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Panjim I February 27, 2011 I Postal Reg. No. Goa 101 I Price Rs. 3.00 I Air Surcharge Rs 2 I Pages 16+10

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gAddAFI HAs lOsT PEOPlE’s CONFIdENCE, sAys Us >> P12

goa

sports

23 MININg TrUCKs dETAINEd IN TrANsPOrT dEPT drIVE >> P3

WE’ll lOVE TO sPOIl INdIAN PArTy: sTrAUss >> P16

IT’S CHRISTMAS BEFORE CCP POllS THe MaTHs oF VoTe Goodies LG TV (73 cms) cost of each Rs 38,000 LG double door refrigerator Rs 15,700 LG Washing Machine (top loading) Rs 13,200 Estimated spend on these Rs 16.25 lakhs*

MY NEW TV IN MY OLD WORLD: An old lady in ward XXI with her new gift.

LOO AND BEHOLD: Sanitising voters with brand new toilets.

TICKET TO RIDE: Shining new bicycles at Aivao village Caranzalem.

Babush offloads TVs, fridges, washing machines, bicycles to voters BinDiyA CHARi PANJIM: Our pictures tell a story that words cannot.

Santa Monseratte has come calling because the CCP elections have come to town.

In a blatant mockery and sheer contempt for fair play, Babush Monseratte, if the pictures of TVs, washing machines and bicycles above and the words of the people

who have received them is to be believed, has poured goods worth lakhs of rupees into the homes of mainly poor folk, to buy votes.

In addition, toilets are being constructed, money being handed out to repair houses and roofs and cash doles given to buy Nike shoes. To be completely fair, the BJP has in some places asked voters what they want,

but the sheer weight, scale and grandeur of Monserattes goodies make them look like saints in front of this Santa.

“Two weeks back, Babush’s man, Uday Madkaikar (well that was before he had a fallout with Babush) came here inquiring about what we wanted?

We were given an option to choose a washing machine, a

fridge or a TV, disclosed one resident who opted for a double door fridge.

Madkaikar may have parted ways with Babush, but the promises made to the voters of this ward XXI were kept. Vehicles carrying these goods from electronic shops arrived in bulk and entered the huts and very modest homes of these people, living adjacent to the Al-

tinho slopes. Hutments behind police quarters at Altinho which form part of ward XXI has about twenty houses with voter population of 145 voters.

When a team of this reporter and Heralds photographer started visiting homes in the guise of officials collecting data, the adults were initially tightlipped about the new goodies but a

Ex-CJI’s kin have black money: I-T PTI KOCHI, FEB 26: In further embarrassment to former Chief Justice of India K G Balakrishnan, Income Tax authorities on Saturday said they have unearthed black money in possession of three of his relatives during their investigation into allegations of amassment of wealth by them.

“As far as Justice Balakrishnan is concerned, I cannot say anything. But as far as his relatives – two sons-inlaw and brother are concerned, we have found there

is black money”, director general of Income Tax (Investigation), Kochi, E T Lukose, told reporters.

Justice Balakrishnan’s sons-in-law PV Sreenijan and MJ Benny, both advocates, and brother KG Bhaskaran, former special government pleader, have been found to be possessing black money, he said.

“We are investigating how they have got the black money. We will again question the relatives”, he said.

The official refused to state the quantum of black >Continued on pg 11

AFP PHOTO

Bicycles Rs 2,500 Estimated spend Rs 50,000**

(** Rs 2500 x 20 cycles)

House repairs Rs 1,00,000 Estimated spend Rs 5 lakhs***

(*** Rs 1 lakh into 5 houses, an absolute bare minimum)

In addition: Construction of toilets, money for shoes etc.

Can panJiM do Business WiTH BaBusH? — pG 9

Cipriano Case - Hidden TruTHs - parT 2

Why is PI Chodankar refuting presence during Cipriano’s torture?

TEAM HERALD Panjim:

A lookalike of cricketer Sachin Tendulkar performs Hindu rituals as he participates in a religious ceremony for the victory of Indian Cricket Team in Ahmedabad on Saturday. India are set to face England in match 11 of the Cricket World Cup on Sunday.

World Cup cricket shoots football out of telly Football fans unitedly start online movement to watch EPL matches KuRT BEnTo

F

or a football loving state, Goa has had mixed reactions to the ongoing Cricket World Cup being held in India. The main reason, Espnstar shows most of the matches on either all three or two of their channels – Espn, Star Sports and Star Cricket – leaving the football fan with little else to do besides twiddling their thumbs. The only other option is to visit the rare sports pub with a DTH connection that shows other sports channels.

For a diehard football fan, especially one who pays good money for a DTH connection, he or she would expect the sports channels to divide football and cricket between their three channels. Like Krushnan Naik, who states emphatically, “I have no problem with one channel showing the match with

twelve-year-old quipped “Everybody here has got electronic goods from someone now”.

An elderly lady who has been staying in the locality for over fifty years complains about her pathetic living condition but she is thankful to Santa Monseratte for her brand new 73 cms of LG TV which is quite the showpiece >Continued on pg 11

(*If we take the average cost of one of the three items as Rs 25,000 and multiply by a thumb count of 65 houses -20 houses in ward 1 and 2 and 25 houses in ward 21), the costs are Rs 16.25 lakhs at the very least)

For a diehard football fan, especially one who pays good money for a DTH connection, he or she would expect the sports channels to divide football and cricket between their three channels.

English commentary and the other with Hindi. But, the least they could do is leave one channel open for some football. I’m glad that only the India matches are shown on all three channels. This way, we at least

get to watch some football, rather than none.”

Ten premier league matches are played and telecast over the weekends. But with cricket pushing out football, fans will have to miss out.

Fernando Monte Da Silva, a

Newcastle supporter says, “I’d rather watch Newcastle get decimated by Arsenal than watch a couple of guys play for half a day and then take a tea break. Of course, with the limited matches, that means I’d hardly get to see Newcastle play anyway.”

This season, they were already deprived of the Spanish League and the Champions League. Now, for the next few weeks, footie fans will be suffering from withdrawal symptoms.

But, an online movement, primarily on networking site Twitter, as well as Facebook may have just brightened up their day. A few football fans from Delhi are spearheading a movement, complete with a petition that has already had some effect on the programming. There will be a few more football matches than normal this weekend and the next. Big Brother really is keeping tabs!

For Sandesh Chodankar, the PI of the Panjim police station on the fateful night when Cipriano Fernandes was tortured, his chance to escape from a murder charge that could end his career hangs by a very narrow thread.

The vague wording of the FIR lodged by the Crime branch against Panjim police station has obviously helped. With an aim to shield at least some officers including him, the FIR with charges of murder among others is against “Police personnel on duty from 22.30 hours of 7.01.2011 to 11.55 hours of 08.02.11”.

For Sandesh Chodankar, the escape route is to establish that he wasn’t on the scene of crime - the Panjim

Sadhvi Pragya held in Joshi murder case PTI MUMBAI, FEB 26: Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, a key accused in 2008 Malegaon blast case, has been placed under arrest by MP Police in connection with the murder of Sunil Joshi, a suspect in the Samjhauta Express blast case.

“The MP police moved an application in the special MCOCA court and after taking the court’s permission they placed Sadhvi under arrest,” Rohini Salian, Special Public Prosecutor said.

police station, which he was in charge of during those crucial hours. But if some facts on record are to be believed, that escape route is closing.

Chodankar’s driver, Vithal Naik - in a statement which could obviously have been dictated by the PI - to SDM Shabaji Shetye (Herald has a copy of it) said that he had dropped PI Sandesh Chodankar at his residence at about 10 pm on 7/1/2011 in the police jeep. The PI was collected from his residence at 1.45 hours (at night which is 3 hours and 45 mins after

he reached home). He then left for night patrolling at Calangute, Anjuna and Porvorim and returned at 5.45 am and dropped to his residence.

Now compare this with the statement of Sandeep Shirvoikar, Head Constable who was SHO on duty of the intervening night 7/8th January 2011 from 8 pm to 8 am.

This statement finds mention as point number 80, Page 29 in SDM Shetye’s final inquiry report. Shirvoikar confirmed the first part of Naik’s statement that Chodankar left the police station around 10 pm.

Shetye’s report then states “He (Shirvoikar) further stated that PI Chodankar came to the police station around 2.00 am and after about 10-15 minutes left the >Continued on pg 11

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goa SNAPSHOT Woman dies after setting self ablaze at Balli MARGAO: A 26-year old woman, Shoba Manjunath Sirsat, committed suicide by setting her on fire at Pantem-Balli on Saturday noon.

PSI Prasanna Bhagat informed that the deceased, who was in a disturbed framed of mind, immolated herself near a nearby rivulet on the pretext of washing clothes.

“The deceased had gone out of the house with a bucket with clothes around noon. As she failed to return home, her husband conducted a search, only to find her dead,”PSI added.

The police are investigating.

fDa raids Navelim shop, seizes sweets, dry fruits PANJIM: The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) raided a sweet mart shop in Navelim, Salcete and seized sweets and dry fruits worth Rs 3.5 lakh.

Suka Mewa, a sweet mart, is owned by Shravan Singh.

According to sources, the raid was conducted by FDA inspector Rajiv Kurde and Priya Kholkar.

Sources said dry fruits and sweets worth Rs 3.5 lakh were seized.However, officials in the FDA refused to provide details on the raid.

Woman arrested with drugs at arpora CALANGUTE: A 50-year-old woman from Cobra Vaddo, here, was arrested by Anjuna Police on charges of possessing drugs worth Rs 52,000 at Arpora late Friday evening.

According to Anjuna police, Surekha Sushant Mandrekar was caught allegedly in possession of 518 gms of charas. Mandrekar was arrested at Arpora near the saw mill while she was waiting for prospective customers. The Anjuna police team was led by PSI Pravin Gauns and included Nitesh Mulgaonkar, Babu Madhan, Keshav Naik, Samir Gauns, Ashwini Gauns and Reshma Kandolkar.

If I am elected, installing streetlights would be my priority. Drains and parking is a major problem for ward 25. All works here would be taken up on priority. I want to see this ward clean.

— Namita Narvekar

PanJim, FeB 26: Even as there are incidents of goodies being distributed in some wards of the Corporation of the City of Panjim (CCP) in violation of the Election Code of Conduct, the State Election Commission (SEC) is yet to appoint election observers.

When contacted SEC officials said, a notification appointing two observers would be out only on Monday.

Meanwhile, the Returning Officer (RO) has appointed

two flying squads to look into the complaint of irregularities.

Acting upon a complaint

by Rui Ferreira, who is contesting from ward XVI, the RO Mihir Vardhan, has ordered CCP to stop the work it was carrying out in ward XVI. When contacted a Flying Squad official informed that work has been stopped on the direction of the Collector.

The CCP has been asked to resume the work after Election Code of Conduct ends.

Ferreira who is contesting

One of Goa’s best known Konkani and Tiatr exponents Tomazinho Cardozo’s comments that Konkani can be saved in Goa only if the medium of instruction in primary schools is English has stirred a debate over the Konkani script again. Cardozo feels that if the Church imparts education in the Devanagari scripts students will stop learning Konkani. Backers of the Devanagari script like Uday Bhembre do not agree. TEAM HERALD witnesses the face off

To save Konkani, teach English: Tomazinho Herald: Your comments on making English compulsory with one primary subject in Konkani has sparked off a mini storm among some elements in the Church Tomazinho: One priest Fr Mousinho de Ataide ridiculed my remarks. I wish he had understood that what I said, if implemented will go a long way in preserving the catholic education of the Church.

Herald: How is that so?

Tomazinho: In Church schools Konkani is taught in Devanagari script because that is the official script of the State. Without any offence to the script and without calling for any change in the status conferred to it, I am saying that let parents have a choice of the script. I confident that 90 per cent of the parents who send their children to church schools will opt for the Roman

script.

Herald: But you are advocating primary education in English Tomazinho: Yes with one compulsory subject in Konkani. And if it is Roman script, then the combination English primary education and Konkani in roman script will be perfect. The irony is that the Church does all its religious activities in the Roman script but teaches Konkani in Devanagari script.

We are doing away with our own people by denying them access to Konkani by

advocating it in a script which is not as comfortable as the Roman script. When English is taught in primary schools, accepting Konkani will be easier through the Roman script.

At this point of time there are thousands of schools where the medium of instruction is Marathi.

Then there are many private schools which do not promote Konkani. We need to counter this imbalance.

Herald: But there seems to be an opposition to this Tomazinho: I hope the Konkani pundits who are undoubtedly scholarly, understands that we will not get this generation to embrace Konkani unless we make it easier for them to learn it I the roman script.

Let there be a serious thought to it based on practicality.

Church was right to switch to Konkani: Uday Herald: Will imparting primary education in Konkani in Roman script help arrest the decline in enrolment in these schools at the primary level?

Bhembre: No, not at all.

The aversion is not to the script but the language. People like Tomazinho are trying to fool the people. Parents are asking for English, they have reservations on Konkani or are not in favour of the language as the medium of instruction. The argument that Konkani in Roman script as the medium of instruction is totally irrelevant.

Herald: But, there have been arguments in some quarters that enrolment in schools is on the decline with parents opting for private English schools.

Bhembre: I feel that this is the just the pretext to propagate either Roman script or English education. Incidentally, not all Romiwadis share Barnabe Sapeco

on NCP panel, had lodged a complaint about construction work being carried out in his ward on the approach road from Progress High School to the Panjim Church.

He alleged it was an attempt to make it known to members of the public (especially the catholic community) and voters of ward XXVI, in particular, that the works are being undertaken at the behest of Babush panel.

“It tantamount to luring voters by using religion” he said.

Ward 21: Unemployment is major concern

O jusTice for cipriaNo Supporters light candles, seeking justice in the Cipriano death case at Azad Maidan, Panjim on Saturday. The vigil evoked poor response. A group of five marched to the CM’s Altinho residence. In his absence, they handed over the memorandum to the staff, demanding immediate arrest of guilty policemen.

Parking mess main highlight of Ward 25 Rozario Estibeiro

shweta kamat

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Messy situation in Ward 21 even bother to help even one person from this ward to get a job,” tells one Altinho youth who thoroughly believes that providing jobs is also a responsibility of the corporator.

However, the youth don’t seem to be concerned much about the non availability of sanitary facilities to small houses which they claim are illegal.

For Gajanan Kale who is

contesting from Babush’s panel feels unemployment in his ward is his major concern.

He also plans to have some development in his ward but at the moment he is more focused on his campaigning.

Whereas his rival Mahesh Chandekar who is supported by BJP says there is scope for development in the area.

CORRiDORs Of pOwER

sUraJ nandrekar

Sachin Ambdoskar

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f there is any ward which does not have any major problem in the CCP jurisdiction, then it has to be ward 21, which covers most of the Altinho road.

The ward mostly has voter population of police employees staying at Altinho Hill in Government Quarters.

This ward may not have any major problems except for nagging issue of non-availability of basic sanitary facilities to those residing in huts behind the police quarters, however, the youth in the area feel let down as nothing is being done to address unemployment issue.

“Outgoing corporator Shushila Gawas has not done anything -- she did not

this view. To my mind, only Tomazinho Cardozo has been expressing this view to have education through English medium.

Herald: Tomazinho Cardozo has recently said that Church-run schools are heading towards disaster if the Church does not change its policy on primary education or do not impart primary education in English.

Comment?

Bhembre: This is happening throughout the country.

There is a misconception that children have to be in an English school to become

proficient in the language.

You are destroying the fundamental doctrine of education in the young minds.

This, certainly, is not in the interest of the children.

Herald: It’s been two decades since the Diocesan Society of Education switched over to the Konkani medium of instruction at the primary level. So why this demand for primary education in English?

Bhembre: According to me, the Church took the correct decision to switch over to Konkani as the medium of instruction at the primary education on two counts. One, the Church has been consistently following a policy worldwide to encourage local languages.

Secondly, educational doctrine suggests that the medium of instruction at the primary level should be in the mother tongue of the child.

Why is hard nut Parrikar soft on illegal mining?

BATTLE fOR pAnjiM: wARDs 21 & 25 Bindiya chari

I kept on preparing proposals and submited, but the CCP was not bothered.

I did works worth Rs 7 lakh here but entire money came from different departments, CCP did not spend anything.

— Sandeep Kundaikar

sUnDAy fACEOff

SEC yet to appoint election observers heraLd rePOrter

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Goa I Sunday 27, February 2011

f anybody wants to know how the Corporation of City of Panjim has failed to take up basic works in its jurisdiction during the last tenure just pip into Ward No 25, represented by a BJP backed corporator.

Parking mess, clogged drains and utter mess of the civic amenities highlights this ward represented by Sandeep Kundaikar.

The ward is tucked in the heart of the city across two major roads – Dr Atmaram Borkar Road and Dr Dada Vaidya Road.

“Despite being in the heart of the city, where most of the tourists prefer to move, the ward has been completely set aside by CCP. The ward is just full of issues,” Pai, a local shop-

Traffic chaos in Ward 25 keeper says.

Kundaikar further adds, “CCP had no money to spend here. I kept on preparing proposals and submitting to the corporation, but they were not bothered.”

He said the ward received utter step motherly treatment from the ruling panel, which had blessings of Education Minister Babush Monserrate.

The ward has a total of 1238 voters and Kundaikar had won in 2006 election defeating Ajay Silimkhan.

For 2011 polls, the ward is reserved for women where BJP-backed panel’s Shubadha Dhond is pitted against Babush backed panel’s Namita Narvekar.

Kundaikar himself admits that the ward is in real bad shape.

pposition leader Manohar Parrikar one of the champion crusaders against illegal mining has, for reasons best known to him, has fallen short of naming the culprits behind the illegal mining.

The irony though is that illegal mining also existed during his tenure as the chief minister of Goa between 2002 and 2005.

According to him, the Goa government lost royalty on 1 cr tonne of mining export between 2002 and 2005, which the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), is inquiring into.

Parrikar, who is the chairman of the PAC, says the mining department has no explanation on the loss of royalty.

However, when it was pointed out to him that during this period he was himself the chief minister – what came out was surprising.

First instantly Parrikar backtracked that the loss was huge. “During those days illegal mining was not so huge and the royalty was paltry @ Rs 30 per tonne. So the loss would be around 25 to 30 cr.”

Then he said “even during my chief ministership, the mining minister was the same.”

Does that mean he is blaming Digambar Kamat for flourishing of illegal mines and loss of royalty?

No, says Parrikar.

“It is you who is interpreting not me, I have not named

anyone,” he says.

SO why is he letting Kamat off the hook?

Recently, a report blamed Parrikar for going soft on the Congress leaders and with the way the former chief minister has replied to the above queries has left one guessing - does Parrikar really want to raise the issue of illegal mining in the state?

Or is he only paying lip service?

If he was so concerned about the illegal mining why didn’t he take action during his tenure?

He has instead vigorously accused police inspectors and other mines department officials for the plunder.

One question we would like to ask is, does Parrikar want the common man to believe that police inspectors and mining officials are only responsible for illegal mining running into crores without political backing.

Or is he giving a clean chit to politicians for the illegal mining menace?

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The department will go very strong to curb the increasing overloading of trucks. If need police protection will be sought. From Monday the officials will visit the respective mining sites from where the ore is being loaded.

— Transport Director

23 mining trucks detained in Transport Dept drive Over 200 cases booked across the State

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 26: In a major crackdown on the mining trucks violating laws, the State Transport department on Saturday detained 23 trucks and booked over 200 cases across the state.

The extensive drive, which kicked-off today morning against overloaded trucks in the mining belt managed to detain around 23 trucks in North Goa itself registering 103 cases.

“Apart from overloading, the trucks were moving without valid documents and licence from the mining department,” Director Transport Arun Desai said adding that many were found without the additional plank.

All these detained trucks

have been kept at Dodamarg, Bhamai, Pale and Bicholim under police security.

The department has also registered 119 cases in South Goa of which 42 were booked for overloading alone.

“Here most of the trucks are been booked for two different offences- overloading

has swung in action.

The department on February 22 had issued notices to the mining firms asking to abide by the High Court directives on overloading of the trucks failing which department would confiscate the trucks, laden with ore.

detAined for breAking the rules The extensive drive, which kicked-off today morning against overloaded trucks in the mining belt managed to detain around 23 trucks in North Goa itself registering 103 cases. and non availability of document,” director said.

Desai said that maximum violation was seen in areas of Sanvordem, Rivona and Zambavli.

After much protest on trucks overloaded with ore, the transport department

Worker found murdered in Bicholim house

Sameer Umarye.

The Court in its directives had said that if any truck engaged in the transportation of ore is found violating any of the measures three times in a year, the permit of the truck will be suspended.

As per the regulations for the mineral ore transporta-

SEZ promoter reapplies for land allotment HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 26: Even as the

A police dog at the scene of the murder at Vathadev-Bicholim.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT BICHOLIM, FEB 26: A 52year-old daily wage worker was found murdered in a house at Vathadev-Bicholim on Saturday.

According to sources, the body of Babi Viro Moto was found naked and a ‘koita’, the weapon used in the murder, lay by the side.

The abandoned house had no electricity and belonged to one Adnyan Beig of Muslimwada-Bicholim.

Babi was staying since last two years. His brother and his son lived separately at Dhangarwada-Bicholim.

According to sources, Babi had illicit affair with a woman from Honda who would frequent the house.

Sources added that the woman had earlier assaulted him on his head with a sharp weapon. The police are now investigating if the same woman is behind the murder.

Cops continuing with Bellary’s murder probe HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 26:

The Maina Curtorim police on Saturday has said the police are continuing with investigations to lay their hands on the skull of deceased Sultan Bellary in the headless body murder case.

PI Sidhant Shirodkar said the police are looking out for the skull of the deceased.

The murder was discovered when Beig had sent a person in search of Babi as he had some work in his house. When the person went to the spot he was shocked to find Babi dead in a pool of blood.

Police said Babi was attacked with a sharp weapon and had three injuries, one on his forehead and two at the back.

A Bicholim police led by PI Harish Madkaikar went to the site to investigate the case.

Fingerprint experts and a police dog squad were also pressed into service.

DySP Bossuet D’Silva also visited the site and took the stock of the situation.

dust over the SEZ land controversy is yet to settle down, one of the seven promoters of the special economic zones in the State has reapplied for land allotment from the Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC).

In a landmark judgment, on November 27, the High Court of Bombay at Goa had set aside the land allotments to all SEZ promoters dubbing it as arbitrary, “in undue haste and without proper scrutiny of the applications”.

The Court had directed the Government to allot land afresh to the developers for any other purpose except SEZ. While six companies appealed against the order in Supreme Court only one company Maxgrow Finlease Pvt Ltd reapplied for land allotment.

The company has applied for 2 lakh square metres of land to set up industries of IT and IT Enabled Services (ITES).

When contacted GIDC chairman Chandrakant Kavlekar confirmed the de-

New entity gives clarion call — Chalo Azad Maidan HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 26: Goemchea

tion in the state of Goa, the Court has ordered, that the trucks loaded at dispatched point shall carry ore only to the extent of permitted capacity that is 10.5 tonnes for six wheelers.

“The mining companies have been directed to have their own weighbridges at the point of loading itself and no truck bearing ore would be permitted to the leave the premises unless its weight is measured,” it adds.

“The department will go very strong to curb the increasing overloading of trucks. If required police protection will be also sought,” Desai said adding that from Monday the department officials will visit the respective mining sites from where the ore is being loaded.

velopment.

“Yes, we have received the application but we have forwarded it to the government. Let them take a decision,” Kavlekar told Herald.

He stated the application came long time back and they were awaiting government decision in this regard.

Six of the seven promoters namely K Raheja & Corporation, Peninsula Pharma Research Centre, Planetview Mercantile Co, Inox Mercantile Company and Paradigm Logistics & Distribution approached the Supreme Court.

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Rakhondarancho Awaz (GRA), a newly formed collective group claiming themselves to be patriots, has given a call to the people of Goa to come together at the Azad Maidan, here, on March 15 from 2.30 pm onwards to highlight and protest against

the rampant corruption in the State administration and the Government’s anti-people policies.

Addressing a press conference under the banner of GRA, legal advisor Adv Yatish Naik said, Awaz is a movement which is not led by a single leader but it has representations from several village and civil groups.

Goa I Sunday 27, February 2011

We have received application from Maxgrow Finlease Pvt Ltd but we have forwarded it. The application came long time back and we were awaiting government decision in this regard.

— GIDC chairman

rider killed in curtorim mishap

MARGAO: A 26-year old two-wheeler rider Sagar Kamble was killed in a road accident at Curtorim on Saturday.

Maina Curtorim police said the deceased met with a self accident and died on the spot.

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The mining lobby had misguided the central government by presenting a false environmental report to seek permission. An NOC from the agriculture department must be made mandatory to establish mining activities in the country. – Youth Activist

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Goa I Sunday 27, February 2011

The water requirement for Porvorim is 15 MLD. If there are no technical faults or electrical problems at the Assonora reservoir and if water supply is smooth, then Porvorim can get sufficient water supply even during the summer.

– PWD Official

Progress and Protest in North Goa The relationship between progress and protest is similar to that of the proverbial chicken and the egg. Progress generally leads to protest and vice-versa. Herald’s team of correspondents have probed two key issues plaguing residents in two parts of North Goa. Authorities in Bardez are under pressure to augment water supply to cater to demands of the swelling population in Bardez taluka. On the other hand, authorities in Sattari are under pressure over growing public protests against mining activities in Sattari taluka.

Development ups pressure on water supply in Bardez

Photo by Anil Shankwalker

Residents gather around a water tanker at Mapusa hill top.

W

ith Bardez taluka developing at a rapid pace during the last 10 years and given phenomenal growth in population, there has been considerable load on the available water supply to residents in the taluka.

Considering the gravity of the situation, the Public Works Department has initiated measures to augment water supply to residents of Bardez taluka.

Speaking to Herald, Executive Engineer K H Kamaldinni said the estimated requirement of potable water to Bardez taluka is 85 Million Litres per day (MLD).

“Water treatment plants at Assonora and Padosem produce ample quantity of treated water. There are seven pumps at Assonora Reservoir and two transformers – 2,500 KVA and 1,600 KVA. Besides, there is another transformer of 1,600 KVA, which has been kept as stand-by,” informed Kamaldinni.

“Of the seven, if six pumps function round the clock, Bardez taluka can get full water supply regularly.

be released by April 2011.

PWD officials feel that once this new water treatment plant starts functioning, water supply to Bardez taluka will be increased to nearly 100 MLD, which will be sufficient to cater to the requirement of Bardez taluka even after considering water leakage anil shankhwalker/ Bardez and theft.

Assonorabased Assiswater tant Engineer (electrical) areas like Mapusa hilltop Rumil Barreto said since the and the tail end like Por- water treatment plant at Assonora is working round the vorim,” added Kamaldinni.

He said there are 55 clock, they have suggested to ground-level reservoirs in the government to appoint Bardez taluka, while two an electrical engineer for more, one each at Bastora night duty at the Assonora and Quitula-Aldona, have Reservoir. been proposed by PWD. “At present, there is no “Similarly, there are three electrical engineer for night sumps and 20 overhead duty. If some electrical reservoirs in Bardez. The problem arises during PWD has already proposed night, there should be an offour overhead reservoirs in ficer on duty to attend to the Bardez,” he said. problem immediately,” he The new water treatment said. plant of 50 MLD at Assonora “When the appointment has already started function- of electrical engineer is made ing since May 30, 2010. In the for night duty, there will be first stage, 20 MLD water has further improvement in the been released and the bal- functioning at the Assonora ance 30 MLD is expected to reservoir,” said Barreto.

However, in case one of the six pumps breakdowns, as it happened recently, then water supply to Bardez taluka is reduced marginally,” explained Kamaldinni.

“In this eventuality, the people who are worst affected are the ones who are residing at the high-elevated

Por-wary over water shortage Photo by Anil Shankwalker

T

hey may be situated at the extreme ends of Bardez taluka, yet residents of Porvorim closely monitor developments at a particular site in Assonora for one main purpose.

This is because any problem in the water treatment plant at Assonora will immediately trigger an acute water shortage in Bardez taluka and residents of Porvorim would be the worst affected lot, as they are located at the tail end of the water supply.

Since Porvorim is a plateau, people have to depend mainly on tap water. Whenever there is water shortage, residents are forced to hire water tankers to meet their requirement.

Though Porvorim plateau is the worst hit by water supply in Bardez taluka, officials of Public Works Department have claimed that there is plenty of water storage capacity at Porvorim.

According to PWD officials, there are seven ground level reservoirs, two sumps and eight overhead reservoirs. A reservoir with a capacity of 650 cubic metres is under construction at Ramnagar and four more have been proposed by the PWD. “The water requirement for Porvorim is 15 MLD. If there are no technical faults or electrical problems at the Assonora reservoir and if water supply is smooth, then Porvorim can get sufficient water supply even during the summer,” opined officials.

However, considering the pace of development of Porvorim and surrounding areas, as per the suggestion of Aldona MLA Dayanand Narvekar, the PWD has proposed a water treatment plant of 20 MLD at Guirim.

Saligao MLA Dilip Parulekar has recommended the site in Guirim Communidade.

Since Guirim Communidade has agreed to offer land of 13,000 sq mtrs, the PWD has undertaken the work of preparing the project of water treatment plant at Guirim, which is estimated to cost about Rs 20 crore.

The Tillari canal water will be utilized for this treatment plant, but the only hitch is that the treatment plant will not get water for two months in November and December, due to annual maintenance of the Tillari canal.

The plant, if commissioned, will remain idle for two months due to non-supply of Tillari canal water. The project will be submitted to the government shortly and if the approval is received, the department plans to complete the project within a year.

Construction of an overhead water reservoir at Ramnagar-Alto Betim in progress.

The underground water pipeline was meant to supply water to various villages in Bardez taluka, but it has been plagued by frequent breakdowns.

In a bid to augment the water supply in the area, the PWD had laid an underground water pipeline from the Assonora Reservoir to supply water to the villages of Aldona, Pomburpa, Olaulim, Salvador-doMundo, Penha-da-Franca and Nachinola.

PWD Executive Engineer K H Kamaldinni said the pipeline has been frequently damaged due to heavy barge movement in the area.

“The barge filling point is close to this underwater pipeline, repair of which is a difficult job and involves skilled manpower, which is not available easily,” said Kamaldinni.

AE assures separate water pipeline for Temba residents HERALD CORRESPONDENT MERCES, FEB 26: With the hardworking PWD workers unable to solve the problem of low water pressure at Temba in Merces, a decision was ultimately arrived at, that as a solution, a separate and dedicated water pipeline should be laid, catering only to the Temba area in Merces.

Herald had, on Friday, reported how low water pressure had affected the villagers in Temba and how they had to burn the midnight oil to collect their quota of water.

The PWD workers who had been working since Friday to solve the problem could not meet with any success on Saturday, too, as the pressure was simply too low.

And to add to the problem, the GI pipeline that is supplying water to the area had corroded.

Later, Rudolf Fernandes, son of local MLA Victoria Fernandes, arrived at the spot to take stock of the progress being made, but when the PWD workers told him that only a separate pipeline would solve the problem, Rudolf immediately called AE Chavan to visit the area and work out a solution.

On his arrival, AE Chavan consulted the PWD workers, and after insistence from Rudolf and the villagers, assured that the PWD would immediately begin the process of laying a separate pipeline.

However, since laying a pipeline would take more than a week, Chavan informed that he would send two water tankers, one in the morning and one in the evening, to cater to the water requirements of the area.

But, at the time of going to the press, there were no signs of any water tanker, much to the dismay of the Temba locals.

Youth join anti-mining movement Sattari residents see red over mining

U

nhappy over the State government’s eagerness to either start new mines or renewal of old mining leases in Sattari taluka, a number of youth have joined hands to raise their concerns at a higher level.

A group of youth and social activists from Sattari taluka recently met the head of an ecology expert panel on Western Ghats appointed by the ministry of environment.

A delegation that included Adv Shivaji Dessai, Ranjit Rane and Vishwesh Prabhu, recently submitted a representation to Prof Madhav Gadgil, chairman of the ecology expert panel on Western Ghats appointed by the Ministry of Environment, who was on a visit to the State.

While submitting the representation, Dessai had also raised a number of issues related to the mining lease at Nagargao.

Dessai alleged that the mining lobby had misguided the central government by

presenting a false environmental report to seek permission.

“An NOC from the agriculture department must be made mandatory to establish mining activities in the country,” he said.

Ranjeet Rane highlighted the importance of green forest and explained the consequences of mining on Mhadei River and Dabos Water Treatment plant in the region.

Another member of the delegation, Vishwesh Prabhu, highlighted about the operation of illegal mining activities in Sattari and speeding trucks, which are carrying ore without any restrictions.

“Authorities are turning a blind eye in the matter,” he alleged.

Raghu Gaonkar highlighted the ill-effects of mining along the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary. “The strong mining lobby is preparing to set up mining in this eco-sensitive zone,” he

added.

After giving a patient hearing to the youth, Prof Gadgil assured them that the issues raised would be included in his report.

Sources informed that the objective of the ecology expert panel is to demarcate

L

ike the colour of the ore, residents of Sattari are now seeing red over mining activities in the taluka.

Various anti-mining committees have been formed by affected villagers in the taluka and among the ashraf khan / Sattari newest to join the antimining bandwagon at the Sattari Jagrut Yuva Mormining cha and Janaseva Prathisareas, which need to be noti- tan at Sonal. fied as ‘ecologically sensiThese committees have tive’, so that it could be accused authorities of trying declared as ‘restricted devel- to renew old mine leases at opment zones’. various places in the taluka Speaking to Herald, without taking villagers into Vishvesh Parob and Ranjeet confidence.

Rane stated that Sattari Opposition to mining activtaluka in terms of environ- ities in Sattari is gaining moment is a sensitive zone and mentum, with many it falls under the Western like-minded people and soGhats, which makes it more cial activists supporting the eco-sensitive. anti-mining committees in “Presently, some parts of their fight to reduce pollution, the taluka are reeling under destruction of environment, mining activities and the illegal cutting of forest, etc.

State government is in the Janaseva Pratishthan mood to either set up new members recently submitmines or allow renewal of ted a representation to Satold mining leases in the re- tari Mamlatdar Satish Desai

alleging illegal mining activities at Gavanem-Sattari.

In a memorandum, the group led by Adv Ganpat Gaonker stated that a mining company was carrying out mining activities without taking necessary permission from various competent authorities.

“The environmental clearance permission was given to the mine by the Ministry of Environment and Forest subject to obtaining clearance under Wildlife Protection Act 1972 from the competent authority,” stated the memorandum.

“However, the proposal for clearance under Forest (Conservation) Act 1980 was rejected by the Ministry of Environment and Forest.

Mining activities which are being carried out come under the area of 1 km from Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary,” added the memorandum.

The delegation further pointed out that the mining company has been illegally using government land at

Gavanem to extraction, dumping and rejection of ore.

“The mining company is posing a risk to public health and agricultural land,” stated the delegation in the memorandum.

About two months ago, residents of Sonal had submitted a memorandum to the union minister for environment and forest, objecting to the renewal and grant of a mining lease in SonalSanvordem in Sattari, as the proposed mining area falls within the purview of Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary.

The memorandum signed

by Anti-mining Committee President Shridhar Kale stated that no mining lease shall be granted in Sonal or within the jurisdiction of Sanvordem Panchayat and it should be declared as a mining-free zone area.

The villagers also pointed out that the agriculture in the area will be destroyed, besides polluting wells and river water if mining activities commence at Sonal.

Mindful of growing public opposition to mining activities in Sattari taluka, government authorities are now under pressure to act against those breaking the law.

Acting on a tip-off from locals, forest department officials recently seized a vehicle with mining machinery from Paikul village in Sattari taluka.

Suspecting foul play over the presence of the vehicle with mining machinery near Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary check post on January 25, the villagers had alerted the anti-mining activists.

However, before any action could be taken, the driver bypassed the check-post and diverted the machinery through a remote area and entered into Paikul.

When locals questioned the driver, they were allegedly told that it had been brought to restart mining activities at the site located in the village.

The locals immediately alerted the forest department’s mobile squad. Later, forest officials nabbed the accused for illegally intruding in the forest area under Forest Act and after conducting the panchanama, the vehicle carrying the machinery was also detained in the connection.

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goa SNAPSHOT

Workshop on Right to Information PANJIM (HND): Associacao Academica de Moira and Asha Family Responsibilities & Rights Association will conduct a Workshop on ‘Right to Information’ in Konkani and English on March 6 at AA Moira Club Hall from 5 pm to 6.30 pm. Registration is free. For details call 9822166876 / 9623454450 or e-mail: trustasha@yahoo.co.in.

Passing out parade PANJIM (HND): The passing out parade of 47th batch of fire fighter recruits of Arunachal Pradesh Government who have undergone six-month elementary course in fire fighting at Goa State Fire Force Training Centre will be held on February 28 at Fire Force Headquarters, Training Center, St Inez, Panjim, from 10 am onwards.

HSSC seating arrangements PANJIM (HND): At Rosary HSS, Navelim Sub Center for Commerce Whole 62057 to 62348 and 62350 to 62569; for Exemption 62570 to 62620 and 63761.

At RMS HSS (Damodar College of Commerce, Comba, Margao) Sub Center for Arts Whole 61866 to 62033 and 62349; Exemption 62034 to 62056; Science whole 62621 to 62765; Exemption 62766 to 62770; Vocational whole 62771 to 62851 and 62853 to 63019; Exemption 63020.

Nuvem civic forum meet PANJIM (HND): The Nuvem Civic and Consumer Forum (NCCF) will have its monthly general meeting of consumers on Sunday, February 27, at 10:15 am at Mae dos Pobres High School, Nuvem. Among the issues to be discussed are Road Safety & Traffic Management, Identity Cards & benefits for Senior Citizens, LPG matters and Water and Sanitation.

Arts & crafts exhibition PANJIM (HND): `Spirit of Goa’ an arts and crafts exhibition cum sale will be organised at Leonoras Gallery, Verna on Sunday, February 27 to March 15.

Artists - Piety D'Silva, David Flaviano Fernandes, Simona Fernandes, Chaze Galleries Collection and Pradeep Naik collection will be showcasing the products. Paintings of oil, acrylic, watercolors on canvas/paper, tribal art, China art and ceramics will be on display. The exhibition will remain open from 10 am to 9 pm at Leonoras Gallery, Verna.

St Francis Xavier novena PANJIM (HND): The novena of Grace in honour of St Francis Xavier at Bom Jesus Basilica, Old Goa, will be held from March 4 to 12. The novena masses from March 4 to 11 (except March 6) at 7 am, 8 am, 4.30 pm and 5.30 pm will be in Konkani and at 6.30 pm in English. Way of the Cross will be held everyday at 3.30 pm. On March 6, novena masses in Konkani will be at 7 am, 8 am, 9.15 am, 4.30 pm and 5.30 pm; in English at 10.15 am and 6.30 pm.

On March 12, masses will be held in Konkani at 7 am, 8 am and 9.30 am (High Mass). After the 9.30 am Mass, there will be Penitential Procession starting from Bom Jesus Basilica to the Church of the Miraculous Cross (Khuris Milagre) atop Boa Vista Hill at Old Goa. After the Penitential procession, there will be a Mass in the Church of the Miraculous Cross, at 4.30 pm, 5.30 pm (both in Konkani) and 6.30 pm (in English). On March 6, there will be a Mass at the Chapel of St Francis Xavier (near the petrol pump) at Old Goa at 10 am.

Tide chart: February 27 High Tide: 0539; 2034: Low Tide: 0022; 1248

PANJIM, FEB 26: In an apparent cover-up in a case of alleged assault, Panjim police have refused to take action against Zito Jude George of assaulting a Herald staffer, late on Friday night.

Zito, is incidentally the brother of ADC to Governor Bosco George. On Friday, at about 10:30 pm, Chandan D’Sa was on his way to cover an event was assaulted by two persons one of whom he identified as Zito.

“When I reached Cortim with my colleague to cover Saraswat food festival, a car abruptly stopped in front of us and two men including Zito came out of the car and started beating me with fist blows and kicks. I ran inside a nearby bar to save myself but they still chased me,” Chandan said.

He also heard a woman’s voice from inside the car ask-

ing the assailants to ‘kill him’.

He said, “I called up the police from my mobile phone but they did not entertain my complaint. I later approached the Panjim police station in person to file a formal complaint.”

The police referred him for medical examination after which Chandan lodged a complaint. However, the police first refused to take his complaint and later registered a non-cognizable complaint stating that the injuries were not grievous.

“The police sub-inspector on duty was A P Velip. While I was filing complain, Hawaldar Ramesh Desai suggested me to retaliate back at Zito and group by forming my own gang. I replied that it is their duty to take police action,” he stated.

The Herald colleague who has witnessed the assault is still not called for recording his statement even as the Herald’s editor intervened.

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The time has come for all of us to fight against the polluting industries. If authorities are not taking the matter seriously, then it is we the people who will have to take an action.

– Actvist Ghaisas

Chaka Chak team, Merces VP join MDS cancellation: dental students seek hands to tackle plastic menace Guv’s intervention

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

MERCES, FEB 26: The Chaka Chak

team comprising Patricia Pinto, Franky Gracias and Valerie Madredeus visited the Merces panchayat, on Saturday, to work out modalities on how to begin the process of tackling plastic menace which has engulfed the village.

Also present at the meeting was local MLA Victoria Fernandes, apart from Merces Sarpanch Deepika Shirgaonkar, deputy Sarpanch Yatin Palekar, garbage committee members and concerned citizens.

Initiating the proceedings, Patricia explained the panchayat authorities about the government schemes which could be availed by the panchayat to tackle garbage.

She further made them aware of two schemes namely 'plastic menace scheme' and 'rural garbage scheme', which could be utilized by the panchayats to solve the garbage woes.

Patricia then laid emphasis on tackling the plastic menace first, and informed that except Parra, no other panchayat has availed of the 'plastic menace scheme'.

Explaining further, Patricia said that under this scheme, initially the panchayat is provided Rs 25000 and the plastic collected is taken for recycling by a government-appointed contractor.

However, she said that before they begin the process of plastic collection, there is a need to chalk out a plan on how to go about it.

"After a plan is put in place, awareness should be created among the public on segregating plastic," she added and also emphasized on putting in place the facilities that are needed to store the collected plastic.

After much discussion, the members present reached a decision that instead of implementing the programme in entire Merces, the village could be divided into zones and the programme could be implemented in one zone, and depending on the success in this zone, it could then be implemented in the other zone.

Accordingly, the garbage committee members suggested that the Shantaban, Kumbarvaddy, Firguem Bhat and surrounding areas should be clubbed in one zone and the programme could be launched there.

Later, as a first step, the Chaka Chak team and the Merces VP decided that a public meeting will be held on March 13 at the Maruti Temple, Kumbarvaddy, to create awareness among the locals on plastic menace, which will be then followed by a door-to-door campaign.

Chaka Chak team member Franky Gracias also emphasized that constant follow-up on the issue will have to be done, if the programme has to be successful.

"We will extend whatever help and guidance is required," Franky assured, but added that the co-operation of the people and the panchayat authorities is a must to carry the programme forward.

The Chaka Chak team also extended its full co-operation to the panchayat in availing the government schemes and showed willingness to personally create awareness along with the garbage committee and the panchayat authorities, as and when necessary.

The team members also urged the panchayat secretary to keep a tab on shopkeepers who are selling plastic bags below 40 microns, which is banned, and to fine the violators.

Marcaim villagers demand action against polluting units HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, FEB 26: Vil-

lagers from Parampai and Karanzal wards in Marcaim Panchayat have demanded stern action against one of the alleged polluting units at Marcaim IDC. The residents have claimed that the unit has become a health hazard to the people living in the area.

“The unit, which is located in the Marcaim IDC, is barely few metres away from these two wards,” informed the villagers.

Villagers have claimed that the unit is creating air and noise pollution and the unit has even illegally dumped slag into the open space. Villagers fear that slag dumped may come down with rainwater into their houses.

“Since 2003, we had initiated agitation against this unit, but till date authorities have failed to act. People are facing problem due to this unit. There is difficulty in breathing and many a times sleepless nights because of noise pollution,” said former Marcaim sarpanch Erasmo Aguiar.

“During our agitation in

Vasco cracks Cops trying to hush up assault on Herald staffer? down on rent HERALD REPORTER

The Gandhi Market vendors would wait for 15 days for the municipal administration to initiate action against illegal vendors before chalking out the future course of action.

– Rajendra Azgaonkar

Goa I Sunday 27, February 2011

defaulters

HERALD REPORTER VASCO, FEB 26: Barely few hours after Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) cracked a whip on defaulters, who failed to clear rent, MMC enchased nearly Rs 7 lakh in its treasury.

MMC on Friday commenced its drive to seal the shops and commercial establishments that were rented out, as MMC had to recover nearly Rs 4 crore as rent dues from the defaulters.

However, within few hours after MMC officials sealed three shops, the defaulters made their presence felt at the council to clear their dues.

MMC sealed three shops in Vasco area, one near Goa Sahakar Bhandar, two in old market. “We have received nearly Rs 6.82 lakh within few hours after sealing drive commenced,” said MMC Chief Officer Gopal Parsekar.

2003, we had submitted memorandums to all the government departments and even to our local MLA. But hardly anything had been done so far. The delay by authorities has resulted in people’s suffering from varied kinds of problems,” added Aguiar.

With authorities allegedly failing to act, the villagers stated that they are now compelled to agitate.

“The time has come for all of us to fight against the polluting industries. If authorities are not taking the matter seriously, then it is we the people who will have to take an action. We are committed to the cause and will see to it that such industries are shut down,” said Madkaim Nagrik Kruti Sammitti President Mahabaleshwar Ghaisas.

“Hey poloy, goyche log aiylya (see the Goan people have come),” said a migrant child playing outside their rented premises barely metres away from the Madkaim Industrial Estate, as media persons along with villagers were walking towards the site where a unit had al-

legedly dumped slag in the open area.

“So you can imagine the number of migrant population working in this unit. We are referred as outsiders. If this the situation now, then god knows in few years what will be the situation,” said Ghaisas.

Villagers further claimed that a unit has dumped large amount of slag in the open area.

“The unit without any permission dumped a large quantity of slag in the land belonging to Marcaim Communidade. There is no compound wall and during rains the waste is bound to enter our village along with the running water,” said Ponda Block Shiv Sena Chief Kamlakant Naik.

“This, I feel will have an adverse effect on our health.

It is high time that government should take a stern action against the unit in the interest of the people,” added Naik.

Added Ghaisas, “This unit is causing so much pollution that our health is affected and in few years our younger generation will suffer a lot.”

Police descend on Margao municipal building HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 26: Margao

police descended at the Margao Municipal building on Friday after vendors from the Gandhi Market led by Rajendra Azgaonkar, brother of Panchayat Minister, Babu Azgaonkar came to meet the Chief Officer Prasanna Acharya with their longpending grievances.

When Azgaonkar made his presence felt in the civic body along with 20-25 vendors, the Chief Officer was conspicuous by his absence and assured the former that he would reach the building within minutes. However, the vendors were surprised to see a strong posse of policemen entering the building as they maintained that they have come only to discuss with the Chief Officer their problems.

When Acharya finally arrived in the office, he was asked to explain the failure of

the municipal administration to crack a whip against illegal vendors doing brisk business along the station road. Azgaonkar pointed out that illegal vendors spread across the city have adversely affected the genuine vendors in the markets and called for action against the illegalities.

Incidentally, Azgaonkar later told newsmen that the Chief Officer spoke about illegalities in the Gandhi Market and the inaction by the municipal inspectors. “I have told the Chief Officer to go ahead with action against any illegality in the Gandhi Market. I told the CO that it was for him to initiate action disciplinary action against any erring staff”, he added.

Azgaonkar said the vendors would wait for 15 days for the administration to initiate action before chalking out the future course of action.

‘Remove traffic bottlenecks at Nuvem’

HERALD REPORTER

MARGAO, FEB 26: The South Goa Traffic Regulatory Committee on Saturday has called for removing traffic bottlenecks at Nuvem and to complete the old market circle-Damodar College ring road at the earliest.

The meeting chaired by District Magistrate, G P Naik deliberated on the traffic scenario in South Goa district and mooted a slew of measures for streamlining traffic at perennial bottlenecks.

Briefing newsmen after the meeting, the district magistrate said that superintendent of police, traffic has underlined the need to improve the traffic scenario along the NH-17 at Nuvem.

In this respect, Naik said that work on the Majorda bypass would be completed on a priority basis to give relief for traffic heading to Margao from Nuvem.

He said the meeting has issued directions to the authorities to remove the poles coming within the road widening area.

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, FEB 26: The decision to cancel and de-recognise seats for MDS (post graduate) courses in Goa Dental College (GDC) has created a panic among the students aspiring for the course.

Dental students in a written representation to the Goa Governor S S Sidhu have appealed to look into the matter which has arisen because of ill-equipped machinery in the college.

“It has been informed to us by the Dean of GDC that the admission to the post graduate courses will be stopped from the academic year 201112 due to lack of affiliation by the Goa University (GU) with just few days remaining for the admission process to begin in March,” the letter reads.

The students were informed by the GU that GDC is not equipped with the latest machinery and infrastructure and hence it does not comply with the requirements that are mentioned by the GU’s Affiliation Inquiry Committee (AIC). But they claim that the GDC has complied with all necessities put forth by the Dental Colleges

of India.

With GDC the only dental college in the State, the students complain that cancelling and de-recognising the post graduate seats would only deprive them of higher studies.

“It is injustice and unfair to the students aspiring for MDS courses in Goa due to the last minute decision cancelling and de-recognising seats without prior notice to the students. Our career is at stake…” the letter signed by five students further reads.

GU had fixed the last date to respond to the fulfillment of the requirement by the GDC on March 2, 2011.

Students said that they have made futile attempts to meet concerned authorities and the health minister, while also claiming the GDC dean has shown no compliance with the GU to reply to conclusion by the AIC. The distressed students have given a copy of their representation to Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane, Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar, GU Vice Chancellor Dileep Deobagkar and GDC Dean P K Chandra.

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WEEKENDEDIT

The conspiracy of silence

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s a newspaper, our job is to ask questions. Tough or uncomfortable questions, questions for clarity or for better perception, so that these answers can be given to the biggest sovereign in the state, the people of Goa. Over the years, the relationship between the press and the executive has become strained because while we think and hope that we are doing our job, the executive is not doing its job of answering questions. Nowhere is this stifling of all questions more evident than in the home department and its extension –the police.

The Director General of Police, Mr BS Bassi has perfected the art of avoiding the press. Herald reporters – and we are sure our colleagues in other media as well – are tired and disgusted at the childish manner in which Bassi avoids the press. When you call his office, his staff says he is out and helpfully asks you to call on his cell. That either rings or is switched off. As lunch hour approaches, the excuse turns to, “He’s gone home for lunch.” When you call home, it always is, “He has just left after lunch.” So, you presume that he is midway and call on the cell. And the cycle continues.This is repeated ad infinitum with other officers, including the spokesperson of the Goa police Atmaram Deshpande.

Agreed that the police force has much to hide or at the very least not much to write home about. But at no point of time can it attempt to deny the media information. It must understand that closing of communication is the biggest folly it could commit. Whoever is the author of this strategy is doing great disservice to the police force and the government. Moreover, right from the time PSI Gudlar was caught trying to sell drugs to the sister and girlfriend of drug lord Dudu, to the time the Panjim police was found charged with the torture and homicidal death of Cipriano Fernandes, the media has kept things simple. When facts are not palatable, the police can’t blame the suppliers but the cooks. And the cooks are in their own kitchen.

The media is facing a tough ask. It has to cut through this conspiracy of silence of the police, dig deep to unearth the truth through a network which is on the fringes of the police and use the Right to Information to brutal effect. All this to ensure that the common man does is not forced into shock and silence by this huge conspiracy played by the state. Silence is not a defense mechanism. It has been used by the police as an effective weapon to counter attack. When officers are guilty of literally being in bed with drug lords and yet roam free, there is no answer why. When officers are charged with murdering an innocent in police custody, the Home Minister hands over the case to Special Investigating Team, (SIT), which actually does not exist. When the police are asked when the charged officers will be arrested or at the very least questioned, a new page of silence from the conspiracy book is produced.

True, silence is a weapon. It is also a statement that the government wants to cut itself from its own people. It’s also a saga of contemptuous betrayal of the people of humongous proportions. The press fights this powerful system for no reward other than the calm of its conscience. Will there be a time when every Goan conscience will be touched by the brutality of this conspiracy of silence? Mea culpa is meaningless if those who are culpable are not held accountable. Accepting prima facie guilt by suspending officers is only a teaser. And not taking this beyond the teaser is a sham.

FACEBOOK

Agreed that the police force has much to hide or at the very least not much to write home about. But at no point of time can it attempt to deny the media information.

— Edit

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Vol. No CXI No. 58 I Goa I Sunday 27, February 2011

My guess is that it will take our grand children to overthrow these kings and their progeny, in an Egyptian style revolution, 80 years down the line when the cauldron finally comes to a boil.

– Dr Oscar Rebello

SHOOTING FROM THE HIP

PEOPLE’SEDIT

Walk like an Egyptian!

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ver so often these days, I get accosted by my friends and this is what they say, “It is time to launch a massive movement by all of us Goans, like the Egyptians”, As if all movements are as easy as a bowel movement. Talk they say, is cheap.

Sadly, Democracy is even cheaper.

Like a scintillating, searing magnum opus that even Holly wood could not dream of, we are proud to witness one of the most epoch making periods in our planets contemporary history. The entire Arab world is ablaze with the feverish emotion of revolt.

Tunisia and Egypt have fallen. Libya, Bahrain and Yemen are creaking at the gates of paradise. Blood has been spilled, sacrifices made, and we are almost an integral part of these country’s histories via live TV and the internet.

Their struggle for freedom and democracy is forever ours.

So, where’s the difference??? Can’t we get rid of our home grown despots – The little men who have set this little land of ours down a suicidal path of disaster? A press of the voting button is so much easier. No? Than pressing a trigger? So, why can’t the change occur?

And therein lies our collective tragedy, if not farce.

Whereas Mubarak and Gadaffi kept their ill gotten wealth restricted to family and a coterie, our family concerns that rule us; the Alemaos, the Monser-

dr OScar rEBEllO ates, the Ranes and the Dhavlikars spread the largesse like a generous dose of butter to almost everyone in their constituencies.

All of us are welcome to the party, in true carnival style, to partake of the feast which consists of exotic, wonderful delicacies, even if laced with arsenic. So why bother about democracy, accountability and transparency? That is for tireless (and thankfully tiresome) activists and journalists and thinking citizens to fret about.

Today, we are drunk silly, all at the cost of our earth and our trees, our rivers and our hills. The booze just does not seem to stop. So why grumble? But someday, the hangover will have to set in and the unsustainable bubble will have to burst.

And then, the monstrous Marie Antoinettes and Louis XVI that we ourselves have created will exclaim. “They don’t have water??? Really? Why don’t they drink alcohol instead? And the French connection would seem complete.

The subtle yet humungous difference between the Arabs and us therefore is

Carmona is not Raheja’s bhatt this; the Arabs are waging a spectacular, gutsy and winning battle against wealthy ensconced tyrants addicted to oil and power.

We, the brilliant people of Goa and India, are hell bent on jeopardising and squandering the glorious fruits of democracy that our founding fathers, created for us selflessly, spectacularly and seamlessly.

By bartering our votes, and our conscience as well, for thirty pieces of silver, we are slowly but surely nurturing feudal lords and dangerous tyrants addicted to mines and real estate, who will then crush us relentlessly to keep their grip on power for a eons to come.

Democracy be damned!

The gale storm is approaching! Without doubt!!!

My guess is that it will take our grand children to overthrow these kings and their progeny, in an Egyptian style revolution, 80 years down the line when the cauldron finally comes to a boil.

Hence let us celebrate as the Arab world marches forward, and mourn while we stubbornly refuse to see the writing on the wall, and determinedly march backwards, a cocky smile on our faces and our eyes wide shut. Vive La Revolucion!

Dr Oscar Rebello has Goa in his heart and wears it on his sleeve. He needs no introduction!

We, the brilliant people of Goa and India, are hell bent on jeopardising and squandering the glorious fruits of democracy that our founding fathers, created for us selflessly, spectacularly and seamlessly.

BENTO AT THE TINTO

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nd, it is on! We’re gathering momentum, we’re moving forward. The Facebook page has picked up and not only are we getting opinions on the state of Goa today but we also managed to attract the attention of the son of a man who was part of the Herald edit team almost three decades ago.

It’s these little things that make it worthwhile. It’s your space for information, discussions and more...

Search for HeraldWeekend and connect to Goa! Raanza Iyer My dad, S Vaidyanathan Iyer was a part of the Herald team many years ago. He would tell me the challenges they faced in the first edition that was released back then. Dad passed away a few months ago but he would have been pretty interested in this HeraldWeekend page.

Paganini Fernandes The most recent occurrences of lackluster police enforcement are the treat at ice-cream parlour and the escape of a prisoner from a secure transport. Perhaps, human rights activists do not allow shackling or handcuffs. Fine. But properly securing the prisoners by adequate means, is that taboo too? There have been many instances of filmi-style escapes, by prisoners or undertrials going for a medical or attending court. Goa is becoming a unique experimental field and soon Bihar would be juxtaposed with Goa, for lawlessness. By the way, Nitish Kumar is turning the tide there.

Vasant Morje One thing that is very annoying, is people spitting on roads and public property. There should be strict law enforcement with regard to this. If this isn’t controlled Goa will be ruined. We need to more responsible and better citizens.

t’s mostly when you get to a landmark date in your life that you start to take stock of yourself and what you do. When birthdays start to edge closer, you can either grin a toothy one or shudder with trepidation.

When your age is in single digits, you look forward to a party with balloons, streamers and loads of presents. When you get to your teens, you hope that the girl you have a crush on will come and wish you, probably the closest your pimpled-ridden cheek will be to hers.

When you’re in your twenties, you wake up the next morning with a bad headache, while checking to see that the boys didn’t play a prank and leave you with no clothes on.

When you’re in your thirties, you will probably head to the nearest mirror to count your grey hair. Or in my case, check to see if there are any black strands left at all. It’s funny how birthdays matter, but on a different level altogether. Earlier, I would count down from a week to ten days before. Now, I don’t even care that it’s just two days away. (Dear Bento clan, I hope you’re paying attention) At this point in life, aunts, uncles and all your married friends call you up and wish you…and then ask you when you’re getting married. And somehow, even though there are a dozen sarcastic

Kurt BEntO quips bouncing around your head, you decide to politely brush it off. It’s funny, as your age increases, so does your weight, your wrinkles, the aches and pains, even the number of times you head to the loo.

If Miles Davis only knew that I’d borrowed a title of one of my favourite jazz albums ever, by him, as a part of the title to this freewheelin’ but bordering on manic depressive middle, he would probably throw one of his precious trumpets at me.

Not that I would mind, it would look good on my mantelpiece, placed strategically next to my Live in Newport LP. I just had to rub that in, to any jazz fans reading this.

Just recently I was browsing through and reconnecting with old friends and former classmates on a social networking site. A guy, who I was in secondary school with, told me that his dad came here in the 80s and worked for Herald, at that time when things were just picking up.

Another one posts photographs of us

when I got my first job at a music store.

Whenever I sit and chat with one of my best friends, who I’ve known for 25 years, we reminisce about the crazy things we did as kids – play catch during a fete all over the school ground. We were eight, we didn’t know any better.

Fast forward to college, when I would get on my second hand Yezdi that I’d conveniently started using, relegating dad to pedestrian status, and head to Benaulim with friends for a swim, or head to one of their houses to watch them practice for the Arlem Festival dance competition.

I end up meeting some of them even today, one who’s just had his first child or one who still puts his foot in his mouth every time he opens it. Some of them live far away, or have busy schedules, or both, including having a family of their own. But when we meet, it’s like we’ve gone back in time.

Life makes you realise that as you grow older, it’s these little meetings that make it all worthwhile. And, that all you need are a few faces around you that matter.

It also has a way to making you realise that certain things should stop being so important.

Like numbers, for instance. Let’s face it… at the end of the day, I still feel 21! I think…

OrlandO S a da Silva

T

he decision of the Goa government to arbitrarily grant licences to the Raheja megaproject in Carmona when the matter is before the District Court is nothing but dictatorship and political hubris. The Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department has issued the final NOC for Raheja to develop approximately 88,000-odd sq metres on the banks of the Sal, subdivided into 15 plots, with the condition that no secondary permission will be granted unless land for a 10metre access road is acquired and built. As per a circular dated 29 August 2008 issued by the same department under the directives of the Chief Minister, a mandatory road must be physically present at the site, even while granting the conversion sanads, and much before any physical development.

The question is, has our CM done this to save his government owing to Churchill Alemao’s blackmailing tactics? The people of Carmona unanimously opposed the project by a gram sabha resolution on 30 March 2007. The village Regional Plan committee also resolved to oppose widening of internal village roads beyond 5 metres width. On 7 February, a fresh letter was written to all the above authorities, informing them about the revision petition filed before the district court at Margao, and warning that any decision in violation would amount to contempt of court. But none of them has replied. The Rahejas have violated the Forest Act by destroying all the private forest. They have been fined by the Forest Department. They have violated the Environment Act by laying an RCC sewage pipeline to drain waste into the river Sal. They have violated the Town and Country Planning Act by developing plots in the non-development (CRZ) zone.

I want to ask the following questions to Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and PWD Minister Churchill Alemao: (1) When there is no possibility of a 10-metre road being built unless people’s houses and compounds are demolished, where the promised 10metre road come from?

(2) Are rules and regulations applicable only to the ‘aam admi’ and not to Raheja? The ‘aam admi’ has to take Forest Dept permission to cut even one tree and follow TCP rules to construct even a small residential house.

(3) Can the government acquire and broaden the existing road to 10metres width? This road was earlier acquired under an award dated 21 July 2000, to be six metres wide.

(4) Who are the beneficiaries of this mega project? Our MLA Churchill Alemao says this project will create jobs. The jobs offered may be of security personnel and domestic servants. Goa is a highly educated state; who would want their children to take up these jobs?

(5) The Rahejas have laid a cement pipeline to discharge waste into the river Sal. The River Sal is a source of ground water recharge for the locality; our wells are recharged by this river. It is also source of marine food for locals.

(6) Carmona village has very little land for housing; most of the land is agricultural. Where will future generations get land for housing if builders are allowed to flout all rules and regulation for huge commercial projects?

(7) Can anyone cite one single way in which this project will benefit locals and their future generations?

Fo r l ette rs to t he e di to r c o nt act us at e d itor wee ke n d@ h e rald -go a.c o m 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: Sujay Gupta (Responsible under PRB Act). Regd Office: St Tome Road, Panjim, Goa. Tel: 2224202, 2228083, Fax: 6658510 (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. reporters@herald-goa.com — For Reporters. business@herald-goa.com — For Business news. editorweekend@herald-goa.com — For Letters to the Editor. sports@herald-goa.com — For Sports news. advt@herald-goa.com — For Advertisements.

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.

7 www.oheraldo.in

“

goa SNAPSHOT

Please think seriously, the tourism has reached beyond conventional point of site seeing, as tourists need maximum thrill in minimum time period. Tourists are concerned about their evening and night life.

-- Dr Sandeep

“

HERALD NEWS BUREAU

VASCO, FEB 26: Dr Sandeep

Legal literacy camp at Valpoi VALPOI: North Goa Legal Services Authority and Sattari Taluka Legal Services Committee recently organised National legal literacy camp at Unity High School Multipurpose Hall Valpoi.Dr Kasar, medical officer of Community Health Center Valpoi, through her lecture guided the women about their rights and also acquainted them with various information by which they can keep themselves healthy and protect their children.

Advocates Ganpat Gaonkar and R Savaikar spoke on the rights of a girl child. Girl students from Unity High School Valpoi and parents attended the camp in large numbers.

Sajjan Sebastin proposed the vote of thanks.

Samraat Quiz organised MAYEM: Akshay Gaonkar and Mayuresh Bhat of Progress High School, Sankhalim, emerged winners of the quiz organized by Samraat Club of Bicholim at Samraat hall Bicholim recently.

The winning pair also won the "Samrrat Genius" award. Sanat Kapadi and Sweety Sawant of Shri Shantadurga high school Bicholim were declared runners up, while Trupti Arondekar and Swapnila Prabhugaonkar of Mahamaya high school Mayem were the second runners up. Prizes were distributed by headmaster of Shri Shantadurga High School Bicholim Suresh Ghatwal. Samrrat Club Bicholim President Pravin Sawant and Secretary Satyawan Harmalkar were also present on the occasion.

Kulashreshtha, professor and chairman of Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM) and Ministry of Tourism, Union government, has stated that the State needs product refinement to sustain its tourism growth rate, as competition is felt from the neighbouring states.

Kulashreshtha was addressing the gathering during the inaugural function of two-day national seminar on ‘The Impact of Tourism on Women’ at The HQ Hotel, Vasco, which is organised by MES College and Department of Travel and Tourism on Friday.

Quoting the data released by the experts and ministry of tourism, Kulashreshtha said in the last 10 years, the trend is gradually changing towards Goa, as new players like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh are working in the right direction to capitalise on the tourism sec-

tor.

“Thus, it is high time for both the public and private players in Goa to refine its tourism products,” said Kulashreshtha.

“Please think seriously, the tourism has reached beyond conventional point of site seeing, as tourists need maximum thrill in minimum time period. Tourists are concerned about their evening and night life,” added Kulashreshtha.

Though Goa has a lot of tourism resources, but it has not been converted into products – on needs need to focus on refinement of products with approach of attraction, accessibility and amenities.

He said that though Ayurveda is originated from Himachal and Uttrakhand, but Kerala has capitalized its tourism potential.

“Problem lies with the policy maker and non-implementation of existing policies effectively,” he said.

“The best part of Goa is about people’s hospitality, as they mingle and coordinate

Curchorem parish celebrates family day

Seminar at Margao MARGAO: Catholic Association of Goa, Our Lady of Grace Church Unit, Margao will hold a seminar on "Understanding Alzheimer’s disease Dementia” on February 27 from 10am to 12.30pm at Grace Church Hall, Margao. The resource person is Dr. Amit Dias, Hon. Secretary of the Dementia Society of Goa & Asst. Professor, Dept. of Preventive Medicine, Goa Medical College, Bambolim. Dementia is a progressive degenerative disease of the brain that leads to loss of memory and a decline in the ability to think and reason as one gets older.

MSc Biotech courses PANJIM (HND): The All India Entrance Test for DBTsponsored MSc Biotechnology courses including MSc Marine Biotechnology at Goa University is scheduled for May 20. Application forms are available in the office of the Department of Biotechnology, Goa University. Last date for issue of application forms along with instructions, March 21.

Retired seamen plan to strengthen association

BY HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 26 : The Goan Retired Seamen Welfare Association has appealed to all retired seamen in Goa to send their individual information, including name, postal address, CDC No and telephone NO to Association President Iforna Dias in order to strengthen the movement and obtain benefits for all retired seamen.

Dias said the Association is grateful to the Executive Secretary of the Council for Social Justice and Peace of the Archdiocese of Goa and

Daman for sending letters to all the Parish priests in Goa to make an announcement in all the Parishes appealing to all retired seamen to have their names registered with the GRSWA. The Association has requested the cooperation of all retired seamen, including non-Catholic seamen to strengthen the movement to obtain justice for their long pending demand.

Dias said the seamen can contact him at 572/A, Murida, Cuncolim-Goa. (Tel No 08322774956) (email: goanretiredseamenwelfare@rediffmail.com).

with any one, which is rare in rest of the country,” said Kulashreshtha.

Keynote speaker Ralph De Souza, chairman of Tourism Committee of Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, claimed that Goa’s tourism sector is much more organized in par with other states in terms of hospitality and other infrastructures, but things are gradually saturating with growing needs.

“Goa has five unique features that make Goa very special, its natural beauty, safe destination, golden beaches, cuisine and most importantly hospitable nature of Goan people,” he said.

“We need an international convention centre, golf course, tourism board and control over water sports activities and improvement of basic amenities,” said D’Souza.

Earlier, chief guest Goa Tourism Secretary D C Sahoo released the magazine, while Principal Dr R V Hajirnis welcomed the guests, Prof Dr Cidalia Bodade introduced the dignitaries, MES College Vice President M S Kamat gave a presidential address, Prof Lalita Joshi compered the function, while Prof Dr Maria Rodrigues proposed the vote of thanks.

PANJIM, FEB 26: The Council for Social Justice and Peace (CSJP) has urged the authorities to initiate remedial measures on some important aspects which could have farreaching consequences in the process of enumeration of population in the State.

In a press note, the CSJP has stated that the process of enumeration of the population for National Census of India 2011 followed in the State is prescribed by the Census General Registrar and Commissioner, Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs.

“This process which commenced in Goa on February 9, 2011, with authorized enumerators visiting houses, has raised serious apprehensions in the minds of the people,” stated the press note.

“A large number of Goans of all communities work on ships, whether cruise lines, cargo carriers or other sea vessels for about 6-to 8 months only and live in their houses in Goa for long periods, similarly many work on oil rigs on rotation basis of 3-4 weeks. All these Goans are excluded from the population enumeration during the process.”

“Our apprehensions are serious because a substantial number of these Goans are from the ST/SC/OBC Communities. The exclusion distorts

appointments

Gospel musical evening MARGAO: Grace Youth Association Margao will organize s organizing a Gospel Musical Evening “Grace Abounds” on February 27 from 7 pm in front of Our Lady of Grace Church, Margao.

With an aim to enlighten the presence of God’s Grace, there will be presentations of gospel songs, testimonies, video presentation, gospel dance, sharing of the Word and a skit by the youth. The GYA Youth Band entitled ‘Grace’ will be presenting live gospel songs. The event is in preparation for the coming season of lent and is open for all.

Our apprehensions are serious because a substantial number of these Goans are from the ST/SC/OBC Communities.

--- CSJP

‘State needs to sustain CSJP voices concern on certain aspects of national census tourism growth rate’ HERALD REPORTER

Dr Kasar guides women during Legal Literacy camp at Valpoi.

Goa I Sunday 27, February 2011

A cultural programme during the Parish Family Day of Guardian Angel Church, Curchorem.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

CURCHOREM,

FEB

26:

Guardian Angel Church, Curchorem (Sanvordem) celebrated its annual Parish Family Day with the theme "Living Unitedly, giving generously, through our Parish work, Let us Unite in Christ" at the Church premises.

To mark this occasion, various games and an entertainment programmes were organised.

On this occasion, wellknown Konkani tiatrist Remmie Colaco and Julieta Colaco, Joaquim Diniz and Isabel Diniz, both the couples from Curchorem were felicitated by the chief guest for completing 50 years of their marriage. Remmie Colaco who is still going young, sang his old hit song entitled "Adlo Testament" to thunderous applauds of the audience.

Earlier, the programme begins with brass band by ace drummer Abdonio Rodrigues and his group and the lighting of the traditional lamp by the Chief Guest and Curchorem MLA Shyam Satadekar in the presence of

Parish Priest Fr James Torres and Asst Parish Priest Fr Trinidade Monteiro.

Nilesh Cabral, businessman and well-known social worker was the Guest of Honour and Alifa Fernandes, Chairperson of CurchoremCacora Municipal Council was the special invitee.

Students of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Convent Primary School, Curchorem presented a colourful dance, while music students of Parish arranged a musical concert.

The Konkani musical show was presented by Comedian Domnic and Luis Bachan along with Felcy, Francis de Tuem, Andrew, Alias, Luiza and others with Curchorem artistes.

A fashion show displayed by students of Guardian Angel High School, Curchorem was the highlight of the day. They depicted the different traditional customs and culture of Goa. The Mando was presented

by Catechists of Guardian Angel Church, while dances and songs were staged by the Parish Youth with Angelites band in attendance.

Sharma takes over as I-Tax Chief HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, FEB 26: D K Das Sharma., IRS Officer of 1978 batch has taken over the charge of the Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Panjim Region with effect from February 17. The Panjim Region consists of the entire state of Goa and districts of Mangalore, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, Belgaum, Bijapur and Bagalkot in Karnataka.

the statistics of these communities with adverse effects on

their rightful benefits,” states the press note.

appointments

8

Goa I Sunday February 27, 2011

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When I was young my friends and I used to go down to the beach and help the fishermen pull the boats in. In return they would give us a small part of their catch as a token — Menino Fernandes

we

Herald Pics

If we can answer the basic issue of segregation and put this system in place, solid waste would never be a cause of worry — Prabhakar Timble

CAMPAIGN-WASTE MANAGEMENT

Your waste, your business

Long term solutions to tackle the garbage mess in Goa will take long. But you can start cleaning up now. And the journey towards a cleaner Goa begins from your very home

A man of Indian origin, has the answer for two of Goa’s biggest community problems, Waste management and proper schools in faraway Guatemala. He and his team –Hug It Forward builds schools made of plastic bottles. Kurt Bento met Heenal Rajani of Hug it Forward, who is spending a vacation in Goa

S

SCHOOLS

I

t’s a case of garbage put to good use and when that happens, to call it garbage would be a tad inappropriate.

Deep in the heart of Guatemala, a group of volunteers from over the world from the villages are busy building a school, most of which is being built using empty plastic bottles and no-biodegradable trash. Bottle Schools – it’s a new catch phrase and Heenal Rajani, with Indian ancestry, British upbringing and now, working for an American company, is part of a team of people who work to do more than just build schools out of waste. It’s all about bringing communities together.

Inspired by the movie, Pay It Forward and knowing that a hug can change many a mood or alter an emotion, ( like the famous jaddu ki jhappi, the Sanjay Dutt style magic hug in the movie Munna Bhai MBBS) a few people in America

began a movement called Hug It Forward. Soon, a chance phone call for help to build a school in Guatemala happened and that set the ball rolling.

“We stuff plastic bottles with empty wrappers – chips packets, labels and so on – and lay them in between taut chicken wire with a thin concrete wall on each side. The whole community gets together to collect the waste, often going into neighbouring villages to pick up bottles. It takes about 10,000 bottles to build a three room school,

each room is about seven by seven meters,” says Heenal, who’s using Goa as his base while he travels to and fro across India on holiday.

The idea of a bottle school is not a new one, but Hug It Forward has taken it to the next level.

They act as facilitators and ensure that standards are met and safety is at a high, by care of the financials when it comes to skilled labour and quality materials. While concrete is being used, the quantities are minimal – possibly less than

30 per cent of what would normally have been used.

The biggest part of building these schools is not just bringing the community together, but, “indirectly imparting an education to the kids.

They seem more attuned to the fact that garbage management is an important factor for the future,” adds Heenal. The organization works on 100 per cent donation, all the money goes to their various projects that Hug It Forwardaims to do, while the volunteers get their expenses taken care

of by a real estate company that was donated to take care of running costs. The concept need not apply to only schools, albeit it is a choice with Hug It Forward. With their manual, one could construct schools, houses, small community centres and more – with waste. It is a self sufficient idea, one that would help in curbing a country’s or an area’s garbage woes.

Heenal states, “Society fragments people. This way, an entire community comes together to make things happen.”

GROUP HUGS: Heenal (extreme left) with the rest of the Hug It Forward volunteer group NO BRICKS IN THE WALL THIS: (Right) A volunteer covering up a wall lined with bottles

olid waste is not a monster which cannot be tamed.

The strictures and directions of the judiciary may temporarily unnerve panchayats and municipal bodies and force them to file reports of ‘work in progress’, but with no actual progress on the ground. The use of technology and setting up of solid waste treatment plants, though necessary, would not be sufficient to ensure the objective of a ‘clean city and clean village.’ The limited scope of a waste treatment plant is to scientifically handle the solid waste carted to the plant. The permanent solution lies in participation and involvement of the owners of solid waste. What I mean is the generators who are in the form of households, housing societies, hospitals, hotels, trade establishments and all types of markets.

How can an owner disown the waste and dump it in a public yard?

Should not the generator be made accountable for scientific and systematic management and disposal of waste? What we require is setting up of norms along with punitive action for all the owners of solid waste.

Needless to say that information, education and communication should precede any punitive action.

All that we label as waste has utility for others. The crucial question is of segregation first, followed by collection and shipment to appropriate users. If we can answer the basic issue of segregation and put this system in place, solid waste would never be a cause of worry. The burden is not of quantity and volume.

It is how to ensure segregation at the first point.

In short – logistics. The owners of waste throw it

tory for housing societies, vertical complexes and markets to maintain dedicated spaces to enable segregated collection by municipal workers.

bags of cloth (as opposed to paper) and step up the reuse of plastic by using semi-durable plastic materials. A similar model is required for waste in respect of waste durable products, white goods, electrical and electronics.

This brings me to the class of unpaid ‘rag pickers’. This is an army available which can be put to productive use through organised efforts and by providing recognition through appropriate technical aids such as cycle rickshaws and monetary incentives. Giving them formal access to door to door collection would absorb them in the mainstream of waste management.

Local thinking and local action commencing

Plastic is considered to be an incurable menace.

However, I do not favour a ban on use of plastic.

Firstly, plastic is a substitute for paper. More paper means more cutting down of trees. Secondly, it is cost effective and convenient. Thirdly, a ban is not a proposition which can be practically implemented. What we require in this area is replicating the same system that we have in collection of waste paper and channelling it to the users of used plastic. At the same time, reduce the use by using carry

from the ward level would be a practical approach. A ward committee of citizens should be formed.

Such ward committees should be action groups, interested in ‘doing tasks,’ rather than listing a charter of demands.

Education and communication with stakeholders and school students are good things but they need to be supported by field action and not merely lectures or distribution of literature. Needless to say, values are caught by doing, not merely by passive listening. campaign@herald-goa.com

any way, anywhere and in anybody’s backyard with the slogan – not in my backyard! This needs to be tackled through appropriate improvements in the by-laws of urban bodies including stringent implementation. There is no substitute for door to door segregated collections and transportation to the waste handling site, which will gradually eliminate public bins. It should be also manda-

BY INVITATION PRABHAKAR TIMBLE

VILLAGE REPORT

On her majesty’s bylanes…

Last week, we looked at the issues that plagued one of Goa’s most popular villages. This week, Anika Proenca looks at what sets Calangute apart from the rest and the little things that make it special

Estimated to be around 250 years old, the tree has always been worshipped by Hindu and Catholics alike.

Legend has it that vegetable and fish sellers used to stop there while walking to Mapusa to sell their goods. Soon there was talk of a devchar/ bhavana (good devil) that inhabited the area. Once a year the village will gather and give offerings of cashew feni and coconuts.

C

oming in straight on the Chogam road, past the Saligao Church and straight down after the chapel of Boa Viagem, you see a white church in the distance and a road that passes through large areas of fieldS. During the monsoons, from a distance, you will be able to see tiny ant like people tilling the fields and after the rains stop, the roads will be lined with rice put out to bake in the sun.

If you enter the village, there is a noted bustle of activity as everybody is rushing to the tinto for their daily shopping.

You will see the occasional aged lady heading towards the back entrance of the Church always decked in her Sunday best, no matter what the day.

Calangute – previously referred to as the queen of beaches, one of the first sites of the Hippie Culture in India and discovered by those flower children, is now one of the most popular beaches in the country. But if you take a walk away from the beach and into the actual residential areas, you will realize just how village-like it is – from the home grown coconuts, or the majestic palatial Portuguese houses, to the fields that herald your welcome in to the area. “Calangute always was a beautiful village” says Eddie D’Silva, who has lived here for the last twenty years, “It has its own charm and even though it’s become more like a town every year, it has still managed to keep its village charm.”

Then again, the only thing that is consistent is change. Growing up in any village, one would always hear the local stories, of how fish could be bought for two annas and how if one wanted the freshest fish available one only had to take a stroll down to Baga beach in the early hours of the day and watch the fishing boats come in. “I remember when I was young my friends and I used to go down to the beach and help the fishermen pull the boats in and in return they would give us a small part of their catch as a token,” says Menino Fernandes.

“Today, that same thing doesn’t happen, now they go straight to the market and sell it for a lot of money to the five-starred hotels who

A statue of Jack Sequeira, founder of the United Goans Party (UGP) and the driving force behind the Opinion Poll of 1967, stands near the Calangute Market. want to put fresh catch on their tables.”

Calangute has the fortune of meaning different things to different people.

To the tourists who flock there — “It is heaven,” says Gurung Narasimhan, “We can just come here and all our troubles are immediately washed away by the sea.” To them, it is a place to

unwind, to take life as it comes and to enjoy, but to the average Calangutkar who goes to the tinto everyday, knows everybody in the village, lives amongst family and friends they have known for decades, who plucks their own home grown coconuts and mangoes, it is and it always will be home.

9

Goa I Sunday February 27, 2011

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goa

mirror

The development of roads, footpaths and lights, among others, is there for all to see. I can say with confidence that Taleigao is the most developed village in Goa. — Custodio Araujo

CAN PANJIM DO BUSINESS WITH BABUSH?

Pics: Sachin Ambadoskar

Will the seat of Panjim be Babush Monserrate’s next building project which he will want to acquire and build with his own FSI and floor plan? With the CCP elections, his declared stepping stone for the big job, the MLA of Panjim, Babush has created a challenge for himself as well as the people of Panjim. His challenge – to instill credibility in himself as a politician. Panjim’s challenge – to decide if he can ever be saint, or label him a sinner.

Sujay Gupta checks the Babush barometer

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s he destiny’s child, a prodigy who has not born rich but raised rich, who rose to power and fame? And to coin a new word ‘infame’? Does he dabble in the business of politics or the politics of business? Does money drive him or power? Does he really win hearts or just buys them? Unlike the real estate he has built or allowed to be built, often cutting corners or much more, will Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate fulfill his

skyscraper of ambitions or will he one day, fall like a huge ton of bricks.

To all but one of the questions above, there is one answer. He is all of everything. Will he fall one day? It’s difficult to guess, because he has understood in his own uncanny way, the simple logic of electoral arithmetic – keep winning from your own backyard.

In many ways he isn’t unique. There are politicians across the country who have nursed their constituencies for as long

as twenty years or more.

The late Kalpanath Rai from Ghosi, Uttar Pradesh, former Prime Minister Chandrashekhar from his stronghold of Ibrahimpattti Balia (UP), Abdul Ghani Khan Chaudhary from Malda West Bengal. They were political stalwarts.

There is another category of MLA’s and MP’s who have won because they were known as ‘bahubali’s’, a term in the Hindi heartland to describe ‘toughies’. Many of them had criminal cas-

es against them and were known for their terror tactics. Two immediate examples are Harishankar Tiwari or ‘Panditji’ from Chillupar in east UP and Raja Raghuraj Pratap Singh or ‘Raja Bhaiyya’ from Kunda, Pratapgarh, again in UP, who kept on winning elections, often through brute force. Both have spent time in jail.

Babush Monserrate has no pedigreed political legacy. In much smaller Goa, he is the local small town boy who made it big

and nurses a constituency which is his by name. And to many who have got the wrong end of Babush, he is the bahubali who gets what he wants.

He used this money to further his political ambitions. But it is only now, that Monserrate wants much more than just money and fortune. He has got that made. He is looking at a leap from being a political spoiler, or a kingmaker to being king.

Taleigao is his bastion.

He then entered St Cruz but couldn’t quite make

it as wife Jennifer lost.

He has now kissed and made up with Victoria Fernandes and for now, has St Cruz by proxy.

But his giant leap will be Panjim. If he climbs the Panjim peak by unseating Parrikar, he will see this as his final arrival on the big stage.

But Babush is riddled with controversies surrounding his role as MLA and TCP minister. (see box) In a quaint sort of way, electing Babush to the highest office, it’s akin to making the naughtiest

Taleigao Total

He is Raja Monserrate of Casa Taleigao. It’s his home and his constituency. This is where he can do no wrong. Monserrate has made this so-called-village bloom and doesn’t really need the government’s help and largesse to do this. Is there any dirt behind this pretty picture? Most of Taleigao doesn’t think so, or doesn’t even care.

Suraj Nandrekar reports

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hen a father of limited means fixes his daughters marriage in other parts of Goa, he applies for a grant under the state’s kanyadaan scheme and prays that the money comes quickly.

In Taleigao, he knows that he is in Babush Monserrate’s scheme of things. He hops over, asks for what he wants and starts preparing for the wedding. Any amount between rupees ten thousand to a lakh is sanctioned, depending on the financial condition of the family The instant dispensation literally makes this the state of Taleigao. Every Tuesday, people just land up to receive money and help. Admissions for a young boy, a job for a man, a little help here or there. The icing on the cake? 200 rupees for all women who turn up and need help Folks in Taleigao tell

Babush is a very efficient man. Look at the roads, pavements and gardens in his constituency. He always manages to get his way. He has the presence and the ability to do great things and hopefully he’ll use them for a good and constructive purpose.

Anand Madgavkar, businessman and social activist

Many people are skeptical, because most of Babush’s developmental work has been in Taleigao. If he is so passionate, then it should reflect across his entire territory and not concentrated in just one part. He has been ruling the CCP for so long but has very little to show for it in Panjim. At the end of the day, it’s impossible to imagine an assembly without Parrikar. So Babush definitely has a tough fight ahead.

Gurudas Kamat, filmmaker and designer

you straight up that money isn’t paid for jobs. “In other places, this has to be done, in Taleigao jobs are given as a right,” says a construction worker.

While all the ministers want to make money out of the vacancies created in their departments, people say Babush is one minister who is taking

great steps to ensure unemployment is routed out from his constituency.

“He has promised one job per family in Taleigao,” said Custodio Araujo from Caranzalem.

The largesse list grows.

The majority of temples and some chapels in the village are re-constructed and funded by Babush.

In 2007, Babush had filed these details – 16 bank accounts and over one crore in fixed deposits. He also mentioned six crore worth agricultural land apart from other commercial properties worth over Rs 50 lakh

Taleigao also houses highest number of Narkasurs during Diwali.

No points for guessing who funds them. Araujo adds, “The development of roads, footpaths and lights, among others, is there for all to see. I can say with confidence that Taleigao is the most developed village in Goa.”

I’ve known Babush even before he entered politics. We’ve grown-up together. If we look at the bigger picture, the team he has chosen for the CCP elections is not up to the mark.

Parrikar is way ahead of him if he takes into account integrity, intelligence and honesty of the panel. Parrikar may not be popular at the grassroots level because he does not offer jobs like Babush, but as a politician I would rank him ahead of Taleigao man Dr Mahendra Kudchadkar, Orthopaedic Surgeon

boy in school the monitor.

And there are two sides to everything he does. To many, Taleigao looks like a page out of an American township. To others, it is a result of builders pouring in money for infrastructure in return for larger FSI’s, bending of rules, flouting of zoning laws.

People in the know talk of Monserrate doing straight deals with builders like reserving a number of flats for him. Others say that he helps new builders by offering cash up front and buying all flats at a discounted rate (Rs 30,000 per square meter against the going rate of Rs 50,000 a square metre) and then selling them at huge prices. Advalpalkar builders, it is learnt is a major beneficiary of the Babush largesse. Old timers like Models and Anand Bose Constructions of Vasco have all been a part of Monserrate’s builder friends circle.

Though there is no definite estimate of Babush’s real wealth including reportedly his properties in the Gulf, this is a small indication. In the last elections in 2007, he had filed these details. 16 bank accounts and over Rs 1 crore in fixed deposits. He also mentioned Rs 6 crore worth agricultural land apart from other commercial properties worth over Rs 50 lakh, a figure which looks grossly undervalued, especially because in 2005, 27 of his properties were attached following an IT raid the previous year, which Babush has dismissed as politically motivated.

Add to this are 15 cars and 20 bikes and you have a very tiny snapshot of his financial standing.

Babush Monserrate has always bulldozed allegations of illegal accumulation of wealth.

“I have nothing to hide.

I’m transparent and I have always worked for the welfare of Taleigao,” he has often said before, though he said he wasn’t available for fresh comments for this story.

So what is his plan?

And do the people of

Panjim agree with his plan? Candidates on his panel especially the newer ones; say all the right things of him being pro development. But tap the surface and you find that many are contesting because they would have contested anyway and Babush gave them a ticket. For Babush, this is an election he can’t afford to lose because this is linked to the big one, the Panjim assembly seat. So in a bid for an image change, he dropped the controversial Uday Madkaikar, who has faced criminal complaints.

Naguesh Karishetty, the prime accused in the pay parking scam has been kept out too. He may also keep out Daya Karapurkar, who he co-opted as a corporator the last time.

But these changes will be merely cosmetic. Unless Babush Monserrate shakes off the stigma of – as someone said – “playing around” with land rules and plans and wining elections through money power, he will hit a political wall. Winning the CCP elections isn’t the same as winning the Panjim assembly seat or becoming Goa’s Chief Minister.

As a young boy of 19, Babush was often seen racing down the streets of St Inez and Tonca in an open jeep wearing flashy clothes. He was also a good cricketer who batted and loved keeping wickets at matches played on one of the grounds of the area. As his friend for twenty odd years, Aldrin Soares said, “he wanted to win all the time. Not just matches.

Everything” Soares didn’t however add – even by bending the rules.

For Atanasio Monserrate – the twin posts of Panjim MLA and Chief Minister of Goa, held by his creator Manohar Parrikar, are needed to give him credibility as a serious politician. But he needs to shed a lot of controversial baggage, which seems to be going nowhere.

Babush Unlimited Here are a few of the main controversies Babush Monserrate has got involved in.

Most according to him were motivated politically. n In August 2004 the Income Tax authorities raided Babush’s premises in Panjim, Bangalore and Mumbai simultaneously. 27 properties were attached a year later. n In 2004, Gajanan Korgaonkar alleged that he paid Rs 12 lakhs bribe to Babush for a property deal. n Months later, a Mapusa based businessman charged Babush of extorting money. n In 2006, Babush’s family was denied boarding a flight to South Africa as the authorities felt their passports were tampered with. n The same year saw one of the biggest agitations in the state by the GBA over the controversial Regional Plan 2011, which sought to covert green spaces into concrete.

The plan was allegedly masterminded by Babush, and his close friend and minister Vishwajeet Rane.

n The plan was however, scrapped on January 26, 2007 by the Pratapsing Rane government, bowing to public agitation. n In January 2008, Babush’s supporters mercilessly assaulted Youth Congress members, who were peacefully demonstrating and displaying support for the IT Habitat at Dona Paula, which was opposed by Monseratte n A month later, on February 18, Babush, along with his wife, son and supporters were arrested and mercilessly beaten up by the police after his supporters attacked and stoned the Panjim police station. The case was been handed over to CBI. The CBI subsequently gave a clean chit to the police saying his family was not assaulted by them. n In 2008, social activist Aires Rodrigues complained to the returning officer that Babush had submitted a false affidavit during 2007 elections. n Two months later, Babush was again in the news, for the wrong reasons of course, when his son was allegedly involved in raping a German minor. The case dragged on for over a month and his son was arrested. However, the German mother who had filed the case left the country along with her daughter.

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Obituaries

Goa, Sunday 27 February, 2011

The party has taken a serious view of rape charges and suspended Dilip Wagh, MLA from Pachora constituency, who has alleged a conspiracy against him. If he is proved not guilty, action taken would be withdrawn.

— Ajit Pawar

BJP leader’s son held for dowry torture The son of a BJP leader has been arrested for allegedly torturing his wife for dowry, police said today.

Richa, the daughter-in-law of local BJP leader KaranSingh Mogra alleged that her in-laws started harassing

heror dowry soon after her marriage with their son Siddarth on 13 February 2005, they said.

The woman lodged an FIR with Udaipur Police on 25 August against her inlaws after they turned her out of the house in June last year when she failed to fulfill their demand of Rs 50 lakh.

After investigations police nabbed Richa's husbandto-

day and a local court sent him to police custody for two days, they said, adding, her mother-in-law Sudha Mogra was also arrested yesterday

Ultra held after encounter PTI BANKA:A Maoist was arrested after security forces and a band of rebels exchanged fire at Majhadih in Bihar's Banka district, police said today.

Acting on a tip off that about 12 heavily-armed Maoists were hiding in a house in the village, a combined force of CRPF and SAP surrounded the ultras and an encounter ensued last night, they said.

One Maoist was arrested, while others managed to escape.

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india SNAPSHOT

300 booked for obstructing visit

GHAZIPUR (UP): Police here have registered an FIR against 300 protestors for blocking traffic during the visit of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati.

The protestors stalled traffic at Saidpur and Nandganj near here and also damaged public property protesting over death of a person in a road accident on February 24, police said today. The FIR has been registered on directions of the Superintendent of Police Manoj Kumar, sources said.

We have spared no effort to reach out to the separatists. We have stretched the limits of courtesy to reach out to them but their response so far has been negative.

-- Dileep Padgaonkar

Delhi court today allowed CBI to quiz NALCO Chairman-cum-Managing Director Abhay Kumar Srivastava, his wife and two others, arrested in an alleged bribery case, in its custody for five days.

CBI arrested four of them and recovered about 10 kgs of gold bricks and jewellery valued at around Rs 2.13 crores as also Rs 30 lakh in cash from their possession yesterday.

Special CBI Judge O P Saini sent Srivastava, his wife Chandani Srivastava, alleged middleman Bhushan Lal Bajaj and his wife Anita Bajaj to CBI custody till March 3 saying the allegations are “very serious” and being the CMD of National Aluminum Company (NALCO), he holds a “very high ranking post.

“Accused A K Srivastava is holding a very high ranking post being the CMD of NALCO. In these circumstances, the case is required to be thoroughly investigated and for that sustained interrogation of the accused persons is required.”

“Accordingly, I am satisfied that the prayer for police custody of the accused persons is justified,” the judge said.

CBI submitted B L Bajaj has acted as a middlemen for obtaining official favour for Bhatia Group of Companies from Srivastava and for that he had collected huge illegal gratification from G S Bhatia, CMD of Bhatia Group of Companies, on behalf of the NALCO's CMD. CBI further said Bajaj was working as a conduit between coal suppliers and Srivastava.

The probe agency submit-

IN THE DOCK “Special CBI Judge O F Saini said “Accused A K Srivastava is holding a very high ranking post being the CMD of NALCO. In these circumstances, the case is required to be thoroughly investigated and for that sustained interrogation of the accused persons is required.” ted that Bajaj was having close liasoning with Bhatia and used three phone numbers to talk to him.

Bhatia Group of Companies is engaged in trading of imported and indigenous coal with various private companies and PSU's through its company M/s Bhatia International Ltd and Bhatia Coal Sales Ltd located in Indore.

CBI said Srivastava had instructed Bajaj to convert the illegal gratification received from Bhatia Group of Companies into gold and to deliver it to him.

The probe agency submit-

ted Bajaj and Srivastava were close friends.

Regarding the role of wives of both the accused, CBI said Srivastava and Bajaj decided to deposit the gold through them in either of the lockers maintained at Shahjahan Roadbranch of Bank of Maharashtra or Mayur Vihar Phase-1 branch of Bank of India.

It said the bribe amount was converted into gold bricks which were collected

by Anita and were handed over to Chandani.

It said gold worth Rs 2.13 cores and Rs 9.5 lakh in cash were recovered from locker

18 kids hurt as bus overturns

MATHURA: Eighteen children were today injured when their school bus overturned near Gohari curve, 30 kms from here, a senior police official said.

The incident occurred this morning when the school bus coming from Chandauri turned turtle after being rammed by a speeding truck coming from Mathura, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Raj Pal Singh said.

Rival group murders youth

AKOLA:A 25-year-old youth was allegedly murdered by members of a rival group following old enmity near Gondapura here, police said today.

The deceased Nilesh Subhash was repeatedly attacked with iron rods and stabbed by about five to six persons late last night, they said.

Subhash was part of a group that had an enmity with another group over a gymnasium, police said.

Female child found abandoned

ERODE : A three-day-old female child was found abandoned under the Pungambady railway bridge in the district, police said.

The child, wrapped in a cloth, was noticed around yesterday noon by passersby who informed 108 Emergency Response Service. The child is being treated at Perundurai government hospital.

Boy killed, 11 hurt in mishap

NAMAKKKAL: A five-year-old boy was killed and 11 persons were injured in a road accident near at Puthuchathiram near here today, police said.

Ajith Daniel, 5, was travelling with his family back home to Bangalore after visiting Velankanni when their tempo traveller collided with a lorry, police said.

Three women killed in lightning

JAUNPUR (UP): Three women were killed when lightning struck them in the district, polices said.

Shobhawati (36) and her daughter Anita (16) were killed when they were struck by lightning last evening in Bharaur in Baksha area here, they said.

In a separate incident, Meena Singh (45) died after she was hit by lightning in village Bhuthaan in Baksha area, they added.

Instead of being dependent for financial assistance north eastern states should build up their own proper planning and strategy to enhance revenue generation.

-- Agatha Sangma.

NALCO CMD, wife and 2 others to face CBI for bribery PTI NEW DELHI, FEB 26 :A

Actress Uvika Chaudhary stike a pose during the first look of her up coming movie Naughty @ 40, directed by Jagmohan Mundra in Mumbai.

Goa ISunday 27 , February 2011

Delegates at National Convention of Consumer Activists of India on Price rice, adulteration and Consumer Interest organised by Consumer Protection Trust, in Jaipur.

J&K interlocutors determined to submit report PTI SRINAGAR, FEB 26:The Centre's interlocutors for Jammu and Kashmir today said they will submit their report to the government on the Kashmir issue irrespective of whether separatists give their opinion or not. :If we do not get inputs from the separatists, we will go ahead and submit the report (to Centre) nevertheless,” head of the three-member interlocutors team Dileep Padgaonkar told reporters at the end of their fifth visit to the State.

The interlocutors had sent letters to all separatist outfits, including both factions of Hurriyat Conference, asking them to give their inputs on resolution of Kashmir issue

so that they could be incorporated in the final report to the Centre.

“We have spared no effort to reach out to the separatists.

We have stretched the limits of courtesy to reach out to them but their response so far has been negative,” Padgaonkar said.

He said the team will leave it to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to judge whether the stand taken by the separatists on not meeting them was right.

In response to a question about the fate of the Kashmir Committee headed by former Union Law Minister Ram Jethmalani, Padgaonkar said the initiative was non-official and its recommendations were not binding on the

government.

“This team is official and so far our recommendations have been accepted and now these are to be implemented,” Padgaonkar, who was a member of the Jethmalani-led committee, said.

He said it was for the separatists to explain their refusal to meet the interlocutors as the team had the backing of the government including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Padgaonkar said Democratic Freedom Party leader Shabir Ahmad Shah has responded to the letter sent to him by the team saying “Such talks would be relevant and significant when draconian laws are repealed, political prisoners and youth

are released, withdrawal of troops begins and persons involved in human rights violations are brought to book”.

“We urge Shah to embark on an engagement with us so that the very first point on the agenda could be the issues he has listed in his letter,” he said.

Padgaonkar said the team will be submitting an initial report to the Centre next month which will contain the recommendations and broad contours for resolution of the Kashmir issue.

Padgaonkar said there was a broad consensus among people that the political settlement has to be found only through a sustained and inclusive process of dialogue with all stake-holders.

India has world’s highest teenage population PTI GUWAHATI, FEB 26 :India has the largest population of adolescents in the world being home to 243 million individuals aged 10-19 years, Assam governor J B Patnaik said today.

Releasing the UNICEF's flagship `The State of the World's Children' report at the Raj Bhavan here, Patnaik said, the country's adolescents constituted 20 per cent of the world's 1.2 billion adolescents.

Stating nine out of ten among the 1.2 billion adolescents live in the developing world, the governor said, Assam was home to an estimated 6.5 million adolescents, comprising 21.3 per cent of the state's population.

:In this `youthful, human resource' lies the promise and potential of becoming a healthy, strong and egalitarian society. This, however, comes with the onerous responsibility on the part of the state and civil society actors, including parents and guardians, to nurture and harness the energy and potential of these adolescents", he pointed out.

Being aware of the needs to meet the challenges of adolescents", the governor said, India had put in place the NRHM, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Mission, integrated Child Development Scheme, Integrated Child Development Scheme, Total Sanitation Programme and National AIDS Control Pro-

gramme.

In Assam, a Commission for protection of Child Rights, the Right to free and Compulsory Education Act 2009 and Integrated Child Development Scheme were significant, he added.

Besides facing the additional challenge of anaemia, Patnaik pointed out that the adolescent girls being from poor and marginalised communities were vulnerable to childmarriage, early pregnancies, ill health, trafficking, HIV-AIDS, abuse and violence.

In Assam as per the government reported NFHS-3 data (2005-06), he said, almost 16.8 per cent girls aged 15-19 years were already mothers or pregnant at the time of the

survey, while 38.6 per cent women aged 20-24 years weremarried before 18 years of age.

Pointing out :We are an ancient society devoted to the welfare of the child:, the governor said, "according to an old adage a child upto five year of age should be reared with great care and affection, followed by corrective measures for ten years more so that the child does not go astray. And when the child attains the age of 15, he or she should be treatedas equal and as a friend in society.: Jayanti Patnaik, the governor's wife and the first chairperson of the National Women's Commission as well as four time MP, also spoke on the occasion.

number 127 of Bank of Maharashtra while Rs 15 lakh was found from Bank of India locker.

CBI has also found Rs 5 lakh in cash in Chandani Srivastava's bag she was carrying when she and Anita were intercepted by the agency sleuths.

Both were arrested when they came out of Bank of Maharashtra after depositing the gold in their locker.

“Documents pertaining to huge investment in movable and immovable properties

were unearthed and the same are under scrutiny,” CBI said in its remand application seeking seven days custodial interrogation of the accused.

Terming the accused as “habitual corrupt”, the probe agency said Chandani impersonated herself as Anita Bajaj by using PAN card, Voter Icard in her (Anita's) name with her own photograph for obtaining and operating the locker as well as the bank account in Bank of Maharashtra, which was in the name of Anita.

FROM PAGE 1 It’s Christmas... of her house. Of course she has no cable or dish TV and she but we guess that’s only a wish away. For her, this is the Santa’s second visit. Before the last elections, he had given asbestos sheets. But the stakes are obviously higher this time round.

Mahesh Chandekar, the BJP candidate from this ward says “I know Babush has given goods in my ward”.

At the other end of Panjim, in the posh Caranzalem and Dona Paula areas, there are hutments.

The pathways of one such village called Aivon, have gleaming new bicycles ridden by the young lads. The bikes arrived last week.

Raju Martins who is also contesting from ward II but on the NCP panel is also aware that money is being sent to buy votes.

“I know people have been given sewing machines, fridges, TVs, bicycles,” says Martins.

It is learnt that contestants from the BJP panel are trying to buy their way out. “They are also approaching voters asking them what they want, told one of the contestant from Babush’s panel.

One of the contestants from BJP panel has distributed shoes in his ward. Interestingly, when the news reached Babush, he ordered his men to ask those voters to return the shoes with a promise to replace them with Nike shoes.

Adv Avinash Bhonsle who is contesting from ward XX summed up the difference between BJP’s goodies and Babush’s laughingly “The BJP has distributed cricket world Cup time tables while Babush has given TV to watch cricket matches”.

Why is PI Chodankar ... police station in a jeep along with LIB staff. He also stated that PI Chodankar returned from night duty between 5.45 to 6.00 am. He also stated that PI Chodankar after returning from night round left the PS (police station) probably to his residence”.

Check the difference in the statements. According to Chodankar’s driver, his boss left at 10 pm for his residence and was picked up and taken straight for night round duty around 1.45 am came back home at 5.45 am. The SHO on duty confirms two visits of Chodankar after 10 pm, to the police station.

One at about 2 am for fifteen minutes and the other between 5.45 and 6 am. It isn’t clear how long Chodankar stayed in the morning.

Please note that this statement makes two things clear (and the SHO who was present at the station will be believed more than Chodankar’s driver). a) Chodankar was on duty and b) Chodankar spent time at the police station when Cipriano was getting tortured. And therefore he has to be named as one of the officers on duty and present between 10.30 pm of January 7 and 11.55 am of January 8.

There is another statement which is further damaging to Chodankar and needs to be investigated honestly. If true, then the statement about Chodankar leaving the station for his residence at 10 pm will prove to be false.

The original complainant Georgina Nunes in her statement at the JMFC court which is conducting an inquiry said, describing the scene at the police station after Cipriano was taken in. The time is 10 pm. “I went to my scooter which was parked in front of the room where Cipriano Fernandes was kept. I say that Sandeep Shirvoikar, Sandesh Chodankar and other constable has circled Cipriano Fernandes and these three people were in uniform. I say that I have seen the face of Sandeep Shirvoikar, Sandesh Chodankar and (one) other constable”.

Sandeep Chodankar was not off the scene at all. He was very much there. And so was he at the GMC the next day after Cipriano was admitted. What was he doing there? Well that’s another story.

Ex-CJI’s kin money with the three relatives of Justice Balakrishnan who is the chairman of National Human Rights Commission.

Lukose refused to say whether Justice Balakrishnan will be questioned or not. “I cannot say anything now”, he said.

The I-T investigation covered the last five years, he said adding the probe was in the final stages and likely to be completed by next month.

“The central government has so far not asked us — the IT investigation wing — for any report,” he said.

The investigation wing had at first conducted a preliminary inquiry into the allegations of amassment of wealth against the relatives of Justice Balakrishnan.

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World

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The American, identified as Aaron deHaven, was detained in the posh University Town area of Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, yesterday, officials said.

Goa, Sunday 27,February 2011

It’s clear that Colonel Gaddafi has lost the confidence of his people. He is overseeing the brutal treatment of his people. His legitimacy has been reduced to zero.

-- Jay Carney

American detained PTI PESHAWAR, FEB 26 : As the tense US-Pak standoff

over the arrest of an American for double murder continues, Pakistani security and intelligence operatives have detained yet another US national -- this time on charges of not possessing valid travel documents.

The American, identified as Aaron deHaven, was detained in the posh University Town area of Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, yesterday, officials said.

They said he was detained for not possessing valid travel documents.

After he was detained, the American was taken to an undisclosed location for interrogation.

Two people walk on destroyed army barracks on Saturday in Benghazi. Euphoria in Libya's second city Benghazi gave way to growing concern that it remains vulnerable to a counter-attack by Moamer Kadhafi's forces and opponents of Libyan leader took steps today to restore normality and order, appointing a city council to get public services up and running again.

Gaddafi has lost people’s confidence, says US PTI WASHINGTON, FEB 26: Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi has lost the confidence of his people and faces zero credibility among them, the White House has said as it toughened its stand against the authoritarian regime.

"It’s clear that Colonel Gaddafi has lost the confidence of his people. He is overseeing the brutal treatment of his people: the fatal violence against his own people. His legitimacy has been reduced to zero in the eyes of his people," White House Press Secretary, Jay Carney told reporters at his daily news conference.

Carney, however, said the US always maintained that it is a matter for the Libyans to decide on their leadership. "I think it is also clear that the people of Libya have expressed that his (Gaddafi) continued use of deadly violence, his clear violations of

US slaps sanctions

PTI

WASHINGTON, FEB 26: President Barack Obama has announced unilateral sanctions against Libya freezing the assets in the US of Muammar Gaddafi, his family and loyalists.

"By any measure, Muammar el-Gaddafi's government has violated international norms and common decency and must be held accountable," Obama said in a statement after he issued an executive order in this regard late last night.

"These sanctions therefore target the Gaddafi government, while protecting the assets that belong to the people of Libya," he said.

human rights are totally unacceptable anywhere in the world," he said.

"The status quo is simply neither tenable nor acceptable. The Libyan people deserve a government now that protects the safety of its citizens, is responsive to their aspirations, and is broadly representative."

Washington's decisions are not based on personalities, he said.

"It is about the peaceful expression of the dissatisfaction of the people of Libya with their leadership. We support them in their aspirations, but we are acting unilaterally and multilaterally in a way that we believe needs to be done to put pressure on the regime to cease this horrendous activity," he said.

"The best case scenario for any state in the region or the world is a government that treats its people well, that is responsive to the aspirations of its people that include its people in the political process

Davis’ case to be heard in-camera PTI LAHORE, FEB 26 : A Pakistani court has decided to hold in-camera proceedings in jail in a case of possession of unlicensed weapon against CIA contractor Raymond Davis, arrested for shooting and killing two men in this eastern city last month.

Judicial Magistrate Muhammad Aneeque Chaudhry yesterday ac-

cepted a petition filed by prosecutors that sought permission for proceedings against Davis to be held in Kot Lakhpat Jail for security reasons. The case relates to a charge of possessing an unlicensed weapon.

Proceedings in a separate case in which Davis has been accused of murdering two men began in Kot Lakhpat Jail yesterday. That case has been adjourned till March 3.

Police had filed a case against Davis on January 28 in which they booked him under the Arms Ordinance for carrying an unlicensed weapon.

“On the request of the Home Department, we filed an application in the court of Judicial Magistrate Muhammad Aneeque Chaudhry to

seek permission for getting Davis tried by the court in Kot Lakhpat Jail due to security concerns,” Additional Prosecutor General Abdus Samad said.

In a related development, the Jamaat-ud-Dawah and Jamaat-e-Islami yesterday organised protests in Lahore after the Friday prayers to pressure the government not to release Davis.

They warned the government of countrywide protests if Davis' case is settled out of court. Davis was arrested in Lahore on January 27 after he shot and killed two armed men he claimed were trying to rob him.

Police rejected Davis' claim that he acted in self-defence and have booked him for murder. The case has been complicated by revelations that Davis was working as a security contractor for the CIA. The Pakistan government has rejected repeated US demands for Davis to be freed on the grounds of diplomatic immunity and relations between the two countries have plunged to a new low.

in a democratic way. And that is a peaceful, responsible neighbour in its region of the world and in the international community," Carney said.

The White House spokesman said the situation out there in the African country is still fluid.

"Obviously, the situation in Libya remains dangerous and unresolved, as does the situation in the whole region remains unresolved in different ways.

"But, all I would say is I would encourage everyone to remember, as these events unfold and we deal with them, that the goals we have are peaceful reactions to peaceful demonstrations," he said.

Respect for universal human rights in countries where demonstrations were taking place and responsiveness from the governments would lead to greater stability and prosperity, the spokesman added.

Pak court adjourns 26/11 case PTI ISLAMABAD, FEB 26 : A Pakistani court today adjourned till March 5 the trial of LeT's Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi and six other suspects charged with involvement in the Mumbai attacks after hearing arguments by defence and prosecution lawyers on a move to declare Ajmal Kasab and Fahim Ansari as fugitives.

Prosecutors from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) renewed their request to the Rawalpindi-based antiterrorism court to declare Kasab, the lone surviving attacker, and terror suspect Ansari as "proclaimed offenders" or fugitives and issue arrest warrants for them.

The prosecutors had initially filed the request in May last year.

They were forced to withdraw a petition on the same issue in the Rawalpindi bench of the Lahore High Court on Thursday after a bench observed that Kasab and Ansari were not willfully absconding and could not be declared fugitives.

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Concentration, confidence, control, commitment are the four Cs needed to reach top heights in all spheres of human activity. Sports and yoga could provide lasting solution to the fallout of modern faulty lifestyles.

-- V M Prabhudesai SAG’s Executive Director

“

Goa I Sunday 27, February 2011

I am impressed with the world class sporting facilities available at BITS Pilani Campus, Zuarinagar, Sancoale.

-- Shrish Nadkarni Ex-World Badminton Champ

Chubby Cheeks Spring Valley triumph HERALD SPORTS DESK

cHubby cHeekS Spring Valley who will represent Goa in the finals of Arsenal Tata Tea Jaago Re Soccer Stars, Season 4 alongwith Fr Wilfred Fernandes, Administrator, Don Bosco, Brahmanand Sancoalcar at Don Bosco school ground, Panjim on Saturday.

Panjim, Feb 26: Chubby Cheeks Spring Valley beat St. Anthony HS, Majorda 21 via the penalties in the finals of Goa-leg Arsenal Tata Tea Jaago Re Soccer Stars, Season 4, at Don Bosco school ground on Saturday.

Simon D'Mello of St Joseph Calangute -- best goalkeeper.

Anson D'Souza of Chubby Cheeks -- highest scorer. Akeraj of Don Bosco Panjim --

most valuable player. Elison Pereira and Ashwyn D'souza of Don Bosco were selected for the coaching camp to be undertaken by Arsenal coaches in India and London.

Chubby Cheeks Spring Valley from Goa alongwith 14 other finalists from each

of the other locations will compete in the National finals to be held on April 9.

During the course of the tournament Jamshed Nassiri will also identify 30 exceptional young talents to be trained by Arsenal coaches in India and in London. Fur-

ther, 16 shortlisted kids from these 30 will represent India at the Arsenal International Soccer Festival in 2011.

Chubby coach said, “Our team has been practicing very hard ever since we learnt about the event. I am happy we have come out vic-

Alvernaz-Lalush soccer in Kuwait HERALD SPORTS DESK

Margao snap Signals HERALD CORRESPONDENT Margao, Feb 26: A late second half goal by striker Benzu Clemente enabled Margao Sports Club to register a narrow 1-0 win over spirited Corps of Signals in a GFA First Division league at 3MTR ground, Navelim on Saturday. There was no score at half time. Signals dominated the entire proceedings and have to blame themselves for the defeat as

they missed umpteen scoring chances throughout.

Margao were a subdued lot as they failed to combine as a cohesive unit and were at the receiving end with their forwards and midfielders not showing urgency.

Signals were on an aggressive mode with their forwards and midfielders working in tandem to put the Margao goal under a barrage of attacks. They nearly found success early,

but Pawan Tyagi’s rasping drive hit the crossbar.

Signals put Margao goalkeeper Agnelo Gomes to test and the later blocked Roshan Singh, Budhi Bahadur and VLNghara’s strikes.

Crossing over, Signals continued to enjoy the lion share of exchanges with their forwards swarming all over the Margao penalty area but goalkeeper Agnelo stole the limelight effecting super saves. They nearly

scored but Roshan Singh’s stiff shot kissed the bar.

Later, Pankaj Gorkha spurned an easy chance with only the rival goalkeeper at his mercy, shooting wide.

Margao woke up late and substitute striker Benzu Clemente picked up the ball from Cliff Barretto and beat the rival goalkeeper for the match-winner.

Margao collected 19 points from 10 matches. Signals have 10 points.

BITS Spree kicks off in style

HERALD REPORTER

Vasco, Feb 26: The four-day National sporting extravaganza ‘Spree-Pure Sport 2011’ kicked off with a scintillating inaugural ceremony, with performance from world yoga champion Nhehern Acharya, free style footballers from TV fame ‘India Got Talent’ and Veshnavi dance group at BITS Pilani Campus, auditorium, Zuarinagar, Sancaole on Saturday.

Chief guest, Shirish Nadkarni, Guinness world record holder for being the only world champion playing with a replaced knee inaugurated the event in the presence of Swapnil Asnodkar, BITS Pilani Director Prof K V Raman, president, Student Council Aditya Chintawar, Morya Krishna and Sai Ragahvendra.

Shirish said that he was surprised with world class

SwApnil ASnodkAr receiving a memento from Director K E Raman in the presence of Aditya Chintawar. sporting facilities available.

Director of BITS Pilani, Prof Raman assured that Spree would be only going to be bigger and better in future. Aditya Chintawar, informed that there would a live screening of World Cup match between India and England followed by Chelsea and Manchester United EPL with DJ night

on Sunday.

Spree - the annual sports festival of BITS Pilani K.K. Birla Goa Campus will kick start on February 27. It will conclude on March 2.

Sponsored by Salgaocar Sports Club in association with Netcore, Club Mahindra Holidays, Alienware and Tata Docomo, it is one of the biggest sports extravaganza,

Goa is set to witness.

Spanning all the conventional outdoor and indoor games like cricket, football, basketball, chess, carom, table-tennis and badminton, Spree also has in store unconventional features like futsal (5 a-side football), 3BA (3v3 special half-court basketball ), gully cricket (narrow lane cricket) and anti-chess with shuffle, Cpool, mini-tennis, foot-volley.

Various workshops in archery, rappelling and football free styling will also be conducted by professionals.

An array of special nights featuring mesmerizing performances by renowned artists from all across the globe will end the thrilled and action-filled days in style.

The major attraction “spree marathon”, will be held on Sunday under two categories.

Yoga enhances sports performance: Lalita

dilip r SAlgAocAr lighting the lamp to mark the inaugural of the international conference on physical education and sports sciences organised by Sridora Caculo College (Mapusa) in association with SAG, NAPES at Dona Paula on Friday in the presence of Dr Pratapsing Tiwari, V M Prabhudesai, Vivek Kerkar, Dr Chinappa Reddy, Dr Santosh Patkar, Prof Jayesh Churi at NIO Auditorium, D Paula on Friday.

HERALD SPORTS REPORTER Panjim, Feb 26: Yoga enhances sports performance, prevents injuries, improves mental health and controls emotions, stated Lalita Gaurav on the second day of international conference on physical education and sports sciences organised by Sridora Caculo College, Mapusa at NIO Auditorium, Dona Paula on Saturday.

Lalita dealt at length on

various beneficial aspects of yoga stressing on stamina building, meditation and relaxation techniques which are needed for mind control.

The 3-day event was earlier inaugurated by Dilip R Salgaocar, Managing Director, Geno Pharmaceuticals (Mapusa).

Dilip highlighted the vision of the founders of Saraswat Education Society in taking the bold step to impart education in marathi medium during the Portuguese regime.

“Concentration, confidence, control, commitment are the four Cs needed to reach top heights in all spheres of human activity,” remarked V M Prabhudesai, SAG’s Executive Director in his key note address.

Dwelling on the topic “select sports as a lifestyle”, Prabhudesai pointed out sports and yoga could provide lasting solution to the fallout of modern faulty lifestyles.

The technical sessions -

`Healthy lifestyle and diabetes’ by Dr Rajesh Bhatkurse and `sports and nutrition’ by Dr Margaret Kuo were highly appreciated by the nearly 600 delegates.

The sessions were chaired

by Prof V Thiruppathi and Prof L R Vaidhyanathan.

Dr Santosh Patkar, principal of CaculoCollege,introducedthechief guest.JayeshChuri,organisingsecretary,proposedthevoteofthanks.

Shruti Kamat Dalal and Harsha Talaulikar compered.

torious. We will do our best in the finals and make sure that Bangalore will be proud of us.

It is really a fantastic endeavor on the part of Tata Tea and Arsenal FC to identify talent in this country and encourage the growth and popularity of football in India”.

Auxilium HigH ScHool, Caranzalem winners of State boys U-17 throwball organised

by DSYA defeating S S Kesarbhai Kerkar High School, Keri, Ponda 2-1. Skipper Yogesh Gawas excelled for the winners.

Panjim, Feb 26:Navelim Youth Centre (NYC) will organise the 22nd edition Alvernaz-Lalush NYC Trophy 11-a-side football tournament in Kuwait on March 4. Churchill Brothers have officially sponsored the tournament.

The mega event will be played under the auspices of Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) and will be officiated by KIFF referees.

All matches will be on Friday mornings at MOH ground, Shawaikh.Navelim Youth Centre have won the Trophy seven times.

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I have not uttered any single word which could be construed as racial against Indian referee Dinesh Nair during the international friendly against Yemen in Pune last year.

-- Coach Bob Houghton

aa Majorda stun saligao united

HERALD SPORTS DESK Panjim: AA de Majorda upset Saligao United 1-0 to move into the second round of Nagoa Panchayat Cup soccer organized by Pax of Nagoa SC at Nagoa ground on Saturday.

Saligao United failed to capitalise on the chances that came their way and the first half ended goalless.

Eight minutes after the break, Majorda scored the match-winner through Remson Pereira. Saligao tried hard to come to terms and find the equaliser but the Majorda goalkeeper stood his ground well.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

Big win for calangute

simoes stars for cuncolim union HERALD CORRESPONDENT Calangute: A fine hat-trick by Joelif Simoes helped Candolim Sports Club trounce Cuncolim Union 3-0 and move into the semi-finals of 1st All-Goa InterVillage Football tournament for Laxmi and Subha Memorial Trophy organised by Nerul Sports Club at Nerul ground on Saturday.

With Cuncolim Union unable to make up the required numbers, Candolim began the scoring in the 15th minute through Joelif Simoes who went on to score the hat-trick in the first half. Cuncolim were further reduced in numbers and the play was discontinued in the later part of the match thus giving Candolim an easy win.

fc trounce Mandopa HERALD SPORTS REPORTER Mapusa: FC Siolim defeated Mandopa Sporting Club 4-0 to move into the semi-finals of Aldona cup 2011 soccer at Quitula ground on Saturday.

Siolim led by a solitary goal at the lemon break.

Mandopa only turned up with ten players, but still made it difficult for Siolim in the first half. Siolim took the lead in the 15th minute, when Ryan D’Souza smashed the ball in from a corner kick.

After the change of ends Bradley Lobo doubled the lead with a firm shot which rattled the crossbar.

Ten minutes later Domnic D’Silva received a pass and punted in the third. Sangem Pednekar was on target in the closing stages to round off the victory.

Maina six, Vasco clash in finals HERALD CORRESPONDENT Quepem: Maina Six and Vasco will clash in the finals of XIIth Fr. Avrilio Memorial South Goa floodlit volleyball tournament organized by United Boys of Ambaulim at Ambaulim volleyball court.

In a closely contested first semi-finals Maina Six defeated Our Lady Piety, Navelim 25-18, 25-9, 23-25, 23-25, 15-5. Aaron Pereira and Edwin were outstanding for Navelim. Reymond Santiago and Rui D’Mello played a crucial role in Maina’s victory.

In the second nail-biting semi-finals, Vasco defeated Xeldem Sports Club 25-17, 20-25, 23-25, 25-15, 1816. The finals will be played on February 27 at 8 p.m.

tennis cricket at Vichundre HERALD CORRESPONDENT Curchorem: The Halla Bol Boys of Sulcornem will organize their 5th All-Goa Tennis Ball Cricket Tournament on February 27 and March 6 at Vichundre ground. The winners will be awarded Rs. 7777 and the runners-up Rs. 4444. The semi-final losers will get Rs. 555. Details maybe obtained on 9822769813 or 9637453367.

3-a-side soccer at Mapusa Panjim: The all-Goa 3-a-side soccer tie-breaker organised by Acoi Union SC will be held on February 27 at Acoi Union SC ground, Acoi, Mapusa from 10.30 a.m.

Rs 20,000 (winners), Rs 10,000 (runners-up) will be awarded. Spot entries will be accepted. Details may be obtained from James on 9422387076.

Diocesan Priests football HERALD CORRESPONDENT Calangute: The Diocesan Priests will lock horns with Candolim Veterans in an exhibition match on February 27 at Dr. Gustavo Monteiro Stadium, Candolim at 4.30 p.m. The Diocesan Priests will be led by Fr. Jayson Vaz and include dashing Fr. Jesus Rodrigues, Fr.George Ratos besides Fr.Milagres. The Candolim Veterans will be led by the ever-agile Shrikant Naik and will be ably supported by Stanley, Dondu, Henry, Santan,George, Xavier among others.

An exhibition match between champions St.Theresa’s HS girls and Rosary HS,Dona Paula will be played at 3.30 p.m. A live band will be in attendance. The event has been organised by Candolim Parishioners under the guidance of Fr. Victor Rodrigues, of Our Lady of Hope, Candolim.

“It is dangerous playing against ONGC, specially from the position they are at the moment. They will try their level best to overcome us.

-- Salgaocar coach Karim

Infant Jesus emerge Goa U-14 school champs

SNAPSHOT

HERALS SPORTS DESK Panjim: Calangute XI walloped Ponda Engineering College 7-0 in a round two quarter-final league of State Hockey Men’s Championship organized by Association for Control of Hockey in Goa at Don Bosco ground, here on Saturday.

The goals came from Neville Rodrigues (26), Dattesh Priolkar (36, 48), Sam Braganza (40), Januario Cardoz (41) and Socorro Vaz (48, 58).

Margao XI beat Gudi Rainbow Warriors 3-0. Christopher Gavin Coutinho (40, 50), Inacio Fernandes (43) scored. There will be no matches on Sunday.

Goa I Sunday 27, February 2011

Infant Jesus HIgH scHool, Colva with the dignitaries at Vasco on Saturday.

Churchill hold Bagan PTI Kolkata, Feb 26: Runnersup Churchill Brothers and Mohun Bagan settled for a goalless draw in their 16th round I-league soccer match at Yuba Bharati Krirangan here Saturday.

With six of their regulars out due to injury and cards, Bagan put up a spirited display especially during the second half and could have romped home victorious but for their frontliners who failed to cash in on the chances they got.

Churchill and Bagan both stayed put at the same third and sixth positions with 30 and 22 points respectively after completing 16 outings.

RESULTS

M Bagan 0 Churchill Bros 0 Man-of-the match: Sangram Mandi (Bagan) Indian Arrows 1 East Bengal 1 Man-of-the match: Raju Gaekwad (I Arrows) Pune FC 4 Viva Kerala 1 Man-of-the match: A Kumar (Viva Kerala) Bagan, who lost to Churchill 0-2 in the first leg of the league, started cautiously concentrating more on defence as the match began. Churchill made their first attack in the 3rd minute but Bagan keeper Shilton Paul foiled a Steven Dias attempt to forge ahead.

The Bagan defence played well to keep their fort intact.

Sagram Mandi, who played as a defensive screen excelled

and kept strict vigil on Odafa Okolie - the deadly Churchill striker who took the field in the second half but failed to cause any damage.

Bagan came close to scoring in the 38th minute, but striker Muritaala Ali failed to head a Snehasish cross in the 38th minute.

Bagan striker Muritala Ali wasted the easiest opportunity four minutes after the second half. He dodged past

a host of Churchill defenders, including custodian Lalit Thapa, only to shoot feebly into the empty goal which gave enough time to Churchill defender Goaurmangi Singh to make a goalline save.

Churchill, who mostly defended their fort in the second half, earned a good opportunity in the 66th minute but Odafa shot out from inside the box .

Five minutes before the long whistle the home team came close to scoring again.

But a stingy shot by Muritala off Chidi was smartly saved

by Churchill keeper Lalit Thapa who dived full length to his right to keep their fort intact.

Gallant Arrows hold E Bengal Pune, Viva Kerala share spoils HERALD SPORTS DESK New Delhi, Feb 26: It was yet another impressive performance by the young guns of Indian Arrows as they gallantly held East Bengal 1-1 in a round XVI encounter of ILeague at Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Gurgaon here on Saturday.

Ongnam Milan Singh provided the surprise lead which was nullified by R.

Vashum, who was making a comeback after recovering from a prolonged injury for East Bengal.

Indian Arrows have proved a hard nut to crack at home and it was no different story as Milan Singh flicked a Lalrin Dikaralte free-kick into the goal in the 8th minute.

It was surely an alarming bell for the Trevor Morgancoached side as they found themselves trailing in the

opening minutes of the game. Soumik Dey made a swift run down the left flank and provided an inch perfect cross in the centre. Indian Arrows goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu did get a hand to it, but it was not enough as R. Vashum found himself unmarked to do the rest and bring his side back to level terms in the 18th minute.

What lacked in the first

half was equally compensated by the Indian Arrows back-four after the lemon break as they stood firm containing East Bengal strikers.

Raju Gaekwad, who was further declared man-of-the match stood firm and had a good day at the office, while the others put up a spirited performance.

Pune FC and Viva Kerala were involved in a 4-4 draw at Balewadi, Pune.

dium, Fatorda on February 27 at 4 p.m.

Coach Karim Bencherifa knows the importance of the match and he is confident that his boys will be able to deliver the goods at Fatorda.

With tricky matches against Churchill Brothers and Dempo ahead, Salgaocar can’t afford to lose any point.

“It is dangerous playing against ONGC, specially from the position they are at the moment. They will try their level best to overcome us but we have to be ready for it,” said Karim.

Bencherifa expects to field an unchanged line-up.

Japanese Ryuji Sueoka and Ghanaian veteran striker

Yakubu Yusif will lead the attack and both will surely keep the ONGC defenders on their toes. Salgaocar’s supply line will have Tomba Singh operating in the central midfield with upcoming Gilbert Oliveira, Francis Fernandes and Anthony Barbosa giving him support.

Salgaocar upbeat against ONGC HERALD CORRESPONDENT Margao, Feb 26: Table toppers Salgaocar SC are hoping to extend their lead and inch closer to the title when they take on debutants Oil and Natural Gas Commissions (ONGC) Mumbai in the 16th round of AIFF‘S 4th I-League at Nehru Sta-

Calangute, Feb 26: Infant Jesus HS Colva defeated Assagao Union in the finals of Mahindra Youth Football Challenge (MYFC) Under-14 Schools Football Tournament-cum-Talent Hunt organised by GFA at Tilak Maidan, Vasco, on Saturday.

Dominating the initial proceedings, Infant Jesus could have taken an early in the 3rd minute but a Sneeden Rodrigues shot hit the crossbar. Assagao keeper Aditya Kadam too came to his side's rescue saving shots from Joseph Maria and Sneeden Rodrigues.

Infant Jesus finally broke the deadlock in the 20th minute through Jezmon Barretto. Goaded by success, Infant Jesus doubled the lead through Sneeden Rodrigues in the 22nd minute.

Changing over, Assagao tried to bounce back into the game with sporadic raids but were unable to beat the last line of the rival defense. Infant Jesus could have added another goal but the Assagao keeper once again came to his side's rescue saving a shot from Sneeden.Infant Jesus laid their hands on the Mahindra Youth Football Challenge(MYFC) Cup and Rs 30,000 while Assagao Union had to be content with the runners-up spot and Rs 20,000. Auxilium High School, Caranzalem

AEW Warriors face Politics HERALD CORRESPONDENT Margao, Feb 26: AEW Warriors, Curchorem will meet Politics Cricket Club, Mapusa in the finals of 2nd Babu Brothers T 20 cricket tournament organised by Babu Brothers Sports Association at SAG Sports Complex, Fatorda on Sunday at 2 p.m.

An unbeaten 60 by Vikas Dessai helped AEW Warriors to register a 3-run win over Babu Brothers Sports Association. AEW scored 147 for 8 in 20 overs. Babu Brothers scored 144 for 6 in 20overs.

In the second semifinal, Politics Cricket Club defeated Iqbal XI by 21 runs.

Nat coach Houghton hits back at AIFF PTI New Delhi, Feb 26: A bitter Indian football coach Bob Houghton today hit back at AIFF for its decision to initiate steps to sack him, saying that the charges leveled against him by the National federation were "nonsensical".

The AIFF has decided to take legal advice to see if Houghton's contract, which runs till 2013, can be terminated without giving compensation to him on the ground that the Englishman had used "derogatory" remarks against the federation.

Reports have said that the AIFF could take into account Houghton's alleged "racial" remarks against Indian referee Dinesh Nair during the international friendly against Yemen in Pune last year to charge him of bringing disrepute to the AIFF.

Allegations "non-sensical.

India 100 years behind other Asian countries” Houghton today issued a statement through his manager Simon, saying that the Englishman has not uttered any single word which could be construed as racial.

“Further to reports in the media that I made a racist remark to a fourth official last year, I wish to categorically deny that allegation," Houghton said in the statement. “I have no doubt that all the players and staff that I have worked with in India would confirm that I do not have a racist bone in my body and have treated all of them with the utmost respect.”

“The only exception would be

Pradeep Choudery (former team manager), who walked out of his position as National team manager just prior to the Asian Cup after an argument with me. I refer those who would wish to see a reflection of this man's standing among the Indian team members to the FPAI website directly after his walk out," he said.

Bob also accused Chowdhury, who was present during the incident in Pune, for changing his version of the event. Nair had made a complaint to the AIFF that Houghton had made racial remarks against him.

“Furthermore, remarks made by former team manager Pradeep Choudery are the exact opposite of his comments made at a dinner directly after the match, where in front of my

claimed the third place and Rs 10,000. Infant Jesus booked their ticket to Bangalore preliminaries of the competition among the top ranked schools of the country.

Brian Rodrigues and Dylan Lourenco of Infant Jesus won the star player of the finals and best player of the tournament awards respectively. Dylan Lourenco scored four goals.

The other players to win the awards in the quarterfinal stages were Rohan Shaikh (Auxilium), Aditya Kadam (Assagao), Savio Gama (Regina Mundi), Devendra Murgaonkar (Auxilium), Dylan Lourenco (Infant Jesus), Klinff Mendes (Loyola) and Prajat Mandal (Auxilium).

Earlier, in the match to decide the third place finishers, Auxilium High School, Caranzalem got the better of Loyola High School, Margao 2-1. Karan Shirodker and Prajat Mandal scored for Auxilium while Dilinger Carvalho netted for the losers. A young boy Archilies Miranda displayed his perfect ball control on the filed.

The chief guest, exOlympian Fortunato Franco, guest of honour Bramahnand Sancoalcar, GFA vice-president Lavinio Rebello, Schubert Furtado, Lawrence Gomes, Socrates Carvalho, Mariano Dias and others gave away the prizes.

staff he called the official in question 'a bad man' and insisted I had said no such thing.

“My staff is prepared to confirm Choudery's comments when and if required," he said.

Houghton also said that his comments in the media about the lack of infrastructure in India was not a new thing and he had not done anything wrong.

“Regarding the other allegation regarding my criticism of the AIFF during the Asian Cup, my comments were limited only to facilities for football in India. They reflect exactly thecomments made by Asian Football Confederation president, Mohammed Bin Hamman on a visit to India during my time as head coach, when he described India as '100 years behind' other Asian countries.

I-League: Salgaocar v.

ONGC, Nehru Stadium, Fatorda-Margao, 4 p.m.

GFA First Division: Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim v.

Salcete FC, Cuncolim ground; Calangute Association v. Raia SC, Poriat ground, Calangute. Kick off 4 p.m.

St Caetano soccer: XYZ vs.

St Caetano Merces, A Lua ground, Merces, 5 p.m.

Exhibition football: Girls St. Theresa's Girls, Candolim v. Rosary Girls, Dona Paula, Dr. Gustavo Monteiro Stadium, Candolim, 3.30 p.m. Men - Diocesan Priests v. Candolim Veterans, 4.30 p.m.

Nagoa panchayat cup soccer: Pax of Nagoa SC v.

CAC, Nagoa ground, Salcete, 4.30 p.m.

Aldona Cup soccer: Saligao Sporting Club v. Sangolda Lightning, Quitula ground, 4.45 p.m.

Uday Shirodkar memorial soccer: Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda v. Wilred Leisure Sports Club, Curtorim, Karai ground, 4.45 p.m.

Uday A Shirodkar memorial football: Don Bosco Oratory v. Wilred Leisure Curtorim, Netaji Subash Chandra Bose ground, Karai, Shiroda, 4.15 p.m.

2nd Friends Sporting oneday soccer, Montfort ground, Corlim, 10 a.m. Finals 5 p.m.

Babu Brothers T 20 cricket final: AEW Warriors v. Politics Cricket Club, SAG sports complex, Fatorda, 2 p.m.

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Pakistan cricketers Salman Butt and Mohammad Amir have filed appeals against their bans with the Court of Arbitration of Sport in Switzerland. They were found guilty of corruption for bowling deliberate no balls during a Test against England last August and were banned for a minimum of five years.

ICC announces public ballot process for semis, final tickets PTI Bangalore, Feb 26: Left red-faced after World Cup ticket fiasco, the ICC today announced the process of public ballot system which will be used for selling tickets for the semi-finals and the final of the quadrennial mega-event.

The ICC was left embarrassed when the ticketing website kyazoonga.com, which was initially roped in to distribute tickets for the finals, crashed on February 21 because of overload.

To set things in order, ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat today said that there will be a public ballot system, similar to the one used in global sporting events for the sale of tickets of the semifinals in Colombo and Mohali on March 29 and 30 respectively and final to be held in Mumbai on April 2.

The ballot process will start on February 28 and

Shastri backs Ponting over LCD incident

AGeNcIes

Melbourne, Feb 26: Reprimanded and criticised for damaging a TV set inside the dressing room during a World Cup match at Ahmedabad, Australian skipper Ricky Ponting found a sympathiser in player-turned-commentator Ravi Shastri, who said such incidents are not new in international cricket.

"Everyone's human and the dressing-room has been the only place you can vent your feelings. You take out your frustrations and then it's over. Far worse has been done than broken televisions," Shastri said.

the fans will need to fill and submit the Public Ballot application form at http://cwc2011ballot.kyazoonga.com within March 6.

A ticket limit of two tickets per applicant will be applied and only one application per person will be accepted. In case more than one application is submitted, it will cancelled by Kyazoonga.

A Ballot Confirmation Number will be generated once the application is submitted and no up-

front payment will be required at this stage.

A draw will be conducted by computer on March 10 and successful applicants will be informed by email the next day. Successful applicants will be able to pay for their tickets through Kyazoonga's secure payment processing website using credit card/debit card/net-banking.

After successful payment completion, fans will receive a confirmation page and email. Tickets will be distributed from the third week of March 2011.

Meanwhile, Lorgat also reflected on the fact that two contractors had been arrested in Sri Lanka for selling tickets in the black market.

"We will support and encourage the actions of Sri Lanka Cricket in having such persons arrested for black market selling. It must serve as a warning that we will not hesitate to take action against anyone who abuses the system and sells tickets illegally," he said.

Bravo injury a big loss, but we’re still strong team: WI coach PTI New Delhi, Feb 26: West Indies coach Ottis Gibson today described the ruling out of all-rounder Dwayne Bravo from the World Cup due to injury a big loss for his side but said even without him they were ready to prove that they were not just also rans.

"It's a big setback, a big blow for us. Dwayne is our vice-captain and one of the key members of our team.

He brings a lot of energy to the dressing room, a lot of positives to batting and

fielding. He was in good form and getting injured in such a way, it's really sad.

One can't do much with these injury situations," Gibson said ahead of West Indies' Group B clash against the Netherlands here

Dwayne Bravo lies on the ground after being injured at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium in New Delhi on Thursday.

Aston Villa's English midfielder Stewart Downing (right) scores their third goal past Blackburn's English goalkeeper Paul Robinson (left) at Villa Park in Birmingham on Saturday.

United go four points clear

reUTers London, Feb 26: Mexico striker Javier Hernandez’s double helped move Manchester United four points clear at the top of the Premier League with a 4-0 win at Wigan Athletic on Saturday.

On a day when the five sides below United were not playing, including secondplaced Arsenal, who face Birmingham City in the League Cup final on Sunday, United romped to victory at

the DW Sta- scoreboArd dium.

Aston Villa . . . .4 H e r n a n - Everton . . . . . .2 dez, pre- Newcastle . . . .1 Wigan . . . . . . .0 ferred to Wolves . . . . . . .4 Dimitar Berbatov up front, touched in Nani’s cross at the near post to give United the lead on 17 minutes.

He slotted in his second 16 minutes from time after linking up with strike partner Wayne Rooney, who thumped in a third on 84.

Defender Da Blackburn . .1 Fabio Sunderland .0 Silva got the Bolton . . . . . .1 fourth.

Man United .4 Sir Alex Blackpool . . .0 Ferguson and his Man U side are three points ahead of the rest of the league.

With 11 matches to play, United have 60 points. Arsenal are on 56 while third-placed Manchester City, who host Fulham on Sunday, are on 49.

Wolverhampton Wander-

ers moved off the foot of the table and out of the bottom three by thrashing 10-man Blackpool 4-0 at Molineux.

The Seasiders had leading scorer DJ Campbell sent off just before half-time.

In other games, Jermaine Beckford scored twice in Everton’s 2-0 win at home to Sunderland and Ashley Young also netted two as Aston Villa won 4-1 at home to Blackburn Rovers, who had defender Ryan Nelsen sent off. Newcastle United and Bolton drew 1-1.

Djokovic clinches Dubai Open AFP Dubai, Feb 26: Defending champion Novak Djokovic, who took away Roger Federer's Australian Open title last month, beat him again to prevent the former world number one from regaining

the Dubai Open title on Saturday.

The second-seeded Serbian won with something to spare by 6-3, 6-3, outplaying the Swiss maestro in the first set and recovering from 1-3 down in the second as Federer had constant problems

with his timing and rhythm off the ground.

It gained Djokovic his third successive title at the 1.6-million-dollar event, and suggested that he has every chance of leapfrogging Federer next month into the world number two ranking.

on Monday.

"We will miss him big time but we expect the team to overcome the blow and believe in themselves. We are still a big team. We have got history behind us. We still believe we have got much left in us and we are ready to prove that on this big stage," he said.

Bravo twisted his left knee during West Indies' opening World Cup match against South Africa at Feroze Shah Kotla stadium when he tried to stop a ball in his follow through.

Don't want to see police-fan clashes over tickets: Lorgat

PTI Bangalore, Feb 26: International Cricket Council CEO Haroon Lorgat today criticised the police lathicharge on fans seeking tickets for the India-England World Cup clash here, saying the fiasco was unfortunate and the governing body would not like to see such scenes again.

"Those are scenes that we would not like to see. None of us would like to see that," Lorgat said at a press conference.

Lorgat said it was regretful that very few tickets have been put on sale for the local fans but admitted that the supply would never be able to meet the demand in a huge country such as India.

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Goa I Sunday 27, February 2011

Everyone's human and the dressing-room has been the only place you can vent your feelings. You take out your frustrations and then it's over -- Ravi Shastri

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Struggling Portuguese football giants Sporting Lisbon sacked coach Paulo Sergio on Saturday after a series of poor results and replaced him with Jose Couceiro till the end of the season.The Sporting board said that it had had no option but to act.

England in trouble if Sehwag fires: Dhoni aFP Bangalore, Feb 26: England will have problems if hard-hitting Indian opener Virender Sehwag bats through the innings in Sunday's World Cup clash, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni said.

Sehwag, fit to play the day-night game after suffering a rib injury on Friday during a practice session, said ahead of the tournament he would like to bat the entire 50 overs.

The opener narrowly missed his pre-tournament aim in the opening match against Bangladesh in Dhaka

when he got out in the 48th over, but not before giving his team a blazing start.

Sehwag hammered an explosive 175 off just 140 balls to set up his team's 87-run victory.

"If he (Sehwag) bats 50 overs I don't have problem with that, but definitely the opposition will have problems," said Dhoni.

"But his most important role is to bat aggressively and give us a good start and momentum from which the middle order can capitalise."

The Indian captain said his side were well-equipped to cope with the

pressure in the high-profile match.

"It was in 2004 when I made my debut and I have never played a series when we're not under pressure, whether it's the pressure of winning the game or playing against a strong opponent," said Dhoni.

"Most of the guys are used to it."

Dhoni said his team had prepared well for Sunday's clash as every game was important in the tournament.

"It's all about coping with the challenges that come to you. I think it's a very intent English squad and they

have outdone us quite a few times, so they must have prepared well for this tournament," said Dhoni.

"For us, each game is important.

We prepare likewise for every game, Bangladesh, England, Australia or Ireland."

The Indian captain said his team had yet to decide on whether to include a second specialist spinner.

"It (team's composition) is a really challenging decision to make. We will have to see what the conditions are like," said Dhoni, whose team had entered the opening game with just one specialist spinner.

We’ll love to spoil Indian party: Strauss PTI Bangalore, Feb 26: Going by present form, India start as favourites against England in tomorrow's high-profile World Cup match but rival captain Andrew Strauss today said his team would be looking to spoil the home team's party in front of a jam-packed M Chinnaswamy Stadium here.

Strauss said there was plenty of excitement among his team-mates for tomorrow's match and

the pressure would be more on the Indians than on Englishmen.

"There is huge sense of anticipation right now.

After the opening game, it is a huge occasion for us. Playing against India on their own turf is a great opportunity for us," he told reporters at the pre-match press conference.

"We just need to focus on playing smart cricket.

In some ways, perhaps there is more pressure on India than us in this game. We want to play accord-

ing to our plans and put them under pressure.

"Potentially, it is huge day for us because we need to send out pretty strong signals to other sides tomorrow. We are excited and confident about tomorrow's game. We will love to spoil an Indian party in Bangalore tomorrow," Strauss said.

Even though he admitted that India are a formidable side at home, Strauss said England possess a good track record when it comes to pressure games.

TODAY’S MATCH India v.

England 2.30 p.m.

A fan waves Indian flag during a training session at The M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore on Saturday.

Misbah, Afridi sink Sri Lanka PTI Colombo, Feb 26: Pakistan held their nerves to pull off a stunning 11-run victory over title aspirants Sri Lanka in a nail-biting group A World Cup league match here today.

The Pakistani first posted a competitive 277 for seven, relying on half centuries by Misbah-ulHaq (unbeaten 83) and Younis Khan (72) and then restricted Sri Lanka to 266 for nine to virtually assure themselves a quarter-final berth.

Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi sparkled with the ball as he took four wickets and became only the third bowler from his country to take 300 or more ODI wickets.

The Pakistanis, though, were found wanting in the ground fielding as they missed stumping chances, dropped catches and missed run outs.

Chamara Silva (57) played

a gritty knock and shared a 73-run stand for the fifthwicket with his skipper Sangakkara (49) in Lanka's fight

but that only reduced the defeat margin.

Afridi (4/34) bowled extremely well in the middle

scoreboard Pakistan: Ahmed Shahzad c Sangakkara b Perera 13, Mohammad Hafeez run out 32, Kamran Akmal st Sangakkara b Herath 39, Younis Khan c Jayawardene b Herath 72, Misbah-ul-Haq not out 83, Umar Akmal c Dilshan b Muralitharan 10, Shahid Afridi c Dilshan b Mathews 16, Abdul Razzaq c sub (Kapugedera) b Perera 3. Extras: 9. Total: 277 all out. Fall of wickets: 1-28, 2-76, 3-105, 4-213, 5-238, 6-267, 7-277.

Bowling: Kulasekara 10-1-64-0, Perera 9-0-62-2, Mathews 10-0-56-1, Muralitharan 10-0-35-1, Herath 10-0-46-2, Dilshan 1-0-10-0.

Sri Lanka: U Tharanga c Afridi b Hafeez 33, T Dilshan b Afridi 41, K Sangakkara c Shahzad b Afridi 49, M Jayawardene b Akhtar 2, T Samaraweera st Kamran b Afridi 1, C Silva st Kamran b Rehman 57, A Mathews c Shahzad b Afridi 18, T Perera b Akhtar 8, N Kulasekara c Umar b Gul 24, R Herath not out 4, M Muralitharan not out 0. Extras: 29. Total: 266 for 9. Fall of wickets: 1-76, 2-88, 3-95, 4-96, 5-169, 6209, 7-232, 8-233, 9-265. Bowling: Akhtar 10-0-42-2, Razzaq 5-1-230, Gul 9-0-60-1, Hafeez 6-0-33-1, Afridi 10-0-34-4, Rehman 10-1-63-1.

Man of the match: S Afridi

overs and yet again turned the tide in his side's favour as he took crucial wickets of Tillakaratne Dilshan (41), Sangakkara (49) Thilan Samaraweera (1) and Angelo Mathews (18).

Paceman Shoaib Akhtar (2/42) contributed in the win by scalping two Lankan batsmen.

"That was a big game and the boys knew how big it was but I think the way Misbahul-Haq (83) and Younis Khan (72) played their beautiful innings, it was very mature cricket from those guys," said captain Afridi.

"I think the way we played is a message for other teams that we will come harder and harder game by game."

Sri Lanka skipper Sangakkara admitted they lost wickets at crucial times.

"Any defeat is tough but there are quite a few positives to take. I think we bowled pretty well on a flat deck. Unfortunately we lost wickets at the wrong times," he said.

‘Sachin is one of mammoths of world cricket’

Goa I Sunday 27, February 2011

There are normally no negative words that you can say about Tendulkar. He is absolutely a great legend -- Andrew Strauss

Bangalore cops bust betting racket PTI

PTI Bangalore, Feb 26: Many an adjective has been used to describe Sachin Tendulkar in a career spanning more than two decades and England skipper Andrew Strauss today added another one, calling him a mammoth of world cricket.

Tendulkar remains a thorn in the flesh for the rival teams globally and Strauss said his consistency for the last 22 years showed how prepared he is going into their Group B match of the World Cup here tomorrow.

"He is one of the mammoths of world cricket for the last two decades," Strauss told reporters .

"The fact that he has been doing that for so long and so consistently is a great testament to his preparations," he added.

For a man, who holds virtually every key batting record and is dreaded by bowlers world over, Tendulkar remains a big threat and England will be trying to find ways to contain the iconic batsman.

Strauss also acknowledged that there is hardly any negative point in Tendulkar and said he is a true legend.

"There are normally no negative words that you can say about Tendulkar. He is absolutely a great legend," Strauss said.

Bangalore, Feb 26: Police today claimed to have busted a cricket betting racket here involving World Cup matches with the arrest of three persons, including a notorious bookie, and seizure of Rs 20 lakh in cash.

Bookie Ravi Fighter (39)

and his associates Vipul Chowbe (28) and Vinod (27) were arrested during a raid in Vyalikaval area, Police Commissioner Shankar Bidari said.

Police seized Rs 20 lakh, which had been collected from the punters, who had placed bets during the matches in the past one week.

OHERALDO

IV GOA, SUNDAY, 27 FEBRUARY, 2011

3 killed as thousands rally across Yemen AFP SANAA, FEB 26

Police killed three people as vast crowds took to the streets across Yemen after weekly Muslim prayers, staging mass protests to demand that veteran President Ali Abdullah Saleh steps down.

Clashes between police and demonstrators yesterday continued into the night in the restive south, where three people died and 40 were wounded, medics said.

The port of Aden, the main city in south Yemen, saw the worst of the violence, with thousands of protesters confronting security forces who used live ammunition to disperse them, the hospital source said.

Witnesses said the security forces opened fire at a sit-in of protesters gathered in front of a hotel on the main street in the Maalla district to demand the departure of Saleh, who has been in power for 32 years.

In Aden's Crater district, hundreds of demonstrators tried to attack a police station and

blocked roads in other quarters with burning tyres, witnesses said.

Protesters were also prevented from gathering in a square near the security headquarters and several consulates.

A teenager was killed when security forces fired tear gas and live round s as thousand s marched from several parts of Aden towards tightly patrolled Al-Aroob Square in the Khor Maksar neighbourhood, witnesses said.

Mohammed Ahmed Saleh, 17, died from gunshot wounds in hospital in Khor Maksar, a hospital official told AFP. The identities of the two other victims were not immediately known.

"Police dispersed thousands of protesters by force in Al-Arish neighbourhood," one organiser, Wafi al-Shabi, told AFP. Security forces also arrested many demonstrators, said Shabi, who added that he did not have exact figures on the numbers held.

The latest deaths raised to 15 the number of victims of almost daily clashes between police and protesters in Aden since February 16, according to an AFP tally based on reports by medics and witnesses.

In the capital Sanaa earlier, tens of thousands of protesters poured into a main square near Sanaa University chanting “Out, out!” and “God bears witness to your acts, Abdullah,” an AFP correspondent reported.

Organisers estimated the numbers at 100,000. Police set up checkpoints after Saleh on Thursday ordered his forces to offer "full protection" to antiregime protesters and loyalists alike.

In the past week two people have been killed in clashes with Saleh loyalists in Sanaa, and one was killed in similar violence in Taez, south of the capital, where an AFP correspondent and organisers said hundreds of thousands of anti-Saleh protesters demonstrated.

Bomb kills 9 in Afghan AFP KHOST, FEB 26

A roadside bomb today killed nine civilians including women and children when it struck the vehicle they were travelling in eastern Afghanistan, provincial police said.

The civilians were driving into Khost city, capital of Khost province, when the blast hit their van, deputy provincial police chief Mohammad Yaqoub Mandozai said.

“Three women, four children and two men were killed by the roadside bomb explosion. They were all civilians,” Mandozai said.

He blamed the attack on “enemies of Afghanistan” a term often used to refer to Taliban militants who have waged a bloody insurgency against Afghan and foreign forces in Afghanistan.

Home made bombs, or Improvised Explosive Devices, are the weapon of choice for the Taliban insurgents and the main cause of casualties among Afghan and foreign forces.

The insurgents also use suicide bombings and rocket attacks.

New Zealand quake toll reaches 145 PTI MELBOURNE, FEB 26

Rescuers in New Zealand's quake-devastated Christchurch city recovered more bodies from the debris of flattened buildings today, taking the toll to 145 which include victims of 20 nationalities.

There have been no live rescues since Wednesday and given that the number of missing is above 200, the number of dead is certain to rise.

The 6.8 magnitude quake that hit Christchurch on Tuesday devastated the city and brought down several buildings, trapping scores of people under the rubble.

The official toll has risen to 145 this evening, the New Zealand Herald reported.

"We expect that number to rise," Superintendent David Cliff was quoted as saying.

He added that the number of missing people for whom there are grave concerns remains at more than 200. Among the dead are people of 20 different nationalities.

Identification of bodies is emerging as another major problem for the rescuers, with the authorities relying mostly on fingerprints or DNA. "The biggest concern we have to returning the wrong loved one to the wrong family," Cliff said.

He said the frustration of the families, who had lost their loved ones, was understandable but added that visual identification of the bodies was not easy.

He also said that there remains a risk of masonry coming off buildings and windows being smashed due to aftershocks.

Fire Service spokesman Paul Baxter said though fresh bodies had been recovered, no new names have been listed.

"Where we have specific information around the identity of a loved one, we will be doing everything humanly possible to get that person to their loved ones as soon as we can," he said.

The ongoing aftershocks were making rescue effort a difficult task, officials said. They said that power has been restored to 82 per cent of the city.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister John Key has called for the observing of a two-minute silence on March 1 "as a sign of unity for the people of Christchurch and out of respect for those that lost their lives".

Key today met with the families of those who are still missing.

"They fear the worst but there is still a glimmer of hope... The urban search and rescue crew made it clear that this was still very much a rescue effort, not a recovery," he said.

Australia wooing Indian students PTI KOCHI, FEB 26

Hit by a 35 per cent drop in the arrival of Indian students to its universities in the backdrop of the attacks, 35 Australian universities today showcased a range of academic programmes, career opportunities and scholarships here in an attempt to woo youngters to pursue higher education.

Maintaining that the attack on Indians students, who represent the second largest section among International students, had been 'overplayed', Michael Carter, Consul Commercial, Australian Trade Commission, told re-

15 killed in Iraq AFP BAGHDAD, FEB 26

Security forces used water cannons and tear gas to disperse thousands of angry protesters in Baghdad today as a “Day of Rage” across Iraq left 15 demonstrators dead in clashes with police.

Around 5,000 people thronged Baghdad's Tahrir Square, with angry crowds throwing stones, shoes and plastic bottles at riot police and soldiers blocking off a bridge connecting the site to Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone, home to the US embassy and parliament.

The protest was the biggest of at least 17 separate demonstrations across the country, some sparking clashes in which more than 130 people were wounded, according to an AFP tally based on accounts by officials.

porters here that there was a drop of 35 per cent of Indian students to Australia last year.

The attacks were `isolated incidents’, he said.

As per 2009-10 figures, about 600,000 foreign students were studying in Australia of which 100,000 were from India. In the past there has been random attacks on Indian students and the Australian government has taken a serious view of the matter, he said. Law enforcement facility has been expanded, court system has been streamlined and various help lines and social networks in collaboration with Indian students have been set up.

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GOA’S HEARTBEAT

The Scientist in Every Child

Peleak tum adar korxi toch adar tuka haddxi - Anonymous

There is an innate scientist in every child. Yet, do we nurture the scientist in them especially in a milieu reeling from the “pace attack” of instant gratification and glamour? On the eve of National Science Day, Herald learns that we are not creating an atmosphere conductive for science and technology

BY CHRISTINA VIEGAS HERALD FEATURES he art and science of asking questions is the source of all knowledge,” said the great novelist Thomas Berger. And this is exactly what our children do. We need to listen keenly to our children when they communicate with us. When I say listen, it is not just hearing what they say while you continue with posting messages on your Blackberry or continue staring at your tube. Instead, it is listening with your eyes, ears and heart – with your every sense!

Children come up with the most beautiful questions. You will be amazed when your little girl/boy tells you, “How perfectly God has ensured a bird flies with the right amount of air under its wings! Otherwise, of what use are the wings in flying.” Though she/he will proceed to tell you the wings keep them warm, protect them, etc, etc and will ask you how the right amount of air is generated. They are constantly observing, asking, understanding and asking some more.

When you monitor their activities carefully, you will realise that they are at their curious and creative best when left during their ‘alone time’ where they are constantly discovering, probing, puttering and experimenting with the possible and impossible. “There’s nothing that can help you understand your beliefs more than trying to explain them to an inquisitive child,” goes a famous refrain. Yet often, with our frazzled lives, we fail to see the innate scientists in each of them. Often, we even hear teachers telling students who have too many questions, “You will learn more on that in your higher classes.” Why this shirking off and discouraging attitude?

Our very science education simply consists of lectures, doing worksheets and memorising facts. Children are shown the non-fascinating picture as science.

Yet, how can anything be science if it does not fascinate us? We need to enlighten children with more hands-on methods than just a set, rigid syllabus. This boredom is what makes hoards of children move away from pursuing science when in reality at the initial stage, virtually every student is fascinated by science.

In fact, more than blaming teachers, we as parents are to be blamed more.

Because children spend at least 16 good hours daily with us! So what is our contribution? We need to do scientific parenting. There is science in every aspect of our domestic environments – right from rolling out ‘puris’ or ‘chappatis’, to what happens during baking, or why the ‘sanna’ mixture puffs up overnight, and so much more. But do we care to enlighten our children on this? Even when it comes to technology, how many of us explain to our kids how the television works, or the remote control or gas burner for that matter? Instead, parents are constantly pushing and compelling their children to take up more glamourous activities because it is the present day norm to hog the limelight. Parents want to see their children doing a ‘Bollywood’ number on stage just to prove to their acquaintances that their child is so ‘in demand’. These are extra curricular activities that will happen naturally according to how your child is wired; you do not have to run the rat race meaninglessly. Every second child wants to be a beauty queen or an airhostess but how many children want to become scientists?

As the elders in our children’s lives, we need to encourage their curiosity with sincere interest. We cannot simply state facts and expect them to accept them. We should encourage them to confirm the same through experimentation.

Are we really interested in compelling our government to boost the field of science and technology? Today, there are so many other developments taking place that occupy our time and energy that science automatically takes a backseat.

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Parents are more interested in getting their kids involved in all the ‘naach-gana’ that will get them in the limelight than to encourage their kids to go for regular visits to museums and libraries and various other important venues such as wildlife sanctuaries, planetariums, nature trips, etc.

Dr Nandkumar M Kamat, senior scientist enlightens, “Parents should allow children to evolve freely. More than 70,000 years ago, the human brain was half the size than what the average size is today. So, you see, as one explores more and more and evolves, our intelligence quotient levels also increase.”

He continues, “The problem is parents cling on to their superstitious beliefs like ghosts, horoscopes and other pseudo sciences which in turn influence the children, and so after a certain stage, children lose interest in science.”

Dr Kamat suggests, “It is imperative that parents take their children to agricultural villages, fruit orchards according to the season, to see how crabs are caught, to expose them to rock formations, fireflies, carpets of wild flowers and so on. We need to encourage children to collect shells, birds’ feathers, different kinds of rocks so as to inculcate a love for nature and a fascination for the science of these objects. Basically, we need to create an atmosphere conductive to science and technology for children. Instead of just exposing them to the products of technology, we need to demystify the principles of technology; not make them feel that technology means buying a cell phone over the counter to make life easy.”

So, instead of blaming the government about not doing enough for the field of science, we as parents should first take the initiative in nurturing our little scientists at home which in turn will keep them constantly curious to learn more and more and this will compel the government to give science and technology the importance that is long overdue.

Next time your child asks you why it rains or why the lizard walks upside down on your roof and about many more things around us, be prepared to impart the right scientific knowledge with patience. Because, it is only when we know more about a raindrop, the sun’s rays, a grain of sand, a snail, a dog or a mushroom, we know more about ourselves. No species, however tiny it may seem, can be relegated as insignificant. We are all interrelated. Remember children learn best by doing and while having fun. And like Socrates had said, “Wisdom begins with wonder.”

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Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future - Anonymous

Now, watch Lakme Fashion Week Live Online

he organisers of the Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) want to connect instantly with their audiences and are launching LFW TV online to enable people all around the globe to watch all the shows live and catch exclusive backstage action as well.

“We have to recognise the importance of the online space. What people want is access to what is happening on the runway and behind it as well, provided they are given this access in a relevant manner. So with LFW TV, we are giving viewers an opportunity to see what happens in real time,” informed Ravi Krishnan, managing d i r e c t o r, I M G South Asia and senior vice president IMG. “So, looking at these factors, we will also give them an insight about backstage activities, some exclusive interviews and post-show party fun as well. This will help fashion enthusiasts and buyers gain real-time access to shows,” he said.

Bandana Tewari, fashion features director of Vogue India, will host the short series, which will be available at www.lakmefashionweek.co.in.

Expanding on the initiative, Lakme Lever CEO Anil Chopra said: “We try to bring in a new change every season. We came out with this idea after we saw the data – we have as many as 30,000 followers on Facebook and in the past few months, we have received around 50,000 hits on our website.”

“So the data shows that people are interested in fashion and are keen to know about the latest trends,” he added.

“We are in an era of convergence – of talent, trends and time; a platform for business and promoting Indian designers. LFW constantly innovates and introduces newer concepts and best practices of the industry to drive commerce,” said Chopra.

“The digital medium is something that LFW has been exploring and actively developing as an interactive channel to reach consumers worldwide,” he added.

The LFW summer-resort 2011 will take place in Mumbai March 11-15 and 78 designers are participating in it.

(Courtesy: IANS)

Simulating sixty voices into one gives you a song worth listening to and a sight worth watching live on stage. Namah Chorale, an Acapella style of s i n g i n g c h o i r, w i l l perform at ‘Thank You for the Music’ on F e b r u a r y 2 8 , 2 0 11 .

Herald gets an inside look at the choir and the practice routine of its members

Talented Voices ready to create Musical Harmony

BY DOLCY D’CRUZ HERALD FEATURES ou need to have a lot of patience and being a conductor of a choir is a big challenge,” says Christo Fernandes, the conductor of the Namah Chorale, when asked about how he can manage a group of 60 singers of different voices. “But everyone does their part and the entire choir has a lot of understanding. Everyone will be on time for practice and even after a full day of practice you won’t hear any complains from any member,” he adds.

Namah Chorale was formed almost five years ago when members of different choirs came together for a show. Once the show was performed, the brilliant idea struck Christo to keep a united group going and called it Namah Chorale. “Namah Chorale is an Acapella, a style of singing without instruments. We are showing some form of Acapella forte and synchronising four voices sounding into one and we are also trying to integrate part singing with a pop band, in this case it will be Alcatrazz, that will be performing for the concert,” says Christo, who has been in

“Y

the music scene for the past 20 years.

The concert will also feature Brazilian music by Maxie Miranda and he will perform ‘Man of Constant Sorrow’ with the Namah Chorale. Christo had previously organised a show in 2007 where Namah Chorale was featured with national and international artistes. This time, however, the concert will be of a different and better style. “The concert will feature Namah Chorale, GIM Choir, a contemporary dance, Antara Majumdar and a Bharatnatyam dancer Debjani Ghosh, Maxie Miranda and Alcatrazz. It is not a variety show but we are giving Goan music lovers a new taste and better styles. Goan music lovers are not ignorant and we are giving them something different to look forward to,” says Christo.

A unique choir that brings Goans and people from other countries under one roof, Namah Chorale has members that range from the age of 11 to 69 years. “We have members from Nigeria and Finland and they have powerful voices which are important for the choir. There are four sub groups within the choir like 20 members of Alto, maybe15 members of Soprano, 15 members of Bass and 15 members of

Tenor. These are huge groups of singers. But for practices, each group is prepared as they practise on their own and easily coordinate with each other. Most of the members are from Panjim, Mapusa, Margao and other areas of Goa. Thanks to the Don Bosco fathers in Panjim, they have given us a classroom to practise in,” says Christo.

As most of the members are young and have to be career oriented, some leave the choir due to a busy schedule or suppose they leave the state. “We face this problem many times but the good part of it is that mostly the members bring two new members to join the choir,” says Christo enthusiastically.

Francis Lobo from Alto-Porvorim was a member of the choir and will miss out on the show due to sore throat. “It was very good to be a part of the Namah Chorale, I was very happy with Christo. It was a balanced choir,” says Francis who used to sing tenor.

The 60-member Namah chorale will sing ABBA pop numbers like ‘Money- MoneyMoney’, ‘Thank you for the music’, ‘Born Free’, etc. The concert will be held on February 28 at 6:30 pm at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao.

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Sunday, 27 Feb 2011

WHAT’S UP IN GOA??

11th Saraswat Food Cultural Festival, organised by Goa Saraswat Samaj is underway till February 27 at the Panjim gymkhana, Panjim.

The State Art Exhibition in the Student and Artist Category, organised

by Kala Academy will be held from March 10 to 14 and till January 29 at the Art Gallery, Kala Academy, Panjim.

The prospectus for the former will be available from February 28, while the latter are currently available at the Academy itself. Call 2421311.

Gandhi Shilp Crafts Bazaar organised GHRSSIDC is underway till February 27 at GTDC grounds, Baga.

There will be a variety of entertainment programmes held daily from 7pm to 9pm. Call 2224478 or 2225328.

The Children Painting Exhibition organised by the Kala Academy is underway till February 27 between 10am to 7pm at the Art Gallery, Kala Academy, Panjim. Call 2420452.

Budget talks on the budget provisions, by chartered accountants and experts in direct and indirect taxation, organised by the Goa Chamber of Commerce and the Institute of Chartered Accounts - Goa Chapter will be held on March 1 at 6pm at the Surendrababu Timblo Hall, Narayan Rajaram Bandekar Bhavan, Panjim. Registration is open. Call 2424252.

‘Annual Music Concert’, by the students of the Sonata Music School, Margao will be held on February 27 at 10am at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao. Call 2653083.

‘Purple Noon (Plein Soleil)’, the movie will be screened on February 28 at 6.30pm at Sunaparanta -Goa Centre for the Arts, Altinho, Panjim. Call 2421311.

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H O R O S C O P E ‘Thank you for the Music’, organised by the Namah Chorale Group will be held on February 28 at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao. It will feature a host of Goan musical talents. Call 2653083.

‘Strangers’, a photography exhibition by Nolan Mascarenhas is underway till March 5 at Sunaparanta – Goa Centre for the Arts, Altinho, Panjim. Call 2421311.

‘YEF Business Plan Competition 2011’ a business plan competition organise by the Young Entrepreneurs Forum (YEF) of GCCI will be held on March 12. Call 2782877/ 79.

‘Multimedia and Career Opportunities’ will be the subject of the 45-minute seminar organised by Arena Animations to take place every Saturday at Arena Animations, Panjim.

Call 2225153, 9823013484, 9 8 2 3 6 11 8 2 4 , 9 4 2 3 8 8 5 2 2 4 o r 7709425857.

‘Wake Up Call’, an art exhibition by Maendra Alvares will open on March 1 at 5pm by Prasad Pankar at the Big Foot Art Gallery, Loutolim. The exhibition will remain open till March 9.

Call 2777034 and 2777580.

‘Goan Kaleidoscope 2011’ - a Group Show of 35 Contemporary Goan Artists, organised by Gallery Gitanjali will be open from February 20 to 27 from 9:30am to 9pm and from February 28 to March 5 from 5:30pm to 9pm. Visit www.gallerygitanjali.com. Call 9823572035.

‘Right to Information’ will be the theme of the upcoming workshop organised by Associacao Academica de Moira and Asha Family Responsibilities and Rights. It will take place in Konkani and English and will be held on March 6 from 5pm to 6.30pm at A A Moira Club Hall. E-mail trustasha@yahoo.co.in.

Call 9822166876 and 9623454450.

Yo u r m i n d might wander all over the place when you're 21 Mar - 19 Apr starting your day. You need to push yourself harder today -- but that's your go-to state, so it's not like you're exploring uncharted territory. Your drive for success ought to inspire those around you to do the same.

Taurus Tu r n o f f t h e heavy thinking part of your brain.

Think about triv20 Apr - 20 May ial stuff today.

Your emotional state is more grounded than usual, and you ought to be able to get your family or mate to reconnect in a positive way.

Make sure that everyone is ready for what you've got to say.

Your lifestyle Gemini could be due for more restraint today ... try some conserva21 May - 20 Jun tion. Someone is getting really bossy today, and it's not you! You may have to deal with a mate or colleague who has suddenly decided to institute a hierarchy -- with you near the bottom!

Rebel quickly.

Live by the motto 'safety first' if you want to get through today stress22 Jun - 23 Jul free. You're either feeling pretty down, or you're all the way on top -there's just no middle ground for you today. That's not to say your mood can't switch polarity quickly, though, so expect anything!

Suddenly today, you will understand the opportunity that's in your 24 Jul - 23 Aug midst. Your selfconfidence can be sexy, but it can also put people off sometimes. Make sure to temper it with some serious humility today if you want to maintain the right kind of attention.

You'll have the energy to finish things -- get ready to be 23 Aug - 22 Sep done. Try not to worry too much about your love life -- it's pretty much taking care of itself right now! That could mean that your intuitive side is helping you find a date, or that your mate is just in a great mood.

A clog in your mental pipes has finally been removed and 23 Sept - 22 Oct you are thinking quickly. Sometimes you reflect on your past, but on days like today, it's the other way around. Expect a reminder -- subtle or extremely obvious -- about someone or something from quite a long time ago.

Scorpio The truth will become too obvious to ignore today -23 Oct - 22 Nov and it's calling for a change.

You're finding it easier than usual to take care of business.

It's a really good time for you to experiment with new ways of getting things done, as your ability to evaluate systems is also heightened.

Sagittarius To d a y, y o u r

Capricorn More things can happen more quickly when more 22 Dec - 20 Jan hands are involved -- get help. Your lasting power is legendary, and on a day like today, you can get plenty done without even trying that hard.

It's a really good time for you to step up and offer to tackle additional responsibilities.

Aquarius Do not make too many time commitments - your time 21 Jan - 19 Feb might not be your own soon.

A new rule or set of rules comes down from on high, and makes you feel completely ridiculous in some small way. You may find that your energy is better spent on planning for the future.

The external world doesn't have much to offer you -- so 20 Feb - 20 Mar just ignore it today. Life is easier than ever for you today.

You almost certainly should find a good way to tackle that one tough problem, and everything just feels more stable than usual for you and your people.

Aries

Libra

place among your friends is secure and you 23 Nov - 20 Dec know just where you stand.

Something that seems small is nagging at you quite a bit, and may end up changing the way you see things. Let it go -- you don't mind shifts in perspective, as long as your core remains.

WORD OF THE DAY

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

Pisces

DID YOU KNOW? What is radar used for?

blubber Pronunciation bluhb-er Function Noun Meaning 1: Zoology the fat layer between the skin and muscle of whales and other cetaceans, from which oil is made 2: an act of weeping noisily and without restraint Example Sentence Blubber forms an important part of the traditional diets of the Inuit because of its high energy value.

LAFFS

One of the most commonly-known uses of radar is to detect speeders. It is also used to monitor weather systems, as a navigational aid in airplanes and ships, in air traffic control at airports and to identify and track artificial satellites orbiting the Earth. The term ‘radar’ – an acronym for the words Radio Detection and Ranging – applies to both the system and the equipment used. The first recorded use of the word was in The New York Times in 1941. Radar uses electromagnetic echoes to find objects and pinpoint their location. The equipment transmits signals and measures the time it takes to reflect off the target and return. Robert Watson-Watt demonstrated radar for the first time on February 26, 1935, using a BBC short-wave transmitter at Daventry to successfully identify the approach of a Handley-Page Heyford bomber some 13km away.

WIZARD OF ID

Funny Quote

“I know that you believe that you understood what you think I said, but I am not sure you realise that what you heard is not what I meant.”

– Robert McCloskey DAILY GROOK HURT WORTH

by Francis Rodrigues erratic lovers vibrate hearts, like hire cars it just hertz!

SUN MOON TIDES

GARFIELD

MIND BENDERS

Tongue Twister Sunday 33° C | 23° C Dawn 06:32

Partly Cloudy

Sunrise 06:54

Moon rise 02:41 High —

Low 12:19

Sunset Dark 18:42 19:04

17:40 Apne 21:00 Agneepath

13:30 Zombieland 15:15 Spartacus 16:30 Dennis the Menace Strikes Again!

18:30 Jackie Chan's Drunken Master II 21:00 Shorts 23:15 Barb Wire

08:30 11:30 15:00 19:00 22:30

Hanuman Luck Sarkar Lakshya Grosse Pointe Blank

Tezaab: The Terror Badmaash Company Max Stardust Awards 2011 C.I.D

10:00 Kahani Ab Tak

Last ‘Riddle Me This’ Answer: Noise

18:30 Slumdog Millionaire 21:00 Death at a Funeral 23:00 The Objective

12:00 16:00 20:00 23:10

Koi... Mil Gaya Karan Arjun Kranti - Power of Unity Spiderman 3

12:05 Push 14:20 Spider-Man 16:45 I Can't Think Straight

08:00 Aan: Men At Work 12:00 Naseeb 16:00 Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani 20:00 Tirangaa

09:30 My Friend Ganesha 2 13:00 Chup Chup Ke

12:00 14:30 18:00 22:00

What kind of cheese is made backwards?

High 20:27

D Tide timings are for Mormugao Harbour. For Panjim/Calangute add 20 mins. For Colva add 30 mins

10:15 The Day the Earth Stood Still 12:25 The Color of Money 14:45 WALL-E 16:55 Hancock 19:00 Prom Night 21:00 Bandslam 23:20 Gamer

SUDOKU 794

Riddle Me This

Moon set 14:11

TIDES High Low 17:31 12.47

12:00 Discover India with Anupam Kher 12:30 Superstar Buzz 13:00 Wanted 16:00 Sivaji: The Boss 19:00 Love U Zindagi 20:00 Mast Mast Salman 21:00 Wife Bina Life 22:00 Pyar Mein Twist 22:30 Mast Mast Salman

Do you have a dozen double damask dinner napkins?

10:30 11:00 12:30 15:30 19:00 22:00

Idea Jalsa: Music for Soul Pavitra Rishta Kahani Ab Tak Dance India Dance Doubles Sanskaar Laxmi Dance India Dance Doubles 23:30 Idea Jalsa: Music for Soul

10:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 16:00 Ring Wrong Ring 16:30 Ring Wrong Ring 17:00 Gili Gili Gappa 17:30 Gili Gili Gappa 18:00 Mrs. Tendulkar 20:00 Suhaag 22:00 Lapataganj

10:00 Geet 12:30 Superstar Buzz 13:00 Tere Naam

16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00

10:00 12:00 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00

Got to Dance Criss Angel Mindfreak Criss Angel Mindfreak Top 20 Countdown David Blaine Got to Dance Turbulence

American Idol Two And A Half Men The Simpsons The Simpsons Friends Friends Koffee With Karan Masterchef US Masterchef US Walking Dead The Good Guys The Good Guys Koffee With Karan Detroit 187

10:00 Kumbh Karan 10:30 MAD VIII

IDIOT BOX 16:00 Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani 20:00 Anjaana Anjaani 23:30 Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein

10:00 11:00 12:00 15:00

20:00 23:00

Wanted High Alert Anhoniyon Ka Andhera Guzaarish The Global Indian T.V Honour Sherdil The Global Indian T.V Honours Guzaarish Tribute to Mughal-E-Azam

10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00

Reaper Reaper Got to Dance Criss Angel Mindfreak Criss Angel Mindfreak David Blaine

16:00 19:00

11:00 Mr. Bean: The Animated Series 12:00 Bhoot and Friends 14:30 Marathon 17:00 Marathon 18:00 Barbie Fairytopia: Magic of the Rainbow 22:00 Takeshi's Castle 10:30 Takeshi's Castle 23:00 FAQ

10:00 10:21 11:00 11:30 12:00 13:00 14:45 15:00 18:00 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30

Link'D Let'z Go! Zoom Box Let'z Go! Let's Design Top 20 Guthy Renker Sport of Kings Horse Let'z Go! Planet Bollywood Business of Bollywood Ring a Star Gorbatschow Face off

21:00 Let's Design 22:00 Club Mix

10:00 10:30 11:00 12:00 13:00 13:30 14:30 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00

It Happens only in India It Happens only in India Paul Merton in India Traveller Band Traveller Band Traveller Band Traveller Band Deadliest Warrior India Investigates India Investigates It Happens only in India It Happens only in India Paul Merton in India Deadliest Warrior The Oscars Special Paul Merton in India Action Weekends

10:00 13:00 14:30 22:15 23:15

ICC Cricket World Cup H/ls ICC Cricket World Cup ICC Cricket World Cup ICC Cricket World Cup Capturing the Cup

10:30 The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships 11:58 Sportscenter Weekend 12:00 ICC Cricket World Cup H/ls 13:00 ICC Cricket World Cup 14:30 ICC Cricket World Cup 23:15 ICC Cricket World Cup Express H/ls 10:30 UEFA Champions League Magazine Show 11:00 NBA 13:00 ATP World Tour 16:00 WWE: NXT 17:00 WWE: Specials 20:00 ATP World Tour H/ls 21:00 WWE: NXT 22:00 WWE: Specials

10:00 ICC Cricket World Cup H/ls

11:00 11:30 12:00 13:00 14:30 22:15

The Contenders The Contenders ICC Cricket World Cup H/ls Cricket Extra - ICC Cwc ICC Cricket World Cup Cricket Extra

10:00 Space Special 11:00 Super Factories 12:00 World's Deadliest Animals 13:00 Nat Geo Amazing!

14:00 Dangerous Encounters 15:00 True Stories 16:00 Big, Bigger, Biggest 17:00 Animal Impact 18:00 Nat Geo Amazing!

19:00 Nat Geo Amazing!

20:00 Space Special 21:00 Jailed Abroad 22:00 Nat Geo Specials

10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 13:30 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:30 17:00 18:00 18:30 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00

Brothers & Sisters In Plain Sight In Plain Sight Guthy Renker Hell's Kitchen Parks and Recreation Parks and Recreation Holidate I Dream of Jeannie Make It or Break It 18 to Life 18 to Life In Plain Sight In Plain Sight Make It or Break It Brothers & Sisters

11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 15:30

B: Town Buzz Young Jourknows Dream Destinations Indra: The Tiger Hi Padosi…kaun Hai Doshi Arjun Pandit Comedy Champions Special Golmaal Returns Gajodhar Kahin

17:00 20:00 20:30 23:15

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

SUDOKU SOL 793

HERALD CROSSWORD - 794 Across 1- Outlaws; 5- Maxim; 10- Delighted; 14- Winglike parts; 15Draw a bead on; 16- Tabula ___; 17- Labor; 18- Grenoble's river; 19- Getting ___ years; 20- Trivalent; 22- Twist; 23- 100 square meters; 24- Charged particle; 25- Gaunt; 29- Squeeze together; 33- Disney mermaid; 34Appraise, charge per unit; 36Graph prefix; 37- Accelerate; 38Oohed and ___; 39- ___ anglais (English horn); 40- Farm females; 42- Exchange; 43- Fortune-telling cards; 45- Refer briefly to; 47- Having three unequal sides; 49- Bumbler; 50Rocker Ocasek; 51- Bad lighting?; 54- Controllable; 60- Rise; 61- Stories; 62- Coloured part of the eye; 63- Aha!; 64- Cheerful; 65- Consider; 66- Dweeb; 67- Runs without moving; 68Gaelic language of Ireland or Scotland; Down 1- Inner layer of a quilt; 2- Burn soother; 3Neet rival; 4- The edge of woven fabric; 5- Protective envelope; 6- Seine feeder; 7- Revenuers, for short; 8- Fruit-filled pie; 9- Suffix with Capri; 10- Mature; 11- Alley; 12- Bhutan's continent; 13- Unpleasantly moist; 21- Asian sea; 22- Rocky hilltop; 24- Chilled; 25Seraglio; 26- ___ there yet?; 27- Prone; 28Haggard; 29- Paces; 30- Mother-of-pearl; 31Sing like Bing; 32- Poker Flat chronicler; 35Bingo!; 38- Beginning; 41- Bent forward; 43Follow; 44- A jailer; 46- Author Fleming; 48- Pie coverings; 51- Not "fer"; 52- Ascended, flower; 53- Plaintiff; 54- Sudden assault; 55- Airline

since 1948; 56- Basic unit of heredity; 57- ___ Fox; 58- Falsehoods; 59- Salinger girl; 61- Part of TNT;

SOLUTION - 793

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Sunday, 27 Feb 2011

Chowgule College opens Library to Public

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Cinematography

A Blend of Art and Technology

BY JANICE RODRIGUES HERALD FEATURES amera, lighting and the various angles of photography is what the job of a cinematographer entails. “Cinematography is both an art and a technology,” said Prof Kanal, the faculty from Vikshi Institute of Media Studies and the FTII who was in Goa for the workshop. “A cinematographer’s job is to create the image that the director has in his mind,” explains Kanal, adding, “A director will explain what he wants and it is the cinematographer who has to give the product, he can give the director suggestions, but it is finally the director’s call.”

With a lot of confusion about the job of the cinematographer and that of a cameraman, Kanal clears the air, giving a description about the job. “A cinematographer is a cameraman for a motion picture. Unlike a cameraman who covers a wedding or other parties who will shoot only what is evidently happening, a cinematographer has to arrange the clippings in such a way that its shots tell a story, the director’s story,” explains Kanal.

Prof Kanal also shared his views with regard to the changes in the evolution of the world of cinema.

“Technology is changing; from the analogue formats of the previous cameras, now there is the digital format. It makes everything easier to use and hence now even a layman can make a movie with a handy-cam, but not every movie does well. Out of the thousand movies that get to Professor A S Kanal the censor board, only about 4 or 5 will be remembered,” he says.

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HERALD FEATURES tarting February 25, which was celebrated as Tigers Day by the college, the Chowgule College library was open to the public. Vishnudas Vernekar, retired Superintendent Police Inspector, formally opened the library to the public in the presence of Nandkumar Sawant, Officiating Principal, other faculty members and students.

Said Nandkumar Sawant, “The heart of any institution is its library. A valuable resource bank of thousands of books, the college has, over the years, created an excellent library. We would now like to extend this benefit to the people of Goa.” The Chowgule College library has a

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collection of 57,794 books covering a variety of subjects in different fields. With a subscription to 75 scientific and general journals, the library has a collection of extensive reference materials, audio visual materials and a rare photo collection.

Besides the wide-ranging reading material, the library also encompasses a reading room and a multimedia resource centre with easy network access linked worldwide.

New members of the library will be able access the special collection of books on Goa, the rare reference collection, online resources of e-journals and e-books from around the world besides other privileges.

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HERALD FEATURES he Entertainment Society of Goa, in a bid to promote the filmmaking trend among the Goan population, held a one day workshop ‘What is your Shooting Format’ on the art of cinematography, at the Maquinez Palace, with faculty from the Film & Television Institute of India, Pune and the Film Lab India.

Prof A S Kanal, a senior cinematographer and educator, along with Caesar from the Film Lab, shared some of their valuable information and expertise with the eager audience gathered. Kanal Manoj Srivastava spoke about the various formats available and also shed light on the different technical aspects of the cameras and lighting, and very eagerly answered the various queries from Goan movie enthusiasts.

Speaking to Herald, Professor Kanal, shed some light on the work of a cinematographer and the world of cinema.

Renovated Shri Rawalnath Temple inaugurated HERALD FEATURES he beautiful new structure of the historically important 700year-old Rawalnath Temple was inaugurated on February 25, 2011 at the hands of Auduth Timblo, Chairman and Ambar Timblo, Director, Fomento Resources.

Cudnem is an erstwhile town of the Chalukyan period situated in Bicholim taluka of North Goa. With the Jain Temple belonging to the Vijayanagar period as an important landmark, the village is an abode

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of deities like Shri Mahamaya, Shri Rawalnath and Shri Bhutnath.

The ancient Shri Rawalnath Temple while was built almost 700 years ago was in a dilapidated condition until recently when Fomento decided that it was imperative to reconstruct the same as Shri Rawalnath is a village deity worshipped by the villagers. The structure was inaugurated Also present were the members of Shri Rawalnath Committee and villagers.

MUSIC REVIEW

BY COLIN SAVIO COELHO colin.coelho@gmail.com

Bollywood moves at Studio 101 HERALD FEATURES ith the increasing awareness about health and fitness, more people have decided to hit the gym in recent times. But very often a regular workout following a strict regime can make it seem a cumbersome chore. “People very often get tired of the monotony of a regular workout, and to add a little life and fun in the fitness regime we have organised a Bollywood and funk dance classes. And Bollywood music always gets you moving,” says Nivedita Dempo-Singh.

This style of exercise encompasses a series of simple steps and choreographed moves, that will improve flexibility and improve your overall fitness. The classes which will be conducted by choreographer Snaden Shawn will commence in the month of March.

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The rocking lady behind the moves: Nivedita Dempo-Singh

A Great Mix of Relaxing Melody

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ryan Ferry is a singer who climbed high on the charts during his early singing years somewhere in the 1970s.

He was the lead vocalist and the principal song writer of the popular band Roxy Band and still continues to produce some exhilarating music even today.

Fe r r y ’ s l a t e s t a l b u m Olympia is one of the first that contains more of original music. The album features contribution of different variations in music. It includes songs by co-songwriter David A Stewart of Eur ythmics, Brian Eno, Phil Manzanera and Andy Mackay of the erstwhile Roxy Music. There are also contributions from the electronic group Groove Armada, David Gilmour, Marcus Miller, Scissor Sisters, Nile Rodgers, Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead, Steve Nieve and Flea.

The album also features some songs earlier recorded by the artiste, which was in collaboration with other artistes. Some of those are: You Can Dance, a different version of the song

You Can Dance in the album Teufelswerk. A version of Shameless has also been featured which was early part of the Groove Armada performance on their album Black Light.

The songs that make an instant impact on the listening are Alphaville, Me Oh My and BF Bass which is an ode to Olympia.

Also taking you on an easy listening trip are the tracks Reason or Rhyme and Tender is the Night. Besides, there are two bonus tracks in Whatever gets you through the Night and One Night.

Another aspect that could make this album very interesting is that the package contains a DVD that documents with good footage, ‘The Making of Olympia’ replete with behind the scenes events. It also has the music video of the song You Can Dance.

This is surely an album that would go well with your evening cup of tea. It begins more as a relaxation for the musical soul and, as one would like, climbs on the beat as the evening progresses.

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Sunday, 27 Feb 2011

Madhuri wanted to play Rajinikanth’s Ladylove

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A

Salman comes to Brother-inlaw’s Rescue

is always excited to come together, drink a little champagne and have a good night.”

Johansson isn’t the only one excited to see the actor host. His family can’t wait to see him either. Dave Franco, James’s brother, recently revealed that his entire family will attend the Oscars. According to him, Franco’s grandmother will “eat it up,” adding, “She honestly might have the best night of her life. She loves this stuff and the whole family will be there.”

One thing they are all looking forward to is seeing James belt out a tune.

“I don’t want to ruin anything, but from what I know about him, he’s a horrible singer,” Dave laughed. “But I don’t know… he might surprise me too.”

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ollywood sweetheart Salman Khan, famous for his generous heart and truly supportive nature, has done it again! Salman rescued brother-in-law Atul Agnihotri on the sets of Bodygaurd when actress Kareena Kapoor fell ill. The star wasn’t required on sets on that particular day because his co-star Kareena’s solo portions were being filmed, but shooting came to a halt after the actress fell ill.

“The shooting had come to a halt since Kareena fell ill and Salman wasn’t expected till much later. A lot of time would have been wasted and nearly 200 people would have been left hanging if it weren’t for Salman’s quick thinking,” said a source.

In order to make it on time, Salman took the same helicopter that had flown him to Jaipur that morning, back to Pune.

Said Agnihotri: “Salman bhai saved a day’s shooting for us after Kareena fell ill and was advised bed rest for two days. We were canning a song that day so I didn’t have a supporting cast to fall back on. I requested Salman bhai to return early and he was back by the time we’d finished lunch. And we shot some solo portions with him.”

A Mobile App that accurately spots Cancer in One Hour

Antioxidants in Pecans are Good for your Heart

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aturally occurring antioxidants in pecans may help contribute to heart health and disease prevention, according to a new study from Loma Linda University (LLU). Pecans contain different forms of the antioxidant vitamin E – known as tocop h e ro l s , p l u s n u m e ro u s phenolic substances, many of them with antioxidant abilities.

The nuts are especially rich in one form of vitamin E called gammatocopherols.

The study demonstrated that after eating pecans, gamma-tocopherol levels in the body doubled and unhealthy oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the blood decreased by as much as 33 per cent.

“Our tests show that eating pecans increases the amount of healthy antioxidants in the body,” said Ella Haddad, associate professor in the School of Public Health department of nutrition, LLU, adding, “This protective effect is important in helping to prevent development of various diseases such as cancer and heart disease,” she said.

Haddad analysed biomarkers in blood and urine samples from study participants (a total of 16 men and women between the ages 23 and 44) who ate a sequence of three diets composed of whole pecans, pecans blended with water, or a control meal of equivalent nutrient composition.

Following the test meals composed of whole pecans and blended pecans, researchers found that amounts of gamma-tocopherols in the body doubled eight hours after both meals, and oxygen radical absorbance capabilities increased 12 and 10 per cent respectively two hours after the meals.

In addition, following the wholepecan meal, oxidised LDL cholesterol decreased by 30 per cent after 2 hours, 33 per cent after 3 hours, and 26 per cent after 8 hours.

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ctress Diane Kruger has credited her boyfriend Joshua Jackson for making her more worldly wise by encouraging her to question everything she reads. The German actress began dating Jackson in 2006 and admits her intellectual beau has instilled in her a growing curiosity for current events.

“Josh is someone who is very grounded. It’s pure. He is very curious and is someone who always reads and is very politically engaged. He awakened in me the urge to ask more questions.

You can take so many things for granted, because you read them and think it must be true, and he’s not like that,” she said.

The Inglourious Basterds star says she’s determined to continue her learning journey.

“That’s my thing in my thirties. I want to work on ‘me’ much more…

Getting older, I realised I didn’t know anything.

I felt incredibly stupid,” she said.

Johansson christens James Franco ‘Mayor of Hollywood’

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Parenting

Diane Kruger’s Beau has made her Wiser

outh Indian actor Rajinikanth’s upcoming venture Rana is creating quite a stir due to the selection of the movie’s female lead. Reports claimed that there are three female leads in this trilingual film, in which Rajinikanth plays a triple role.

And Bollywood’s veteran and beautiful actress, Rekha is going to play the South Indian superstar’s love interest in the movie, a role which tabloids reported was refused by Madhuri Dixit.

This is the third film of Rajinikanth with Rekha as the two were paired opposite each other in Bulandi and Phool Bane Aangaray. The film, which releases in Hindi, Telugu and Tamil, features Deepika Padukone as one of the three leading ladies in this movie.

Grapevine has it that the Patiala House actress Anushka Sharma is being considered for the third female lead.

Rumours were adrift that Madhuri refused to romance Rajini in the movie and so she rejected her role. Madhuri clarifies why she refused the film. But Madhuri shuns this as ‘absurd’ and said that she refused the movie as she was not asked to play Rajinikanth’s lady love.

Confirming that she was not doing the movie, Madhuri clarified through her Twitter account, “Would have loved to do a film with Rajinikanth but the role was that of his sister...need to wait for the right role.”

Madhuri, previously, worked opposite the superstar in 1987’s hit film Uttar Dakshin.

ames Franco will make his debut as Oscar co-host today. Franco, along with the title of Oscar host and nominee, is also a daytime soap opera guest star, singer, director, artist, writer and college student among other titles.

Oscar presenter Scarlett Johansson said all of Franco’s work and his upcoming hosting gig makes him the ‘Mayor of Hollywood’.

“I’m always happy to see James Franco,” said Johansson at a preview for the The Art Of Elysium Art Auction on Wednesday. “He has now become the mayor of Hollywood after hosting the Oscars this year. He’s a wonderful actor.

He’s a good guy.” Johansson expects Franco and co-host Anne Hathaway to be great hosts.

“It will be a great time. I think the community

Tourism

Willingness to listen to Music is a Biological Trait

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n a new study, researchers have examined the biological basis of listening to music. In the study of University of Helsinki and Sibelius-Academy, Helsinki, 31 Finnish families with 437 family members were examined. The participants of the study were 8-93 years old from professional or amateur musicians to participants with no music education.

To dissect listening habits further, active and passive listening of music were separately defined and surveyed using questionnaire. Active listening was defined as attentive listening of music, including attending concerts. Passive listening was defined as hearing or listening to music as background music. All participants were tested for musical aptitude using three music tests and a blood sample was taken for DNA analysis.

In the study the participants reported weekly average active listening to music of 4.6 hours and passive listening to music of 7.3 hours. It was noted that music education, high music test scores and creativity in music tended to add active music listening.

Recent genetic studies have shown familial aggregation of tone deafness, absolute pitch, musical aptitude and creative functions in music. In this study, willingness to listen to music and the level of music education varied in pedigrees.

This is one of the first studies where listening to music has been explored at molecular level, and the first study to show association between arginine vasopressin receptor 1A (AVPR1A) gene variants with listening to music.

The results have suggested biological contribution to the sound perception provide a molecular evidence of sound or music’s role in social communication, and are providing tools for further studies on gene-culture evolution in music.

S

cientists have developed a new mobile phone application that spots cancer – and is reportedly more accurate than the techniques routinely used in hospitals. The smartphone-based system is up to 100 per cent accurate at telling the difference between benign tumours and their malignant counterparts.

It also takes just an hour to make the diagnosis, meaning patients don’t have to spend days or weeks anxiously waiting for test results.

The US researchers said the gadget could “transform cancer care” by also making it easier for doctors to track how well drugs are fighting the disease in a patient’s body.

In initial tests, it was 88 per cent accurate in distinguishing cancerous stomach tumours from benign growths. Refining the technique boosted accuracy to 100 per cent, say researchers.

This compares with an average accurate of 84 per cent for the gold standard technique, which involves using chemicals that stain cancerous cells and show up under a microscope.

In future, the smartphone system could be adapted to spot brain, skin and ovarian cancers quickly and accurately.

The device, developed at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, consists of a smartphone connected to a miniature MRI machine.

In tests, patients with suspected stomach cancer had tiny samples of their growths removed using a fine needle. The researchers then added in antibodies designed to bind to proteins found in stomach tumours and tiny magnetic particles designed to latch onto the antibodies and then used the magnet in the handheld MRI machine to excite the molecules in the sample, making them vibrate.

An application on a smartphone computes the results and provides doctors with a read-out.

Courtesy Agencies

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