18 July, Herald Publication

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S U N D A Y

O HERALD O The Voice of Goa — Since 1900 panjim, sunDaY, julY 18, 2010

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Goa’s Heartbeat: Rhea Kapoor not interested in acting Pg 12

Goa: Multi-crore online racket busted in Belgaum Pg 5

pRiCE Rs. 3.00 (air surcharge Rs 1.50) pages 16+6

Sports: Dhoni banks on fit-again Sehwag Pg 16

Princess bid invalid: Madgavkar Indo-Pak FMs Warns Govt over move to award contract to Titan SURAJ NANDREKAR PANJIM, JULY 17

2 ULFA leaders held Two leaders of the banned ULFA were arrested by Bangladeshi authorities from Bhairab town. — (PTI)

Drunk CRPF jawan kills 6 in shooting spree PTI RANCHI, JULY 17

A “drunk” CRPF jawan allegedly opened fire from his AK-47 rifle killing six of his colleagues including an officer who had reprimanded him for consuming alcohol on duty minutes before the shooting spree in Saraikela district of Jharkhand.

The alleged shooter was gunned down after a four-hour drama by other CRPF personnel last night, preventing any further casualties.

Shocked by the incident, CRPF headquarters in New Delhi has rushed its Additional Director General (Headquarters) J C Dabas to the spot to find the facts about the fratricidal incident along with other senior officials posted in the State overseeing anti-Naxal operations.

Constable Harpinder Singh of 196 battalion of CRPF, who was on sentry duty at a camp in Kuchai village of Saraikela district, started indiscriminately firing on his colleagues at around 10 pm, a CRPF spokesperson said.

Six of his colleagues, including Assistant Commandant Bikau Singh, were killed in the firing.

According to sources in the force, an altercation broke out between Singh and other CRPF men over the quantity of food being wasted in the company mess. Singh, who was the mess in-charge, started arguing.

In an interesting development, Madgavkar Salvage, one of the two bidders short-listed for the removal of the River Princess, has threatened to move the High Court if the contract is awarded to Singapore-based company Titan Salvage citing several discrepancies.

Sources disclosed that the State Disaster Management Committee seems impressed with the Titan bid and had asked company representatives to come down and give some more details on their offer.

Claiming that Titan Salvage bid was invalid and deserved to be rejected, Madgavkar Salvage has sent a notice to the Director of Tourism and the Collector (Authorised Officers) stating they would take legal action against the Government, if the contract was awarded to the Singapore-based company.

The company’s contention is that Titan Salvage has not submitted their offer on “No Cure

Madgavkar’S contention… l

l

l

Titan has not submitted their offer on “No Cure No Pay” basis as required Has stated that scrap must be disposed off by the Government Price quoted is higher than that of Madgavkar Salvage

No Pay” basis as required by the tender.

“Titan Salvage has stated in their tender offer that all the pieces of the wreck must be disposed off by the Government, although the tender notice clearly stipulates that contractor must dispose off the scrap”, Anil Madgavkar, partner of the com-

pany said.

Also, Titan Salvage has submitted a daily hire rate for their vessels and equipment and has not given a lump sum quotation in their financial bid as required in the tender notice, he added.

“The price quoted by Titan is also Rs 25 crore higher than that quoted by Madgavkar Salvage”,

Madgavkar stated.

In view of the above, Titan Salvage should have been disqualified immediately by the Government, he said.

Madgavkar has expressed surprise that instead of outright rejecting the tender of Titan Salvage, the Government is now proposing to award the work of removal of River Princess to them.

The ship was grounded in July 2000 on a stormy night and since the last ten years successive Governments have made attempts to remove the ill-fated ship but to no avail.

Director of Tourism Swapnil Naik admitted receiving Madgavkar’s notice.

“We have received the letter but we have not yet responded to it”, Naik told Herald.

Further, he stated that the Government feels there should not be any confrontation in this regard. “We are hopeful that the issue is resolved amicably”, he said adding, “in the end our aim is to remove the ship from the shore”.

Liquor worth Rs 20 lakh seized in raid HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, JULY 17

Superintendent of Excise Navnath Naik shows one consignment of illegal liquor.

Photo by Kathy Pereira

Navy counters MP’s charge on Dabolim HERALD REPORTER VASCO, JULY 17

Reiterating their earlier stand that the Navy wants the Goa airport project to be expedited, Flag Officer of Goa Naval Area Rear Admiral Sudhir Pillai has refuted allegations by Raja Sabha MP Shantaram Naik that the Navy is jeopardising expansion work.

Addressing a press conference at his office on Saturday, Rear Admiral Sudhir Pillai said the Navy has often stated in the past that “the airport expansion is very essential to the State”.

“Making statements that the Navy is not cooperating with the expansion work is wrong, since the Navy has readily handed over land to the Airport Authority of India (AAI)”, said Pillai He asked the media to enquire with AAI and contractor if the Navy had asked them to stop the work.

“However, the Navy has to ensure that safety and security measures are taken care of by the authorities. Towards the

‘Goa yet to get environmental nod for Mopa’ JAGDEEP POKLE PANJIM, JULY 17

In a new development, Union Minister for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh has officially clarified that the Goa Government has not yet obtained environmental clearance for the ambitious project of its proposed greenfield international airport at Mopa.

This revelation comes after it was made known that the State Government had not (Continued on page 2)

landing side of the airport there is a high security wall and once this wall is broken, there are possibilities of a security breach as the runway is just a stone’s throw from the wall”, said Pillai.

“Since the contractor wants to break the high security wall and fill the low-lying area near (Continued on page 2)

Sleuths make a case for Sonia’s custody HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULY 17

The Crime Branch on Saturday strongly opposed the bail application Nadia Torrado’s mother Sonia, saying the accused is required in police custody for the recovery of Nadia’s mobile phones, laptop and passport, besides the weapon of assault.

The investigating agency further said the maid who was present in the house on the day Nadia consumed poison is required to be traced for recording of her statement.

Arguments on the bail application will be heard in the court of Additional Sessions Judge, B P Deshpande on July 19 after Sonia’s legal counsel Adv Radharao Gracias sought time to argue the matter. (Related report on page 3) The Crime Branch said these articles, after their recovery, would be forwarded for examination in order to retrieve the memory to find out the motive for suicide and the persons involved in the assault against the victim.

The Crime Branch submitted that it is revealed though the statement of one of the witnesses that the accused gave her two bags on June 1, containing clothes and some belongings, to be burnt, with instructions not to look inside the bags. “Accordingly, the witness went (Continued on page 2)

In a major raid, Goa Excise officials seized liquor worth over Rs 20 lakh from an illegal factory at Shelim-Loliem, a few kilometres from the State border.

One accused has been nabbed in this connection, while the prime accused managed to flee from the scene.

According to Superintendent of Excise Navnath Naik, who led the raiding party from the head

office and local Excise Inspector Shamba Naik, the raid which began at about 11 am on Saturday will continue late into the night, till the entire seized stock is documented and taken into the custody of the Department.

Several packed bottles and pouches of different types of liquor, including brandy and whiskey with brand names, were seized from the illegally operated factory at Shellim-Loliem (Continued on page 2)

meet in Kabul ruled out AGENCIES NEW DELHI, JULY 17

Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao on Saturday ruled out a bilateral meeting between External Affairs Minister S M Krishna and his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi on the sidelines of an international conference in Kabul on Tuesday.

“Both Krishna and Qureshi will be attending this conference. I don’t believe there will be any bilateral meeting during the conference because the way it is structured and the business that has to be transacted at that conference is not going to leave much time for bilateral meetings to begin with and secondly, they have just met in Islamabad”, Rao said.

There may, however, be a pullaside meeting between the two in view of Pakistani leaders making conciliatory statements after the deadlock in the July 15 talks and bitter acrimony that followed the talks.

Indo-Pak ties witnessed diplomatic acrimony, immediately after the dialogue which ended in sharp differences, with both sides holding each other responsible for not making any headway in the parleys on Thursday in Islamabad and Qureshi making unpleasant remarks about Krishna.

However, Pakistan appears to have piped down today with its leaders saying the country wanted continuation of the bilateral dialogue and is serious about normalisation of Indo-Pak

Both Krishna and Qureshi will be attending this conference. I don’t believe there will be any bilateral meeting.

— Nirupama Rao ties.

Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said, “Pakistan wants the continuation of dialogue with India. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has assured me that all issues will be discussed”. Qureshi said, “We are very serious about normalising our relations with India.”

“I met with my Indian counterpart in Islamabad just day before yesterday. We agreed to embark on a sustained dialogue process,” Qureshi said.

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NGO moves court to protect forests HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 17

In a bid to stop Forest Department from allowing open forest land being diverted to non-forest use -- Goa Foundation (GF), an NGO pursuing environmental issues, has moved High Court.

In a petition filed before Bombay High Court at Goa the NGO has sought to quash one of the criteria adopted by forest department for determining “what is forest” and also prayed for an order restraining the department from granting any NOC for conversion of any plot having natural vegetation with tree canopy density of more than 0.1 per cent.

The expert committee adopted three criteria to identify areas as forests such as 75 per cent of the species composition

must be forestry species, the area should be contiguous to government forest and if in isolation, should be more than 5 hectors and thirdly, the canopy density should not be less than 0.4 per cent (40 per cent).

The petitioner has objected to the third criteria which is in relation to tree cower density as it has no basis as there are several forest areas in the State which are presently degraded and having canopy density of less than 0.4 per cent but they w e re o r i g i n a l l y d e n s e o r medium dense forest and must be accordingly identified.

“Such land cannot be unilaterally diverted to non-forest purpose except with prior approval under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980,” says the petitioner.

Moreover, it has pointed out

that the Forest Conservation Act being Central legislation, any criteria adopted for defining any land as forest or non-forest need to be approved by Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF).

However, in this case the State Government has not obtained sanction for third criteria from MoEF. The petition also says that the Forest Conservation Act does not grant any power to any State government to set arbitrary criteria that have bearing on determination of forests under the Act. Also, the State government should accept any criteria that would have bearing on the implementation of the existing orders of the Supreme Court.

The adoption of the criteria in question has lead to largescale diversion of forested areas

to non-forestr y purposes thereby effectively bypassing the provisions of the Forest Conservation Act and 1996 order and subsequent orders of the Supreme Court, it complaint.

The petition also highlights that all the authorities including the Supreme Court have not come to a conclusion that forest with tree canopy density below 0.4 per cent are not to be considered as forest for purposes of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.

To make its case stronger, Goa Foundation has also submitted extracts from the latest report of the Forest Survey (2009) about extend and nature of forests in Goa. According to the survey, extend of open forest areas are almost the same extend as both categories – very

dense forest and moderately dense forest put together. The open forest area as shown in the survey report is 1016 sq kms, 511 sq kms is very dense forest and moderately dense forest is 624 sq kms.

This means, 1016 sq kms of open forests area in the State could be easily diverted to non– forest area by virtue of criteria three.

At present, only 67 sq kms of private forest has been identified in the State but identification was carried out based on objectionable criteria that exclude all open forests.

Therefore, criteria three is violative of the objectives and provisions of the FCA, 1980, as it is leading to active destruction of forest areas in the State, says Goa Foundation.

Motorcyclist killed in accident HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 17

One person died in a fatal motorcycle accident near Heera petrol pump, located some meters away from the Panjim bus stand, late Saturday night.

It was learnt that the Panjim police control room received information about the accident at about 10:05 pm. A police team along with 108 Ambulance was immediately rushed to the spot but the victim reportedly died on the spot.

Sources however said the dead body was not attended to for quite some time.

Details of the accident or identity of the motorcycle rider was not known till mid-night.

The body was shifted to Goa Medical College at Bambolim.

Mauvin leading effort for garbage treatment plant HERALD REPROTER VASCO, JULY 17 At a time when most panchayats are struggling to dispose off their garbage due to lack of a disposal site, Deputy Speaker and Cortalim MLA Mauvin Godinho has taken an initiative to set up a garbage treatment plant to cater to all six panchayats in Mormugao taluka.

A meeting of various State government heads, Central government officials, elected representatives from six different panchayats from Mormugao taluka, NGOs and social workers was convened on Saturday morning to work out a short, medium and long term solution to tackle garbage and maintain cleanliness in the taluka.

Godinho said he has plans to set up a garbage treatment plant for six panchayats and added that Chief Minister

Digamber Kamat had agreed to allot land either at the Sancoale industrial estate or Verna industrial estate.

“We have been pursuing this matter continuously for some time and this plan should be finalized within the next three months,” added Godinho.

He said a large chunk of land has been acquired by GIDC at Verna Industrial Estate, as he had demanded 50,000 sq mtrs for the garbage plant.

“I have sought an additional 50,000 sq mtrs to ensure that half the area is covered by trees to cover the garbage treatment plant and to avoid any foul odor at the site,” said the deputy speaker.

He informed that the Airports Authority of India does not want the garbage treatment plant to be set up within a 10-km radius of the airport, which covers almost the whole of his constituency, because of bird hits that could pose a serious threat to planes. As a result, most panchayats in the vicinity have been struggling to find a garbage disposal site in the area.

“The new garbage plant would even cater to Vasco town, as its existing garbage treatment plant is in a mess and large heaps of garbage accumulated at the plant is seeping into the sea,” said Godinho.

He announced that a massive plastic cleanliness drive along the Chicalim garden, Airport junction, MES college junction and Meta Copper Alloy, Sancoale, would be carried on July 31 from 9 am, with the participation of villagers, elected representatives, school students and NGOs.

Fire services lift the vehicle whose driver lost control of it and rammed against the road divider at Caranzalem, Saturday afternoon.

Photo by Rozario Estibeiro

Portugal Embassy staff on strike JAL KHAMBATA NEW DELHI, JULY 17

The Indian staff of the Portuguese Embassy here continued their strike for the second week to press for higher wages.

Seven of the eight staffers are Indians, and they are complain-

ing about the disparity in wages paid to the Portuguese staffer and them. It is as high as €1500 (about Rs 90,000), they said.

While the Embassy refused to comment, Lusa News Agency quoted Sandip Kumar, leader of the agitation, as saying that they

had to resort to strike after failing to get any response from the Portuguese authorities despite repeated appeals.

“Since February we have tried to explain this (disparity) to the Portuguese authorities. We sent four telegrams on the issue, but

I don’t know what is the problem with the (Foreign Affairs) Ministry; nobody listens”, Kumar said.

Lusa too said it tried to reach the Portuguese Foreign Ministry, but the spokesperson wouldn’t comment on the strike.

OBCs’ wish list for Golden Jubilee HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULY 17

The Goa ST, SC and OBC’s Federation has urged the government to bring smiles on the faces of Scheduled Tribes by fulfilling the long-pending demands at least before December 2010 – the Golden Jubilee year of Goa’s Liberation.

Federation President Antonio

D Gauncar said the scheduled Tribes have written to the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and other central Ministers to fulfill the demands of the Scheduled Tribes in Goa. Gauncar pointed out that during the last 50 years, the Goa government have not given any reservation for the

tribal community for Parliament, Assembly and Municipal polls.

He said though the tribal people are the original settlers of Goa, they don’t have proper shelter nor a piee of land to call their own.

Saying that the government has plenty of land to give to private companies and individ-

uals, Gauncar has requested the government to give minimum 200 mts of land and atleast Rs three lakh for the construction of houses to each family of the tribal community. “The tribals are ready to show the land to the government in each village and taluka for utilization for the proposed housing scheme”, he added.

Car skids, occupants unhurt HERALD CORRESPONENT CANACONA, JUL 17

The car seen with its bonnet almost cut into two pieces near the Polem check-post. Photo by Kathy Pereira

Curchorem MLA holds meeting on road widening HERALD CORRESPONDENT CURCHOREM, JULY 17

The road-widening issue is headed towards a major roadblock, with two groups in Curchorem divided on the issue Curchorem MLA Shyam Satardekar convened a meeting at the Ravindra Bhavan on Saturday to through light on the issue.

He informed the people that though the proposed road will be a four-lane, no legal constructions would be demolished.

“Wherever possible, the width of the road would be 30 metres, but some elements are misguiding the people on this,” said the MLA.

Occupants of a Karwar-bound car miraculously escaped unhurt in a mishap barely a kilometre from the Polem check post.

According to sources, the car (KA-26 M-2589) was proceeding towards Karwar when the car suddenly swerved to its right and went down the road.

The car continued to move through the bushes and plants, bringing down an electricity pole and hitting another electricity pole.

The second electricity pole sliced through the car’s bonnet, before the vehicle came to a halt. The occupents miraculously escaped unhurt.

Britain seek CBI probe into citizen’s ‘murder’ HERALD REPORTER PANJIM JULY 17

The UK government has sought Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into its national Stephen Bennett’s unexplained death case, which has a relation to Goa’s drug mafia.

Minister for State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in UK, Ivan Lewis in a written communication to Government of Maharashtra on March 16, 2010 supported a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the death of Stephen Bennett.

Stephen was found dead at Roha in Raigad district.

The communication by Lewis comes as a rejoinder to Stephen’s mother, Maureen’s letter, who had poked hole in the inquiry conducted by Maharashtra police in her son’s death. She wrote letter to Maharashtra authorities on February 8, 2010.

“I support the Bennetts’ (mother Maureen and sister Amanda) wish to see a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding Stephen’s death and would be grateful if steps could be taken to con-

sider this transfer. I would also be very grateful if you could keep me updated via the Indian High Commission in London of your response in considering the family’s request,” Lewis wrote to Maharashtra Home Minister Raosaheb Patil, copy of which is available with Herald.

A British Labour Party politician Lewis forwarded a copy of the letter to the Union Home Minister P Chidambaram, Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan and British High Commissioner in New Delhi Sir Richard Stagg.

FROM PAGE 1 Liquor seized in raid

village of Canacona taluka.

While the main accused fled from the scene, the excise sleuths succeeded in nabbing one John Minz, a native of Jarkhand and operating partner of the main accused.

Excise sleuths also recovered around 28 barrels containing spirits (alcohol) from the nearby forests, while empty bottles, caps and all other materials including sealing and two filling machines were seized from the site. The residential house of the prime accused, which had a concealed underground room, is also located in the area.

The underground room inside the residential house was being used to operate the sealing and filling machines. Raw material and other stocks, including bottle caps carrying brand names, were also seized from different godowns in the vicinity.

Each barrel reportedly contained 200 litres of raw alcohol and filled barrels with country liquor were also seized from the godown.

Several empty white plastic cans were seen hidden within the thick vegetation and forest areas.

The raid, which is conducted under the overall supervision and guidance of Goa Excise Commissioner P S Reddy, consisted of the raiding party led by Superintendent of Excise Navnath Naik, Canacona Excise Inspector Shamba K Naik, and Excise Inspectors from the headquarters Maheswar Pai, Hassan Khan, Rajesh Salelkar, besides several other lower rung officials including the officials from the Canacona excise office.

Speaking to Herald at the site, while raids were being conducted at the illegal factory-cum-residence, Naik said: “The accused who was present at the site while the raid was in progress on Saturday morning gave a slip and disappeared. Excise sleuths, however, succeeded in nabbing his business partner one John Minz, reportedly a native from Jharkand.”

When asked if the arrested person was a scapegoat or a coverup in the massive illegal liquor operations taking place close to the State’s border, Naik replied in the negative.

“No, he is the main partner and we believe these two were jointly running the illegal trade. It is also believed that Minz used to help operate the transportation to different states,” said Naik.

The raid was still on late Saturday night, as officials were listing details of the seized stock. Around seven pickups with the seized contraband were transported by excise sleuths to the excise house near the Polem check border.

“The main accused has no license or permit either to stock alcohol, process alcohol, pack IMFL or country liquor and all these activities were carried out illegally, thereby depriving the Government of taxes that could run into lakhs of rupees if not crores”, Naik added.

Some of the brands which were packed at the site included Imperial Blue, Royal Stag, Honey Bee, rum and many other brands of IMFL. The raiding officials, however, kept mum when asked if the raids were conducted on a specific tip-off, but added that the main accused would be nabbed shortly.

Navy counters charge

it, they have to take precautionary measures while filling as the natural drain also passes through the same area. If precautions are not taken while filling the land, it could lead to flooding of the runway and it could further lead to falling of debris close to runway”, he added.

“We have interacted with the AAI and have requested them to follow some guidelines to ensure that safety and security is not compromised”, added Pillai.

He further informed that AAI is in possession of a total of 34.46 acres. “In addition to that, AAI has sought another 1.3 acres for a multiple car parking facility. This is yet to be handed over them, as it has to follow standard procedures. Last month, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat had a meeting with the chief of navy on the issue”, Pillai said.

“We are just custodians of land and a decision to hand over the land is taken in Delhi”, added Pillai.

Goa yet to get nod for Mopa

carried out the requisite environmental impact survey before proposing the international airport at Mopa.

In a reply to a question by Communist Party of India (CPI) leader and Lok Sabha MP from West Bengal Gurudas Das Gupta, Union Minister Jairam Ramesh confirmed that the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) had not received any proposal for obtaining clearance for the international airport.

The letter further states that the Ministry would duly consider various environmental issues in connection with the construction of the airport at Mopa, if it receives the proposal for clearance.

Das Gupta was following up the objections of Mopa farmers and surrounding villages about the airport coming up on land where they have cultivated fields and plantations, and where there are abundant natural resources. Das Gupta has extended his support to the voice of the Mopa Vimantall Piditt Xetkari Samiti, the group formed by locals from Mopa and surrounding villages to oppose the grand project.

Sources in the State administration said the total land required for the airport is approximately 81 lakh square metres. The process of acquiring the land is in its final stages, and the approach road is expected to have a 60-metre width. Land from five villages — Mopa, Varkhand, Chandel, Kasarvorem and Uguem — will be acquired for the airport.

Case for Sonia’s custody

to the backside of the house, where household garbage was dumped and put fire to both the bags with the help of newspapers.

The witness further disclosed that she burnt three more plastic bags on June 2 just before the funeral of Nadia as told by her mother. Further, the witness washed the bed rooms of the deceased”, the Crime Branch submitted in its reply.

The investigating agency said that Nadia in her statement to the Special Executive Magistrate, Thane had stated that at the time she was vomiting, there was one maid servant in their house, apart from her mother.

The Crime Branch submitted that guidelines were not followed while recording the statement of Nadia which was recorded in the presence of the earlier investigating officer.

The investigating agency said the earlier IO was translating questions from Marathi to English put to Nadia by the Special Executive Officer of Thane and were being jotted down by a police constable in English.

“There were other police officers of Mumbai, besides Sonia, while recording the statement of Nadia by the Special Executive Magistrate”, the Crime Branch said, adding “Nadia’s statement appears to be under duress and not voluntary”.

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Lawyer ‘can talk’ to Nadia’s DIG personally grills Mickky mom without cops listening HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 17

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULY 17

The South Goa Sessions Court on Saturday directed the Crime Branch investigating officer to allow Sonia Torrado’s legal counsel to meet her in police custody without the presence of the police to take her instructions on the reply filed by the investigating agency to the bail application.

Additional Sessions Judge B P Deshpande granted the permission after Sonia’s legal counsel Adv Radharao Graicas filed an application stating that the Crime Branch was not permitting him to meet Sonia in custody without the presence of policemen within hearing distance.

Citing Supreme Court Judgments, Adv Gracias said it is his right to meet his client in

custody to take instructions without the presence of policemen within hearing distance. He therefore prayed to court to direct the police to allow him to meet his client in custody separately without the presence of police personnel.

The application, however, was vehemently opposed by Public Prosecutor Sarojini Sardinha. Arguing on the matter, Sardinha said the accused was allowed to meet her lawyers on a number of occasions since her arrest on July 15.

She, however, feared there can be further destruction or tampering of evidence if the lawyer is allowed to meet the accused beyond the hearing distance of the police officer.

“If the accused is allowed to

meet the lawyer beyond the hearing distance, there can be destruction of evidence or tampering of evidence,” she argued.

Judge Deshpande granted the application moved by Adv Gracias and directed the Crime Branch Investigating officer to allow the lawyer to meet the accused beyond the hearing distance of the police.

Meanwhile, Adv Gracias said it was surprising that a senior officer like PI Sunita Sawant has objected to the meeting with Sonia Torrado in police custody. “PI Sawant very well knows the law on the question of meeting accused in police, but it appears that the police officers are being pressurized by the government not to follow the law,” Adv Gracias added.

Brother on Police file statement anti-depressant pills on Nadia’s travel HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 17

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULY 17

Conrad Torrado, brother of the deceased Nadia Torrado is put on anti-depressant pills in the Institute of Psychiatric and Human Behaviour at Bambolim.

In his early 20s, Conrad was admitted to IPHB Friday evening when he showed suicidal tendencies by jumping off a building. Maria Mascarenhas, a family friend told Herald that Conrad was repeatedly asking for his mother (Sonia).

“I am with him 48 hours… He is not showing any signs of improvement. How can we get his mother when she is in lock-up,” she said.

Sonia is in seven-day police custody following her arrest on Thursday for her alleged involvement in her daughter’s death. She is booked for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, destroying evidence and other sections of Indian Penal Code.

IPHB Director Dr V N Jindal was not available for comments.

The Crime Branch has submitted that deceased Nadia Torrado had travelled by Qatar Airways from Goa to Doha and then to Washington and from Washington to Miama on November 2009.

In its reply to the bail application filed by Nadia’s mother, Sonia, the investigating agency said Nadia returned from Miami to Washington, from Washington to Doha on December 19 and from Doha to Goa on December 20. The agency said the ticket of Qatar Airways was booked by Agent code No IOI-14348084 which is having the local address as Bresources Travels and Tours, Fransa House, Church Square, Betalbatim.

The agency said the witness further stated that after checking their system and according to the commercial staff, someone from the Agent’s office telephonically called up at the reservation office and asked them to put the remark “PAX VIP/SPOUSE TOURISM MINISTER/REQUESTED BY DSM GOI” against the passenger Nadia Joelle Torrado.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Ravindra Yadav Saturday evening personally interrogated former minister Mickky Pacheco in the Crime Branch office at Dona Paula. Sources in the Crime Branch told Herald that the senior officer quizzed Pacheco for nearly 45 minutes.

However, neither DIG nor the Crime Branch Inspector Sunita Sawant was available for comments, as they declined to answer repeated phone calls.

Pacheco, who is further remanded to four-day police custody, on Friday, was later taken back to Calangute police lock-

up where he is lodged.

It is further learnt that the Calangute MLA Agnel Fernandes in a written application has sought permission of the Government to meet Pacheco in custody. The legislator however refuted that he sought Government’s intervention.

“I wanted to meet Pacheco because I believe until a person is proven guilty, he is innocent.

I met the Calangute Inspector (Nolasco Raposo) who asked me to seek permission of the Crime Branch,” he told Herald when contacted on phone, Saturday night.

The Crime Branch sleuths turned down his request. The

Bus owners threaten chain hunger strike

Rally against road widening at Corlim HERALD CORRESPONDENT OLD GOA, JULY 17

A chain rally to protest against the proposed widening of the NH4A highway lane passing through Corlim will be organised by the Corlim Citizen’s Civic and Consumer Forum (CCCCF) from the Mollar Petrol Pump to the Banastarim Bridge in Corlim on Sunday at about 10 am.

It may be noted that CCCCF members had earlier met Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar and submitted a memorandum seeking a diversion of the highway. They have feared the destruction of a number of houses along the highway in Corlim if the road-widening project goes ahead.

Speaking to Herald, CCCCF Secretary Baptist Pereira said the chain rally is being organized to protest against the State government’s proposal to widen the NH4 highway through cities, villages and thickly populated areas. “Our agitation will continue till this NH4A highway lane is diverted away from thickly populated areas,” Pereira said.

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 17

The All Goa Private Bus Owners association has decided to go on a chain hunger strike from Monday, July 19, as the government has refused to accept their demand of 15 paise per km fare hike.

The bus owners had initially demanded 20 paise increase in the bus fare in wake of the hike in diesel prices, however, the government increased the fare only by 10 paise per km. “ We met Chief Minister Digamabar Kamat and put before him our grievances but he refused to understand our problem,” association General Secretary Sudip Tamankar told Herald.

He stated that, “The 10 paise hike will not help the buses which run on less than 11 km route and hence we had demanded at least 15 paise hike

Discussion on privatization of healthcare

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, JULY 17

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JUL Y 17

A woman sells mushrooms in Panjim market on Saturday. Hundred pieces of the delicacy is sold for Rs 250.

Majorda house burgled HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULY 17

Unknown culprits broke into a house at Majorda on Saturday morning and decamped with ornaments worth Rs 1.32 lakh.

Colva police said the miscreants effected entry into the house of Tiety Barbosa from the main door with the help of the keys kept in the verandah.

Taking advantage of the absence of the inmates, the miscreants laid their hands on the keys and effecting entry, before lifting the gold ornaments.

Three injured

MARCEL: Three people escaped with minor injuries after a Hubli-bound Karnataka bus collided with an oncoming truck at Barkate-Mollem at 8.30 am on Saturday. According to Collem police, the Karnataka bus collided with a truck near the Mollem check post. Both drivers and a passenger escaped with minor injuries.

Photo by Rozario Estibeiro

New collectorate building can meet needs for 25 years: CM HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULY 17

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat on Saturday said the new South Goa Collectorate building will answer all questions relating to space constraints and inadequate facilities and would take care of the requirements for the next 25 years.

The chief minister was addressing a Vanmahotsava function within the premises of the new collectorate building under construction here this morning.

Saying that the new building has a provision for a helipad for the VIPs to land, the chief minister said the parade ground would help in holding important national and state events within the complex. “Once completed, this building would be the best Collectorate building in the entire country”, he added.

The chief minister, however, appealed to the collectorate staff to render quick and speedy service to the common man.

“This is one building where maximum people come for their work. The staff should give quick and speedy delivery to the people. It is in your hands to make this building a role model for others to emulate,” he said.

The chief minister said people visiting the collectorate building should return home satisfied with the services rendered by the staff and feel that people working in the building are there to serve them.

The chief minister further said that the government has tendered construction of a revenue building in the Port Town of Vasco.

On the occasion, the chief minister told Forest Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues to plant fruit

bearing trees as part of the Forest department ongoing exercise. “When there are fruits, let anyone eat them. Fruit bearing trees will help everyone. It will also help in sending a right message,” Kamat added.

The Forest Minister later said the department is laying stress on the maintenance of plants grown every year as part of social forestry.

Saying that the purpose of growing plants would be defeated if the plants do not survive, Filipe Neri said the Forest department will plant fruit bearing trees as per the advise from the Chief Minister. “Every year, we plant around 5-10 lakh saplings. But, our stress now is to ensure the saplings grow into plants. Otherwise the entire purpose will be defeated if the plants are not nurtured well”, he added.

Ponda local accuses cellular company of overcharging HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, JULY 17

A resident from Ponda has accused a popular cellular company for overcharging on call rates even as his post paid connection has a lower-rate plan.

Antonio Augusto (58) has claimed that the cellular company overcharged his international call to Africa by Rs 360.

which the chief minister turned down.”

“He (CM) told us that diesel rates will come down in near future, which we cannot depend upon,” he said.

Under the current situation, Tamankar added, it has become impossible to run the business and hence they were resorting to hunger strike.

“I will go on indefinite hunger strike while the members will go on chain hunger strike,” Tamankar said adding that the decision was taken as the deadline given to the government to increase the fare expires tomorrow.

“We do not want to trouble the common man by keeping buses off the road and hence decided to go on hunger strike and if the government fails to meet our demands in few days we will be forced to go on indefinite strike,” he stated.

Succor temple burgled

ON HCN

An hour long panel discussion on ‘Whether healthcare privatisation can improve the public health system?’ hosted

by Juino De Souza in StraightTalk will be telecast on Sunday July 18 at 11 am and again the same night at 9 pm on HCN, Goa’s leading 24 hour news and entertainment channel.

The panelists are former minister and BJP MLA Francis D’Souza, former chairperson of Women’s Commission and President of Mapusa Block Congress Dr Pramod Salgaokar, NCP Executive Vice-President and ex-Speaker, Prof Surendra Sirsat and Lawyer & Political Activist Yatish Naik.

Among the other issues discussed are: What are the questions that will be taken up for discussion in the ensuing assembly session? Will our legislators come prepared for debates on the floor of the house or will they be unconcerned and take cat naps or talk on mobile phones?

Why is there delay in not making the newly built Mapusa district hospital operational?

Who will bear the interest carrying cost and other expenditure incurred on this hospital built in 2009?

Will appointing a consultant and privatization of the hospital help in catering to the healthcare needs of the poor and marginalised? Will the aam admi afford the cost of treatment in this district hospital? If government is going to subsidize then will not the end result be socially regressive and very costly to the taxpayer? Is P ublic Private Partnership (PPP) turning into a Politician Private (Pay) Partnership model?

Congress MLA ridiculed that the alleged drug dealers David Driham aka Dudu and Yaniv Benaim aka Atala while in custody was allowed to contact people but an MLA was refused to meet his own member of the Legislative Assembly.

Furthermore, Pacheco was reportedly approached by one Nat i o n a l i s t C o n g r e s s Pa r t y representatives to discuss Assembly matters but the former declined to meet his man. The monsoon session of the Goa Legislative Assembly is slated to begin on July 19 and Pacheco has been granted permission to attend the session with armed police escorts.

“According to my post-paid call rate plan, the outgoing call was to be charged at Rs 15 per call, but instead, the company charged me Rs 45 per call,” said Augusto, adding that he had a written agreement from the cellular company in support of his claim.

Augusto claims that early this month he had written to the cellular company of the discrep-

ancy in the phone bill but till date no action has been taken.

“I wrote to officials from the cellular company earlier this month but to no use. When I had opted for the post-paid connection, I was told of the lowcall rates and even there is a written proof with me. Now they are claiming that the call charges are same for all. They have

charged me Rs 30 extra for every call. I spoke for 12 minutes and they charged Rs 540 for that call, when it should have been Rs 180. This is totally wrong.

Besides, I was asked to pay the bill and that my money would be refunded,” he said.

“A few hundred rupees is not the main issue, but I’m concerned with the manner in

which the cellular company treats its customers. People should be careful and should verif y their bills,” Augusto added.

When contacted, officials at the cellular company’s Ponda branch office claimed that the complaint is under process and has been referred to the head office for further action.

Burglars broke into the Datta Mandir at Ambirna–Succor and stole an idol, trishul and a pair of padukas, all valued at Rs 37,000.

According to reports, Sandeep Vazarker of Ambirna– Succor filed a police complaint stating that the burglary had taken place sometime between 10.30 pm on Friday and 7 am on Saturday.

When the temple priest arrived at 7 am on Saturday to perform the pooja of the deity, he found the front door open and the idol, a pair of padukas and a trishul stolen from the temple.

Porvorim police went to the spot and pressed a dog squad into service, but could not get any clues into the burglary. Assistant Sub Inspector A S Naik is investigating the case.

Curca matka bookie held HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 17

The city police arrested Kamaluddin Miya of Curca while accepting Matka bets near Panjim market, today afternoon.

Panjim police informed the arrest came through a tip-off but remaining gamblers managed to flee.

Head Constable Thankur while carrying out a routine patrolling of the police station jurisdiction received information of gambling near the market hotel.

On reaching there, the team caught Miya, 35, red-handed when accepting bets. Other persons, apparently matka gamblers escaped though. The raid team found Rs 460 and a matka slip book with matka numbers, which were attached under panchnama.

Miya was arrested under section 11(2) (a) of Public Gambling Act and later bailed out on paying personal bond of Rs 5000 with local surety.

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ShOrT TakES Bakibab’s death anniversary

ST organisations unhappy over budgetary provision HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULY 17

Prof Rajay Pawar addresses the gathering to mark the 26th death anniversary of Konkani poet Bakibab Borkar at MES College, Zuarinagar. Also present are Dr vice-Principal Maria Rodrigues, Principal Dr R V Hajirnis and poet Satyawan Naik.

PANJIM (HND): The 26th death anniversary of eminent Konkani poet Bakibab Borkar was celebrated at MES College of Arts and Commerce, Zuarinagar, by the Department of Konkani recently in the college campus.

Speaking on this occasion, Eminent Konkani writer Prof Rajay Pawar said that poets create social awareness through their poems and added that Bakibab Borkar also created social awareness to awaken the society through his beautiful poems. Prof Pawar further opined that Bakibab was having a great quality of self-respect, which he said everyone should possess. Pawar then called upon the masses to work hard towards the development of Konkani language, literature and culture. Earlier Prof Rajay Pawar garlanded the portrait of Bakibab Borkar.

Dr Maria Rodrigues also spoke on this occasion.

Other dignitaries present on the dais were the Principal of MES College Dr R V Hajirnis, vice Principal Dr Maria Rodrigues and Konkani Department Head Prof Satyawan Naik.

Dr Hajirnis welcomed the gathering while Prof Satyawan introduced the chief guest. Yogeeta Desai compered the function and Suphal Dholye proposed the vote of thanks.

Deep Vihar school top

Deep Vihar High School Students with the winners trophy.

VASCO (HR): Deep Vihar High School, Headland-Sada, has emerged champion in all the seven events of the talent competition ‘Rainbow 2010’ organized by JCI Vasco.

Students of Deep Vihar excelled in all seven events scoring maximum marks to secure the winners trophy, while St Joseph emerged runners up.

Horticulture chairman and Youth Congress President Sanklap Amonkar was the chief guest for the prize distribution and closing ceremony, Dr Uday Kudalkar was the guest of honour, immediate past president Sarita Kerkar was also present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Amonkar appreciated the efforts of the students and teachers. He also complimented JCI Vasco members for organizing the event for the last 26 years.

Earlier, Zone President Milind Desai declared ‘Rainbow 2010’ open. JCI Vasco President Vishal Dessai welcomed the gathering.

Scheduled Tribes organizations in the State have expressed their unhappiness over the less percentage of budgetary provision made by the government and the poor schemes formulated in the various departments for the ST community.

They have demanded that the government constitute an expert committee and advisory council at the earliest to formulate useful schemes for the benefit of the ST people.

The leaders have also demanded that the government declare “Scheduled Area” of ST people.

“The total budget ought to have been 12 per cent of the total plan of Goa budget, but only 5.26 per cent of the budget provision has been made and that too in only 17 departments”, informed UTAA

Bicholim man held for outraging minor’s modesty HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, JULY 17

Mapusa Police on Friday arrested a 36-year-old man from Bicholim on charges of outraging the modesty of a minor girl from Duler.

According to Mapusa Police, the incident occurred when the victim had gone to her friend’s house close by, where the accused Pande forcibly kissed her.

The girl’s parents filed a complaint with Mapusa police station. Upon receipt of the complaint, police sent both the parties for medical examination.

Mapusa Police PI Rajeshkumar informed that the accused has been booked for outraging the modesty of the minor girl.

“Since this also amounts to sexual assault, Section 8 of Goa Children’s Act has been applied for kissing the minor forcibly,” added PI Rajeshkumar.

GAP-REG’s morcha on Monday HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JULY 17

Goa Association of Prematurely Retired Government Employees (GAP-REG) have decided to organize morcha on July 19 near Kadamba Bus stand, Kranti circle, Pundalik Nagar stop, Panjim at 10 am.

n The total budget ought to have been 12 per cent of the total plan of Goa budget, but only 5.26 per cent of the budget provision has been made and that too in only 17 departments” ---UTAA President Prakash Velip President Prakash Velip.

He said the various ST organizations that participated in the meeting with the Director of Tribal Welfare Departments were of the firm opinion that the government should provide 12 per cent of the budget to 65 departments to ensure equal progress in all areas.

Velip said it was also brought to the notice of the Director that many departments are diverting its funds elsewhere. “As per constitutional binding, the TSP fund cannot be diverted as allowed to lapse. Therefore, leaders of the ST organizations have pressed to keep the accumulated fund since its inception as it is non lapsable”, he said, adding that the director has been told not to divert any fund elsewhere in the future.

Besides UTAA Chief Prakash Velip, the meeting was attended by MLA Ramesh Tawadkar, Namdeo Fatarpekar, Ravindra Gaonkar, Govind Gawade, Vishwas Gawade, former MLAs Luis Alex Cardozo and Anton Gauncar, Fr Jokim, Adv Guru Shirodkar, Sunita Mugaokar, Emidio Rebello, Adv John Fernandes, Rement Rebello, Joseph and other leaders.

Masked men assault Mumbai native HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, JULY 17

Five masked persons allegedly assaulted a native of MaladMumbai, but a resident of Nagoa-Arpora, and damaged property worth Rs 80,000 at his restaurant at Cobra Vaddo, Calangute, in the wee hours of Friday.

According to Calangute Police, the accused, who were all masked, entered the food joint run by one Sumit Shetty at about 3.30 am and assaulted him with steel rods, besides damaging his property, including chairs, fridge and other belongings, worth Rs 80,000.

Shetty, who was hit on the head with a steel rod, was severely injured requiring urgent medical attention at a nearby hospital. Shetty has named few suspects to be involved in the crime, but no arrests have been made. PSI Mahesh Kerkar is investigating the case.

Cansaulim VP told to stop release of waste water into nullah HERALD CORRESPONDENT CORTALIM, JULY 17

The Cansaulim-Arossim-Cuelim panchayat appears to be on a confrontation mode on various fronts.

After being accused of refusing to obey a TCP order regarding construction of a controversial project in Cansaulim, the panchayat now appears to be challenging various other authorities including the local MLA Mauvin Godinho.

The Deputy Director of Panchayats, South recently ordered the panchayat secretary to ensure that the occupants of two buildings – Bossuet Complex and Boavida Complex near Cansaulim market don’t release domestic waste water into the nullah (drain) by constructing

proper soak pits and also sought status report failing which it warned of action.

The directions follow a complaint made to the Director of Panchayats by Ligorio Monteiro who is personal secretary to Deputy Speaker Mauvin Godinho regarding the alleged nuisance created to the public due to release of domestic waste water into the nullah.

Earlier, the panchayat was informed of the nuisance by Health Officer, Cansaulim and the personal secretary to Deputy Speaker and given directions in this regard.

However, the panchayat in their letter informed the Deputy Speaker’s personal secretary that the problem could be solved by covering the nullah by slabs, while in their reply

to the Health Officer, requested the authority to act under the Health Sanitation Act. Admitting receipt of the order, Cansaulim Sarpanch Jose Manuel Fernandes when contacted said that he would write to the owner of the building and others involved to stop releasing the waste water into the nullah and make provisions to take care of their waste water.

Asked why the panchayat was delaying action for such a long time, the sarpanch said that since the panchayat was not a party to the site inspection which was conducted by the Health Officer independently, it had asked the officer to act as per the rules under the Health Sanitation Act.

It’s pouring in Canacona HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, JULY 17

After over a week of bright sunlight, the rains are once again pouring, causing minifloods in Canacona taluka.

Canacona taluka has already crossed the halfway mark of State’s annual seasonal rainfall on Friday, as it raced past 57 inches.

According to taluka’s observatory sources, Canacona has so far received 1,440 mm of rainfall, which works out to approximately over 57 inches. Around 2.5 inches of rainfall has lashed

Canacona on the intervening night of Thursday and Friday, sources told Herald.

The State on an average receives between 110-120 inches of rainfall, but Canacona taluka due to the presence of thick vegetation and other factors annually receives about 140 inches of rainfall.

There is good news to the farmers and domestic tap water consumers in the taluka, as water level in Canacona’s Chapoli Dam water reservoir is showing fast improvements and the

present water level has reached upto 32.93 RL (Reduced Level).

Chapoli Dam had hit the lowest at 28.33 RL before the monsoons arrived, which has the maximum capacity of 38.75 RL and is daily gaining over .10 RL in its vast reservoir, informed sources.

Sources also informed that Chapoli Dam’s catchments area of approximately 599 hectares has already come under the water, which according to irrigation sources is a good sign.

Trench on road poses threat at Sanquelim HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, JULY 17

A trench for underground cables along the Sanquelim-Navelim road has been causing hardship to pedestrians and motorists.

It may be recalled that a company undertook digging of

trenches along the road from Sanquelim PHC to Navelim power plant from September last year, due to which motorists have been facing problems. Moreover, the vehicles are now getting stuck inside the ditch, as the mud has become soft.

UPCOMING EVENTS CCCF meeting

PANJIM (HND): The Cuncolim Civic and Consumer Forum (CCCF) will hold its meeting on July 18 at Our Lady of Health High School, Cuncolim at 10.30 am.

Among the issues to be discussed are benefits of the Consumer Protection Act 1986 and Right To Information Act 2005, need for State of the Law, Order & Crime Report and state of the Health Report for Cuncolim by relevant authorities, road safety and traffic management, implications of widening of National Highway 17 and environmental public hearing, bus fare hike & consumer concerns, and preparation of citizens’ manifesto for forthcoming municipal elections.

Various service related issues like post office, PWD water supply, Goa dairy milk, home delivery of LPG cylinders, banking, BSNL telephones and cable TV will also be discussed.

Consumers of Cuncolim are invited to attend the meeting and participate in the deliberations.

Art of Living course

PANJIM (HND): An Art of Living course will be held at Bicholim from July 19 to 24, at Hirabai Zantye Memorial Hall, Bicholim from 6.30 pm to 9.15 pm.

Learn Sudarshan Kriya, Pranayan, Yoga, meditation, spiritual knowledge and achieve healthy body, peaceful mind, live stress free life. For registration and details contact Ganesh Zantye on 9326123654/9421194343.

St Christopher feast

PANJIM (HND): The annual novenas of St Christopher at St Christopher’s Church, Tivim, has begun from July 16, which are held at 7 am. The feast of St Christopher will be celebrated on July 25 and the mass timings are 6.30 am, 8 am and the concelebrated High Mass will be at 9.45 am. On the feast day, blessing of the vehicles will follow after every mass and in the evening at 4 pm.

Monte de Guirim AGM

PANJIM (HND): The annual general body meeting of Monte de Guirim Past Pupils’ Association, St Anthony’s high school will be held on July 25 at 10.15 am in the conference hall of the school preceded by a Eucharistic celebration in the school chapel at 9.30 am.

Music for health

PANJIM (HND): Directorate of Art and Culture will organise a 2-days workshop on ‘Music for Health (Sangeet Se Swasthya)’ at State Museum Hall, Patto, Panjim on August 21, from 2 pm to 6 pm and on August 22, from 9 am to 1 pm.

Participants will be guided by expert Dr Rahul Joshi, Murrtbai, who is a MD homeopathic medicine, honorary homeopath to the Governor of Maharashtra and a Sangeet Vishard. This is one of unique opportunity to the music lovers and artists to gain certain tips and information on music as well as on health from the expert.

In this regards, the Department of Art and Culture has invited applications from interesting music lovers, artists and concerned people to participate in the said workshop. In total 75 to 100 participants will be admitted in the workshop on first come first bases.

Application forms are available in the office of the Directorate of Art and Culture, 5th floor, Shrama Shakti Bhavan, Patto-Panjim, and should be submitted on or before July 30, during office hours.

Cong hailed for not paying heed to destabilise MMC HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JULY 17

The Goa Pradesh Youth Congress (GPYC) committee has hailed the stand taken by Congress party leaders by not paying heed to the destabilisation move of Margao Municipal Council citing an excuse of development.

GPYC President Sankalp Amonkar stated that the people of Margao are very well aware of the various development works undertaken under the stable leadership of MMC chairperson Savio Coutinho.

He said that the party leadership has realized that this act of the council was manifestation of certain individual to tarnish the image of the Congress council ruling the commercial capital of Goa. Amonkar further stated that records clearly suggest that more development has taken place during the last 20 months as compared to the previous term and on account of the persistent efforts of Savio Coulinho and his team, this government has provided development grants to a tune of over 10 crores.

“At a time when the word 'sonsodo' is being taken as a word to define a filthy place, Coutinho initiated the process for setting up of a garbage treatment plant at Sonsodo.

The much required dog shelter was also successfully set up during his tenure, which could not be achieved by any of the previous chairperson,” Amonkar opined and stated that the Youth Congress is fully behind Coutinho.

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Froth-filled rivulet creates panic in Vaddem

A rivulet that passes from Chaferan, Merces-Vaddem, filled with froth.

HERALD REPORTER VASCO, JULY 17

Panic gripped residents of Chaferan, Merces-Vaddem, on Friday afternoon, when a small rivulet passing through the area was filled with froth.

“We don’t know what it is, but it created panic among the residents, when suddenly the entire rivulet was filled with forth. It could be chemical or other hazardous industrial waste,” claimed Shekhar

Prematurely retired teachers to hold morcha HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JULY 17

The prematurely retired teachers who have been compelled to retire prematurely at age 58 against their will, thus losing two years increment and forcing them to draw less pensionary benefits, will hold a morcha on July 19 at Porvorim.

It may be recalled that the Discriminate Teachers’ Forum had served a notice of morcha to both the CM Digambar Kamat and Education Minister Atanasio Monseratte to inform the president Neves Anthony Rebello, before the commencement of the forthcoming Assembly session, whether the government has any plans of solving the genuine grievances of the prematurely retired teachers so that they could stall the morcha.

But since no such information has been received as yet by the forum, the prematurely retired teachers have planned to go ahead with their proposed morcha on the very first day of the Assembly session.

Kalangutkar of Merces-Vaddem.

“At about 4.30 pm, it started coming into a low-lying rivulet and it was in the rivulet till late in the evening,” added Kalangutkar.

He further said there was no foul odour from the froth, but with its huge quantity, people were shocked and were reluctant to step into the rivulet.

A resident of Chaferan sus-

Photo by M Prabhav

pect that it could chemical waste released after washing the tanks that are located in the defense area. “Otherwise, such a huge quantity of forth coming into the rivulet from some domestic use is impossible,” added the resident.

Kalangutkar recalled that about three months ago, similar some yellow oily substance was released in the rivulet that polluted the entire rivulet.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT BELGAUM, JULY 16

The CID branch of the Karnataka police has arrested 13 persons in connection with a multi crore online scam that has been rocking the region since last one year.

Charge sheets have been filed against five senior police officials, who according to the findings of the CID, were responsible for the augmentation of the scam due to their laxity in investigating these cases.

While a senior inspector was suspended a couple of months ago, four others will be shortly suspended. Cases of fraud against five online companies who had enticed customers through different websites were registered at Khade Bazaar police station, Market Police Station and Yamkanmardi police stations respectively in 2008-09. A report of the investigations by the CID for appropriate action against the police officials has been sent to the higher authorities, according to Dr DGP Guruprasad.

Speaking at a press conference here, DGP (CID) Dr D V Guruprasad, who was in Belgaum on Saturday, informed that while chargesheets were

The population rally being flagged off at Don Bosco School grounds, Calangute.

Photo by Thomas Fernandes

Candolim Primary Health Centre in collaboration with Don Bosco High School, Calangute, recently organized a population awareness rally in Calangute.

issued against 10 persons arrested, three others would be issued charge sheet by Tuesday.

“After going through their websites we were able to ascertain the amount invested in these companies, the number of subscribers getting the clean picture of the entire scam,” stated DGP Guruprasad.

“A total of Rs 16,62,95,000 was invested in these companies, of which Rs 8,80,00,000 was given back to the first few batches of investors, who have earned more than four times worth their investments whereas, a large number of investors lost a huge sum in the process. The CID could recover movable and immovable properties worth 7,83,00,000 from the arrested persons so far,” informed Dr Guruprasad. “ Giving details about the action taken against the police officials Dr Guruprasad said CPI B P Chandrashekhar, who was attached with the Khade Bazaar police station, was already under suspension.

“Criminal charges have been filed against CPI Chandrashekhar and DySP Suresh Naidu for their lenience, negligence and compromise with the persons arrested. Depart-

Candolim Primary Health Centre Medical Officer Dr Anil Khandeparkar and Don Bosco High School Headmaster Savio Fernandes Sales flagged off the rally at Don Bosco High School, which wended onto the streets of Calangute up to the beach

culminating at Don Bosco High School grounds.

The students displaying banners and placards shouted slogans like ‘Small Family, Happy Family’, ‘Hum do, Humare do’, etc along the way to create awareness among the people to control the population growth in India.

Addressing the students and gathering, Dr Khandeparkar highlighted the alarming rise in the figures of Indian population and explained it effects on the Indian economy hampering development growth of the country.

Speaking on the occasion, School Headmaster Savio J Fernandes Sales outlined the effects of a large population and felt the urgent need to control the population for India to develop as a nation.

Savio Fernandes Sales proposed the vote of thanks.

Students urged to plant trees to save nature HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, JULY 17

Rotary Club President Rajkumar Kamat has called upon the students and youth to undertake plantation of as many number of environment-protecting trees to save the environment.

He was addressing the gathering after inaugurating the

HERALD COORESPONDENT QUEPEM, JULY 17

Three passengers were injured while 30 others escaped unhurt when the bus in which they were traveling went off the road before turning on its side at Karale-Paroda, Quepem, on Friday morning.

The three passengers, Antoneta Mascarenhas (40) of RaiaSalcette, Premavati Narayan Shetkar (50) of Shirvoi and Joaquina Colaco (40) of Nuvem, were later moved to Hospicio in Margao for treatment.

According to reports, the accident occurred when the mini bus (GA-01-W-4030) was proceeding from Margao towards Curchorem. On reaching Karale-Paroda, the bus went off the road and turned on its side.

However, a major tragedy was averted as the roadside coconut tree saved the bus from landing into a 5 mtrs deep nullah. “If the coconut tree was not there, then the bus would have turned further turtle and landed in the five-metre deep nullah. Besides, the casualties would have been more severe,” informed sources.

Quepem Police have booked the bus driver for negligent driving (Section 279), endangering life of people (Section 337) of IPC. S

Multi-crore online racket busted in Belgaum

Rally held to create awareness on population

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, JULY 17

3 hurt as bus skids at Paroda

tree plantation programme at Vijayanand High School, Tikhazan-Mayem, organized by Rotary Club of Bicholim recently.

School Headmaster Srikrishna Tanksali, Principal Raghunath Gawas, senior teacher Martha Vaz and former Rotary Club president Prithviraj Sardesai were present on the occasion.

On the occasion, a coconut and two mango saplings were planted by the distinguished guests. The mango saplings were planted by Headmaster Srikrishna Tanksali and teacher Martha Vaz in their memory after getting retired. Earlier, Prashant Chanekar welcomed the gathering, while Tanksali proposed the vote of thanks.

mental enquiry has been initiated against DySP V V Kumbhar, CPI Shankar Marihal and PSI Shankar Madihalli,” Dr Guruprasad informed stating that these officers showed obnoxious behavior during investigation.

“More money could have been recovered if these officers had made proper investigations in the initial stages of investigations,” he opined.

Belgaum Superintendent of Police Sonia Narang was also present during the press conference.

Vijay Mahantesh Bellad, Suresh Maruti Zond, Anant Narayan Doddmani, Madarsab Bapusab Jamadar, Devrai Malappa Rayannavar, Shreedhar Anantrao Nadgouda, Appayya Gangappa Narer alias Ajay, Daulat Sarjerao Chavan, Irfan Mihiddin Sayyad, Dr Rajshekhar Kalappa Kuntagti, Akash Vernekar alias Dinesh, Sunil Krishna Nayak and Sanjay Baburao Kakatkar have been arrested by the police in this connection.

“It is painful, that despite losses in the fraud, many more people are still falling prey to these scams,” Dr Guruprasad said warning the investors to remain alert against these scams.

Jovi elected Agonda school’s PTA chief HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, JULY 17

Jovi Fernandes was unanimously elected chairman of Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of St Anne’s Institute High School, Agonda, for the consecutive third term.

Sources informed that in the PTA meeting held recently in St Anne’s School hall, Fernandes, who is a sitting panch and former Agonda sarpanch, was proposed by most of the parents present to continue leading the PTA for yet another term.

Parent Prashant Kholkar was elected deputy chairman, while teachers Dayzilla D’Costa, Sr Manjula and lab assistant Peter Miranda are appointed as secretary, joint secretary and treasurer, respectively.

About 10 parents are also appointed as committee members representing 10 different areas from the twin villages of Agonda and Khola.

Parents who are appointed as committee members are Dinesh Velip (Khola), Kishori Devidas (Mudkud/Betul), Othilia Fernandes (Saleri), Ubaldina Fernandes (Vall), Olga Fernandes (Parvem), Reshma Coutinho (Karashir-moll A), Celfa Fernandes (Karashir-moll-B), Remy Borges (Igrejvaddo/Dhavalkhazan), Amira Miranda (Mirandawaddo) and Vinita Gaunkar (Dessaiwaddo).

In the PTA meeting, it was also proposed to nurture a medicinal plants garden within the schools vicinity solely to be maintained by student’s community, informed sources.

Flood affected Poinguinim family gets new house

3 surrender in truck theft case HERALD CORRESPONDENT COLLEM, JULY 17

Director of Information Menino Peres stands outside the house built by Prudent Media at Canacona.

Photo by Kathy Pereira HERALD CORRESPONENT CANACONA, JULY 17

Prudent Media, a local TV channel, on Saturday evening handed over a newly rebuilt flood affected house constructed with funds collected from its contribution to a flood affected family from Poinguinim.

At a brief function held at the house located at Tamnem, Director of Information Menino Peres handed over the house to Anand Dhondu Pagui

3 held for moving suspiciously in Collem

on behalf of Prudent Media.

Praising Prudent Media for having taken up the responsibility to construct a house for flood victims, Peres said: “Prudent Media is a small media house but with a large heart to realize the troubles of flood victims and building a house for them.”

Prudent Media Editor-inChief Sandesh Prabhudessai informed that the staff had voluntarily donated funds to construct the house.

Incidentally, the house was initially taken up for construction by the Canacona Flood Relief Fund Committee (CFRFC), after which Prudent showed interest to bear the expenses for this particular house.

According to sources, CFRFC has constructed around 17 houses for flood victims mostly in Poinguinim and Loliem villages, with contributions collected from donors and well-wishers.

Kids told to treat plants as friends

HERALD CORRESPONDENT COLLEM, JULY 17

Collem Police has arrested three persons on charges of moving suspiciously at Collem railway station in the wee hours of Friday.

According to Collem Police PI, Santosh Bhimrao Vadar (23) from Kagal-Kolhapur, Ranjeet Ramdas Patel (18) and Ajit Tara Shankar Patel (18), both from Narayanpur-Wadgaon, BanarasUP, were arrested in this connection.

Police informed that the trio was found moving in a suspicious manner at the railway station at about 4 am, which was noticed by Collem PI during the night patrolling.

The trio was produced at SDM Quepem and the three persons were later released on personal bond, informed police.

A teacher helps young students plant saplings.

HERALD NEWS BUREAU PANJIM, JULY 17

Dressed in shades of green, ready to paint their hands and clothes red with mud, tiny tots of Pilar Central School were advised to treat plants as their friends.

Speaking of the occasion of

Panel to oversee functional problems of ITIs HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 17

It has been proposed to constitute a committee to address functional problems of the ITIs in the State and select an agency for imparting training to ITI teachers. A committee comprising chairman of the Institute Management Committees (IMC) will be soon formed.

The Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane who also holds craft men training while addressing a press conference

on Friday evening said, steps have been initiated to address various problems faced by the ITIs. There are ten government ITIs and four private. The new committee will also look into pending demands of the ITIs and also efforts will be made to induct new courses in line with demands of various industries. Also, a proposal for giving scholarship to ITI students is under consideration of the department.

Janata HS celebrates founder’s day HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, JULY 17

Ex-students of Janata High School at Mapusa recently celebrated the 48th founder’s day of the school with a function at the Anant Tople hall.

On the occasion, President of the Ex-students Association Vinay Dhuri felicitated former headmistress Sarojini Tople and former PT teacher Shivabasappa Kankanwadi with a shawl, sreefal and memento.

Speaking on the occasion, Dhuri said the purpose of forming the ex-students association was to help needy students of Janata High School pursue their studies.

“The Association has decided to offer a cash prize of Rs 5000 to the student who secures over 80% marks at the SCC examinations of the Goa Board,” said Dhuri.

Tople and Kankanwadi also spoke on the occasion and expressed gratitude for the felicitation.

The three accused, who were reported absconding in connection with the theft of a truck, surrendered before Collem Police on Friday.

It may be recalled that on May 19, this year, tipper truck owner one Rajendra Gawali had lodged a police compliant that his truck was stolen from PalaskataMollem.

Thereafter on July 3, Collem Police arrested two main accused Prashant Narayan Matonkar from Quepem and A Philip Lobo from Khanapur. Police had also recovered dismantled parts of the stolen truck.

On Friday, Adao Billis Lobo (50), Jacky Lobo (38) and Arjun Karriappa Soundatti (32) surrendered at Collem police station.

Police informed that they have recovered some parts of the stolen truck from the trio. They were produced before JMFC Sanguem and were later released on bail.

Police further informed that one person is still absconding.

Earlier, students sang an invocation song, while Deepa Azgaonker explained the importance of the Founder’s Day. Headmaster Surendra Borkar highlighted the academic achievements of the school and narrated how the school progressed during the course of last 48 years.

Member of Janata Educational Trust Jaganath Manerkar, Secretary of the Association Gopal Raul, Digamber Raiker and Rajshree Bhogte also spoke at the function.

On behalf of the Ex-Students Association, Vishwanath Raul handed over exercise books, compass boxes and other stationery items to Headmaster Surendra Borkar to be distributed to needy students.

Students later presented a cultural programme. Smita Nagvekar compered the programme while Sriddha Kamulkar later proposed the vote of thanks.

Vanamahasava – a day to plant trees, Chief Guest, Fr Fredrick Rodrigues, principal of Fr Agnel Degree College, Pilar, told 222 young students to love plants and share the flowers with friends.

The objective of Vanamahasava is to inculcate love

for nature in children, stated Fr Anthony D’Silva, principal of the Pilar Central School.

Fiona Pereira, the main organizer at the event, stated that each child got an opportunity to touch the mud, dig a hole in the earth and plant a sapling.

Said Matilda Cotta, president of PTA: “We parents would like to help the school. In a way, we are doing it for our own children.”

While Sankalp Naik of Class I said he likes to plant trees because of flowers, another student, Dale Cotta, uttered that she likes to plant trees because of honey. Hadyen Gracias said he loves to plant trees because of wood.

The Pilar Central School, designed on the CBSE standard, was started two years ago to cater to the neighboring village around Pilar.

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Farooq dismisses speculation of taking over as JK CM JD-U to tie-up with PTi NEW DELHI, JULY 17

National Conference patron and Union Minister Farooq Abdullah has dismissed as baseless speculation that he would take over as Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, saying incumbent Omar Abdullah has the backing of the entire country.

"It (suggestions that I want to become J &K CM) is totally

wrong and baseless. I want to make it very clear that there is no such thing. He (Omar) is the chief minister and he has the backing of the entire country," he told Karan Thapar on Devil’s Advocate programme.

The Central government, he said, was standing firmly behind the Omar Abdullah government and he had never received such support

from the Centre during his term as chief minister.

On the recent eruption of violence and street protests in Jammu and Kashmir, he said the process had "started moving towards normalisation but I would not say that we are over the hump yet."

Not ruling out the possibilities of such protests erupting again in future, the former

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister said if proper steps are taken by the government, there were chances that the situation "would not blow in a manner it did recently."

Asked if the "anger and defiance" among the people had disappeared, Abdullah said, "I would say that it has mellowed down and simmered down."

On measures for calming the

situation in the state, the Union Minister stressed on the need for "tightening" administration and said, "I think he (Omar) should follow follow the path that is there very clearly. He must give responsibilities and those who don't fulfil should be shown the door."

On the cause of anger among people, he said after holding elections in 1996,

2002 and 2008, the government was in a "euphoria" that everything was fine but "it is not so".

"Problem is still there. We have to continuously talk not only to the countr y (Pakistan) but also to the people in our own state who may not agree with the present dispensation," the Union Minister said.

BJP for Bihar Assembly polls PTi CHENNAI, JULY 17

Not withstanding the strains in their relations with BJP, JD(U) will fight next year's elections in Bihar in alliance with the saffron outfit, party's national President Sharad Yadav said today.

"Alliance with the BJP is an old one. We will fight the elections from the same alliance and we will work out the seat adjustments," he told reporters here.

He described as "media speculation" reports of alleged differences between the two parties over seatsharing.

Yadav, also convenor of the BJP-led NDA, however, parried questions on senior BJP leader and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, when asked if the two would jointly campaign for elections.

Relations between the two parties had hit a low recently when Kumar had objected to an advertising blitz by the BJP showing him with Modi, forcing him to cancel a dinner he was scheduled to host for the BJP

leaders in Patna.

To a question on Patna High Court ordering a CBI probe into the alleged irregularities in execution of welfare and developmental schemes including the MNREGA, he said he would react after "reading the verdict."

He however denied it had "dented" his party's image ahead of elections. "Our image is not so weak. We believe in transparency. I will read the verdict and react," he said.

Hitting out at the UPA for its "all-round failure", he said it had failed on many fronts including controlling prices, corruption and blamed the taxation policy for the fuel price hike.

Charging UPA allies including DMK with indulging in corruption, he, however, spared Trinamool Congress and its chief Mamata Banerjee.

He said opposition parties will raise the issue of price rise in Parliament in the coming session.

Criticising the attack on a TV station, allegedly by RSS workers in New Delhi yesterday, he said violence had no place in a democracy.

Advani surprised by Hindu influence in Indonesia Delhi Bureau NEW DELHI JULY 17

Bhartiya Janata Party veteran leader Lal Krishna Advani, who is just back from a world Sindhi conference in Jakarta, has blogged this time on the immense Hindu influence in the Muslim-majority Indonesia.

He writes that he was surprised and impressed to find Lord Ganesh imprinted on that country's high-denomination currency note of 20,000 Rupiah and epics like Ramayana and Mahabharat dominating prominent sculptures mounted in various parts of Indonesia.

He felt this was also significant as the Hindus otherwise constitutes hardly 2 percent of the country's population, with the Muslims dominating 88 per cent of 20.28 crore people and Christians accounting for another 10 per cent.

Unlike in the past, his blog this time carries pictures to buttress his impressions like a brand logo recently adopted for the island of Bali, the homeland of the Hindus, manifesting the country's Hindu traditions, the Sri Krishna-Arjun pair mounted on a multiple-horse drawn chariot at the main square in capital Jakarta and another in Bali, Ghatotkach statue near the Ngurah Rai international airport and the statue of Bheem.

Even in India very few would be able to identify who Ghatotkach was, but "here was the driver of our car knowing fully well both Ghatotkach as well as his relationship with Bneema," Advani points out, adding that Indonesia seemed to know and cherish Ramayana and Mahabharat better than we do.

He was pleased to gather that the official mascot of Indonesian Military Intelligence is Hanuman. The rationale offered by a

local was that it was Hanuman who had been able to trace Sita, kidnapped by Ravan and kept in confinement at the Ashok Vatika.

Turning to his own Sindhi community whose over 1000 members thronged the Sindhi conference from 32 countries, Advani write that he felt proud that the Sindhis had gone through the most traumatic experience of partition in 1947 with confidence and fortitude but they actually prospered immensely, converting a calamity into an opportunity.

He underlined that partition of India dealt a terrible blow to millions on both sides of the Redcliff Line. "Hindus from Sindh had not only been uprooted from their hearths and homes, but unlike Hindus of Punjab and Bengal who had the satisfaction of saving something like half of their home state, has also despoiled off their entire province, and forced to adopt different states of divided India as their totally new homes."

Advani was in Indonesia for the 3-day Sindhi conference from July 9 to 11 with his wife Kamla, daughter Pratibha and his associate for decades, Deepak Chopra and his wife Veena. They returned to Delhi on July 13.

Maya issues directives to check harassment of small defaulters

PTi LUCKNOW, JULY 17

Taking a serious note of suicide by farmers due to debts in some parts of the state, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati has directed to check unnecessary harassment of small defaulters, an official spokesman said here.

"To save small defaulters from harassment, the CM has directed that first notices should be issued to people having a default of rupees one lakh and only after

that process of recovery should be initiated," he said.

Mayawati has directed that the district administration should concentrate more on recovery from the defaulters having a debt of more than rupees one lakh, he said.

"The CM has issued the directive taking cognizance of incidents where farmers committed suicide after recovery certificates were issued against them by the banks," the spokesman said.

He said that earlier barring agricultural dues, there was a provision that all type of action could be taken for recovery of dues upto rupees one lakh.

"A number of incidents have come into fore wherein several farmers committed suicide due to recovery certificates issued by the banks and the situation was serious in Bundelkhand region," the spokesman said.

He said that the CM also held a meeting with the officials of agriculture, banking and revenue departments in this regard.

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oPinionateD Kidney: Silent work horse

By Dr Ronald K May The sudden death resulting from stopping of the Brain or Heart function has been known to all and also about the diseases afflicting these organs and measures for its prevention and treatment but seldom do people know about Kidney disease and prevention.

The kidneys are paired organs located at the rear of the abdominal cavity each weighing about 150 grams. They receive blood from the paired renal arteries, and drain into the paired renal veins. Little do we realize that kidneys together weighing less than 1% of the body, receives the largest amount of blood for any organ, precisely 20% of that pumped by the heart every minute .Each kidney excretes urine into a ureter, itself a paired structure that empties into the urinary bladder. The basic functioning unit of the kidney is called a Nephron, a million of which is present in either kidney.

What does the Kidney Do? We can group the Kidney functions in three broad categories.

First is the excretion of Water and Waste products, second the maintenance of the internal balance of the body and third, the production and activation of a number of hormones.

The human body burns carbohydrates for energy and utilizes protein for growth and repair. The waste product generated are Water, Carbon dioxide, Urea, Ammonia, and innumerable other compounds. The lung excretes CO2 and part of the water as vapor while liver detoxifies some wastes. The majority however are being excreted by the kidney in the form of urine.

The kidneys serve as a natural filter of the blood and generate almost 180L of filtrate per day. Of this a whopping 99% is reabsorbed to conserve essential elements and 2-4 liters of urine containing waste products is excreted.

The internal environment of the body has to be strictly maintained for the optimum function of all organ systems.

The kidneys have a major role to play in this as the levels of critical ions like Sodium, Potassium, Calcium and Magnesium among others are primarily determined by the kidney. By altering the chemical compositions of Blood the Kidneys also regulates the pH and thereby affect all reactions taking place in the body.

The Kidney is the source for the hormone Erythropoietin which directs the bone marrow to produce Red Blood Cells (RBC). The activation of Vitamin D takes place in the kidney and then regulates the mineralization of Bones and Calcium metabolism. Although the Blood Pressure (BP) is a function of the pumping ability of the heart and resistance in blood vessels, the exact level of BP is determined by the kidney by secreting a hormone Renin.

What happens when these functions are lost?

The failure of Kidney results in: 1. Retention of water (reduced urine, swelling and breathlessness) 2. Retention of nitrogenous waste products (nausea, vomiting and varying grades of mental derangement) 3. Abnormal internal environment 4. Less RBC (anemia), reduced Vitamin D (weaker bones and calcification of blood vessels) and abnormal Blood Pressure.

Stopping of the kidney function will thus result in slow- not so dramatic but certain death.

How many people suffer from Kidney disease?

Due to the immense Public Health implication it is imperative that we understand the challenges placed before us by Kidney disease. The first step would be to define how large is the problem. Incidence is the number of new patients every year of a particular disease while Prevalence is the total number of patients afflicted by a condition in a point in time. People having structural or functional disease of kidney for more than three months are said to suffer from Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) while those requiring some form of renal replacement therapy for sustenance of life; Dialysis or Transplantation are said to have End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).

A Delhi based study showed that the prevalence of CKD is 7852 per million populations or 0.79 % while another study from Bhopal revealed that the incidence of ESRD ranged from 151 to 232 per million populations. Assuming a uniform incidence all over the country, approximately 152,000 new patients would require renal replacement therapy (RRT) every year in India and the number of people living with various stages of CKD is a staggering 7852000. When we extrapolate these numbers to Goa population of 1.5 million we can be rest assured that there will be at least 11778 patients with CKD and every year 228 patients requiring Dialysis are being added. Clearly with the rising prevalence of Diabetes which is the major cause for Kidney disease today we can only expect further growth in these numbers.

It is established beyond doubt that Kidney Transplantation is the best form of rehabilitation. We also need to strengthen facilities for Dialysis in the state. We can take a lot of solace from the fact that Government of Goa is already subsidizing Dialysis for those afflicted by ESRD and is keenly pursuing the matter of starting Kidney Transplantation in Goa Medical College. Above all we need a strong program for early detection and prevention of Kidney disease.

(The author is a consultant Nephrologist at Manipal Hospital Goa.)

Naveen gives clean chit to ministers PTI BHUBANESWAR, JULY 17

Terming opposition attempt to implicate two ministers in the multi-crore coal scam as "unjustified", Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today said stringent action would be taken against persons found guilty in corruption even as Congress and BJP ML As walked out of the assembly in protest.

"It is unjustified to try and implicate either school and mass education minister Pratap Jena or urban and housing minister Badri Narayan Patra in the vigilance case," Patnaik said in a suo moto statement in the assebly on distribution of coal through Orissa Coperative Consumer Federation (OCCF) and the state owned Orissa Small Industries Corporation (OSIC).

Both Jena and Patra, whose resignations were being demanded by opposition MLAs since four days, had been accused of being part of coal scam.

Jena and Patra headed the state owned OSIC before becoming ministers.

The assembly witnessed up-

roar over the issue for the fourth day in a row and the chief minister read out his statement amidst anti-government slogans by opposition MLAs. "We walked out of the assembly opposing chief minister's statement under section 214 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Orissa Legislative Assembly," opposition chief whip Prasad Harichandan said.

Section 214 of the rule book prohibited any further discussion on the statement made by the chief minister or any minister. "Making statement under section 214 of the Rule by chief minister ensured that no discussion on coal scam could be made in the house. Therefore, the opposition had no option but to walk out of the house," he said.

Angry over the chief minister's clean chit and the state government's bid to prevent debate on coal scam, Congress MLAs led by leader of opposition Bhupinder Singh sat on a dharna near Mahatma Gandhi's statue in the assembly premises.

Yeddyurappa virtually rules out removal of Reddy brothers PTI NEW DELHI, JULY 17

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa today virtually ruled out the removal of Reddy brothers from his ministry for the present, saying such a step could be considered if charges are proved.

"There are no charges against any minister. But if there are charges, I am going to remove them within 24 hours," he told reporters after a meeting with Home Minister P Chidambaram here.

He was asked if he would follow the example of senior BJP leader L K Advani, who quit Parliament in the early 90s when allegations were made against him in the hawala scandal, and ask his ministers to quit.

He said the opposition Congress-JD(S) campaign against the Reddy brothers -- Tourism Minister G Janardhana Reddy and Revenue Minister G Karunakaran Reddy -- was born out of political enmity.

To a question why his government was fighting shy of instituting a CBI inquiry into the illegal mining issue, Yeddyurappa said the institution of Lokayukta has been given "all the powers" and it can take the help of Central government and

‘Governor ‘hijacked’ legislature’ UNI BANGALORE, JULY 17

Former Karnataka Minister and Member of Parliament D B Chandregowda today alleged that Governor H R Bharadwaj had 'hijacked' the duly elected government by complaining to the Centre on illegal mining issue.

Talking to newspersons here, Mr Chandregowda said, “By complaining about functioning of BJP government to the President, Prime Minister and Congress Supremo, the Governor has gone against the constitutionally formed government and has hijacked it.”

any state government and even Central agencies.

"He is investigating the mining issue. As early as possible, we are going to refer all cases starting from 2002. Soon truth will come out and whoever is culprit, we will punish them," he said.

On his meeting with Chidambaram, he said he discussed the issues of illegal mining, resignation of Lokayukta Santosh Hegde and its subsequent withdrawal, law and order situation and the current Belgaum row.

The chief minister said the only way to stop illegal mining would be to stop iron ore exports and allow only valueadded industry. There was no other way, he said, adding he has conveyed this to the Central government.

Yeddyurappa said he has also told the Home Minister that the Karnataka government has appointed a 'upa-Lokayaukta' and invited Chidamabaram to inaugurate the building of the office of the Lokayaukta.

Sources said the Chief Minister is understood to have said that there was no need for a CBI probe into the issue since Lokayukta was inquiring into it.

TDP to move NHrC against Naidu’s arrest PTI HYDERABAD, JULY 17

TDP will move the National Human Rights Commission against the alleged `inhuman’ treatment being meted out to its president N Chandrababu Naidu and 74 lawmakers by the Maharashtra government during their detention in the neighbouring Nanded district.

The issue is also being taken to the notice of the state Assembly Speaker N Kiran Kumar Reddy, according to TDP politburo member Nagam Janardhana Reddy.

Talking to newsmen at the party headquarters here this afternoon, Nagam alleged that the Maharashtra government behaved in a `most inhuman’ manner in dealing with a former Chief Minister and other legislators and parliamentarians. "We are complaining against this to the NHRC as well as the Assembly Speaker," he added.

Another senior leader Kadiyam Srihari found fault with the Andhra Pradesh government for remaining indifferent on the entire issue. "It is unfortunate that Chief Minister K Rosaiah did not condemn the arrest of Chandrababu or prevail upon the Maharashtra government to

Students of PG Degree College Bhaderwah in Jammu and Kashmir waiting on Saturday for teachers who have been on strike for the past four days to protest against the Tehsildar who raided the college on the direction of DDC Doda for checking the attendence of the college staff.

Anjolie Menon turns 70

PTI NEW DELHI, JULT 17

To mark the 70th birthday of contemporary Indian artist Anjolie Ela Menon a biography spanning over half a decade of her career has been launched along with an exhibition featuring works highlighting significant phases of the artist's life.

Filmmaker Shyam Benegal released the book in the presence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's wife Gursharan Kaur here late yesterday.

The over 370-page tome "Anjolie Ela Menon: Through the Patina," by noted art critic Isana Murty, the pen name for defence analyst C Uday Bhaskar and published by Vadhera Art Gallery is filled with pictures and essays on her life and work spanning 55 years.

The exhibition which will be continue for one month features 70 artworks - both retrospective and recent- by Menon from different phases in her life.

US dept files suit over racial discrimination against Indians PTI WASHINGTON, JULY 17

The US Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against the owner and management of an apartment complex at Renton in Washington State for racial discrimination against Indians who were treated less favourably than other tenants and even told to "go back" to India.

The lawsuit seeking monetary damages and an order barring further discrimination was filed yesterday in the US District Court for the Western District of Washington and named as defendants Summerhill Place LLC -- the owner of Summerhill Place Apartments; GRAN Inc. -the management company; and Rita Lovejoy -- the former on site manager.

The suit alleges, among other things, that the defendants steered Indian tenants away from one of the five buildings at Summerhill, treated tenants from India less favourably than other tenants and discouraged African-Americans, Hispanics and families with children from living at Summerhill.

The names of Indians have not been revealed.

"Equal access to housing in the United States is a fundamental right, and this nation will not tolerate discrimination in housing," said Assistant Attorney Gen-

eral for the Civil Rights Division Thomas E Perez.

The Justice Department alleged that the owner and management of apartment complex instructed its staff not to show new or renovated apartments to people from India, Hispanics and African Americans.

The company and its staff engaged in discriminating against Indian tenants by not replacing their carpets or their broken appliances, while providing such services to other similarly situated tenants, the law suit alleges.

It also alleges that one or more Indian tenants were told that their children cannot play outside and that they should take them to park to play. They were also allegedly told to "go back to India" if they could not learn how to work their appliances and faced other derogatory comments about their national origin.

"Few things are more fundamental to success and happiness than having a safe place to live.

Fair and equal access to housing is a cornerstone of our society," said US Attorney for the Western District of Washington Jenny A Durkan.

"Apartment owners must ensure that their managers treat all tenants and potential tenants, in a fair and equitable manner without regard to race, national origin or whether they have chil-

dren. The US Attorney's Office will actively pursue these cases with the goal of fairness and equity for all," Durkan said.

As alleged in the complaint, two Summerhill employees contacted the King County Office of Civil Rights (KCOCR) in 2007 and complained of discriminatory housing practices at Summerhill. KCOCR then contracted the Fair Housing Council of Washington to conduct testing at Summerhill.

After testing was conducted, KCOCR referred the matter to HUD (Housing and Urban Development Department).

After an investigation, the Secretary of HUD determined that there was reasonable cause to believe that discriminatory housing practices had occurred and issued a charge of discrimination.

The defendants elected to have the matters asserted in the HUD charge heard in federal court.

"Housing discrimination is illegal and unacceptable," said Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity John Trasviña.

"HUD and the Justice Department work to eliminate it," he said.

The suit seeks monetary damages for those harmed by the defendants' actions, civil penalties and a court order barring future discrimination.

researchers developing tool for wildlife, forest management PTI PUNE, JULY 17

A decision making tool being evolved by the researchers at Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) here to help in forest management, is expected to go a long way in arresting poaching and illegal tree felling in the country.

Working on the project named "Aranya" is the Geomatics Solutions Development Group

(GSDG) of C-DAC which is a scientific society of the Central Ministry of Communication and Information Technology entrusted with providing IT based solutions in various spheres.

"Aranya"--- a Comprehensive Spatial Decision Support System---- is being developed in collaboration with the Forest department of 'Bodoland Territorial Areas District (BTAD) with the aim of enabling forest man-

agers to take will informed decisions covering various aspects including Wildlife Elaborating on the ongoing research, Mahesh Kale, project leader (R&D) of GSDG told PTI that the system could highlight the sites of crime related to poaching, tree felling, illegal entry into forest etc in a particular division with associate attributes such as date of crime, animal poached, material seized and number of person

involved.

"The tool also provides information about the intensity of crimes along roads and locations of different crimes happening in the specified area," he added.

It would also show at the click of the mouse the areas suitable for a particular animal, analysing the land areas based on different criteria, availability of water and food.

secure release of the arrested leaders," Srihari said in Warangal, where he led a rasta-roko in protest against the arrest of the TDP chief.

Interestingly, All India Congress Committee secretary and MLC P Sudhakar Reddy too condemned Maharashtra government's handling of the whole episode.

appointments

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UN to honour Mandela on his 92nd birthday UNI

UNITED NATIONS, JULY 17

The UN is marking Nelson Mandela International Day — on Sunday — for the first time in honour of the former South African president’s contribution to the struggle for peace and freedom.

July 18, beginning this year, will be celebrated across the world to celebrate Mandela’s 92nd birthday.

Secretary-General Ban Kimoon said he was most imp re s s e d b y M r M a n d e l a ’ s humility when he met the former anti-apartheid leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Mr Mandela preferred to talk not about himself but about what other people had done in the struggle for human rights and dignity, Mr Ban said in a message to a special commemorative ceremony held yesterday at UN headquarters in New York. ‘’That is just one reason why Nelson Mandela is such an in-

spiration to millions. He was not backed by money or power.

As he constantly reminds us, he is an ordinary man. But he has achieved extraordinary things. ‘’Nelson Mandela’s accomplishments came at great personal cost to himself and his family. His sacrifice not only served the people of his own nation, South Africa, but made the world a better place for all people, everywhere,’’ said the Secretary-General.

The General Assembly over-

whelmingly decided in November 2009 to declare July 18, Mr Mandela’s birthday, as the ‘’Nelson Mandela International Day’’ to commemorate his longstanding commitment to promoting conflict resolution, race relations, human rights, reconciliation and gender equality.

The Assembly’s President, Ali Treki, said the celebration of the day should also serve to remind the international community of the imperative for social equality and justice and the pursuit of peace through dialogue. ‘’It is a call to action to make the world a better place, one day at a time,’’ he stated in a message to the ceremony.

Among the events taking place around the globe to mark the Day is a ‘’football for peace’’ tournament in Sudan, as well as photo exhibitions, film screenings, panel discussions and music programmes in a number of countries.

Fire breaks out near Athens

ATHENS:A forest fire broke out near Athens today, forcing authorities to order the evacuation of three holiday campsand several homes.

The blaze, the first major wildfire to occur near Athens this summer, broke out outside the town of Lavrio “The evacuations are a preventive measure, no homes or lives are in danger yet,’’ a fire brigade spokesman said.-Reuters.

Firefighters walk near an oil pipeline blast site in Dalian, Liaoning province early morning July 17, 2010. Firefighters have extinguished a fire that raged for more than 15 hours after two oil pipelines exploded in the port of Dalian in northeast China, the Xinhua news agency said on Saturday.

Abbas clarifies terms for peace parleys with Israel Reuters RAMALLAH, West Bank, JULY 17

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Israel must agree to the idea of a third party guarding the borders of a future Palestinian state before direct peace talks can begin.

In an interview published today, Abbas said Israel must also agree in principle to an equitable land swap that would compensate the Palestinians for West Bank land absorbed by Jewish settlements in any peace deal.

The remarks were the clearest statement yet of what Abbas wants from Israel before he agrees to move to face-to-face negotiations that Washington wants the sides to begin.

Abbas met US West Asia peace envoy George Mitchell today in Ramallah. Mitchell, who met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday, is mediating indirect peace talks under way for two months.

The talks are about halfway through their agreed four-month lifetime. They are set to conclude in September, around the same time as a partial freeze that Netanyahu ordered last November on Israeli settlement building on occupied West Bank territory.

Israel says the current “proximity talks” are wasting time.

Netanyahu says he is ready to begin direct talks with Abbas right away. But the Palestinian president is wary of talking to

Oldest champagne found in shipwreck Reuters HELSINKI, JULY 17

A group of divers exploring a shipwreck in the Baltic Sea have found bottles containing what is thought to be the oldest drinkable champagne in the world, made in the late 18th century.

“I picked up one champagne bottle just so we could find the age of the wreck, because we didn’t find any name or any details that would have told us the name of the ship,” diver Christian Ekstrom from Aland told Reuters today.

Ekstrom and his Swedish diving colleagues opened the bottle and tasted the contents.

“It was fantastic... it had a very sweet taste, you could taste oak and it had a very strong tobacco smell. And there were very small bubbles,” he said.

Experts said the shape of the bottle showed it was from the late 18th century, and the bottle and its contents have been sent to champagne specialists in France to be analysed.

“We are 98 per cent sure that it is Veuve Clicquot champagne and that it was probably (made) between 1772 (the year the business was established) and 1785,” Ekstrom said, adding that the cargo vessel was probably sailing to St Petersburg, then the capital of Russia.

He said they had found the

wine on their first dive and did not yet know how many bottles the wreck contained or what other cargo it carried.

The current title of the world’s oldest champagne is held by Perrier-Jouet, which has two bottles from 1825.

Richard Juhlin, a Swedish champagne specialist, told the newspaper Alandstidningen he believed the champagne was Veuve Cliquot and said that if it was from the late 18th century, it could cost around 500,000 Swedish crowns (68,000 dollar) a bottle.

Because the wreck lies off Aland, an autonomous part of Finland, the local authorities will decide what will be done with the wreck — and the champagne.

an Israeli leader he believes is not willing to make an offer the Palestinians could accept.

Speaking to the Jordanian newspaper Al-Ghad, Abbas said he wanted Israel to agree “in principle” to the idea that a third party take on a security role in a future Palestinian State to be founded on land occupied by Israel in a 1967 war.

“Now what is required from Israel is for it to say that these ideas are, in principle, acceptable,’’ he said. ‘’That means: do they accept that the land is the 1967 borders and that there be, in the Palestinian land, a third party.

“If they agree to that, this is what we would consider the progress that we want and that

would make us go to direct negotiations,” he said.

The Palestinians aim to establish their state in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as their capital, a demand rejected by Israeli leaders who see all of Jerusalem as the eternal capital of the Jewish State.

Abbas has repeatedly stated his rejection of any Israeli security role on the frontiers of the Palestinian state. But he as accepted the idea that NATO could play a role on the borders — a compromise to ease Israeli concerns that the Palestinians would arm themselves heavily if they controlled their frontiers.

Equitable land swap: Israel, however, wants to maintain a

presence in the Jordan valley along the West Bank’s eastern border with neighbouring Jordan.

Ahead of direct talks, Abbas said, Israel must also agree to the idea of a fair land swap, referring to a scenario where some Israeli land bordering the West Bank would be annexed to a future Palestinian state in compensation for major Jewish West Bank settlement blocs that would become part of Israel. “‘We said that the borders must be on the foundation of 1967 with agreement on an equitable swap,’’ he added.Palestinian officials have said they could accept such a swap but the area involved should not ex-

Obama steps up criticism of Republicans as party of rich Reuters WASHINGTON, JULY 17

US President Barack Obama stepped up criticism of Republicans today for blocking jobless aid, hammering home a Democratic election year attack line that casts the opposition as the party of the rich.

“Too often, the Republican leadership in the United States Senate chooses to filibuster our recover y and obstruct our progress. And that has very real consequences,” Obama said in his weekly radio and Internet address.

Senate Republicans have blocked at least three Democratic initiatives to extend unemployment insurance, citing the need to curb government spending amid a record budget deficit.

“Think about what these stalling tactics mean for the millions of Americans who’ve lost their jobs since the recession began. Over the past several weeks, more than two million of them have seen their unemployment insurance expire,” the president said.

Obama has made job creation his top domestic priority and has traveled repeatedly to the US heartland to tout policies that lift hiring, including to Holland, Michigan, on Thursday for the groundbreaking of an electric car battery factory that has received federal dollars.

US growth has resumed after the worst recession in decades, thanks in part to a 862 billion dollar stimulus plan Obama signed last year.

But this recovery has been slow to produce new jobs, and his Democrats risk punishment by voters in congressional elections on November 2 unless he can start to curb unemployment now running at 9.5 per cent.

Time is running out. A recent poll showed confidence in Obama’s economic stewardship has flagged, and Democrats could lose control of the House of Representatives in November.

All 435 seats in the House are up for grabs, as well as 36 of the 100 seats in the US Senate.

Frustratingly for the White House, its proposals to extend unemployment insurance, cut capital gains taxes on investments and set up a fund to boost lending to small businesses have been repeatedly blocked on Capitol Hill.

Budget deficit: Senate Republicans say the country cannot afford more taxpayer-funded government spending, on top of Obama’s emergency stimulus package, an argument that taps into public disquiet over a record budget deficit and rising debt.

But the White House, which says the the deficit should be tackled in the medium term

once the labor market has properly healed, calls this politically motivated obstruction and says Republicans are siding with the rich.

“They say we shouldn’t provide unemployment insurance because it costs money,” chided Obama.

“So after years of championing policies that turned a record surplus into a massive deficit, including a tax cut for the wealthiest Americans, they’ve finally decided to make their stand on the backs of the unemployed,” he said.

The White House is particularly scornful of Republican criticism of the deficit, which is forecast to hit a record 1.56 trillion dollar in the current fiscal year.

Obama’s Republican predecessor George W Bush inherited a surplus from Democratic President Bill Clinton, but handed Obama a 1.3 trillion dollar deficit eight years later, which his White House blames on Bush-era tax cuts and wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that were funded with deficits.

“They’ve got no problem spending money on tax breaks for folks at the top who don’t need them and didn’t even ask for them; but they object to helping folks laid off in this recession who really do need help,’’ Obama said.

Rushdie to pen memoirs of his life under threat PTI LONDON, JULY 17

Famed Indian-origin controversial writer Salman Rushdie has started to pen down memories of his life under threat from Islamic radicals, apparently feeling that the danger to him may have abated.

Rushdie has began to write about what he calls his life’s lost chapter, the years he spent in hiding from the death fatwa issued against him by the Iranian leader Ayatollah Khomeini.

It was on Valentine’s Day in 1989 that Khomeini called for the death of everyone involved in the publication of Rushdie’s fourth novel ‘ The Satanic Verses’, which he said was blasphemous.

This week, at an event organised by the literary magazine Granta, 63-year-old Rushdie con-

firmed that the moment to write about his life in mufti had arrived.

“I am writing it now,” he said.

“I found it kind of annoying that other people kept offering versions of it that were all bulls...”

During those critical years, Rushdie is believed to have lived in 30 different locations but apart from occasional lastminute appearance at literary gatherings, dinners and one on stage at Wembley Stadium during a U2 gig, his exact whereabouts and activities for most of that time remain a mystery.

He was guarded round the clock by Special Branch officers at an estimated cost of 11 million pounds.

British bookshops were bombed.

A would-be assassin accidentally blew himself up in a London hotel room; a Norwegian pub-

lisher was shot; the novel’s Japanese translator was stabbed to death in Tokyo; 37 people died in an arson attack in Turkey aimed at a Turkish translator.

Thousands of articles and at least six books have explored what became known as the Rushdie affair but the author and his friends have kept largely silent about what actually happened to him, until now.

“I just thought it might be time to tell that story,” Rushdie said, according to a report in The Times.

“I always for a long time did not want to tell it. First of all I was in it and that was not likeable. Then I got out of it and thought the last thing I want to do is put myself back in it and think about it for the next few

years. Of course there were people telling me I should write it” According to the report, he has written 70 pages so far.

One likely area of interest is the literary feuding over the fatwa between Rushdie and other writers, including Germaine Greer, John Le Carre and V S Naipaul, who publicly referred to the death threat as ‘an extreme form of literary criticism’.

Rushdie’s confinement ended in 1998 when the Iranian government gave a public commitment that it would not carry out the death sentence. However, the fatwa was never dropped.

The Iranian leaders say that the fatwa was issued by the supreme leader Ayatollah Khomeini and cannot be rescinded.

ceed 2 per cent of the West Bank.

Netanyahu, who met US President Barack Obama last week, has promised ‘’concrete steps’’ to encourage Abbas to move to direct talks. He has said he is willing to deal with the issue of settlements right away once direct talks begin.

Obama has urged the parties to begin direct talks. US State Department spokesman P J Crowley said this week ‘”we have a strong belief at some point in time, direct negotiations will be renewed”‘.

“Whether that’s days from now or weeks from now, I don’t think we’re in a position to say at this point,” he said in a news briefing, the text of which was published on the State Department website.

4 Chinese held

KATHMANDU: Four Chinese nationals were arrested while entering into the Nepali territory by security personnel deployed at Langtang National Park, local media reports said here. The Chinese nationals had entered Nepal with a small batch of Yarcha Gumba, a precious Himalayan herb . (UNI)

300 Darfur rebels killed Reuters KHARTOUM, JULY 17

Sudan’s army said it has killed more than 300 fighters from Darfur’s rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) in recent clashes in which 75 of its own soldiers also died, State media reported today.

Peacekeepers confirmed that the Sudanese army had clashed with JEM forces two and possibly three times this week, part of a surge in violence since the insurgents suspended participationin peace talks in early

May.No one was immediately available to comment

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inst the ordination The Vatican recently issued a new ruling aga es from members of women priests. Herald garners in respons in the state of the Clergy and the Catholic community

BY CHRISTINA VIEGAS HERALD FEATURES he ordination of women as Roman Catholic priests is a “crime against the faith,” the Vatican said recently as it issued a draft of new disciplinary rules. It went on to state that attempts at ordination of women are among the “most serious crimes,” along with paedophilia. Those who attempt to ordain women and the women concerned are subject to automatic excommunication. This has surely come as a shocker to a section of the Catholic community while there is the lot who unquestioningly abide by the rule.

Over the centuries we have been programmed to believe that Jesus apostles were only male.

But every scripture talks of the faithful lot of women who followed him everywhere and rendered as much service as the chosen men. And the beauty of it all – after his death, the first person Christ appeared to was Mary Magdalene. And in the recent past, there have been arguments galore that one of the apostles was Mary Magdalene.

Yet, the Vatican is steeped in orthodoxy.

There are many, especially from the clergy who opine that they will abide by what the Church decides. A priest on request of anonymity says, “If anyone does not want to adhere to the rules laid down by the Church, they can leave.” This comes as a shocker as we the children of God have grown up trying to live by the teachings of Christ. And no where have we ever read or heard of Jesus saying the above. In fact, there are arguments that there was no such institution as Church during Jesus’ times. And the Lord went out to gather in his sheep not to drive them away with compelling rules.

There have been arguments by many intellectuals over the last few decades that the male chauvinistic Catholic Church fudged with the Bible and shut women out. Many have argued that the Church only chose to

keep scriptures where only male members are mentioned.

They believe that handful of scriptures that provided evidence to the importance of women equality during Jesus’ times, were destroyed or hidden. Many argue as to what evidence is there to prove that Christ handed down his reins to a man and not a woman. They also cite examples of the Catholic Inquisition when women were termed witches and burned. There are also few others who opine that they are disillusioned that in the name of religion, priests are more into keeping accounts of finances and propagating of local languages.

Whereas, Jesus went about teaching people to live a good life! He did not charge a fee to bless someone, alive or in death. The argument is, “Isn’t Christianity what Jesus taught us and not about any institution coming up with its own rigid laws based on the times then?”

Yet, Jesus was very quick to break conventions that were against God's law. For instance, he healed a woman on the Sabbath. He spoke with the Samaritan woman, which was forbidden to Jews. He dined with tax collectors. He welcomed Mary Magdalene as one of his best followers and revealed his risen body to her first, (yet the Church chose scriptures to portray her as a prostitute), he freed the woman caught in adultery from being stoned, he said the Roman soldier (a Gentile) was more faithful than anyone among the people of Judea, and so on. So Jesus was clearly not afraid to break the conventions of his time. In fact, he was crucified because of that. Also, there were women performing similar roles to a priest at the time. And Jesus gave us just two commandments to follow. “Love the Lord your God and love your neighbour as yourself.” If we follow these two commandments, we inexorably are good human beings and are following the Ten Commandments. As why would we steal, kill, rob, cheat or disrespect anyone, if we love them like we love ourselves?

Father George Quadros, administrator of Pope John XXIII High School says, “The Church goes by the tradition that Christ handed over the reigns to a male apostle and all his apostles were male. And we will follow that tradition. Questions will arise time and again, but there are rules to be adhered to, only then you can belong to this institution.”

Father Valerian Vaz, director of Caritas Goa opines, “I am definitely not qualified to give an opinion on this. We will always remain faithful to the Church. The Church goes by the scriptures which show that Christ only opted for men.”

Quiz father on the fact that the Vatican is equating attempt to ordinate women to a serious crime as paedophilia and he says, “It should not be seen in that context at all. It should be looked at from the doctrinal and scriptural point of view.”

Julie de Lima, housewife says, “I am totally in favour of the Vatican’s new rule. I don’t want to see women as priests; maybe to just do laymen jobs like distributing communion and helping in other chores is fine but definitely not to serve Mass because Jesus celebrated the Holy Eucharist only with 12 men. Recently, there have been arguments about one being Mary Magdalene but I’m not sure of this.”

Dr Oscar Rebello, consulting physician says, “I would like to start off by saying that I am a ‘useless Catholic’- don’t go to Church and follow the various rituals and traditions that Catholics do. I am no one to tread down to the domain of the Church and make a statement. But yes, I would like to see women ordained as priests. I believe that they will bring in a completely new sense of compassion, ethics and moral values. The Second Sacred Ecumenical Council of the Vatican or Vatican II was a phenomenon when radical changes were

brought about in terms of doing away with archaic traditions.

They got more democratic, more transparent and more positive. So, I am sad to see them make this new ruling. I would like them to see the sheer power of women in any organisation.”

Nirmala Rebello, principal, Sharada Mandir High School avers, “I really don’t have strong views about the ruling because I think what we voice out is not going to bring about any difference to the male bound Vatican that is steeply bound in tradition, no woman can forcefully change this.

But I definitely think a woman priest can be as good a priest as a man as in general women are very committed to anything they undertake – be it home, children, society, careers and most of all to God.” Armando Gonzalves, CEO, Heritage Jazz says, “I am a committed Christian. I will fully go with whatever Christ has deemed as right or wrong, I believe in His teachings.

Now whether ordination of women priests is doctrinally right or wrong, I really don’t know. I am fully supportive of women in every manner. Hundred percent of my staff is women, only recently I got a male worker.”

Skitter Faia, PR manager for Perfect Relations, “The ruling is definitely shocking and to equate the attempt to ordinate women priests to serious crimes like paedophilia is unbelievable. It does clearly bring out the ‘steeped in orthodoxy’ nature of the male dominated Vatican. And yes, we all read the Bible and follow the teachings of Christ. Nowhere has Christ never favoured men over women. The Church might not have done any wrong to women but neither have they helped to empower women in any significant manner.”

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­H­O­R­O­S­C­O­P­E Stop revving your engines and just coast along for a while. You deserve a break. It's im(21 Mar – 19 Apr) portant for you to throw off your selfish interests as early as you can today, because you're only able to make progress on projects or tasks that are related to the greater good. Things slow down tonight.

Take a look into your future and imagine where you want to be this time next year. Your burst of (23 Sep – 22 Oct) fantastic energy that comes early this morning should lead you to make some dramatic changes by bedtime. It's not exactly a top-to-bottom transformation, but it should satisfy you deeply.

Do some detective work today. The evidence will be in the last place you look. You need to get (20 Apr – 20 May) more passionate about taking care of your health -- and today is the perfect time to do just that! It's a good day for starting new exercise regimens or committing to a better diet.

Tie up your ideas with a big red bow today -- and present them to someone you trust. It's a day of big (23 Oct – 21 Nov) social contrasts -- you wake up feeling like a hermit, but by the end of the day, you may be the center of attention! The good news is that your mood keeps rising every hour.

If you think you can do a better job than someone else, you're right!

Take control. Your emo(21 May – 21 Jun) tional energy is perfect for romance today -- especially early on! Send a sweet email or arrange for flowers, then wait for things to get a little more complicated (in a good way) tonight.

Excessive ideas may be holding you back. Pare things down and go back to the basics. You're hav(22 Nov – 21 Dec) ing too much fun this morning to wonder why things are happening the way they are -- but later tonight, when things slow down, you may feel like pondering the big issues.

Mixing business with your private life (or private spaces) may be a good idea today. Busi(22 Jun – 22 Jul) ness partnerships -- or just relationships with close colleagues -- may be somewhat strained today, but you should definitely expect a positive resolution before you decide to take off.

Being in the public eye is easier now that you've learned how to be more objective. Though you (22 Dec – 19 Jan) may face a challenge or two this morning -- almost certainly unexpected -- you should be able to dispose of them handily. Later on, your reputation for objectivity serves you well.

It can be very freeing to accept things you do not like. Not everything matters. This morning's good (23 Jul – 22 Aug) energy helps you make the right decisions around purchases, especially those related to tech equipment. Later on, though, you may have to deal with someone else's envy.

It's the perfect time to take stock of your life and be grateful for what you have. You're sped up this (20 Jan – 18 Feb) m o r n i n g , mowing through wild new experiences with a real passion. Later on, though, you become more reflective, and might decide to take the night off for study.

Today you'll get a great chance to move beyond some old (bad) habits.

Take it! You're in kind of (23 Aug – 22 Sep) a bind -- though you don't know exactly what's going on yourself, you're not feeling all that trusting of other's points of view, either! The good news is that you should figure things out soon.

Your perspective is useful to others. You're in the middle of the action, so share. An odd finan(19 Feb – 20 Mar) cial bump this morning leads you to all sorts of crazy deals through the rest of the day -- though it might feel as if you're swimming in the shark tank! Let your intuition be your guide.

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Beware of Cyber Crime Development of the internet has allowed it to become as close to our lives as possible. The number of people who depend on the internet on a daily basis is growing in numbers. Amidst it is the threat of cyber crime, which is rising in our state. Herald details

BY NOMRATHA FERNANDES HERALD FEATURES he internet provides vast opportunity to take everything up a notch, transform the mundane and make life easier. While it simultaneously does all of this, it has its downside too. Anyone and everyone who uses a computer might come face-to-face with the ugly face of cyber crime, in other words, we are all potential victim to cyber crime. As they say, two sides of a coin.

Cyber crimes are crimes that involve the usage of a computer, either with the internet or without. Cyber criminals are broadly divided into crimes against people, property or the government. While the latter two are issues of large commerce houses and firms and secret government information, the first hits plenty of personal computers.

Goa has seen a fair share of cyber crime ranging from the hacking of e-mails and other important information and numbers, prying on bank transactions, e-mails asking for personal information and money.

The question arises…are the authorities fully equipped to deal with the rising cyber crime? “Yes,” says Chandrakant Salgaonkar, deputy Superintendant, Crime branch, adding, “We have dealt with cyber criminals before and will do so in the future too.” Goa does not have a separate cyber crime cell. It is currently running under the state’s main crime branch of the Goa Police.

The abstract concept that is the internet is rapidly expanding, entering more domestic, commercial and governmental bodies by the day. To you and me expansion of the internet means an increase of internet users, to cyber

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criminals however it implies more prey. The well-known, rather terrifying fact remains, no computer system in the world is crack proof. This doesn’t at all imply we are a hundred per cent unsafe and powerless to cyber criminals rather, should thicken our dagger and shield and utilise complex strategies to maintain safety in cyber space.

Reporting it is one form of protection states Salgaonkar, a protection from the law is his point. A speedy reporting of such crimes helps in bringing their magnitude to light.

More cyber crimes should come to the light says Salgaonkar. “Immediately after the cyber crime has occurred, note the details of the violation and report it to your local police station,” he says.

“Those involved in cyber crime are creative in their approach. Hence one should be very careful in the kind of information they store or pass on, on the internet. Personal information should be kept to the minimum and passed across only when really necessary,” say those working in the IT industry. Internet purchases which are becoming popular these days should be carried out very carefully. “After every transaction made, it is possible for hackers to gain access to your account. Passwords should be changed very often,” they add. The installing of a strong firewall and anti-virus programme would not guarantee a clear system and no attacks, but it will keep them at bay they claim.

Then of course it goes without saying, our youngsters have to be educated about the power of the internet and how they shouldn’t abuse it. Protection in cyberspace, too, should be on this list.

Sheryl Crow promotes Yoga for School Kids G

rammy winner musician Sheryl Crow has contributed towards a CD to raise funds for providing in-school kids yoga programmes, according to reports.

Titled ‘Yoga Revolution’, it has other contributing artists including Sarah McLachlan, Sting, Ziggy Marley,

Peter Gabriel, Seal, Michael Franti, Krishna Das, Anjelique Kidjo, Guru Singh, Donna De Lory, and Anoushka Shankar.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed has applauded the efforts of Crow and other musicians to promote yoga for schoolchildren. In a press statement, he urged other Hollywood and sports celebrities to come forward to help incorporate yoga in the lives of youth and children.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, also urged public schools to include yoga in their curriculum. Yoga was a mental and physical discipline whose traces went back to around 2,000 BCE, he pointed out.

Rajan Zed quoted Patanjali, author of the basic text Yoga Sutra, who said that yoga was a methodical effort to attain perfection, through the control of the different elements of human nature, physical and psychical.

The Yoga Revolution CD is reportedly a diverse 14-track mix including Irish folk, rock anthem, bilingual world music, 5,000 year-old Vedic chants over Hip Hop beats, reworked kirtan, etc.

Rhea Kapoor not interested in Acting

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he is one of the youngest producers in Bollywood, an industry that has few active women producers. Sure enough, 23-year-old Rhea Kapoor says she found the job of making ‘Aisha’ challenging and learnt that one has to swallow one’s ego to run a project smoothly in the film industry.

“The most difficult part is that you have to take responsibility for everything. If anything goes wrong, it’s your fault. You have to swallow your ego a lot of times to balance things and get the work done,” said Rhea.

The daughter of actor Anil Kapoor and younger sister of actress Sonam Kapoor, Rhea never planned to get into production.

“It was not that I had planned to get into production.

I have done a course in acting in New York but when I came back, I realised that being in front of the camera is not something I would want to do.

“Dad heard the script of ‘Aisha’ and loved it. He then

asked me to produce it under our banner because he felt that it’s a young, fun-driven film and closer to my age so I will be able to do justice to it,” she said.

Based on Jane Austen’s novel Emma, the romantic movie about a high society girl who feels she is naturally gifted in finding love matches will feature Sonam as the matchmaker and Abhay Deol as the guy who falls for the self-confessed spinster. It is set for an August 6 release.

When asked about Anil Kapoor’s involvement in the movie, Rhea said: “Dad gave me a complete free hand on the film. He let me make it the way I wanted to.

Definitely he was there when I needed his opinion but he never interfered,” she said.

Would she like to stick to production in the long run or would direct and act as well?

“I like production, but I would definitely like to direct in the next couple of years. But acting is not my piece of cake.”

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Sunday, 18 July, 2010

WHAT’S UP IN GOA??

The Dalgado Konkani Akademi’s Founder’s Day celebration will take place on July 19 at 4:30pm at the Tiatr Academy of Goa, Campal, Panjim.

A Konkani literary contest in the Roman script, organised by the Goan Review Art Foundation (GRAF) is open for registration till July 31. Call 2630139.

A workshop on creative writing in Konkani, organised by the Freddy J Da Costa Memorial Trust will take place on July 20 from 3:30pm to 5:15pm at Grace Church Hall, Margao.

Call 9764706080 or 9821228684.

Bonderam celebrations, organised

by Piedade Youth Association will be celebrated on August 28 at Divar Island.

A blood donation, eye check-up and diabeties detection camp, organised by the Panjim Ambulance and Welfare Trust and the blood bank of the Goa Medical College will take place on July 24 at Hotel Manoshanti.

A health camp, organised by Rugnashraya, Bambolim will be held on July 18 at 9am at Rugnashaya, Kalapur, Bambolim Road, St Cruz.

A Ponda Taluka Interschool and Higher Secondary School Level Essay Competition will be held on July 18 from 10am to 12pm at the Saraswati High School, Kawale. It is organised by the Gomantak Maratha Samaj as part of the Dayanand Bandodkar birth centenary celebration.

An essay contest for students of the Bicholim taluka will take place on July 18 at 9:30am at the Shri Shantadurga Higher Secondary School, Shantaramnagar, Bordem, Bicholim.

It is open to students of standard VIII to XII. Call 9923826799.

1-day home gardening workshop for terraces and balconies and grafting workshop with Miguel Braganza will take place on July 18 at Goa Chitra, Benaulim.

E-mail gaochitra@gmail.com. Call 6570877,

palladian

Function Adjective Meaning 1 : pertaining to wisdom,or study 2 : of or pertaining to the goddess Athena Example Sentence Historians are doing their best to revive ancient texts containing Palladian hymns.

HERALD FEATURES avindra Bhavan, Margao in collaboration with Directorate of Art and Culture will celebrate the birth centenary of veteran singer and artist of Marathi theatre, Late Jaikrishna Bhatikar on July 17 and 18. The celebrations will be inaugurated on July 18 by renowned Marathi actress, Ashalata Wabgaonkar and Chief Minister of Goa, Digamber Kamat who is also heading the committee formed to celebrate the birth centenary.

A popular vocalist and stage artist of Goa at Kala Academy Kendra, Sanguem, Jaikrishna acted in various musical dramas portraying different roles, one of which was playing the role of Krishna in ‘Saubhadra’. His singing style was influenced by Bal Gandharva. He was awarded by the Goa Government and Akhil Bhartiya Natya Parishad for his talent in music and drama.

To honour him for his contribution to the stage, the committee has organised a musical evening with interactive programmes and seminars. July 17 was marked with classical music concert while July 18 will see the interactive programme with Ashalata Wabgaonkar followed by a seminar with speakers like Bhiku Tai Angle, Vice Chairman of the Birth Centenary Committee, Janardhan Verlekar and Vishnu Surya Wagh, Vice Chairman, Raju Kala Mandir.

The celebration will conclude with Natya Sangeet and Bhajan in the evening. Madanant Bhajani Mandal from Savoi-Verem will provide the music while classical singers Sunita Desai and Pt Ajit Kadkade will perform.

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this film, Sharon Mazarello.

“We do not want to hurt anybody’s sentiments; it was never our intention anyways,” says Wilmix who just arrived yesterday after doing the changes in this film as prescribed by the censor board.

The scene which caused all the hassle, depicts the salesman played by Fermeeno Goes mentioning ‘Parvati’ and ‘Tulsi’ referring to the popular TV stars from Ekta Kapoor’s soap operas, in his attempt to convince the customer saying that these celebrities too use the products he is selling.

Insistently disagreeing with the stance of the censor board, assistant director Claron Mazarello felt that while the film is ‘thought provoking’ and meant to open people’s minds towards things they are otherwise very conservative about, this move by the censors was uncalled for as there was absolutely nothing derogatory with the mentioned salesman’s scene, he opined.

The audio release will be on August 15, while the film will be released later this year. “It is due somewhere around the first week of November and the film is also offered for screening at IFFI this year, besides the Konkani convention in Mangalore organised by the Mandd Shobann starting November 25,” revealed Sharon.

H

“We are not retreating – we are advancing in another direction.”

– Douglas MacArthur DAILY GROOK LEASE TEASE

by Francis Rodrigues to try out a spaniel before keeping fish, try renting a kennel on a one-weak leash!

Instructions for Sudoku SUDOKU SOL 607 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

Fifteen Indian Artists to get Expressive at Kerkar Art Gallery HERALD FEATURES he Kerkar Art Complex, Goa and Gallery Beyond, Mumbai are commencing the third of the series of workshops being held in Goa. Fifteen artists from Mumbai, Baroda, Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Kochi and Goa will come together at the Kerkar Art Complex from the July 19 to 25, 2010. The gallery will once again don the avatar of a multiple studio where the artists will do what they do best, paint.

The participating artists are Prabhakar Kolte, Mumbai, Antonio Ecosta, Goa, Jayshree Chakraborty,Kolkata, Manish Pushkale, New Delhi, Chandra Bhattacharjee, Kolkata, Brinda Miller, Mumbai, Vanita Gupta, Mumbai, Ganesh Gohain, Baroda, Sanatana Gohain, Baroda, Rajan Krishnan, Kochi, Puneet Kaushik, New Delhi, Sanam C.N, Ahmedabad, Rajesh Ahlawat, Mumbai, Shirish Desai, Goa and Brahm Maira, New Delhi.

The artists will be working in varied mediums, paper, canvas as well as photography. Though not a thematic workshop, most of the artists present usually work in the genre of Abstraction and Abstract expressionism.

T

Puneet Kaushik

Shirish Desai 19:30 Uttaran : Kahani Ab Tak Ki 22:30 Chak Dhoom Dhoom

09:00 Chak Dhoom Dhoom 12:00 Bhoot Unkle 14:30 Chak Dhoom Dhoom : Spot Light 16:30 Welcome

Pg13

HERALD FEATURES eritage Jazz recently launched its all new website www.goaforgiving.org at the hands of an underprivileged child named Yashoda and the other children from the St Inez Nullah area. The website is a very small one, with basic information concerned with charitable works across Goa. On the occasion, the paintings done by these underprivileged children, during the workshops held at the Gonsalves Mansion, were up on display, some were even picked up by the viewers, proceeds of which will go back into the fund that will look after these delightful children.

The prize distribution of the Coconut Heritage Photography contest was also held in the presence of celebrated photographer Anoop Negi who also spoke on the topic of how to improve photographic skills.

Another event that recently took place was the release of the script of the Konkani tiatr ‘ Te m b e ’ a t t h e h a n d s o f Aduzinda Gonsalves in the presence of director Christopher Menezes, and Mario Fernandes in the company of his young saxophone player son, Ashley, all of whom participated in giving some soulful Konkani music to the people who had gathered.

SOUTH POLE

09:30 Khana Khazana 10:00 Kahani Ab Tak 10:30 Dance India Dance L'il Masters 11:00 Keshav Pandit 12:00 Hindi Feature Film 16:00 Dance India Dance L'il Masters 19:00 Fox 23:00 Keshav Pandit

Parenting

Heritage Jazz launches New Website

Sanam

09:00 Boogie Woogie Kids Championship 2010 10:30 Pyaar Impossible!

13:30 C.I.D 15:00 Aahat 16:00 Comedy Circus Ke Superstars 18:00 C.I.D 21:00 Indian Idol: Concert

Tourism

Cultural Evening to celebrate Birth Centenary of Guru Bhatikar

GARFIELD

09:00 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 13:00 Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge 15:30 Sasural Genda Phool 16:00 Zara Nachke Dikha : Finale 19:30 Making of:My Name is Khan 20:00 My Name Is Khan 23:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya

Travel

email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com

A

was the cause of the trouble. The producers of the film argue that, despite the objections brought about by some extremist groups to the names of the characters in the serial, they had not been changed and yet the Goan film has to alter the names. “We were shocked to find out that our film, that has absolutely nothing obscene or anything like that, was stalled by the censor board for such a reason,” commented screenplay writer-director and lead artiste in

Fashion

INGS

HERALD FEATURES fter being in the midst of controversies, the Konkani film, ‘Tum Kitem Kortolo Aslo?’ has finally got a green signal. The film which is produced by Goan entertainers, Wilmix and Sharon, has finally been granted the censor certificate, but not without amendments.

Though the shooting for the film was completed earlier this year, the much awaited film ran into some minor trouble for referring to some of television’s sitcom characters. The reference of the names like ‘Tulsi’ and ‘Parvati’ from the popular Saas-Bahu serials, in a particular scene in the film

Funny Quote

Pronunciation puh-LEY-dee-uhn

EN

PEN T HAP

Entertainment

Wilmix-Sharon Film gets Censor Certificate

LAFFS

WORD OF THE DAY

SUDOKU 608

9527463684 or 9850466165.

A seminar on home gardening, organised by the Lions Club of Colva will take place on July 18 at 10:30am at the Lions Club premises in Colva.

The 2nd National Mid Term CME of the Rheumatology Chapter, hosted by the Goa Association of Pediatricians will take place on July 18 from 9am to 4pm at the Goa Medical College. Call 9822123198 or 9850969822.

Rock climbing and bouldering classes for kids above five years, conducted by Hakim and Oliveira will take place from July 22 onwards every Tuesday and Thursday at Succor, Porvorim. Call 9422438186 or 9823128184.

‘Behaviour Change Communication’, an interactive session will take place on July 21 from 6pm to 7:30pm at the International Centre Goa, Dona Paula. Call 9765404391.

The third painting workshop of 15 artists from Mumbai, Baroda, Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Kochi and Goa will be held from July 19 to 25 at the Kerkar Art Complex, Calangute. It is organised by Gallery Beyond, Mumbai and the Kerkar Art Complex. Call 2276017.

‘In July’ will be screened at the Sunaparanta – Goa Centre for the Arts, Altinho, Panjim on July 19 at 6:30pm at the Sunaparanta. Call 2421311.

‘Enhancing Human Development Coverage: Skills for Reporting/Writing’, a 3-day journalism workshop, organised by the International Centre Goa, JM Foundation for Excellence in Journalism, Goa Union of Journalists, Media Information and Communication Centre of India in collaboration with Friedrich Ebert Stiftung will be held from July 24 to 26 at the International Centre, Dona Paula. Call 9765404391.

Information Technology

09:30 Gutar Gu 10:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta …

12:00 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 14:00 Chupke Chupke 17:30 Gutar Gu 18:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

20:00 Tum Haseen Main Jawan 22:30 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale

09:00 Laughter Dons 10:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 11:00 India's Magic Star 15:30 Geet 16:30 Laughter Dons 17:30 Vroom 20:00 India's Magic Star 21:30 Star One Horror Nights 22:30 Rang Badalti Odhni 23:30 Laughter Ke Phatke

11:00 CSI: NY : Dead Reckoning 12:00 Chuck 13:00 Wipeout 14:00 World Records Smashed 15:00 Sports Crash 16:00 So You Think You Can Dance : Audition 17:00 Whacked Out Sports 18:00 Fear Factor : Bowling For Beetles 19:00 Guinness World Records Smashed 20:00 Vacancy 22:00 Whacked Out Sports 22:30 Fear Factor: Bowling For Beetles

Benjamin Button 23:30 The Pacific 09:20 Frank Miller's Sin City 11:40 The Spirit 13:45 Face/off 16:20 Home Alone 18:25 The Spy Who Loved Me 21:00 Mighty Joe Young 23:20 Direct Contact

09:00 The Iron Giant 10:45 Kiss the Girls 13:15 You Don't Mess with the Zohan 15:15 Without a Paddle 17:15 The Making of : The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button 18:00 Crocodile Dundee 20:00 The Curious Case of

10:15 Maruti Mera Dost 13:45 Sivaji: The Boss 17:10 Paa 20:00 Kushti 22:50 Mr. Bechara

09:30 Bhoot Unkle 12:30 Khosla Ka Ghosla 16:00 Dastaan 20:00 Sarkar Raj

10:30 The Second Jungle

Book: Mowgli & Baloo 13:00 Running Scared 15:20 Next 17:20 Miranda 19:00 America's Sweethearts 21:00 Death at a Funeral 23:05 The Replacement Killers

12:00 Bhoothnath 16:00 Singh is Kinng 20:00 Mohabbatein

08:00 Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi!

12:00 Salaakhen 16:00 Tirangaa 20:00 Vishwatma

E N T E R TA I N M E N T 23:30 So You Think You Can Dance : Audition

10:00 30 Rock 10:30 The Simpsons 11:00 Glee 12:00 Friends 13:00 How I Met Your Mother : Little Boys 14:00 Whose Line Is It Anyway?

14:30 The Simpsons 15:00 Castle : Nanny McDead 16:00 Lost 17:00 V.I.P 18:00 Glee

19:00 White Collar 20:00 Friends 20:30 Rendezvous with Simi Garewal 21:00 Lost 22:00 Whose Line Is It Anyway?

23:00 V.I.P

08:00 Laureus World Sports Awards 2010 10:00 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup 2010 : Race 6 11:00 2010 Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships :

Ladies Singles/Doubles & Men's Doubles: Finals 12:00 2010 Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships : Ladies Singles/Doubles & Men's Doubles: Finals 13:00 2010 Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships : Men's Singles/Mixed Doubles: Finals 14:00 Game 14:27 MotoGP World Championship 2010 : Main Race 18:30 Inside Racing 2010 18:50 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup 2010 : Race 7 20:00 TNA Badshah : Kurt Angle 22:00 Indycar Series : At Toronto

Ganesh Gohain

09:00 World Sport 2010 09:30 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa : Semifinal 2: Germany vs. Spain 11:30 Open Championship 2010 H/ls : Third Round's Play 12:28 Sportscenter Weekend 12:30 Football Asia 13:00 Grand American Series : Daytona 14:00 Global Football 14:28 Sportscenter Weekend 15:30 Open Championship 2010 H/ls : Third Round's Play 17:30 Open Championship 2010 23:30 World Sport 2010

09:00 2010 India tour to Sri Lanka : 1st Test Day 1 10:00 2010 India tour to Sri Lanka : 1st Test Day 1 17:00 2010 India tour to Sri Lanka :1st Test Day 1 17:30 WWE: NXT 18:30 Moto GP 2010 Race : Eni Motorrad Grand Prix Deutschland 20:30 2010 India tour to Sri Lanka H/ls : 1st Test Day 1 22:30 WWE: NXT 23:30 2010 India tour to Sri Lanka H/ls : 1st Test Day 1

09:00 Terraquiz 2010 10:00 Most Amazing Moments : National Geographic's Amazing Moments 11:00 Most Amazing Moments : Most Amazing Close Encounters 12:00 Nat Geo Women's Hour : Islands 13:00 Wild Specials:Thunder Beast

Antonio E Costa 14:00 Big, Bigger, Biggest : Aircraft 15:00 Best of True Stories : Danger In The Delta 16:00 Best of True Stories : Ambushed 17:00 Wild Detectives : Blue Whales 18:00 Most Amazing Moments : National Geographic's Most Extreme Moments 19:00 Apollo Flight of the Hawkz 20:00 Don't Tell My Mother : Sao Paolo 20:30 Don't Tell My Mother : Beirut 21:00 Environment Day Special : When the Earth Stops Spinning 22:00 Fifa Club Championship 23:00 True Stories : In The Dragon's Jaws

07:00 Kids Club 07:30 Flavors 08:00 English News 09:00 Konkani News 10:00 Marathi News 11:00 Straight Talk 12:00 Konkani Palkachim Noketram 12:30 Flavors 13:00 English News 14:00 Konkani Movie 15:00 HCN Smash Hits 15:30 Noman Tuka Goa 16:00 Sunday Mass 17:00 Kids Club 17:30 Konkani Palkachim Noketram 18:00 Konkani News 19:00 Marathi News 20:00 English News 21:00 Straight Talk 22:00 English News 23:00 Konkani Palkachim Noketram 23:30 Noman Tuka Goa 00:00 HCN Smash Hits 00:30 Flavors 01:00 Art of living 01:30 Talking Talkies 02:00 Kids Club Note: Subject to change

Santana Gohain Rajesh Ahlawat

Manish Pushkale Rajan Krishnan

HERALD CROSSWORD - 608 Across 1- Feudal tenant; 7- Monogram ltr.; 11- Computer key; 14- Complete; 15- Ditto; 16Apiece; 17- Young roarer; 18Prepared with almonds; 20Contagious skin infection; 22Cobb, e.g.; 23- Joke; 24Bambi's aunt; 25- Incinerate; 27- Greek letters; 29- Lodge letters; 31- Type of gun; 32Refute; 35- Mideast gulf; 37Cornerstone abbr.; 38- Stubborn; 41- Cpl., for one; 44Greek goddess of the earth; 45- Leave high and dry; 49New Rochelle college; 51Hostelries; 53- Belgian river; 54- Vacuum bottle; 56- Beast of burden; 59- ___ kwon do; 60- Totaled; 61- Learned persons; 63- Temporary inactivity; 66- Lets up; 67- ___ the season...; 68- Tidy, without fault; 69- Reformulate; 70- Aliens, for short; 71- Drunkards; 72Builds; Down 1- Larval stage of certain mollusks; 2- Give life to; 3Makeshift; 4- Cosecant's reciprocal; 5- Aggregate of qualities that make good character; 6Admit; 7- Golfer Aoki; 8- Where some vets served; 9- ___ little teapot...; 10- Keyed up; 11Shave; 12- Governing bodies; 13- Believing; 19- Beaver creations; 21- Chatter; 25- Conclusion; 26- Orchestra section; 28Eat dinner; 30- Song of joy; 33-

Rocker's show; 34- Marsh SOLUTION - 607 of mystery; 36- After taxes; 39- Coop group; 40- Boring; 41- Chilean natural resource; 42- Live together; 43- Unity; 46- Unstable; 47- Most proximate; 48Dons clothes; 50- Bohemian; 52- Pouch; 55Haunted house sounds; 57- Apportion; 58- Clearheaded; 61- Goes down; 62- Wash; 64- Classical beginning; 65- Cmdr Data's was named Spot;

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SPORTS GOA, Sunday, 18 July, 2010

Pg14 Betalbatim in semis HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, JULY 17

Betalbatim Sporting Club beat St Anthony’s Sporting Club, Colva 4-2 via the tie-breaker to march into the semi-finals of All Goa Muriel Faleiro memorial inter-village football tournament at church ground, Nuvem on Friday. The teams were tied 1-1 at the end of normal period.

St Anthony’s took the lead through Leslie Fernandes.

Crossing over, Betalbatim attacked repeatedly and were rewarded when Allwyn Fernandes equalised with a snap shot.

Desmond Fernandes, Cajie D’Souza and Hayston D’Costa converted for Betalbatim while Nelson Gomes scored for St Anthony’s.

GOA DIARY Interward soccer at Goa Velha

PANJIM (HSD) – The interward football tournament organised by Youth of Forgottem will start on July 18 at PAP ground, Goa Velha. In all, 16 teams are participating. The winners will get Rs 6000 and the runners-up Rs 4000.

Tie-breaker at Santa Cruz

PANJIM (HSD) – The 1st allGoa 3-a-aide tie-breaker organised by Unity Boys SC of St Agostinho, Santa Cruz will be held on July 18 from 10.30 a.m.

Rs 5000, Rs 3000 and other prizes will be awarded. Details may be obtained from Alex on 9923594019 or 9822962292.

2-a-side tie-breaker

PANJIM (HSD) – The Jack-nJill Boys will organize their 2nd all-Goa 2-a-side tie- breaker on July 18 from 10 a.m. at the Signals ground, Chandor. The winners will be up by Rs. 6,000 while the runners-up will take home Rs. 4,000. Spot entries will be accepted. Details may be obtained from Danny on 9637087219 or Joel on 9823943559.

Custodio memorial soccer quarter-finals: Candolim Sports Club v. Navelim Sporting Club, Raia panchayat ground, 4.45 p.m.

St Anne’s soccer festival semi-finals: Cortalim Brothers, Cortalim v. Cajie Friends, Nuvem, Animal Husbandry ground, Curti, Ponda.

Unity Boys of St Agostinho’s 1st all-Goa 3-aside tie-breaker, behind Popular apartments, St Agostinho, Santa Cruz, 10.30 a.m.

Friends Sporting League Cup finals: Bela Vista SC, Corlim v. Friends Sporting Club, Carambolim, Carambolim panchayat ground, 5 p.m.

1st all-Goa 3-a-side tiebreaker and one-man show organised by St Francis Xavier Parish YA, SFX church ground, Macasana, 10 a.m.

One-day 7-a-side football organised by Friends XI VaddemSocorro, Vaddem ground, 10 a.m.

Remigio de Araujo memorial married soccer: Bambolim Married v. Mad Max Taleigao Married, Jolly Boys ground, Santa Cruz.

Youth of Forgottem’s interward soccer inaugural: St Anthony Firguembhat A v. St Michael, PAP ground, Goa Velha.

Vagator Parish Youth soccer quarters: Holiday Club, Arpora v. Vagator Parish Youth, Ozrant ground, Vagator, 4.30 p.m.

6th Benaulim Super Soccer: Don Bosco Oratory ,Fatorda v. United Boys of Dando, Colva, St John Baptist ground, Dando, Benaulim, 4.30 p.m.

9th traditional all-Goa coconut breaking contest, Calangute Association ground, 2.30 p.m.

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SPORTS GOA, Sunday, 18 July, 2010

Court rejects Velsao Pale’s plaint against GFA

BY JOVITO LOPES PANJIM, JULY 17

The Court of the Civil Judge Senior Division at Panaji opined that “the Court has no jurisdiction to try and entertain the Special Civil Suit filed by Velsao Pale Sports Club (plaintiff) against GFA and Raia Sporting Club (defendants) in view of the provisions of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 and that the plaint does not disclose a cause of action for the filing of the suit.” “Hence, application is hereby granted. The plaint is hereby rejected. Proceedings closed,” observed Judge Edgar P Fernandes in his order.

Velsao Pale had submitted

that the crux of the matter was to challenge to the order dated 10/1/2009 of the Jury of Appeal and the issue falling for determination in the suit was whether or not relegation of Velsao Pale was illegal and contratry to the GFA constitution and the Competition Rules and was outside the purview of Arbitration Act. It was also the case of Velsao that the Arbitrator by his order dated 11/8/2009 had concluded that the dispute was not arbitrable and that he had no jurisdiction to decide on the subject matter.

Velsao’s case was that they and Raia Sporting had played in the Professional League organised by GFA in 2008-09 and that

Churchill Bros had initially fielded Odafe and Ogba as its two foreign players against Dempo and Sesa, but that in the match against Raia on 13/9/08 Churchill had fielded Felix as the second foreign player in place of Ogba, which was a violation of a circular issued byAIFF and its subsequent clarification.

Velsao, before their match against Churchill on 17/9/08 submitted a letter to GFA that Churchill had fielded Felix in violation of AIFF’s circular against Raia and as such played the match under protest.

Velsao pleaded that the GFA’s Executive Committee did not accept the protest but the Jury

of Appeal upheld the contention of Velsao and awarded the match to them vide their decision on 9/11/08.

Raia Sporting through a representation dated 11/11/08 submitted to GFA that it had to award three points to them as Churchill Bros had flouted the rules by fielding ineligible foreign players.

The GFA informed Raia that the claim was rejected as it was time barred.

Raia made a representation against the GFA Executive Committee’s decision to the Jury of Appeal and the latter upheld the appeal and awarded the m a t c h b e t w e e n Ra i a a n d Churchill Bros to Raia.

Velsao, being aggrieved by the decision of Jury of Appeal made a representation to GFA to appoint an Arbitrator to decide the propriety and legality of the decision of Jury of Appeal.

The GFA subsequentyly informed Velsao about the appointment of Arbitrator.

Velsao appeared before the Arbitrator who delivered the award in favour of Raia. As such, Velsao stood relegated to the First Division.

Velsao then filed the Special Suit praying for a declaration that the orders of Jury of Appeal and the award of the Arbitrator be declared null and avoid and other reliefs.

Changes in GFA Constitution overdue: Tonito HERALD SPORTS REPORTERS PANJIM/MAPUSA, JULY 17

“The major changes in the proposed GFA Constitution which will become president-centric, if approved at the EGM tomorrow, have been overdue for at least five if not seven years, when the basic draft was readied,” stated GFA Youth Development Chairman and Executive Committee member Tonito Botelho.

“Unfortunately, unfounded fears kept it shelved. The constitution was generally recast in the pattern that the AIFF has its own constitution, but additional safeguards had been inserted to prevent a future president becoming a despot,” reasoned out Tonito, who also served as GFA secretary and was instrumental in streamlining its administration and introducing new programmes.

“We have to thank the AFC delegation which visited Goa in July 2009 for having insisted that the constitution be passed as expeditiously as possible, and even more for insisting that the judicial bodies never be elected but be appointed by the Executive Committee. This was a glaring lacunae in all the earlier GFA Constitutions and had been carried on in the revised one too,” disclosed Tonito.

Tonito added: “The memory of elections to the Jury of Appeal last year is still fresh in our minds.”

“The other changes – recasting two districts instead of four zones, reducing number of VPs and increasing the number of ordinary members basically tantamount to re-bottling old wine. I wish the initial proposal of the Constitution Committee a few years ago, to reserve a place for

each of the unrepresented Goan talukas in the Executive Committee had been gracefully accepted.

But GFA having already been “politicised,” those who have an eye on controlling the GFA rather than propagating football in every taluka of Goa, finally prevailed,” lamented Tonito.

“Finally – the GFA clubs will get a GFA management that they choose, and I think the contributions of a dedicated group of which I was privileged to be a member over the years and which if I remember right even met on a Good Friday for a constitution re-drafting meeting, should be appreciated. At least one of them is no longer with us,” remarked Tonito.

“The existing GFA constitution is good enough, although there is a need for a full time paid secretary,” advocate GFA’s Chairman of Jury of Appeals, Al-

bino Vales when asked about the proposed new GFA. “Since it has been proposed by the AFC and AIFF the GFA members should consider the new proposal," Albino added.

Albino, further mentioned that the AIFF will eventually set a date for all its state affiliates to take on the new constitution and could possibly suspend the State association if they fail to comply with the directive.

Albino, who is Patrong SC’s president, known for his work in promoting women’s football in the State opined that the professional clubs will be affected most by the new statutes, but it will take a very long time before the village clubs benefit from the same.

GFA assistant secretary, Jaju Fernandes stated that he’d like to see the new statutes set out

by AFC, being adopted so that the Goan players and adminis-

U-19: Sikkim rally to hold Goa 1-1 HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, JULY 17

The Goa U-19 girls battled hard against Sikkim to earn a valuable point, after a 1-1 draw in Junior National football championship at Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh, on Saturday.

Siolim Sodiem advance vagator parish soccer HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, JULY 17

Siolim Sodiem Sports and Cultural Association defeated Saligao United 2-0 to move into the semi-finals of Vagator Parish Youth Trophy inter-village football tournament organised by Vagator Parish Youth at Ozrant ground, Vagator on Friday.

The continuous downpour made playing conditions difficult. Siolim took the lead in the 28th minute through Dylon Noronha after a good solo run

by Basil Fernandes.

Down by a goal, Saligao tried to bounce back but failed to score.

Changing over, Basil Fernandes of Siolim continued his fine show with his defense- splitting passes but the forwards faltered.

Basil Fernandes doubled the lead for Siolim in the 45th minute off a free kick.

Goa took the lead at the 10th minutes when Ayesha Alvares crossed from the right, the goalie spilled the ball and captain Stessi Cardoza fantastically dribbled through three defenders before slotting past the Sikkim keeper.

Sikkim fought back and equalised in the 30th minute.

Goa had many chances to snatch the winner, the closest was in the 36th minute when defender Malvita Mascarenhas’ free kick was superbly saved.

Goa coach Maymol Rocky was

Raia Sporting in semis custodio soccer HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, JULY 17

Raia Sporting moved into the semi-finals of 39th Custodio memorial football tournament beating Sao Miguel de Taleigao 2-0 at Raia panchayat ground on Saturday.

Raia made the first move inside the first minute which was easily collected by goalkeeper Francis. In the very next minute, Sao Minguel sculptured a good move and dispatched the ball goalwards where Trilio, under the Raia bar, effected a magnificent save.

Raia’s Oilex, in the 14th minute, weaved between the rival defenders and sent Wilfred Gomes through to slot the ball home with a rasping shot.

Sao Minguel knitted some good moves to move into Raia box, but lacked the final punch.

In the second half, urged by the home crowd, Raia took the level of the game a little higher and made dazzling raids creating panic in the Sao Minguel fort.

In the 43rd minute a combined effort between Oilex and Wilfred resulted in a goal scored

by Velito Cruz with a rasping shot.

Gautam Kankamkar of Sao Minguel tried to reduce the margin with a well measured powerful drive, which was beautifully punched over by Trilio.

The referee flashed three yellow cards to Raia with goalkeeper Trilio getting two of these which was followed by a red.

not too disappointed as she felt that the girls played very well against good opponents. "It rained heavily before the match and the ground was a water logged which stopped the girls getting into their usual rhythm. But they never gave up," stated Maymol.

Dramapur in last four HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, JULY 17

Dramapur Sports Club came from behind to defeat A. A. De Majorda 2-1 to enter the semifinals of 6th Benaulim Super Soccer inter village tournament organised by United Club of Benaulim at St John Baptist ground, Dando, Benaulim on Saturday.

All goals came in the first half.

Majorda took the lead against the run of play seven minutes before half time through Russel Monteiro.

Dramapur fought back and restored parity a minute later when Nickson Rebello brilliantly fired home giving no chance to the Majorda goalkeeper after he received a through pass from Piedade Rebello.

Dramapur were rewarded at the stroke of lemon break when striker Ryan Fernandes made a solo run into the rival territory and beat the Majorda goalkeeper with a snap shot.

Rahul, Pranav in finals HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, JULY 17

Rahul Chandrashekar and Pranav Silimkhan shocked their higher ranked opponents to storm into the U-16 boys singles finals of Dhond Memorial all-Goa Major Ranking Badminton tourney organised by Goa Badminton Association at Campal.

Rahul beat the top seed Chinmay 21-14, 21-18. Pranav had to fight hard before defeating second ranked player Prathit Naik 23-21, 18-21, 23-2.

Anushka Kuvelkar too bowed out in the U-16 girls, conceding her game to Anura Prabhudesai 21-12, 7-11 due to an injury.

Results of semi-finals: U-13 boys - Dhruv Angle beat Ninad

Pillai 21-8, 21-6. Tejan Fallary beat Mehul Jirage 21-8, 21-9.

U-13 girls - Anura Prabhudesai beat Tanvi Desai 21-8, 21-11 while Emilia Silveira defeated Anar Singbal 21-7, 21-8.

U-16 girls - Pranjal Chimulkar beat Malati Dani 21-15, 21-16.

U-19 boys Sharmad Mahajan beat Chinmay Kamat 21-15, 2115. Aniket Shenai defeated Krishnaraj Gauns 21-19, 21-12.

U-19 girls s Anushka Kuvelkar w/o Astha Gupta.

U-16 boys doubles - Chinmay Kamat and Rahul Chandrashekar beat Saeesh Salelkar and Tejan Fallary 21-13, 21-6. Shashank Desai and Pranav Silimkhan defeated Dhruv Angle and Sanath Kamat 21-17, 21-17.

trators are exposed to a more professional set up.

Goa’s Narahar Thakur who has been unanimously elected Joint Secretary, Badminton Association of India (BAI) for a 4-year term at BAI’s Annual General Meeting in Chennai recently. Thakur, a former State player, is the active secretary, Goa Badminton Association.

Judge Fernandes in his order stated, “The plaint clearly brings out that the plaintiff had availed its remedy against the order of the Jury of Appeal and being unsuccessful therein cannot be a cause of action to file the suit for declaration against the said order.” “Hence application is hereby granted. The plaint is hereby rejected,” Judge Fernandes summed up.

The order disposed of the application filed by GFA on the ground that “(a) this Court has no jurisdiction to entertain the suit; (b) there is no resolution authorising Eban Mesquita to file this complaint and (c) that the plaint does not disclose a cause of action.

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SPORTS

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Changes in GFA constitution overdue: Tonito Pg 15

GOA, SUNDAY, 18 JULY, 2010 www.oheraldo.in

Dhoni banks on fit-again Sehwag

"It is quite difficult to change all of a sudden. Every player has made a conscious attempt to change a bit of everything.

Everyone has put in a bit of effort in training because that is

important," he said.

"We are trying to reduce the amount of things that we have and we are having what is really good for us. It has been working," he added.

Asked about India's chances in the match, Dhoni said Sri Lanka start favourites because of the home advantage.

"We will try our best. We have to give in more than 100

per cent in the series because the conditions are more in favour of Sri Lankan team. They know the home conditions better than us," he explained.

"At the same time, it will be

a good exposure for the youngsters who are a part of the side.

It will just add to their exposure and their experience. Overall, it would be good for Indian cricket in the long run," he added.

Dhoni hoped that off-colour pacer Ishant Sharma would come good in the series.

"Ishant Sharma and Mithun (Abhimanyu) are bowling well.

If you are a good Test match bowler, you have to vary your length. I think Ishant has come back in the past when he has played in India or Australia. A lot depends on the kind of wickets you are getting and what time of the day you are good," he said.

On the Lankan spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan who would retire after the match, Dhoni said he only has fond memories of playing against him in national colours and playing with him in the Indian Premier League.

"I started cricket quite late.

But off the field I can say Murali is good to have in the dressing room. He is a great guy. I think there are more memories off the field than on the field because I really don't talk much on the field.

"We have played quite a few series against each other. Of late we have been playing virtually every year against Sri Lanka," he said.

me. I have been happy with the way I have played in the last 1819 years. Hopefully, I will do well and get a good result for Sri Lanka and retire very well.

That's the whole plan," Muralitharan said at the pre-match press conference.

"If I do not get a single wicket or if I get five wickets, I will (still) be very happy. I will try all my tricks in the middle for the last time. Let's see if it works or not. I am going to really enjoy the game rather than think about how many wickets I am going to need. Just enjoy the game and not put much pressure on myself," he added.

Muralitharan said looking back, he is extremely satisfied with the way his career shaped up.

"I never dreamt I would be finishing like this. I think I had a great finish because I have done very well in Test cricket. You can't get the record easily.”

"Because of that, I have no regrets.

I am not sad, I am very happy with what I have

achieved and I am glad I am going out in a good manner because people are not asking me to go."

The spin wizard justified his decision to retire in the middle of the series, saying it was in the interest of the team and youngsters.

"I had planned to retire after the West Indies series at home because this tour was not on.

India and Sri Lanka put on a tour in between. I thought this is the right time to retire because I thought one match was enough.”

"There are other bowlers, who can have a go and play five more Tests at home. I thought that was in the best interests of me and the country, I thought it was the right time," he reasoned.

Muralitharan also said he had nothing more to achieve in his career and is even ready to give his place to a youngster in Sri Lanka's 2011 ODI World Cup campaign.

"If they really want me and if

I fit in, I will play. Otherwise, I Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawarwill be happy to give my place dene have scored more runs in to a youngster because I have the last one year than most othnothing more to achieve. I have ers. played four "Maybe the Wo r l d C u p s Indian bowling and won one is lacking a litand runners-up tle bit because once. If the of injuries. But youngsters are when you go in doing well, on the day PTI they can carry whoever perGALLE (Sri Lanka), JULY 17 on," he said.

The much-anticipated Test forms comes Muralitharan farewell of spin wizard Muttiah good. It is difsaid his side had Muralitharan is threatened by ficult to judge a good chance rain as the weatherman has pre- because past is against India in dicted overcast conditions on past, what is the series due all five days of the first Test be- important is to the visitors' tween India and Sri Lanka start- the present." bowling con- ing here tomorrow.

The retiring cerns and also Galle was lashed by heavy rain legend lauded refused to be- today, forcing the ground staff Indian skipper lieve the hosts' to cover the entire field and the M a h e n d r a b a t t i n g w a s forecast is gloomy for the next Singh Dhoni's weak compared few days as well. leadership. to India.

"He is a fab"I don't think ulous captain, our batting is weak. It is one of that's why we (the Chennai the best line-ups in the world, Super Kings) won the last IPL. I it has scored a lot of runs. enjoyed playing under him. But (Tillakaratne) Dilshan, Kumar when in the middle, we play

hard because friendship is only outside the boundary. In the middle, we all fight hard, take wickets and score runs," he said.

Talking about Sri Lanka's next generation of spinners, he said, "Ajantha Mendis is number one.

Other two are Rangana Herath and Suraj Randiv. These spinners can go a long way because two of them are very young, the other is about 30. So they have a lot of time in their careers."

The outgoing cricketer did not hide his admiration for two batting legends he played against frequently in his career.

"I will say in world cricket, I admire two people -- Sachin and Brian Lara because they are the most consistent batsmen of my generation," he said.

Muralithran said he will continue playing IPL. "As for IPL, everyone wants to be involved. I love to play for another 2-3 years, go around and enjoy myself playing in England, New Zealand and other countries," he said.

PTI GALLE (Sri Lanka), JULY 17

Indian cricket Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni today said fit-again opener Virender Sehwag's form would be crucial as the visitors aim for a Test series triumph in Sri Lanka for the first time in 17 years.

India will take on the islanders in the first of a three-match series from tomorrow and Dhoni said a lot would depend on how Sehwag performs.

India has not won a Test series, with the 1993 Mohammad Azharuddin-led side being the last to record a triumph in the island nation.

"Of course Sehwag is a great batsman. He is the one who will open the account for us. The way he bats, if he can bat for one or one and a half session, more often than not he crosses the century mark," Dhoni said about the dashing right-hander, who is returning to the side after recovering from a hamstring injury.

"It will be great to have him going. We have Gautam Gambhir and other batsmen who have the potential to score big. Of course, start is important for us. But there is no pressure on Sehwag," he told a pre-match press conference.

Dhoni said ever since the Twenty20 World debacle, the Indian team has been working hard on aspects like fitness.

Match starts at 10 am (IST).

Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and fit-again opener Virender Sehwag during practice session at Galle in Sri Lanka.

Last Test, just a match for Murali PTI GALLE, JULY 17

Veteran Sri Lankan off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan does not consider his swansong Test against India a "big match" and says he would not feel sad if he retires without touching the unprecedented 800-wicket mark.

The off-spinner needs eight more wickets in his final Test, beginning here tomorrow at Galle International stadium, to touch the 800 mark.

"I can't say it's a big match. Just another match and it is going to be the last match for

Keralite priest to solemnise Mueller’s wedding AGENCIES BERLIN, JULY 17

A Roman Catholic priest from Kerala, Father Saji Panangala will solemnise the marriage of German international and the Golden boot winner Thomas Mueller.

Father Saji who hails from Eravimangalam in Kaduthuruthy of Kottayam district, has been working as a parish priest in various places of Germany for the past eight years.

He has been in charge of the St Lawrence church at Pearl, which is forty-five kilometers from Munich.

Mueller has already been engaged to his friend and fiance Lisa.

Vinokourov wins th 13 stage

Rain threatens to spoil farewell

However a grand marriage will be conducted at the Church two months from now in which, Father Saji will conduct the rituals.

Father Saji is associated with the Mueller family, which comprises of his father Gerhard Mueller who is an engineer with BMW, while his mother Claudia is an auditor with the local church. Mueller's younger brother Simayon is a student at the local school.

Father Saji reminisces that younger Mueller has been an Altar boy in the church before becoming serious in professional football.

Barath leads in chess tournament HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, JULY 17

Barath M. leads the pack with 5/5 points in the ongoing State Chess selection tournament for under-9 boys and girls organised

by Vasco da Gama Chess Club in association with Goa Chess Association at Janata Vachanalaya Hall, Vasco.

Playing with the black pieces in the 5th round, Barath got the better of Stanford Pereira (4 points). So far, Barath is on a high after stunning top rated

St Savio lift Fr Chico Cup

AP REVEL (France), JULY 17

Alexandre Vinokourov has won the 13th stage of the Tour de France in a breakaway as Andy Schleck of Luxembourg retained his 31-second lead over two-time champion Alberto Contador.

Vinokourov, a Kazakh rider who is back at the Tour after a doping ban, was fastest over five low-grade climbs during the 121mile course from Rodez to Revel.

The top standings didn’t change because the main contenders crossed in the same pack.

The race enters the Pyrenees on Sunday—the first of four days of punishing climbs in the mountains that will play a key role in who wins the three-week race at the July 25 finish in Paris.

players - Rajaryan Kuvelkar and Nitish Belurkar. Barath next will play Aniket Naresh Naik in the penultimate round.

Following the leader are Eeshan Gad, Aniket Naik, Stanford Pereira and K. Tushar with 4 points.

Girls will resume the championship with their 4th and 5th rounds on July 18 at 9.30 a.m.

The prize distribution function will be held tomorrow at 5.30 p.m.

The players of St Savio, Calangute receiving the Fr Chico Cup from Suraj Morajkar, Agnelo Fernandes and others at Candolim on Saturday.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, JULY 17

St. Savio Sports Club, Calangute prevailed over United Club of Nerul 4-3 via the tie-breaker after both teams played out a goalless draw in the finals of Fr. Chico Cup inter-village football tournament sponsored by Bayside

Properties Private Limited and organised by Candolim Sports Club at Dr. Gustavo Monteiro stadium, Candolim on Saturday.

After a barren first half, Nerul began on a promising note with Michael Monteiro having a crack at the Calangute goal off Sydon Monteiro corner but ever agile

Calangute keeper Andy brought off a superlative save in the 5th minute of second half.

Calangute regrouped and kept raiding the Nerul citadel time and again but a goal eluded them.

A power-packed shot by Bruno Coutinho was parried to

safety by Nerul keeper Flann D'Souza at the expense of a corner in the 20th minute. Nerul keeper Flann again effected a brilliant save off Sameer in the closing stages.

Nerul too had a golden opportunity to seal the match in the dying minutes but Maulali

Naik shot wide off the mark.

With scores even, the winners were decided on penalties.

Calangute boys kept their nerves to romp home winners 4-3.

Bruno Coutinho, Rajkumar, Stanley Coutinho and Juje Siddhi converted for Calangute while Thomas Simoes, Benit D'Souza and Agnelo Lobo were on target for Nerul. Calangute keeper Juje Siddhi saved two spot kicks.

Chief guest Suraj Morajkar, special guest Jerry Coutinho, Agnelo Fernandes, MLA and EDC Chariman, Ramkrishna Kerkar ex-sarpanch of Candolim gave away the prizes. Following individual prizes were also given away: Best forward Stanley Carvalho (St. Savio S.C. Calangute).

Best half Michael Monteiro (United Club of Nerul). Best defender Siddesh Simepurusker (United Club of Nerul). Special prize Ramchandra of Candolim.

Earlier, the guests were introduced to the two teams by the president of Candolim Sports Club, Lourenco Fernandes and treasurer Patrick Gonsalves.

Bruno D'Souza compered.

Butt named captain, Afridi out of 2nd Test

PTI LONDON, JULY 17

Salman Butt today became the seventh Pakistan Test captain in three years after being handed the job for the second game against Australia and the subsequent four-match series against England.

Shahid Afridi, who made a dramatic announcement yesterday to quit the five-day game after captaining his side to a 150-run loss to Australia in the first Test, has been released from the squad.

The temperamental allrounder has been struggling with a side strain and will not play against Australia in the second match starting at Headingley from July 21.

In a statement issued after Board chief Ijaz Butt's meeting with team management and sen-

ior players, the PCB said wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal would be Butt's deputy for the second Test against Australia and subsequently against England.

"Salman Butt was appointed as captain of Pakistan Test team for the 2nd Test match against Australia and the four Test matches against England," the PCB statement said.

"Kamran Akmal was appointed as vice-captain for the remaining five Test matches on England tour. All players confirmed their full support to the newly appointed captainand vice-captain," it added.

The meeting also discussed whether former captains Younus Khan and Mohammad Yousuf should be drafted in to lend experience to the side but decided to defer the matter.

"The matter regarding Younus Khan and Mohammad Yousuf's inclusion in the team was also discussed but was deferred," the statement said.

Besides Ijaz Butt, the meeting was attended by manager Yawar Saeed, coach Waqar Younis, Salman Butt, Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal and Umar Gul.

Pargat in race for HI presidency UNI NEW DELHI, JULY 17

Former national team captain Pargat Singh today filed his nomination for the president's post of Hockey India (HI). ''For the last several years, we have all been seeing what the condition of Indian hockey has become. The condition of hockey has almost become like that of football.” ''We want to restore the original glory of hockey. This game has given a lot to me, so now I want to give something back to hockey.

That is why I have filed my nomination for the post of Hockey India president,'' Pargat told reporters after filing his papers.

The HI elections are scheduled to be held on July 28.

Alongwith Pargat, Karnataka Hockey Association Secretary Krisnamurthy also filed his papers for the post of HI secretary, while Gum Zhun, from the Arunachal Hockey Association, is contesting for the post of treasurer.

Pargat however, refused to disclose the names of those who will be on his panel.

''Nothing is clear at present.

Some people are involved in court cases. There is confusion and uncertainty over some others. Nothing is fixed as of now,'' he averred.

The former fullback, who was awarded the Padma Shree and Arjuna Award, urged the various warring factions within the Indian hockey establishment to put their differences aside and come together to serve the interests of the national game. ''It has become a divided house. Everyone should work together for the cause of the game in India.”