ m a l g

GOA’S

Entertainment

ds

Fashion

Travel

email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com

Wednesday 13 Apr 2011

Brand to raise Children in Britain

A

Pg4

B

I am retiring from choreography: Farah Khan

S

he is the woman behind the popular Hindi dance numbers Munni and Sheila but Farah Khan says she wants to retire from choreography. Farah has already made a name for herself as a director with movies like Main Hoon Naa, Om Shanti Om and Tees Maar Khan.

Besides being a mother to three children, she has also turned producer for husband Shirish Kunder’s upcoming film Joker, which has left her with little time to focus on choreography. “I have been trying to take a break from choreography for a long time. I would have retired long ago but you make exceptions for friends and you are unable to break away from it, said Farah.

The director, who is currently busy finding talented dancers to match steps with Hrithik Roshan on the Star Plus show Just Dance, is yet to break away from her first profession.

She is also choreographing the moves for Joker, her home production. “Once in a while it is nice to go and choreograph a song but I am a director and producer now. I don’t want to do it actively now,” she added.

“I will start my film next year. With children, we both can’t work together.

But I have finished the screenplay. I am yet to write dialogues. I need the complete bound script before I decide the cast,” she said.

ritish actress Rachel Weisz has revealed she has no idea how to blow-dry her hair and only gets manicures and pedicures if she is attending a red-carpet event. The brunette beauty admits she makes a minimal effort with her locks, and insists she doesn’t care if her tresses look less-than-perfect when she leaves the house, states reports.

“I’m a bit of a wash-and-go kind of girl. I don’t know how to blow-dry my hair, so I never do. I have naturally big, frizzy hair, so I normally have at least two or three hairbands on my wrist,” she said.

“I don’t mind not having the blow-dried look; I like a little frizz, and it’s back in fashion, thank God,” she added.

As well as admitting to being clueless about her hair, Weisz also struggles to maintain having nice finger or toenails, unless she can get expert help. “I’m not really a manicure person either.

That’s just not part of my life,” said.

Green Tea and Tai Chi Beneficial for Postmenopausal Women

P

revious studies have shown that people who consume the highest levels of green tea tend to have lower risks of several chronic degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Now, a new study has suggested that drinking green tea and practicing tai chi may promote bone health as well as reduce the risk of inflammation in postmenopausal women.

Researcher Chwan-Li Shen, an associate professor and a researcher at the Laura W Bush Institute for Women’s Health at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Centre, focused on postmenopausal women and investigated the potential for green tea to work synergistically with tai chi in enhancing bone strength.

She carried out a double-blind, placebo-controlled, intervention trial that involved 171 postmenopausal women who had weak bones but not full-fledged osteoporosis, for six months. She placed the women into four groups. One group was given a placebo drug and no tai chi, the second was giving green tea pills but no tai chi, the third was given placebo pills but they did tai chi three times a week, while the fourth group had both the green tea and tai chi.

She collected blood and urine samples, and assessed the women’s muscle strength.

The results showed consuming the equivalent of four to six cups of steeped green tea daily and doing tai chi enhanced bone health within three months. A similar effect was found for muscle strength at the 6-month time point.

Perhaps most remarkable, however, was the substantial effect that both GTP and tai chi had on biological markers of oxidative stress, the main precursor to inflammation.

Shen concluded that there is a ‘favourable effect of modest green tea consumption on bone remodelling in this pre-osteoporotic population.”

Scientists find Way to map Brain’s Complexity

cientists say they have moved a step closer to developing a computer model of the brain after finding a way to map both the connections and functions of nerve cells in the brain together for the first time. In a recent study, researchers from Britain’s University College London (UCL) described a technique developed in mice which enabled them to combine information about the function of neurons with details of their connections.

The study is part of an emerging area of neuroscience research known as ‘connectomics’.

A little like genomics, which maps our genetic make-up, connectomics aims to map the brain’s connections, known as synapses.

By untangling and being able to map these connections – and deciphering how information flows through the brain’s circuits – scientists hope to understand how thoughts and perceptions are generated in the brain and how these functions go wrong in diseases such as Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia and stroke.

“We are beginning to untangle the complexity of the brain,” said Tom Mrsic-Flogel, who led the study. “Once we understand the function and connectivity of nerve cells spanning different layers of the brain, we can begin to develop a computer simulation of how this remarkable organ works,” he added.

In a report of his research, Mrsic-Flogel explained how mapping the brain’s connections is no small feat: There are an estimated one hundred billion nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain, each connected to thousands of other nerve cells, he said, making an estimated 150 trillion synapses. “How do we figure out how the brain’s neural circuitry works? We first need to understand the function of each neuron and find out to which other brain cells it connects,” he said.

Editor –in-chief: R F Fernandes. Editor: Ashwin Tombat. Chief Editor-Features: Christina Viegas.

Parenting

Rachel Weisz’s Make-up Woes

s Russell Brand doesn’t want his children to have American accents, he wants to move back to Britain when he and wife Katy Perry start a family. The British actor currently lives in Los Angeles with his pop star wife Katy Perry and while he’s happy in the US at the moment, he wants to raise any children they have in Britain.

When asked if he wants to return to Britain, he said: “I secretly want to do that. I have a fear of hearing my American children speak to me in American accents.”

However, he admits he would have to work hard to sell the idea to Californiaraised Katy. Speaking about how he will convince Katy to move across the Atlantic, Russell revealed that a nice home is key. “I’m sure I can sell her Great Britain on some level. The Cotswolds - people seem to be up for that don’t they? Stone-walled cottage.”

S

Tourism

Shahid promotes Vegetarianism in New PETA Ad

B

ollywood actor Shahid Kapoor, who was voted Bollywood’s sexiest vegetarian by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), will be seen urging people to turn vegetarian in a new ad of the animal rights group. In the new ad, titled, Chicks Love a Vegetarian, a casually dressed Shahid is seen with two downy yellow chicks perched on his body, extolling the benefits of a plant-based diet. The ad is shot by ace photographer Atul Kasbekar.

“I love chicks... pigs, cows, fish, and all the other animals too. That’s why I turned vegetarian,” said Shahid.

“I am very happy being a vegetarian and I believe that it is the best way to be. The day I started believing in the fact that I would not want to kill animals for my taste buds, that is the day everything changed for me,” he added.

Are you among Sleepless Elite Members or simply Sleep Deprived?

S

cientists have identified a small group of people called the ‘sleepless elite’, for whom a lie-in is a waste of time. Rather than being tired, bad-tempered under-achievers, they are an energetic, outgoing and optimistic group who can happily and healthily get by on just four or five hours of shut-eye a night.

They also tend to be slim, able to hold down two jobs at the same time, and breeze through their extra-long days without needing caffeine pick-me-ups or catnaps.

American scientists who studied an extended family in California focused on a mother and daughter who appeared perfectly healthy despite their shared lifelong habit of getting up early in the morning, having gone to bed close to midnight.

A DNA test showed they had a tiny mutation in a gene called hDEC2 – but it was missing in other family members who slept normally.

When mice were genetically engineered to have the mutation, they too struggled to sleep.

Working out how the gene cuts sleep without any obvious impact on health could help in the design of drugs that give us all a few extra hours in our day. The bad news is that while many people get by on a few hours’ sleep a night, just 1 to 3 people in 100 qualify as a member of the sleepless elite. Everyone else is simply sleep deprived.

Regd Office: St Tome Road, Panjim, Goa. Tel: 6658512, 6658500, 2224202, 2228083. Fax: 2222475. Email: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com.