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Sports: Gul, Arafat out of Pak’s T20 WC squad Pg 17 IN BRIEF Sangma to be sworn in as CM Mukul Sangma was tonight elected Congress Legislature Party Leader in Meghalaya and would be sworn in as chief minister tomorrow after D D Lapang was forced out of the top job by Congress dissidents. Twenty five of the total 28 Congress MLAs were present at the CLP meeting here this evening when Sangma was elected CLP head after 76year-old Lapang submitted his resignation to Governor. -- PTI

The Voice of Goa — Since 1900 panjim, tuesDaY, april 20, 2010

Business: Airlines angry over Europe airspace closure Pg 13

priCe rs. 3.00 (air surcharge rs. 1.50) pages 18

India: Raveena wants more leaders like Modi Pg 9

Centre cracks whip on IPL

Illegal religious structures to be Says entire structure will be probed resurveyed: CM PTI NEW DELHI, APRIL 19

After securing the resignation of Union Minister Shashi Tharoor, Government today said entire IPL will be under scrutiny including its funding and vowed not to spare any ‘wrong-doer’, as its top boss Lalit Modi came under the scanner of Income Tax authorities.

As the controversy-ridden Indian Premier League faced intense attack from the Opposition and even a Union minister Vayalar Ravi over alleged murky finances, Income tax authorities asked the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) to respond by April 23 to 10 queries, including the one on income from IPL and its en-

Jessica murder: Manu Sharma’s life rap upheld PTI NEW DELHI, APRIL 19

The Supreme Court today upheld the life sentence given to Manu Sharma, son of senior Congress leader Venod Sharma, for killing model Jessica Lall 11 years ago, saying his guilt has been proved beyond reasonable doubt.

The apex court also upheld the Delhi High Court verdict convicting and awarding four years jail term to Vikas Yadav, son of controversial Uttar Pradesh politician D P Yadav, and Amardeep Singh Gill alias Tony Gill, the then MNC executive for the destruction of evidence.

“We hold that the prosecution has established its case beyond doubt against the appellants and we are in agreement with the conclusion arrived at by the High Court,” a Bench comprising Justices P Sathasivam and Swatanter Kumar said in its 229page judgement.

tire structure.

The IPL was in focus in Parliament where the Opposition slammed the event as a “betting and gambling ring” in which black money was involved, called for its ban and demanded that Government take over its

affairs. A Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into IPL’s source of funds was also demanded.

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said “no guilty or wrong-doer” will be spared in connection with the IPL contro-

ED to probe foreign deals PTI NEW DELHI, APRIL 19

Even as the Income Tax department is probing the financial dealings of the money-spinning IPL, the Enforcement Directorate will look into the alleged murky international deals of the tournament.

Official sources said the Mumbai wing of the ED had conducted a discreet inquiry into the finances of Rajasthan Royals in 2008 and had prepared a report of alleged Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) violations.

versy and that all aspects including the sources and routes of funding of teams will be thoroughly probed.

In Mumbai, a senior IT official said the IT department probing alleged financial irregularities in the IPL will widen its inquiry into the assets and transactions of high-profile IPl Commissioner and his close associates including their financial interests abroad.

Ravi, a senior Congress leader and Overseas Indians Minister, lent weight to the Opposition attack calling the cricket league as “glorified gambling” and wanted the whole system to be looked into by the Government.

(Continued on page 10)

Passengers asked to defer Europe travel PTI NEW DELHI, APRIL 19

With volcanic plumes disrupting flights for the fifth day, Government today advised passengers to defer travel to European destinations unless it for an emergency purpose.

The advisory by the Civil Aviation Ministry came as over 41,000 passengers have been stranded following cancellation of the flights Europe and western countries.

With no signs of the volcanic cloud clearing, Government put into operation a multi-pronged strategy.

It advised passengers to postpone their travel plans to European destinations unless it is for emergency purpose and absolutely necessary.

Government was also in talks with Greece to allow Indian carriers to pick up or deboard stranded passengers as all flights to and from Europe remained suspended.

Air India and Jet Airways operated flights to the US and Canada taking alternative routes to avoid the affected airspace.

Civil Aviation Secretary M Madhavan Nambiar said 41,435 outbound passengers in Delhi and Mumbai were affected by the shutdown, adding “the situation is still grim”.

The airlines have been urging Embassies and High Commissions here to take care of the affected people from their countries. Most of them are destined for Europe.

While Air India and Jet re-

sumed services to the US and Canada through Cairo and Athens respectively, all their flights and those of Kingfisher Airlines to Europe including London, Brussels and Paris, were cancelled today and are likely to remain so tomorrow, their spokespersons said.

Nambiar said the Ministry has warned the airlines not to charge excessive fares while asking passengers to re-book their tickets for which the flights have been cancelled.

Nambiar said the Civil Aviation Ministry has set up a control room, headed by a Joint Secretary, with officials from Ministry of External Affairs and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to help those stranded in India.

Ash effect hits tourists in Goa 1,250 Europeans stranded HERALD REPORTER VASO, APRIL 19

Hundreds of international holidaymakers have been stranded in the State, with the cancellation of flights at Dabolim airport due to volcanic ash in the skies of Europe.

About 1,250 passengers mostly from Europe were stranded in various parts of the State due to cancellation of five incoming flights from their respective destinations, while an equal number of passengers could not arrive in the State due to these cancelled flights, which has affected the hospitality industry.

The First Choice charter flight from Midland-UK that arrived on Thursday has been grounded at Dabolim airport since the past five days and its departure to

The charter flight First Choice from U K stranded at Dabolim airport since the last five days.

Photo by M Prabhav

UK will depend on favourable climatic conditions in Europe.

Uncertainty also prevails over the Thomas Cook airlines scheduled for Tuesday and if it is cancelled, 322 passengers will be deprived of arriving in the State.

“The Thomas Cook flight from Greece is carrying 322 passengers and is scheduled for tomorrow. We are hoping for the best,” said airport manager A K

Das of Freedom Holiday.

“If the flight is cancelled, passengers scheduled to board this aircraft at Dabolim airport would be given suitable accommodation as per their package,” Das added.

Incidentally, the cancellation of the flights has taken place at the fag end of the charter tourism season in the State, as (Continued on page 10)

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 19

The Chief Minister Digambar Kamat has ordered a resurvey of the unauthorised religious structures on public property even as Hindu Janjagruti Samiti (HJS) has planned a rally on April 22 to condemn Government’s plans ‘to target’ Hindu structures.

The decision to resurvey was taken after the issue was raised

by Power Minister Aleixo Sequeira at the last Cabinet meeting wherein he pointed out discrepancies in the survey conducted by the Government following Supreme Court orders.

Demanding a resurvey he had alleged that the identification exercise was done haphazardly.

Giving the example of the 400-year old Verna Church which has been identified as unauthorised, he said though the Government notification says Fabrica is the owner, it had gone ahead and declared it as unauthorised.

Quoting the notification, Sequeira said Fabrica de Verna is shown as the owner of the church. Sequeira has demanded that even after the resurvey, sen-

ior Government officers should be asked to verif y what is recorded in the (re)survey.

As reported earlier, around 800 structures including temples, chapels and churches besides ghumtis and crosses, masjids have been identified by the State Government as unauthorised on government land as well as communidade property.

Interestingly, even as resurvey has been planned, the Government has also set up a committee headed by the Chief Secretary to go into the issue on case-to-case basis.

On Monday, HJS at a press conference here said it had no problem if Government decided to relocate these structures but opposed relocation of some temples particularly the old ones.

HJS Convenor and spokesman Jayesh Thali demanded to have a proper case study of all these structures before declaring it legal or illegal and demolishing it.

(Continued on page 10)

Sir! He provided us with all the facts and figures, graph, statistics... related to the expenditure on infrastructure development.

Now what should I do next?

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GOA, TUESDAY, 20 APRIL, 2010

Gramsevaks likely to face axe for underperformance

Panchayat’s performance report on April 24 HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 19

RDA Minister Churchill Alemao distributes cheques and free gas connections to beneficiaries at Cotigao in the presence of Poinguinim MLA Ramesh Tawadkar.

Photo by Kathy Pereira HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, APRIL 19

If RDA Minister Churchill Alemao is to be believed, the RDA-appointed 600 Gramsevaks at various panchayats will have to pull their socks and perform to expectations, if they want to continue with their jobs.

“I am told that most of the Gramsevaks appointed and posted at various panchayats are underperforming and not reaching out to the needy people. I am now conducting my own assessment and they will either be made to perform or will be shown the door,” RDA minister Churchill told a gathering of Cotigao villagers, who assembled at

a cheque distribution function.

“I have also appointed a committee under Farrell Furtado to examine any misuse of NREGA schemes and other details pertaining to the scheme,” Alemao added.

On the occasion, the RDA minister distributed 45 cheques worth of Rs 20,000 and Rs 15,000 each under the Indira Awaz Yojna for residents of Cotigao village.

Five widows were also given cheques of Rs 10,000 each, while 132 free gas connection receipts were handed over to 132 BPL families of the same village.

Speaking on the occasion, C o t i g a o S a r p a n c h Ra j e s h Gaonkar said that another 200

families will be added to the BPL list of 350 BPL families, who have already benefited under the various benefits of this scheme.

Poinguinim MLA Ramesh Tawadkar thanked PWD Minister Churchill Alemao for hotmixing the Ambeghat road which connects to Neturlim, and also requested the minister to divert more NREGA funds to uplift the poorer sections, as there are no industries or other earning sources in these areas.

Poinguinim Zilla member Daya Pagui, Khola ZP Krishna Velip, Cotigao Deputy Sarpanch and panchas, besides RDA officials were present on the occasion.

On April 24 Goa will know how our Village Panchayats have fared in fulfilling their duties.

The Department of Panchayats has ranked Village Panchayats on the basis of their performance and first three panchayats in each category would be awarded with cash prize.

While last year the panchayat day was not celebrated and no awards were given as it coincided with the election code of conduct for Parliamentary polls.

However, this year the Panchayat Day will be celebrated on April 24 when performance of 189 panchayats will be all to see.

The Director of Panchayat Menino D’Souza speaking to Herald on Monday said performance of panchayat has been checked vis-à-vis redressal of garbage problem, cleanliness, action taken against illegal constructions, timely convention of gram sabhas, etc.

A 189 panchayats are classified into four categories A, B, C and D depending upon their population. The panchayats with more than 8000 population and with eleven wards are classified as “A” , panchayats with 5001 and 8000 population and with nine wards fall into B category, panchayats with 2001 to 5000 population are C panchayats.

Whereas with five member panchayats with 1500 to 2000 are classified as D panchayats.

In each category three awards have been constituted with Rs 1 lakh, Rs 75000 and Rs 50000.

Of the 189 panchayats, 32 are A grade panchayats, 45 fall in B class, 96 panchayats are classified as C and 16 are D type.

Lairai jatra celebrated with traditional religious rituals HERALD CORRESPONDENT BICHOLIM, APRIL 19

The famous Jatrotsav of Goddess Lairai at Shirgao-Bicholim was celebrated on Monday with various traditional religious rituals and cultural programmes.

Thousands of devotees, including about 25,000 Dhonds (special devotees of Lairai on fast), have been attending the festival.

The highlight of the festival was the burning of the Homkund (pyre) in the wee hours of Tuesday, with the dhonds walking on the embers barefoot.

It is believed that Lairai of Shirgao is the sister of Mahamaya of Mayem, Kelbai of Mulgao, Morjai of Morjim, Mirabai or Our Lady of Milagres of Mapusa, Shitalai of Mayem and Ajadipa from Anjadiv Island.

Her lone brother is Khetoba from Vaigainim.

Every year on the fifth day of Vaishakha, Lairai's zatra is held.

Devotees from Konkan region of Maharashtra and various parts of Goa come to Shirgao and take part in the festival.

“About 25,000 dhonds come to this zatra and every year there is an increase of about 500 devotees who walk through the embers,” temple priest Kelkar told

The Dhonds bathe in the ‘Devachi Tali’ at Shirgao on the occasion of the Lairai jatra.

Photo by Vishant Vaze

Herald.

To prepare for the zatra, those who wish to be dhonds begin their five days of abstinence and follow a strict regimen, which requires that the dhond bathes before partaking of food, and eat only while the body is still wet.

Those who observe the ritual for the first time have to prepare for a month. During this time, they cannot have flesh or any sort of alcoholic drink. They have to keep their feet clean and covered with sandals all the

time, as it is believed that an accidental contact with impurity on the ground would blister and burn them during the fire ordeal.

During the zatra, not only Hindus but people from all religions come to the village to pay tribute to Goddess Lairai. The

zatra lasts for five days during which the Kalash of the goddess goes in every house at Shirgao.

There are many legends about this zatra. One is that the demons wanted to seduce the virgin goddess of Shirgao, Lairai.

As they could not succeed, they in vengeance set fire to the whole village. But the village was saved because the goddess was warned by the high powers and she gathered her staunch followers (dhonds) and extinguished the fire.

This year, the devasthan committee has made all the preparations for the zatra. The temple is decorated with lights and they have also taken the help from other government departments, including health, electricity, water and police so that no inconvenience is caused to the devotees.

This year, the police have also set up check posts in three different places to avoid any untoward incident during the festival.

Thousands throng for Milagres feast at Mapusa

Panel to experiment with signals in easing Margao traffic woes HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 19

Members of the South Goa District Traffic Committee met on Monday to tackle the growing traffic problem plaguing the Commercial Capital, but there’s no big news from the panel, except the same old suggestions to develop the traffic islands, banning handcarts and kiosks along the main roads and to experiment with traffic signals at traffic bottlenecks.

If the district Magistrate, G P Naik, heading the Traffic Committee is to be believed, the panel has recommended to the Margao Municipal Council to crack down on handcarts along the highway from Davondem to Navelim, along the eastern bypass and the congested road from Mungul-Colva circle-Swimming pool road. “This is being recommended as the entry and exit roads from the city are congested due to the heavy presence of

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, APRIL 19

Thousands of people from different walks of life attended the feast of Our Lady of Milagres at Jerome’s Church in Mapusa with traditional fervour on Monday.

A number of religious services were celebrated on the feast day, while several activities were also conducted around the church.

Masses were celebrated inside a specially erected pandal outside the church and Director of Family Service Centre Fr Kenneth Telles was the main celebrant at the feast mass. During his homily, Fr Telles highlighted the qualities of Mother Mary and urged the congregation to live a good life which would please God. ‘Milagres Saibinn’ is also believed to cure various ailments and many devotees from different religious communities make vows, pour coconut oil over the statue of our Lady of Milagres and offer wax figurines in repayment of favours received by

them.

The Hindus consider ‘Milagres Saibinn’ as the sister of the Hindu deity ‘Lairaee’ in Shirgao.

The main attraction of the Mapusa feast is the fair, which is popular for furniture items.

“Milagres Feast is considered to be one of the unique manifestations of a strong bond of communal harmony between Catholics and Hindus in the State,” said Mapusa Parish Priest Fr Francis D’Mello.

“The church feast falls on Monday following the third week of Easter. People from different parts of the state attend this feast to seek the blessings of Milagres Saibinn. Hindus consider ‘Milagres Saibinn’ as the sister of Hindu deity ‘Lairaee’ in Sirgao,” Fr D’Mello added.

“This year, we have kept a control on the price of flowers and other items that are being offered to Milagres Saibinn .The profits generated through the sale of these items will go to charitable institutions,” said the Mapusa parish priest.

The Magistrate has issued strict instruction to the Margao Municipal Council not to issue any permission or license for the setting up of kiosk near the newly-developed traffic junctions. “The panel expects the MMC to come down with a heavy hand on handcarts along the main roads and kiosks illegally set up near the traffic islands”, he added.

Meanwhile, Naik informed that the Committee has recommended to the PWD, Div 25 to examine the possibility of creating a traffic island at Tilamol, Quepem.

Terming the situation in the mining hit belt in Quepem much better after the introduction of checks on mining traffic, the district Magistrate, however, said that certain measures need to be taken on the Sirvoi side of Quepem, adding that the authorities will approach the local Devasthan to make available open space for parking of mining trucks.

Work on Navelim-Margao 4-lane road begins following CM’s orders HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 19

With work on the Navelim Church-Margao over bridge fourlane road progressing at a snail’s pace, Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat has issued deadline to various government agencies to expedite the work on a war footing.

Incidentally, the four-lane contractor has promised to complete hotmixing of one lane before the onset of monsoons and to complete the balance work later this year.

A day after the CM’s ultimatum, heavy machiner y was found deployed along the stretch of the four-lane road, indicating that the deadline has

spurred the agencies to put their act together and complete the work at the earliest.

The Chief Minister along with MMC Chairperson Savio Coutinho had inspected and reviewed the ongoing work as the Rs 6 crore work was progressing at a slow pace.

Officials of the electricity department were directed to ensure that work on shifting of electric poles was completed by the 24th of this month. Deadline was also issued to complete the culvert work in view of the fast approaching monsoons.

Work on the four-lane road had commenced around August 2008 and was scheduled to be completed in all respects within

Camurlim assault: Uno, Swift vehicles attached HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 19

The Maina-Curtorim police has attached an Uno and Swift vehicles which were allegedly used to attack the power employees at the Camurlim sub station on Saturday evening.

PI Sidhanth Shirodkar said the vehicles have been attached as they were allegedly used to transport the assailants involved in the assault case.

Meanwhile, all the three persons arrested by the Maina Curtorim police in connection with the assault on power employees at the Camurlim sub station has been remanded to two days police custody. The police are investigating the case.

6 held in Areal assault case

MARGAO (HR): The Maina Curtorim police has arrested six persons in connection with the assault on one Damodar Bandari and his brother at Mugali in Sao Jose de Areal village last night.

Maina Curtorim PI Sidhant Shirodkar informed that the accused, including Tiger alias Raja Talwar from Khareband were allegedly involved in the assault on Damodar and His brother at Mugali last night.

The police are investigating the case.

Vehicle rams into verandah of shops at Margao HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 19

A devotee pours oil over the statue of Our Lady of Milagres to seek blessings at Mapusa.

Photo by Rozario Estibeiro

traffic, including domestic tourists. The crack down on handcarts would ensure free movement of traffic on the roads”, he added.

Naik said the meeting discussed the issues concerning the development of traffic island right from the Goa Rajee junction, and the junctions at Arlem, Davorlim, Munj Vihar and Rawanfond etc. “The traffic department has experimented with the development of these traffic development and the notifications will be issued soon to make them permanent islands”, he added.

The meeting discussed the old issue of installing traffic signals at prominent places and the District Magistrate has suggested that a signal be installed at the Old Market circle on an experimental basis.

The panel discussed the traffic situation at Nuvem and it was suggested to introduce bus bays to tackle the congestion on the roads along the highway.

In an unusual accident, the verandah of two shops were left damaged after a Maruti van strayed from the main road and rammed against the structures at the Old market here Monday morning.

The wooden structure of the two establishments was totally left damaged by the accident.

The ill-fated Maruti van also sustained major damage.

a year’s time. However, the work was delayed on various counts, including the discharge of sewage waters along the existing highway between Navelim and Margao over bridge.

The Margao Municipal Chairperson has asked the government agencies, including the district Collector, to develop the curve at the starting point of the four-lane road near the Navelim Church saying land is already acquired by the authorities for the purpose. “The curve needs to be developed to streamline heavy traffic at the junction. I have urged the authorities to take up developing the curve to avoid accidents in the future”, he said.

Advocate Kakodkar passes away

PANJIM (HR): Senior counsel Suryakant Kakodkar expired after a brief illness on Monday morning at Jupiter Hospital in Thane, Mumbai.

Adv Kakodkar joined Bar Council in 1962-63 after obtaining LLB degree. He started practicing law in Mumbai before he came down to Goa in 1967 and soon he came to be known for his acumen in Constitutional and tax matters.

He became senior lawyer in 1987. A highly respectful lawyer, Adv Kakodkar was most sought after for constitutional matters for many years.

He is survived by two sons.

The funeral will held at 11 am on Tuesday at St Inez crematorium in Panjim.

Miscreants set jet ski on fire at Colva workshop HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 19

Miscreants set a jet ski on fire at a workshop late Sunday night.

The owner of Adventure Water sports, G Fernandes informed that the Jet Ski was brought for repairs at the workshop from his counterpart from Calangute. The total loss is pegged at around Rs 3 lakh.

Fernandes informed that the Jet Ski was due to delivery to the owner at Calangute on The jet ski which was set on fire at a workshop in Colva.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar Monday morning, but before it could be disReplying to a question, he said patched, the boat was set afire. some days back, some persons tried “I came to the workshop at around to stop his water sports at Colva, 6 am only to find the Jet Ski burnt by unknown persons. Initially, I though the but added that he did not file a comloss was minimal, but the mechanics plaint as the issue was amicably rehave now pegged the losses to Rs 3 solved.

The Colva are investigating the case. lakh”, he said.

500 BJP workers leave for Delhi to agitate against price rise HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 19

Some 500 workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today left for New Delhi to participate in the agitation against price rise in the national capital on April 21.

The Opposition party activists left by Konkan railway today in two batches. One batch was led by state party president and Mandrem MLA laxmikant Parsekar while the

other was headed by general secretar y Adv Narendra Sawaikar. Many women workers are part of the delegation.

Parsekar has carried with him the list containing nearly one lakh signatures collected from across Goa protesting against the price rise.

BJP’s State secretary Vishwas Satarkar and Vinay Tendulkar, former MLAs, are also part of the contingent.

Interestingly, for all major protest marches or dharna held in New Delhi, Goa unit of BJP has been deputing its workers. Sangh Parivar activists had been participating in the national programmes of their satellite organization for nearly two decades now.

Some of the present day Goa senior BJP leaders had also participated as kar sevaks in Ayodhya when Babri Masjid was demolished.

Sesa Goa proposes 325% dividend HERALD NEWS BUREAU PANJIM, APRIL 19

Boasting its highest ever quarterly and annual production and sales of iron ore, Sesa Goa has proposed a dividend of 325% or Rs 3.25 per equity share of Re 1 each which is an increase of 44% compared to the corresponding prior period.

Sesa Goa Limited on Monday announced its audited consolidated results for the fourth quarter and the year end, declaring a balance sheet with cash and cash equivalents of Rs 6,952 crore.

As on 31 March 31, the Company had cash and cash equival e n t s o f R s . 6 , 9 5 2 c ro re , consisting of Rs 4,565 crore in debt mutual funds and Rs 2,354 crore in fixed deposits with banks.

Sesa’s ongoing exploration activities in Goa and Karnataka have yielded significant success,

with a net addition of 43 million tonnes to reserves and resources.

Total reserves and resources as on March 31 stood at 353 million tonnes (at the mines that the company holds on lease and/or right to mine) as compared with 240 million tonnes as on March 31, 2009 and 70 million tonnes of reserves and resources from Dempo, which was acquired in June 2009.

During Q4, the company produced 7.8 million tonnes of iron ore, taking the full year’s production to 21.4 million tonnes, an increase of 60% and 34% respectively, compared with the corresponding prior periods.

The increase in production was primarily on account of contribution from Dempo’s operations (which contributed 1.9 million tonnes and 3.6 million tonnes in Q4 and full year respectively), and better through-

put from Sesa’s existing operations, including ore produced from previous stock of sub-grade materials, states a company’s press note.

Iron ore dispatches during Q4 and FY2010 were 7.4 million tonnes and 20.5 million tonnes respectively, an increase of 47% and 36% compared with the corresponding prior periods. During the same period, Dempo contributed 1.8 million tonnes and 3.6 million tonnes respectively, to the total dispatches.

The Cash Profit (PBDT) for Q4 and FY2010, was Rs 1,609 crore and Rs 3,519 crore, an increase of 99% and 27%, respectively, compared with the corresponding prior periods. The positive impact of higher volumes and iron ore spot prices in Q4 was partly offset by the increase in royalty rates, the press note added.

The company’s reclaimed Sanquelim mine was awarded the ‘Certificate of Appreciation for Plantation Management’ by Confederation of Indian Industry Sesa, the country’s largest producer and exporter of iron ore in the private sector, is a majority owned and controlled subsidiary of Vedanta Resources plc, the London listed FTSE 100 diversified metals and mining major.

Over the last two decades, Sesa has diversified into the manufacture of pig iron and metallurgical coke. Sesa has mining operations in Goa, Karnataka and Orissa while it also operates a 280,000 TPY metallurgical coke plant and a 250,000 TPY pig iron plant in Goa. The company acquired the shares of V.S. Dempo & Co. Pvt. Ltd, which in turn holds 100% equity shares of Dempo Mining during FY ’10.

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GOA, TUESDAY, 20 APRIL, 2010

Police probe sought in rising fire incidents in Margao Garment showroom gutted

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 19

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 19

Baffled over the repeated fires engulfing these establishments, the fire services have sought the assistance of the Margao police to investigate whether the fires have been caused by sabotage, arson or otherwise.

If the Ambica fast foot outlet and two kiosks were gutted in a raging fire twice within the last two months causing destruction of property worth lakhs of rupees, last night’s fire to the garment showroom Nizam’s shoppe has left the fire services completely baffled.

Nizam’s shoppe was in the news earlier this month after the establishment caught fire, causing a loss of around Rs 3 lakh. Last night, the Margao fire brigade rushed to the establishment after receiving a call that the showroom has been engulfed by fire.

Says Assistant Fire Divisional officer, Prakash Parab: “The Fire services have written to the Margao police to investigate into these two separate fire accidents. It is indeed surprising that the fire twice broke out in these two establishments within a short span of time”.

Parab said the police have till date not received any conclusive report from the police on the exact nature of the fire accident at the Ambica shop and at Nizam’s shoppe. “We are still awaiting the report from the police to initiate further action’, he said.

In the instant case, the fire services have maintained that not much damage has been caused to Nizam’s shoppe after last night’s incident. The owner, however, has maintained that a composite panel, besides two air conditioners were gutted in

Fire men in an operation to put off fire at Nizami’s shoppe.

the fire.

The owner of the shop has told the fire services this morning that rough estimates suggest a loss of Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 3 lakh caused to the establishment.

Co-incidentally, the two fire

The proposed animal census in Goa’s wildlife sanctuaries and State government owned forests will map the habitat disturbance due to unnatural and natural changes.

A week-long animal census which will begin from April 26 is one of the biggest kinds of census ever conducted by the Forest department, which will also help in studying whether any sort of disturbances has impacted the animals and if yes at what level.

A Forest department official said that the habitat disturbance can be due to cutting of trees, human intervention, cattle grazing and weeds. “There are different reasons but we are interested to see whether this disturbance has impacted the animals,” the official added.

The recent spotting of Sambar deer, tiger death as well as tigress pugmarks in the human habitations of Sattari is a clear indicator of increased disturbance in forest thus driving them away from their natural habitat.

“Yes, it a fact that human disturbance has a strong impact on human habitation but at the same time there are natural reasons like climatic change which has led to the distraction of their habitat,” the official said.

Official added saying that the upcoming census will give a clear picture of the disturbance effect on the forest and on animals and the department will work towards its improvement.

“This data will help in studying the quality in the forest and

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

have maintained that the Margao police has not submitted the report on the cause of fire to the stationary shop-cumtransport office housed in a 19th century building that was engulfed by fire last Wednesday.

Hotel employee detained The Margao police on late Monday evening detained a hotel employee as a suspect in the fire incidents in the Commercial capital.

The middle-aged person, a native of Mumbai, has been working in a local hotel, was picked up for interrogations, after a CCTV footage showed his alleged presence outside a shop which caught fire in the market area.

Margao PI Santosh Desai said preliminar y interrogations revealed that the employee might have been involved in the fire accidents, but added that the

Animal census to map habitat disturbance HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 19

incident concerning Nizam’s shoppe has come on a Sunday at exactly at 11.45 pm, raising suspicion the minds of the owner as well as the fire services over the cause behind the fire.

Meanwhile, the fire services

wildlife sanctuaries,” official said.

Recently environmentalists had alleged that due to destruction of natural habitats of animals by human interference, biodiversity is being lost at a fast rate.

“Forests have been severely destroyed and encroached to make space for agriculture, industry, mines, and urban facilities,” environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar had told Herald in past.

The census which will be concluded on May 4 will include a team of 330 people including forest department staff will search every inch of forest for the clues or signs to know the movement or existence of animals.

The census will involve collection of samples; analysis and finally camera trapping method.

The survey of carnivorous animals would be conducted initially followed by herbivorous ones.

facts would come out after detailed investigations.

The employee appears not in his proper frame of mind. He will be referred for medical examination to ascertain his mental health, PI Desai added.

The Commercial capital had been in the news in recent times following the spate of fire incidents, causing destruction of property worth lakhs of rupees. In most of the cases, the fire services were left baffled over the exact cause behind the fire.

Six members of Calangute village panchayat have strongly objected to postponement of election to fill up the vacancy of the deputy sarpanch.

The election was scheduled to be held on April 19, 2010 but a notice was issued on April 16, informing the members that election has been postponed for unavoidable circumstances.

Sarpanch Laxman Parab,

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat had recently said that the ugly side of Margao can be overcome by putting in place a system to manage garbage disposal.

But, the authorities appear to have still not worked out any mechanism in place to tackle the burning garbage problem.

The ugly situation came to the fore at Aquem late Monday evening when three overflowing garbage bins were found right on the main road near a place of worship.

Margao Municipal Chairperson Savio Coutinho was quick to defend the presence of overflowing bins right on the road by saying the bins with wheels were meant for door-to -door garbage collection, adding that the bins might have strayed on the road after stray dogs feasted on the waste.

He, however, agreed on the need to put a system in place to ensure that the city is free from the menace of garbage.

The Chief Minister had last week called for a mechanism to get rid of ugly Margao by deploying trolleys to lift away waste from areas frequented by t h e p e o p l e . “ Tr o l l e y s along with additional manpower should solve the problem of garbage in the heart of the city”, Kamat said, while urging the Margao Civic body to utilise the additional workers sanctioned by the government for garbage disposal.

AUSSIE WOMAN RAPE

Accused remanded, another Nigerian detained HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, APRIL 19

The Nigerian accused of raping an Australian woman has been remanded to 14 days judicial custody, even as another Nigerian national has been detained by Canacona police.

Canacona police produced Obi Okaroafor (25) before the JMFC Canacona, who remanded him to 14 days judicial custody,

in connection with the rape case.

It may be recalled that a 25year-old Australian woman, had reportedly partied with the accused and later went to his rented room for the night.

The next morning, she complained to Canacona police that she had been raped by the Nigerian.

Meanwhile, Canacona police arrested one Khaleed (31) also

from Nigeria and reportedly an associate of Coquero, on charges of failing to possess his traveling documents/passport.

He was later remanded to a oneday police custody.

It is reportedly learnt that Khaleed, who was also rounded up by police for questioning in the alleged rape case, had pleaded with the police that his passport is available in a rented room at North Goa.

arrested and the medical reports are awaited.

South Goa Superintendent of Police Allen De Sa was quoted as saying by a news agency, “She said she was under the influence of alcohol… she confirmed she never consented for sex with the accused.”

The victim had befriended the Nigerian and his colleagues before the incident occurred. The late-night partying at a starred hotel where the Nigerians were put up ended in both the victim and the accused landing in the beach hut of the former where the alleged rape took place.

Case transferred to CID

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 19

The rape case of the 25-yearold Australian woman in Canacona has been transferred to the CID Crime Branch for further investigation, even as the Nigerian national Obi Okaroafor accused in the incident has been

6 Calangute VP members against dy sarpanch poll postponement HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 19

Margao yet to put garbage disposal system in place

Joseph Sequeira, Ana Maria C D Souza, Sneha Salgaonkar, Alex Fernandes and Vinayak Salgaonkar today submitted a letter to the department of panchayats alleging that election was postponed for extraneous reasons and they strongly object it. It is against the interest of the panchayat, rights of the members as also functioning of the panchayat, they said.

Member of their group Alex Fernandes will not be available

after April 24, 2010 and this was known to the politicians and the Opposite group of members, they said alleging that election was postponed to create instability in the panchayat and to take advantage of absence of the member.

The member Alex Fernandes will not be in Goa for a period between April 25 and May 20 due to personal engagement.

Fernandes is going abroad and will return on May 20.

Sardinha estimates panel chief for 2nd year

NEW DELHI (HC): Goa MP Francisco Sardinha will be continuing as chairman of the Committee on Estimates for the second year. He is among 30 MPs from the Lok Sabha elected to the committee for the term ending 30 April 2011.

Rajya Sabha member Shantaram Naik from Goa has also been nominated to the Standing Committee on Food, Consumer Affairs and Public distribution.

Tobacco ban: 40 cases booked in 4 years Gutka worth Rs 28 lakh seized

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 19

Foods and Drugs Administration (FDA) has booked around 40 cases and seized gutka worth Rs 28 lakh in the last four-anda-half years.

This was part of the efforts to ban sale of tobacco products and make Goa Smoke Free.

At a review meeting of Task Force on implementation of the programme banning smoking in public places, FDA Director Salim Veljee said in the last one year, ten cases were booked for sale and transport of ghutka worth Rs 2.5 lakh. Since 2005,

altogether 40 cases were booked and gutka worth Rs 28 lakh seized by FDA. The meeting chaired by Chief Secretary S K Srivastava was held in the Secretariat to review one year of implementation of ban on smoking in public places in the State.

Several department heads of Education, Higher Education, Health, etc and Police representatives DySP Umesh gaonkar, Information Department, NGOs, attended the meeting.

Prominent member of the Task Force and NOTE president Dr Shekhar Salkar said that

awareness programmes were conducted in 250 schools after two students and two teachers were provided training.

In the next academic year, another 250 schools would joining in the mission of National Tobacco Control programme.

The chief secretary stressed the need for all sections of the society including health, police and teaching community besides NGOs to take forward the message of harmful effects of smoking and to keep them off even from a single puff.

He appreciated the work done over the last one year by

NGOs as well as by various government agencies.

Dr Salkar said the union health ministry, appreciating their work, asked NOTE to work in four states. Accordingly, programmes were undertaken in Patna, Gawahati, Chennai besides Goa. In a group of youngsters, with consistent efforts, 30 % success rate is possible, he said adding that 30-40 % smokers have given up the butt.

SUGGESTIONS: Various suggestions came up at the review meeting. These include celebrating International No Smok-

ing Day in a big way.

Besides, the month of May, all government advertisements will carry a message against smoking.

The targeted group this year will be girls and women. Hence, Dr Salkar said, the focus of the campaign would be women colleges, nursing schools, home science college, catering college, etc.

Dr Salkar said that the success rate for the last one year implementation is nearly 70 %. “Little extra efforts will give us a higher percentage to the extent of 85 %”, he said

CM urged to raze scrap yards on Nuvem-Arlem section HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 19

A delegation of the Fatorda Block Congress led by Vijai Sardesai called on the Chief Minister and urged him to get rid of the two scrap yards on the Nuvem-Arlem section of the Eastern bypass on a priority basis.

Saying that scrapyards have mushroomed and grown into veritable eye sores in the recent past, the delegation impressed upon the CM to remove the scrap yards in the past as similar requests had fallen on deaf ears giving an impression that the scrap yards have political pa-

tronage in continuing with their illegal business.

The GPCC General Secretary also stressed on the need to create a green corridor on both sides of this road so that the best forms of traditional Goan horticulture and kitchen gardening can be showcased in this green area. The state Govt. agricultural dept. & horticulture Corporation should focus on conserving and reviving traditional Goan forms of horticulture that is being hindered to sustain by the local population on their own strength, the delegation said.

The Chief Minister pointed out to the delegation that the Govt. had conceptualized various schemes to promote horticulture and kitchen gardening in this annual budget so as to make it lucrative and attract Goan youth to it. The Chief Minister has in principle agreed to helping create this green corridor and has issued instructions to Govt. officials to get rid of the scrap yards which had become eye sores on this verdant stretch.

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S H O RT TA K E S Awareness function held

State’s food grain quota increased, MP told in RS

CM to distribute bicycles to Gouly students

upcOming EvEnTS

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 19

spectively.

As regards items available to APL and BPL families on ration card, Minister informed the MP, that APL families get rice and wheat while BPL families get rice and sugar.

As regards kerosene card holders with LPG connections get 2 litres per head, subject to maximum of 5 litres per card per month while cards without LPG connections get 2 liters of kerosene per head per month.

As per the estimates, there are 0.48 lakh BPL families in Goa State which includes 0.145 lakh Antyodaya Anna Yojana families.

However, as reported by the Government of Goa on 30.3.2010, number of BPL families in the State of Goa is 27842

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat will distribute 125 bicycles to the students enrolled in the VII Std to X11 Std of Quepem and Sanguem taluka, at the Union High School, Sanguem on April 21 at 12.30 noon.

The scheme has been launched by the Social Welfare Department, Government of Goa tilted ‘Bicycle to Gouly Students. The students of Dhangar (Gouly) community are usually inhabited in remote areas as well as hilly areas mostly in talukas of Sattari, Sanguem, Quepem and Canacona where transport is not easily available.

Sudin Dhavlikar, Minister for Social Welfare, Vasudev Gaonkar MLA Sanguem and Chandrakant Kavlekar MLA Quepem will also be present on the occasion.

PANJIM(HND): The book titled 'Tolstoy' authored by Dr Ravindra Kelekar, Fellow of Sahitya Akademy, Padmabhushan and Gnyanpeeth Awardee and the book 'Shreyarthee' a biographical sketch of Ravindra Kelekar written by Dilip Borkar and translated in English by Dr Kiran Budkuley will be released at the hands of the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat at Goa Kala Academy's Black Box, on April 21 at 5.30 pm.

Eminent writer and Convenor of Sahitya Akademy's Konkani Advisory Board, Pundalik Narayan Naik will be guest of honour.

Madhav Kamat, eminent educationist will speak on Tolstoy and Dr Kiran Budkuley will speak on Shreyarthee on this occasion.

The faction is jointly organized by Goa Kala Academy, Directorate of Information and Publicity, Govt Of Goa and BIMB Publication.

On this occasion books written by Kelekar and Borkar will be gifted by the Department of Information to the people who will attend the function.

The books are published by BIMB Publications, aims of spreading standard Goan literature and social writings in different languages and cultivating an enlightened readership movement.

Kamini Kini, publisher appealed to the general readers and well-wishers to be present for this venture to grace the function and to congratulate the author, says a press release.

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 19

A street play to create awareness for maintaining cleanliness and need of proper sanitation for good health.

Photo by Vishant Vaze

MAYEM(HC): Vivekanand Environment Awareness Brigade, Keri-Sattari, under ‘Science for Sanitation’ project conducted street plays in various parts of the State in association with the State Council for Science & Technology, Goa. The event was supported by Department of Science & Technology, New Delhi.

Through street plays, volunteers created awareness for maintaining cleanliness and need of proper sanitation for good health. The street plays were conducted at Marcel, Ponda, Sanvordem, Valpoi, Bicholim, Sanquelim, Mapusa, Panjim, Margao and Vasco.

The inaugural street play was conducted at Marcel in the presence of Sarpanch Dinesh Gaude, senior Health Officer Dr Mangala Tamba, Vivekanand Environment Awareness Brigade’s President Rama Bagi, Council’s Senior Scientist and Member Secretary Joseph D’Souza and project coordinator for Council Deepak Parab.

The street play was written by Pornima Kerkar and Directed

by Deepak Gawas.

CME in pathology held

Dr R G Wiseman Pinto, Dr Jerzy Klijanienko, Dr Asitava Mondal, Dr Alain Verhest, Dr C V Raghuveer, Dr Cherine Sosai and Dr Shena Hingway at the International CME programme in pathology organised at GMC.

PANJIM(HND): The Department of Pathology, Goa Medical College and Hospital in collaboration with the Medical Education Cell, GMC and the Indian Academy of Cytologists organised an International CME (Continuing Medical Education) programme at GMC recently.

The faculty were Dr Jerzy Klijanienko, Professor of Pathology, Curie Institute, Paris, France, Dr Alain Verhest, President of the International Academy of Cytologists.

Dr Cherine Sosai, Professor of Pathology, Badulla Sri Lanka, Dr Arun Chitale, Professor and Head of Pathology, Bombay Hospital Institute of Medical Sciences, Mumbai and Surgical Pathologist, of Jaslok Hospital, Sir H N Hospital, Mumbai, Dr Asitava Mondal, Consultant Cytopathologist and Oncopathologist, Kolkatta, Dr Sneha Hingway, Professor of Pathology, Government Medical College, Nagpur, Dr R G Wiseman Pinto, Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim.

The topics covered were salivary glands, pediatrics tumors, breast tumors, thyroid tumors, endometriosis, intraoral, pharyngeal lesions, cytogenetics, recognition of metastases at unusual sites. There were also presentations of free scientific papers and posters. Goa Medical Council gave CME accrediation to the scientific sessions which were well attended by many doctors, Dr R G Wiseman Pinto coordinated and chaired the CME programme, says a press release.

‘Goencho Avaz’ available

PANJIM(HND): The annual issue of ‘Goencho Avaz,’ the literary Konkani magazine of late Fr Freddy J da Costa is available at the stands.

The issue contains thought provoking features and short stories by renowned Konkani litterateurs – Dr Jayanti Naik, Ravindra Kelekar, Uday Bhembre, Felix P da Cruz, Sudha S Amonkar, John Aguiar, Guadalupe Dias, Yu s u f S h e i k h , V i n c y Quadros, Marcos Gonsalves, Willy Goes and other eminent Goans.

Published and edited by Fausto V da Costa on behalf of Fr Freddy J da Costa Memorial Trust, the issue is co-edited by Soter R Barreto whose editorial ‘Gõy-cho Avaz Kanar Poddttolo Kai Gõykaranchea?’ makes a strong case for Konkani, while the last word of the editor ‘GOENCHO AVAZ ani Romi Konknni Disallem’ unfolds the history of Konkani publications and the attitude of ‘self-styled’, misguiding so-called Konkani leaders.

Priced at Rs 15 the issue is available at the regular newspaper outlets in Goa, Mumbai and the Gulf. Those interested in receiving a complimentary copy anywhere in India may kindly forward their request via following email: fausto@vsnl.net, says a press release.

Exhibition on diabetes

PANJIM(HND): A state of the art exhibition on diabetes was inaugurated by Minister for Revenue and Civil Supplies Jose Philip D’ Souza, recently in Vasco. R.Adm (Retd) Vineet Bhakshi VSM Chairman and Managing Director GSL, Shekahr Khadapkar Chairperson Mormugao Municipal Council, Senior officials from Goa Shipyard and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

This is the first of its kind exhibition on diabetes organized in Vasco da Gama as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of Goa Shipyard Ltd in coordination with the Dept of Health, Govt of Goa and Novo Nordisk Education Foundation. The aim is to reach out the less privileged community residing around the port town of Vasco.

A free check up of blood sugar, BMI, diabetic foot, blood pressure, ECG, medical consultation, eye check, lectures on diabetes, diet advice and a live diet display was organised.

Later, Mr D’Souza laid the foundation stone for a fountain in Municipal Garden, Vasco and Children’s Park at Chicalim being constructed by Goa Shipyard Ltd under Corporate Social Responsibility, says a press release.

For 2009-10 the monthly allocation of quota of rice for Above Poverty Line People for the State of Goa was increased in March 2009 from 896 tons to 2222 tons and wheat from 201 tons to 498 tons, Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Prof K V Thomas informed Shantaram Naik M P in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

The Minister further informed Mr Naik that subsequently, adhoc additional allocation of 2500 tons of foodgrains (1000 tons rice and 1500 tons of wheat) was also made to the State as festival allocation in September 2009.

Mr Naik was informed that in the year 2007-08 off take of foodgrains by Goa was 21918 of rice and 7942 of wheat; in the year 2008-09 and 2009-10 off take of rice and wheat was 27568 rice and 6390 wheat and 33571 rice and 5277 wheat, re-

World Earth Day, Radio Mirchi way!

and there are 324844 Above Poverty Line families.

Minister also informed that survey of BPL families was conducted by Goa Government in the year 2002 but no survey was done of APL families.

Minister however said that for allocation of food grains to State/Union territories under Targeted Public Distribution System, Department of Food and Public Distribution uses the number of Below Poverty Line families based on 1993-94 poverty estimates of Planning Commission and population estimates of Registrar General of India, as on 1st March 2000 or the number of such families actually identified and ration cards issued to them by State/UT governments, whichever is less.

Underground power cables in port town soon: CM

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 19

Get set to commemorate World Earth Day the Mirchi way with a `Green is Cool, Mirchi’s Hot’ All Goa community campaign conceptualized by Radio Mirchi 98.3 FM from April 22 to 25.

The community environmental festival has been innovatively packaged with on-air and onground activities to involve mass audience participation from across Goa. Interesting highlights of the on-air campaign inc l u d e s G re e n G o a a l e r t s , messages by young Goan environmentalists focused on `committing to conserve a green Goa,' besides on-ground events showcasing an environmental film festival, drawing competitions and young eco-photographers photo exhibition across Panjim, Curchorem, Vasco, Margao and Bicholim.

Films will be hosted from April 22-25 (3 pm- 6 pm) at the Jury Auditorium, Kala Academy.

Wildlife and eco-photography exhibition brings together multifaceted Goan wildlife and eco photographers at the Art Gallery, Kala Academy from April 22-25 (11am-6pm).

All Goa Children’s Drawing Competition (8-12 years), will also initiate a competition on the theme `my world through my eyes’ across Margao, Panjim, Vasco, Bicholim and Curchorem.

Drawing competition dates and venues: April 23: Curchorem, New Education Institute, Old Bldg, Nr Railway Station (10am12pm), Bicholim, Din Dayal Bhavan, 3rd floor (10 am-12 pm), Panjim, Kala Academy (4 pm-6 pm), April 24: Margao, Big G (4 pm-6 pm), April 25: Vasco, La Paz Gardens (4 pm-6 pm).

Personality development

PANJIM(HNB): Detroit Institute, Panjim, will conduct a twoweek workshop on ‘Personality Development’ from April 20.

The workshop will help the participants to be bold and confident and it will also develop their personality to meet challenges in different careers.

The workshop will be conducted through games and group activities. It will also include topics like grooming, personality tests, table manners, telephone manners, public speaking, etiquette, communication skills, leadership, soft skills, confidence building, body language, team work, career guidance and counselling.

There is no age bar and no qualification required for the workshop. There will be batches available in morning, afternoon, late evening and Saturday and Sunday batches for working people.

The workshop, which will be of two weeks, will be held at Detroit Institute, Jose Falcao Road, near Mary Immaculate Conception Church, Panjim. For details, contact 9822131835.

Gram sabha at Mandur

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat greeting Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza on his birthday in the presence of Sports Minister Babu Azgaonkar and others.

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 19

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat informed that the port town will get underground power cabling work done at the earliest on the basis of Panjim, Margao and Loutolim.

The Chief Minister was addressing a large gathering at the birthday celebration of Revenue Minister Jose Philip D'Souza in Vasco recently.

Chief Minister earlier performed the bhoomi poojan to kick oft the work of the proposed taluka headquarters building complex for Mormugao- Vasco near KTC bus stand, estimated to the cost of Rs 30 crore which would accommodate around 15 government offices under one roof.

The function was attended by the PWD Minister Churchill Alemao, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Manohar Azgaonkar, Urban Development Minister Joaquim Alemao, Mormugao Municipal Council Chairperson Shekhar Khadapkar, Director of Sports and Youth Affairs Dr Susan D'Souza, Supreme Court lawyer S V Pikle, District South, Collector, Gokuldas Naik, Deputy Collector and SDM, Mormugao, Levinson Martins, MMC Chief Officer Gopal Parsenkar, Mormugao Mamlatdar Azgaonkar, chief architect Radha, Dr S N Surme, MMC councillors- Kritesh Gaonkar, Mr Arnaldo Rege, Lav-

inaD'Souza, Dr Shatitaram Surme and others.

Chief Minister said, the government will give priority to commence the underground electricity cabling work in Vasco as it was a long pending demand of the people and the proposal was put forth to the government

by Mr D'Souza.

Speaking further, Kamat said Revenue Minister has brought various developmental projects in Vasco which include the Ravindra Bhavan project, ultra modern office of the sub registrar, multipurpose sports hall at SAG Ground, Chicalim, laying of foundation stone for two playground at New-Vaddem and Non-Mon, Khariwada, connectivity of internal roads in city and other parts of Vasco constituency, besides Mr D'Souza have provided a compactor, a truck, a tanker, 100 dustbins and octroi funds of 1.5 crores to the MMC with the support rendered by the Urban Development Minister, he added.

Chief Minister appealed to the people of Vasco to stay behind Mr D'Souza in all the development work.

PWD Minister Churchill Alemao informed that Mr D'Souza should stress upon the municipality election which is scheduled in October, 2010.

The Sport and Youth Affairs Minister, Manohar Azgaonkar informed that the present coali-

Hindu, Christians attend litany of Holy Cross at Polem border HERALD CORRESPONDENT POINGUINIM, APRIL 19

Over 50 locals, including sleuths from various departments manning the Polem border along with the locals from Hindu and Christian community, attended the litany at the Holy Cross, which was once considered as ‘gateway to Goa and India’.

It may be recalled that Portuguese men in uniform manning the Polem border check post had constructed a shelter and a Cross, which was worshipped and there was a yearly ritual of litany with the locals belonging to both Hindus and Christians. However, after the departure of the Portuguese, the tradition has still been kept alive.

The cross was erected at the then border check post, which is now shifted to a new location that is a kilometer away from the site.

On Sunday afternoon, over 50 locals including sleuths from various departments manning the Polem border along with the locals from Hindu and Christian community attended the litany.

Fr Bonaifas D’Souza, the Chaplain of Our Lady of Fatima Chapel of Shelli-Loliem, graced the function, while Caitan (Valerino) Fernandes, a veteran, led the group in the prayers.

According to the aged-survivors of this region, the cross

Book release function

The age-old cross being venerated by the faithful that include Hindus and Catholics at Polem.

Photo by Freddy Rebello

was venerated every day and retired police head constable Costance Rebello from Shelli told Herald that the cross was the first shrine from the gateway to Goa and India.

Another elderly gentleman said the check post was located at this place, but later shifted to a different location after India took over Goa from the Portuguese.

“At this place, there existed 17 bar and restaurants, where majority of the customers hailed from neighbouring Karwar,” he said.

There are many ancient structures of historical importance at Polem and Loliem that are now in ruins.

Speaking to Herald, business-

man Noel Corriea lamented that the Department of Archives and Archeological has not done any thing and stated that the government should take appropriate measures as early as possible to protect the ancient shrines.

It may be recalled that in February, Herald had carried the unearthing of an underground hideout that was used by the freedom fighters at Shelli-Loliem and within 15 days, another resident of Outraband-Loliem went to reconstruct his ancient house and found a similar hideout.

In this instance also, the Director of Archives and Archeology remained elusive despite many attempts to contact him over phone by this scribe.

tion government in the state is stable and all the supportive legislators of the government have decided to stay united.

The Urban Development Minister, Joaquim Alemao has advised the councilors of Mormugao municipality to stand behind Revenue Minister to complete the developmental projects without any objections.

The Revenue Minister, Mr D'Souza while addressing the gathering expressed gratitude to the people of Vasco and also to his supporters for his success in life today. Mr D'Souza assured all the people of Vasco that he would work for the development of Vasco and make it a model city in the state.

Later, Mr D’Souza distributed cheques to the people whose canoes and fishing trawlers were damaged in the cyclone. Wheel chairs were also handed over to the physically handicapped persons.

The felicitation function of Revenue Minister, Mr D'Souza was organized by the Vasco Citizens Felicitation Committee at the hands of the Chief Minister.

The function was compered by Mahesh Navelkar. Earlier, the function was inaugurated by lighting the traditional lamp at the hands of the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat.

Later, a cake was cut to celebrate the birthday of Mr D'Souza.

Mayem MLA claims to be BJP loyal HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, APRIL 19

Mayem MLA Anant Shet has vowed to dedicate himself for BJP at the National Establishment Day of BJP organized by BJP, Mayem unit.

On the occasion, BJP Mandal Chief Shankar Chodankar, Pilgao panchayat member Mahadev Vengurlekar and others were present on the occasion.

Earlier, portraits of Shyamprasad Mukharjee and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay were garlanded.

Ashok Govekar welcomed the gathering and delivered the introductor y speech, while Sitaram Bale proposed the vote of thanks.

Admissions at St Xavier’s College HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 19

Students seeking admissions to S Y B.A/B.Com/B.Sc (Semester III & IV) are hereby informed the dates of admissions: S. Y. B.Sc. on April 26 and 27, for S.Y. B.Com on April 28 and 29 for S. Y. B.A on May 5 and 6.

The students have to be accompanied by their parent/guardian for orientation session at 9.15 am in the college hall. It is compulsory for the parent/guardian and students to attend this session without which admission will not be finalized, says a press release.

PANJIM(HND): All the voters of village panchayats of Azossim-Mandur are informed that the ordinary gram sabha of this panchayats will be held on April 25 at 10 am in the office of the panchayat to discuss on topics such as proceedings of the previous meeting, to approve administrative report of the year 2009-2010 and annual report for the year 2009-2010, proposals received from public/villagers on developmental works to be undertaken, if any, audit report for the year 2008-2009, any other subjects with the permission of the chair.

All the voters are further informed that if they desire to place any proposals on developmental works in the above gram sabha meeting, the same may be forwarded to the sarpanch on or before April 21 before 11am in the office of the village panchayat Azossim-Mandur. If there is no quorum on the appointed day and time, the meeting will be adjourned half an hour and the same will be held on the same date and place, says a press release.

European School of Goa to hold cleanliness drive at Baga beach HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 19

The green activists will take up intensive cleanliness drive on Baga beach to remove the garbage littered at this world tourism destination.

European School of Goa, known for their concern towards environment, will be conducting a day-long beach cleanliness drive on April 23, to mark the ‘World Earth Day’.

“One of the key purpose of this drive is to create awareness amongst the locals and the foreign tourist over the increasing garbage on the beach,” Wilma Kalokhe, teacher, European school of Goa, told Herald.

She believes that the drive will have a positive impact thus leading to immediate reduction in rubbishes on the beach.

Kalokhe said that the students of this school has realized the stress human pollution puts on

the environment and as such it’s our own duty to reduce its impact.

“As we have got lost from this nature, now it’s our turn to give little back to the environment,” she stated.

The beach cleanliness drive is basically a study project of IGCSE (standard 9th and 10th) students, who wants to help spread the awareness and the importance of pollution control in the state, especially at coastal belts.

Students will be handing leaflets to local businesses and beach users to highlight these issues in addition to cleaning activities.

The school has urged large number of locals to join them.

“We are looking for help on wide range of task, from as many people as possible,” the sponsorship letter by the school reads.

POWER SHUTDOWN APRIL 20 DONA PAULA: Between 9 am to 4 pm. Areas affected are Models Millenuim, Models Meridian, Caranzalem area, Swin sea Hotel, Kamat Kinara, State Bank, Tonca and surrounding Caranzalem area.

CORLIM: Between 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are Dauji, House of Bom Jesus, Market and vicinity of Old Goa. VEREM: Between 9 am to 4.30 pm. Areas affected are Verem market area, Betim and surrounding areas.

PORVORIM: Due to maintenance work on the 11KV Torda feeder, there will be no power supply on 20 April 2010 from 9.30 am to 2 pm at Haliwada, Ekode Manas, Penha-da-Franca, Virlosa, Britona, Malim, Mandovi ice plant, Malim tourist complex and surrounding areas.

APRIL 21 DONA PAULA: Between 9 am to 4 pm. Areas affected are La citadel Colony, Alto Nagalli, Chowgule Bungalow and surrounding areas.

CORLIM: Between 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are Dotorbhat, ICAR, SFX residency and vicinity of Old Goa. TALEIGAO: Between 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are Kevenem, Noble Shelter complex and surrounding areas.

PANJIM(HND): Between 9 am to 5 pm. Areas affected are La Campal colony and surrounding areas.

APRIL 22 MIRAMAR: Between 9 am to 5 pm. Areas affected are Sangrila Apartment, St Mary’s colony and surrounding areas.

APRIL 24 MIRAMAR: Between 9 am to 5 pm. Areas affected are Dhempe college, Salgaonkar Law college, Flower Queen apartment, Darshan apartment, Bobby apartment, Sand dunes, Foodland, Miramar residency, Crystal apartment, PWD Sewage pump near Salgaonkar college.

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Global warming is bigger threat to humanity than terror: ex-MP HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 19

Goa’s former Member of Parliament John Fernandes has said global warming is another form of environmental terrorism as it is far bigger threat to humanity’s survival than terrorism and favoured setting up of Green Tribunal at district level to address environmental issues in India.

Fernanades was addressing the international conference of jurists on ‘Sea: Global warming and rule of law’, held in Singapore recently. It was inaugurated by Singapore’s Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew while the Chief Justice of Singapore Justice Chan Sek Keong presided over the conference. India’s Chief Justice Justice K G Balkrishnan and Chief justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Md Chaudhry were the special guests.

Elaborating his point, Fernandes said that according to a recent report of the Global Humanitarian Forum, climate change is already responsible for 3 lakh deaths a year and is affecting 300 million people. The study projects that increasing severe heat waves, floods and storms and forest fires will be responsible for as many as 5 lakh death a year by 2030.

EFFECTS: The report warns that if the greenhouse emissions are not brought

under control within the next 25 years, 310 million more people will suffer adverse consequences related to temperature increase, 20 million more people will fall into poverty and 75 million people will be displaced by climate change and would become environmental refugees.

Stating that climate change threatens all, the ex-Rajya Sabha MP said that if we fail to bring under control in the next decade we may move past the point of no return.

MAJOR PLAYERS: Fernandes said it is impossible to control global warming through any legal mechanism. The Kyoto Protocol signed by developed countries in 1997 under UN Framework convention on climate change, has been not ratified by the major player USA. Despite of agreeing at Kyoto, the three major players – USA, Canada and Russia backed out at Copenhagen citing inclusion of India and China, a ploy to break the accord as Kyoto protocol had laid emission targets to developed countries only.

TOOTHLESS MECHANISM: If any legal mechanism under International laws is worked out, then I am sure it will be toothless like any other legislations such as NPT and CTBT where the violators exit through an exit clause and are free to do as they wish.

He felt that the dreaded menace can be fought through self-control mechanisms.

Referring to the bold initiative taken by the PM Dr Manomohan Singh to have a national action plan on climate change, Fernandes said “Green Tribunals” at district level to address environmental issues would be the in-things in India in the near future.

MAN’S GREED: Referring to the present situation, Fernandes said this year we have coldest winter after a decade in the Northern hemisphere. “What might be the cause, we have to guess?”

Could it be the man’s unsatiable greed for natural mineral resources? Or could it be the beginning of mining for natural resources in Greenland, Iceland, and Alaska where large glaciers are blasted and displaced and set loose in oceans to reach at the bottom of mother earth, Fernandes said.

EYEWASH: Could the international jamborees at Rio do Janeiro, Kyoto and Cophenhagen be an eyewash and diversionary tactic to tame the two most populist developing countries in the world – India and China and deterring them from emerging as Asian tigers and ultimately super powers? Neither Kyoto nor Copenhagenn provided any answers, the former MP said.

Teachers’ workshop to focus on practical skills HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 19

A workshop titled Class Act for primary teachers being organised by the Sethu Centre, Miramar, will empower teachers to know learning difficulties, inattentiveness, reading difficulty, behaviour problems, etc., in their students over the next three days.

The workshop was inaugurated by Director of Education Dr Celsa Pinto on Monday in the presence of Dr Nandita de Souza, Developmental and Behavioural Paediatrician at Sethu. Around 60 teachers are participating in the workshop till April 22.

Dr Celsa, who spoke as the

chief guest on the occasion, observed that the teaching methodologies of the 21st century haven’t been able to meet expectations as desired. She emphasised that primary teachers carried the onus of sending well-trained students to the Vth Std which was the prime class.

Dr Nandita said teachers should take it upon themselves to create interest in their students in an effort to create better learning and understanding of the subjects. Teachers should help students to give up learning by rote that never helps students to understand a subject, she envisaged.

One of the teachers from a

high school said she was attending the workshop to help her child learn better. Over the next three days I intend to acquire skills that will enable me to help my son who has a learning difficulty to study better, she stated.

The first half of the training session dealt with looking at the learning difficulties in students. The 60 teachers were divided into six groups and it involved discussion of case studies. The afternoon session was on phonological awareness.

Dr Nandita said the entire workshop will make an attempt to impart more of practical skills to the teachers.

RND to recruit more staff to solve woes of ferry users

Passengers alight from a ferry along the Chorao-Ribandar ferry route.

Photo by Kanzil Rodrigues HERALD CORRESPONDENT OLD GOA, APRIL 19

River Navigation Minister Sudhin Dhavlikar on Monday stated that the RND department would recruit more staff to resolve the problems faced

by passengers traveling by ferry services in the State.

“Some ferries have been repaired along the routes at Chorao, Ribandar, Old Goa and elsewhere in the State.

However, many ferries have

encountered breakdowns along other routes and my RND department is trying to solve the problem by recruiting more staff to attend to the passengers,” Dhavlikar told Herald.

“Six ferries have been repaired and eight others are in a bad condition. These eight ferries were to be repaired but work could not take place due to conduct of conduct which came into force, first for MP election and later for the Zilla panchayat elections,” Dhavlikar added.

“But now, tenders to repair four ferries are already in the final stages and work orders will be issued within next 2-3 weeks.”

The minister informed that those ferries beyond repair would be auctioned off and four new ferries would be added to the department.

Rotary International comes to aid of homeless dalit family Provides temporary shed

HERALD CORRESPONDENT BICHOLIM, APRIL 19

The Rotary International, Bicholim, recently handed over a temporary shed to a homeless dalit family from HarijanwadaBicholim. The temporary shed was handed over to the dalit Parwar family on Tuesday.

The tragic story of the dalit Parwar family began during the monsoon when their only house was washed away and damaged due to heavy rains.

Since Janaki Ramchandra Parwar is blind and her two sons Sunil and Anil unemployed, there was no other means of sustenance and hence no hope of reconstructing the house.

Janaki made several trips to the government department offices for getting financial assistance, but in vain.

The family was left with no option but to erect a hut for shelter. On March 28, even the hut was gutted in fire. On the fateful day, Anil and Sunil were sleeping in the adjacent Rashtoli Temple while their mother Janaki, who was inside the hut, escaped unhurt. Later, a local journalist Vishant Vaze took the

initiative of helping the family.

The Rotary International helped Vaze in this endeavour and on Tuesday within a month’s time, the shed was handed over to the family by Vaze.

Rotary President Uday Sardesai, Damodar Prabhu, Parish Khanolkar, Sagar Shetye, Vijay Sardesai, Rajkumar Kamat and Anthony Fernandes were present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Vaze expressed displeasure over government’s apathy in helping the dalit family.

“The government has several schemes and will celebrate Ambedkar Jayanti, but they never really follow him,” lamented Vaze. “The house was the basic need of this family and it is surprising that government turned nelson’s eye to this,” he added.

Panch examined in Natekar assault case HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 19

A panch witness was on Monday examined by the Judicial Magistrate First Class, Margao in the Natekar assault case involving Tourism Minister, Mickky Pacheco.

The Tourism Minister has been accused by the Junior Electricity Engineer for allegedly assaulting him in his Betalbatim office three years ago.

The matter was later adjourned to June 9. Two more prosecution witnesses will be examined on the next date of hearing.

Pacheco’s legal counsel Adv Srikant Naik later told newsmen that there is no case in the prosecution theory and the allegations of assault has been made only to tarnish the image of the Tourism Minister.

He said his client will come out clean in the case.

PWD water is of high standard: Dr Mrinal HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 19

Reacting to misinterpretation of facts during the launch of water product from TwinOxide International BV, its chief technical director Dr Mrinal Kranti Ghosh has clarified that he did not mention at any point of time during the press conference that the treated water from Khandepar River water was unfit for drinking.

Dr Mrinal further reiterated that the water supplied by PWD matches high standards and hence fit for human consumption.

TwinOxide International BV is a product that provides safe and disinfected water compliant with European and American standards for drinking water, a press release issued here states and adds that the company was involved in extensive research during the last decade where scientific tests and application tests in live situations were done before TwinOxide was ready to be introduced in the market.

Closure of Dabolim airport apprehended HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 19

The Navelim Civic & Consumer Forum has raised apprehensions about the closure of the Dabolim airport in the future in the event Mopa become a reality.

The NCCF has requested the State government to give up the idea of setting up a new Greenfield airport at Mopa, saying the new airport is not going to benefit all Goans except a few and thus save crores of money which are needed for other useful projects.

The Forum said its fears stems from the fact that recently the Goa government produced a letter in the high court that once Mopa starts operating, the existing airport at Dabolim will be closed down to civilians.

Lodging its strong protest against the decision of the Goa government to close down Dabolim and build a new Greenfield airport at a far away place, the Forum said the existing airport can be easily upgraded to the required

MLA urges women to bring change in attitude

PMSAGS President Nelly Rodrigues addresses the gathering at Candolim.

Photo by Thomas Fernandes HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, APRIL 19

Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes inaugurated the Panchayat Mahila Shakti Abhiyan Goa State (PMSAGS) for Calangute constituency at Jamleshwar Devasthan hall, Ximer-Candolim on Sunday.

MLA Fernandes inaugurated the PMSAGS in the presence of PMSAGS President Nelly Rodrigues, Nodal Officer Armenia D’Costa, Goa State Welfare Board member Manisha Naik, PMSAGS General Secretary Carmelina Franco and Zilla Parishad members of

Calangute, Reis-Magos and Merces Abelina Menezes, Jayesh Salgaonkar and Chaya Naik and members of Calangute and Candolim panchayats and people from Calangute and Candolim.

Addressing the gathering, Fernandes called upon the women for a change in their attitude to avail benefits of the schemes.

“There are many schemes which can be utilized and if need be more can be sought through the Economic Development Corporation,” said the MLA.

Congratulating the organisers, Fernandes called upon them to have a full-day workshop to explain the schemes, etc, under various self-empowerment projects.

Nelly Rodrigues explained the motto of the Forum and called upon women to make the best out of the available benefits provided by the Central and State governments.

Rodrigues also explained various schemes and benefits under the Forum, which is basically for self-empowerment of women.

Armenia D’Costa and Manisha Naik also spoke on the occasion and congratulated the organisers for the initiative.

Earlier, Abelina Menezes, who took the initiative to organise the meeting welcomed chief guest Agnelo Fernandes the members of the Panchayat Mahila Shakti Abhiyan Goa State including its president and people.

Amol Morajkar compered the function, while Nelly Rodrigues proposed the vote of thanks.

Provide cell phones to linesmen: Shiv Sena HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, APRIL 19

The Shiv Sena has asked the electricity department at Mapusa to provide its linesmen with official mobile phones so that consumers can contact them directly in times of need.

“There is frequent power failure in Mapusa market and it becomes difficult to contact the linesmen on duty. When the electricity department is contacted, their phone number is found busy almost always and if by chance the phone is connected, the aggrieved consumer is asked to contact their respective linesman,” Vibhag Pramukh of Shivasena Filip D’Souza told Herald.

“Merchants then have to leave their business and start hunting for the linesman. This becomes a very frustrating experience, needless to mention the loss of business due to time wasted in searching for the linesman.”

Bakibab’s poems to be released on CD HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, ARPIL 19

The department of Official Languages in collaboration with Nadbramha in Vasco will release a CD containing poems of legendary Goan poet Goan Bakibab Borkar.

Speaking to Herald on Monday G Padgaokar, Director, Official Language said CD will be released shortly as part of ongoing birth centenary celebration of Bakibab Borkar.

The department has released Rs 3 lakhs as grand-in-aid to Nadbramha, an organization devoted to music.

Besides Bakibab’s poem, CD will also have narration on aspects of poet’s life, his work and influences.

“As a result, the Shivasena has demanded that linesmen on duty must be given an official mobile phone and their mobile numbers should be communicated to the Mapusa market committee and the police stations,” said D’Souza.

D’Souza has suggested that in panchayat areas, the mobile numbers should be conveyed to the panchayat members.

“Also a permanent sheltered

place should be made at Mapusa market where the linesman can be contacted and a complaint book should also be kept there,” said D’Souza. ”Consumers are paying electricity bills and hence it is their right to get efficient services from the electricity department and if such corrective measures are not taken by the electricity department, Shivsena will stage an agitation,” he added.

standards instead of spending crores of rupees for the new airport.

“Another point to be noted is that today, the international situation of airports is such that very few airports in the world are making profits and most are basically maintained as public service by their respective governments. The only airports that make profits are the ones that have a dedicated airline based at the airport, wherein the airline parks

its fleet regularly at the airport. The ICAO report states that to make Mopa airport profitable a lot of new infrastructure will have to be created around the airport, like some 5 star hotels, golf courses, IT parks, etc. We have even heard that an “ICE City” is planned that will cater to skiing, ice skating, etc. If all this is not done then the airport will make losses, that’s what the report says”, said convenor Joseph Vaz.

OHERALDO = = GOA, TUESDAY, 20 APRIL, 2010

Pg7 3 held for attacking police station PTI KOZHIKODE, APRIL 19

Three youths have been arrested in connection with the recent attack on Chombala police station in the district, police said.

The trio, all in their 20's, were picked up by a police team near the Mahe railway station premises yesterday as the accused confessed to have hurled around six explosives on the police station on Thursday last to target a senior official there.

However, no one was injured in the attack in which the building suffered partial damage.

The attack was said to have been committed to retaliate the police for dispersing a fivemember group for allegedly bursting crackers and indulging in unruly scenes in the Kallamala locality during the Vishu festivities.

Police had registered a case under IPC section 307 (attempt to murder) and provisions of Explosive and Substance Act.

Woman, daughter electrocuted PTI GHAZIABAD, APRIL 19

A woman and her daughter were electrocuted in Loni town here, police said.

Rajkumari (42) was washing clothes next to a shop at Mohalla Naipura last evening. As she rose to dry them, the clothes accidentally came in contact with the tension wire.

The current soon passed on to the shutter of the shop, leading to the mishap. Her daughter Hema, 14, rushed to save her but she too was electrocuted, police said.

The locals shift them to hospital where they were declared brought dead.

The bodies were sent for post mortem, police said.

Tiger shot dead in Haryana PTI KARNAL (HARYANA), APRIL 19

A tiger was shot dead by police after it strayed into a residential colony here and attacked eight persons.

Panic gripped residents as the tiger, about three years old, appeared in the private colony near Karnal sugar mill and injured eight persons last night, police said.

The residents informed the police, following which station house officer Gorakh Pal Rana soon reached the spot with his team and shot dead the tiger.

The injured have been admitted to civil hospital.

They said the carcass was taken to Veterinary Hospital for postmortem.

Lekhpal held for accepting bribe PTI DEHRA DUN, APRIL 19

A government employee was today arrested by a vigilance team for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000 at Sitarganj area of Udhamsingh Nagar district.

Acting on a complaint filed

by Nanak Singh, a farmer, the vigilance team arrested lekhpal Rajeev Kumar while he was accepting Rs 10,000 as bribe, Deputy Superintendent of Police of Haldwani range Rajendra Prasad Sharma said.

Rs 13 lakh looted from cashier PTI JAIPUR, APRIL 19

A tin box with Rs 13 lakh was allegedly looted from a group of roadways employees when they were on way to deposit it with a bank in Sanganer, 15 kms from here, police said.

RSRTC employees, including the cashier, were heading in a bus to deposit the cash with Bank of Rajasthan at Sananger.

When they alighted from the vehicle for rest at a secluded place, four motorcycle-borne masked men allegedly fled away with the cash box.

OHERALDO

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OPINION

Pg8

www.oheraldo.in

O HERALD O

Opposition Seeks Not National Progress!

Vol No CX No: 103 Goa, Tuesday 20 April, 2010

A

Full marks?

way from the public eye, teachers from across Goa are these days huddled over reams of paper, correcting SSC exam papers in various taluka centres and elsewhere.

Little thought is paid to our educators, some of whom do a praiseworthy job in inspiring the next generation and helping qualities and talent to surface in them.

The pain and stress that goes into this work is best exemplified by the pittance that exam correctors get paid for each answer-paper they correct. Or in the deductions from their fees if they don’t meet the target set for them.

Today’s school-teachers are better paid than their counterparts of the past; but the cost of living has gone up too. More importantly, the question to be asked is whether our teachers have the opportunity to be creative throughout their careers.

It seems more of them simply get caught in the boredom and routine so that their job ceases to hold out challenges to them after a few years in it.

Needless to say, students should be at the very centre of the educational system. After all, it is built for them; though from the way things are run it might sometimes seem that they are only incidental to the whole affair.

Keeping the SSC examination process in mind, it is increasingly clear that Goa’s main school examination board needs to do a lot to keep up with the times. Our educational system is turning inflexible, or has long been thus. It needs to be updated to the changing times. A growing number of better schools in Goa are shifting to the ICSE exam pattern, and there must be some reason why the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education is being preferred here.

The ICSE exam for Class 10 is conducted by the private, non-government board of school education, the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations. An exam in general education, it runs along the recommendations of the New Education Policy 1986, through the English medium. Candidates appearing have to study seven subjects, with one to three papers in each subject.

As far as Goa goes, the subjects offered are quite inflexible.

Former chief minister Manohar Parrikar probably had a point when he attempted to introduce a less-complicated Mathematics paper. Obviously, all students don’t need to study the complex form of Maths currently offered, and could carry on well in life without it.

Students appearing for their SSC exams could well do with a wider choice of optional subjects. They don’t need to believe they are a “failure” in life, simply because they have a dislike for one or two subjects.

The exam administration itself could well do with more transparency. It is essential that paper-setters for the exams should not be selected from only a handful of schools, or else students of these institutions would have an unfair advantage.

Every year, the SSC Board seems intent on pushing up the pass percentage. But does this mean Goa is being better educated? Or that our young students are turning brighter? Instead, it could only imply that our educational system is being geared more to keep teachers in jobs, rather than meet the need of students.

So many years back, there was talk about promoting vocational education in Goa. Politicians like the late Erasmo Sequeira and others worked on plans linked to this goal. But how far this has been implemented successfully is a big question.

In our fast-changing times, it would make a lot of sense if less emphasis was given to cramming education into the minds of our young ones, and instead they were taught how to grapple with large amounts of information now easily available at the click of a mouse. Or how global information could be deployed to solve local problems.

Keeping in mind the interests of those who correct their papers, a lot could be done to reduce the monotony of the paper-correction process. For a State which boasts of its Cyberage and so much spent on promoting computerisation, some low-cost software-based solution could also help make paper correction a less laborious task.

I

We must unite against divisive forces so that right prevails over might, writes Brig (Retd) Ian da Costa

f we just watch TV or read the daily newspapers we can not but conclude that the sordid events taking place in our Parliament and State Assemblies are a blot on India. Parliament and State Assemblies are no less than places of worship, and should be used for gentlemanly debate. These are not parts of the street where slogan shouting, tearing up of bills and replies laid on the table of the House, breaking mikes, hurling furniture is resorted to, to disrupt the proceedings and prevent a peaceful discussion. This is deplorable and unacceptable. The action of the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha in suspending and ordering the Marshals to remove the Yadav gang physically from the precincts of the House is laudable. Some politicians have become permanent fixtures in our political showcases. The Congress Party Coalition has been given the mandate to rule the country for the second five year term. They have come through well in combating the great recession that the world has been passing through. There have been mistakes made or rather a failure to foretell the future weather and climate changes that took place. No one in this world, not even astrologers could tell us whether there was to be a drought and that floods would follow. Nobody knew that there would be a breach in a particular dam and canal bank in Nepal that in turn would cause the Kosi River to change its course? In which other year did the States call upon the Central Government and clamour to be given thousands of crores of rupees worth of grants to combat drought, floods and other calamities?

May I ask the same MP’s of the opposition, from where do they expect these gigantic funds to come? At a time when farmers’ loans had to be waived, housing loans for the common man had to be given liberally at lesser interest rates and time extension given to defaulters to pay pending loans, the Central Government was at a loss to find any logical answer.

The Left Parties rode on horseback for nearly the whole of the last Parliamentary term. They made life hell for Man Mohan Singh and the Congress Coalition. Now, as part of the Opposition, they are no longer in a position to influence matters decisively. They exercised power without accepting any responsibility. What they did, is likened to the tail wagging the dog and not visa versa as it should be. Now they join the BJP vociferously stating their stand on price hike, petrol, diesel hike etc., although the whole sale and retail index show signs of reducing, thus

Heart to heart

Pandemonium In Parliament lessening the burden on the aam aadmi. The Opposition is trying their hand at populist measures.

People want taxes to be reduced, no hike in petrol and diesel prices, subsidy to farmers and further subsidised rations issued to BPL families through the Public Distribution system. The Finance Minister has done a fine balancing act in this Budget and has chosen to come out of the recession and maintain the momentum of reforms for long term gains. He however has a big deficit and anything more would be extremely dangerous. There has been a keen competition between State Governments to issue Cereals at a subsidized rate to the ration card holders. This is how public money is spent. However, in Rural Areas, village sarpanches are having a ball of a time selling this grain to non-entitled parties at higher prices while cutting quotas from those entitled by the Government. Local authorities must keep a check on these matters and ensure that the poor get their allotted grain quota in full measure and at

the correct price. The late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had said in the late 1980’s that, only 29 paisa of every rupee earmarked for the poor actually reaches them. Today things are worse. Corruption at all levels is now endemic. Curing this malady will take a lifetime unless we adopt some third degree methods earlier adopted by China.

Not only are politicians and bureaucrats involved in corruption, the Police Force also suffers this ailment. Recently a Police Officer and a few constables of the Anti Narcotics Squad were arrested due to their alleged underhand dealings with drug peddlers. The Courts are a shade better, but they too are tainted. The Opposition parties should assist the Government with their honest and solid support.

The unsettled situation created by the Opposition Parties at the national level is sought to be repeated here in Goa. The G7 is a typical attempt to unsettle the Digamber Kamat Government.

Some of its members have felt offended at the

counter offensive by Churchill Alemao and Mauvin Godinho. But they conveniently forget that they had provided them provocation by threatening to withdraw support if their demands were not met by the Chief Minister. Are we going to accept the demands of the G 7 when they are bent on forcing another election on the Goan people?

Isn’t it high time that they are shown their correct station in life? Someone should sponsor an amendment to the Constitution and make High School Certificate a minimum qualification for panchayat elections and Graduation for the Assembly and Parliament. When our national literacy figures have shown great improvement in the last six decades we must change these old qualifications which were relevant in 1947 but are absurd in India today.

The ugly scenes witnessed in the Rajya Sabha during the time allotted for discussion of the representation of women’s Bill were unbelievable.

Imagine the Vice President of the Nation and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha being attacked? His mike being grabbed and his files being thrown away by elected MPs elected? Anyone preventing the smooth functioning of Parliament must be debarred from membership for six years. A repetition should call for a life long ban on contesting elections for any public office. These televised proceedings of the House were watched by the whole world. Just imagine their thoughts on Indian Democracy.

The citizens of India must now decide to take action by casting their valuable votes in the next elections to keep such politicians out, to ensure progress of the nation and improve the lot of India’s poor. The time for talking is over. In any case it is not appreciated or understood by those who wield muscle power and money. It is now time for action. The administrative pillars of our country; the Armed Forces, the Police, the Intelligence and Diplomatic Services, Parliament and the Judiciary must be strengthened and protected.

Communalism and self appointed Policemen of the community must be rejected forthwith. In a secular and democratic country like ours, there is no room for hooligans. We must unite against them. Then only will right prevail over might. Recent events however have shown that we have strayed from that path peace and harmony. We need to correct our ways and re-establish our standing and once again come back to be known as a country were unity in diversity prevails. Jai Hind.

‘P’ for Politics, ‘P’ for Prayer

M

r. M.P. charged in land-filling case’, ‘Mr. J.F. held for rape of R…’, ‘UP Minister caught in sleazy video’, ‘CM runs away from home’. A single thread runs through all these headlines – a politician’s human failings and subsequent falling. As recipients of the decisions these men and women make for our welfare or ‘woe’fare, we have the right and responsibility to act. Often, however, we only react. Either we get volatile, spewing venom, or we remain passive, ‘tut-tut’ing in protest.

I too am guilty of reacting to the deeds of our politicians. Who likes to hear heinous tales of a hormone-hippy MLA or a moneymad MP? Whether one rapes a woman or a piece of land, the havoc created is the same. People are hurt, lives are destroyed, trust is lost. It angers me when I see the poor victimized so that the rich can buy them . It saddens me to think of women treated like prostitutes in their homes or workplace, abused and misused because they are dependent on their ‘bosses’. I am aghast to hear

that hospitals leech their patients dry when they should be giving them a new lease of life. I have to hang my head down in shame that I have elected to the chair a person who is most likely going to bring the downfall of my country or state.

So I urge my fellow compatriots actively engaged in the battle to create a change of heart in our leaders, to get down on your knees with me and pray for them.

Jesus said once, “Have the faith to move mountains.” God is allpowerful. He alone can turn things around, if we only give Him full control. We need do only whatever He tells us to, and our actions should always be coupled with compassion .

Pray for our politicians. They do not know what they do’. Many of our politicians amass wealth for their family and descendants at the cost of ours. They need our prayers desperately. Pray for them. They do things so that people may see and praise their deeds’. We see it in youngsters, teenagers especially. ‘Everybody

By Auriel Ribeiro Sa

is doing it so I too must join the bandwagon. If I don’t I will be sidelined, ostracized even. I will lose my position, my power, my prestige.’

Our leaders too are rarely ‘one of a kind’. The Zilla Parishad elections have been a classic example of this herd mentality. The fanaticism each party exhibits and upholds so fervently is distressing.

So pray for true democracy and for ‘one of a kind’ leaders.’ All politicians begin with good intentions but along the way they forget these and embraced the immoral ideals of stalwarts in the field.

Who ever heard of leaders having cars and houses on a meagre salary in the past? Even their attire is as expensive as their taste in branded models. Khadi, once spun by Gandhi on a chakra for a song, is now exorbitantly priced. Visits to casinos, fist fights in airplanes, manhandling reporters are all signs of a power-puffed politician.

Letters to the Editor KTC advertisements

Of PETA and fish!

Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco

Stephen Dias, Dona Paula

It is understood that the State-run Kadamba Transport Corporation will display advertisements on 388 buses out of the 392 buses, in an attempt to improve the finances of the Corporation. In the past, a lot of hue and cry has been raised with respect to the hoardings that one finds along the roads saying that these advertisement hoardings divert the attention of the driver.

What then about advertisements displayed on moving buses? Will they not distract the attention of other drivers and thus lead to accidents? Bringing in a meager 3 lakh by way of advertisements does not make sense if it puts others in danger. KTC should find other ways to improve its financial health.

The recent news from PETA asking Goans to leave fish off plates must be taken with a pinch of salt. First of all, Goans will never be able to do without their fish, curry and rice since this is part and parcel of Goans.

Whether the fish is contaminated with mercury or any other mineral, Goans who have become immune, will never be able to leave this delicacy.

Instead of lecturing Goans on fish, why does PETA not attack hoteliers, restaurants who discharge their waste into the river which is the cause of contamination of fish?

Why not give a helping hand to the Goa Pollution Board to get rid of the effluent discharge into the river/sea? Let them go and check out every beach in Goa, especially the one in news recently -- Colva -- where a huge trench was dug up to discharge waste.

100 Years Ago

Don’t suppress truth Jose Maria Miranda, Margao PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

20 April, 1910  The Steamship “Arabia” of the Company P & O with post from Europe is expected to reach Bombay tomorrow by 4 o’clock.  It rained torrentially at various provinces of this State. It is reported that rains were more harrowing is some of the villages of “Novas Conquistas“.  The Railways Company at Mormugao changed the time-table of its trains’ departure from today.  An acrobatic exhibition took place at the Vila de Margao on Sunday evening where many of our local lads participated.  Yesterday a motor-launch arriving from Piligao on nearing Ribandar came to a sudden halt due to the break of its helix.  It is reported that the Ministry of Navy informed Goa’s Secretariat that the Metropolitan Government did not approve the practice of cremation.

Arundhati Roy is not only an excellent and internationally acclaimed writer but also a great and intrepid fighter, extremely vocal, candid and fearless who has never hesitated to make her views known especially when it came to defending the underprivileged and downtrodden whose rights are being trampled upon by the rich and the powerful, with the active support of the elected representatives and the bureaucrats.

She has been at the receiving end due to her outspoken views about the naxalite movement, which she sees as a result of the suppression of the rights and displacement of tribals. Someone felt she should be charged with sedition for having said that India did not hesitate to use her might to annex land and suppress popular movements including in Goa, Jammu & Kashmir, etc. Truth must be said, however bitter it might be. That Goa was annexed by military force was ruled by the highest Court of this country, which called it a “conquest”.

Did anyone dare charge the Supreme Court of sedition?

Patriotism cannot be confined to being concerned about the territorial limits of the country. It would be meaningless if the

Letter of the Day

The truth: Goans are never united

A.S.Prabhu, Moira

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the architect of Modern India had a great dream and wished well for his subjects. For Goans, he had a special corner at his heart. He made several categorical statements and reaffirmed several times at public meetings that he would want Goans to maintain their special identity and personality and would not interfere in their normal life. Had the Portuguese to negotiate to hand over power, the situation would have been averted.

Post-liberation in May 1963, Pandit Nehru paid his maiden visit to Goa and at a mammoth public meeting at Campal attended by over one lakh people, he made a solemn affirmation that he would wish to preserve and protect Goa’s distinct identity.

Just then, the two stalwarts’ -- D B Bandodkar and Dr Jack Sequeira -- were preparing ground to present their views and in that excitement, Dr Sequeira floated ‘Amcho Poksh’ or ‘Goenkarancho Poksh’ – an indigenous Goan party, which later was rechristened as ‘United Goans Party. He meant Goans would unite, but the unfortunate part is Goans are ‘never united’ even if they travel to the North Pole. It is the most ‘disunited creed’ and this is precisely the reason why outsiders have taken a strong foothold on this soil of ‘Parshurama’. The reality we see today with several factions and splits which has brought instability in our political scenario.

Dr Jack de Sequeira initially inducted some Goans settled in Bombay viz. J M De Souza, Melicio Fernandes, etc. Later on, he was joined by Yeshwant Sitaram Dessai, Jagdish Rao, Umakant Surlakar, Babu Naik and Vassudeo Sarmalkar, etc. Orlando Sequeira Lobo and others followed later. The team was strong and fought shoulder to shoulder during the historic Opinion Poll. Even I have shared a platform with Dr. Jack Sequeira to keep our separate identity. But as usual, the unity was broken after some ditched the party thus proving that Goans are never united.

This is the lesson for present Goan youth and posterity. They have to ponder over and in any situation, should assert themselves without succumbing to any temptations.

The present mess we are in, is the result of lure for money and power.

Long live Goa and Goans! Que sera, sera. people of the country, particularly the poor and the defenceless, are suppressed and humiliated and not allowed to raise their heads by those who have the money and the power. The greatest anti-nationals are not people like Arundhati Roy but those who have taken this country to abysmal depths – the corrupt and greedy politicians and the servile and equally corrupt bureaucrats, who have not hesitated to even extort money from the people below the poverty line, deprive the poorest of the poor of their land and suppress legitimate demands and aspirations of the people. The Indian Government will not dare charge Arundhati

Roy because of the international repercussions it will have. She should in fact lead a revolution in this country to do away with those who have taken this otherwise great country to the dogs.

Maoists attacks J. M. de Almeida, Alto Porvorim, Of late, the activities of the CPI-maoists has increased in Orissa, Chhattisgarh, Jarkhand, West Bengal etc. Initially they attacked selected targets, railway lines, police stations, markets etc, but now surprisingly they have changed their tactics and adopted

effective methods like the Dantewada-style attack on police convoy killing over 76 innocent jawans who were given the task of anti-maoist offensive. The offensive of the security forces was a complete disaster and shows that the entire operation was illplanned which led to the fatal ambush leaving the families of the slain 76 jawans in abject misery. The State and the Central government have to share the responsibility for the massacre and rehabilitate and compensate the families of the jawans killed and seriously wounded.

The Home Minister P C Chidambaram offered to resign in the wake of the deadly massacre while the State Govt did not follow suit. In such a catastrophic situation resignation is not the solution, and the home minister must conduct in-depth investigation as to what went wrong and accordingly take curative and preventive steps to avoid such massacres of Indians

by Indians.

Secondly, the Government has to find out what has led to Maoism to take up armed struggle to redress their grievances. According to the CPI-Maoists the armed attacks are due to the exploitation of the tribal people by the rich and the powerful land mafia. If true, exploitation of humans by humans must stop and no operations against the Maoists will be successful until and unless their genuine grievances are met.

Herald e-paper Sanjay Chodankar, by email It is nice to see that Herald has recently introduced an e-paper. There are Goans living in different parts of world and they would definitely welcome this. It is with these facilities that they are able to still stay connected with their homeland news.

Congratulations & thanks to Herald's management and staff.

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

Paths of Wisdom A ray of hope and light Once Wealth and Poverty approached a merchant and introduced themselves as Goddesses. The merchant offered his salutations to both of them and said: “May I know what brings you to my humble tenement?” The Goddess of Wealth said: “We want you to judge and tell us as to who is more beautiful between us two?”

The merchant was in a fix. He knew he was caught between the devil and the deep sea. If he were to declare wealth as more beautiful than poverty, poverty would curse him. If he were to declare poverty as more beautiful, than wealth, wealth would forsake him. However, he regained his composure and said: “I have great respect for you both. Would you please act according to my instructions?

Then only can I judge properly.” The Goddesses agreed. He said: “Mother wealth, would you please go to the entrance (gates) and walk into the house?

Mother, poverty! Would you please walk from here towards the gates? I can have a good look at you both, from near and far.” The two Goddesses did walk as the merchant wished them to. Then the merchant happily declared: “Mother wealth!

You appear very beautiful when you enter the house. Mother poverty! You look very beautiful when you leave the house!” The Goddesses appreciated the merchant’s wit and wisdom. The Goddess of wealth happily stayed in his house while the Goddess of poverty cheerfully walked away.

When a serious problem confronts us, if we look within and think calmly, a ray of hope and light will beam forth and show us the way.

(Source: Sri Sathya Sai Baba stories and parables)

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

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

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opinionated Saluting The Real Son of Goa

By Isidore Domnick Mendis

T

he resounding verdict of the Opinion Poll held on 16th Jan 1967 saved Goa and Goans from being gulped by its big neighbour Maharashtra, although all out attempts were made by the first Chief Minister of Goa late Dayanand Bandodkar and his Maharashtra Gomantak Party ( MGP) ably supported by the politicians from Maharashtra to get Goa assimilated into its northern neighbour. It was under the stewardship of the charismatic leader Joao Hugo Eduardo de Sequeira popularly called Dr Jack de Sequeira ( whose 95th birth anniversary we celebrate today on 20th April 2010) that Goans from all walks of life defeated the nefarious designs of pro merger forces . So passionate and strong were the anti- merger views of this first time MLA from Panjim and later three times MLA from neighbouring Santa Cruz that this pro Goa group soon became abode to both commoners and Goan luminaries of that era like V.M. Salgaokar, Ulhar Buyao, Uday Bhembre, Chandrakant Keni etc..

If Goa had become a part of Maharashtra, Goa would have lost its unique identity. Its rich heritage of art and culture would have been completely deluged in the waters of “Marathi Asmita” . An elegy on Konkani language would have become a reality.

Goans would have become minority in their own land. And worse, Goa would have become one of the secluded districts of Maharashtra like Sawantwadi or Ratnagiri.

Forty three years after the historic verdict when Goans retained their individuality by defeating the anti merger forces with a margin of 34,021 votes it is time for serious introspection on the father of the Opinion Poll Dr Sequeira’s vision for Goa The way Goa is being turned into a concrete jungle- construction of high storied buildings, pristine land being sold to the highest bidder i.e. the real estate agents, cutting of hills, hacking of trees, mushrooming of both legal and illegal mining etc. All these ecologically unsound activities would all have made Dr Sequeira feel despondent. The founder president of United Goan Party (UGP) wanted Goa to be developed into a numero uno, eco-friendly tourism place of India.

A worthy point to ponder is that during the time of Dr Sequeira flora and fauna was given paramount importance . For instance unlike the present concrete state existing in the left hand side stretch from Campal to Miramar, there existed green fields.

People connected with the anti merger group nostalgically remember that Dr Sequeira joined politics to save Goa. He was immensely proud of his Goan roots. Dr Sequeira did not look at politics as an avenue to embezzle public money which is the trend with most of the present day State’s politicians.

Out of Dr Sequeira’s nine children only his eldest son late Erasmo Jesus de Sequeira entered politics. The two time MP from Marmagoa parliamentary constituency apart from being a top leader of UGP also worked wholeheartedly to create a favourable opinion in the 16th January 1967 referendum. Being a God fearing person he would ensure that he did not miss the evening rosary with his family at home. Today none of Dr. Jack Sequeira’s five surviving children are in the murky world of Goan Politics.

The need of the hour is that Goa needs more and more politicians who have a character like Dr Sequeira who was a businessman by profession and would often contribute from his own pocket to run the affairs of UGP. We need to constantly work to fulfil his dreams of a better and safe Goa. All right thinking Goans whether Hindus, Catholics or Muslims need to work vigorously to fight the evils engulfing Goa like desecration of the places of worship, environmental degradation caused through mining and mega projects, very long delay in the incorporation of Roman script in the Official Language Act, garbage strewn all over the state, narrow roads, prostitution dens masquerading as massage parlours, politicization of police, removal of River Princess etc.

NGOs and groups like GBA who really feel for Goa should come forward and unite to save this lovely state from the clutches of haphazard development which one day would destroy the real essence of Goa. GBA would really do a great service to Goa if it contests the next assembly elections by nominating candidates with right credentials. Dr Sequeira had honesty inborn in him.

It is sad that most of us in Goa today have forgotten the immensely important life-changing role played by Dr Sequeira in keeping Goa as a separate unit of the Indian Union. Most of our children don’t know who Dr Sequeira was because not a single chapter in the history text books is devoted in Goa’s school on the father of the Opinion Poll. To keep the legacy of this greatest of the great Goan leader alive, a permanent chair should also be established at Goa University to study the life and times of Dr Jack de Sequeira.

It is a big shame that our State government did not have funds to get his statue erected. Incidentally, the cost of the statue at Dona Paula circle was borne by Dr Sequeira’s family.

Why have we forgotten our hero so soon ? Will our State government celebrate the centenary celebrations in the next four years with the same vigor and dynamism for Dr Jack Sequeira the real Goenkar as it is currently doing for Dayanand Bandodkar who was no doubt an efficient administrator but who always had his heart for Marathi and Maharashtra? .

14 foetuses found inside garbage bin in Ahmedabad PTI AHMEDABAD, APRIL 19

As many as 14 foetuses were found dumped inside a garbage bin near Lalbahadur Shastri Stadium in Bapunagar area here today, police said.

The incident came to light when some of the locals found the foetuses lying in the garbage bin near the stadium this morning.

"There were 14 foetuses in the garbage bin. All the foetuses have been sent to civil hospital

for postmortem," Bapunagar police inspector R D Lashkari told PTI. Lashkari said the sex of the foetuses would be determined after the postmortem and a case has been registered in this regard.

One of the locals, who informed the police about the incident, said these foetuses could have been dumped by private nursing homes in the area which indulge in sex determination tests.

Thane's another IT officer arrested

DELHI BUREAU NEW DELHI, APRIL 19

The Central Bureau of Investigation on Monday arrested Thane's assistant commissioner of income tax as an accomplice in the Rs 1.70-crore bribery case in which her senior additional commissioner alongwith husband were arrested earlier on Saturday for for a builder pay the bribe.

A CBI spokesman said the as-

sistant commissioner will be produced before court on Tuesday while the designated court of Mumbai has already remanded the wife and husband team to CBI custody till April 27.

He said searches conducted at the premises of the Additional Commissioner, an IRS officer of 1992 batch, yielded recovery of Rs 46 lakhs in cash, besides huge foreign currency.

infiltration from Bangla cannot be ruled out: BsF PTI SHILLONG, APRIL 19

The BSF today said infiltration, movement of militants and smuggling of arms from Bangladesh into India through the porous international border in Meghalaya cannot be ruled out.

"Smuggling of arms and crossborder movement of militants cannot be ruled out. The nature of border is very hostile and it is difficult to completely check the menace unless the fencing project is completed," BSF Inspector General (Assam and Meghalaya frontier) Prithvi Raj said.

The statement comes close on the heels of intelligence inputs indicating that the porous Meghalaya-Bangladesh border continues to be a major route for entry of militants from Bangladesh and transshipment of arms and explosives into India.

Revelations from a couple of top arrested militants had prompted the BSF to strengthen vigil along the border, particularly in the Garo hills belt of Meghalaya.

"We have come across the reports and have alerted our troops to be on maximum alert.

We are using maximum resources available to contain illegal movements," the BSF IG said.

The militants taking shelter in Bangladesh are "under pressure" in the neighbouring country and so there is a tendency to escape into the Indian side, he added.

"The border is interspersed with hill tracts, riverine areas and thick jungles. So the movement of insurgents cannot be ruled out. Only when the fencing project is complete, we can expect that the movement can be stopped completely," he said.

Of the total 565 km of barbed

fencing sanctioned along the Bangladesh border in AssamMeghalaya, 178 km has been completed, while work is in progress on another 122 km stretch.

Of the remaining 265 km, Meghalaya government has not given the 'go ahead' for about 135 km stretch following protests from villagers who apprehend that they will lose land when the fencing comes up.

Till April 15 this year, the BSF has killed two ULFA militants and apprehended ten other militants along with a huge cache of arms and ammunition.

Two fake currency racketeers, besides 15 Indian and 39 Bangladeshi nationals, were also arrested for crossing the border illegally during this period.

Contraband items, including smuggled cattle, worth Rs 16.

5 crore were also seized from the border areas in Assam and Meghalaya during the period.

AMU prof case: Two video journalists arrested PTI ALIGARH, APRIL 19

Two video journalists, who allegedly conducted a sting operation on the gay AMU professor, were today arrested here on charges of forcibly entering his house on February 8 and causing physical harm to him.

The two -- Adil Murtaza and Siraj -- were named in the FIR filed by 62-year-old AMU professor Srinivas Ramchander Siras after he was caught on camera with a rickshaw-puller at his residence here.

According to police, the duo have been charged for forcibly entering the house of the late professor and causing physical harm to him.

Reacting to the arrests, AMU Teachers' Association (AMUTA) President Mukhtar Ahmad told PTI, "We want the police to interrogate the two fairly so that the truth behind the sting operation which culminated in the

tragic demise of our colleague is fully unravelled."

Some senior AMU officials, including Siras' colleagues, are also likely to be questioned in connection with the case, police sources said.

Following the February 8 incident, the news channel for which they were working has clarified that the services of the two had been terminated before the sting operation.

Siras, a reader in Modern Indian Languages, was found dead on April 7 at his residence.

Meanwhile, AMU Public Relation Officer Rahat Abrar, whose name also figured in the FIR filed by Siras, is reported to have submitted a written statement to the police to clarify his alleged role in the incident.

In his written report to the police, Abrar pointed out that on the evening of February 8, he had rushed to the residence of Siras "in response to a plea

Delhi slums an instant recipe for disaster, warn fire fighters PTI NEW DELHI, APRIL 19

Slums in Delhi seem to be sitting on a tinder box with five persons killed, 50 injured and over 1,250 hutments gutted this month alone.

Fire fighters say this can be checked by taking measures like banning commercial activities in slum clusters, supplying power through underground cables and regulate electric installations in various premises in such places.

They attribute the increasing incidents of fire in slums to materials used in constructing hutments, storage of combustible waste and a web of electric wires passing through slums resulting in short-circuits.

Add to it, lack of communication facilities to inform fire brigade about any incident on time and the narrow lanes to reach inside the slums. It serves as an "instant recipe" for disaster, warn fire fighters.

"Fire in slums are caused mainly due to the present extreme heat conditions that makes the material with which the huts are made more combustible and short-circuits in electric wires," R C Sharma, Di-

rector of Delhi Fire Services, told PTI. "Also, the material with which the hutments are made produce toxic gases when it catches fire," he said.

Yesterday, one person was charred to death and two were injured when fire broke out in two slum clusters in the capital gutting 400 hutments.

Thirty people, including 21 children and four women, were injured in fire caused by a leaking gas cylinder at a tea shop in Shalimar Bagh last Tuesday. In another incident on the same day, 175 slum dwellings were gutted in Shaheen Bagh.

There were at least seven major incidents of fire in slums across the capital this month.

Sharma said they have appealed to the government and civic bodies to ban commercial activities in slum clusters besides supplying power through underground cables and regulate electric installations in various premises.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has already made it clear that it will ensure there are no commercial activities in slum clusters.

Raveena Tandon wants more leaders like Modi for the country PTI AHMEDABAD, APRIL 19

Bollywood actor Raveena Tandon today showered praise on Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi by saying that she was his fan and country needed more leaders like him.

Tandon's comment come just a few days after, bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan had to face criticism from ruling Congress and left parties for becoming brand ambassador of Gujarat tourism.

"I am a big fan of Modiji," Tandon said during launch of the 8th chapter of Women's wing of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FICCI)

known as FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) here where Gujarat chief minister was chief guest.

"We need more leaders like you to run this country," she said concluding her address.

Recently, Bachchan had to face severe criticism from the Congress and the Left parties over his association with Gujarat by becoming the brand ambassador for the state.

The CPI-M led LDF Kerala government had backed out from appointing Bachchan as brand ambassador of Kerala Tourism following the actor's association with Modi-led Gujarat government.

of help by the late teacher".

Abrar said after some persons claiming to be video journalists had "forcibly entered" the apartment of Siras, he immediately contacted Faculty of Arts Dean Maria Bilquis informing her of the episode.

The dean immediately rang up the proctor who in turn asked Abrar to accompany him to Siras' apartment, the statement said.

Pony owners readying their horses for the tourists visiting the Thajiwas glacier in the backdrop of the picturesque view of the snow covered mountains, at the world famous Tourist spot of Sonamarg on Monday.

Huge dump of arms recovered in Baramulla PTI SRINAGAR, APRIL 19

In a major arms haul, security forces today unearthed a huge dump of weapons, ammunition and explosives smuggled from across the border by militants in Baramulla district of North Kashmir.

The arms dump was dug out by a joint search party of police and Rashtriya Rifles at Frastihar village in Kreeri area, 30 kms from here, a police spokesman said.

appointments

He said the arms seized from the dump included an AK assault rifle, its five magazines, 111 rounds, two Chinese pistols with three magazines and 10 rounds,

an Ak silencer, two 12-bore guns, seven hand grenades, two rockets, an Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) with 27 grenades, four high explosive bombs.

appointments

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From Page 1 Centre cracks whip

Modi himself rubbished allegations of betting and money laundering in the popular event and threatened to take legal action against a leading business daily which had made the accusations.

With Opposition parties training their guns on the Government over the IPL dealings in the wake of the Modi-Tharoor row and the controversy over financial issues relating to IPL teams, Mukherjee told the Lok Sabha, “the concerned department has already started investigation process (into the IPL episode).”

Ash effect

as charter flights will come to an end for the season after May 10.

“Only a few flights from Russia and Europe are scheduled for this season and the main affected ones are those passengers who had already arrived in the State and were to return to their respective destinations. They will now be forced to wait for some more time till the skies in Europe permit resumption of flights,” said sources at Dabolim airport.

“We are in constant touch with the Bureau of Aviation Control in Europe to assess the situation”, an official told Herald.

Illegal religious

“The rehabilitation of these structures can be allowed only when a proper study is done. There are some temples which are as old as 500 years and are listed as illegal structure by State Government. There is no proper base for declaring it illegal”, Thali stated.

Thali said that there are temples prior to Goa liberation and these are termed as unauthorised which he said is totally unfair. He suspected some design to target Hindu temples under the guise of implementing the Supreme Court order giving political colour to the sensitive issue.

The State Government recently listed 800 structures, including 350 temples, in its list of illegal religious structures in public places – Government and communidade land. The revenue department conducted a survey of the religious structures as per Supreme Court order. The department didn’t go into the age of the religious structures as the SC order didn’t ask the States to go into the issue.

There appears be a misunderstanding that the State Government list of unauthorised religious structures is pertaining only to those existing along the highways.

Incidentally, Thali said “most of the temples are far way from the main highways…these structures cannot be called as road side illegal structures”.

The fact is that there are old temples in the State but new religious structures have come up in a big way in the last 15 years – in some form or the other – some in the name of reconstruction of shrines and many through MPLAD scheme though officially it was for construction of community halls.

HJS said that the local temple committee members should have been taken into confidence by the Government before declaring them as ‘illegal’.

“If contacted, the temple authorities would have given the exact time period in which they were built and also their significance to local population”, he maintained.

As a part of this protest, HJS has organised a massive rally and a Hindu Dharma Jagruti Sabha on April 22 at Azad Maidan.

The HJS has launched a statewide agitation to spread awareness amongst Hindus about safeguarding temples. They have already conducted meetings in 150 places and have contacted all those temple committees, whose temples have been listed as illegal.

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Israel’s rift with US worries Barak Reuters JERUSALEM, APRIL 19

Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak voiced concern today over a deep rift with the United States over settlement policy and said Israel should do more to try to achieve peace with the Palestinians.

“The alienation that is developing with the United States is not good for Israel,” said Barak, head of the centre-left Labour Party in right-wing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's governing coalition.

In an interview with Israel Radio on the country's annual memorial day for its soldiers, Barak called for a “far-reaching Israeli diplomatic initiative” on peace, including talks with the Palestinians on core issues of the Middle East conflict.

“We have strong ties with the United States, a bond, long-term friendship and strategic partnership. We receive three billion dollars from them each year, we get the best planes in the world from them,” he said.

“For all these reasons we must act to change things,” Barak said, while voicing doubts Netanyahu would soon enjoy the same warm ties with the White House as his predecessors did when President George W Bush was in office.

With Netanyahu and US President Barack Obama sharply at odds over settlement policy in occupied areas Palestinians want for a state, Barak held out the prospect of reshaping Israel's government so that it could make bold land-for-peace moves.

He gave no specifics but po-

litical commentators have raised the possibility of bringing in former Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni's centrist Kadima party to keep Netanyahu's coalition in power if pro-settler factions decide to pull out. ''With a broad readiness to go for a (peace) agreement,Israeli governments have overcome many obstacles in the daily discourse with the Americans about building in this or that settlement or a Jerusalem neighbourhood,'' Barak said.

Barak's comments echoed a call last Thursday from US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for Israel to take “concrete steps toward peace” or risk empowering Islamist militant groups such as Palestinian Hamas and Lebanese Hezbollah.

The Obama administration

Raids by Taliban foiled: forces Reuters KABUL, APRIL 19

Afghan security forces have prevented planned commandos t y l e a t t a c k s b y Ta l i b a n insurgents aimed at “strategic” government and foreign targets in the capital, Kabul, police and intelligence officials said today.

The Taliban have carried out a series of complex attacks, which involved fighters and suicide bombers storming buildings, in recent months in various parts of the country, including Kabul.

The officials did not reveal which locations were the planned targets of the wouldbe assailants, saying they have arrested nine people, including three suicide bombers and seized some weapons.

Last week's arrests were made in two different locations of Kabul, one of which was an

Two Germans kidnapped Reuters PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA, APRIL 19

Gunmen in Nigeria kidnapped two German men in the OPEC member's southeastern Abia state, security sources said, the second abduction of foreign workers in the last 10 days.

The two men, aged between 45 and 55, were abducted while at a local beach in the oil-producing Abia state yesterday.

“The Germans were kidnapped at Azumini Beach strip at Imo River as they were heading to their vehicle,'' a security source said. “This was likely an opportunist abduction as there was no security around, just a local driver.” Police could not immediately be reached for comment.

Islamic religious school, they added.

Two suicide bombers were teenagers while the third was in his mid 50s, officials told reporters, adding plans for the at-

tacks were made across the border in Pakistan.

Interior ministry spokesman, Zemarai Bashary, said police had also uncovered scores of rockets which were set to be fired.

responded angrily last month when Israel announced a proj-

ect, to build a 1,600 more homes for Jews .

Australia’s most famous mobster killed MELBOURNE: Australia's most notorious mobster, jailed over a string of gangland killings which captivated the country

and left 30 people dead, was himself killed in a prison bashing today, police said.

Carl Williams, anunderworld

killer died after he suffered head injuries and went into cardiac arrest at Barwon Prison, south of Melbourne.

OHERALDO

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ING insurance sees 10% growth

Tax havens and loopholes

Tax havens exist in various parts of the world, where multinational corporations use a convenient vehicle to route many of their financial transactions. Our present tax laws were limited to dealing only with sovereign states for tax treaties. In order to close this lacunae, the Finance Act of 2009, had inserted an explanation whereby treaties could also be entered into with a specified territory. A notification has now indentified 9 such territories with which India will not enter into agreements. These will ensure that agreements with these specified territories will also take into consideration their tax neutrality and accordingly ensure that taxes on these transactions are paid for in India.

PResIDeNT’s PAY TAX An interesting piece of information on the net related to the taxes paid by President of the United States, Obama. April 15th is the last day for the filing of returns in the US. With the level of transparency that exists in that country, the White House released the details of income of the first family together with the taxes paid. The income of Obama rose to $5.5 million and the family jointly paid $1.7 million in federal income.

The rise in income was mainly due to the royalty received on the two books that became best sellers before Obama became the president of the country. Hopefully our politicians can take a cue from the transparency followed by the US President.

INDIAN PReMIeR LeAGue The talk of millions being invested in the buying of franchise for teams has attracted the attention of the tax department. Recently the Kochi IPL team was bought for a sum of Rs. 1530 crore. Where did this money come from, who are the sponsors of this team and whether this money is accounted for as their regular sources of income is something that the tax department would like to investigate?

With sum huge sums of money being generated a logical question which several are asking is whether the sum comes from known sources of income. In the instant case, much of this money has come from Dubai. India does not have a Tobin tax, that levies a tax on foreign inflows – and the tax department is really not in a position to ascertain the true identity of the money. On a larger issue – many of us would be surprised to know that the BCCI is registered as a ‘charitable institution’ – the implication being that is does not pay tax on its receipts. That such a money spinning organisation is considered a charitable enterprise makes you wonder what charity does the BCCI do? Rather the BCCI is probably the most astute business organisation that has been able to garner money in thousands of crores and to crown in all it is considered a charitable organisation – some charity or as the phrase goes – charity begins at home THe CONCePT OF CHARITY IN TAX Let us look at the concept of charity in Income tax. The definition of charity includes relief of the poor, medical relief, education, and finally any other object of general public utility. As a definition, this concept of charity cannot be found fault with since its thrust is on the relief of the poor and medical relief, which read in the context of the words, should be primarily towards to poor. Over the

BHEL gets order worth $1.35 b MUMBAI: Indian electrical equipment maker Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd said it had got an order worth 63 billion rupees ($1.35 billion) to set up two coal-fired thermal units of 800 megawatts each in Karnataka.

years, the context of poor has been forgotten and the focus has been on the words ‘medical’ ‘education’. This has resulted in all education and medical institutions clamouring for exemption under the guise that they are charitable institutions. The gross fact is that both our medial hospitals and educations institutions are run only as business proposition. In line with this trend, medical colleges set up by various business men have also claimed to be charitable institutions on the ground that medical relief is one of the parameters of the concept of charity. The fact that the trustees of both medical and technical colleges charge huge donations for admissions is often forgotten and they have regularly filed claims calling themselves charitable institutions and thereby seeking exemption from paying tax. In a bizarre case, the Pai group at Manipal run a four star hotel in Manipal – the only decent hotel available here. But since they also train students for hotel management in the same hotel, they claim an exemption on the grounds that the hotel imparts education to the students. A classic example on how law is used to serve private purposes.

MARMAGOA PORT TRusT – HOW CHARITABLe! But the most interesting aspect of the term charity – where enterprises are exempt from tax – is ‘the object of any general public utility. Under this clause, several successful businesses claimed exemptions on the ground that they were for the general public. To give you some examples – all marriages halls, trades associations, export councils other groupings that collected money on the ground that they represented specific interests claimed that they were exempt as they were set up for the purpose of general public utility. Being in Goa, you will be surprised to hear that the Murmagoa Port Trust is tax exempt since it claims to be for the general public utility. But anyone transacting any business with the Port Trust is aware that there is nothing charitable about the Port Trust, where even parking is charged for – forget about demurrage or port charges. This clause ‘any object of general public utility’ is so misused that just about any grouping – even businesses could be brought within its purview.

In order to curb the misuse of this provision since several smart tax consultants were using this loose definition to seek exemption, the last Finance Act limited the definition of charitable purposes to state that the advancement of any public object shall not be considered charitable if the organisation carries on any activity in the nature of trade, commerce, or business, or any such activity for a fee, cess or any other consideration. Thus all trade associations that charge their members for services, Port Trusts that actually do business, and marriage halls that are commercial entities will not be exempt. With this amendment several of these commercial organisations masquerading under the guise of charitable institutions are now taxable.

Tax is indeed taxing. One has to read between the lines. It requires a smart consultant to find the loopholes. Any guess why tax consultants charge so heavily?

(The author of the column is an Income Tax official.)

ReuTeRs AMSTERDAM, APRIL 19

Dutch bancassurer ING on Monday said it expected its insurance business to grow 10 percent a year going forward, driven by strong returns from its Asian unit which is coveted by other insurers.

As part of its European Union-mandated restructuring, ING plans to sell its insurance business, the world's sixth largest.

The sale, which is drawing interest from buyers, is expected to unlock a discount of as much as 60 percent in ING's shares, with proceeds seen at or above $22.37 billion.

ING said it is targeting annual growth of 18% to 20% for the Asian unit, much more than any of its other regions.

ING forecast additional an-

Software services company Prodapt, part of 110-year-old Jhaver Group, today said it has acquired US based Pacific Crest Technology for an "undisclosed" amount.

Prodapt has acquired a 100 per cent stake in Pacific Crest

Sensex tanks 190 pts

Surat emerging diamond hub PTI SURAT, APRIL 19

Surat, which polishes almost more than 95 percent of the world's diamonds, is poised to become the assorting and trading hub for the precious jewel stone in the next 3-4 years.

"Surat has all the potential of becoming the hub for direct trading and assorting of diamonds in India, with the opening of International Gemological Institute's (IGI) International Certification Laboratory here," Rohit Mehta, President Surat Diamond Association (SDA) said.

"Recently, Asit Mehta-run Blue Diamond shifted its base from Belgium to Surat, indicating the potential this city has," Mehta said adding, the firm owner is considered as an industry stalwart in deciding prices of rough diamonds.

Rough diamonds from the world come to Surat for cutting and polishing, while their assorting is done by the diamontaries in Mumbai to meet the customer-specific demands coming from foreign shores.

IGI has launched its diamond certification and stone grading laboratory in Surat, and is equipped to laser inscribe codes on diamonds, providing each one a unique identity.

PTI MUMBAI, APRIL 19

Stock markets plummeted today with the benchmark Sensex losing a sizeable 190 points to close at a one month-low amid fears of RBI signalling a rate hike in its annual monetary policy review tomorrow.

The sentiment was also greatly impacted by global markets nosediving on concerns that Goldman issue could see more skeletons of the financial crisis tumbling out of the Wall Street.

After tanking over 314 points on aggressive selling by funds, the 30-share Sensex of the Bombay Stock Exchange recovered some of the losses to settle at a one-month low of 17,400.68 points, a sharp loss of 190 points from its last close.

The 50-share Nifty Index of the National Stock Exchange declined by 1.19 per cent to 5,200 points.

Technolgoy, USA in an all cash deal, a company statement said.

The acquisition expands the city headquartered Prodapt's base in the North American market and would consolidate the company's US operations, it said.

Pacrific Crest would be re-

Aban Offshor, 1190, 1207, 1176.1, 1189.75 Abb Ltd., 836, 854.7, 831.8, 850.3 Abg Shipyard, 261.8, 263.6, 250, 251.3 Acc Limited, 920.05, 928, 913.95, 920.4 Adani Enterp, 480, 497.7, 477, 493.55 Aditya Birla, 829.7, 844.45, 791, 802.05 Allahabad Ba, 149.5, 160.65, 149.5, 159.35 Alstom Proje, 614.7, 614.7, 598.1, 606.15 Ambuja Cemen, 117, 118, 116.4, 117.15 Andhra Bank, 111.6, 114.85, 109.75, 113.6 Ansal Prop &, 80, 80.9, 78.5, 78.95 Ashok Leylan, 54.65, 54.8, 53.55, 54.2 Asian Paints, 2026.2, 2058.7, 2012.25, 2042.35 Axis Bank Li, 1140, 1164, 1128.2, 1159.3 Bajaj Hindus, 136, 136, 130.3, 131.9 Bank Of Baro, 624, 641.9, 620.1, 640.2 Bank Of Indi, 351, 361.7, 351, 354.65 Beml Limited, 1040, 1040, 1017, 1036.45 Bharat Elect, 1887, 1890, 1844.8, 1873.25 Bharat Forge, 268, 275.7, 264.1, 272.85 Bharat Petro, 495, 508, 495, 499.25 Bharti Airte, 343.7, 343.7, 298.25, 305.9 Bhel, 2470, 2499, 2435.2, 2469.85 Bhushan Stee, 1790, 1816.7, 1770, 1778.3 Biocon Limit, 285, 303.8, 285, 301.5 Bombay Dyein, 580, 581.9, 568.1, 576.35

BOARD@MEETINGS Axis Bank GTL Ballarpur Inds HCL Tech shree Om Trades BOC India Inter state Fin state Bank of Mysore Chettinad Cem Jindal Hotels Jindal saw unitech Gayatri sugars Zee entert Great Offshore Reliance Indl Infra

Source: Indiainfoline.com

IPO CORNER

"With the launch of this international diamond grading facility in Surat the industry will get a fillip. The units can begin online-trading using these certificates and also negotiate the price with overseas buyers," Chandrakant Sanghvi, regional head, Surat Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), said.

The IGI certification will attract attention of international buyers, Sanghvi said.

"In next 3-4 years a good portion of polish diamond assorting could move to Surat from Mumbai that will facilitate direct trading of the precious stone from here," MD IGI, India Tehmasp Printer said.

"Currently nearly 90% of diamond assorting is done only in Mumbai to meet specific demands of overseas clients," Printer said adding Surat has the required infrastructure for expansion in this arena, while Mumbai is far too cluttered now. Presently, very few cut and polishing houses in Surat have in-house assorting facility, Printer said.

The reason being all international trading is done directly from Mumbai where overseas clients arrive and place their demands for specific kind of diamond lots, Mehta said.

GMR eyes $100 m PE more ReuTeRs MUMBAI, APRIL 19

GMR Group aims to raise $100 million in private equity for its power business, a top official said, adding to $515 million it had collected this month.

Bangalore-based GMR, which builds and manages power plants, airports and roads, is talking to firms for the additional funding and hopes to complete the deal in up to 1-½ months, Group CFO Subbarao Amarthaluru said.

The group is expanding its Indian power capacity to 5,500 megawatts from 823 megawatts at an estimated cost of Rs 30000 crore, and is building road projects worth Rs 5000 crore, he said.

Unlisted GMR Energy, the power arm of the group, had raised $200 million in private equity from Singapore's Temasek Holdings in early April.

"As part of the private equity of GMR Energy another $100 million we are planning to raise," Amarthaluru said.

Last week, flagship GMR Infra raised $315 million from share sale to institutions. The funds raised through PE deals and share sale would be used over the next 3 years for ongoing projects, Amarthaluru said.

Proadapt buys Pacific Crest Tech PTI CHENNAI, APRIL 19

nual cost savings of $419 million by 2012 on top of its existing cost-cutting programs.

named as Prodapt North America, with Pacific Crest CEO Kerry Padrick as president.

Pacific Crest is a USD 17.2 million (Approximately Rs 80 crore) company headquartered in Oregon, USA. "Pradapt has worked with Pacific Crest Technology for over four years, delivering soft-

Bosch Limite, 4843.55, 4877, 4735.5, 4853.85 Brigade Ente, 148.5, 149.5, 140.5, 143.9 Cairn India, 302.5, 304, 296.75, 299.25 Canara Bank, 394, 394.5, 385.55, 388.1 Central Bank, 148, 154.75, 146.2, 150.25 Century Text, 525.85, 530, 514.1, 516.35 Cesc Ltd, 379.35, 390.5, 376.1, 388.75 Chambal Fert, 61.5, 61.5, 59.9, 60.65 Chennai Petr, 280, 282.85, 278.15, 279.95 Cipla Ltd, 329, 335, 322.1, 333.1 Colgate Palm, 733, 733, 720, 723.9 Container Co, 1378, 1398.7, 1333.05, 1346.95 Crompton Gre, 265.8, 265.8, 257, 264.05 Cummins Indi, 526, 528, 515.15, 520.35 Dabur India, 177.15, 182.7, 174.6, 175.05 Deccan Chron, 152.5, 158.35, 151, 155.75 Dish Tv Indi, 36.4, 36.8, 35.95, 36.6 Divi’s Labor, 700, 700.1, 685.3, 688.25 Dlf Limited, 325, 329, 315, 316.65 Dr. reddy’s, 1188.9, 1208.8, 1165.65, 1190.8 Edelweiss Ca, 439.75, 439.75, 428, 430.9 Educomp Solu, 728, 728, 695.1, 701.15 Eih Limited, 127.5, 127.5, 124, 125.5 Engineers In, 2325, 2384.8, 2302, 2368.05 Essar Oil Lt, 136, 144.25, 135.25, 143.05 Essar Shippi, 91.1, 99.8, 88, 95.7

ware services to large telecom operators. Over these years we have built a strategic partnership between the companies for the US market. This consolidation will strengthen our delivery capabilities for both wireline and wireless operators", Prodapt CEO Vedant Jhaver said.

Exide Indust, 118.75, 119.9, 118.1, 118.9 Federal Bank, 274.9, 280.65, 270, 277.55 Financial Te, 1610, 1610, 1542.1, 1547.2 Gail (india), 403.5, 409, 402.5, 404.35 Gammon India, 225.05, 226.95, 220.1, 224.95 Glaxosmithkl, 1824.9, 1863.1, 1801.45, 1851.6 Glenmark Pha, 268.25, 270.5, 265.25, 269.35 Gmr Infrastr, 62.5, 62.8, 59.6, 60.15 Godrej Indus, 161.4, 161.4, 156.65, 158.2 Grasim Indus, 2789.8, 2828, 2737, 2794.9 Great Offsho, 411.15, 414.9, 410, 414 Gtl Infra.Lt, 41.85, 42.85, 41.35, 42.1 Gujarat Mine, 139, 140.35, 137.5, 139.55 Gujarat N R, 88, 88, 84.55, 84.85 Gujarat Stat, 89, 89.65, 87.05, 89.2 Gvk Pow. & I, 44, 45.25, 43.85, 44.5 Hcl Technolo, 348.5, 352, 343, 348.9 Hdfc Bank Lt, 1950, 1958.8, 1926, 1934.1 Hdfc Ltd, 2641, 2715, 2618.45, 2693.15 Hero Honda M, 1910, 1918.8, 1878.25, 1896.4 Hindalco in, 173, 178.95, 170, 178.2 Hindustan Co, 132, 133, 129.6, 131.35 Hindustan Ma, 79, 79.5, 77.2, 77.85 Hindustan Pe, 303, 307.95, 299.3, 300.7 Hindustan Un, 226, 226.5, 223.8, 224.75 Hindustan Zi, 1200, 1218, 1187, 1209.85

Housing Dev, 292, 293, 284.6, 288.2 Icici Bank L, 913.8, 926.55, 902.55, 919.8 Idea Cellula, 66.55, 67.2, 65.1, 66.6 Ifci Ltd, 51.3, 51.3, 49.7, 50.15 India Cement, 133.9, 134, 131.15, 131.95 India Infoli, 110.45, 111.2, 109.2, 109.75 Indiabulls F, 140, 140, 132.9, 133.95 Indiabulls R, 161, 166.85, 160.05, 164.1 Indian Bank, 180.8, 185.5, 178.5, 182.1 Indian Hotel, 107, 107.85, 105.65, 106.55 Indian Oil C, 280, 286.4, 278, 280.8 Indian Overs, 93.5, 94, 92.1, 93 Indus Dev Ba, 118, 118.9, 116.75, 118.1 Indusind Ban, 180, 184.25, 172.2, 182.1 Infosys Tech, 2774.65, 2774.65, 2736, 2751.9 Infra. dev., 160.5, 162.8, 157.8, 162.25 Ispat Indust, 20, 20.15, 19.55, 19.7 Itc Ltd, 268, 273.8, 262.35, 264.85 Ivrcl Infras, 169.4, 170.1, 164.05, 168.5 Jai Corp Lim, 275.1, 275.1, 262.1, 265.85 Jaiprakash A, 146, 146.9, 143.1, 146.35 Jet Airways, 523.9, 528, 497.25, 501.8 Jindal Saw L, 216, 216.6, 212.3, 214.05 Jindal Steel, 720, 724.35, 704.8, 718.85 Jsw Steel Li, 1275, 1279.7, 1220, 1225.95 Kotak Mahind, 700, 734, 700, 724.75

Talwalkars fixes IPO price band at Rs 123-128/shr MuMBAI (ReuTeRs) : Fitness chain Talwalkars Better Value Fitness Ltd said on Monday it has priced its initial public offering to raise up to 774.4 million rupees at 123 rupees to 128 rupees a share.

The issue to sell 6.05 million shares will constitute 25.09 percent of the fully diluted post issue paid-up capital of the company, it said in a statement.

India Infoline Ltd is the sole book running lead manager to the issue, which opens on April 21 and closes on April 23.

Talwalkar, which operates 58 health clubs across 28 cities in India, plans to use the proceeds to set up 27 more in FY11 at an estimated cost of 502.2 million rupees, the firm said.

The company, which offers a diverse suite of services including gyms, spas, aerobics and health counselling, had reported a net profit of 56.87 million rupees for the year ended March 31, 2009.

India has seen a surge in IPOs after an 18-month drought ended in July 2009, powered by a stock market rally.

Nitesh Estates to set IPO at Rs 61-69 MuMBAI (ReuTeRs): Indian property firm Nitesh Estates plans to bring its $100 million initial public offer to the market later this week, as liquidity-hit developers once again brace to push share sales to cautious Indian investors.

The real estate firm, based in the southern city of Bangalore, plans to sell its public offer in a price range of 61 to 69 rupees a share, three sources with direct knowledge told Reuters on Monday.

The developer is aiming to raise 4.5 billion rupees from the offer, and has a greenshoe option to raise another 10 percent.

The issue is likely to open on April 23 and close on April 27.

Since mid-2009, about 15 Indian developers have lined up plans for initial public offers to raise about $6 billion, buoyed by an 81 percent rise in the Mumbai stock index last year and on the back of reviving property demand.

These include a $650 million offer by Lodha Developers, a $770 million offering by Emaar MGF, an Indian joint venture of Dubai's Emaar Properties, and a $650 million IPO by Sahara Prime City.

But a lacklustre stock market, a crowded calendar of public offers from state-run companies and rising interest rates are threatening to derail fundraising plans by the property firms.

Only two developers have hit the market so far in 2010. Both - Godrej Properties and DB Realty, saw poor retail demand although the issues were oversubscribed on demand from institutions.

Nitesh Estates had five residential and one commercial projects under development in Bangalore, as at November 2009, covering nearly 4 million sq ft. It is also jointly developing a hotel project under the 'Ritz-Carlton' brandname in the city.

It plans to further expand a presence in southern India by developing projects at Chennai and Kochi.

The proceeds of the public issue are to be used for funding upcoming as well as under-construction projects and to repay debt, the company said in its draft prospectus.

ICICI Securities, Kotak Mahindra Capital Co and Enam Securities are the lead managers for the issue.

Lakshmi Mach, 1974.95, 2041.8, 1940.4, 1970.75 Lanco Infrat, 54, 56.75, 53.75, 55.5 Larsen & Tou, 1566.35, 1583.4, 1546.9, 1576.35 Lic Housing, 832, 855.2, 823.15, 851.35 Lupin Limite, 1642.15, 1680, 1635.5, 1654.3 Mahanagar Te, 71.7, 72.8, 71.7, 72.5 Mahindra & M, 495, 509.45, 490.5, 503.6 Maruti Suzuk, 1352.6, 1352.6, 1324.2, 1332.3 Max India Lt, 183.9, 187.9, 175.65, 181.5 Maytas Infr., 192.4, 192.4, 184.75, 187 Moser-baer (, 74.8, 74.8, 73.3, 74 Mrpl, 76.2, 77.8, 75.3, 77.05 Nagarjuna Co, 171.9, 171.9, 166.4, 168.5 Nagarjuna Fe, 31.3, 31.3, 30.35, 30.6 National Alu, 407.6, 417.7, 393.3, 397.75 Neyveli Lign, 146.65, 147.9, 141.95, 147.25 Ntpc Ltd, 205.8, 208.9, 203.2, 206.35 Oil And Natu, 1025, 1029, 999.1, 1003.8 Omaxe Limite, 94, 94.8, 91, 92.65 Oriental Ban, 324.9, 324.9, 315.25, 319.65 Pantaloon Re, 410.25, 415, 405.45, 413 Parsvnath De, 122, 124.6, 119.55, 121.1 Petronet Lng, 80.55, 83.15, 79.2, 82.6 Power Fin Co, 254.5, 259.25, 253.2, 255.65 Power Grid C, 107.4, 107.9, 106.5, 107.55

Praj Industr, 85, 86.45, 84.35, 84.85 Punj Lloyd L, 168, 168, 162.25, 164.1 Punjab Natio, 980.05, 997.8, 970.7, 992.25 Rajesh Expor, 121.9, 129.3, 120.5, 124.05 Ranbaxy Labs, 445, 450.8, 436.3, 446 Rashtriya Ch, 78.2, 78.2, 76.6, 77.3 Rel. nat. re, 62.75, 63.05, 61.35, 62.1 Reliance Cap, 744.45, 744.45, 727.1, 731.15 Reliance Com, 167, 167.9, 164.05, 166.9 Reliance Ene, 841.01, 894.99, 841.01, 894.99 Reliance Ind, 850, 858.8, 840.2, 845.3 Reliance Ind, 1079.8, 1079.8, 1051, 1061.8 Reliance Pow, 155.1, 155.9, 152.15, 153.85 Rolta India, 181.7, 184.7, 179.6, 183.65 Satyam Compu, 92.1, 92.75, 90.9, 91.75 Sesa Goa Ltd, 467, 473.9, 456.4, 459.35 Shipping Cor, 157, 161.5, 156.5, 158 Siemens Ltd, 730.3, 733.7, 704, 710.25 Sintex Indus, 307, 317, 306.9, 314.6 Sobha Develo, 313, 315, 303.05, 311.1 State Bank O, 2039.95, 2044.9, 2012, 2032.45 Steel Author, 225, 226, 219.65, 221 Sterlite Ind, 825, 828, 801.25, 811.9 Sun Pharmace, 1789, 1791, 1749, 1763.1 Sun Tv Netwo, 424, 424, 415.05, 417.85 Suzlon Energ, 70.9, 71, 69.5, 69.8

Tata Communi, 278.6, 279.2, 274.6, 278.4 Tata Consult, 810, 825, 800.75, 811.95 Tata Motors, 766.25, 779.5, 763.4, 775.8 Tata Power C, 1321.15, 1324, 1301, 1314.05 Tata Steel L, 682.7, 688, 662.45, 669.8 Tata Tea Ltd, 984, 1045, 964.05, 992.05 Tata Teleser, 23.7, 23.95, 23.55, 23.7 Tech Mahindr, 835, 837.4, 825, 828.6 The Ge Shpg., 324, 324, 311.25, 315.35 The Phoenix, 211, 219.4, 207, 210.65 Thermax Ltd, 707, 711.8, 700.1, 705.4 Titan Indust, 2023.1, 2078.35, 2015.2, 2051.25 Torrent Powe, 291.2, 298.95, 286.55, 296.8 Triveni Engg, 130.65, 130.65, 116.65, 117.4 Tv18 India L, 80.5, 82.3, 80, 81.75 Uco Bank, 58, 60, 57.75, 59.7 Ultratech Ce, 1098.8, 1108, 1085.05, 1100.75 Union Bank O, 301, 306.65, 299.05, 304.5 Unitech Ltd, 79.5, 80.9, 78.45, 79.95 United Phosp, 148, 148, 143, 144.95 Videocon Ind, 237, 237.95, 232.1, 235 Vijaya Bank, 48.3, 48.9, 47.8, 48.4 Voltas Ltd, 180.5, 181.6, 175.15, 180.55 Welspun Guj, 268, 268, 260.4, 262.2 Wipro Ltd, 717, 719.9, 701.1, 704.1 Yes Bank Lim, 245, 255.3, 245, 253.85

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RBI to announce policy today PTI MUMBAI, APRIL 19

Warning that soaring prices could 'dampen' economic recovery, RBI today said its annual monetary policy tomorrow may focus on containing inflation -- a move that may see the apex bank raising key rates.

RBI said monetary management in the current fiscal will be dominated by the challenge of moderating inflation and anchoring inflation expectations, while remaining supportive of growth impulses.

"While recovery in private demand needs to be stronger to reinforce the growth momentum, already elevated headline inflation suggests that the weight of policy balance may have to shift to containing inflation, since high inflation itself will dampen recovery in growth," the Reserve Bank said in its report on Macroeconomic and Monetary Developments, 2009-10.

Growth itself, according to a professional forecasters survey commissioned by RBI, is seen

at 8.2% this fiscal. In FY'10, the economy is expected to expand by 7.2%.

The central bank said that with the improving growth outlook, monetary and fiscal exit measures have started, but warned that an ill-planned exit from monetary and fiscal stimulus would mar growth.

RBI, which eased its monetary policy stance in the wake of the global financial meltdown in 2008, has already raised its short term lending and borrowing rates (repo and reverse repo) by 25 basis points and asked banks to keep more money with it and in government securities, gold and cash -- moves aimed at tempering demand for loans and, in turn, consumer spending.

Expectations are already rife that RBI would further squeeze money supply and make borrowings costlier to cool inflation, which is near the 10 per cent level and is spreading to manufactured items from food products.

RBI itself said, "The initial in-

flationary pressure was predominantly conditioned by rising food and fuel prices, reflecting the impact of deficient monsoon on agriculture output and increase in international crude prices. In the second half of the year, with persistent supply side pressures, inflation became increasingly generalised," the central bank said in the macro economic review.

This is evident from the acceleration of inflation in nonfood manufactured products from (-)0.4 per cent in November, 2009 to 4.7 per cent in March, 2010, RBI said.

RBI further said inflation, as measured by consumer price indices also remained high, though there was some moderation in February, 2010.

"These inflationary conditions, coupled with the stronger momentum seen in the pace of economic recovery, created the compelling ground for altering the Reserve Bank's policy focus to anchoring inflation expectations," the Reserve Bank said.

HIGHLIGHTS PTI MUMBAI, APRIL 19

Following are the highlights of the RBI's Macroeconomic and Monetary Developments in 2009-10 report released today. n FY'11 growth seen at 8.2%: RBI pro. forecasters' survey n FY'10 growth seen at 7.2 per cent n Anchoring inflation without hurting growth to be focus n Strong headline inflation key policy concern n High inflation could hamper economic recovery n Inflation likely to moderate over next few months n Net capital inflows expected to increase in current year n Higher capital inflows influence asset prices domestic liquidity and exchange rate n Sharp growth in key asset prices in India—domestic equity market and housing prices n Strong rebound in asset prices to be monitored closely n Overall liquidity conditions comfortable.

Airlines angry over Europe airspace closure PTI LONDON, APRIL 19

Air carriers slammed governments today for their "blanket approach" to the volcano crisis that paralysed European airspace for a fifth day, with Britain announcing it would deploy two Navy warships on a dramatic operation to rescue 150,000 Britons stranded abroad.

Airlines voiced growing anger at the mass shutdown that has left millions of passengers stranded, as European transport ministers prepared to hold a video conference to work out how to get around the chaos.

Around 30 per cent of the scheduled flights, an estimated 8,000 to 9,000 compared to the usual 28,000, were expected to take off today, mostly in the southern parts of the continent that are still untroubled by the volcanic ash from Iceland's Eyjafjallokull volcano, Eurocontrol said.

Slamming the governments, the International Air Transport Association expressed dissatisfaction with how governments have managed the crisis, "with no risk assessment, no consultation, no coordination and no leadership".

Contending that the decision to close the European airspace was based on theory rather than facts, the IATA asked the governments to deal the issue with "greater urgency".

Nearly seven million passengers have been affected by the closures which governments say are essential for safety reasons.

After a meeting of his emergency planning committee, UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown

said Royal warships HMS Ark Royal and HMS Ocean will be made available for a relief effort to rescue stranded Britons.

Brown announced that Spain's Madrid airport, which remained clear of the ash cloud, is likely to be used as a hub for stranded Britons returning from Asia, Africa and the US. Travellers could then be ferried by bus and train to Spanish and Channel ports, to be picked up by the Navy ships.

Pressure has been mounting on the govt to end the flight ban which is costing airlines up to 200 million pounds a day.

"I think the first thing we have got to see is the safety of air passengers which is of paramount importance," Brown, flanked by Transport Secretary Lord Adonis and Foreign Secretary David Miliband, told reporters.

All the major airports in Western Europe remained close but authorities in Sweden, Romania, Croatia and the Czech Republic announced the resumption of flights.

Switzerland and Denmark allowed aircraft to fly through their airspace but only above specific altitudes.

Some European carriers, including Air France, British Airways and KLM, who held test flights said they reported no problems. They had launched test flights yesterday and today to test fears that the ash cloud would destroy jet engines.

The ash began spewing from an Icelandic volcano on Wednesday and has drifted across most of Europe, shutting down airports as far south and east as Bulgaria.

The shutdown is estimated to cost the European travel in-

dustry more than 1 billion pounds in cancelled flights and hotel rooms and the pilots' union Balpa warned that recession-hit airlines were 'staring bankruptcy in the face'.

The economic effect of the air ban was demonstrated this morning as shares in key airlines plummeted.

British Airways shares fell as much as six per cent, while

later this afternoon," he said.

Nats, the air traffic control body, announced that UK's flight restrictions will extend until at least 1 am tomorrow.

German air traffic control, which earlier had temporarily relaxed its flight restrictions and allowed airports to operate for a few hours, extended flight ban until afternoon.

Airports in Frankfurt, Berlin,

Indian carriers to fly polar route AGeNCY NEW DELHI, APRIL 19

Indian carriers Air India, Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines will now fly to the US and Canada taking the polar route, an official said Monday.

The polar route refers to an aircraft route across the uninhabited polar ice cap region. Its operations are entirely north of Alaska and over Siberia.

The airlines used to take the London and Frankfurt route but had to suspend their flights for four consecutive days after plumes of volcanic ash from Iceland drifted over western and northern Europe since Thursday.

'Currently our flights cannot operate to north European destinations following volcanic ash spreading over Europe,' an Air India official said.

The airline will operate its flights from Delhi to New York and New York to Delhi, and also Mumbai-New York and New YorkMumbai flights through the polar route (via Helsinki).

Private carrier Jet Airways has started its Delhi-Toronto and Mumbai-New York flights with a stopover at Athens (Greece). budget rival Easyjet saw its stock plunge four per cent.

"Today we are looking at the results of test flights that have been up in the air yesterday and today and looking also at manufacturers' recommendations, but that will be dealt with by the European Council meeting of transport ministers that will be held by video link

Erfurt, Leipzig and Hannover were given permission yesterday to operate until 20.00 hours (local time), Germany's air traffic control authority DFS said.

The decision to ease the flight ban was taken on the basis of the concentration of volcanic ash in atmosphere and the direction in which volcanic

ash clouds from Iceland were drifting, according to a DFS spokesperson.

Frustrated European travelers stranded overseas struggled to find alternate routes home, desperate for information on flights into the few airports that were still operating.

Flights into Rome, Athens and Madrid were sought after as the backlog of passengers meant many faced long waiting lists.

With the Easter break coming to an end, thousands of schoolchildren and scores of teachers will be missing from classrooms as the unprecedented closure of British airspace prevents families making their way home from holidays.

There were fears the crisis threatens to send UK back into recession as weather forecasters warned the fears of volcanic ash heading over the UK could continue until Friday.

Desperate to stop Britain being plunged into a deeper economic crisis, Brown has said travel companies could be able to claim compensation from the EU's 'solidarity fund'.

Travel experts say it could take up to a fortnight for flights to return to normal even after the ban is lifted.

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair's role in the election campaign was also affected by the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud as he remained stranded in Jerusalem.

Blair's spokesman said: "Tony Blair is in the Middle East in his role as Quartet Representative at the moment. He is planning to be back this week to rejoin the campaign trail but that is obviously subject to him being able to travel".

Philips outsources TV biz

Canara Bank opens branch in Leicester

PTI NEW DELHI, APRIL 19

PTI LONDON, APRIL 19

Consumer electronics giant Philips said it has outsourced its entire TV business, including manufacturing, distribution and selling, to Videocon industries.

"The brand licensing agreement under which Videocon assumes responsibility for the sourcing, distribution, marketing and sales of all Philips'' consumer television activities in India is aimed at bringing the TV business back into profitability from 2010 onwards," Philips Electronics India MD and CEO Murali Sivaraman said.

He said the agreement is only limited to TV segment and is for five years.

Few years ago, Philips had entered a similar arrangement with Japanese firm Funai for their TV business in the US, which proved to be very successful, and the company has decided to replicate the idea in India, Sivaraman said.

"Videocon will ensure that consumers of Philips-branded TVs can continue to count on the same premium quality, design and innovation associated with the Philips brand," he said.

The Netherlands-based company, which is operating in India for over 80 years, had earlier announced a strategic shift in focus on healthcare and life-style segment to promote its products in the country.

Canara Bank has become the latest Indian bank to open a branch in the East Midlands town of Leicester, which has a large minority population of Indian origin. The branch was inaugurated by A C Mahajan, the MD of the bank.

At the opening ceremony, he said, "This shows the importance of Leicestershire's diverse, multicultural and business achievements. We are here to make Leicestershire a leading commercial hub.

"The leader of the Leicester City Council, Veejay Patel, who attended the opening last week, said, "As the ward councillor, I am very proud that the ''Golden Mile'' continues to be an attractive proposition for investment," in a reference to the bank''s location on the city''s main commercial road. "Clearly, the vibrancy of Belgrave Road is an important part of Leicester''s international reputation.

HMIL’s Santa Fe this year in India PTI CHENNAI, APRIL 19

Korean automobile major Hyundai Motor India Ltd would introduce its popular Sports Utility Vehicle 'Santa Fe' in the Indian market as a Completely Built Unit (CBU) this year, a company official said.

Santa Fe was first introduced

globally in 2001 as Hyundai's first SUV. "We will bring the Santa Fe SUV to India this year. It will be completely built unit. But after two-three years we may consider it for manufacturing as (Completely Knocked Down) unit", company's MD Hang-Woo Park told reporters at the side-

lines of a function here.

HMIL Marketing and Sales VP Arvind Saxena said the existing SUV, Tucson, would not compete with Santa Fe as both are built on different platforms.

"There are no plans to give a facelift to Tucson.It will not compete with Santa Fe". However he declined to name a

price for the new variant.

On plans to introduce a 800cc small car, he it was in the development stage and was planned to be launched in India by 2011. HMIL had invested close to Rs 800 crore on producing the car, whichwould be slotted below Hyundai Santro, he said.

Godrej in talks to buy Argentine Co ReuTeRs MUMBAI, APRIL 19

Personal care products maker Godrej Consumer Products Ltd is in talks with Argentina-based hair colour products firm, Issue Group Co, for a possible buyout, The Times of India said on Monday.

An announcement is expected to be made soon, the news report said citing industry sources whom it did not name. The report did not give any financial details.

Adi Godrej, Godrej group's chairman, told the paper the group does not comment on market speculation.

Reuters was unable to reach officials at Godrej or Issue group immediately.

Godrej already has a board approval to raise up to 30 billion rupees through debt and equity for mergers and acquisitions, and so funding the buy will not be difficult, the report added.

Issue Group is a familyowned business with subsidiaries in Mexico, Brazil and Uruguay and products present in 25 countries.

Bihar's litchis are food for wine AGeNCY PATNA, APRIL 19

It's sweet, pulpy, juicy and perfect wine material. The litchi may soon be seen in a new avatar as two private companies are keen to use the fruit - that grows in abundance in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district - to produce wine.

Kingfisher and Litchika International have approached Muzaffarpur-based National Litchi Research Centre to sign memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to use its technology for making litchi-flavoured wine, said K K Kumar, director of the centre.

Kumar said that scientists at the centre had developed litchiflavoured wine by mixing pulpy extracts of the fruit with various types of spirits. They replicated the technology after conducting preliminary laboratory experiments in Thailand and Beijing.

The union agriculture ministry recently approved the litchi centre's proposal to transfer its technology of making litchi- flavoured wine. Kumar said several food processing companies based in Maharashtra, Karnataka and New Delhi had submitted proposals for an MoU with the centre. The expert committee constituted by the agriculture ministry cleared the names of Kingfisher and Litchika International for the venture.

Last year Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) director Mangala Ram had impressed upon Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar that the state could increase its revenue by using the 'shahi litchi' variety of the fruit, largely grown in Muzaffarpur, for making wine. Impressed by the proposal, the state government decided to set up plants in Muzaffarpur for this purpose.

Officials at the centre said wine from the fruit would help litchi farmers. 'They would not be forced to sell litchis at throwaway prices and there will be less chance of damage due to poor processing and packaging facilities,' one of them said.

About 70 percent of litchis produced in India are grown in Muzaffarpur and neighbouring districts, with the number of farmers engaged in growing the fruit increasing in the last decade.

Iron ore glut threatens as miners dig new lode ReuTeRs SYDNEY, APRIL 19

Iron ore miners may end up regretting a hard-won fight to establish spot-market pricing as the industry benchmark if a barrage of new mine production turns today's supply deficit into tomorrow's glut.

Conventional wisdom has miners on a fast track to riches for years to come as China, the world's top producer and buyer of iron ore and maker of steel, continues to pursue rapid economic growth and a global economic recovery takes hold.

But even with spot ore prices rocketing above $175 a tonne , the highest on record, more than a few industry players are weighing whether dozens of new and expanding iron ore mine projects will outstrip steel demand and send prices into reverse as soon as 2012.

"We'll take the higher prices when they come, but we must also be ready to accept a drop in a down market," said Mike Young, managing director of Australia-based BC Iron, who plans to hedge output for the first time to protect against future price drops.

A turnaround in iron ore prices could hit BHP Billiton, Vale, Rio Tinto and other miners furiously digging for more supplies.

Current demand for 1.3 billion tonnes of iron ore produced annually suggests a deficit, according to official

Australian government forecasts. But that deficit could vanish if iron ore output matches growth forecasts of 50 percent more ore by 2015.

At the same time steel output is widely forecast to grow by only a third, to about 1.7 billion tonnes.

The new iron ore pricing regime started on April 1, with reports BHP was paid $131 a tonne for its ore under AprilJune contracts based on the average January-March average spot price -- more than twice last year's fixed price.

Rio Tinto last week became the last of the world's top three producers of iron ore, who control two-thirds of total seaborne iron ore trade worth about $88 billion in 2008, to dump benchmark pricing, despite bitter opposition from steelmills.

The price over the following three months will be determined by the indexed, or averaged, spot price between April and June.

NeW suPPLIes sPAN THe GLOBe Australia, the world's largest exporter of iron ore, expects to ramp up its annual shipments by 40 percent to 552 million tonnes over the next five years.

More than two dozen mines are proposed or under development in Australia, some of which could contribute hundreds of millions more tonnes to worldwide supply.

Gindalbie Metals, which holds a $65 billion life-of-mine sales contract with China's Ansteel, has the potential to produce 30 million tonnes of ore annually for three decades from the Mid-West region of Western Australia.

Unlike the rich Pilbara iron belt to the north that has sustained BHP and Rio for decades, the Mid-West is only now starting to yield the first of an estimated 1.5 billion tonnes of ore.

"Gindalbie and the others in the Mid-West haven't even begun to tap the potential there," said Gindalbie Managing director Garett Dixon. "That means a lot more ore going out the door."

China has also taken higher iron ore prices as a cue to dig at home and hopefully find richer supplies in the face of declining grades to lessen its reliance on imports.

Globally there are projects from West Africa to Brazil such as the Caraja Serra Sul project which alone will yield 10 million tonnes more ore than is needed to meet 50 milliontonne-per-year growth in global steel production forecast by Hatch Corporate Finance Chief Rod Bellows.

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Tuesday, 20 April, 2010

Parenting

Pg14

Lemony Skins and Healthy Curves

Choosing the Right Career Mahatma Gandhi’s words, “The future depends on what we do in the present,” hold a wealth of wisdom in them. The choice of what we are to become is not merely a decision based on what’s current, but more an understanding of what we really want to be

BY CHRISTINA VIEGAS world over HERALD FEATURES Women the dies emember the time when you had just ning their bo at n ta re a stepped into your teens and your body r th as they vie fo are went through those mysterious and changes of bloom leaving you self conhealthy glow ce well scious and confused? To make matters oti worse, most parents in India think it is taboo to itting up to n . Indian s discuss these changes with their daughters. Most ies stocked bod blessed times perhaps, you tried to carry a bag in front of you to conceal your blossoming breasts and even women are wore a ‘dupatta’ to look after your glowing skin aits, so with these tr from the harsh sun. But, suddenly your friendly em hunk in college who you played basket ball with, celebrate th devoid of any inhibitions, starts regularly scanning your frame and openly admires you from front and behind and remarks, “What a sexy lemony skin tone! solutely Throw off your ‘dupatta’. Let the sun tan you.” Or, baffling, isn’t it? Isn’t he supposed to “Wow what well-toned calves! Do you cycle regularly?” fall for your fair skinned friend?

And suddenly, you are extremely Clearing all your doubts, Goa’s daruncomfortable and want to ling fashion designer Monty Sally enhide in a cave but at the same lightens, “A man will admire many time as a human you feel women externally. But he is not atflattered too. Yes, that’s tracted just by skin colour, body or when you realise that you looks. What draws him to you is your are at the threshold of bepersonality and mannerisms and defcoming a lady and start initely your intelligence.” Inform understanding Monty that the Fashion Industry beauty. needs to be hailed high for being But unfortu- the pioneers in breaking this myth nately the idea that only fair is beautiful and he of beauty that affirms, “Remember, fashion is a was ingrained in form of art. Dressing up a dusky you is centuriesskinned model with bright colours old: Fair is beautiful!

Besides, you are ex- is a piece of art. The darker tone posed to the trends of is more beautiful and alluring.”

Affirming this are many young the West: fair-skinned, light-eyed, reed-thin men who vouch that the honeyed, anorexic models are por- lemony, bronze, dusky, whatever trayed as beautiful women. shades, are most alluring. Malaika Arora had stated To add to this, our actresses how she was refused many opportunities due to her and models start aping the dark skin, yet today even after marriage and a child, West and bring in the trends men lust after her. In the present modelling scenario, of size zero. Before that, we the Indian models happily enlighten, “The models always had Bollywood epito- in the West spend hours in the sun to acquire mising the ‘gori ladki’ as the that sexy tone and very often they use bronzer. beautiful object while the But we are naturally blessed with it. And dark darker skinned girl was the skins look younger and healthier.” A male model loser. Yet, at the college social, once quipped, “If you have a honey-toned babe the tall charmer who always got and you haven’t relished ice cream or honey off her your heart in a flutter with his body, you don’t know what pleasure means.” witty one-liners, walks up to you While the fashion industry is progressive, the ad and asks you to dance with him, world and Bollywood is still regressive. The ‘Fair and overlooking your fair-skinned gor- Lovely’ ads are most obscene. And to think a star of geous friend. After some bonding, Shahrukh Khan’s calibre endorses such an ad, is pahe tells you he has feelings for thetic. And while the conventional Bollywood heroine you and not your friend. Ab- is still portrayed as the plum n peaches beauty, in

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BY FREEDA ALBUQUERQUE ameer loved languages. English literature was his favourite. He dreamt about being a writer. It varied, sometimes to be a journalist or a fiction writer and other times to be a copy writer or a script writer or even a poet. He actively pursued his dream by participated in school activities that needed writing.

Sameer’s parents, however, had different plans for him. He was forced into science after completing class ten. He passed Class twelve but failed the entrance exams that would get him into medicine. Economics was his parents next option. Finding himself in a completely strange territory, he lost interest in further education. The parents were at a loss to understand the matter. They nagged him for not applying himself to anything. They blamed him for not having an aim in life. Upon comparison he felt frustrated watching his friends getting on well in their chosen careers and slumped into depression.

At present, young India is passing through a golden age of opportunities. Professions are emerging in numerous disciplines and career options are growing incredibly.

However, it is the choice that is the most difficult to make. You may obtain a high percentage in your exams; but choosing a career is more difficult than enjoying excellent results. The need for career guidance can never be overstated.

Today, parents and schools bear not only academic but also career guidance responsibility. The process of career guidance stretches throughout the secondary and higher secondary school. If it is planned and implemented carefully, upon a student’s completion of class ten, she/he is placed in the appropriate study stream leading to the choice of an optimum career choice when class twelve is complete.

A good career planning is based on aptitude, attitude, interest and personality of the student Today there is a surfeit of information on career options in newspapers, magazines and the Internet. However, just information may not be enough to decide upon a career; guidance is very important. Here are some guiding points before choosing a career Identification: One of the best ways to identify a career is to make a list of the probable options in your chosen stream. Let the list be long enough from which you would be able to pick the top three options.

Acquaintance: Expose yourself to know more about your top three choices from your teachers, elders and those who are working in these fields. Try to read as much as possible from news papers and books.

Evaluation: After being acquainted with your top three choices evaluate them and review your evaluation regularly. This depends upon how much knowledge you have gathered about them and studied their merits and demerits.

Decision: The above three steps would arouse in you adequate awareness of not only the career options but also your own self-awareness in relationship to them. If you are true to yourself then you would know the single and ultimate career you would like to choose. Seeing your clear plans and the right attitude as to what you would like to become in life, your parents will understand and support you. The parents are often forced to take decisions for their children because the children have not shown in their attitude and interest their clear choice.

(The writer is an experienced teacher, administrator, counsellor and career guide for over three decades. She is one of the founder members of the Seat of Wisdom Educational Soceity, Goa and leads a consulting team within and outside Goa which serves schools and colleges)

­H­O­R­O­S­C­O­P­E Spending time with family will create strong, positive emotions. Call your parents. Let things pro(21 Mar – 19 Apr) ceed naturally today -you need to make sure that you're not just acquiescing to someone else's discomfort, or even your own.

Life should pick back up pretty quickly.

Too much emotion will distract you from getting things done. Stay in check. A big interruption (23 Sep – 22 Oct) comes at just the wrong moment today -- but it's not all bad!

In fact, you may get great news or reunite with someone you haven't seen in ages, so try not to let it bother you.

Clear the air and communicate your feelings.

They want to make things right. Good news comes (20 Apr – 20 May) your way, most likely a 'yes' from someone you were hoping to hear from soon. It's a good time to solidify deals and expand your plans to include those you know you can trust.

Use your intuition to start deep conversations with people you're curious about. Your intuition is (23 Oct – 21 Nov) usually pretty helpful, but today it's absolutely vital! You probably couldn't get by without your hunches and inspirations, so make sure you've got a direct line to the subconscious.

If someone accuses you of being a tightwad, it's a compliment. You have control. Your financial (21 May – 21 Jun) situation might be troubling you today, but there's good news: Your mindset is just about right for handling complex issues.

You may need help, but that's not hard to come by.

Opposites attract -- if you're feeling uneasy, be patient. It will bring out the best. You need to find (22 Nov – 21 Dec) a new depth -- it's not so hard, really. Your probing mind is on the hunt for ideas and world views that can enrich your current goals, and you should be happy with what you find.

It's a good thing you have so much energy -you'll need it for all your adventures. Your emo(22 Jun – 22 Jul) tional state is just about as strong as can be today, barring any sudden shocks. You may want to invest some time in building up a relationship that means quite a bit to you.

Pay attention to the issues at hand; don't dwell on what may happen later. This is not a (22 Dec – 19 Jan) good time for procrastination -- not that there ever really is a great time! If you put off anything today, it turns out to be twice as complex tomorrow, and more so after that.

Be calm. Controlling your emotions sets others at ease and makes you a hero. You may not know (23 Jul – 22 Aug) exactly how you know what's really going on, but trusting your hunches is definitely the way to go today. Your conscious mind has enough to deal with, so leave it to autopilot!

Emotions can make things difficult but they teach you a lot. Live and learn. You need to move (20 Jan – 18 Feb) beyond your current weird emotional baggage -- it's not helping you, that's for sure! It's a really good time to walk away from bad situations, even if you're somewhat uncertain.

Help organize the next family reunion; you'll make some great re-connections. Your interac(23 Aug – 22 Sep) tions with others should go swimmingly today -- you're having too much fun to hang out on your own! You may want to host, or at least suggest, something for others to rally around.

Put yourself in a situation where you can entertain: socially, in song, or in love. You're having (19 Feb – 20 Mar) more fun than usual today, which might raise eyebrows if you're stuck behind a desk or otherwise preoccupied -- but who cares? You should be able to get others to join in.

If you can lie, you probably can act: Anupam Kher

My Mother My World Here is a global platform for school students to showcase their talent in arts and crafts, while at the same time, creatively highlighting their love for their mothers

V

HERALD FEATURES verybody loves and respects their mothers, and to some, especially children, their mums mean the world to them. To provide an opportunity for children to pay a tribute to their mothers and at the same time, showcase their talent in art and crafts, Pidilite Industries Ltd has organised the annual International Art and Craft Contest ’09. The final round of this contest is scheduled to be held in Goa along the sandy beaches of Utorda on April 21, 2010.

The contest which had over 7 lakh students participating from all around the world will culminate when the 60 finalists will compete in creating masterpieces thanking their mothers for their constant love and support. “The contest is titled ‘My Mother, My World’ and the students participating are free to visualise and create what their hearts’ desire,”

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eteran actor Anupam Kher, who runs an acting school called Actor Prepares, believes those who can lie can make good actors.

“Every human being has the capability to act. Anyone who can lie can be an actor,” said the talented actor. “But the journey between lying at home and lying in front of the public and in front of the camera can be taught,” he added.

Prior to the live audition and screen test of a national beauty contest, Kher gave the finalists a short training and seemed quite impressed with some. “I would love to produce and direct a film with these participants,” he said.

He is also looking forward to direct and act with his son Sikander but waiting for the right script.

“I want to work with him (Sikander). I would like to find a script which I would love to make a film on and look forward to acting with him as well,” he said.

real life, majority of the gorgeous gals are dark skinned whether Bipasha Basu who has redefined that black is beautiful, or the well-toned Lara Dutta, or the gorgeous Deepika Padukone or the small but curvaceous Priyanka Chopra. In fact, getting to the physical aspect, Bipasha went on to state, “Real women need to have curves.” Actress Vidya Balan had said, “How stupid we Indian women are in trying to acquire those reed-thin Western bodies? Most of us are blessed with curvaceous figures which is so beautiful.” As for the men, the majority want a well endowed lady.

Hollywood actress, Renee Zelwegger had pined, “I crave to have a voluptuous body. But what to do? I have to make the best of what I have.”

Yes, ultimately, it is not whether you are fair-skinned, or dark-toned or oozing honey that makes you sexy and beautiful. Sexiness and beauty stems from within; from a positive attitude and outlook towards life. It stems from being a happy, friendly, caring and helpful soul. You can croon to a mal-nourished baby in an orphanage or get a senior citizen in a home-for-the-aged to enjoy an evening by wheeling him in the garden, and feel sexy and beautiful at being a sensitive woman.

You can suck cashew apples in a cashew farm as the friendly locals goad you on, and feel beautiful. You can hang out with colleagues (doesn’t matter whether they are male or female) at a coffee shop at some crazy hour of the night discussing crazier things and still feel light and sexy. Or you can complete designing pages way past the witching hour and feel beautiful and sexy as you admire your creativity.

says Madhusudhan Kamat, of the Kambros Trading & Marketing.

“The theme can be interpreted as the student wishes; it can pay tribute to the mothers who offer undying support to their children or it can represent the love of Mother Nature who provides our every necessity,” explains Kamat. The contest is not only a platform for students to unleash their creative ability but also an excellent opportunity for the students to interact with children from across the globe and facilitate a competitive spirit.

The contest which will host 36 international and 24 Indian finalists are divided into 5 categories ranging from painting to various other craft forms, and each finalist will work on their individual works. “The entire contest will be sponsored by Pidilite,” says Kamat.

The morning session will involve the creation of the items, while the evening session will see the judging of the works by some of the foremost names in the Goa’s art circuit including personnel form the Art College, Kala Academy and eminent artists. “The Chief Guest will be the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and Asha Digambar Kamat will present various awards to the winners of this International contest,” said Kamat.

Gisele Bundchen – from Catwalks to Flip-flops S

upermodel Gisele Bundchen insists that she could never be a fashion designer. The 29-year-old supermodel, who gave birth to her first child in December, admits she wouldn’t have the skills or the patience to create clothes and accessories fulltime, but did enjoy working on her flip-flop collection, Ipamema, with Brazil’s largest shoe company Grendene.

“I am very inspired by nature and like to use that for my ideas, but actually designing them - no way. I would be a disaster,” Bundchen said.

The Brazilian beauty says she is more focused on her creations being environmentally-friendly rather than how much she helped design them. “Nature is very close to my heart, and it is important for me that people who buy my flip-flops are made aware of the environment,” she added.

Despite being one of the world’s most successful supermodels, Bundchen admitted she was initially terrified when she entered the fashion industry so invented a second persona. “I was in the fashion shows in Milan, I was 17, I was doing like 100 shows.

People were asking, ‘How does it feel to be the model of the moment?’ It was hard for me to answer as myself. I barely spoke English. I thought: I have to give my best because they trust me with that. I invented this other person, and she could do everything.

She wasn’t afraid; she was able to be risky and sexy or androgynous. She was bold.

I had to believe in myself as this person that was strong, up-front, invincible, and positive, who knew what she was doing, even though I really didn’t,” Bundchen said.

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GOA’S HEARTBEAT Tuesday, 20 April, 2010

WHAT’S UP IN GOA??

‘My Mother My World’, the finals of the International Art and Craft Contest 2009, organised by Pidilite Industries Limited will be held at Hotel Kenilworth, Beach Resort and Spa, Utorda on April 21. Call 6698888 and 2755555.

A painting exhibition by Saniya S Lotlikar will be held on April 20 and 21 from 10am to 7:30pm at the Kala Academy, Panjim. Call 2420452.

Art Exhibition ‘White & Rustic’ by Evita and Rudi D’Silva will be on display at the Yellow Wall Art Gallery, Colva.

Art exhibition, ‘Groupe de Cinque’ featuring five Goan artistes will be on display till April 22 between 10am to 7:30pm. Call 2420452.

The Kala Academy Annual Day will take place at the Kala Academy, Panjim on April 23 at 5:30pm. Call 2420452.

The presentation ceremony of the Yuva Srujan Puraskar will take place at the Kala Academy, Panjim on April 20 at 3:30pm. The ‘puraskar’ is presented to eight personalities for their contribution and excellence in the field of art and culture. Call 2420452.

A tribute to Goan writer, the late Violet Dias Lannoy will be held through a public reading programme that will take place at the Kala Academy, Panjim on April 23 at 6pm. Call 2420452.

The art exhibition, ‘Mixed Media on Canvas’ is on display till April 24 at the Sunaparanta – Goa Centre for the Arts, Altinho, Panjim. Call 2421311.

Spoken-Konkani Learning Class’, organised by the Ganga-Zuari Academy and the NIO Staff Club will begin on April 25 every Monday, Friday and Sunday at the Community Center, NIO Colony, Dona Paula. Call 9890606240 or 9422414311.

The Pinhole Photography Contest 2010 exhibition will be held on April

LAFFS

WORD OF THE DAY

legerdemain

Funny Quote

Pronunciation lej-ur-duh-MAIN Function Noun Meaning 1 : sleight of hand 2 : a display of skill, trickery, or artful deception Example Sentence The legerdemain with which the magician performed was awe inspiring.

SUDOKU 532

25, Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day at the Art Chamber, Calangute. It will be open to the public till May 10.

Other events like workshops, lectures, photography quiz will run alongside the exhibition. Call 2277144.

A pottery workshop by Geeta Sahu will take place at the International Centre Goa, Dona Paula on May 1 and 2.

Call 9765404391, 9975702588 or 2452805-10.

A 6-month part time training programme for pre-school teachers, organised by Sethu will run from the month of June to December 2010 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The last date to register is May 15. Call 6513749. Email reachus@sethu.in.

A 3-day residential training camp, ‘AURA of Success’, conducted by the Global Academy of Meta Mind Management (GAMMA) from April 23 to 25 at Miramar, Panjim. Call 9096938269.

E-mail amey.hegde@gmail.com. Visit www.metamindmanagement.com.

A communication aides training programme, ‘Tell Me More’ for children with language impairments will be held in the month of May. The last date to register is April 27. Call 65137489. Email reachus@sethu.in.

The publication ceremony of Sant Juvamvam Promanem Jezu Kristachem Subhvortaman (Gospel according to St John), translated by Suresh Amonkar, will take place on April 20 at 4:45pm at the Goa State Museum Auditorium, Patto, Panjim.

Call 2438006 or .2437306.

An art exhibition titled ‘Spanish Eyes’, by Spanish artist, Matildalamora will open on April 24 at 7:30pm at the Gallery Gitanjali, Fontainhas,Panjim.

It will remain open to the public till April 30. Call 09823572035.

“A conference is a gathering of important people who singly can do nothing, but together can decide that nothing can be done.”

– Fred Allen DAILY GROOK CHEAT CHAT

by Francis Rodrigues gossipers suffer the abnormality of grouping in a heard mentality!

Education

CURR

10:30 Crime Patrol 11:00 Godh Bharaai 11:30 C.I.D 12:00 C.I.D 12:30 C.I.D Classics 19:00 Godh Bharaai 20:00 Comedy Circus Mahasangram 21:30 Crime Patrol 22:00 C.I.D Classics 23:00 Mahi Way

11:00 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi 11:30 Pavitra Rishta 12:00 Do Saheliyaan

Travel

email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com

Tourism

Parenting

Pg15

Earth Day 2010 April 22 is celebrated as Earth Day. In light of the day The International Centre Goa, Dona Paula and Alliance Française, Panjim have collaborated to put up a green programme open to one and all Date: April 22, 2010 Venue: The International Centre Goa, Dona Paula Programme: 9:30am - Tree Plantation 10.00am - Exhibition of posters Best out of Waste Competition Drawing Competition (theme Save Earth) 4.00pm - Screening of ‘Saimakade Samvad Dialogue with Nature’, a film by Rajeshree Bandodkar Karapurkar 4:30pm - Screening of Home, a documentary by French photographer, Yann-Arthus 6:15pm - Panel Discussion on ‘Protecting our Earth’ by Clinton Vaz; Rajeshree Bandodkar Karapurkar on ‘Importance of Living with Nature’ 7:15pm - Prize distribution Phone: 2452805-10 or 2452812 Cell: 9765404391

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Youthful Triumph at the Goan Heritage Photography Contest HERALD FEATURES he Gonsalves Mansion, this Monday played host to the prize distribution of the Goan Heritage Photography Contest.

The contest, organised by the Heritage Jazz, aimed at providing a platform for young talent to blossom. To its immense help was 13-year-old Sahil Prabhudesai who took a large section of the creative work under his wing. The judges for the contest were experienced photographers Prasad Pankar and Anoop Negi.

The three categories to the competition included ‘Sceneries of Goa’, ‘Homes of Goa’ and ‘Carnival and Shigmo’ and each were divided into two sub-categories, a Group A for talent under 13 years and Group B for talent between 13 to 18 years.

Saloni Pendharkar (Group A) and Nathan Fernandez (Group B) took home prizes in the ‘Sceneries of Goa’ category. The ‘Carnival and Shigmo’ category saw Naitik Jain (Group A) and Anriel Almeida (Group B) as the winners. The last category saw Naitik Jain (Group A) again bag the first place in ‘The Homes of Goa’ category while Devika Martins (Group B) was the other winner. Saish Borkar and Sarvesh Sundaram were adjudged as the most promising photographers and won a chance to train under Prasad Pankar at his studio in Mapusa.

In his closing speech, Prasad Pankar said, “The camera is only your tool to great photography, it is not everything, your outlook to your surroundings is what makes you stand out from a crowd of photographers.”

He advised the young faces to utilise photography as an art form rather than a bland documentation of life.

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Memorable M Moments of Miss Goa 2010

BY RUSSEL D’COSTA HERALD FEATURES iss Goa 2009-2010 was a gala. Held at Palvra De Jardin, Nuvem it received a large audience and plenty of cheer. The crowning moment was the highlight of the evening.

It saw the Miss Goa 20092010 crown being handed over to the witty and beautiful Sparsha Deshpande from Fatorda.

Va s c o g i r l S w e t a Gomes came second to Sparsha.

The top 10 finalists were Karima Kerkar and Joanne Da Sweta Gomes Cunha from Por- Sparsha Deshpande vorim, Pearl Braganza from Verna, Fayrall Rodrigues from Nuvem, Merill Godinho, Sweta Gomes and Shaista Shaik from Vasco, Sakubai Konnur from Margao, Nuzhat Ansari from Aquem and Sparsha Deshpande from Fatorda.

Upon being crowned Miss Goa, amidst smiles she informed the audience that she had just got back from answering an exam and was relieved with the win.

The judges for the contest were Star One fame, Gurmeet Chaudhary and Debina Bonnerjee, Imagine fame, Sangeetha Kapure. Noted choreographer and Mumbai based actor Romanch Mehta choreographer the extravaganza. The contestants had to score points for natural beauty, attire, talent and the question-answer round.

The winner was awarded a cash prize of Rs 15, 000 and gold worth Rs 15, 000 besides gifts while the runner up received a cash prize of Rs 10, 000 and gold worth Rs 10, 000. Besides Miss Goa, the Miss Smile, Miss Catwalk and Miss Talent were handed over prizes.

The glamorous event was organised by VJT Entertainment. That added dose of glamour came in the form of Savia Da Costa and her classical dance and Goa’s singing sensation Varun Carvalho who sang his heart out. The dance performances by Dance Illusions, the Unbeatable Dance Academy and the Yellow Boys who stunned with their death-defying martial art stunts give the night some punch.

SOUTH POLE

10:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

11:15 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 12:00 Lapataganj 12:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

13:00 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 13:30 Maniben.com 14:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

14:30 Lapataganj 15:00 FIR 15:30 Jugni Chali Jalandar 16:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta….

16:30 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 17:00 Gutar Gu 17:30 Lapataganj 18:00 FIR 18:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

19:00 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 19:30 Lapataganj 20:00 Maniben.com 20:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta …

21:00 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 21:30 Jugni Chali Jalandar

Fashion

INGS

BY JANICE RODRIGUES HERALD FEATURES lthough Goa’s literary talent has been in the spotlight for many decades, it has been noticed that while the literary achievements in regional languages have received most of the attention, Goa’s English literature has virtually been in the shadows. Violet Dias Lannoy is one such writer who did not receive recognition for her literary contribution to Goa’s trove of English prose. In an attempt to bring to light some of her works, the Kala Academy is conducting a public reading of ‘The Roses with the Grass’, a short story by Violet Dias Lannoy.

The reading session will be conducted by Daniel Driscoll, writer and cousin-inlaw of the author, who will be reading the short story by Lannoy. The short story, which was a part of the anthology Modern Goan Literature by Peter Nazareth published in 1984, was never published in Goa until recently. “The story is an emotional reflection of the educational system after the independence of India,” said Driscoll about the essence of the story.

Violet Dias Lannoy was a litterateur with Goan roots who lived most of her life in Africa and Europe and worked with the UNESCO, where she met her husband Richard Lennoy, the author of the book ‘The Speaking Tree’.

Apart from short stories, Violet also had written a novel titled ‘Pears from the Willow’, which awaits its publishing in India.

GARFIELD

11:00 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 11:30 Behenein 12:00 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 12:30 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 13:00 Tere Mere Sapne 13:30 Hamari Devrani 14:00 Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat 14:30 Behenein 15:00 Sajan Ghar Jaana Hai 15:30 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 16:00 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 16:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 17:00 Sasural Genda Phool 17:30 Behenein 18:00 Sabki Laadli Bebo 18:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 19:00 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 19:30 Sasural Genda Phool 20:00 Sajan Ghar Jaana Hai 20:30 Behenein 21:00 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 21:30 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 22:00 Sabki Laadli Bebo 22:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya

EN

PEN T HAP

Entertainment

‘The Roses with the Grass’ – a Reading

Instructions for Sudoku SUDOKU SOL 531 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

12:30 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 13:00 Jhansi Ki Rani 13:30 Pavitra Rishta 14:00 Choti Bahu 14:30 Do Saheliyaan 15:00 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi 15:30 12/24 Karol Bagh 16:00 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 16:30 Choti Bahu 17:00 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi 17:30 Jhansi Ki Rani 18:00 Pavitra Rishta 18:30 Ghar Ghar Mein 19:00 Do Saheliyaan 19:30 Choti Bahu 20:00 Jhansi Ki Rani 20:30 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 21:00 Pavitra Rishta 21:30 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi 22:00 12/24 Karol Bagh 22:30 Do Saheliyaan 23:00 Pavitra Rishta 2:30 Jhansi Ki Rani

Information Technology

09:55 Over Her Dead Body 11:50 Armageddon 14:45 Step Up 2: The Streets 16:45 Ever After: A Cinderella Story 19:10 Rogue 21:00 Armour of God II 23:10 Original Sin

09:30 The Cell 11:30 Hollywood One on One 12:00 The Express 14:45 Allan Quatermain and the Lost City of Gold 16:45 Terminal Invasion 18:30 The Addams Family 20:30 TMZ 21:00 Miss Congeniality 2: Armed And Fabulous 23:15 Changeling

08:00 Itihaas 12:00 Bhagam Bhag 16:10 Zaalim 20:00 Deewar: Man of Power 22:45 Chal Chala Chal

16:10 Eastern Promises 18:35 Stranger than Fiction 21:00 A Chinese Tall Story 23:15 Lucky Break

09:30 Techno Warriors 12:30 Parwana 16:00 Namak Halal 20:00 Hindustani 23:00 Dragon in Fury

09:30 Saathiya 13:00 Junoon 14:00 Tezaab: The Terror 19:30 IPL 3: Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Mumbai Indians 20:00 Golmaal: Fun Unlimited 23:30 Commando

09:20 Look Who's Talking Now 11:20 Rick 13:15 Rules of Engagement 15:40 Chicks on Flicks

12:00 Hero 16:00 Lahoo Ke Do Rang 20:00 Mohra

E N T E R TA I N M E N T 22:00 Lapataganj 22:30 FIR

10:30 Mile Jab Hum Tum 11:00 Jaane Pehchaane Se Yeh 11:30 Geet 12:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 12:30 Dill Mill Gayye 13:00 Jaane Pehchaane Se Yeh 13:30 Geet 14:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 14:30 Mile Jab Hum Tum 15:00 Dill Mill Gayye 15:30 Geet 16:00 Rang Badalti Odhni

16:30 Ssshhh.....Phir Koi Hai 17:30 Rang Badalti Odhni 20:00 Dill Mill Gayye 20:30 Jaane Pehchaane Se Yeh 21:00 Mile Jab Hum Tum 21:30 Geet 22:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 22:30 Jaane Pehchaane Se Yeh 23:00 Mile Jab Hum Tum 23:30 Geet

11:00 CSI: Miami 12:00 Masters of Illusion 13:00 David Blaine 14:00 Scare Tactics 15:00 Video Zonkers

17:00 Slamball 17:30 Mondo Magic Singapore 18:00 Life on Mars 19:00 Masters of Illusion 20:00 Cyril: Simply Magic 21:00 So You Think You Can Dance 21:00 Csi: Crime Scene Investigation

11:00 Koffee with Karan 12:00 The Bold and The Beautiful 12:30 Prison Break 13:30 American Idol 14:30 Two and a Half Men 15:00 The Bold and The Beautiful 15:30 Psych

16:30 Friends 17:00 Prison Break 18:00 Koffee with Karan 19:00 Friends 19:30 Two and a Half Men 20:00 Psych 21:00 Friends 21:30 Two and a Half Men 22:00 Prison Break 23:00 Psych

09:30 Barclays Premier League: Birmingham City vs. Hull City 11:30 Monte Carlo Rolex Masters 12:30 2010 Masters Tournament 18:00 TNA Impact 20:00 Supa Strikas 20:30 Golf Focus 2010 21:00 Score Tonight 21:30 TNA Impact 23:30 Supa Strikas

09:00 ICC World T20 2007 H/L 11:00 Tour of Flanders : Men's Pro Tour Cycling Race 12:00 Barclays Premier League 09/10 : Liverpool vs. West Ham United 14:00 Tokyo Marathon 2010 17:00 Premier League H/ls 18:00 X Games Classix : Moto X 19:00 Final Score 19:30 Simply the Best 20:00 Sportscenter India 20:30 Sportscenter Asia 21:00 Barclays Premier League 09/10 : Tottenham Hotspur vs. Chelsea 22:00 Sportscenter India 22:30 Sportscenter Asia

11:30 Goalfest 12:00 Real NBA

12:30 Coca-Cola Championship : Plymouth Argyle vs.

Newcastle United 14:30 UEFA Champions League Magazine Show 15:00 UEFA Champions League H/ls : Quarter Final: 2nd Leg 16:00 BT Pro-Am of Champions 2010 16:30 ICC Cricket Show 17:00 WWE: After Burn 18:00 Sports News 18:15 West Indies Tour of South Africa 2007/08 20:15 Goalfest 20:45 Real NBA 21:15 Sports News 21:30 UEFA Champions League H/ls : Quarter Final: 2nd Leg 22:30 WWE: After Burn

07:30 Flavors 08:00 English News 09:00 Konkani News 10:00 Marathi News 11:00 Interview with Rahul Roy 11:30 Vem cantar 12:00 Talking Talkies 12:30 Flavors 13:00 English News 14:00 Teg Noure 15:00 Sangeet 15:30 Talking Talkies 16:00 Fashion Show 16:30 Flavors 17:00 Kids Club 17:30 Divine Sitar 18:00 Konkani News 19:00 Marathi News 20:00 English News 21:00 Disha 22:00 English News 23:00 Dance Goa Dance 00:00 Face-2-Face 00:30 Flavors 01:00 Art of living Note: Subject to change

HERALD CROSSWORD - 532 Across 1- Lenient; 5- Carpus; 10- Nobleman; 14- Trim; 15Recording of acoustic signals; 16- Netman Nastase; 17Greek letters; 18- Steak order; 19- Church center; 20Piquant relish; 22- Sorry; 24___ Lingus; 25- Genetic messenger; 26- Ballroom dance; 29- Draft org.; 32- Dowdy woman; 36- Hydrox rival; 37Apathy; 39- Debussy's "La ___"; 40- Make urban; 43And so on; 44- Rascal; 45Look intently; 46- First prime minister of India; 48- ___ de mer; 49- Klondike territory; 50- Cockpit abbr.; 52- Fam. reunion attendee; 53- The act of firing guns; 57- Abductors; 61- Sleep like ___; 62- Examine account books; 64- Libertine; 65- Actress Campbell; 66- Large wading bird; 67Single entity; 68- Equipment; 69- Exhausted; 70- "Give that ____ cigar!"; Down 1- Blueprint detail; 2- Swear words; 3- German Mrs; 4- Person who makes a will; 5- Faucet stuff; 6- Red gem; 7- Altar words; 8- Vocalize melodically; 9- ___ is human; 10- Straight; 11- Norwegian king; 12- Split apart; 13- Exploit; 21- Pince-___; 23- Below: prefix; 26- What girls will be; 27Aggregate of qualities that make good character; 28- Lewd one; 29- Tempest; 30- Roman gen-

eral; 31- Long-winded SOLUTION - 531 speech; 33- Eskimo boat; 34- Middle; 35- Primp; 37Hot tub; 38- Giant Mel; 41Small egg; 42- Monetary unit of Bhutan; 47- Armed guard; 49- "Sure thing"; 51Area of land; 52- Like most movies; 53- Group; 54Peter Fonda title role; 55Bright star; 56- Cosmonaut Gagarin; 57- Motion picture; 58- Mrs. Chaplin; 59- Undoing; 60- Bristle; 63- ___ es Salaam;

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GOA, Tuesday, 20 April, 2010

KSEB spikers too good for ICF l 2nd Wilred Leisure All-India Volleyball HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 19

ICF disappointed a sell-out crowd as they tamely surrendered to KSEB, Kerala in three straight sets in the finals of 2nd Wilred Leisure All-India Volleyball Tournament organized by Wilred Leisure Sports Club, Curtorim at St. Alex Church court, Curtorim on Sunday. KSEB won Rs 50,000 and ICF had to be content with Rs 30,000.

Till 10-all in the first set, the vociferous crowd had much to cheer, there being rallies galore

KSEB, Kerala, with the winners cheque of Rs 50,000 pose with Reginaldo Lourenco, MLA, K L A Khan, GM IPSHEM, ONGC, Betul, Fr Livio de Mello, V M Prabhudesai and other dignitaries at Curtorim on Sunday.

with plenty of thrills. But it turned out to be a flash in the pan as the Kerala team’s best smasher Najib went on scoring points from direct hits and they won 25-12.

ICF, who in the earlier stages had earned the applause of volleyball aficionados with their all-round display, could not put their act together in the second and third sets. Prabakaran, Junior India player, was off-colour,

unable to reproduce the form that he displayed especially in the semi-finals.

KSEB kept up their tempo and won 25-14, 25-20 to romp deserving winners.

Following porizes were awarded: Best lifter of the tournament Jayalal KJ of KSEB (brother of Kapil Dev). Best attacker Nazib of KSEB. All-round player Prabakaran of ICF. Chief Minister, Digambar

Kamat was the chief guest. Anthony Rebelo, former India footballer from Curtorim, Bruno Lourenco, social worker, businessmen and an ardent sports lover, John D’Silva former State and Customs volleyball player from Curtorim were felicitated by the Chief Minister in the presence of Vijay Sardessai, GPCC Gen Secretary, V M Prabhudessai, SAG Executive Director, Reginaldo Lourenco, MLA

Curtorim and host of other dignitaries.

Dionisio Sardinha, Gen Secretary, Wilred Leisure Sports Club proposed the vote of thanks and praised Reginaldo for his superb support in organising the event.

Earlier, a spectacular fireworks display, a stunning show

by African Acrobats and the man in black, Charlie Chaplain enthralled the crowd.

All-India v’ball at Dhargal today HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM, April 19

All-India volleyball organised by Shirgal Sports Club: ICF v. MEG Bangalore, 7.30 p.m; Trivandrum v. Karnataka State Police, Dhargal Panchayat court, Pernem. 8.30 p.m.

South Goa volleyball: Verna/Piety Sports Club v. Upasnagar, Butica court, Navelim 7 p.m.

Eslinda Alemao memorial soccer (quarters): Union of Chinchinim Villager v. Cuncolim Union, Davorlim ground, 4.30 p.m 3rd Alvernaz and Lalush Alemao memorial soccer: Sao Jose de Areal Sports Club v. Navelim Villagers Union, Varca ground, 4.45 p.m.

Colormax Imperial Rolling Trophy soccer: Adarsh Yuvak Sangh, Saligao v. St. Anthony’s Colva, Dr. Gustavo Monteiro stadium, Candolim, 4.45 p.m.

Sodiem Siolim Super Soccer: FC Siolim v. Sai Avtaar, Anjuna, St. Anthony’s church ground, Siolim, 4.30 p.m.

The first all-India volleyball tournament organized by Shirgal Sports Club will get underway on Tuesday with ICF taking on MEG Bangalore in the inaugural match at Dhargal panchayat court, Pernem at 7.30 p.m. It will be followed by Trivandrum Six-Karnataka State Police match

at 8.30 p.m.

In all, six teams will take part in the 5-day event, the first of its kind in North Goa. S C Railway, Secunderabd and hosts Shirgal are the other teams.

Tickets will be priced at Rs 20 and season passes at Rs 100.

Details may be obtained from National volleyball player Jit on 9823720033.

Dempo overpower Sesa HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, APRIL 19

Dempo Sports Club (Jrs) defeated Sesa Football Academy (Jrs) 3-1 in Taca Goa U-20 league at Duler stadium here on Monday.

Dempo led 1-0 at the breather.

The result leaves four teams with two wins and six points each after round three. Salgaocar are leading on goal difference, followed by Sesa. Dempo move to 3rd and Sporting clube are 4th.

A second half brace from Dempo’s super sub Jorex Fernandes was enough to put Dempo in the driving seat. In the 63rd minute Sesa squandered the chance to draw level after Reliston Fernandes missed a penalty.

Dempo worked well today, closing down their opponents attack and getting an efficient number of men behind the ball to cope with Sesa’s 4-5-1 formation. Neither team had a shot on goal till the 36th minute.

Sesa tried to get back in the

match by bringing on striker Adwin Lucas and shifting their striker Amol salgaokar to the right wing.

Dempo took the lead in the 36th minute when Joshua Vaz punted the ball past Sesa custodian Neves Fernandes. The ball was travelling at a snail’s pace and should have been cleared off the line by the Sesa defence.

Dempo’s Jorex was only on the field for 13 minutes when he slotted calmly past Neves in the 66th minute.

Jorex scored his second goal in spectacular fashion for Dempo in the 73rd. After receiving a long pass on the right wing, he outpaced his marker and curled the ball into the top corner of the net.

Three minutes from time Adwin Lucas scored a consolation goal for Sesa as he dribbled through three defenders, before finishing past Dempo custodian Flann D’Souza.

Nagoa enter last eight PANJIM (HSD) -- Nagoa Sports Club scored a fluent 2-0 win over Peddem Bomm Anjuna to move into the quarter-finals of Sodiem Siolim super soccer at St Anthony’s church ground, Siolim on Monday.

Nagoa led 1-0 at the breather.

Nagoa took the lead in the 12th minute through Rajesh Salgaocar off Gaurish Naik. Changing over, Pradeep Chopdekar doubled the lead for Nagoa.

GOA DIARY State bodybuilding championship

PANJIM (HSD) – Renuka Fitness Point in association with Goa State Bodybuilding Association will organise the State Bodybuilding Championship on April 24, at Vandevi hall, Khorlim, Tiswadi at 6.30 p.m. During the championship the final selection of the State team will be conducted which will participate in Senior National Bodybuilding Championship to be held in Guwahati, from May 6 to 10. Details may be obtained from Gaurish Gauns on 9923285053 or Sadanand Bomkar on 9158769372.

Chess coaching camp in Panjim

PANJIM (HSD) – Panjim Chess Academy will conduct a summer coaching camp in chess for beginners and advanced students from April 26 to 30. Those interested may contact Wilson Cruz on 9226710174 or Peter Rebello on 9822480077 before April 24.

GPL cricket league postponed

PANJIM (HSD) – The fourth phase of Goa Premier League cricket matches scheduled on April 25 has been postponed to April 27 and the finals will be played on May 7, according to Goa Cricket Association. Schedule: April: 27: Al-Fatah Sports Club v. Goa Sports Academy, Panjim gymkhana, 9.30 a.m; Dempo Cricket Club v. Salgaocar Sports Club, BITS Pilani ground, 9.30 a.m; Chowgule Cricket Club v. Sarvodaya Sports Club, Porvorim ground, 9.30 a.m.

BFA soccer trials for U-18

PANJIM (HSD) -- Brasil Futebol Academia will conduct the last round of selection trials for U-18 boys on April 21 at Agasaim football ground, at 7.30 a.m. Those born on or after 1.1.1993 are eligible.

Holy Cross soccer

MARGAO ( HC) -- Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda will locks horns with Navelim Sporting Club, Navelim in the inaugural match of 14th Holy Cross inter-village football tournament organised

by Holy Cross Sports Club, Vodlemoll, Kakoda under the auspices of Guardian Angel Sports Club, Curchorem, at Vodlemoll ground, Curchorem, on April 23 St Anthony’s Sporting Club, Colva, Cuncolim Union, Sai Avtaar, Anjuna, Verna Sports Club, Goa Velha Sports Club, United Club of Nerul, Sao Jose de Areal, Dramapur Sports Club, St Savio Sports Club, Calangute, Arpora Sporting Club, Sporting Club of Davorlim, St Anthony’s Sports Club, Assolda, Curtorim Gymkhana and Adarsh Yuvak Sangh, Saligao will be participating.

The winners and runners-up will receive Rs 1 lakh and Rs 75,000 respectively, besides other prizes.

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GOA, Tuesday, 20 April, 2010

Tivim villagers to intensify agitation against stadium HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, APRIL 19

“We will intensify our agitation against the proposed GCA international cricket stadium in Tivim and will even come on the streets to protect the identity and the interests of the village,” stated the residents of Damedem in Tivim today.

The villagers pleaded that the Panchayat should not issue the permission for the construction in Survey Nos. 403, 404, 405, 408, 430, 431and 432.

Christine Fernandes, briefing the media, said, “Around 43,000 square meters of land in Survey Nos 403, 404, 405 and 408 is a forest area. Further, this area has been marked as forest area in Regional Plan submitted by the Panchayat to the Government. Hence it is incomprehensible as to how the Government can allow the cricket stadium

Photo: Anil Shankhwalker

The site of the proposed cricket stadium at Tivim.

in the forest area.”

“The cricket stadium, if it comes into existence, will create lot of sewage and sanitation problems. The wells located at the foot of the plateau will get polluted and the peace of the village will be disturbed because of noise pollution,” voiced Christine.

Hyginus D’Souza alleged that the secretary of the Tivim Panchayat was not prepared to disclose any information about the stadium. The Panchayat received the application from GCA on March 27 bearing inward No.3141/c. The panchayat, within two days forwarded the application to Town Country

Planning Department on March 29 under outward entr y No.2551 for approval.

“The panchayat did not even bother to place this proposal before the Gram Sabha for their approval. In the Gram Sabha meeting held in January 2008 the villagers had unanimously opposed the cricket stadium in the village,” said Hyginus.

Hyginus disclosed that the farmers of Damedem Vaddo had sent a letter to Panchayat secretary on April 15, 2010 demanding the withdrawal of the GCA file since the proposal of construction of the cricket stadium is not in conformity with order No.30/3/DP-99 issued by Government for submitting plans for construction purpose.

The plans submitted by GCA do not comply with Rule 4 of the building rules 1970,” pointed out Hyginus.

Vrundavan Hospital champs HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 19

Vrundavan Hospital won the annual cricket tournament organized

by SMRC Vivus Sports Club at Chicalim panchayat ground. They beat Vivus Hospital in the finals.

Vivus scored 48 while Vrunduvan totalled 49 for the loss of three wickets, with Swapnil Garudi winning the man-of-the match award.

Rajesh Pednekar bagged the man-of-the series and best bowler awards.

Earlier, Vrundavanbeat Grace Cadiac Centre by seven wickets.Uday Dabholkar was awarded the man-of-the match prize.

In the second match, Vrundavan beat SMRC, Vasco. Rajesh Pednekar was adjudged man-of-the match.

In the semi-finals, Vrundavan beat NUSI Wockhadrt Hospital.

Vrundavan scored 119 for 4 wickets. Sachin Satardekar 69, Kalpesh Tari 36 runs. NUSIwere all out for 62. Rajesh Kumbralkar won the man-of-the match trophy for scoring a hat-trick.

9-wkt win for Margao RCC shubham naik cricket HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 19

Margao RCC defeated Dashrath Cricket Academy by 9 wickets in the U-14 cricket tournament organised by Shubham Naik trust at MCC ground, Margao on Saturday.

Margao won the toss and elected to field. DCA were 143 all out in 25.4 overs. Anish topscored with 34, Suhaib 13, contributed for DCA. Margao’s, Chevon claimed 5 for 37, Tanmay 2 for 16, while Yash, Sales and Aditya, snatched a wicket each.

In reply, Margao were 144 for 1 in 23 overs. For Margao, Salesh remained unbeaten on 44, Aditya Babu 18, Prathamesh not out 16. DCA’s, Chetan snatched

a wicket. Salesh Gaonkar was given the man-of-the match prize.

At Agonda sports complex, Margao Cricket Club trounced Agonda by 186 runs. MCC won the toss and elected to bat scoring 225 for 7 in 30 overs. For MCC, Siddarth topscored with 46, followed by Akshay 30. Samrudh and Aman claimed two wickets each while Saideep, Lakshan, Siddarth snatched a wicket each for Agonda. In reply, Agonda were bowled out for 39 in 9.5 overs. MCC’s Vishwanath Lotlikar was the wrecker-in-chief claiming 6 for 4. Man-of-the match prize was given to Vishwanath Lotlikar.

At Curchorem ground, Vasco defeated Curchorem by 7 wickets. Curchorem winning the toss and electing to bat scored 116 in 27 overs. In reply, Vasco

scored 117 for 3 in 21.2 overs.

Maruti was given the man-ofthe match prize.

Earlier, on Friday at SAG ground, Agonda, Canacona Boys defeated Borda Boys by 10 wickets.

Put into bat, Borda were bundled out for 86 in 12 overs. Akshay Khedekar topscored with 23. Man-of-the match, Vaibhav Prabhugaonkar claimed 4 wickets. In reply, Canacona were 87 for no loss in 12 overs. Swaraj Dessai 37 not out, Sukrut Pai 30 not out scored for Canacona.

Earlier, the tournament was inaugurated by Vishwas Dessai in the presence of Goa Pradesh Youth Congress (South-Goa), president, Janardhan Bhandari, Canacona Congress Block president, Elvis Fernandes, Shristhal panch Sanju Naik and others.

Nhehern, Enid excel performed artistic yoga.

Nhehern Acharya and Gurudas Bhakta, secEnid Cota won the inretary, Goa Olympic Asdividual championship sociation was the chief in boys and girls secguest and gave away tion respectively at the prizes. Mahesh State Yoga ChampiNaik, assistant secreonship organised by tary, SAG, Dr Charlene Goa Yoga Association Gomes, resident doctor, in collaboration with Vrindavan Hospital, MaSports Authority of pusa and John Aguiar Goa and Acharya Instivice-president, Rifle tute of Yoga, at SAG inShooting Association door stadium, here Nhehern Acharya, performing artistic yoga at State were the guests of hoYoga Championship organised by Goa Yoga Association nour. Dilip Naik, secretoday.

The general champi- in collaboration with Sports Authority of Goa and t a r y, Baseball onship trophy was Acharya Institute of Yoga, in Panjim.

Association was also bagged by Government present. Pradip Naik Earlier, the students of PeoHigh School, Namoshi, Guirim, ple’s High School, Mary Immac- compered and later proposed Mapusa. ulate and Kasturba Matoshree the vote of thanks.

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 19

Shruti Yaduvanshi, Raju Mangeshkar, Fr. George, Oscar Luis, Muttappa Huderi and taekwondo students at Goa Taekwondo Institute, Bhute Bhatt, Vasco.

Taekwondo institute opened in Vasco HERALD REPORTER VASCO, APRIL 19

With the sole objective of promoting taekwondo in Vasco, the Goa Taekwondo Institute was inaugurated at Bhutea Bhatt, here.

The institute is the brainchild behind of Goa instructor Oscar Luis (4th dan black belt) and his wife Elizabeth Luis (3rd dan black belt).

The colourful inaugural ceremony was attended by Shruti Yaduvanshi, wife of Rajiv Yaduvanshi, Secretary to CM. She in-

augurated it in the presence of president, Goa Taekwondo Association Raju Mangeshkar, Oscar Luis, Elizabeth Luis, taewondo instructor from Bangalore Muttappa Huderi and others.

Fr. George blessed the hall.

Later, the Deacon Taekwondo Academy from Bangalore gave a display and demonstration.

Shruti Yaduvanshi, Raju Mangeshkar congratulated Oscar and Elizabeth for setting up the institute.

Chess workshop concludes in Ponda HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 19

The 3rd train the trainers’ chess training workshop for Balwadi Sevikas organised by Chess Activity Centre at GVM’s Primary School in association with Almeida High School, Ponda, concluded today.

In all, 16 Sevikas from Ponda and two teachers from Almeda HS took part in the workshop.

Bharati Verenkar, child development program officer was the chief guest. Shrikant Barve president, Chess Activity Centre conducted the programme along with Sanjay Barve.

Excellent delivery system needed for PYKKA

BY JOVITO LOPES PANJIM, APRIL 19

The Government launched the Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abhiyan (PYKKA) scheme under Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs disbursing Rs 39 lakh towards a one time capital grant to 23 panchayats for development of sports infrastructure on March 29.

Four panchayats - Tamboxem, in Pernem taluka, Poinguinim, in Canacona taluka, Curtorim in Salcete and Thane in Sattari taluka, received Rs 5 lakh each while the rest 19 panchayats received Rs one lakh each.

With some fanfare, the Sports Minister, Babu Azgaonkar announced that the centrally sponsored scheme aimed at promoting excellence in sports through a holistic and multipronged approach. It also envisages creating network of basic infrastructure throughout the country, provide universal access to sports in rural and promote a sports culture among both boys and girls.

All that is fine in theory. The PYKKA scheme links sports development to youth development and aims at making sports as a national priority on par with health, education with focus on rural sector.

PYKKA, in about 10 years time, is expected to lead to an exponential growth in the demand for sports instructors, coaches, sports equipment and consumables and sports events and related support activities.

The Union Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, in its wisdom, although belated, came out now strongly to pronounce that sports is a powerful platform for the inclusion of marginalized

groups including girls, the dis- what PYKKA has stressed on, ferent situations and cultivates abled, SCs, STs, OBC, etc. since sports comprises all forms a personal openness to learn It also felt that sports is es- of physical activity that con- and grow. sential for healthy physical and tributes to physical fitness, menBeing a holistic paper, it also mental development - healthy t a l w e l l b e i n g a n d s o c i a l mentions about social developbody-healthy mind – and that interaction. Participants are thus ment, about the awareness of it enhances learning ability and expected to recognize the oneself in relation to the world achievement. Above all, the right power of sport and how it can around us. It gives us space to to play is enshrined in the Con- bring about personal and social understand one’s own role with vention on the Rights of the development which are funda- family, friends, neighbours, colChild and is an inalienable and mental aspects of a child’s edu- leagues, society at large. universal right for every child. cation. They are essentially No personal development is What is noteworty, is that concerned with the develop- possible in the absence of comPYKKA has emphasized that ment of softer skills that enables munity relationship and social “best qualities and practices of one to lead a meaningful life. development is incomplete sport are the best qualities and The programme is expected when personal development is practices of good citizens.” And to contribute to develop a sports completely neglected. it enumerates When talking these as particabout participaipation, team tion, PYKKA is work, cooperclear that sports, ation, physical channels human fitness, health, energy in a posiconfidence, tive direction and self esteem, that its element of self expression, competition that awareness and motivates human Babu Azgoankar Dr Susana de Souza mind to stretch re s p e c t f o r V M Prabhudesai body, self, oththeir potential. ers; resilience, communication, culture and assist in identifica- Above all, it is fun and brings a social interaction, interpersonal tion of talent. It will also develop sense of enjoyment, happy family. skills, tolerance and conflict res- younger generation thoroughly It connects people. olution skills. immersed in the best practices To achieve its goals of inPYKKA is also very clear about of citizenship. creased literacy and education its objectives: To provide uniIt also talks about personal level, ability to cope with adversal access to sport in rural development concerning one’s versity and calamities, promoareas, to promote a sports cul- personal growth and self discov- tion of communal harmony, ture among both boys and girls, ery like understanding strengths promotion of civic sense and reto harness available and poten- and limitations and continuously sponsibility towards one’s ential sporting talent among rural working to improve one’s per- vironment, development of a youth, a well designed compe- sonal attributes, striving for a healthy mind and a healthy body, tition structure from the block better quality of life, overcoming gender equality, development level ownwards, to put in place limitations and building a posi- of leadership qualities and ecoan effective mechanism to iden- tive attitude towards life which nomic development, at pantify and nurture sporting talent are the bedrocks of personal de- c h a y a t l e v e l , c a l l s f o r a in rural areas, to make a focused velopment. competent delivery system approach for adequate training The document has laid focus which does not exist as of now, and exposure under existing on self awareness which is the or if it s there it is inadequate. schemes and to promote both basis of personal development.

In order to achieve the deindigenous and modern games. It holds the key to balancing sired goals as envisaged in the “Sports for development” is emotions and reactions in dif- PYKKA scheme, there will be a

need of special trainers or facilitators or even an institution, a la Sirva Sikhshan Abhiyan.

Highly qualified and competent personnel will be needed if one is seriously contemplating towards bringing about a permanent change in performance and in attitude and application. And, the panchayats, undoubtedly, do not have such qualified resources, which means that the same people who are now in the business of somewhat outdated or amateur practices will be the ones who will be called upon to assist in the pro gramme. This is where, professionalism becomes the catchword. But sadly to say, there is hardly any professionalism in sports in the State.

Talk about the infrastructure in Goa. It is outdated and in some cases even obsolete. Imagine playgrounds without players rooms, no room for match officials and no toilet facilities. There is no standard track for athletes, no indoor stadium for volleyball and basketball. The list could be unending. When the basics are missing, one should not even dream about floodlights.

You need a vision document spelling out the priorities. If PYKKA talks about sports and youth as its top priority, then there has to be a better, high degree synergy between the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs (DSYA) and the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG).

Goa needs a model for higher quality sports development, a module based on contemporary requirements so as to avoid the disconnect between the purpose and its practice. Above all, there is need for new facilitators, who must be trained for new trends.

Higuain, Ronaldo reignite Real’s title hopes

REUTERS MADRID, APRIL 19

Real Madrid made the most of Barcelona's slip-up to close to within one point of the La Liga leaders with a 2-0 win over thirdplaced Valencia at the Bernabeu.

Real's title challenge appeared to be disappearing when they lost 2-0 to Barca last weekend but the champions' 0-0 draw at Espanyol on Saturday left the door ajar and Real grabbed the opportunity.

Gonzalo Higuain opened the scoring in the first half yesterday but it needed a second from Cristiano Ronaldo in the 77th minute to make sure of the win, as Valencia belatedly threatened to get back into the game.

Real have 83 points with five left to play, one behind Barca, and proved that the 24-point gulf in class with third-placed Valencia was, perhaps, justified.

Valencia's timid start played into Real's hands and it came as no surprise when Argentina's Higuain spun past his marker to

Roma go top after Vucinic brace sinks Lazio AGENCIES ROME, APRIL 19

Mirko Vucinic was the toast of half the Eternal City on Sunday after his double sent AS Roma back to the top of Serie A with a 2-1 comeback win over rivals Lazio.

In a highly-charged city derby full of colour, passion and extreme aggression on the field and in the packed stands, Roma prevailed to move a point above champions Inter Milan with just four games remaining.

The chance of fourth scudetto for Roma looks ever more likely having been unthinkable in February when Inter held a ninepoint lead.

Tommaso Rocchi calmly put Lazio ahead on 14 minutes after a well-timed run and the strugglers, still not clear of relegation, should have been further in front but Julio Sergio saved Sergio Floccari's penalty just after the break.

Lazio wingback Aleksandar Kolarov was felled for the soft penalty but he was the one conceding a debatable spotkick shortly after, allowing Vucinic to fire in the equaliser.

The Montenegro forward then sent the Roma fans into ecstasy when he blasted home a freekick midway through the second half, which went right through the centre of a weak Lazio wall.

net his 25th of the campaign after 25 Real Madrid's minutes.

Argentinian The hosts should forward Gonhave made more of zalo Higuain their dominance, but celebrates a flying save from Iker after scoring Casillas and Juan at the SantiMata's follow up ago Bernagainst the post re- abeu stadium minded Real of the in Madrid on slenderness of their Monday. lead.

Ronaldo's driving runs and Guti's passes continued to give Real the edge but a hushed Bernabeu reReal Madrid 2 Valencia 0 flected a growing Xerez 2 Racing Santander 2 nervousness.

Valencia's David Deportivo La Coruna 0 Almeria 0 Silva had been anonyMalaga 0 Valladolid 0 mous until he crashed a 25-metre Tenerife 3 Getafe 2 drive against the Athletic Bilbao 0 Real Zaragoza 0 c ro s s b a r m i d w a y through the second half and Por- Atletico Madrid 2-1 on Saturday.

There was no change at the tugal's Ronaldo settled the match firing in after good work foot of the standings in the battle to avoid relegation. down the left from Marcelo.

Only 18th-placed Tenerife Valencia have 59 points, five ahead of Sevilla who occupy the managed a victory with a hatlast Champions League qualifica- trick from striker Nino earning tion slot following their 3-0 win the islanders a 3-2 victory over Sporting Gijon on Saturday. against visiting Getafe.

Tenerife closed to within a Real Mallorca, in fifth place, could move above them with a point of 17th place and safety win at home to Osasuna in the after Malaga were held to a 00 draw at home by Real ValMonday match.

Athletic Bilbao were held to ladolid.

Malaga have 33 points, Tenera scrappy 0-0 draw at home by struggling Real Zaragoza which ife 32, Valladolid 29 and Xerez left them seventh on 49 points 27, the basement club coming below sixth-placed Villarreal be- back to draw 2-2 at home to cause of their inferior head-to- Racing Santander with a late head record. Villarreal beat header from Victor Sanchez.

Injured Bhupathi settles for runners-up spot

UNI MONTE CARLO, APRIL 19

Mahesh Bhupathi was forced to retire due to a leg injury as the Indian and his partner Max Mirnyi conceded their men's doubles final match of the Monte Carlo Masters here.

The fifth seeds were trailing 3-6, 0-2 against the defending champions Daniel Nestor of Canada and Nenad Zimonjic of Serbia, when Bhupathi and Mirnyi were forced to retire and had to settle with the runnersup trophy.

Nestor and Zimonjic twice broke their opponents' serves in the seventh and ninth games and sealed the set in 29 minutes.

Gul, Arafat out of Pak’s T20 WC squad Aaqib Javed who had invited him to the national academy for Defending champions Pakistan some bowling session where he suffered a double blow when impressed everyone. pacer Umar Gul and all-rounder Arafat was ruled out with a Yasir Arafat were ruled out of calf muscle injury, while Gul inthe Twenty20 World Cup in the jured his shoulder during an exWest Indies after failing to re- tended training camp. cover from injuries sustained "Gul was thought to be recovduring the ongoing ering from a shoulder preparatory camp in injury he picked durLahore. ing a fielding drill, but The selectors have medical assessments recommended the held over the weeknames of Mohamend weren't bright mad Sami and unenough and the team capped Mohammad management thought Irfan as their replaceit would be risky to ments, however, a pick injured players," Umar Gul final decision would Mohsin said. be taken by the PCB "In mutual agreeChairman Ejaz Butt. ment with the capChief selector, tain and the coach, Mohsin Khan told rewe have decided that porters here that we will not take a both Gul and Arafat chance with half-fit failed to clear the players," he added. final fitness test on Gul's loss would Yasir Arafat Sunday. be a major one for the "We have recommended the side as he has been their leading names of fast bowlers Moham- wicket-taker in both the 2007 mad Sami and Mohammad Irfan and 2009 editions of the World as replacements for the injured Twenty20. players. We have picked Sami His bowling in death overs from the list of five reserves we was a key component of the had kept for the World Cup," he team's success in 2009, where said. he had recorded a maverick spell Mohsin said the name of left- of five for six against New arm fast bowler Irfan was rec- Zealand, sparking a turnaround ommended by former pacer in the team's fortunes.

AGENCIES KARACHI, APRIL 19

The top seeds won 16 of the 20 service points while they added five aces to stamp their authority.

They broke Bhupathi and Mirnyi in the second game of the second set and the match progressed to just two more points before an injured Bhupathi decided to quit. ''Of course, we got a little fortunate today with the injury which is unfortunate for them.

They've been playing really well recently, getting to the final in Miami and they'll definitely be one of the teams to contend with throughout the rest of the season,'' said Nestor after the win.

HC orders return of Shoaib’s passport AGENCIES HYDERABAD, APRIL 19

The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Monday ordered the release of the passport of Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik in the wake of the city police seeking closure of a cheating case filed against him by his now divorced wife Ayesha Siddiqui.

This direction was given by Justice C V Nagarjuna to a Nampally Criminal Court after Advocate General D V Sitaram Murthy informed the High Court that the police had filed its final report before a magistrate for closure of the case against 28year-old Malik.

The police had taken away the cricketer's passport on April 5 and submitted it to the Thirteenth Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate. They asked him not to leave the country after a cheating case was registered against him based on a complaint by Ayesha, whom he subsequently divorced after denying that he had married her.

After Shoaib divorced Ayesha, the Siddiqui's submitted an application to the Central Crime Station (CCS) -- a wing of Hyderabad police which investigated the case -- to withdraw the complaint.

SPORTS

Tivim villagers to intensify agitation against stadium Pg. 17

KSEB spikers too good for ICF Pg. 16

GOA, TUESDAY, 20 APRIL, 2010

www.oherald.in

St Savio sail into quarters

Modi’s days appear to be numbered

McCullum ensures KKR an easy win

PTI NEW DELHI, APRIL 19

AGENCIES KOLKATA, APRIL 19

St Savio and Cuncolim Union players in action at Varca on Monday.

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 19

St Savio Sports Club, Calangute shocked defending champions Cuncolim Union 1-0 to move into the quarter-finals of 3rd AllGoa Alvernaz and Lalush Alemao memorial soccer tournament or-

ganised by Churchill Brothers Sports Club at Varca ground, on Friday. St Savio led 1-0 at the breather.

The all-important goal was scored by Bipesh Haldankar in the 30th minute. Bipesh was named man-of-the match.

Candolim move into last eight HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 19

Candolim Sports Club got the better of Saligao United Club 87 via the sudden-death to move into the quarter-finals of Colormax Imperial Rolling Trophy soccer tournament, organised by United Club of Nerul and sponsored by Jaysingh L Rane, at Dr. Gustavo Monteiro stadium, Candolim, on Monday. There was no score at the end of the regulation period.

The teams played attacking soccer from start but were unable to find the target. After the

lemon break, Manuel Crasto’s attempt was blocked by Saligao goalkeeper Dietmar Fernandes, while Harish Diukar of Candolim saw his long ranger rebound off the Saligao post, where Jose Lopes shot wide.

With the match ending in a goalless draw and the tie-breaker also ending in a 5-5 draw, the sudden-death was implemented were Shivraj, David and Atish scored for Candolim while Pravin and Flyod were on target for Saligao. Mahesh Rane’s spot kick was saved by Candolim goalkeeper David Rebello.

Shree Ganesh Boys triumph HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 19

Shree Ganesh Honda Boys emerged champions defeating Ravalnath Sports Velus Club 1510, 12-15, 15-12, 8-15, 12-15 in the finals of Satari level men’s floodlit volleyball tournament organised by Keri Friends Club, at Keri ground, on Sunday.

Shree Ganesh received Rs 7,070 and trophy while Raval-

nath had to settle with Rs 5,050.

The Health Minister, Vishwajeet Rane was the chief guest and gave away the prizes in the presence of Sarpanch Sakshi Sawal, ex-Sarpanch Manjiri Gawas, Panchayat member Rafik Shaik, Usman Sayyad and Ahamad Khan.

Hasan Khan welcomed. Hajmtulla Karol proposed the vote of thanks.

Enfermos pip YS Beaulim HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, APRIL 19

Enfermos Sports Club, Navelim scored a narrow 4-3 win over Young Strikers, Benaulim via the tie-breaker to move into the quarter-finals of All-Goa Cayman inter-village football tournament organized by Curtorim Gymkhana at Curtorim ground, on Sunday. There was no score at the end of the regulation period.

Young Strikers dominated from start with Carlos Fernandes try missing the target off Alfred Fernandes. Brendon Fernandes was guilty of muffing an easy chance.

At the other end, Enfermos took time to settle down and once they found the rhythm, they called the shots against the

rival citadel.

Crossing over, Enfermos nearly broke the deadlock when midfielder Jaison Pereira’s rasping drive was well blocked by Young Strikers goalkeeper Constancio Pereira. Jaison Pereira and Domnic Cabral of Enfermos excelled in the midfield, spraying accurate passes to the forwards.

In the tie-breaker, Jose Colaco, Jaison Pereira, Sanford Cardozo and Alvito Colaco were on target for Enfermos while Santan Fernandes, Joaquim Fernandes and Alfred Fernandes scored for Young Strikers.

Santan Rodrigues, ex-Curtorim Zilla member was the chief guest and was introduced to the teams by Alex Dias, co-ordinator of the tournament.

Majorda score fluent win HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, APRIL 19

AA de Majorda played some extravagant football to rout St Anthony’s Sporting Club 3-1 and entered the quarter-finals of AllGoa Eslinda Alemao memorial inter-village football tournament organised by Sporting Club of Davorlim at Davorlim ground, on Monday. The winners led 10 at half time.

It was a one-sided affair right from the word go with Majorda players camping in the rival territory with Anthony A and Allington Fernandes excelling in the front.

Majorda drew first blood in the 15th minute when Anthony A scored off an accurate pass from Allington.

St Anthony had an opportunity to equalize but their forwards squandered it inside the

2nd Div I-League in Bangalore AGENCIES BANGALORE, APRIL 19

The All-India Football Federation on Monday took an important decision to host the finals of ONGC I-League Second Division in Bangalore.

AIFF will host the finals of the League from April 30 to May 25.

Mohammedan Sporting (Kolkata), Vasco Sports Club (Goa), ONGC (Mumbai), NISA (Manipur), Malabar United (Kerala), Sesa Goa Football Academy (Goa) and HAL (Bangalore) will be participating.

The top two teams from the round-robin league will qualify for the I-League 2010-11.

rival box.

The second half did not bring any respite for St Anthony as Majorda attacked from both the flanks. Majorda did not have to wait for long to score as Samson Braganza unleashed a snap shot which beat the Colva goalkeeper off a pass from Anthony.

Allington increased the tally for Majorda midway in the second session off Samson. St Anthony managed to reduce the margin through the boots of Dylan Fernandes.

Kolkata Knight Riders thrashed Mumbai Indians by nine wickets in their Indian Premier League match at Eden Gardens on Monday to finish their campaign on a winning note.

Chasing a modest 134 for victory, the home side raced to 135 for 1 with 15 balls to spare.

Brendon McCullum ensured a smooth chase with a workmanlike run-a-ball 57 not out.

The New Zealander's 56-ball knock was inclusive of eight hits to the fence -- quite a departure from his usual aggressive self - and his third fifty of the tournament, his first this season.

It was the team from Kolkata's first ever win over Mumbai Indians in six matches in this competition - Mumbai having won all the five prior meetings, including the one at the Brabourne this season.

The win, their seventh in this campaign but only their third in the last six, helped them finish with 14 points from an equal number of matches.

The Shah Rukh Khan-owned franchise finished sixth in the table -- ahead of Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab -- gaining two places over their bottom-place finish last season but, nonetheless, after yet an-

SEMI-FINALS April 21 Mumbai Indians v.

Royal Challengers Bangalore.

April 22 Deccan Chargers v.

Chennai Supper Kings.

Venue: D Y Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai

Semis tickets allowed to exchange UNI MUMBAI, APRIL 19

The Indian Premier League (IPL) today said cricket fans who had purchased the tickets for the semi-final matches in Bangalore, which has since been shifted to Navi Mumbai, can exchange their tickets to witness the respective matches at the D Y Patil Stadium to be played on April 21 and 22.

However, it said in a release here that the IPL 2010 that the exchange would be for tickets only and would not include any travel or other expenses.

It said tickets to the two Semi Finals that have been moved to D Y Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai were now available for purchase online from IPLT20.com and is priced at Rs 400 per ticket. The tickets could also be bought from the D Y Patil Box Office in Navi Mumbai.

The release said tickets for the IPL Final on April 25 has been sold out. However tickets were still available for the third place playoff, a match that will decide the IPL’s third Airtel Champions League Twenty20 participant, from IPLT20.com or the DY Patil Box Office.

It also said that the refund for the tickets sold for the Bangalore semi-final matches have commenced.

Dwayne Bravo of Mumbai Indians is stumped by Wriddhiman Saha.

other disappointing show.

KKR, with some huge names in their repertoire, remain the only team never to qualify for the last four of the premier tournament. As regards the team from Mumbai, it was just their fourth loss in 14 matches, but their third in the last six.

Having already qualified for the last four as the table toppers, Mumbai Indians, having made as many as six changes to their starting line-up, lost for only the fourth time (in 10 matches) when batting first in this edition.

They take on Royal Challengers Bangalore in the semifinals on Wednesday.

With no pressure whatsoever, the Kolkata chase started in an

emphatic manner.

Captain Sourav Ganguly (42) ensured KKR a fine start with a massive six over midwicket off Ali Murtaza's third ball.

Brendon McCullum joined the party with a boundary each off Dilhara Fernando and Ryan McLaren. Ganguly hit a boundary over extra cover in Fer-

nando's second over and followed it up with a massive six over mid-off.

The captain had a reprieve when McLaren put him down at extra cover off Dwayne Bravo.

McCullum hit a boundary each of McLaren and Stuart Binny to keep the scoring rate in control.

Mumbai Indians: Aditya Tare c Kartik b Bond 1,Shikhar Dhawan c Saha b Bond 10,S Tiwary c McCullum b Kartik 46, JP Duminy b Unadkat 19,R Satish c Kartik b Manoj 11,D Bravo st Saha b Kartik 5,A Rayudu run out (Dinda) 27,S Binny c Ganguly b Dinda 8,Ryan McLaren not out 0. Extras: 6. Total: 133-8. Fall of wickets: 2-1, 14-2, 77-3, 774, 89-5, 111-6,126-7,133-8. Bowling: S Bond 4-0-24-2, A Dinda 4-020-1,Jaydev Unadkat 4-0-27-1, S Ganguly 1-0-13-0,Murali Kartik 4-0-20-2,David Hussey 2-0-14-0, Manoj Tiwary 1-0-11-1.

Kolkata Knights Riders: S Ganguly c Bravo b Satish 42,B McCullum not out 57, David Hussey not out 20.Extras: 16. Total: 135-1. Fall of wickets: 97-1. Bowling: Murtaza Ali 4-0-27-0,D Fernando 3-0-31-0,Ryan McLaren 3-0-26-0,D Bravo 2-0-7-0,S Binny 1-0-9-0,JP Duminy 2.3-0-22-0,R Satish 2-0-11-1. Man-of-the-Match: M Kartik.

I-T sleuths ‘clone’ details from Modi’s office comp PTI MUMBAI, APRIL 19

The I-T department which visited the offices of IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi last week had 'cloned' voluminous data on bids and financial details of various franchises from his office computers into its 'portable forensic labs' which the tax sleuths carried along.

The department has sent the portable lab -- comprising a computer and a motherboard aided with password cracking software-- to its forensic lab here for taking the information out in a printed format.

I-T sources said the portable

forensic lab, which is being carried by tax sleuths in an increasing number of tax evasion operations, had cloned almost five hard disks and few other computer memories from Modi's office.

The department has also taken copies of documents linked to bidding and other financial accounts of the IPL franchises, including the Kochi consortium during their operation on April 15. The I-T team was equipped with pre-wiped disks for imaging and cloning hard drives, portable labs for previewing computer hard disks, specially coated bags

PCA to probe pressure claims AGENCIES LONDON, APRIL 19

The Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) is investigating claims that players were pressured to go ahead with Saturday's Indian Premier League match between Royal Challengers and Mumbai Indians despite a bomb blast outside the stadium in Bangalore.

The blast injured at least 14 people, while a second bomb exploded close to the Chinnaswamy Stadium, and two further unexploded devices were found on Sunday.

The PCA wants more details about the circumstances that led to Saturday's match being played after one of the foreign players involved claimed, the decision was left to the players.

"The immediate worry for us, and I have heard this direct from one of the players, is that after the initial explosion and a sweep of the stadium, the de-

cision that the game should go ahead was taken by the players," said Ian Smith, the PCA's legal adviser.

"From what I have been told, the Indian guys said very quickly that they felt unfazed. But the foreign guys then felt under pressure to agree with their colleagues. The idea that you can determine whether conditions are safe by a referendum of the players is outrageous," he added.

Smith has been unable to speak to any of the six English players, Paul Collingwood, Eoin Morgan, Owais Shah, Michael Lumb, Pietersen and Ravi Bopara who are involved in the IPL. But he has had email communication with them and advised them to await a full report from IPL security experts Nicholls Steyn Associates and Reg Dickason, security adviser to the Federation of International Cricketers' Associations.

and tags to pack, label and transport the imaged and cloned data to its labs. Sources said the team also took the images of certain documents with the help of the yellow coloured portable lab after pen drives were inserted into computers during the swoop last Thursday.

The investigative wing of the I-T department has started using these software platforms after taxpayers and evaders have increasingly started using highend softwares like 'logic bomb' which deletes all files as soon as officials try to source information from the hardware.

BCCI awaiting ICC advice on travel PTI MUMBAI, APRIL 19

The cricket Board is waiting for advice from ICC for the Indian team's travel to West Indies for Twenty20 World Cup on the scheduled date of April 27 in the wake of shut down of airspace in Europe due to volcanic ash from Iceland.

BCCI CAO Ratnakar Shetty said the Board is awaiting a word from the International Cricket Council as Indian players are to go to West Indies via London.

"ICC makes the travel plans for the tournament (Twenty20 World Cup). The team is scheduled to travel to London enroute to the West Indies. But with the flights all over Europe being affected we are awaiting word from ICC. They have told us they would intimate us in a day or two," said Prof Shetty.

The Twenty20 World Cup begins on April 30 and concludes on May 16. India have been pooled with qualifiers Afghanistan and South Africa in Group C.

Doubts over Goa hosting Santosh Trophy HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 19

The Goa Football Association (GFA) had grandiose plans in its Golden Jubilee Year of hosting the 64th Santosh Trophy National Football Championship.

The AIFF had agreed that the event could be planned for AprilMay this year, but with no announcement being made, there is no possibility in having it in 2009-10 season.

AIFF’s General Secretary, Alberto Colaco had asked the GFA if the National could be held in June. Knowing that the monsoons hit the State in that month, it is simply untinkable to risk holding the prestigious event at that time unless the AIFF is toying with the idea of providing the astro turf, which in any case is due to Goa under the FIFA Project, at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda.

The GFA informed that hosting the event in June was not possible and that the next best

alternative was from coming October to May 2011. But, now the AIFF has asked if it could be hosted before September 15, in which case it has to start by August 15. With the rains in full force, it would be only foolish to agree to the new date, unless

again there is the astro turf.

It is the delay in completing the I-League, which will now end on May 11, that has forced the postponement of the Santosh Trophy. The League has had two breaks due to the National coaching camp and AFC Challenge Cup

and as such the ideal slot would have been after February 3 when there were no I-League matches for almost a month.

Meanwhile, according to Goal.Com, the AIFF has suggested four options to its Executive Committee members to

Football, entertainment at Coca Cola Cup HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM,L APRIL 19

The Coca-Cola Celebration Cup, a one-of-a kind under-16 intervillage tournament which will see a participation of 48 village teams from Goa, will kick off with top notch entertainment at Santa Cruz ground on April 21 at 4 p.m. in the presence of Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, Victoria Fernandes, MLA, Arjuna Awardees Bruno Coutinho and

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Brahmanand Sancoalcar, GFA Secretary Savio Messias, Anand Singh, Director Marketing CocaCola India.

The event which is a “partnership to promote grassroot football talent in Goa,” will be a mixture of football and entertainment what with Big City Band, African Acrobats, dancers waving flags, video shots from great moments of World Cup lined up by the organizers.

“It will be a two-in-one affair most suitable for the warm, summer weather, but with football uppermost in mind,” disclosed GFA’s secretary Savio Messias, who added that the players will also be given kit by Coca Cola.

Competitions and contests will also form part of the glamorous programme, there being three 7-a-side matches being played, each of 20 minutes duration.

opine on – a: To agree to the change of date, b: If the change of date is agreed upon, then it will be held in October, which could clash with the I-League next season, c: To request GFA for an alternate date and d: To look for another host and let GFA host the 65th edition of the tournament.

Surprisingly, only some members of the 18-member Executive Committee replied on the urgent issue, with some feeling that the tournament could be allotted to some other State.

Goa are the holders, having beaten West Bengal in the penalty shoot-out 4-2 in the finals in Chennai on June 14, 2009 and since the GFA was set up in 1959, Goa football fans were looking forward to a month-long football fiesta which would provide an opportunity to cement our top position, State-wise in football, in its unique Golden Jubilee Year. In any case the celebrations have been muted one.

Lalit Modi's days as the IPL Commissioner appear to be numbered as the BCCI's top brass has more or less made up its mind to remove the high-flying administrator who has triggered a political storm and brought the BCCI under the Income Tax scanner.

The stand against Modi has hardened over the last few days as the rapidly-developing events surrounding Kochi franchise's stakeholding pattern has opened a Pandora's box about financial irregularities in the IPL. Modi himself is under fire for allegedly helping his family and friends buy stakes in various IPL teams.

His tweets about Kochi's shareholding created a political storm as it emerged that Minister of State for External Affair Shashi Tharoor's close friend Sunanda Pushkar had sweat equity worth Rs 70 crore. Tharoor had to resign, while Pushkar also gave up her stake in Kochi franchise.

"Modi's exit is a foregone conclusion. The BCCI members are extremely unhappy in the manner in which he brought about this controversy," a top BCCI source told PTI. "Never in the history of BCCI has the Income Tax sleuths raided the offices. It has not only tarnished the image of the Board but has also sullied the IPL brand," the source said.

Support for the beleaguered Modi, who is in Dubai to attend an ICC Executive Board meeting, appears to be dwindling within the BCCI. Though heavyweight Sharad Pawar is said to be backing Modi, none of the other bigwigs seem to be in the mood to defend him this time around.

Tharoor's resignation from the government has also led to intense speculation that the centre would target Modi now and the BCCI does not want to be caught in the cross-fire.

BCCI spokesman Rajiv Shukla, however, maintains that the issue will be discussed and reports of Modi being downsized are a mere media speculation.

"All the allegations (against Modi) and other issues would

be discussed in the Governing Council meeting.

"BCCI Working Committee meeting has been postponed to May 2 because all things have to be discussed in the Governing Council meeting first. There is no point in having a Working Committee meeting before that," added the BCCI Media and Finance Committee chairman.

The Governing Council meeting is expected to be held on April 26, a day after the final of the IPL. No date has yet been officially announced.

Modi detractors have already prepared the groundwork to ease him out of the commissioner's post. There has also been talk of passing a resolution in the council meeting to remove him but no confirmation could be obtained.

n The stand against Modi has hardened over the last few days as the rapidlydeveloping events surrounding Kochi franchise's stakeholding pattern has opened a Pandora's box about financial irregularities in the IPL.

Myron for Leicester

Myron Fernandes, a recipient of Gary Linekar award with GFA secretary Savio Messias at Dabolim airport by on Friday.

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, APRIL 19

Myron Fernandes, a recipient of Gary Linekar award left for Leicester City, on Friday for a short training in the United Kingdom.

Myron, who represented Goa U-15 team to Porto, Portugal, also went through training at the Manchester United soccer school. Myron earlier played for

Goa United, Benny XI, and is currently playing for Dempo Sports Club. An ex-student of St. Britto High School, Myron represented his team which lifted the Arsenal Tata Tea tournament in 2008 at Kolkata.

Myron is the second football player after Lestern Martin to receive the award, which is an initiative of British MP, Keith Vaz.