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Panjim I April, 2, 2011 I Postal Reg. No. Goa 101 I Price Rs. 3.00 I Air Surcharge Rs 2 I Pages 16+8

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YESTERDAY ONCE MORE? 25th JUNE 1983: A historic moment as Kapil Dev lifts the coveted World Cup in the company of Mohinder Amarnath.

2nd APRIL 2011: Can India repeat history? A morphed photo of M S Dhoni lifting the trophy in the presence of Sachin Tendulkar.

Saturday Night fever again

jOVItO LOpES PANJIM: The Kapil Dev-led team India had scripted history on 25 June 1983 after lifting the Cricket World Cup trophy at Lord’s.

June 25, 1983 was a Saturday when India won the World Cup for the first time and April 2, 2011 is also a Saturday and the entire nation is

ON paGE 15

Whole world expects Indian win, but we are not underdogs: Sangakkara

tIDES tODay High Tide: 1030; 2226 Low Tide: 0417; 1623

Sujay Gupta India: Cricket is a game that makes us forget. Politics, pressures, joys, sorrows, hurdles, achievements, glory and failure of our lives are paused and kept in abeyance as the nation unites to live just one reality- the sight of the Indian cricket team playing a World Cup final.

1983 to 2011 is a 28 year time span. Sepia-tinted memories of those over 35 or realistically over 40 have put everything that came in between, including another final at Jo berg in 2003 which India lost, into shade. Somehow, and from somewhere there is a nation’s gut feel that the miracle of 1983, when India became champions at Lords, will become the “I told you” script of 2011, at Wankhede.

The surge of the crowds waving the tricolor rushing

John gets bail, finally TEAM HERALD

from the nursery end of Lords towards the long room, chasing the Indian players, the youngish Kapil Dev and a gangly Mohinder Amarnath with a moustache, with the trophy and a nation united, with its Gross Domestic Happiness soaring.

This world cup has been about happiness. From prince to struggler, from lover to loafer, from divas to doctors, India has supported this team with a foundation of hope. And joy.

If the team of 1983 was a superb unit and not just a collection of individuals, team 2011 is a superb unit but playing and praying for the triumph of one very special individual- Sachin Tendulkar.

From the first match against Bangladesh at Dhaka till the last against Pakistan at Mohali, Team India has been desperate to say thank you to Sachin in his last World Cup,

Khariwado homeless storm Panjim Pic: Sachin Ambodskar

Pic: Santosh Mirajkar

FREEDOM: John Fernandes (right) along with his lawyer, Amit Palyekar, after the Sessions Court granted bail.

CHaLO paNjIM: People affected by Khariwado demolitions swarm the streets of Panjim in the company of Manohar Parrikar, on Friday.

TEAM HERALD PANJIM, April 1: Agitated

MARGAO, APRIL 1: The accused in the Russian woman rape case, John Fernandes was on Friday released on conditional bail by the South Goa Sessions Court.

Additional Sessions Judge, >Continued on pg 10

to give this man the last critical flicker of glory that needs to adorn a crown that no one in cricket will probably wear.

Indian fans, a collection of temperamental mavericks, have celebrated like mad but held back just a bit lest any untoward reaction to a bad game or a decision tars the overall effort. Right now, there is no existential conflict, only the calm of a monk who knows his prayer beads will do the job.

From 1983 to 2011, Indian cricket has seen many heroes and some villains, but the nation has had just one cricketing God. If cricket was just a bat and ball game where test matches and ODI’s had to be won, the collective heart of the nation wouldn’t have been on surrender mode to this game and to this team.

And as we go into the final, to this man yet again. >Continued on pg 10

Khariwado homeless people took to the streets in the capital today late evening attempting to meet Chief Minister Digambar Kamat to demand back their land.

As many as 250 locals reached the city at about 8:30

pm and organized a sit-in near the Panjim church road going towards Altinho.

The protesters demanded that their land be given back while opposing re-habilitation.

After having a word with the chief minister, Mormugao legislator Milind Naik who >Continued on pg 10

sure that the magic of 1983 would be recreated at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai tomorrow.

Dhoni was about a year old in 1983, Sachin was ten, most in the current Indian team were not even born. As they grew from boys to men tales of that famous Saturday must have been told. India >Continued on pg 10

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amchi

xaxti

The government’s modus operandi is to acquire land of the poor and farmers by invoking the Land Acquisition Act in the name of PPP or privatization and hand over the land for so called development to rich builders.

-- Siddharth Karaparkar

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Goa I Saturday 2, april 2011

Apart from fruits and vegetables, rice is cultivated in our garden, and the produce meet nearly 75 % of our requirements.

-- Fr Mario Costa

Rich aam admi triumphs in Dabolim, poor farmers lose in Margao Nothing ‘personal’ Personal assistants of political heavyweights are known to have personal ambitions which include taking on their bosses politically.

Here’s one more. Frederick Borges, the current Pa to varca strongman wants to contest the forthcoming assembly polls. But not against his current master Churchill alemao but his former boss, Water Resources Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues.

Frederick Borges’ recent birthday celebration has raised many a political eyebrow. it is widely believed that Borges plans to contest from the velim constituency in the next assembly elections, represented by the Water Resources Minister. Borges was a one time Pa to the Water Resources Minister, before he landed at the residence of the varca strongman. incidentally, Churchill is apparently not in favour of his Pa crossing swords against his ministerial colleague in velim. alemao was even conspicuous by his absence at the birthday celebrations, though GPCC president Subash Shirodkar came all the way to extend his best wishes to Borges. Does alemao have anyone else in mind in velim if he eventually leaves the Congress before the polls? Watch this space.

diggu’s damu diplomacy

Why is Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat soft on BJP MLa Damu Naik the bête noire of his partyman vijay Sardessai in Fatorda.

Well, Kamat’s soft stance in the tug-of-war between Damu and Sardessai, sources has something to do with the caste combination and equations in Margao and Fatorda.

Kamat knows that Margao is the home for a large number of voters from the powerful Bhandari Samaj- Damu’s community. Both Kamat and Sardessai are Saraswats and the Chief Minister certainly does not want to convey a message to the Bhandaris that he is out to politically finish Damu, least he faces a backlash from the community in his constituency.

caretaker and carefree?

Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat’s move to present a full budget this time round has trigged speculations of dissolution of the House after the assembly session before the state goes to the polls around November-December.

Salcete’s political heavyweights aren’t too pleased.

Not because they are not prepared to face the electorate, but are apprehensive of Kamat in the role of a caretaker chief minister in the event of dissolution.

This group of politicos admit in private that Kamat would then be no longer bound by checks and balances and enjoy a free hand as a caretaker Chief Minister.

mickky’s reverse flick Even if the G-10 group of MLas have forgotten their campaign to keep out Benaulim MLa Mickky Pacheco’s re-induction into the cabinet, Pacheco certainly remembers. after the din in the assembly over the controversial leasing of the playground to Churchill Brothers, Club patron and PWD Minister Churchill alemao, sources say, asked Pacheco why he was opposing this.

Pacheco took the opportunity to remind Churchill, that the G-10 group too had opposed his induction into the Cabinet. and, he went to remind the varca strongman that there’s nothing wrong in opposing a blatant wrong committed by the government.

ZP power hits mlas South Goa Zilla Member Domnick Gauncar has firmly set his eyes on the Curtorim seat and is bracing up to cross swords against MLa Reginaldo Lourenco. He has the backing of former Tourism Minister, Mickky Pacheco too.

Gauncar feels that Zilla Panchayat members should throw their hat in the ring in the coming assembly polls to teach the Ministers and MLas opposed to devolution of powers to the decade old Zilla Panchayats a bitter lesson.

The suggestion evoked support from many a South Goa ZP members, who reminded all and sundry that their constituencies comprises of 3-4 Panchayats, enough to upset the apple cart of the incumbent MLas.

This is a story of a rich aam admi and a poor aam admi. In Dabolim, the land of rich common man with political connections got de-notified while farmers in Margao have seen their prime agricultural land acquired for a commercial complex. Guilherme Almeida reports.

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n Dabolim, the Chief Minister under pressure from the deputy Speaker Mauvin Goudinho and Revenue Minister Jose Philip D Souza gave back 36,800 square metres of land to a powerful local individual earmarked for airport parking on the ground that he was a common man and his settlement land should not get affected.

In next door Margao, local farmers who used to eke out a living cultivating paddy fields in which is now a bustling market and shopping complex adjoining the KTC bus stand have got nothing. The South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) had in the late 90’s roped in a Mumbaibased builder to construct a mega market complex comprising of the PDA which had no funds to finance the construction of the market complex and hence embarked on a journey towards privatization.

This builder who had to construct a market complex for vegetables, fish, dry fish, besides stalls for mutton, chicken and pork on the acquired land, was also allotted a certain portion of the acquired land.

Savio DiaS

These imposing business centres have come up on the once-low-lying paddy fields at Margao’s old market area in lieu of the construction of the PDa market complex.

But more largesse followed. He was given an additional 250 Floor Area Ratio (FAR) – while the displaced farmers have been left out in the cold without even a stall in the mega market.

Incidentally, only major commercial complexes enjoy the 250 FAR in the city, indicating the close rapport enjoyed by the private player with the powers that be.

As if that was not enough, then Urban Development Minister in the Manohar Parrikar government and now Chief Minister Digambar Kamat vigorously

pushed the proposal to buy back from the builder space to house half-a-dozen government offices. Today, one can find government offices such as RTO, sub registrar, Sales Tax, Excise, Land Survey, Town and Country Planning housed in the commercial complex – thanks to the then government’s benevolence.

Even officials in private admit that the crores of rupees spent to buy the office space could have been enough to build a spacious government building to house these and other departments.

BuIlder Versus Farmer mumBaI BuIlder goT

additional land. additional 250 FaR to develop.

Has built a mega bustling commercial complex.

Sold office space on this very land back to the government for crores. n amount spent is more than cost of building independent government office complex. n n n n

Poor Farmers goT

n Less than Rs 5 per square metre since that was the rate given to farmers when the Truck terminus was acquired in Margao around 2005.

This bustling commercial centre has taken concrete shape exactly on the paddy fields where local farmers

once eked out a living, before the government moved in to acquire their cultivable land for a song for

the market complex little more than a decade ago.

While the rates offered then are not known, it’s important to note that farmers and locals were paid as low as Rs 5 per square metre when land was acquired for the truck terminus around 2005.

So these farmers would have got even less.

The member secretary of the SGPDA Sandeep Surlekar when contacted said “I do not know the compensation amount paid or the nature of the arrangement with the private builder since this happened very long ago.”

But the testimony of the largesse to this builder and the injustice to poor farmers is evident on the main road to Margao where the bustling commercial complex is located.

Says social activist, Sidharth Karaprkar: The other name for this model of Public Private Partnership (PPP) or privatization is land grabbing. The government’s modus operandi is to acquire land of the poor and farmers by invoking the Land Acquisition Act in the name of PPP or privatization and hand over the land for so called development to rich builders.

INTerVIeW oF THe WeeK

ZP’s will go on hunger strike, file contempt petition: Rebello It’s a little over a decade now since the Zilla Panchayats were created in Goa. But successive governments have failed in the devolution of powers and functions to these district panchayat bodies. Herald finds out from the Chairperson of South Goa Zilla Panchayat, Maria Rebello regarding their demands before the government and the plan of action.

Herald: You have called for the boycott of the coming Assembly polls and favoured an indefinite strike to force the government to accept your long-pending demands.

You think the government will bow down to your plan of action.

Maria: Sine the government has done absolutely nothing towards the devolution of the powers, members have resolved to go on a token hunger strike after Easter to protest against the apathy towards the ZPs. Members of both the North and South Goa ZPs will soon meet to chalk out the future course of action.

Herald: Zilla Panchayat members had also taken the government to the court over the inordinate delay in the devolution of powers.

Maria: The government had given certain assurances to the court, but none of the commitments have been honoured till date. Now, the two ZPs have now decided to file a contempt petition in the High Court.

Herald: The South Goa Zilla Panchayat has been vocal in demanding powers for the district Panchayat body. What exactly are your demands?

Maria: As per the 73rd Constitutional Amendment,

the Zilla Panchayats are entitled for a host of powers and functions. Sadly, successive governments have given Zilla Panchayats less than what is there in the Panchayat Raj Act. Now, we have pressed the government to allot the departments of Rural Development Agency and Primary health to the Zilla Panchayats.

Herald: The Congress has claimed that the party is in control of the South Goa Zilla Panchayat. You have been a close supporter of PWD and RDA Minister, Churchill Alemao. What has been his response?

Maria: We have been knocking the doors of the Chief Minister, RDA Minister and the Panchayat Minister on the need to devolve the powers to the ZPs as per the 73rd Constitutional

Amendment.

When we last met the Chief Minister on the day of the morcha on the opening day of the Assembly session, he pointed out that a committee has been constituted to study the dissolution of powers to the two district Panchayat bodies.

The RDA Minister has also promised the devolution of the funds to the ZPs. Let us hope the government takes a positive decision at the earliest.

Herald: You have seen the functioning of the ZP body from close quarters. Do you agree with the view that ZPs were not required for a small

Rachol Seminary a mini food basket

time state like Goa? Maria: Members have said on more than one occasion that it is better to scrap the district Panchayat bodies than to leave the ZPs powerless. In fact, I am also of the opinion that the purpose of having ZPs will not be served if the government is unwilling to give in the powers. ZP members representing 3-4 village panchayats are being questioned by the constituents over the pace of development. The South Goa ZP body receives an annual grant of Rs two crore, which is not adequate to take up any projects in the 20 constituencies.

Savio DiaS

Team Herald racHol

N

ame them, and you will find a whole lot of much-sought after local vegetables and fruits in the kitchen garden of Rachol Seminary -- tucked away seven kms from the Commercial Capital.

Be it bananas, pineapples, papayas, lady fingers, bottle gourd, brinjals, tambdi bajji, spinach, onions, pumpkins et al, they are produced at the kitchen garden on land admeasuring the size of a football ground.

The rich variety of fruits and vegetables at the Rachol seminary kitchen garden.

Says Fr Mario Costa, Seminary Prefect: “Apart from fruits and vegetables, rice is cultivated in our garden, and the produce meet nearly 75 % of our requirements.

The produce helps to meet the seminary requirements .”

The garden enjoys a well laid irrigation system,

with water pumped from half-a-dozen wells. Last year, the sunflower production gave the seminary a couple of bottles of oil extracted from the flower seeds. And, not to mention of the kitchen garden playing host to cashew and sugar plantations.

Adds Fr Costa: “The Seminarians lend normally a

helping hand to the fixed group of labourers employed. Our boys participate in the paddy sowing operations”.

Take note, manure for the plantations is partly met from the waste generated in the piggery and government scheme.

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Stop criticising party in public, Congmen warned HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 1: All India

Congress Committee’s Goa Desk in-charge Jagmeet Singh Brar on Friday said that the Congress leaders issuing statements against the party in public will be dealt with seriously.

Addressing the press conference, Brar warned the Congress leaders to stop criticising the party and the State Government in public.

“We will come out with more disciplined party line, ahead of State election,” he said.

The Congress leader said that before making any

st

th

statements, party members need to discuss with the chief minister and Pradesh Congress Committee president in advance.

Brar admitted that he himself and the high command has been receiving complaints about the Congress leaders publicly speaking against the party, rather than addressing their issues with the party organization.

“These leaders would be convinced to stop their tirade against the party and if they don’t, the party high command would be in-

1 to 6 April 2011

formed about their conduct,” he quipped.

Prominent party leaders like Dayanand Narvekar and deputy speaker Mauvin Godinho, who is also the election campaign manager of the party, were seen voicing their anguish against functioning of the government, in the ongoing State Legislative Assembly session.

Responding to the question, Brar said that that he has received the recording of the assembly sessions and will have interaction with the

party members.

Brar said that during his maiden visit to the State he has met all the Congress legislators and had discussions with them over the party matters.

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goa

Our demand is crystal clear that English be allowed as one of the languages to be used as MOI at the elementary level in the school. We don’t say that government discontinues Marathi and Konkani languages.

— FORCE secretary

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Goa I Saturday 2, April 2011

Goa will be next Jharkhand, if mining issues continues and bullying by the contractors is not stopped. People’s reaction to the issue will be same to that in Jharkhand where Naxalism has taken the roots.

— Manohar Parrikar Rozario Estibeiro

meDium of inStruction

It’s a FORCE against status quo

Bhatikar says ‘decision is highly confusing’ HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 1: The decision of the Government to continue the elementary education existing primary section in the mother-tongue has not been welcomed by the parent-formed pressure group while others claim that the decision is ‘highly confusing’.

‘Forum for Rights of Children’s Education’ (FORCE) members have condemned Education Minister Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate’s statement on the floor of the House on Thursday endorsing status-quo on the current primary education system.

FORCE secretary Savio Lopes said that they would continue their struggle until their demand is met.

“Our demand is crystal

clear that English be allowed as one of the languages to be used as MOI at the elementary level in the school. We don’t say that government discontinues Marathi and Konkani languages,” he said.

The parents has formed a pressure group under the banner FORCE demanding inclusion of English language as the MOI under RTE and called for a massive rally on March 21 at Azad Maidan, which was attended by more than 20,000 parents and teachers.

On Thursday, Babush also announced provision of an English teacher for each of primary schools to strengthen students’ knowledge about the language.

Educationist Arvind Bhatikar, however said that the ‘decision is highly con-

fusing’. He pointed out the three ‘confusing’ statements by the minister, which includes the decision to continue the present system, constituting a high-power state advisory committee and declaring integrated policy decision by April 11.

He alleged that the minister was only trying to find a way out from the opposite demands. “The confusion should be removed and a permanent ban on reversal of the present system be implemented,” he added.

RTE states that medium of instruction at the elementary stage should be in the mother tongue, it also quickly adds ‘as far as practicable.’

The educationists, teachers and parents in the State are divided over the MOI issue.

While parents including Goa

Church’s Diocesan Society of Education were batting for English as MOI, other groups demanded that elementary education should only be in regional languages.

Even the Congress-led Goa government stood divided over the issue with one of its coalition partner - Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) warning government against English as MOI. While several Congress legislators openly proclaimed support to FORCE demanding English as the MOI. MGP, which is represented by two of its legislators in the ruling coalition, had said that they would not allow English language to be recognized as MOI or even English schools be given grant or any kind of financial assistance.

Monserrate should not be trusted: Tai

HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, APRIL 1: The forum backing Konkani and Marathi languages as a medium of instruction (MOI) in the primary education, today said that they ‘don’t trust’ the government’s decision that the primary education would continue to be in mother tongue.

Shashikala Kakodkar of the Bhartiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch (BBSM) told reporters that Education Minister Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate has not only created confusion but he should also not be trusted.

“Till eight days back, the minister backed a forum demanding English as the MOI but he suddenly changed. On Thursday he declared on the floor of the House to maintain status quo on the existing MOI. After the assembly session concludes, he might again change

his decision. We do not trust him,” Kakodkar said.

Responding to cut motion on Thursday Babush declared that mother tongue will continue to be

Responding to cut motion on Thursday Babush declared that mother tongue will continue to be the MOI in primary schools, however, he said that each school will be provided with an English teacher to enable the students to learn the language. the MOI in primary schools, however, he said that each school will be provided with an English teacher to enable the students to learn the language.

All other BBSM members have chorused that government should give a ‘guarantee’ that its decision on main-

Caveat against Guv in RTI case HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 1: Lawyercum-activist Aires Rodrigues on Friday filed a caveat before the Bombay High Court at Goa to prevent Goa Governor Dr S S Sidhu in the Right To Information (RTI) case from obtaining ex-parte relief without his knowledge.

Rodrigues has anticipated that the Governor may move the High Court against the order of the Goa State Information Commission (GSIC) directing Goa Raj Bhavan to furnish the information sought under the RTI Act. In his caveat, Rodrigues prayed that no order be passed without notice to him on any petition that may be filed before the High Court by the Governor or any Raj Bhavan official.

On March 31, GSI Commissioner Motilal Kenny ruled that the Goa Governor was a “Public Authority” and does come within the ambit of the RTI Act. The commissioner also directed the Public Information Officer at Raj Bhavan to furnish within 30 days the information sought

by Rodrigues under the RTI Act. Rodrigues had sought details of action taken on the complaints made by him to the Governor against AG Subodh Kantak. He had also sought copies of noting sheets and correspondence pertaining to the processing of his complaints against the AG. But he was refused the information with Raj Bhavan officials claiming that Governor is not the Public Authority. Rodrigues had then moved GSIC.

taining status quo would not change in future. “Government should conduct a thorough study and give its final decision,” said a member.

Uday Bhembre stated that the legislator is uncertain to take any decision on education considering his own qualification.

“The minister is a school drop out.

While saying that the present education policy will continue, he also says that he will declare the policy on April 11 and further says that he will appoint an advisory council for formulating an integrated policy. He is uncertain,” he added.

Several Congress legislators including the education minister had openly proclaimed their support for English as MOI by participating in a rally organized by ‘Forum for Rights of Children’s Education’ (FORCE) on March 21.

CM assures to form panel to study CET issue HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 1: Chief Minister Digambar Kamat today assured to form a committee to study the issue of Central Common Entrance Test (CET), which will be applicable for the admissions in medical college of Goa from 2013 onwards.

The Chief Minister, responding to the private members resolution moved by Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar, said before taking the final decision on the matter a committee would be formulated that will study the issue.

He also said that the committee will guide State Government on how to go ahead with CET admissions in Goa. Kamat said that State Government will decide on the Central CET issue after taking abundant precautions that the local medical students are not affected.

Kamat assured that 50 percent quota will be reserved for Goan students answering central CET. The private members resolution tabled by Parrikar strongly resolved that the State Government should enact a law in lines with the state of Tamil Nadu to ensure that CET for admission to medical college at graduate and post-graduate levels is independent of the centralised CET that will come into force from next academic year, as per direction of the Apex Court.

Responding to the resolution, the Chief Minister assured that Goa Government will not hesitate to work out the pattern in lines with Tamil Nadu for the benefit of students.

PANJIM, APRIL 1: It was a mind boggling performance by the Indian cricket team against its arch-rival Pakistan in the semi-final of the World Cup on Wednesday, but it was not so-great performance by the fans.

At around 2:30am on Thursday amidst celebration on the streets of Goa after India’s vic-

tory, a Maruti Swift Dzire GA07-C-7666 belonging to one Naresh Naik was allegedly put in flames near his house at Corlim.

Naik, in his complaint letter to the Old Goa police has suspected Rajendra More and Surendra Naik, both residents of Cumbharjua of burning his car using petrol.

Police have registered a case.

‘Probe transport officers’ ill-gotten wealth’ HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 1: Benaulim MLA Mickky Pacheco today claimed that several officers of Transport Department have amassed enormous illgotten wealth, which needed to be investigated through anti-corruption mechanism.

Speaking on the cut motion, Pacheco said that every officer in this department has a god father and there are couple of officers, who have purchased properties which is disproportionate to their known source of income. He said that the slogan of Transport Department is ‘we strive only on bribe.’

The Benaulim MLA said that an officer to the level of deputy director has three vehicles with ‘special registration numbers’ and also owns three flats. “He must not be earning more than Rs 30,000 a month.

How does he afford to amass wealth,” Pacheco questioned.

The Maruti Swift Dzire GA-07-C-7666 belonging to Naresh Naik that was allegedly set ablaze at Corlim.

DayananD Social Security Scheme

MLAs flay Govt for injustice towards senior citizens HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 1: The Legislators in the Ruling and Opposition on Friday unanimously criticised State Government for failing to provide solace to the senior citizens under Dayanand Social Security Scheme (DSSS).

The legislators were speaking on demand of grants for Social Welfare Department on the floor of the House.

Mapusa MLA Francis D’Souza was the first one who attracted the attention of the government to the fact that several thousand senior citizens in the State were awaiting to avail the benefit under the scheme.

“If I am not wrong there are several applications pending with the depart-

ment for years now, which are kept under scrutiny. The beneficiaries like widows, handicapped avail the benefit without much effort,” he said questioning why there has been injustice.

He was supported by Be-

Many other legislators raised their grievances towards the scheme and also demanded hike in the payment from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 per month. naulim MLA Mickky Pacheco who also said that senior citizens have to wait for years to get their applications sanctioned under the scheme.

Similarly, Cumbharjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar urged State Government to expedite the

scrutiny procedure, which would help the department to approve maximum applications at a time.

“The applications get mounted every month. We cannot neglect, this important section of society,” he said.

Fatorda MLA Damodar Naik pointed out that currently around 1.12 lakh people have benefited under the scheme, while nearly 6,000 applications are pending and 4,000 are been approved recently.

“But even then, the number of senior citizens availing the benefit is the least,” he said adding that several beneficiaries are not Goans by origin.

He said that fake documents are provided by people to get the benefit of the scheme.

Only 5 people live in Codval village: Census HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 1: As per the provisional figures of decadal census conducted in Goa, Sattari’s Codval village has a population of just five people while Shiroda is highest populated village in the State.

Goa has several villages where females outnumber males.

State Census Director A K Wasnik told reporters that Pernem is categorised as a town with minimum population while maximum people live in Margao town.

State’s total population is 14, 57,723 of which 7,40,711 are males and 7,17,012 are females. Seven people have claimed that they are neither male nor female.

The data reveals that compared to the last census, conducted in 2001, there has been 8.57 percent rise in the female population as against 7.78 percent of males.

As per the data, there are more number of people living in North Goa compared to South. Around 8,17,761 people live in North Goa, which include 4,17,536 males and 4,0,225 females.

While in South Goa, the total population is marked as 6,39,962, which comprises 3,23,575 males and 3,16,787 females.

The enumerators, who completed this monstrous exercise during FebruaryMarch, this year, have found that Codvol village in Sattari has three males and two females as the revenue village has only one house.

On the other hand, Shiroda village has 14,030 population (6889-males and 7141-females).

Margao town has recorded highest population. The provisional figures has shown that there 87,678 people in Margao of which 44,528 are males and 43,148 are females.

On the other hand, the least populated town is Pernem, which has only 5025 people living in it. The town has 2,573 males and 2,452 females.

Wasnik said that Goa’s total population is 0.12 per cent of India, which was 0.13 per cent as per 2001 Census.

Interestingly, the sex ratio of the State has also gone up by 7 per cent. There are 968 females per thousand males in the 1state.

The Census has listed several villages which have female population more than male population. The females outnumber males in Tiswadi, Siolim, Cujira, Merces, Juvem Island, Goa Velha, Menkurem, Karapur and Orgao in North Goa. In South Goa, the areas of Salcete, Canacona, Cuncolim, Nuvem, Curtorim, Navelim, Varca, Chinchinim, Quepem and Sanguem has more females than males.

Elite Caranzalem colony left out!

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 1: The pro-

Car set ablaze at Corlim HERALD REPORTER

liGht effect: Mae de Deus Church at Saligao, illuminated on the eve of the Autism Day (April 2).

visional data of Census 2011 showing India’s substantial population growth was out on Thursday with Goa recording a growth of 8.17 per cent, but there seems confusion over the inclusion of a cluster of people from Caranzalem in the Census.

The elite ‘Kavita Housing Colony’ located at Caranzalem was allegedly left out of the process during the survey between February 9 and 28, 2011

and even during the revised survey from March 1 to 5, 2011.

Some of the residents allege that the exercise was flawed as the entire colony housing a population of around 60 people across 17 houses was left out of the counting process.

Raghu Pikale, who has been residing in the colony for several years, rued that repeated reminders to the North Goa Collectorate hit deaf hears.

“The Census papers are usually handed over during the survey, but this time it was not executed. We send a let-

ter to the Collector on March 15 but there is no reply since then,” he said.

Another resident suspects survey officials involvement in corruption. “As it is the State and country is tainted with numerous corrupt practices.

We suspect this is another form of corruption,” he said.

The colony, situated in the Education Minister Atanasio Monserrate’s constituency demanded disciplinary action against the ‘negligent’ Census enumerators.

Although the population

lives above poverty line, the inhabitants are apprehensive that they would be left out of other benefits as they may not be considered by government, in lieu of the carelessness by the Census department.

However, B R Keni, residing in the same colony claimed that they were included in the counting process.

Director of Census Operations (Goa Unit) A K Wasnik has rubbished allegations that the colony was left out. of Census.

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The government is planning to have a parallel line from Canacona to Pernem through the Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL).

In order to avoid traffic congestions that might result due to this railway line, over bridges at --Ramkrishna Dhavlikar various junctions.

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Canacona to Hassle-free mediclaim Pernem parallel scheme in offing: CM rail line drawn HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, APRIL 1: A new HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 1: In a major announcement, Transport Minister Ramakrishna Dhavalikar today told the State legislative assembly that the Goa government is planning a parallel railway line from Canacona to Pernem for local service.

“The government is planning to have a parallel line from Canacona to Pernem through the Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL),” Dhavalikar said.

Speaking to demands for grants, the transport minister said that in order to avoid traffic congestions that might result due to this railway line, over bridges at various junctions and railway lines are also in the pipeline.

The minister had come under severe criticism from the opposition benches for failing to decongest the roads of the State. The legislators had said that the Transport Department has miserably failed to bring discipline on the road even though the number of vehicles is increasing.

The minister said that the Central Road Research Institute has been assigned the

job of suggesting measures for road discipline. He stated that the first instalment of payment to the institute to the tune of Rs 33 lakh has already been made. They have been given a deadline of 15 months to complete the project.

Dhavalikar claimed that various measures are being adopted to ensure enforcement of rules on the road. He said that two bus stands are planned at Quepem and Sanguem along with an ultra bus terminal at Margao.

He also said that the department has taken up cudgels to restrict mining trucks from violating norms in the mining belt.

The minister said that the process to file a criminal case against unknown government officers in the high security registration plates (HSRP) case has begun.

“The process of criminal conspiracy has been referred for a legal opinion to lodge criminal complaint against the culprit and the same is under progress,” he said adding that as soon as the opinion is received further action in the matter will be initiated.

Daya flays Vishwajit over Chimbel farmland transfer HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 1: Aldona MLA Dayanand Narvekar came down heavily on Agriculture Minister Vishwajit Rane over transfer of Chimbel farmland to Health Department for setting up health city and health related activities.

Aldona MLA also criticized the agriculture minister saying agriculture has been neglected during last four years like never before.

Raising the issue of transfer of agricultural land during “Question Hour” on Friday, Aldona MLA asked Chief Minister Digambar Kamat to quote Business Rule under which the transfer has been made.

And why Cabinet approval was not taken for transfer of government property effected.

Aldona MLA also charged that agriculture minister managed to do this because he also holds health portfolio.

Can the transfer take place from one department to another without seeking permission of the government? Narvekar asked.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat who appeared for Health Minister said they will check up and rectify it.

Earlier, Aldona MLA questioned the government on high expenditure incurred by agriculture farms while

their income has been stagnated.

To this chief minister replied that expenditure is on higher side because most of the employees appointed are on regular basis.

Farms are not earning profits as they are centres to grow plantation material, seeds and conduct research.

mediclaim scheme is in the offing which will be hasslefree, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat announced in the Assembly today.

Kamat said that a new scheme is being framed with full provision that common man does not face problems in availing benefit under it.

The chief minister made the statement in response to Private Members’ Resolution moved by Fatorda MLA Damu Naik.

Naik had tabled a resolution demanding that income ceiling limit for being eligible to mediclaim facility to be enhanced from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh with effect from

year 2010-11.

He said due to the income limit of Rs 1.5 lakh many in need of financial assistance for medical treatment, are not able to avail of the benefit under the scheme.

Also, many applications are pending sanction even as though they are genuine cases.

Deputy Speaker Mauvin Godinho suggested that the government should think of increasing income limit for availing the scheme, so that people do not submit false income certificates.

Upon which Chief Minister declared that they are revisiting the entire mediclaim scheme — income limits also to be revised and so people are able to avail of the scheme without any hassle.

…Says govt will try to increase financial aid in dialysis treatment HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 1: The government will try to review the scheme to increase financial assistance given for patients undergoing dialysis treatment.

“We will try to review the scheme,” said Chief Minister Digambar Kamat in the Goa Assembly during “Question Hour” while replying on behalf of Health Minister Vishwajit Rane.

Siolim MLA Dayanand Mandrekar who raised the question demanded that the assistance given for dialysis treatment should be increased.

Currently, the government gives financial assistance upto Rs 15000 per month for patients taking dialysis treatment in government hospitals.

The government also reimburses dialysis cost when

treatment is taken in nongovernment hospital.

The chief minister said normally a patient has to undergo dialysis six-seven times a month and each dialysis cost him Rs 2000. Liberty was given to patients to take dialysis in private hospital in the event of complications.

“But it has come to our notice that most patients want to go to private hospital even when there is no complication,” stated Kamat.

“It’s because GMC is giving wrong treatment,” retorted Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar.

Siolim MLA stated that the assistance given by the government is not sufficient as some patients have to incur expenditure to the tune of Rs 25-26000 a month.

In view of this suggestion Chief Minister declared that scheme will be revisited.

Parrikar fears Naxalite-like movement in mining belt HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 1: Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar feared Naxalite-like movement in the mining belt considering the harassment meted out to the locals.

“If the illegal mining contin-

ues and contractors continue threatening locals then there is every possibility that people will react in anger,” he said.

“Goa will be next Jharkhand, if mining issues continues and bullying by the contractors is not stopped,” Parrikar stated adding that

people’s reaction to the issue will be same to that in Jharkhand where Naxalism has taken the roots.

Parrikar pointed out that the drivers on the mining trucks, which are mostly from Jharkhand, operate by showing bogus licences.

The government would also ensure that middle class income group is able to benefit from the scheme.

“It is the duty of the government to provide health care for people,” said Kamat

as he assured Fatorda MLA that enhanced income limit will be applied in genuine pending cases.

The resolution was withdrawn upon this assurance from the chief minister.

Goa I Saturday 2, April 2011

It is the duty of the government to provide health care for people.

-- Digambar Kamat

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Sashikala tai, you’re respectfully rejected

T

he pathetic attempt by Sashikala Kakodkar to politicise the Medium of Instruction debate and actually divide society through her Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Mandal, will be soundly rejected by the people of Goa for what it is – delayed political gimmickry by a politician who is desperate for any entry in to electoral politics, back door or front door.

Kakodkar and her new found friends on this opportunistic path, Father Mousinho de Ataide, Father Jaime Couto and Nagesh Karmali, the desecration man and signboard puller, will have to contend with a force they have clearly underestimated – the will of right-thinking parents who want their children of today to join hands with a new tomorrow. Let Sashikala Kakodkar and her friends know this once and for all. The movement for English as a medium of instruction is not communal. It can never be. It is not even, as Kakodkar or the respected Fathers Ataide and Couto’s flight of imagination suggests, an attempt to bring in Konkani in the Roman script through the backdoor.

What does Sashikala Kakodkar gain from this? A few moments of public attention and some media space. It was her move to polarize Goan society by alienating English and Konkani in the Roman script which actually saw the rich admitting their children to expensive English schools at the entry level stage or doing the next best thing – educate their children out of Goa. But times have changed, Sashikala tai. Chose the language you want to hear this in, but you will get the same message from Goa’s parents – Hindu, Christian, Sikh or Muslim, “keep your politics off the path of our children’s future.”

What are the parents and teachers association asking for? The simple choice to decide the language of instruction for their children rather than force it down their throats by this not-so-subtle decision to give grants to schools teaching Konkani or Marathi, but not to those which teach English.

Thankfully, for the sake of Goa’s sanity and good sense, the Diocesan Society of Education that had earlier opposed English as a medium of instruction is fully backing it. So are, Sashikala Kakodkar and Nagesh Karmali please note, Hindu fathers and mothers, who have no time and inclination for your politics. The leading voice of last Monday’s mammoth rally, consisting mainly of parents, was incidentally Premanand Naik.

Hindus have reacted angrily to reports of Father Ataide and Couto writing to the Archbishop that the movement for English will divide society. One of them, a common man called Sushant Chopdekar, who Kakokdar and Karmali will never know wrote “I belong to the so-called majority community. I was there for the rally because I believed in the cause. Never even once did I feel that the rally was on communal lines. Dear Fathers, do not put fire in Goa and divide society. Let the parents or PTAs decide which language they want their children to be taught in. ” Any civilized society listens to the voice of its people.

Chopdekar is the quintessential common man. He is not a rally leader or an organization head. He is not the son of a Chief Minister or even a former Chief Minister. He is not interested in any backdoor resurrection. He is in your face and is telling you where you stand Sashikala tai. Listen to him and not your new friends or sycophants. It’s actually surprising that you still have a few.

As a newspaper, we have and always will maintain one clear stand. Take this issue out of the realm of community and politics.

We owe this to ourselves. The preservation of the mother tongue may be done by learning Konkani or Marathi in class one, or it may be better preserved by learning the mother tongue from the person who knows it best – the mother at home. But let that choice be given to the parent and allow the parent to exercise that choice by offering institutions that can teach that particular language by giving it the same support and help that other languages get.

This is a call for parity of languages, not a call for dominance.

And you know what, it doesn’t matter what Sashikala Kakodkar thinks. The people of Goa have thought and delivered that thought with amazing clarity.

The preservation of the mother tongue may be done by learning Konkani or Marathi in class one, or it may be better preserved by learning the mother tongue from the person who knows it best – the mother at home.

– Edit

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Vol. No CXI No. 091 I Goa I Saturday 2, April 2011

We need support and consistency from the authorities, who need to take a little effort in self-education<None>, on how to take Goa’s tourism to its justified levels both locally and internationally!

– Lyndon Alves

EducatEdthought

FROM THE NEWS EDITOR’S DESK

From sagwad to corruption

S

agwad’ in the Goan parlance means a gift to acknowledge a favour. Usually it meant a string (ganthan) of various fishes interwoven together. Today, it is totally out of context in relation to speed money, kick-backs, extortion by police and the scams involving politicians, bureaucrats, judges, army generals, yoga and ‘moksha’ swamis. We have thrown out our traditional art of living. Today, we can boast of a living art of corruption.

Our spicy stories are those that tell us of corrupt thoughts. The kick of stories of kick-backs is akin to the high of a few pegs of whisky or a shot of marijuana.

Those who talk against corruption outnumber the corrupt. Does it mean that they desire to reduce corruption?

Or is it a social party time? Can the nation become rich and prosperous by becoming good? Or is it that corruption has contributed to Goa’s and India’s development? A MRI scan of the educated and professionals is most likely to reveal a corrupt DNA. Is corruption anti-development and anti-poor? Or is it actually anti-rich? To a little extent corruption is the pipeline which has provided basic amenities to the poor in villages and slums in urban areas.

Today, we speak of respectable corruption. The receiver honourably returns the bribe if the job is not done. The corporate and professionals are the

PraBHaKar TiMBle springs which water the corrupt. The corrupt then channelize the same water to capture elections, democratic institutions and the pillars of our temples, churches and mosques including the cross and the ‘ghumti’ on street corners and public roads. Even God, if there is one, showers blessing on the corrupt and seats comfortably on the throne and palanquin decked with gold financed by the corrupt. The corrupt honourably flirt at places of worship and temples of learning.

There are areas where we can grow along with corruption. There are areas where corruption is detrimental to progress. The casualty is the quality of public works, the collapse of regulatory mechanism and the loss in revenue in tax, excise and customs windows.

Transparency enabled with use of information technology can address the issue of corruption. More control manufactures more opportunities of corruption. Reforms and liberalisation attack the foundations of corruption.

Nothing could be effective if not accompanied by confiscation of ill-accumulated wealth. Corruption is a low risk

and high profit business. There is hardly any conviction and confiscation. This bolsters the confidence of the corrupt.

A vote for a corruption free society needs to be cast everyday when we conduct our business and profession and not once in five years. Do not expect the poor and the victims of feudal social structure to fight against corruption.

Their priority is the fight for survival and basic needs.

The talk by the educated that our politics and elections are dominated by money and muscle power irks me. This power is created in the hands of unworthy politicians by the educated themselves. Further, all round the year the money and muscle power protects the educated, corporate, landlords and professionals.

What keeps me insulated from developing ulcers in my mind, due to widespread corruption at all levels, are the couplets written by Janab Nidaf Azli and immortalised by ghazal singer Jagjit Singh.

Duniya jise kehete hain Jadu ka khilona hai Mil jaye toh mitti hai Kho jaye toh sona hai (What we call life is a toy of magic. If you own it, it is mud. If you sink in it, it is gold) Read the vernacular again. You will find peace in this corrupt world. The English transformation is corrupted.

Carnival – Red and Black or a blackout?

T

he very word carnival translates into enjoyment, fiesta and celebration, a festival people wait for annually. Unfortunately, the Goa Carnival over the years has turned out to be far from a true celebration of sorts!

I’m taking this opportunity to comment on this special event, as I happen to be a part of the tourism and event business in Goa for the last ten years. It hurts to see the way we undermine and ignore opportunities that could not only add value and flavour to the lives of our own citizens, but also become an integral part in the promotion of tourism from around the country and world into Goa! Goa is the only place on this part of the globe to be known for decades for the famed carnival celebrations. Unfortunately, due to lack of enthusiasm and support from the right corners, we have let this opportunity go by as just another event.

Take the example of a tiny destination like Seychelles, who for the first time this year hosted a carnival, promoted it amongst its own citizens and the world and in turn saw a seven per cent growth in international tourism! Our Goa Carnival this year did not even manage to attract the national media!

lyndon alveS The Red and Black dance has for years been attracting not just elite locals but also repeat tourists from around the country, coupled with a sprinkling of international tourists and charter representatives who partake in the spirit of this event.

It was most unfortunate to walk into the venue just after 10 pm, only to find sad faces mourning in silence. Why can’t our government take up relaxation of the Madhya Pradesh Sound Act, which really destroys the very charm of this state known for its celebratory attitude.

Last year, I had the opportunity of discussing with the erstwhile tourism ministry, a plan to take the carnival to yet another level, giving the state the opportunity to market this three day festival on all platforms and bringing Goa on the worldwide carnival map.

Unfortunately this year, our tourism head-honchos were not even present in Goa during the carnival. They happened to be on a road show in the USA, trying

to promote tourism in Goa! Right when we have an opportunity knocking on our doors!

Recently claims were made in the assembly of mega plans involving various departments in creating a road map to promote Goa internationally. What road map can one create when we lack basic direction?

For starters, let us take this festival to another level, we need to have a task force created by joining hands between the ministry, tourism heads, international tour operators, airlines and a reputed marketing and advertising agency that can showcase Goa as being the only place on this side of the globewhere the carnival is a celebration worth making into a holiday idea and not a bunch of hastily created floats and police officers roaming the streets to stop the festivities that have been a tradition for decades!

We need support and consistency from the authorities, who need to take a little effort in self-education for starters, on how to take Goa’s tourism to its justified levels both locally and internationally!

My aim is not to bring about criticism, rather realisation of the opportunities we are forfeiting and letting go, whilst we spend millions on promotion in foreign trips and wasted efforts.

The World Cup: D-day for India Sergio Caldeira

T

he day of reckoning has arrived. After 15 days of intense fighting, the final war to win the Cricket World Cup 2011 will be held on today in Mumbai. India and Sri Lanka have both won the World Cup once each – 1983 and 1996.

This is for the first time in the history of the cricket world cup that two Asian teams are clashing in the finals.

Both the teams, India and Sri Lanka are desperate to win the World Cup, not only for national pride, but also to give a fitting farewell to two of their great players – Sachin Tendulkar and Muttiah Muralitharan. Before the campaign for the World Cup began, Indian players said that they wanted to win the cup for Tendulkar, who despite playing in five world cups, is yet to be a member of the winning World Cup team and this could well be his last hope as in all probabilities, Sachin may not play in the next World Cup. Similar is the case with the Lankan Lions who want to accord a memorable parting gift to one of their greatest players Murali, who will quit cricket after tomorrow’s finals. Both the teams will be relying on their batting prowess rather than bowling.

Viru and Sachin can be a devastating opening pair with Viru showing Pakistan’s strike bowler of the tournament, Umar Gul, what could happen if one tries to loudmouth him. Umar Gul on the eve of the semi-final match had said that Pakistan’s bowlers would rip the Indian batting line.

But, if the Indian opening duo holds the key in the first few overs, the Lankan pair of Tillakaratne Dilshan and Upan Tharanga are not to be left behind, as the opening pair has notched up two double century opening partnerships in the ongoing World Cup. The Indian middle order appears a bit stronger with Gambhir, Kohli, Yuvraj in good form and Dhoni and Raina to follow.The same however cannot be said of the Lankans, who depend heavily on their captain Sangakkara and Mahela in the middle order. In the bowling department, both the teams seem to be evenly matched.

Every Indian is probably hoping that Sachin can add some icing to the World Cup cake, by scoring his 100th hundred in international cricket. Of course, there will be many who will not want Sachin to achieve this feat today, as everytime Tendulkar scores a hundred in an ODI, India is jinxed to lose.

However, every Indian will be hoping that India wins the cup, which will be a befitting gift to the Little Master.

WEEKENd INBoX What ails dental tourism?

Regarding Bharati Pawaskar’s expose – Teething troubles in tourism (Herald, March 26) on the state of dental tourism in Goa. As an UK trained dental surgeon, I find it hard to justify a lot of dental treatment that is being administered to Western tourists. My colleagues in the UK are constantly contacting me regarding questionable therapy done in Goa as ‘dentistry in a hurry’. The tourism department together with the health department should take the lead in registering and monitoring practices that offer dental services to tourists.

While medical tourism has failed to take off for obvious reasons – lack of infrastructure and trained personnel, dental

tourism has quietly been getting repeat visitors to Goa. Satisfied patients have been returning, year after year, for their dental checkups and treatments. This will change if no action is taken. The state branches of the DCI and the Indian Dental Association should also be more proactive in investigating complaints made by unhappy patients.

Dr Pascal X Pinto, Panjim

We’ll teach you a lesson The Education Minister has said that there is no change in education policy, the medium of instruction will be in mother tongue (‘Status Quo on medium’, Herald, April 1). I want a clarification from the Education Minister.

What does he mean by mother tongue?

Is it Konkani, Marathi or Kannada? The demand of the huge crowd gathered at Azad Maidan Panjim went in vain. The government has conceded to the demand of the BBMS and put our children in a dilemma. Now, the time has come to teach a lesson to all the MLAs who are not supporting the demand of the majority in the coming election.

Marcos Alemao, by email

Peace meet – A good move The move by some activists to hold a peace meet on April 4 on the Medium of Instruction needs to be commended by all right thinking Goans. The state is passing through a dark phase of its his-

tory, with people, irrespective of caste or religion, having to agitate to preserve Goa’s identity, ecology, environment and even livelihood against the evil designs of the government. The issue of Medium of Instruction is extremely important for the children of this state, but let not the unity that has been shown by the Goans on various issues affecting the state and its people, be destroyed by individuals who wish to fish in troubled waters and sow discord on those who hold divergent views on certain issues. What is needed, as activists rightly pointed out, is a show of thought and not of strength. It is unfortunate that some of these so-called leaders feel the need to whip up communal passions to advance their cause, which has nothing to do with one’s religion.

Jose Maria Miranda, Margao

MLA mantra: Swear now, change later The Revenue Minister intends to rehabilitate the inhabitants of Khariwada in Vasco according to the law. He needs to answer a few questions. Were these inhabitants legally occupying that land? If it was illegal occupation, does rehabilitating them not amount to encouraging law breakers? Every MLA has sworn to uphold the constitution of the country.

How did so many illegal structures mushroom, in the first place? The only reason we have reached this state of affairs is that various arms of the government have very conveniently looked the other way while this has been happening under their very noses. They have failed to justify their very existence by

their inaction and must be primarily held responsible and must face punishment.

D C Dias, Taleigao

Kerosene supply The Leader of the Opposition was heard saying in the Assembly that owners of flats do not use kerosene. This is not true. There are so many power failures, especially in villages, and flat and house owners are forced to use kerosene chimney lamps during the night.

Since the quota is only two litres per ration card, at times, we are left with no option but to buy the supply in the black market as we also cook on a kerosene stove whenever the gas supply is late.

Jonas Correia, Aldona

F or l et ter s to the e di tor co nta ct us at edi tor weeken d@her al d- go a. com 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: 6558510 (all Editorial); 2230535, Fax: 2225622 (Advertising); Margao: 2737689. Mumbai Office: 16-A, Bell Building, 2nd Floor, 19 Sir PM Road, Fort, Mumbai - 400001 (Tel: 22840702/22844908). RNI No: 43667/83.

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india SNAPSHOT six labourers killed BERHAMPUR: At least six labourers, including four women, were killed and 13 others injured when a tractor in which they were travelling fell into a river in Orissa’s Ganjam district, police said today.

The mishap took place when the tractor carrying labourers from Nuapada to Goudagotha skidded off the road and fell into river Bahuda at Patrachuda village, 45 km from here last night, they said.

While most of the injured were admitted to nearby hospitals, some of them were admitted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital here.

The deceased were identified as Ranju Sahu (30), Brundabati Patra (30), Buli Gouda (18), Babu Sahu (45), Sukanti Sahu (65) and Harihar Panigrahi (25), they said.Tension prevailed in the area soon after the incident as the locals staged a road blockade.

Four get death rap DEHRADUN: An Uttarakhand court has awarded capital punishment to four persons including two brothers and life imprisonment to two others for killing three police constables six years ago.

Almora District and Sessions Judge Kanta Prasad sentenced to death Rajendra Singh, his brother Kailash Singh, Harish Singh and Imtiaz for shooting to death three police constables, officials said today.

On January 15, 2005, the three constables – Girish Chandra, Sanjay Kumar and Mahesh – were returning with undertrials Rajendra Singh and Harish Singh in a jeep after they were produced in a Ranikhet court when they were intercepted by Kailash Singh and others.

The pace of dialogue process between India and Pakistan is very slow. If we talk in cricketing terms, India and Pakistan are running for singles... Today is the time for hitting fours and sixes.

-- Mirwaiz Farooq

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PTI NEW DELHI, APRIL 1: In further embarrassment to Suresh Kalmadi, the Shunglu panel has slammed him for setting up a “sham” Commonwealth Games Organising Committee with much lesser accountability and transparency.

The Committee in its 103page sixth and last report made public today on "Conduct of Commonwealth Games 2010" said it has found "material changes" in official documents by Kalmadi to get the post of OC chief and also to have sweeping administrative control over it.

The OC was constituted "to retain absolute and unhindered control on the Commonwealth Games, 2010 through a sham society with much lesser accountability and transparency even in comparison to the Indian

KALMADI: MAKIng enDs Meet Olympic Association (IOA)," the report said.

“We have therefore no hesitation in coming to the conclusion that a document (relating to appointment for CWG OC chairman) was created by Kalmadi or at his behest in IOA for being

specifically used to secure his ends, ie Chairmanship of OC and justification for the commitments made by him at Montego Bay without any authority,” the Committee said.

The Committee gave several instances of Kalmadi’s

approach to get the key post.

“It would be also pertinent to mention that all attempts made by Ministry of Sports to open a dialogue with Kalmadi between November, 2003 and September, 2004 on the action to be taken for CWG 2010 were unsuccessful because Kalmadi was unwilling to open negotiation till he was assured of the Chairmanship of the OC ttee,” it said.

Questioning the constitution of OC, the report said, “On February 10, 2005 Kalmadi got a Society named Organising Committee registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. This Society, its Memorandum, its Rules, its Executive Board, its membership etc. ought to have been approved by the Group of Ministers (GOM). However, no such approval was taken.”

In one of the meetings of GOM on March 17,

MUZAFFARNAGAR: A woman was burnt to death allegedly by her in-laws over dowry at Toda village, police said today.

Kawita, wife of Rajbir, was burnt to death by her husband and in-laws over dowry yesterday, they said. The father of the victim has alleged in his complaint that Kawita was set ablaze by Rajbir, father-in-law Mahendra, mother-in-law Bhagwati and maternal uncle Surender.

A case has been registered in this regard and police has arrested Rajbir and Bhagwati in this connection.

2 girls die as water tank collapses

Bull gores man to death BASTI: A septuagenarian man was gored to death by a bull in Haraiya area here today, police said.

The bull gored the 70-year-old man, causing serious stomach injuries following which he died on the spot, they said. The animal was later caught by the locals and tied to a tree, police said.

One held in Monica murder NAGPUR: The city police today claimed to have made a major breakthrough in the Monica Kinrapure murder case, who was brutally stabbed to death last month and arrested a person in connection with the case.

Santosh Sonekar from Hudkeshwar in East city area has been arrested for the sensational murder that took place on March 11, they said.

Monica, hailing from Nagardhan (near Ramtek) was stabbed to death in broad daylight in Nandanvan in south city area near a private engineering college. Preliminary reports said it appears to be a contract killing and also a case of mistaken identity. The victim was staying in a private girls hostel in Nandanvan and one of her friend was the target for rejecting a love-offer.

Survey puts AIADMK ahead

RALLYIng FOR eDUCAtIOn: Children shout slogans as they take part in a rally calling for the implemention of compulsory education for all children between the ages of 6 and 14, in New Delhi on Friday. The rally, organised by the National Alliance for the Fundamental Right to Education (NAFRE), UNICEF and Campaign against Child Labour (CACL), demanded equality in education in India for all children irrespective of class and socio-economic status.

SC worried over illegal sale of army weapons PTI NEW DELHI, APRIL 1: The Supreme Court today pulled up the Centre and the Rajasthan government for not taking action against its officers allegedly involved in illegal sale of non-service pattern(NSP) weapons of army personnel and issuance of licences to dubious persons.

A Bench comprising Justices B Sudershan Reddy and S S Nijjar directed them to file a status report within four weeks on the probe against the government officials, including three IAS officers, for their alleged

Investigations by the government revealed a larger racket in which several army officials, including some holding the rank of Major Generals, IAS officers and those belonging to Rajasthan State Service, were allegedly involved in the sale of NSP arms to dubious elements. involvement in the scam.

"We are really shocked and surprised that the issue did not draw serious attention from the Centre and the state government," the bench said.

NSP weapons are issued to the army personnel for their personal use from ordnance depots.

The court was hearing a PIL seeking a direction against the government for

not taking action against its officers after the scam came to light in 2007 when authorities in Rajasthan's Ganganagar district noticed that several licenses were issued to dubious persons, including terrorists, smugglers and rowdy elements by local authorities without verification.

Subsequent investigations by the government revealed a larger racket in which sev-

eral army officials, including some holding the rank of Major Generals, IAS officers and those belonging to Rajasthan State Service, were allegedly involved in the sale of NSP arms to dubious elements.

The state government in its report submitted that there were around 284 beneficiaries in the scam and they are being interrogated.

The Defence Ministry also told the court that it has decided to review the procedures for issuing NSP weapons to army personnel in view of the finding that they were illegally sold to unscrupulous elements.

MP loses ‘Tiger State’ tag to Karnataka

PTI

PTI

CHENNAI, APRIL 1: An independent survey by a group of students and professors has put AIADMK ahead in the race for power in April 13 assembly polls in Tamil Nadu but said things could change based on DMK-led combine's nextround of electoral strategy.

The survey, conducted under Dr S Rajanayagam, Director, `People Studies’, Loyola College, covered 3171 respondents in 117 of 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu.

BHOPAL, APRIL 1: Despite a 12 per cent rise in the population of big cats in the country, Madhya Pradesh popularly known as the 'Tiger State' witnessed a decline in their numbers resulting in loss of this coveted status to Karnataka, according to the latest tiger census report.

The big cat population has dropped to 257 in the latest tiger census from 300 tigers in 2006 in Madhya Pradesh.

"The decline in the tiger population in the state is mainly due to the loss of 24

You must have heard about WikiLeaks where a senior BJP leader was quoted as saying that party’s Hindutva ideology is opportunistic.

Can now anybody believe them?

— Sonia Gandhi

Kalmadi set up ‘sham’ OC to secure his ends: panel

Woman burnt to death

GHAZIPUR: Two minor girls were killed when a water tank collapsed in a primary school in Ahirauli village in Mohmadabad police circle, police said.

Ankita Yadav (8) and Manisha (9) were killed when the water tank collapsed on them yesterday, they said.

Both the girls were students of Class II.

Goa I Saturday 2, April 2011

tigers allegedly due to poaching in Panna tiger reserve which had as many striped animals in the year 2006," a forest official told PTI today.

Efforts are underway to revive the big cat populationin Panna. Three tigresses and a tiger had been trans-located to it from others parks since last year and the exercise seemed to pay off with two felines giving birth to five cubs last year.

The famous Kanha Tiger Reserve too had lost more than 25 tigers. In 2006, it had 89 tigers which had now dipped to 60, according to

the latest census, he said.

Reports regarding tigers' deaths had been trickling in from Kanha for more than two years. Forest officials contend that it was mainly due to territorial fights among them.

The 2006 tiger census report had recommended the state government that Kanha buffer zone needs to be extended South-West to increase the big cat habitat.

This was implemented in toto, officials said.

Now, Karnataka has witnessed an increase of 10 tigers taking its big cat population to 300, according to the recent All India Tiger Estimation Exercise for 2010.

And MP, which is unhappy having lost the tiger state tag, has shot off a letter to the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), in this regard.

"I am of view that the tiger

population was more than what has come out in the latest big cat census given that we too have an internal mechanism to monitor striped animals, Principal Chief Conservator (Wildlife) H S Pabla said.

"Something has gone amiss. We have sent a letter requesting the WII to check their data base," he said.

To press his point, Pabla said that there were 424 beats (areas having big cat) to monitor the tiger population in the state in 2006 which has risen to 495 now.

2005, the Memorandum of the OC was circulated by Kalmadi which the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports had framed a few months back.

“A comparison of the document available on the file of the Ministry with the one Registered by Kalmadi on

February 10, 2005 shows a number of material changes made by him with the object of concentrating all powers in his hands,” the Committee said adding that Kalmadi appointed himself as chairman of OC in perpetuity and without any consultation with the government.

APPOINTMENTS

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“ biznews www.oheraldo.in

going by this trend, the exports are expected to touch the figures of USD 230235 billion. Imports may end up to USD 350 billion and balance of trade to USD 105-115 billion by the end of 2010-11.

-- Rahul Khullar

“

SNAPSHOT

BOARDROOM

SBI revises NRI interest rates

Class on wheels

MUMBAI: Country's largest lender, State Bank of India, today revised interest rates for deposits by non-resident Indians across maturities and currencies.

Under the revised rate structure, NRIs will get up to 26 basis points more for deposits in foreign currencies while the rates for deposits in Indian Rupees have gone down marginally, a release issued here by the bank said.

A deposit in Euros for a maturity above four years but less than five years will earn the NRI 3.90 per cent per annum as against the earlier 3.64 per cent, the release said, adding that in some categories, the rates have been revised downward as well.

Rupee deposits by NRIs till five years have also seen marginal declines in the interest rate by up to 3 basis points, it said.

New hospital chain by Fortis MUMBAI: Multi-speciality hospitality chain Fortis Healthcare will soon foray into affordable healthcare in the tier II and III towns by creating a hospital chain under a new brand during this year, a top company official said.

"We are contemplating a new brand that will focus on the affordable healthcare as we focus and plan to enter tier II and III towns. The whole idea is about providing healthcare facilities at an affordable rate even as the healthcare services is getting dearer by day. We will soon announce the new brand most probably in this calender year," Fortis Healthcare's Regional Director, Ashish Bhatia, told PTI on the sidelines of a CII Marketing summit here today.

Fortis Healthcare, promoted by billionaire brothers Malvinder and Shivinder Mohan Singh, currently operates only in the premium segment and has hospitals in major metros and tier I cities.

The brand will be an offshoot of Fortis Healthcare and will have a different management, he added.

The company is evaluating various models and options on the brands positioning and operation.

CPI(M) slams new FDI policy NEW DELHI: The CPI(M) today opposed the government's new FDI policy, claiming that it would not only strengthen the grip of foreign multinationals over Indian companies but also adversely affect agriculture as farmers would be at their mercy for supply of seeds.

Asking the UPA government not to pursue the measures which would "immensely harm our industrial and agricultural development", the party expressed strong disapproval of the "unjustified concessions" given to multinational corporations (MNCs) to set up new units in the same field of business without approval of their Indian partners.

Goa I Saturday 2, April 2011

We expected that Mukherjee will either announce the roll back of excise duty for garment sector or will announce some major concession ...but to utter surprise, the Minister refused to give any concession.

--Ajit Lakra

Sachin Ambadoskar

He’s got a soft spot for India, one that enabled him to figure out the market better and in turn help raise Škoda’s sales figures in India. Kurt Bento talks numbers, cars and more with Thomas Kuehl, Director and Board Member, Sales and Marketing, ŠkodaAuto India n The sales of Škoda has just surged the world over.

Does this hold true for the local Indian market as well?

It has been a great year for us and in India too we had a growth of 44.8 per cent growth in sales over the same period last year too. n What is the reason for this surge and what does this mean for Škoda India?

New and exciting products have always been key to our success, in addition to our value for money products.

The recently introduced Fabia and the newly launched Yeti have contributed significantly to our sales figures. The Superb is a great product and continues to be a segment leader while the Laura is selling in good numbers too. n Škoda has mostly been competing in the luxury segment with the Octavia, Laura and Superb. The Fabia has now seen it become very competitive.

What are your plans with the Fabia?

The Fabia is a great product. We have introduced newer engines which are

much efficient. The Fabia will continue to be our volume driver and we intend to expand our network to reach out to more consumers. n What makes the small and medium size car segment so toughly contested?

Since this is probably India’s and Goa’s toughest segment to compete in, how are you faring?

Pricing has been the key factor in the segment. Currently, there are so many products within this segment all of whom offer different propositions at a very competitive price.

The new Fabia has received a great response since the time of its launch. The new engines are extremely efficient and frugal. We have the best in class economy with the 1.2 TDI and the most powerful hatch with the 1.6 MPI. We have increased our presence in this segment in Goa. n The company has recently undergone a brand makeover. What were the reasons for this facelift, and what else has changed besides that?

The new corporate design, Geneva, is more advanced and crisper. The new-look corporate identity and new logo has a clearer, more precise feel. It will be used by the producer, importers and dealers in their internal and external communications.

The Škoda logo, with its winged arrow central motif, has been given a makeover with fresh colours, while the new Škoda Pro font represents new values.

For advertising, publications, press releases and other forms of communication, all this points to the fact that Škoda is marching forward and portraying itself in a more modern and youthful form. n What does Škoda plan to do over the next few years in Goa? Are there any new cars in the pipeline?

Currently we have two facilities in Goa, which is an important market for us. The market has been growing and we are prepared for the future. We have ambitious plans for the Indian market and shall be launching all our new cars in Goa too.

Kuehl CuSToMeR: Thomas Kuehl at the inauguration of the new Skoda showroom in Taleigao

Exports grow by 50%, crosses $200 bn in Feb Orissa moves SC against PTI NEW DELHI, APRIL 1: India's exports grew by an impressive 50 per cent in February, crossing the USD 200 billion mark during the first eleven months of 2010-11 on the back of rising demand from the US and other markets.

Exports went up by 49.7 per cent year-on-year during February to USD 23.5 billion, taking the April-February 2010-11 figure to USD 208.2 billion, an increase of 31.4 per cent over the year-ago period and past the yearly target of

USD 200 billion.

Imports also increased by 21.2 per cent in the month under review to USD 31.7 billion, leaving a trade deficit of USD 8.1 billion, according to the Commerce Ministry data released today.

During April-February 2010-11, imports grew by 18 per cent to USD 305.3 billion over the same period last year. The trade gap for the period stood at USD 97 billion.

The exporting sectors which performed well during the 11 months of fiscal include engineering (81 per

cent), petroleum and oil lubricants (34 per cent), cotton yarn and made-ups (43 per cent), chemicals (22 per cent) and electronics (40 per cent).

“The growth which we are seeing is basically from the markets of Asia, Latin America and Africa. In these new markets demand for our products are increasing," Ramu Deora, the President of India's apex exporters body FIEO, said.

However, Deora said that demand is still weak in several European markets.

The US and Europe were the traditional markets for In-

dian exporters, but after the global economic crisis, exporters increased their engagement in new markets of Asia, LatinAmerica and Africa. The government is providing duty incentives to exporters for these new markets.

Commerce Secretary Rahul Khullar had said that going by this trend, the country's exports are expected to touch the figures of USD 230235 billion. Imports may end up to USD 350 billion and balance of trade to USD 105115 billion by the end of 201011.

Sensex down 25 points MUMBAI, APRIL 1: The BSE Sensex snapped 8session winning spree, closing 25 points down at 19,420.39, due to fag-end profit-booking amid rising Aban Offshor, 620, 645.95, 617, 643.3 Abb Ltd., 796.8, 796.8, 777.35, 785.2 Abg Shipyard, 367, 374, 335.6, 370 Acc Limited, 1070, 1098, 1069.95, 1091.85 Adani Enterp, 666, 668.2, 652.3, 661 Aditya Birla, 816.45, 844.7, 812.4, 824.85 Allahabad Ba, 232, 238.95, 225.2, 225.95 Alstom Proje, 590.2, 595, 579, 587.8 Ambuja Cemen, 148, 148, 145, 146.8 Andhra Bank, 150.95, 151.8, 148.8, 151.1 Ashok Leylan, 57.35, 58.35, 56.8, 57.85 Asian Paints, 2568.95, 2568.95, 2511, 2520.55 Axis Bank Li, 1410.3, 1417, 1378.6, 1407.75 Bajaj Hindus, 60.15, 76.35, 60.15, 75.95 Bank Of Baro, 955.35, 962.85, 941.35, 945.8 Bank Of Indi, 476.8, 481.95, 471.55, 480.15 Beml Limited, 691.95, 717.6, 683.05, 705.95 Bharat Elect, 1693.95, 1695, 1675, 1684.8 Bharat Forge, 347.45, 356.9, 345.15, 355.35 Bharat Petro, 601.5, 608.95, 597.25, 605.9 Bharti Airte, 354.6, 360.3, 353, 355.3 Bhel, 2077.4, 2134.7, 2062, 2127.7 Bhushan Stee, 439.95, 450.05, 438, 445.8 Biocon Limit, 346.95, 357, 345.3, 356.5 Bombay Dyein, 367.4, 379.7, 366, 373.95 Bosch Limite, 6501.05, 6800, 6501.05, 6659.15 Brigade Ente, 89.2, 91.9, 89.2, 89.95 Cairn India, 352.1, 355.7, 350.2, 354.35 Canara Bank, 628.1, 632, 621.25, 629.35 Central Bank, 141, 143.35, 139.65, 142.25 Century Text, 353, 371.85, 351.65, 369.75 Cesc Ltd, 315, 319.5, 311.5, 316.7 Chambal Fert, 79.95, 82, 79.95, 81.8 Chennai Petr, 223.95, 233.8, 222, 230.55 Cipla Ltd, 322.9, 326.45, 317.2, 319.85

crude oil prices despite heavy buying in realty and metal stocks.

The 30-share Bombay Stock Exchange index, Sensex, resumed higher at

Colgate Palm, 824.1, 829, 816, 825 Container Co, 1198, 1226.9, 1193, 1221.65 Crompton Gre, 272.5, 276.8, 271, 272.95 Cummins Indi, 694.95, 708.9, 687.05, 694.9 Dabur India, 96, 97.65, 96, 96.9 Deccan Chron, 80.15, 87, 80.15, 86.3 Dish Tv Indi, 67.1, 68.2, 66.1, 67.15 Divi’s Labor, 678, 695, 626.65, 692.95 Dlf Limited, 267.45, 273.9, 267.45, 271.95 Dr. reddy’s, 1644, 1658.65, 1601.2, 1617.9 Edelweiss Ca, 39.6, 40.5, 39.5, 39.85 Educomp Solu, 415, 433, 415, 431.1 Eih Limited, 81.4, 82.7, 80.65, 82.35 Engineers In, 302.1, 306.1, 302, 305.5 Essar Oil Lt, 124.9, 127.45, 124.6, 127.05 Essar Shippi, 95.5, 97.65, 94.7, 96.85 Exide Indust, 143.5, 148.15, 143, 146.65 Federal Bank, 417.85, 422, 410, 420.3 Financial Te, 872, 911, 872, 885.15 Gail (india), 461.95, 471.6, 458.3, 463.55 Gammon India, 118, 119.4, 116.7, 118.4 Glaxosmithkl, 2050, 2098.4, 2025.15, 2090.9 Glenmark Pha, 284.6, 296, 284.5, 294.05 Gmr Infrastr, 41.1, 41.4, 40.25, 40.45 Godrej Indus, 183.9, 193.8, 183, 192.65 Grasim Indus, 2484, 2548, 2469.9, 2530.9 Great Offsho, 258.6, 272.45, 256.95, 270.5 Gtl Infra.Lt, 37.25, 37.5, 36.8, 37.35 Gujarat Mine, 135.25, 139.9, 134.65, 139.25 Gujarat N R, 50.1, 50.95, 49.45, 50.7 Gujarat Stat, 100, 102.4, 99.1, 101.85 Gvk Pow. & I, 26, 26.9, 25.9, 26.75 Hcl Technolo, 476.45, 477, 464, 467.15 Hdfc Bank Lt, 2353, 2365, 2323, 2333.75 Hdfc Ltd, 699, 710.35, 696.05, 708.2

19,463.11 and shot up further to 19,562.55 due to persistent buying on heavy capital inflows from foreign funds.

However, it declined to

Hero Honda M, 1595, 1635.4, 1592.65, 1602.75 Hindalco in, 209.7, 215, 209.45, 214.25 Hindustan Co, 36.3, 37.5, 35.8, 37.2 Hindustan Ma, 59.2, 61.2, 59.2, 60.5 Hindustan Pe, 352.55, 353.9, 347, 352.35 Hindustan Un, 286, 290.05, 282, 283.95 Hindustan Zi, 138.4, 138.4, 134.8, 135.65 Housing Dev, 176.8, 183.4, 175.9, 182.2 Icici Bank L, 1114.8, 1119, 1095, 1102.9 Idea Cellula, 67.5, 68, 66.95, 67.85 Ifci Ltd, 53.4, 55.25, 52.6, 55.05 India Cement, 94.2, 99.5, 93, 98.05 India Infoli, 74.7, 78, 73.4, 77.15 Indiabulls F, 154.6, 156, 149.25, 153.9 Indiabulls R, 125.5, 132.9, 122.85, 131.8 Indian Bank, 234.8, 235.9, 229, 229.9 Indian Hotel, 84.95, 85.5, 83.8, 85 Indian Oil C, 330, 334.5, 325.3, 332.85 Indian Overs, 143, 146.5, 141.1, 145.85 Indus Dev Ba, 143.4, 145.5, 142, 145.15 Indusind Ban, 262.15, 268.5, 259.5, 265.55 Infosys Tech, 3235.1, 3256.25, 3208, 3218.15 Infra. dev., 155, 160.9, 153.4, 160.1 Ispat Indust, 22.55, 24.7, 22.15, 24.45 Itc Ltd, 182.05, 184.95, 181.4, 182.5 Ivrcl Infras, 82, 83.9, 81.3, 83.2 Jai Corp Lim, 163.8, 170, 162.45, 167.9 Jaiprakash A, 92.8, 96.35, 91.9, 95.45 Jet Airways, 448, 462.5, 443.1, 459.65 Jindal Saw L, 205, 206.9, 201, 204.15 Jindal Steel, 695, 703.5, 695, 700.7 Jsw Steel Li, 918.1, 954.25, 912, 949.6 Kotak Mahind, 457.05, 462, 448.1, 451 Lakshmi Mach, 2273.9, 2305, 2222, 2240.25 Lanco Infrat, 39.8, 40.5, 39.5, 40.1

19,382.35 on mild profit-booking in Banking, Oil&Gas and IT stocks and closed at 19,420.39, showing a net loss of 24.83 points or 0.13 per cent.

Larsen & Tou, 1668.5, 1675.8, 1642.25, 1647.05 Lic Housing, 226.1, 234.95, 224.2, 233 Lupin Limite, 421.95, 421.95, 412.55, 417.15 Mahanagar Te, 46, 48, 45.6, 47.8 Mahindra & M, 700.5, 716, 697.15, 711.05 Maruti Suzuk, 1251.65, 1292.4, 1251.65, 1271.1 Max India Lt, 160, 164.9, 158.95, 163.9 Moser-baer (, 41.7, 43.7, 41.2, 43.4 Mrpl, 65.7, 65.95, 64.25, 65.65 Nagarjuna Fe, 28.15, 29.15, 28.15, 29 National Alu, 96.6, 96.6, 95.65, 96.15 Neyveli Lign, 104.8, 108.85, 104.4, 108.35 Ntpc Ltd, 193, 193.1, 188.15, 188.85 Oil And Natu, 292.5, 295.65, 290, 293.05 Omaxe Limite, 138.2, 139.2, 135.2, 137.1 Oriental Ban, 388.95, 392, 382.1, 384.9 Pantaloon Re, 260.15, 269.7, 260.15, 267.95 Parsvnath De, 45.65, 46.5, 45, 46.05 Petronet Lng, 121.05, 125.9, 120.2, 125.25 Power Fin Co, 250, 255.8, 240.2, 241.65 Power Grid C, 101.35, 105.5, 101.35, 104.85 Praj Industr, 72.4, 75.15, 71.8, 74.4 Punj Lloyd L, 64.95, 68.15, 64.45, 67.85 Punjab Natio, 1215, 1217.15, 1177, 1179.5 Rajesh Expor, 109.65, 110.9, 101.5, 105.1 Ranbaxy Labs, 445.5, 458.6, 444.55, 450.55 Rashtriya Ch, 80.65, 82.3, 79.8, 82 Reliance Cap, 586.9, 616, 586.9, 614.25 Reliance Com, 110.4, 112.7, 109.4, 111.7 Reliance Ene, 1080.5, 1149, 1080.5, 1124.44 Reliance Ind, 633.75, 661, 631.05, 652.15 Reliance Ind, 1049.05, 1065.9, 1031, 1036.4 Reliance Pow, 131.5, 134.6, 131.5, 133.3 Rolta India, 138.55, 143.6, 138.55, 142.75 Satyam Compu, 66, 66.75, 65.6, 66.3

Sesa Goa Ltd, 292.75, 299.25, 292.75, 298.3 Shipping Cor, 108, 113.15, 107.25, 112.1 Siemens Ltd, 881, 884.2, 876, 883.25 Sintex Indus, 152.4, 160, 152, 159.65 Sobha Develo, 295, 301.8, 293.6, 295.45 State Bank O, 2765.3, 2774, 2705.1, 2719.55 Steel Author, 169.95, 171.9, 168.75, 169.95 Sterlite Ind, 173.7, 174.6, 172, 173.9 Sun Pharmace, 442.3, 446.95, 441.2, 445.3 Sun Tv Netwo, 457.75, 465, 441.1, 445.4 Suzlon Energ, 44.8, 49, 44.8, 48.65 Tata Communi, 237.95, 250.9, 237.95, 246.75 Tata Consult, 1185, 1198.75, 1172.55, 1180.15 Tata Motors, 1241, 1249.9, 1234.35, 1241.8 Tata Power C, 1325.1, 1339.7, 1311.4, 1317.35 Tata Steel L, 623, 629.95, 620.25, 626.6 Tata Teleser, 17.2, 17.7, 16.95, 17.35 Tech Mahindr, 672, 697, 671, 693.55 The Ge Shpg., 264, 272, 262.1, 271.1 The Phoenix, 181.95, 189, 181.25, 183.3 Thermax Ltd, 607, 639.95, 605.05, 633.95 Titan Indust, 3801, 3877.45, 3797.75, 3858.3 Torrent Powe, 252.05, 261.5, 247.1, 254.1 Tv18 India L, 77.1, 79.4, 75.8, 78.05 Uco Bank, 107.05, 109.65, 105.35, 108.65 Ultratech Ce, 1104.65, 1131.85, 1060, 1111.25 Union Bank O, 349.5, 350, 342.5, 343.95 Unitech Ltd, 40.5, 42.15, 40.3, 41.95 United Phosp, 152, 152, 148.9, 150.15 Videocon Ind, 194, 199.25, 193, 196.4 Vijaya Bank, 78.5, 81.5, 78.5, 81.15 Voltas Ltd, 182.8, 182.8, 176.5, 178.5 Wipro Ltd, 477, 479.6, 470, 476.05 Yes Bank Lim, 310.75, 315.9, 308, 312.05 Zee Entertai, 123.35, 125.95, 121.75, 125.05

Oil imports in February dipped by 0.3 per cent to USD 8.21 billion from USD 8.24 billion in February 2010.

However, non-oil imports grew by 31 per cent to USD 23.48 billion from USD 17.9 billion.

During April-February, 2010-11, oil imports grew by 12.4 per cent to USD 88.17 billion from USD 78.41 billion in the same period last year, the data said. Non-oil imports during the period also went up, by 20.4 per cent to USD 217.12 billion from USD 180.33 billion in the corresponding period last year.

J&K exports walnuts to 4 countries PTI JAMMU, APRIL 1: Showing decline in exports of world famous Kashmiri walnuts, Jammu and Kashmir government today said that 14,85,581 kg of walnuts have been exported to four foreign countries from the state.

Replying to the question in Legislative Assembly, Minister for Horticulture Sham Lal Sharma told the house that 14,85,581 kg of walnuts have been exported to four foreign countries -- the US, the UK, UAE and Nepal -- during 2009-10.

denial of green nod to Vedanta

PTI

NEW DELHI, APRIL 1: The Orissa government today approached the Supreme Court challenging the Centre's decision to reject environmental clearance to Vedanta bauxite mining project in Niyamgiri Hills.

Challenging the Environment Ministry's order of August 24, 2010, the state government filed an application through Orissa Mining Corporation (OMC), contending that the Centre's decision was in violation of the Supreme Court's previous order giving a green signal to the project.

Senior advocate K K Venugopal, appearing for OMC,

contended that the order was illegal, arbitrary and in violation of the apex court's direction.

A bench headed by Justice R V Raveendran agreed to hear the plea and also suggested that the state government and the mining corporation may file a contempt petition against the Centre if they thought that the Supreme Court's order had been violated.

In a major setback to the UK-based Vedanta group, the Centre had on August 24 last year rejected the environmental clearance to its USD 1.7-billion bauxite mining project proposed in Orissa.

The Centre had rejected the clearance citing various

violation of forest and environmental laws and had withdrawn its in-principle approval given to the project in 2007 by the Ministry of Environment and Forest.

While turning down the clearance, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh had said, "There has been a very serious violation of Environment Protection Act, Forest Conservation and Rights Acts by the Orissa Government" as also violation of norms by the company.

The Centre had said just because the ministry had given an in-principle approval to the project in 2007, it could not be treated as fait accompli.

Disappointed Ludhiana garment makers start production PTI CHANDIGARH, APRIL 1: With the last ditch attempt of the garment sector seeking rollback of excise duty from Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee proving futile, the disappointed Ludhiana-basedgarmentmakerstoday commenced production.

It also asked its buyers, including global brands such as Adidas, Reebok to pay duty component on placed orders early to meet

their funding demands.

Industry representatives also pointed out several garments makers may also go for breaking up their units in order to claim the central excise exemption of Rs 1.50 crore, which could lead to price variation between products of small and big units.

Representatives of garment sector from several places, including Ludhiana, had met Mukherjee on Thursday and strongly urged him to rollback

the excise duty.

"I think now the chances of rollback of excise duty are quite dim," Chamber of Knitwear & Textile Associations of Ludhiana President Ajit Lakra told PTI today.

"We expected that Mukherjee will either announce the roll back of the excise duty or will announce some major concession ...but to utter surprise, the Finance Minister refused to give any concession," he said.

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Goa I Saturday April 2, 2011

www.oheraldo.in

The (midday meal) rates were fixed some years ago. Taking into consideration the present inflation, the government should consider increasing this rate now — Manisha Lanjekar

bizlife SHE MEANS BUSINESS

Sachin Ambadoskar

MEALS, SNACKS ‘N’ POWER! for themselves – in 20102011 their turnover had touched Rs 90 lakh.

It was Hemashri Gadekar who took the lead to bring these scattered women together under National Co-operative Union of India (NCUI). While working as a mobiliser for a cooperative education field project, Hemashri came into contact with several rural women who had no source of income whatsoever.

Taking an initiative

(2001- 2011) – 10 years of Mahila Self Help Group Sahakari Audyogik Sanstha n Initial capital of 17,200 in 2001 n Record turnover of 90 lakh in 2010-11, highest in 10 years

n Loan minimum 5,000, maximum 50,000, n Rs 21,70,000 disbursed as advances or loans during 2010-2011

n Recovery is 100 per cent till date, not a single faulty payment

n Bought Maruti Eeco in 2010 for easing transport of goods

n Hired an office, flat and two shops, all on rental basis

CLOSURE REPORT Breaking bread the Goan way is a ritual, a way of life. With times changing the poder and his craft have been hit, but the charm of having pau the old way keeps this trade going.

Cedric da Costa reports

A

dlem podear mele ani te undea kobar zalem… so goes an old Goan Konkani adage. And, besides the alarm clock, the hectic honking of a baker with oven hot bread in a bamboo woven basket firmly mounted on his cycle is what we wake up to when we say…good morning Goa! In medieval times, a kabai (an old Goan dress, now replaced by trousers) clad baker would tread along on foot. With a basket on his head and a peculiar stick that he would bang on the ground to herald his arrival.

With the passage of time, the Goan baker has

to promote self help groups, Hemashri then brought all the groups from Bardez together to form Mahila Self Help Group Sahakari Audyogik Sanstha. This endeavour transformed into a large mass movement, mobilising the rural women work force to join hands and earn a living with dignity. They make embroidered bedsheets, children’s garments, besides snacks that are sold at two counters in Bardez.

also seen a major transition in his business.

Africa returned Mario Gil Remy Gomes inherited his father’s, French Bakery at Aquem in Margao. Along with his wife Celina, also a daughter of the famous Ferns Bakery at Panjim, Mario has carried on the family business passionately into the second generation. The Gomes couple claim that to ensure a profit, one has to get personally involved in the trade as the labour force is highly unreliable.

“Goa’s gen next are reluctant to roll their sleeves and put their hands into the flour.

Some bakeries have given

The Sanstha also provides midday meals (bhaji-pau, shira and pulao) to more than 3000 students of 13 schools in Mapusa Municipal area.

The government pays a marginal amount for the meals.

For the primary section (standards one to four) it is Rs 3.83 for 100 grams and for the upper primary (standards five to eight) its Rs 5.32 for 150 grams. “The rates were fixed some years ago. Taking into consideration the present inflation, the government should consider increasing this fixed rate now,” feels secretary Manisha Lanjekar. A commerce graduate, Manisha was 22 and unemployed when Hemashri encouraged her to join up. Today, Manisha confidently handles the banking counter with treasurer Smita Ghadi, earning a descent salary.

Duties are allotted to each member and they all take turns working on the counters on sales. The society has salaried members as well as a profit sharing ratio for many of the other members. After expenses, the society retains 10 per cent on the profits earned and the rest is handed over to the member. Loans are also given for initial invest-

Collective Output n Midday meals to 13 schools in Mapusa Municipal area n 62 types of snacks by 75 women daily – puran poli, batatawada, laddoo, chikki, chakli, shev, paapad, pickles etc n Festive Foods – dodol, poha, nevri, modak etc n Embroidery, crochet – bed sheets, table cloths n Ready made garments – night gowns, baby clothes, woolen n Catering on order – parties and ceremonies n Banking Counter – advances/loan transactions n Agriculture/ Horticulture – flowers, fruits and vegetables

ments. After the amount borrowed is repaid they can keep all that they earn, as profits.

The selling counters at Panjim Kadamba bus stand and Mapusa fish market are open 365 days a year. “Women’s Day on March 8 is the only day we don’t work,” states Vibha, who handles the Mapusa office. Today, they get insurance cover under the Janashri policy and hope to get a plot on comunidade land, which they plan to utilise surplus funds and open an old age home and a child care centre.

It seems to be a success story with a difference.

Once, they were either unemployed and had no income, today, utilising their inherent potential, a thousand plus women from Bardez collectively walked their way to financial freedom.

PAU WOW

Cedric da Costa

HOT OFF THE RACK: Mario Gomes inspects a batch of freshly baked pau their business on rent to outsiders”, says Gil attributing it as a major factor for the decline of the business.

With a four member team, French Bakery produces around three thousand pau’s (traditional Goan bread) a day and an estimated one

thousand poie (made out of wheat husks). The maida is procured from Belgaum and Delhi due to its quality.

At Parra in north Goa, Matheus Pereira started Vallankani Bakery almost 35 years ago. Today, his daughter Agnela Pereira runs the business

and claims that despite its ups and downs, she loves it.

Despite the environmentalist’s lament to save trees, the fires in Goan bakeries are still kept alive by wood. Angela justifies this, saying, “The bakery business requires constant fires and

n another prime instance of the government pitching for infrastructure the state does not need, the state budget has earmarked Rs 75 lakhs to build heliports and helipads.

The Tourism Minister might also do himself some good if he reads the concerned Ministry of Environment and Forests rule which permits building helipads in CRZ-I and III only for emergency requirements like providing relief and rescue operations. Helipads can be built in CRZ-II but cannot be used for commercial purposes. Also, no fuel storage facilities can be built in any of the three areas.

of Pernem, Bardez, Canacona and Salcette talukas.” In fact going by the government’s inaction where it matters most, Goa may one day not have a normal coastline. In fact luxury helicopter tours in India generally involve bird-watching in sanctuaries the size of Goa or, Rozario Estebeiro

In a five part series ‘She Means Business’, Bharati Pawaskar, tells stories of women entrepreneurs who may not operate from company boardrooms, but have managed to achieve perhaps more than their corporate sisters.

These women have empowered themselves and other women to be self starters on the road to financial independence

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The state budget had some eyebrow raising proposals for tourism which included building helipads and more river cruises. As Lionel Messias argues, the government should have paused before pushing for helicopter and boat rides, which may lead to private parties making money, but do little to promote tourism

A ride to nowhere I

HOMEMADE DELICACIES: A group of women operate the snack counter in Panjim

he next time you walk into the Panjim bus stand or near the Mapusa fish market, you’ll notice a stall comprising women that dishes out yummy home-made snacks. That is the product of Mahila Self Help Group Sahakari Audyogik Sanstha, an organisation empowering women and enabling them to be financially self-sufficient.

With 1077 registered women members, the Mahila Self Help Group Sahakari Audyogik Sanstha, Bardez comprises of 72 self help groups.

A small step was taken in 1996 under the banner of National Co-operative Union of India (NCUI) when 100 odd women came together aiming for economic independence.

The sanstha got registered in 1999 and there was no looking back after that. The figures speak

The bakery business requires constant fires and if we are going to sustain profits, the operating costs through electricity would be high and the reliability ratio doubtful — Angela Pereira

RIVER TRAFFIC: Will the Sal look like this in a short while?

Having traced the fine line between the forest and trees in the government’s eyes here’s why tiny Goa does not need helicopter rides.

Because, a helicopter would cover Goa in mere minutes. And, is the coastline worth viewing from a height and at great expense? The answer was in the Economic Survey tabled in the Assembly as part of the budget exercise. It said: “It is observed that about 15-20 kms of coastline is severely affected by sea erosion especially the beaches

bigger and for pilgrimage tours like the Amarnath Yatra .

The budget also promised river cruises, which means more lucrative contracts for ferry building companies from the River Navigation department even as the river Sal is dying literally and figuratively to be dredged.

Villagers in Cavellossim, Velim, Assolna and Betul said that their panchayats would definitely object to any river cruises with the same vigor they opposed casinos. A source

if we are going to sustain profits, the operating costs through electricity would be high and the reliability ratio doubtful.”

The Goan bakers are united under the banner of one organization called, All Goa Bakers Association. And despite the traditional bakeries struggling for survival in competitive times, the Goa Government has not actually done much to alleviate their plight.

“The government talks have been only on paper, there is no actual support to the traditional bakers from any source. There is a power subsidy, but the process is so lengthy and the paperwork so tedious that the ex-

penses incurred is more than the actual amount one recovers,” says Peter Fernandes, Co-ordination Committee Chairman of All Goa Association of Bakers (AGAB) and proprietor of Dalima bakers, Margao.

In recent times, pau consumers argue that while the sizes have shrunk, costs have bloated. Agnela counters this by justifying that production costs including that of flour, transportation, wood and labour have risen sharply.

Agnela also states that business is brisk during the Christmas season and the summer months, but during the monsoon the sales drop and it becomes

STATS Price of single pau Rs 2.50 retail (door to door sale), Rs 2.00 Wholesale (at the baker’s) Cost of a truck of wood - Rs 12-14,000/Estimated bread produced per day - pau - 2000-3000 poie 1000-2000 Labour per bakery – bet 3-5 workers Incentive per bread given to bakers doing home deliveries - 50 paise

close to the Cavellossim Sarpanch pointed out that the fishing community would have to be consulted first. “To begin with our panchayat permitted dredging of only the river mouth in 2007. Work on it started but was never completed after people objected,” says Elton Caeiro, owner of Seagull Resort, “Certainly people will object because they all fear one kind of cruise will lead to another kind and the Sal will become like the Mandovi,” he adds.

Village Panchayats are also likely to object to the ‘construction of leisure fishing points’ according to the budget as this also would invite all kinds of new entrants to come in and spoil the tranquility of the river Sal as well as the shellfish catch.

As for the Rs 50 lakh proposal to beautify Baina beach, the former MLA John Vaz says, “It’s too late for that now. I had cleaned up one-third of the beach in 1995.

Nothing ever happened after that. Thanks to the presence of a huge locomotive maintenance facility of the Mormugao Port Trust, Baina was never conducive for tourism.

Also, about two-thirds of the 1.5 km long beach has nearly 300 houses of migrants who use the beach as an alfresco toilet. You need to clear this worst menace first. Any other kind of attempt at beautification is an eye-wash.”

In fact hoteliers across the board say Goa needs promenades like Mauritius and China (Shanghai). Finally, there is the fear of the Navy whose Blue Water ambitions is already beating up the government black and blue. Remember, it objected to Mukesh Ambani’s helipads atop the Antilia, his extravagant 29-storey home.

It will definitely oppose building helipads in Goa.

very difficult to break even.

Both, Gil and Agnela feel that despite of commercialization in the bakery business and various types of packaged breads hitting the stands in up market bread shops, the Goan favorite still remains the traditional pau and poie.

Amy Fernandes, a Mumbai based law firm executive from Goa says, “The dynamics of Goan bread have changed, whenever we come to Goa we do not find the bread of the yesteryears, but a sad replica of that crispy, toddy laced taste of a hot bread. The toil and passion of the Goan baker of the past is definitely missing. On the other hand, diet, health and weight conscious individuals have shifted their loyalties to branded breads.”

And there it is. The pau was always a favourite, a Goan tradition and a staple on the table, be it breakfast, lunch, tea or dinner. The future however, might be slowly going stale.

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world

US worried over prosecution washington: theUs has expressed deep concern over continued religious prosecution of minorities in iran. "we're deeply troubled about reports coming out of iran that a 20-year sentence of the seven Baha'i leaders was reinstated on appeal by the prosecutor general.

People are afraid to protest tomorrow, but there are many who are upset about the speech and what is happening in the country right now and a good many of them will take to the street.

Ammar al-Qurabi

AFP CAIRO,

APRIL

1:Syria

news agency. Syrian Human Rights Information Link, an activist organization, has documented the names of 103 people killed across the country since the protests began March 15, including at least 73 in Dara’a and 10 in Latakia. It was not clear if the number for Latakia included protesters killed on Wednesday night.

The government also announced the creation of a committee to study lifting the emergency law imposed in 1963 and replacing it with legislation “that secures the preservation of the country’s security, the dignity of citizens and combating terrorism,” according to the state news agency. Lifting the emergency law has been a major demand of the protesters. Among its provisions, the law silences dissent and allows security forces to detain citizens without charge.

Syrian activists called for

TROUBLED TIMES AHEAD analysts said they were doubtful that the changes, coming a day after President Bashar al-assad pointedly refused to make concessions, would amount to more than window dressing, and activists promised to go ahead with plans for a nationwide protest on Friday. mass demonstrations across the nation to honor those killed as they demanded reforms in two weeks of protests. According to The Associated Press, organizers using social networking sites have called for a “Friday of martyrs” — a reference to scores of people who have died in government crackdowns.

The protest call could be a critical test of the strength of the movement, which in a little over two weeks has posed an unprecedented challenge to the four-decade iron rule of the Assad family.

The police and the military have responded aggressively to check the protests; activists say at least 103 people have

Moscow detects radioactivity from Japan’s nuclear reactor AFP MOSCOW, APRIL 1: Radioactivity from Japan's damaged nuclear reactor has been detected in the atmosphere around the Russian capital Moscow, officials from the municipal facility treating nuclear waste said Friday.

Radon, a company set up in Moscow to monitor radioactivity and dispose of radioactive waste in central Russia, has been detecting traces of iodine and strontium isotopes since last week, deputy director Oleg Polsky said.

The minuscule amounts were possible to detect only via the company's powerful filtering systems and don't pose any health risks, he said.

"Starting March 23rd, we began registering activity, whose make-up corresponds

PTI

(Caranzalem) Born: 31-10-1924 Died: 29-03-2011 Beloved husband of Marilena Fernandes. Loving Father of late Manuel / Angela, Felix / Zita, Melita/Manuel & Henry/Cynthia. Grandfather of Malcolm, Melroy, Daniella & Denzil.

Passed away peacefully on 29th March 2011.

Funeral cotage will leave his residence (Today) the 2nd April 2011 at 2.45 pm to Our Lady of Rosary Chapel, Caranzalem for Eucharistic Celebration followed by burial at Taleigao Cemetry.

Relatives & friends kindly accept this as the only intimation

goanrites@gmail.com 9822122003 / 9822136397

Starting March 23rd, we began registering activity, whose make-up corresponds to that which comes from accident situations on nuclear reactors.

--Sergei Gordeyev to that which comes from accident situations on nuclear reactors," the company's Sergei Gordeyev said.

Detected isotopes include radioactive Iodine-131 in aerosol and gas form, cesium134 and cesium-137, and tellurium-132, he said at a press conference in Moscow.

"The isotopes confirm that it's a process connected with

the accident," said Polsky, "but these traces are not dangerous for people."

The earthquake and tsunami that ravaged Japan's northeast coast and left about 28,000 dead or missing also knocked out reactor cooling systems at the Fukushima plant, which has leaked radiation into the air and sea.

Jitters continued throughout Asia this week that radiation had drifted over their territories, even though they emphasised the levels were so small there was no health risk.

Traces of radioactive iodine believed to be from Japan's damaged nuclear plant have even been detected as far afield as Britain, officials said Tuesday.

Jail Superintendent held in murder case

JAMMU, MARCH 25 : Jammu and Kashmir Police has arrested a jail superintendent for alleged involvement in a conspiracy to kill a man, who was pursuing the high-profile murder case of his nephew Amandeep Singh, the son of a former NC legislator.

NAZARENO FERNANDES

Ivory Coast’s strongman Laurent Gbagbo has intention of resigning, he will not abdicate, he will take the resistance to the Ivorian people."

Tousaint Alain

Syria bracing for renewed protests braced for renewed anti-government demonstrations on Friday despite the government announcement a day before of new measures seemingly aimed at addressing the protesters’ demands.

But analysts said they were doubtful that the changes, coming a day after President Bashar al-Assad pointedly refused to make concessions, would amount to more than window dressing, and activists promised to go ahead with plans for a nationwide protest on Friday.

Two government announcements on Thursday created new committees to address the protesters’ concerns.

One committee was appointed to investigate deaths in Dara’a and Latakia, two cities where the government has cracked down on protesters, according to the state

DEATH

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goa, saturday 2 april 2011

Superintendent of Udhampur District Jail Mirza Saleem Beig was arrested at Jammu railway station after he arrived from Delhi yesterday, DIG JammuKathua Range Farooq Khan said today.

The conspiracy to kill Sudershan Wazir, who was actively pursuing the case of

Amandeep's murder, was allegedly hatched in Beig'spresenceinsideKotbalwaljail,theDIG said, adding, "Even money was paid to the contract killers inside the prison".

The matter came to light after the arrest of an alleged criminal Sunny Baba, who is a member of a gang that had allegedly been hired by the main accused in the Amandeep murder case, Naggar Singh, to kill Wazir.

The son of former National Conference (NC) legislator Dipinder Kour, Amandeep had been allegedly shot by Jatinder Singh alias Raja and Royal Singh in August 2009.

"We will interrogate Beig in this regard as we believe that he was monitoring the movement of local contract killers, giving them instructions from inside the jail," he said.

Beig, who is the former superintendent of high-security Kotbalwal jail had allegedly helped the accused engage contract killers locally and also from Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh, he said, adding the deal with contract killers brought here from Mumbai and UP was struck at Rs 1 crore, with Rs 10-15 lakh paid to them as advance.

died. Mr. Assad’s speech to the nation on Wednesday, in which he called the protesters dupes and agents of a foreign conspiracy, left little doubt that the hard line would continue.

Ammar al-Qurabi, a Syrian activist currently in Cairo, said the speech and the violence of the last two weeks could discourage some from protesting on Friday, but he said he remained optimistic.

“People are afraid to protest tomorrow, but there are many who are upset about the speech and what is happening in the country right now, and a good many of them will not be afraid to take to the street,” he said.

“Of course I am nervous;

my people are being killed in the street,” he added. “The president’s speech was very threatening.”

Assad, in his first public address since the unrest began, said the democracy protests were merely a disguise for a foreign conspiracy to “fragment Syria, to bring down Syria as a nation, to enforce an Israeli agenda.”

He acknowledged popular demands for reform but insisted that protesters had been “duped” into damaging the nation on behalf of its enemies, and vowed that the country would not bow to foreign pressure.

“It is clear from Bashar’s speech that he is threatening Syrians who go to the street,” said Radwan Ziadeh, a Syrian human rights activist and visiting scholar at George Washington University in Washington. “He ended the speech by saying, ‘This is a battle and we are ready to

fight it.’ But against who?”

That question appeared to be answered just hours after the speech, when security forces opened fire upon prodemocracy demonstrators in the coastal city of Latakia, a stronghold of the ruling Baath Party and the Shiite Alawi sect that dominates it. Witnesses and activists gave conflicting reports of from 2 to 15 protesters killed.

In one video posted to YouTube, protesters in Latakia can be seen and heard chanting, “The people just want freedom.” In a second, screaming demonstrators carry bloody bodies down the street.

Nonetheless, the Facebook group Syrian Revolution 2011, which has more than 100,000 fans, urged Syrians to take to the streets on Friday. “What we have understood from the speech is that we have no choice but to remove the regime,” the group said in a statement posted Thursday.

Aspirant for governor in Nigeria re-arrested PTI ABUJA, APRIL 1: An opposition candidate for governor in Nigeria''s oil-rich southern delta, who was charged with treason last weekend, was

released here by a court but assaulted and rearrested immediately for ''unknown reasons''. Federal HC Judge Adamu Bello saw no links between opposition candi-

date for governorship in Akwa Ibom state, James Akpanudoedehe, and the killings and destruction of property by political party thugs for which he was arrested.

FROM PAGE 1 their demands by Tuesday, they should shift YESTERDAY ONCE their protest to the legislative assembly.

Till going to the press, the protestors were MORE? still on the road blocking the traffic to Altinho.

For Sachin Tendulkar, tomorrow’s final is a script ordained by a greater God. A World Cup final in his hometown. His challenge will be as much to keep the crowds at bay as much as to engage them. Greg Chappel, not one of India’s most loved coaches, in a interview to The Guardian, London, before he finished his assignment said “It is an unnerving experience to drive out of stadiums and see the streets lined with people from all walks of life, particularly those from poorer communities whose only glimpse of the team would be as the bus flashes past, and to see their faces light up.

That happens here every day with this team.

Sachin Tendulkar, for example, is still the one who is most in demand and the way in which he just copes serenely with it is a lesson to us all. You know he gives what he can but he has learned that there is a limit. So he gives that much and then has to shut himself down.”

Sachin and all of Mahendra Singh Dhonis boys need to shut themselves down today as they play Sri Lanka, an amazing opponent.

Shut out even 1983. But 1983 won’t shut them out. The nation will cry with all the passion at its command. YESTERDAY ONCE MORE.

Saturday Night fever again had come tantalizingly close in 2003 when they lost to Australia in the finals in South Africa. Never before has history beckoned so dearly. The nation hopes it does not become another so nearly.

Khariwado homeless storm Panjim accompanied the locals assured them that their grievances will be heard. “The CM has assured to meet the people at 5 p.m. at Margao,” he told the agitated members.

The locals however refused to disperse and demanded that they would hold protest till the CM personally meets them. “We are fed up of false assurances. Until the government heeds to our demands, we will not move,” said one of the locals, whose house was demolished as a part of the demolition following the High Court’s order.

Sloganeering continued for more than two hours even as an armed police squad foiled the group’s attempt to proceed to the CM’s official residence. Opposition leader Manohar Parrikar met distressed persons and told them that if the government fails to heed to

John gets bail, finally Vijaya Pol released the accused on a personal bond of Rs 50,000 with two separate sureties in like amount. The accused was directed to surrender his passport, if any to the investigating officer, within two days of his release till further orders, if the passport is not already surrenderd before the IO. The accused was further directed not to leave Goa during the pendency of the case without permission of the court.

While granting bail to the accused, the judge said the possibility of John fleeing from the State as argued by the public prosecutor has no basis since the accused has his roots in Goa and had contested elections as is clear from the evidence on record.

“Looking at the stage of trial, when all material witnesses are examined by the prosecution, except few investigating officers, it is clear that in the absence of any apprehensions that the accused can pressurize the witnesses at this stage, it is the fit stage to grant bail to the accused on necessary conditions”, the judge ruled.

Moreover, the judge observed that there is no possibility of the accused threatening or influencing the remaining investigating officers, specially when the other evidence has come on record.

“Thus, there is a material change in the circumstances at present from the time when the earlier bail application were made by the accused. Thus, the apprehension shown by the prosecution and the argument by the public prosecutor that the accused is not entitled to bail since there is a strong apprehension that he would threaten or influence the witnesses is without any basis”, the judge said, adding that “even the High Court in its order dated April 30, 2010 had given liberty to the accused to apply for bail in the Sessions Court after the examination of the main prosecution witnesses in the trial of the accused.

John has been behind bars for nearly a year and three months after his arrest by the Crime Branch in January last year after the Russian woman complained of rape by the accused.

John and his family members heaved a sigh of relief after Judge Vijaya Pol ordered his release on bail. He had knocked the doors of the judiciary with a bail plea several times, moving the High Court and the Supreme Court for bail twice during the last one year.

Curtains on the rape case trial has almost come down with only the investigating officers remaining to be examined by the court.

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Goa I Saturday 2, April 2011

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world Defections in Gaddafi’s inner circle spreading

PTI TrIPOlI, APrIl 1: Another

top Libyan leader, Ali Abdessalam Treki, has defected to Egypt and two desertions in as many days has spread paranoia among Muammar Gaddafi's inner circle, stirring talk that many others may be preparing to follow, triggering a crackdown to stop them.

Treki, a former foreign minister and ex-president of the UN general Assembly who has worked closely with Gaddafi for decades, announced his exist on opposition websites, declaring "it's our right to live in freedom and democracy."

Pan-Arab channel Al-

Jazeera reported that Gaddafi's intelligence chief and the Speaker of the Parliament had fled to Tunisia.

Some Arabic newspapers said Mohammad Abu Al Qassim Al Zawi, the head of Libya's Popular Committee, the country's equivalent of a parliament, is among the defectors, and reports of other defections, such as that of top oil official Shokri Ghanem, remain unconfirmed.

These officials were part of the group who had headed to Tunisia for talks and decided to stay there.

The new spate of defections comes in the wake of desertion by high-profile For-

eign Minister Moussa Koussa, who once earned the nickname 'envoy of death' for his role in the assassination of the earlier Libyan defectors.

The defections and ensuing speculation underscored the increasing tension in the Libyan capital where US and allied strikes have crippled Gaddafi's military machine deployed mostly as a bulwark against his own people.

New York Times reported from the city that residents had reacted in shock and disbelief at the defection of Koussa and there were increasingly open talks among the public about the possibility of Brother Gaddafi's exit.

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The wedding is quite a daunting prospect but very exciting and I’m thoroughly looking forward to it but there's still a lot of planning to be done in the -- Prince William last four weeks.

Italy moves migrants to mainland

AGENCIES lAMPEDUSA, APrIl 1:

Italy has transferred 1,716 North African migrants most of them Tunisian - to a temporary camp site in its south-eastern Puglia region.

The migrants arrived by ship on Thursday from Lampedusa, a tiny island packed with thousands fleeing poverty and unrest in Tunisia.

A "tent city" has been set up to accommodate them in Manduria, a town in the southern heel of Italy.

Italy's Il Giornale newspaper says Rome is planning to repatriate 100 Tunisians every day.

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Goa, Saturday 2, April 2011

We need to give attention to the poor people of the two countries and that can happen when the war phobia ends. We need to work together to resolve our real issues. We should look after the poor masses of both the countries.

-- Gilani

India, Pak should overcome war phobia, says Gilani PTI ISlAMAbAD, APrIl 1:

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani today said that Pakistan and India should overcome "war phobia" to address their outstanding issues as a "third power" cannot come and do it for them.

"We need to give attention to the poor people of the two countries and that can happen when the war phobia ends," Gilani said while speaking in the Senate or upper house of parliament on his meeting with his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh on the margins of the cricket World cup semi-final at Mohali on Wednesday.

13 killed in Vietnam rockslide

AFP HANOI, APrIl 1: At least 13

people were killed and several others trapped beneath large boulders after a rockslide at a quarry in Vietnam, an official said Friday.

Troops were helping the rescue efforts but the chances of survival for the five missing "is very low," said Ho Duc Phuoc, chairman of the provincial People's Committee, the local government.

"The search is very difficult because there are several huge rocks and we have had to mobilise soldiers to help," Phuoc said.

"We need to work together to resolve our real issues. We should look after the poor masses of both the countries and we both have agreed that, yes, this is the problem," Gilani said, referring to his talks with Singh.

Addressing critics of his government who have claimed that the premier did not raise the Kashmir issue with Singh, Gilani said: "The outstanding and the core issue is Kashmir. So what other issue can you talk about? We discussed all issues and we agreed that we have to take ownership (of

our problems). If we do not resolve our issues by ourselves, then a third power cannot come and do it."

Taking ownership of outstanding issues will help Pakistan and India to address the problems of the people of both countries, including poverty, hunger, disease, unemployment, law and order and food security, he said.

Gilani said Singh had told him that India is ready to hold talks on every issue.

"Their gesture of sending an invitation (to watch the World cup semi-final was aimed at creating) goodwill in both countries," he added.

US, Japanese forces searching for missing AGENCIES TOKYO, APrIl 1: Thou-

sands of Japanese and American forces joined together Friday in a final three-day sweep to search for those still missing after the 9.0 earthquake and devastating tsunami hit Japan three weeks ago.

The operation involves 120 aircraft and 65 ships and will cover the three prefectures hit hardest by the disaster that has killed 11,400 people and left more than 16,500 missing.

The quake and tsunami also knocked out cooling systems at the Fukushima nuclear plant, causing it to leak various forms of radiation.

Prince William admits to pre-wedding nerves AFP lONDON, APrIl 1: Prince

William has admitted to being so nervous in a rehearsal for his wedding to Kate Middleton this month that his knees were knocking together.

William, who will marry long-time girlfriend Middleton on April 29 at London's Westminster Abbey, confessed that Britain's biggest royal wedding for 30 years would be "quite a daunting

prospect."

Speaking after a training exercise at the Royal Air Force (RAF) base in Anglesey, Wales, where he is based as a search and rescue helicopter pilot, the second-inline to the British throne revealed his nerves.

Asked what elements of the wedding on April 29 he was worried about, the 28-yearold replied: "The whole thing."

"I was telling everyone I

did the rehearsal the other day and my knees started tapping quite nervously," he continued.

"It's quite a daunting prospect but very exciting and I'm thoroughly looking forward to it but there's still a lot of planning to be done in the last four weeks."

He spoke ahead of a visit on Friday to the base on Anglesey by his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II and grandfather Prince Philip.

William joined C Flight, 22 Squadron in September and has so far participated in 12 search and rescue missions.

The missions have included rescuing someone who fell off a cliff in Anglesey and someone who had a suffered a suspected heart attack.

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sports

Viva Kerala will take on JCT at Jawahar Municipal Stadium in Kannur on Saturday in Round 20 of I-League 2010-11. The fact that both the teams are fighting to avoid the drop will make the encounter a very interesting one. JCT are now one point behind Viva Kerala in the 12th position, which is just above the relegation spot.

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Goa I Saturday 2, April 2011

This is a fantastic moment and I am proud of what my team has achieved. This is the second time that we have beaten Mohun Bagan.

-- Churchill Alemao, PWD Minister

St Rock down Oratory, enter semis Margao, April 1: St Rock’s YC, Majorda drubbed Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda 4-2 to enter the semi-finals of AllGoa SWC Cup inter-village

The vicTorious churchill Brothers players and officials proudly display the All-India IFA Shield which they won for the second time to become the only Goan team to have inscribed their name on the trophy alongwith PWD Minister Churchill Alemao, patron on their arrival from Kolkata at Dabolim on Friday.

Rousing reception for Churchill Bros

CHARLES D’SOUZA Margao, April 1: The triumphant Churchill Brothers, the only Goan team which won the IFA Shield for the second consecutive time, arrived to a tumultuous welcome from scores of fans, supporters and football enthusiasts in Vasco and Salcete on Friday.

PWD Minister and patron of the club, Churchill Aleamo, his son Savio

Aleamo and his nephew, Warren Alemao were there at Dabolim to greet the heroes on their arrival from Kolkata with plenty of supporters cheering the team.

Churchill garlanded the victorious members of the team and his new Croatian coach Mamic Droba.

Churchill said, “This is a fantastic moment and I am proud of what my team has achieved. This is the second time we have beaten Mohun

Bagan in their own den in Kolkata. The boys excelled throughout the tournament and I praise the entire team and the new coach. I also thank all supporters in Goa for backing the club and showing faith in the team that they were worthy winners.”

A jubiliant Churchill Brothers coach Mamic Droba said that his boys did a marvelous job to beat the Kolkata giants in their own

hometown and win the title.

He however, admitted that he had very little time with the team but the boys responded well with the little coaching that they got.

Odafe Okolie, Churchill Brothers scoring machine was also among the goal getters. “We played as a cohesive unit and God helped us to achieve the feat. I thank my boss Churchill Alemao and supporters. I am very proud of them,” he added.

Dietmar saves 10-man Saligao United HERALD SPORTS REPORTER

GFA Second Division: Sesa FA (Juniors) v. Peddem Bomm SC, Duler Stadium, Mapusa, 4 p.m.

Cruz Memorial soccer: Holy Cross Boys v.

Menezes Boys, Paroda, Carmona panchayat ground, 4.30 p.m.

SWC Cup soccer: Nuvem SC v. Goa Velha SC, Zaino ground, Velim, 4.45 p.m.

Mapusa, April 1: Dietmar Fernandes saved a penalty in the 59th minute to ensure 10-man Saligao United held Saligao Sporting to a goalless draw in GFA’s 2nd Div League at Duler Stadium, here on Friday.

United’s Carl Joshua D’Sousa was shown a straight red card in the 59th minute after handling the ball to prevent a shot from entering the net from Sporting’s Allen Gonsalves. Dietmar did well

to tip the resulting penalty taken by Sporting’s Uday Naik over the bar for a corner.

Sporting created more goal scoring chances than their opponents, but could not find the back of the net due to excellent goalkeeping from the rival custodian.

Within 15 minutes of the second half, Dietmar deserved to earn the man-of-the-match after a splendid penalty save to keep United in the match.

Ten minutes later, United’s troubles worsened

when defender Mahesh Rane had to go off injured.

This match brings an end to the Bardez Zone group ‘A’ Second Division. After three matches, Laxmi Prasad topped the group with six points. Saligao Sporting and Saligao United are tied on four points and both have +2 goal average, although Saligao United have a superior goal score and it looks as if they may have snatched the second play-off spot. Benny XI finished bottom with no points.

football at Zaino ground, Velim on Friday. St Rock led 2-0 at half time.

Agnelo Fernandes scored a brace. Preston Rodrigues

further consolidated the lead.

Don Bosco reduced the margin through Vincent Barbosa.

St Rock made it 4-1 when

Allister Monteiro scored.

Don Bosco managed to pull one more back when Rozer Azavedo’s stiff shot crashed into the net.

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sports SNAPSHOT friends Circle win HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM -- Friends Circle, Maina defeated Seraulim Veterians by a solitary goal in Cruz Memorial soccer at Carmona panchayat ground on Friday.

The match-winner was netted by Creston.

autism day swimming PANJIM – Special Olympics Bharat – Goa will organise ‘Swim With a Difference’ on the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day. Malay Samant, a student of Lourdes Convent High School, Saligao will attempt to swim across River Mandovi alongwith three regular students Abraham John Fernandes, Vinela Dias and Abigail D’Costa on April 2 from Malim Jetty to Captain of Ports Jetty at 10 a.m.

Notwithstanding the loss in the World Cup semi-final, the Pakistan team today received a rousing welcome on its return home even as the country's media heaped praise on its remarkable performance despite ‘facing much hardship in recent times’.

AFP New Delhi, April 1: Praise and admiration rained down on Sachin Tendulkar and Muttiah Muralitharan on Friday, as cricket's two most successful performers pre-

PANJIM– The Higher Secondary School Physical Education Teachers Association (PETA) will organise their 6th All-Goa invitational PETA football tournament for the staff of DSYA, SAG, veterans, press and electronic media, referees association, PE teachers of schools and higher secondary school physical education teachers from April 10 to 17 at Rosary Higher Secondary School ground. Details may be obtained from Oswald D’Costa, PE teacher, Rosary HSS, Navelim or Chetan Kavlekar, V S Dempo HSS, Mira Mar.

pared to bring their World Cup careers to an end.

India opener Tendulkar, playing in his sixth and probably last World Cup, is desperate to capture the only piece of silverware missing from his record-breaking collection.

Added spice is provided

by Saturday's final against Sri Lanka being played at his home Wankhede stadium in Mumbai where a century will make him the first batsman to score a hundred international centuries.

"If you bat with Sachin for 15 games you have the kind of experience you'd have after 50 games," said India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Schools taekwondo probables Panjim, April 1: The Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs has shortlisted the following U-14, U-17 and U19 boys and girls probables to attend the Pre-National coaching camp in Taekwondo to select the State team scheduled to participate in the forthcoming 56th National School Games in Andheri, Mumbai from April 23 to 25.

U-19 boys: Mahamud Sahikh (Gaonkar HSS, Raia), Salman Shaikh (Government Multipurpose HSS, Borda, Margao), Siddesh Naik (Shri Shantadurga HSS), Ashwin Molgund (DCT’s Dempe HSS, Mira Mar), Stafford Bobo (Fr Agnel Multipurpose HSS, Verna), Sagar Palconda (RMS HSS, Margao), Abhishek Kallur (RMS HSS, Margao).

U-19 girls: Debra Gomes (Shrimati Parvatibhai Chowgule HSS, Margao),

Marolif Fernandes (Chowgule HSS, Margao), Tanvi Gaonkalkar (RMS HSS, Margao), Apeksha Raikar (Chowgule HSS, Margao).

U-17 boys: Chandan Gawli (Fr Agnel Multipurpose HS, Verna), Vishal Rathod (Municipal HS, Vasco), Rohan Harikant (Sharada English HS, Marcela), Sikandar Kodittal (Government HS, Davorlim, Margao), Sandeep Reswal (Rosary HS, Nuvem), Jagannath Sagar (Dada Vaidya HS, Curti, Ponda), Bhavesh Gawas (Sharada English HS, Marcela), Ravindra Mallah (Municipal HS, Vasco), Ranjan Thakur (Municipal HS, Vasco).

U-17 girls: Jessy George (Fr Agnel Multipurpose HS, Verna), Snehal Vaddar (Fr Agnel Multipurpose HS, Verna), Sunita Pujari (Municipal HS, Vasco), Ratna Naik (Sharada English HS, Marcela), Sai Dessai (Holy

Family HS, Porvorim), Asha Kamaladini (Fr Agnel Multipurpose HS, Verna), Annandi Reddy (Sharada English HS, Marcela), Senida Fernandes (Fatima Convent HS, Margao), Alifa Bi Khan (Presentation Convent HS, Margao), Senninal Gomes (Manovikas HS, Margao).

U-14 boys: Swayam Naik (St Joseph HS, Margao), Akanshu Dung Dung (Rosary HS, Navelim) Shivnath Chauhan (Infant Jesus HS), Sherwin Fernandes (Holy Spirit HS, Margao), Kannhaiya Khatavkar (Adarsh Vidhylay, Margao), Parshuram Pujari (Municipal HS, Vasco), Rushad Naik (Loyola HS, Margao), Mahesh Naik (Sharada English HS, Marcela), Vikas Mayura (Municipal HS, Vasco), Abrose Pereira (St Joseph HS, Usgao), Niraj Bhushan (Municipal HS, Vasco).

U-14 girls: Sameera Pereira (Fatima Convent HS,

FIXTURES

Saturday

a parent of a trainee lighting the traditional lamp to inaugurate the 20th Summer camp organised by Margao Cricket Academy at Multipurpose HS, ground, Margao, Borda in the presence of Sanjay Katkar, president and Hemant Angle, secretary.

West Ham v. Man United Birmingham v. Bolton Everton v. Aston Villa Newcastle v. Wolves Stoke City v. Chelsea Bromwich v. Liverpool Wigan v. Tottenham Arsenal v. Blackburn

Sunday Fulham v. Blackpool Man City v. Sunderland

Margao), Sadiksha Asnodkar (Chubby Cheeks HS, Porvorim), Laxmi Sabar (Government HS, Davorlim), Railiya Mascarenhas (Presentation Convent HS, Margao), Charmaine Mendonca (Fatima Convent HS, Margao), Murial Gomes (Presentation Convent HS, Margao), Salome Pereira (Fatima Convent HS, Margao), Mallika Fernandes (Fatima Convent HS, Margao), Mithali Pujari (Mahila and Nutan HS), Vidula Dempo (Sharada English HS, Marcela), Gautami Naik (St Joseph HS, Margao).

All those selected may report at Multipurpose Hall, Fatorda from April 2 to 21 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. to Guilson Baptista, APEO at 2.30

Candolim pip Rossman Cruz HERALD CORRESPONDENT Calangute, April 1: Candolim Sports Club scored a solitary goal victory over Rossman Cruz SC, Verna to move into the quarter-finals of Rusi Daver Rolling Trophy inter-village football tournament organised by Adarsh Yuvak Sangh at Saligao Sporting ground, on Friday.

Candolim match forged ahead in the 15th minute through Joelif Simoes off a penalty.

Verna mounted pressure on the Candolim defense but a goal eluded them. Candolim also had their share of scoring opportunities but Verna keeper, Francisco Abranches came to his side’s rescue time and again. He also saved a penalty off Joelif in the dying minutes.

Navelim Villagers trick Raia HERALD CORRESPONDENT Margao, April 1: Navelim Villagers Union defeated Raia Sporting Club 1-0 to storm into the quarter-finals of All-Goa Curtorim Panchayat Cup inter-village football tournament organised

by Curtorim Gymkhana at Curtorim ground, on Friday.

There was no score at half time.

The teams began on a promising note when both teams went into the attack mode but it was Raia who nearly found success in the 18th minute when striker Edison D’Cruz’s well executed free kick was well blocked by Navelim goalkeeper Jaison Pereira.

After the initial scare by their opponents, Navelim regrouped quickly and had a

I don't know how the TV replays showed my delivery turning towards the leg side because I had bowled an arm ball to Sachin and it went straight -- Pak off-spinner Saeed Ajmal

Sachin, Murali set for farewell

peta soccer tourney

HERALD SPORTS DESK

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Goa I Saturday 2, April 2011

chance to surge ahead but striker Bitu Singh spurned the easiest chance after being fed by veteran midfielder Domnic Cabral.

Navelim put up a better performance in the second session and raided the rival goal with their strikers taking the pot shots.

A little later, Navelim muffed an easy chance with striker Bitu Singh being the

culprit as he ballooned over from close range.

The all-important goal came in the 53rd minute when Franky Pereira’s rasping try hit the cross bar and in the rebound Domnic punished the rival keeper with a neat placement.

Stung by the setback, Raia tried their best but failed to get past the rival rearguard.

in praise of a man who is just three weeks shy of his 38th birthday.

Dhoni, whose team reached the final by putting out champions Australia and Pakistan in the knockout rounds, added that India have still to hit top gear as they aim to become the first team to win the World Cup on home turf.

"There is plenty more to come from us. We gained momentum as the tournament went on and we are now peaking at the right time."

Muralitharan, the only member of Sri Lanka's 1996 World Cup winning squad still playing in the national team, will retire after Saturday, bringing down the curtain on a 19-year career which has yielded 534 ODI wickets.

The off-spinner, who will

celebrate his 39th birthday on April 17, is an injury doubt for Saturday's match after suffering a series of injuries throughout the tournament.

But with 15 wickets already to his name in this event, he is crucial to his team's chances and is just three wickets short of equalling Australian seamer Glenn McGrath's record of 71 World Cup victims.

"Murali's presence is always important. He's a bigmatch player, he's been amazing for us, so hopefully if he is fit he will take the field," said Sri Lanka skipper Kumar Sangakkara.

Both sides suffered injury setbacks on Friday.

Sri Lanka all-rounder Angelo Mathews was ruled out with a side strain to be replaced in the squad by Suraj Randiv.

Indian left-arm seamer

Ashish Nehra is also out having fractured the middle finger on his right hand in Wednesday's semi-final win over Pakistan.

"Ashish is most certainly out of the final because he has multiple fractures on a finger in the right hand," Dhoni said.

A massive security operation has been mounted for the final - the highest-profile sporting event to be held in Mumbai since the deadly 2008 militant attacks which left 166 people dead.

Although no specific threat has been made for the match between India and Sri Lanka, Mumbai Police Commissioner Arup Patnaik said he would prefer to take no chances with the safety of players and spectators.

Nadal, Fedex clash in semis Azarenka, Sharapova set up final clash

AFP

Miami, April 1: World tennis number one Rafael Nadal will square off against Swiss rival Roger Federer in a rare semi-final showdown Friday that will be their first match on American soil in six years.

Spain's Nadal reached the last four at the $9 million

WTA and ATP Masters tournament on Thursday by beating Czech Tomas Berdych 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.

Eighth seeded Victoria Azarenka of Belarus beat Russian third seed Vera Zvonareva 6-0, 6-3 to clash with Maria Sharapova who rallied for a 3-6, 6-0, 6-2 victory over German Andrea Petkovic in the other semi-final.

Paes-Bhupathi in final

AGENCIES Miami, April 1: Third seeds Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi saved a match-point en route to a hard-fought three-set win over Oliver Marach and Janko Tipsarevic to book a berth in the finalin Miami.

The Indian pair won 6-3, 5-7, 11-9 to set up a clash with second seeds Max Mirnyi and Daniel Nestor, who defeated fourth seeded Jurgen Melzer and Philipp Petzschner 6-4 61 in their semi-final.

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sports

On the eve of the mega-final between Sri Lanka and India, Congress President Sonia Gandhi today wished the Indian cricket team the ‘best’ and expressed hope that they would lift the World Cup. “We hope they win and bring the World Cup for us. I wish them all the best”, she added.

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Goa I Saturday 2, April 2011

Players were not served food on time at Mohali and had to rush for it just before the toss prior to India-Pakistan semi-final clash on Wednesday -- Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Whole world expects Indian win, but Team India ready to roll in all new we are not underdogs: Sangakkara sedan, if champs AFP

Sri Lankan batsman Mahela Jayawardene faces a ball in the nets during at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Friday.

Mumbai, April 1: Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara ramped up the pressure on World Cup final opponents India on Friday by claiming the whole world expected them to win the showpiece match.

India will try to become the first nation to win the title on home soil at the Wankhede Stadium and so fulfil the dreams of millions of fans, all hoping the team can add to the 1983 success of Kapil Dev's side.

"They've always been the favourites, they've got the best batting line-up in the world and some fantastic bowlers," said Sangakkara, one of world cricket's shrewdest captains.

"So I think everyone in the world expects them to turn up tomorrow and win this game."

He added: "I don't think we're underdogs as such. I

think we're a pretty good unit.

"But we have to understand the fact India, for the last year or two years, have been tagged as the favourites by almost everyone to win the World Cup. "I'm sure they'll be looking at themselves as favourites too. We're just going to come and play as well as we can."

This will be Sri Lanka's second consecutive final and third in all -- they lost in 2007 to Australia, whom they beat in the climax of the 1996 tournament.

They were all but out of the contest in Barbados four years ago after Australia's Adam Gilchrist's whirlwind 149 -- the highest ever individual score in a World Cup final.

"Four years ago we were outdone by a fantastic innings

by Adam Gilchrist. Hopefully we won't allow a repeat of that but even if that does happen, we've got to have the mental attitude to adjust and get back

into the game," Sangakkara explained.

The wicketkeeper-batsman said winning a second World Cup would be of huge significance to the people of Sri Lanka, where a twodecades long civil war only came to an end in 2009.

"It means everything," Sangakkara said. "We've come through a very tough period, a lot of people have laid down their lives for our country, and in this new future hopefully we can take home a World Cup and that will be even more occasion for celebration."

Sangakkara will find himself playing away from home for only the second time this tournament on Saturday.

But he said: "Playing in front of your home crowd adds to the excitement, the passion and the pride that you feel but the weight of expectation, when you feel that the crowd is looking at you to

Indian Police commandos stand in a queue in front of an advertisement hoarding with a picture of Harbhajan Singh at The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Friday.

Lanka religious leaders pray for team

A Sri Lankan priest performs a special prayer ritual wishing the his team a good luck in the final at a Hindu temple in Colombo on Friday.

AGENCIES

Indian Gaurang Makwana holds a miniature of Lord Hanuman holding a cricket bat as Lord Ganesha perches alongside the ICC Cricket World Cup trohy, in Ahmedabad on Friday.

Colombo, April 1: Religious leaders have conducted a special prayer service for the Sri Lankan cricket team as it bids to win a second cricket World Cup in tomorrow’s final against India Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Christian leaders organized the service at Vidyalankara Pirivena (Temple) at Peliyagoda in Colombo on Friday.

“We urge to our countrymen

unite together and pray for the cricket team to bring the World Cup to the country,” said Professor Venerable Kamburugamuwe Vajira Thero, chairman of Inter-Religious Alliance for National Unity (IRANU) addressing the media.

“We bless the National team for their health and guidance to bring the Cup to Sri Lanka,” said Anglican Father Sellaih Joseph Jeyaraj. “We trust on God and hope that they will bring the cup to Sri Lanka,” said Father Jeyaraj after the prayer service.

do everything right is also tough.

"We'd love to have played at home but that's not the way it is and we've accepted that.

"We'll try to make use of whatever conditions are out there for us and I'm sure the Indian crowd are always going to be appreciative of a good game of cricket."

Saturday's match will be unusual in that both Sangakkara, who said his team enjoyed a "very cordial" relationship with India, and rival captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni are both wicketkeepers.

"MS Dhoni has been fantastic for Indian cricket and world cricket as a whole," said Sangakkara.

"It's nice. Wicketkeepers, sometimes everyone says they are over-burdened and it's not the easiest job. But it's also the most fun, I think, when you are always involved. It will be an interesting game."

PTI Chennai, April 1: The members of Indian cricket team are set to drive out in all new Sedans if they lift the World Cup tomorrow.

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), which is also the official 'Car Partner' of the event, today announced that all the members of the Indian Cricket

team will get the all-new Hyundai Verna if they manage to pull off a victory against Sri Lanka.

"We will be extremely delighted to felicitate the Indian cricket team with the all-new Verna much ahead of its market launchinthecountry.Thisispart of our continuous effort to bring passion to cricket," HMIL managing director and CEO HangWoo Park said in a statement.

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The International Cricket Council has once again barred electronic media from covering cricket World Cup final for breaching the media guidelines.

The reporters present at the ground on Friday were forced to leave the premises and even stopped from covering the practice session.

Dhoni warns Sri Lanka Says ‘there is plenty to come’, may pick Sree in place of Nehra

PTI Mumbai, April 1: Ahead of the World Cup cricket final, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni today issued a veiled warning to the Sri Lankan team that India has not played to its fullest potential and ‘there is plenty to come’.

He also said his team is prepared to take on veteran

spinner Muttiah Muralitharan.

Dhoni indicated that Pacer S Sreesanth may be brought into the Indian team in place of injured Ashish Nehra for the summit clash against Sri Lanka in the World Cup cricket final here tomorrow.

Giving the Lankans a piece of his strategy, he said, "There

is plenty to come. Still we have done quite well in the tournament. We have won one game with quite a few runs in pocket and another with quite a few wickets. If we do everything we can it will be very interesting (match).

"You want to end the tournament on a good note. It's a big game for all of us. Irrespective of what the result is

I am proud of the team I have," he added.

With swing bowler Ashish Nehra virtually ruled out of the grand finale due to a multiple finger fracture he suffered in the semifinal clash against Pakistan, Dhoni appeared to indicate his preference in the toss up between S Sreesanth and off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.

"Ashishismostlikelyruledout he's got multiple fracture on one ofhisfingers,"hesaidaddingthat the choice could be between Sreesanth and Ashwin.

"If you see the Mumbai track there's a bit of pace and bounce for the seamers initially and there is a bit of reverse swing going. The third seamer can have an impact on the game. An extra seamer

means I am able to manoeuvre the bowlers," the skipper said at the pre-match press conference," Dhoni said.

The skipper, who had surprised everyone by keeping Ashwin out of the Mohali encounter after his good performance in two matches, said "With a spinner, if you have three spinners along with a part-timer you don't have room for manoeuvre.

But whatever opportunity Ashwin has got, irrespective of where he has fared, he has done really well.

"We have confidence in him but we are not clear about whether to go with three seamers or two seamers and one extra spinner," he said.

Sreesanth had not played after the tournament opener on February 19 against Bangladesh at Mirpur, and asked how he can slip into his groove after such a lengthy absence from the middle, Dhoni said it can be done if one looked at tomorrow's final as just another game.

Dhoni said, don't look at it as the final but as another game. Sree has done well for us most of the games he has played, he has done well.

He's one character who can definitely swing the ball and get you early wickets."

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Goa I Saturday 2, April 2011

India have always been the favourites, they've got the best batting line-up in the world and some fantastic bowlers -- Kumar Sangakkara

Randiv replaces Mathews PTI Mumbai, April 1: The ICC's event technical committee of the World Cup today confirmed Suraj Randiv as replacement for the injured Angelo Mathews in Sri Lanka's squad for tomorrow's summit clash against India.

The confirmation was conveyed to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on behalf of the committee.

Mathews suffered a strain to his right thigh muscle during the side's semi-final victory over New Zealand in Colombo.

Randiv has played in 21 ODIs for Sri Lanka, claiming

22 wickets at an average of 33.5.

The 26-year-old off-spinner from Matara has also represented Sri Lanka in three Test matches and six Twenty20 internationals.

As with all players in the tournament, the eligibility of a replacement player is subject to approval by the ICC before that player can be officially added to the squad.

India one step closer to Trophy Go India Go, conquer the world. Cricket frenzy grips Goans Photo: Rozario Estibeiro

Goa’s enthusiastic fans warm up as they get set for the high-voltage India-Lanka final.

JOVITO LOPES Panjim, April 1: After 28 years (1983) of winning the World Cup, India are on the verge of scripting history. They just need to thrash Sri Lanka the way they had beaten Australia and Pakistan.

Of all the 10 World Cups played till date, this is the first time that the finals would feature both countries from South Asia. This is going to be very interesting and unpredictable match for sure, pointed out Betul’s diehard fan, Cedric Fernandes who added that India should bat first and put Lanka under perssure.

Cricket buffs including Ivano Almeida of Cuncolim

and cricket coach Hemant Angle feel that it’s a chance for India to repeat the magic with Men-in-Blue led by M S Dhoni ready for the ICC World Cup finals against the Lankan Lions.

Sri Lanka will play their second successive final of the mega event after finishing runners-up to Australia a year ago in West Indies, stressed Prasad Fatarpekar, GCA’s secretary.

Kishori Haldankar of Vasco, president of Goa women’s cricket cell, opined that Sri Lanka, the 1996 World Cup winners will be once again relying on their three marauding batsmen – Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara and Upal Tharanga who will face a tough

bowling attack on an unfamiliar wicket.

Chetan Dessai, former GCA secretary, felt that Sangakkara’s batsmen have so far stuttered just once on the way to the final. And it happened against the only quality bowling they faced in the tournament so far when Pakistan successfully defended a total of 277 for 7 in a group game.

Kishor Narvekar, chairman of Margao Urban Cooperative Bank, highlighted that Lanka’s bowling has not been as dynamic as India’s.

Muralitharan is vastly experienced but at the end of his career, he isn’t nearly as threatening as he used to be.

Mendis is not a big spinner of the ball, so hitting over his

head down the ground should not be as difficult as some batsmen make it seem.

Ajit Naik, IDC’s managing director, did not hide the fact that the real danger is Lasith Malinga. He’s the one who can cause hell for India. He’s fast but is very clever with his variety. He’s got a very good slower ball and the yorker. India will be very careful against Malinga.

Merces’ Zogusso Naik, pointed out that India has got a good batting line-up, their morale being at the highest after the victory against Pakistan in the semis.

V M Prabhudesai, SAG’s Executive Director said, “There can never be a bigger match than the final. As

such, it will be a high pressure affair. India must take advantage of the opportunities that come their way to emerge champs.”

Dr Shivanand Bandekar, head and professor of GMC’s orthopediac department elaborated that Sri Lanka’s strong top order and its varied attack will test Indians. But then, Dhoni’s men would seek to slice through the rather vulnerable middle order.

Fr Wilfred Fernandes of Don Bosco (Panjim) reminded that Lanka have reached the finals thrice and won it once. Tomorrow, they would be all out to deny India the ultimate victory.

So, they are unlikely to be as charitable as the Pakistan fielders who put down Sachin Tendulkar on four occasions. In any case, Sachin stands a rare chance of scoring his 100th century.

Goans will be rooting for India. The Government employees are certainly happy that it is an off-day for them.

For many others it will be an unofficial holiday. Absenteeism will be at its peak tomorrow. The markets, the roads will be virtually empty.

The Maharashtra Government has declared a local holiday for Mumbai and its suburbs.

In Goa, it could be a half-day for many since it’s a Saturday.

Goans, like the rest in India, predict an Indian victory.

When that happens, fans will be rejoicing. Fireworks will lit up the sky and crackers rent the air across the streets.

A repeat of 1983 is possible and Mahendra Singh Dhoni could emerge as country's second World Cup winning captain. Best of luck. It’s Go India Go, conquer the world.

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GOA’S HEARTBEAT

Understanding Autism and living with it

Ojem zodd, soirim godd - Anonymous

Tourism

Parenting

email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com

For success in science and art a dash of autism is essential - Hans Asperger

Mother Teresa’s words, “If you judge people, you have no time to love them” hold true in many situations, even in the case of children who are autistic. Today, on the fourth annual World Autism Awareness Day, Herald speaks to a parent with an autistic child and learns about how they have adapted to Goa, a state which is slowly awakening to this disorder

BY DOLCY D’CRUZ HERALD FEATURES parent’s love is unconditional, there is no denying this; and they only want their children to reach great heights. But there are some who expect a lot from their children right from the stage of infancy. And when this eagerness to see a competitive child grow is met with an unexpected disorder called Autism, few parents don’t take it too well. Some parents are very understanding and adopt a whole different attitude to look at things while the others wear a depressed face which even affects the child in the long run.

Autism is a disorder of neural development characterised by impaired social interaction and communication and by restricted and repetitive behaviour. The early symptoms start showing by the age of three years as autism affects information processing in the brain by altering how nerve cells and their synapses connect and organise. Though there is no proper understanding of the occurrence of autism in a child, there are methods developed to help an autistic child to learn and do daily activities independently.

Zane Gomez is 17 years old and has adapted to a lifestyle in the busy city of Margao. A student of Jyot School, Zane is often handed the responsibility of being the monitor of the class of differently able students. Carlton Gomez, Zane’s father, shares his experience with his son and his development. “Zane interacts with specific people; he can read the mind of the person he is interacting with. If someone is uncomfortable speaking to him, he too doesn’t want to talk. As a teenager, he loves music, sitting and downloading songs on the computer and listening to songs on his iPod. He is fascinated by electronics. Zane is studying in Jyot School for Special Children, the same school where my wife, Euphrasia is a special educator.”

When asked about Zane’s behaviour in everyday life, Carlton says, “As a father, I give Zane a lot of leniency. I allow him to do whatever he wants as he knows the dangers involved and is very careful himself. Especially when I take him out and we have to cross the road, he will not just walk away but he will hold my hand firmly. We give him freedom to be independent.

Even when he is left alone at home, we instruct him not to open the door for anyone and he doesn’t walk off from the house also. He loves chatting with my elder daughter who is a BCom final year student. He is very neat and tidy especially with his bed – it has to be tidy with pillows in the proper place. We take him out very often and tell him to finish his homework on time if he wants to go out early. In school, Zane interacts with all children. He knows them by their names and their activities and sometimes he is made the monitor of the class as he is more responsible and independent. They are not encouraged to play sports in school because some children are hyper.”

Acceptance of autism in a child can be difficult for parents. When asked about their reaction to the revelation, Carlton says, “At first, it was difficult as we didn’t have much knowledge and most parents don’t. We moved from Hubli to Goa in 2001 and got Zane assessed by Nandita De Souza, a developmental paediatrician at Sangath. Then with psychiatrist Dr Vikram Patel who told us that Zane

A

had very slight MR and autism. As far as people are concerned, in the past 2-3 years I have noticed that people have started accepting autism. Usually we are around Zane and very few will look over their heads. Unfortunately, some parents don’t know anything about autism.

Doctors say that for every 100 people there is one child with autism. Parents either revolt or go against their religion by calling their child evil or resort to banishment and some get depressed. I talk to parents, counsel them and explain that their interaction with the child shows their emotions which, if negative, are not healthy for their development.”

Carlton is also a sports trainer for special children and was a part of the recently concluded state level athletics and shuttlecock tournament for special children in Fatorda where over 300 children participated from different parts of Goa. Calrton also coordinated with Sangath for ‘Badhte Kadam’, an initiative by National Trust to spread awareness about special children.

A week-long rally was organised with over 35 volunteers where every town of Goa was educated about autism and special children even performed plays and sang songs. With several schools opening in urban as well as rural areas of Goa, autism is slowly but surely getting recognised and hence accepted in Goa, the only hindrance is the quick judgement people make without understanding facts. It’s important to remember that mental retardation, neural developmental disorders and learning disorders are not one and the same.

A Fight for Justice and Freedom Three Thousand Pak Fans selling Final Tickets in Black?

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or the match in Mohali on Wednesday, the city hosted over 3,000 guests from across the border. The visitors from Pakistan had come to the country hoping they would see their team go on to win the World Cup. They had bought tickets online for both the semi and the grand finale. But Wednesday’s outcome when India beat the boys in green took the wind out of their enthusiasm to stay on until the finals. They want to go home now, but they still have the tickets. And these 3,000odd tickets are up for grabs Their possessors want to sell them in black, revealed highly placed sources. The black market sales came to light because of intelligence agencies that were tracking every movement of these foreigners since the time they set afoot on the nation’s soil.

“The I-Branch of Special Branch1 was tailing an estimated 3,000 Pakistani cricket fans who had entered the country,” said an intelligence source. “They were selling tickets for the World Cup final between India and Sri Lanka in the black market.”

“The act of selling tickets in black market is not posing any security threat to the country. But it certainly amounts to fraud,” said a senior police officer.

For obvious security concerns, the sleuths had insisted that the online ticket holders be physically present to collect their passes from the venue itself, so they can be screened.

To make the procedure more secure, the Pakistanis were asked to collect their passes by Wednesday or latest by Thursday. They also had to register themselves with the Foreigners’ Regional Registration Office within 24 hours of their arrival.

Meanwhile, the Pakistanis found a novel ploy to cash in on the crazy demand for the tickets. Rigorous scrutiny by the intelligence agencies brought forth that a majority of the Pakistani cricket fans approached their friends and relatives in Mumbai, who could collect the tickets on their behalf, so they could sell the tickets at least eight to nine times the printed price. “Once the tickets were collected they could be sold in the black market,” the source said.

But their money-spinner has now been thwarted as Indian agencies have the names and e-mail addresses through which the tickets were booked. It would not take long for officials to identify a proxy or a stand-in when they come to collect the tickets, informed a senior IPS officer.

(Courtesy: NDTV)

T

HERALD FEATURES ravelling along the NH 17 highway you come across a huge billboard just around the Bambolim slope, promoting Israel as the birthplace of three religions. But what is happening in this ‘Holy Land’ is something that none of the religions would propagate. The fight for control over the land is more than just a religious one, as Feroze Mithiborwala stated, “It is not a civil war. It is something more.”

Feroze, one of the pioneers in the fight for the cause of the Palestinian people in India, has been a social activist promoting communal harmony and is deeply affected by the numerous communal riots that have rocked the nation and the world. “The fight is not against any particular religion, it is against Zionism, and Zionism in any form is a threat, be it Christian Zionism, Jewish or Islamic Zionism. We look at Zionism as the centre of the problem,” said Mithiborwala who was in Goa to talk at the Citizens’ Initiatives for Communal Harmony (CICH).

The land is now converted to a land of fear, hatred and war, owing to the Israeli occupation of Palestine, the building of a 25 feet high concrete wall or a barbed wired fence. “The wall is something that shouldn’t have been there at all, it is the denial of the basic human right of movement,” he added. The segregation of Palestine and Israel by a huge wall has destroyed the livelihood of hundreds of olive farmers, created rifts between neighbours and even restricted people from visiting their families.

What is happening in Palestine can also happen in India, if things are not kept in check. “The scene in the state of Mizoram is a good example, where there is a base for the Israeli base of the mafia. Why are they allowed to operate there? Why do tourists roam with satellite phones?” said Mithiborwala.

He also pointed out the infiltration in the coastal line of the state. “The Israeli operations in Goa have been here for quite a long time, and if this is not controlled, the scene might become as bad as that of Palestine,” he warned.

At the discussion which was held at the ICG, the people present learnt about the attacks on the locals by the Israeli immigrants for more than just the past couple of years. “I have seen some of these immigrants offering bribes and even using pepper spray on people, around the Mapusa court area,” said one person during the discussion while another pointed out the construction of a hospital by an Israeli company in Bambolim, saying that the company has no

When the world unites for a cause, there is little that can stop them from achieving it. Feroze Mithiborwala, a peace activist who was down in Goa to enlighten the people about the Palestine-Israel conflict which has been creating havoc in the Middle Eastern world for the past century, believes so…

prior record of managing a hospital anywhere in India.

The main reason for Mithiborwala to enlighten the Goan population about the conflict miles away from home is to create awareness that if we don’t take a stand now, we might have the same plight as Palestine. “If South Asia doesn’t unite, we will not have a united Asia,” he said, urging the people to participate and support the cause. A land caravan to Jerusalem, titled, ‘Global March to Jerusalem is what is planned in the month of April.’ “When millions of people begin to march and say that we don’t want the war, they can’t do anything much. Revolution is in the air, and all this is non-violent; look at Egypt and Yemen. Libya was the only place where it got into the violent means by taking up arms. But with a non violent world movement, we can win,” concluded Mithiborwala.

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Saturday, 2 Apr 2011

WHAT’S UP IN GOA??

‘Mumbai Melange 2011’ - A Group Show of Mumbai Artists, organised by Gallery Gitanjali will be held from April 2 to 12 from 9am to 9pm at Gallery Gitanjali, Fontainhas-Panjim. Call 9823572035.

‘Offside’, a bouquet of short essays and miscellaneous writing by John Aguiar will be released on April 9 at 4pm at the Goa Chamber of Commerce, Panjim. Call 2422635.

‘Aquino de Braganca: Battles waged, lasting dreams’, the book will be released on April 2 at 5.15pm at Hotel Mandovi, Panjim. Call 9822122436 or 9859461649.

‘Norway Open Quiz’, organised by Norges Quizforbund, Sunday Evening Quiz Club (SEQC) and the International Centre Goa will be held on April 2 from 10am to 12:30pm at the International Centre Goa, Dona Paula. E-mail prog@incentgoa.com.

Call 9765404391 or 2452805-10.

‘Special Provision for Goa–Article371’, is the topic of the workshop, organised by the Asha Family Responsibilities and Rights Association and BCC to be held on April 2 from 4pm to 6pm at Benaulim Community Centre, CD GEN Complex, Benaulim, Goa. E-mail trustasha@yahoo.co.in. Call 2256445 or 9822166876.

‘Right To Information’, will be the topic of the workshop organised by Asha Family Responsibilities and Rights Association and Villagers of Candolim to be held on April 3 from 9.45am to 12pm at St Theresa’s School Hall, Candolim. Call 2256445 or 9822166876.

E-mail trustasha@yahoo.co.in.

Summer Camp April 2011, organised by Xavier Centre of Historical Research, Alto Porvorim will be held from

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HOROSCOPE April 4 to 30 from 9.30am to 12.30pm. E-mail xchr.events@gmail.com. Call 2417772.

‘A Musical Evening’, a tribute to Rabindranath Tagore on the occasion of his 150th birth anniversary celebration, organised by the Bengali Cultural Association, Panjim will be held on April 3 at the Kala Academy, Panjim. Call 2420452.

Class Act 2011, a workshop for primary school teachers to promote learning and behaviour in the classroom, organised by Sethu Centre will be held from April 12 to 15 at a venue in Panjim. Registration closes on April 5. Call 6513749.

‘PhotoFlare2011’, the annual international photography festival, organised by Sunaparanta - Goa Centre for the Arts and the GEC Photography Club will be held on April 9 and 10 at Sunaparanta, Altinho-Panjim. Registration is open. Call 2421311.

French courses, conducted by Alliance Francaise will be held in the months of April-May in Panjim. Registration is open. E-mail alliance-fr@hotmail.com.

Call 2420049 or 9922813950.

Biggest Summer Dance Camp, organised by Xtremers Dance Academy will be held from April 4 to May 28 from 4pm to 8pm at Panjim, Margao, Ponda, Vasco, Colva, Bicholim, Porvorim and Mapusa. A free zumba fitness trial will be held on April 5 at 6.30pm at Don Bosco, Panjim. Call 9823712572, 09822170820 or 09823469258.

A Preparatory Course for students of Portuguese, organised by the Goa Association of Teachers of Portuguese will be held for std 10 students and std 8 and 9 from March 25 to May 6 and from April 15 to May 15, respectively. The courses will be held at the Institute Camoes, Panjim. Call 9011838139 or 9822483778.

Today, find a way to increase your understanding 21 Mar - 19 Apr and enjoyment of your way of life. Today is all about taking action, over and over -- and having fun with it! Your great energy should help propel you through all sorts of amazing adventures, as long as you keep moving.

Taurus D o n ' t w a f f l e today -- it will only cause you frustration. Pick 20 Apr - 20 May one course of action. This is a bad time to make major purchases -- unless you have already done all your homework.

If you know prices and quality cold and can go for a screaming deal, you should do well.

Communication Gemini is a two-way street -- so if you want to know something, just 21 May - 20 Jun ask. Listen carefully today -- a friend (or maybe someone you hardly know) busts out with some uncommonly powerful wisdom. And if you catch it when it happens, you can make a very positive change.

To d a y y o u ' l l meet someone who can teach you a thing or two. Keep an 22 Jun - 23 Jul open mind. Your mind is moving quickly today, and you should find that your energy levels are just high enough to keep up with almost any topic of conversation. It's a great time for you to step up and impress people!

Look out for someone whose perspective confuses you. Don't shy 24 Jul - 23 Aug away from a debate. You run into the one, last piece of the puzzle today -- almost certainly unexpectedly -- and your amazing energy helps you put it all together in a way that keeps you smiling all day long.

If you are having problems with coworkers, now is the time 23 Aug - 22 Sep to start fighting back. Something new strikes you in a big way today -- and you are glad it did! It may be that your career or romantic path takes a new turn, but you are so sure of yourself that you can't doubt it for a minute.

Things seem worse than they are. Talk to a mentor or a 23 Sept - 22 Oct close relative about it. Life is all about relationships right now -- you need to settle a feud, get closer to someone who has been drifting lately or even start up something new. Your energy is almost totally directed outward.

Scorpio It's a great day to start a fitness routine, because your 23 Oct - 22 Nov determination is strong. You've got an altruistic side that at least one person has forgotten all about. Remind them today with a surprise gift or a lastminute save that helps them see how awesome life can be with you in it.

Sagittarius Seeking pleas-

Capricorn Some support you thought would always be there is gone -22 Dec - 20 Jan and you're fine without it. You are having some trouble juggling family (or a social life) with your career, and today brings that contrast into stark focus. Unfortunately, you've got to make a choice -- but you can regain balance later.

Aquarius Someone with a very different lifestyle has something to 21 Jan - 19 Feb teach you. Be open-minded.

Your big ideas are all the rage right now -- even if you don't realize it! See if you can speak to someone in authority in order to move your plans forward more than you could on ordinary days.

It's time to do s o m e sleuthing! Put on your most 20 Feb - 20 Mar charming camouflage. You feel absorbed by some new person or project, which is a good feeling --as far as it goes.

You may wonder when the obsession will end, especially if there's some discomfort involved. It won't be long!

Aries

Libra

ure may have become too high a priority in your 23 Nov - 20 Dec life -- balance it out. Your energy is bold and active today, so make the most of it! You may need to deal with someone who's feeling a little shy, but your great energy should be able to get the two of you gabbing like old friends.

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

Pisces

DID YOU KNOW? The Ice Cream that grows on trees!

bivouac Pronunciation BIV-uh-wak Function Noun Meaning : an encampment for the night, usually under little or no shelter Example Sentence Rob had made his emergency bivouac just at the foot of the mountain, in a cosy meadow.

LAFFS

The ‘Ice Cream’ mango is a semi-dwarf mango cultivar that originated in Trinidad and Tobago and was later introduced to Florida. The ‘Ice Cream’ cultivar was discovered in Trinidad and Tobago, and was later brought to the United States by Maurice Kong of the Rare Fruit Council International and introduced via Florida. It is of unknown parentage and became recognised for its semi-dwarf growth habit – trees can be maintained under 6.5 feet in height. Because of its dwarf properties, ‘Ice Cream’ is often grown in a pot. It has become a commonly sold nursery stock tree marketed to home growers in Florida. The fruit are very small in size, averaging only eight ounces at maturity and tend to be yellowgreen, lacking any red blush. Ripe Ice Cream fruit are green having a flat oval shape with a bumpy surface.

WIZARD OF ID

Funny Quote

“Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed there are many rewards, if you disgrace yourself you can always write a book.”

– Ronald Reagan DAILY GROOK SENSE PRETENSE

by Francis Rodrigues our salon ended in a mess mixing perfumes of clients, their so-confused business no longer makes any scents!

GARFIELD

MIND BENDERS

SUN MOON TIDES

Tongue Twister Saturday 33° C | 22° C Dawn 06:09

How much caramel can a canny candy-maker cram into a creampie

Clear

Sunrise 06:30

Riddle Me This

Sunset Dark 18:48 19:09

I’m a god and a planet, and my name also denotes something used in an instrument for determining how hot you are. Who am I?

Moon rise 05:24 Moon set 17:52 High —

Low 04:17

TIDES High Low High 10:37 16:26 22:25

D Tide timings are for Mormugao Harbour. For Panjim/Calangute add 20 mins. For Colva add 30 mins

21:00 De Dana Dan

10:10 12:25 14:40 16:50 19:05 21:00 23:05

Fame Hudson Hawk Robocop Robocop 3 Surrogates Taken Street Fighter

10:15 Spartacus: Blood and Sand : Whore 11:15 Hotel for Dogs 13:30 2012 16:45 The Perez Family 19:00 Double Impact 21:00 Invisible Target 23:15 Spartacus

08:30 11:30 15:00 19:00 22:30

Last ‘Riddle Me This’ Answer: Throw the ball in the air

18:25 Hellboy 21:00 The Water Horse 23:30 Good Luck Chuck

Vaastu Shastra Dil Ne Jise Apna Kahaa Umrao Jaan Chachi 420 Spy Hard 08:30 12:30 16:00 20:00 23:00

08:00 11:30 14:05 15:40

Aur Ek Ilzam Golmaal: Fun Unlimited Karan Arjun Don No. 1 Sooryavansham

NBA Regular Season The Karate Kid Open Season 2 Resident Evil

08:00 Ishqiya 12:00 Viewers Choice: Iqbal/ Hera Pheri/Khalnayak 16:00 Pardes 20:00 Tirangaa

09:25 Ab Ke Baras 13:10 Raja Hindustani 17:30 Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani

17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30

Geet Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Rang Badalti Odhni Geet Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein Geet Rang Badalti Odhni Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani

11:00 11:30 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 15:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 23:00

Zoom Box Let'z Go! Zabar 10 Follywood Red Hot Countdown Garama Garam Let'z Go! Follywood Planet Bollywood Page 3 Link'D Main Miss India Club Mix Let'z Go!

IDIOT BOX 10:00 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 11:00 17th Annual Star Screen Awards 2011 14:30 Main Hoon Na 18:30 Star Parivaar Awards 2011 19:30 Love U Zindagi 20:00 Tere Liye 21:00 Comedy Ka Maha Muqabla 22:00 Pyar Mein Twist 22:30 Koffee with Karan

10:00 10:30 11:00 12:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00

Saas Bina Sasural Saas Bina Sasural Saas Bina Sasural Koi... Mil Gaya C.I.D C.I.D C.I.D C.I.D Adaalat Comedy Circus Key Taansen C.I.D

10:30 12:00 14:30 16:30 20:30 21:30 23:30

Dance India Dance Doubles Choti Bahu Sanskaar Laxmi Choti Bahu Maha Episode Dance India Dance Doubles Kahani Ab Tak

10:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 14:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 14:30 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 15:00 Lapataganj 15:30 FIR 16:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 17:30 Mrs. Tendulkar 18:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta

20:00 20:30 21:00 22:00 22:30

10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:22 13:44 14:06 14:28 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00

Chashma Gutar Gu Gutar Gu Jaankhilavan Jasoos Ring Wrong Ring Ring Wrong Ring

Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Rang Badalti Odhni Geet Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein Geet Rang Badalti Odhni Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein Rang Badalti Odhni Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani Yeh Ishq Haaye!!

Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein

10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00

House House Top Chef Most Daring Masters of Illusion Wipeout Most Daring Top Chef Wipeout Most Daring Masters of Illusion Top Chef Red Eye

09:30 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00

American Idol Community The Simpsons Friends Koffee With Karan Dexter

17:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 22:30

Dexter Koffee With Karan Detroit 187 The Good Guys Mr. Sunshine Raising Hope

10:00 11:00 12:00 13:30 14:00 19:00

The Looney Tunes Show Chhota Bheem Krish, Trish and Baltiboy Chhota Bheem Marathon Hagemaru Marathon The New Adventures of Hanuman 20:00 Mr. Bean The Animated Series Marathon 22:00 Takeshi's Castle 22:30 Bam Bam Bam Gir Pade Hum 23:00 FAQ

10:00 ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 H/ls 13:00 ICC Cricket World Cup 2011

10:00 Cape to Cape Mtb 2010 11:00 2011 US Figure Skating Championships 12:58 Sportscenter Weekend 13:00 Premier League Preview 13:30 Sportscenter Week In Review 14:00 Sony Ericsson Open - Miami 15:30 Sportscenter Weekend 15:32 Premier League Preview 16:00 Scorecast Saturday 16:30 Primetime Premier League 17:10 Barclays Premier League 19:15 Primetime Premier League 19:25 Barclays Premier League 2010/11 21:30 Primetime Premier League 10:00 NBA 12:00 FIM X Trial World Championship 2010/11 13:00 UEFA Champions League Magazine Show 13:30 WWE: Superstars 14:30 FIFA: Futbol Mundial 15:00 ICC Cricket World 15:30 UEFA Champions League H/ls 16:30 WWE: Smackdown 18:30 European Tour 22:30 WWE: Superstars

23:30 UEFA Champions League Magazine Show

10:00 ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 H/ls 13:00 Cricket Extra - ICC Cwc 14:30 ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 22:15 Cricket Extra - ICC Cwc 23:15 Superstars Legends

10:00 A Traveller's Guide to the Planets 11:00 I Didn't Know That 12:00 Wild Men 13:00 Nat Geo Amazing!

14:00 Inside 15:00 Nat Geo Wild 16:00 Mega Bridges 17:00 America's Deadly Obsession 18:00 Mission Army 19:00 Great Migrations 20:00 Mega Bridges 21:00 Big Cats 22:00 A Traveller's Guide to the Planets

07:30Kids Club 08:00English News 09:00Wiz Biz Quiz 09:30Clown Fiesta 10:00English News 11:00 Konkani Palkachim Noketram 11:30 Geo Natal Fashion show 12:00Flavors 12:30Angos Musical Show 13:00English News 14:00Bharat Amcho Des 14:30Success Mantra 15:00Konkani Musical Show 15:30Wiz Biz Quiz 16:00English News 17:00Amazing Fusion of Dance Beats 17:30Kids Club 18:00 English News 19:00 Grace Abounds 19:30Bharat Amcho Des 20:00English News 21:00Career Guidance 21:30Wiz Biz Quiz 22:00English News 23:00Amazing Fusion of Dance Beats Note: Subject to change

SUDOKU 823

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 822

HERALD CROSSWORD - 823 Across 1- Yonder thing; 5- Colombian city; 9- From Cardiff; 14- Thick cord; 15- Analogous; 16- Winged; 17Inflame; 19- Open to bribery; 20Bruce ___ was a famous kung-fu movie star; 21- Fishing reel; 22Cleave; 23- Musical wind instrument; 25- Bundle; 26- Dreary; 27Person to whom property is transferred; 30- Accumulate; 31- Concerning; 32- Portable bed; 34Fork feature; 35- Attack; 36- Horrors!; 37- SASE, e.g.; 38- Reason for a raise; 39- Plain writing; 40Nonproprietary; 42- Layer; 43Winglike parts; 44- Get along peacefully; 48- All, musically; 50Chicago paper, for short; 51Born; 52- Japanese gateway; 53Cromwell's cavalry; 55- Big name in printers; 56"She turned me into a ___! ...I got better..."; 57Gossip; 58- Either of two Chinese dynasties; 59Mil. leaders; 60- New Orleans is The Big ___; Down 1- Having three lobes; 2- A return to one's home; 3- Outward show; 4- Beverage commonly drunk in England; 5- Checking out, as before a robbery; 6- Director Kurosawa; 7- Hero; 8- B & B; 9- Ripple; 10- Cricket team; 11- Alley; 12- Celestial body; 13- Norse goddess; 18- Rotates; 22- Person of exceptional holiness; 24- Ascend; 25Sheep cry; 27- Caper; 28- Bounce back; 29Seemingly forever; 31- Eagle's home; 33- Digit of the foot; 35- Turkish palace; 36- Large African antelope; 38- Liquescent; 39- Common people; 41Country; 42- Indicates a direction; 44- Headgear of a monarch; 45- Gandhi's land; 46- Prophets;

47- Irritably impatient; 48- Pith helmet; 49- Bear in the sky; 50- Corner; 52- ___ Aviv; 53- Gerund maker; 54- Chemical ending;

SOLUTION - 822

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Saturday, 2 Apr 2011

Parenting

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Light It Up

Blue

Campaign spreading Awareness about Autism

Cricket Craze at Soul Soufflé

S

HERALD FEATURES oul Soufflé, Verna is shaking up a cocktail frenzy that will help you soothe those nerves at the India-SL finals, today. Situated on the banks of the Uddear waterfall, you can lazily sip on your Passion fruit and Mango Daiquiri while seated on the breezy lawns with the sounds of the nearby waterfall providing the perfect background score. And with the world cup final upon us, the

HERALD FEATURES orld Autism Awareness Day is observed on April 2 every year. Sangath in partnership with other establishments is joining the Light it Up Blue Campaign which started yesterday and is also taking place across the world today. A number of organisation, establishments and buildings are to be part of this campaign which is being held for the first time in Goa. Autism is part of the Autism Spectrum Disorders which are a group of developmental disorders which include Asperger’s Syndrome. These disorders affect the way a person communicates and relates to people around them. The idea behind this campaign is to raise awareness for this disorder by turning the lights blue in your workplace, wearing blue to work or even sup-

W scene will be a tad more exciting.

Specially created thematic shooters will create the rounds each time an Indian batsmen hits a Sri Lankan ball out of the park. In addition to that, a selection of Lasagnas, Pastas, Steaks, Salads and some hearty Goan dishes will keep the energy levels up and cheering.

To book your place in the stands, call Soul Soufflé on 2782100 / 9404312100.

Palestine-Israel Issue discussed at Citizen’s Initiative for Communal Harmony HERALD FEATURES he International Centre Goa hosted the programme ‘the Citizen’s Initiative for Communal Harmony’ which included the screening of a documentary, titled, ‘The Iron Wall’ which highlights the encroachment of the Palestinian state by the Israeli state. The building of the gigantic 25metre high wall, according to the documentary, is a violation of the basic human right of movement.

The screening was then followed by a discussion of the issue and its relevance to Goa, with regard to the Israeli influx into the state. The discussion was headed by Mumbai based social activist Feroze Mithiborwala, a part of the movement, One Asia – United Asia. The discussion debated the role of the United Nations in the partition of the Palestine-Israel state, and about the various activities that are held in the areas concentrated with Israeli immigrants in the country.

porting lighting up a building in your neighbourhood.

The schools participating in this campaign will have school assemblies sharing information on autism, some will make posters and others will visit colleges to create awareness on autism. Schools which are participating are Disha School, Panjim, Sunshine Worldwide School, Old Goa, Shiksha Niketan, Torda, Keshav Seva Sadhana, Bicholim and Kings School, Margao.

The Betim Cross, Saligao church and the Margao roundabout will be lighted up with blue lights.

A few restaurants and shops too are taking part in the campaign by keeping information flyers on their tables and counters to raise awareness for this disorder.

The idea is to talk about Autism on these days, to spread the word so that children can be detected early and get access to care.

Free Musical Show to Fondly remember Frank Fernand

T

Feroze Mithiborwala he

ading the discuss oi n

HERALD FEATURES Events led by Felix Correia will present ‘Sentimental Journey ’ – A Tribute to late Frank Fernand, a musical programme. He is said to be one of the greatest musicians of Konkani music.

The show is supported by Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG) under its scheme ‘Remembering Tiatr Artistes of Yester Years’. The show will be staged on April 3 at 7pm at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao and April 6 at 7pm at DMK Auditorium, Kala Academy, Panjim.

Frank Fernand is a musician of high stature who has provided excellent music to the Bollywood music industry in the 1960s. The music that he has provided for the songs of two immortal Konkani movies namely ‘Amchem Noxib’ and ‘Nirmonn’ will always be remembered by Goans.

The show will feature veteran Konkani singer Antonette, besides singing sensations of Anthony San, Socorro de Santa Cruz, Ben Evangelisto, Clarissa, Sonia, Bushka, Young Chico, Trisca and Kyra Pais. Comedy skits will be provided by Hortencio Pereira and Rony Fernandes. The live band led by Lenoy Gomendes will be in attendance.

There are no tickets for admission. It is free for the public. TAG requests lovers of Konkani song and music to attend the programme in large numbers.

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Albertina Almeida

Photos by Herald Features

Pranab Mukhopadhyay

Roland Martins Nandini Sahai

MOVIE REVIEW

F.A.L.T.U.

Cast: Riteish Deshmukh, Jackky Bhagnani, Angad Bedi Director: Remo D’Souza Rating: oung, lively and satirical. That, in short, summarises F.A.L.T.U., helmed by director Remo D’Souza. He sets his maiden effort (in Hindi, that is; he had directed a Bengali film earlier) in a college campus, casts young talents and comes up with a film that has loads of energy, plus a message before it concludes.

F.A.L.T.U. gives its take on the educational system, but it’s far from serious and preachy. With foot-tapping songs and energetic choreography, loads of humour and tremendous youth appeal, F.A.L.T.U. is more of a fun ride that’s wildly aimed at the youth in particular.

On the flip side, the writing could’ve been tighter. In fact, F.A.L.T.U. vacillates constantly between interesting and implausible moments as four young students decide to set up a fake educational institution within, hold your breath, one day. Also, the writers indulge in too many cinematic liberties, so much so that you lose count after a point. The redeeming aspect is its musical score and the magnificent execution of these tracks.

F.A.L.T.U. tells the story of a group of friends who are considered a total waste. Thanks to their terrible grades, Jackky, Angad and Pooja don’t get admission in a college. That’s when Jackky gets a brainwave: Why not start a University with the help of his friends? That’s how Fakirchand And Lakirchand Trust University (F.A.L.T.U.) takes shape.

Jackky seeks help from a friend, Arshad Warsi, who in turn gets Riteish Deshmukh, a school teacher, to play the part of the Principal. Jackky’s plans go kaput when several academic rejects show up at the door, hoping for an education.

Remo’s fundas are clear: Let’s entertain! In fact, the film is targeted at the youth and it is this segment that will identify with it more than any age-group. The four youngsters get almost equal prominence in this enterprise. Jackky grabs the opportunity with both his hands and delivers a charming, charismatic performance.

His dances boast of unique steps, not the run of the mill kind. Pooja looks lovely and enacts her part with utmost confidence. Angad Bedi is a revelation. Ditto for Chandan Roy Sanyal. Riteish is bankable as always, while Arshad Warsi does well.

On the whole, F.A.L.T.U. banks heavily on the formula that the youth loves. It’s funny, energetic and has a big ace in its smash hit musical score. It offers what the audience desires: Entertainment!

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Game

Cast: Abhishek Bachchan, Kangana Ranaut, Sarah Jane Dias Director: Abhinay Deo Rating: indi cinema is undergoing a major metamorphosis but the rules of the game haven’t changed. A whodunit should keep your interest alive till the penultimate moments.

Unfortunately, Game misfires. The problem with Game is manifold. First and foremost, first-time storyteller Abhinay Deo serves a slick-flick that’s devoid of meat. It’s all about narrating interesting stories and how convincingly they translate on celluloid, but Abhinay seems to be under the notion that stunning locales and vibrant/energetic action pieces compensate for a tight/cohesive script. No, they don’t!

Another problem with the film is that the screenplay goes for a toss after an electrifying first hour. While the first hour succeeds in holding your attention thanks to the interesting twists and turns and flows like a breeze, the second hour simply tests your patience. It’s puzzling and confusing, with everyone pretending to be Sherlock Holmes. Moreover, the second hour is formulaic and takes the most convenient route to reach the finale.

Game bears an uncanny resemblance to the Dharmendra-Zeenat Aman starrer Shalimar and the more recent Luck, but the similarity is limited to a number of people congregating at one place. Actually, Game springs a surprise at the very start, with Anupam Kher spelling out the reasons for inviting the four people on his island. The turn of events thereafter, right till the conclusion of the first half, leave you impressed mainly due to the twists and turns that are hard to envisage.

Game offers Abhishek ample opportunity to prove his mettle. He has delivered some really fine performances in the past and he gets it right in the first hour. But no actor can rise beyond a weak script and that’s precisely why he looks far from convincing in the post-interval portions. Kangna acts well and though she seems to have worked on her dialogue delivery, she stills needs to get her diction right, especially when she converses in English. Sarah Jane Dias looks lovely and for a first timer, makes a decent debut.

On the whole, Game is high on style, but low on substance. Disappointing!

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Courtesy www.bollywoodhungama.com

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Saturday, 2 Apr 2011

Parenting

Pg4

Aamir, Shah Rukh to add Star Power at Wankhede

Boney Kapoor’s Son Arjun to debut with Virus Diwan

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ne would have thought Bollywood stars would come out in full force at the Wankhede Stadium Saturday, but actors Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan seem to be the only top stars who will be cheering the Men in Blue. Shooting schedules will keep big names like Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra and Bipasha Basu away from the field where India and Sri Lanka will play the World Cup final today. Salman Khan, Abhishek Bachchan and Farhan Akhtar are planning to watch the game on TV at home.

Aamir, who attended the exciting semi-final at Mohali with his wife Kiran Rao, has requested his director Reema Kagti to give him a weekly off from the shooting today, instead of on April 4. “Aamir plans to wear the same clothes that he wore for the semi-finals as he is superstitious about these things while watching cricket,” informed Aamir’s publicist.

Shah Rukh chose to stay at home for the semi-final, and watched it with a host of other Bollywood celebrities. But missing the match in Mumbai was out of question, and he will head to the stadium with his children, Aryan, 14, and Suhana, 11.

Actress Lara Dutta will add her share of glamour too at the stadium even though her husband, ace tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi, will be busy playing in the finals of Miami Masters tennis tournament in Florida, US.

ash Raj Films, one of the leading studios in Bollywood, has launched Y-Films to give opportunity to freshers and one of the new talents they are introducing is Boney Kapoor’s son Arjun with Virus Diwan. “I met Shanu Sharma, the casting director.

She found me and asked me to audition. I came and qualified and that’s how I became Virus Diwan,” Arjun said at the launch of Y-Films.

Arjun says it was none other than Salman Khan who discovered his acting potential.

“Salman Khan once took me aside and asked if I want to be a hero. I was 140 kilos then. I don’t know how he found a hero in me. I started training with him. I was literally with him all time. And he cut me to 85 kilos,” said Arjun. To be directed by Bumpy, Virus Diwan is a tech-based caper where Arjun plays the title role of a computer hacker.

Before facing the camera, Arjun worked as an assistant director.

“I wanted to be in the film industry, so I decided to be an assistant director. I worked in Kal Ho Naa Ho and Saalam-e-Ishq as well as two of my father’s films, Wanted and No Entry,” said Arjun.

Franco blames Poor Oscar Job on Low Energy

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ritics skewered James Franco for a poor job co-hosting the Oscars with some saying he looked stoned onstage, but the actor said it was likely low energy, not dope, that was to blame.

Franco, who hosted the world’s top film awards in February alongside actress Anne Hathaway, told David Letterman on his talk show that he had thought about his poor reviews and speculation he was under the influence of marijuana and he thought he knew why.

“I love her, but Anne Hathaway is so energetic. I think the Tasmanian Devil would look stoned standing next to Anne Hathaway...She has a lot of energy,” Franco said on the Late Show with David Letterman.

Letterman agreed that Hathaway was “very buoyant...very ebullient,” according to a transcript released by the show.

Franco responded: “I think I actually – I haven’t watched it back – maybe I had low energy. I honestly played those lines as well as I could.”

Franco, 32, is best known for his dramatic roles in movies like 127 Hours, for which he earned an Oscar nomination this year. Letterman said he could empathise with Franco over the poor reviews, having hosted the show himself in 1995. When Franco asked him about his experience, Letterman replied: “It was horrible...I was so bad that they talked for a while about shutting down the motion picture industry.” Letterman then offered Franco some advice, telling him that initially he would be embarrassed about the performance, but that it would eventually wear off.

Mobile Phone doubling up as Laptop could dethrone iPad

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mobile phone doubling up as a laptop is being hailed as the gadget that could end iPad’s supremacy in the market.

The Motorola Atrix phone can be turned into a proper laptop by attaching a screen and keyboard, both of which have to be bought separately.

It has so impressed gadget experts since it debuted at technology fairs earlier this year that it has been dubbed a ‘laptop killer’. Technology magazine T3 has even snubbed the iPad 2 – Apple’s latest version of its tablet device – to hand the Atrix the ‘hottest gadget’ accolade. T3 editor Luke Peters said: “This wasn’t about products that have been hyped, but about products that really disrupt the market. We see the iPad 2 as more of an evolution than a revolution.”

“The Atrix can really reshape how we think about mobile

phones. It’s incredibly powerful and versatile, and for us it really showed that you can do something different with a mobile phone.” '”It is also a warning to Apple that mobile phones like the Atrix that run Google’s Android software are really making a big impact.”

Although the iPad came second in the poll, Apple still sold out the 399-pound gadget in many stores within three days, and is warning online buyers they face a wait of three to four weeks.

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Shakira helps rebuild Quake-hit Haitian Girl’s School

olombian pop star Shakira pledged $400,000 to help rebuild a school for girls in Haiti that was severely damaged during the country’s devastating earthquake last year. The Grammy award winner and songwriter announced the contribution during a visit to the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince, where she danced and sang with students of the Elie Dubois public school.

“I’m convinced the key to achieve a dignified future for the Haitian people is through education,” Shakira said. The students sang her World Cup hit Waka Waka.

The star was accompanied by the head of the Inter-American Development Bank, Luis Alberto Moreno. The Washington-based multilateral lender plans to match Shakira’s contribution in the school rebuilding effort.

The school, housed in a nearly 100-year-old building, suffered significant damage during Haiti’s January 12, 2010 earthquake that killed more than 300,000 people in one of the world’s poorest states. More than a year later, its walls and ceilings show huge cracks that have forced more than 200 students to study in a nearby building.

Sexual Harassment affects Men, Women differently

Women’s Depression can erode their Intimate Relationships

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sraeli researchers have found that a woman’s depression can bring her relationship down as a depressed person can be withdrawn, needy, or hostile-and give little back. But there’s another way that depression isolates partners from each other. It chips away at the ability to perceive the others’ thoughts and feelings and impairs what psychologists call “empathic accuracy”, thereby exacerbating alienation, depression, and the cycle by which they feed each other.

The study by Reuma Gadassi and Nilly Mor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Eshkol Rafaeli at Bar-Ilan University revealed a surprising dynamic: “It’s called the partner effect,” said Gadassi, a psychology graduate student. She explained: “Women’s depression affects their own accuracy. But it also affected their partner’s accuracy”– in both cases, negatively.

Fifty heterosexual couples – some married, some cohabiting, and together an average of about five years – participated in the study. First, a questionnaire assessed their levels of depression. Then, their interpersonal perceptions were tested both in the lab and in daily life.

In the lab, the couples were videotaped during a 12-minute conversation in which one sought help from the other. Halfway through, they switched roles: the help-requester became the helper. In the second portion, the participants made once-a-day diary entries for 21 days, rating a list of negative and positive moods and feelings about the relationship.

From both tests, the researchers found that the more depressed the woman was, the less accurately she inferred her partner’s feelings. Men’s own depression did not affect their empathic accuracy, though that is not to suggest that his blues would have no impact on the relationship, just ‘a different one’,” said Gadassi.

It was in the daily diaries that the most surprising finding emerged: When women were depressed and their sensitivities dulled, their partners also became less empathic. When women are depressed, the relationship suffers more. After all, mutual understanding is the bedrock of intimacy.

Editor –in-chief: R F Fernandes. Editor: Ashwin Tombat. Chief Editor-Features: Christina Viegas.

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study has found that women and men deal differently with sexual harassment, with the fairer sex having built up enough resistance to only find it “bothersome”. The new study by Michigan State University researchers revealed that sexual harassment has become so commonplace for women that they do not find it so distressing anymore.

This effect, said lead investigator Isis Settles, may be similar to the way people build up immunity to infection following exposure to a virus.

“When women view sexual harassment as bothersome, it doesn’t seem to be associated with distress,” Settles, associate professor of psychology, said. “In some ways this suggests that sexual harassment is such a widespread problem that women have figured out ways to deal with it so it doesn’t interfere with their psychological well-being,” she added.

The researchers examined surveys of more than 6,000 women and men serving in all five branches of the US military.

Sexual harassment was a problem for both sexes, the study found, with more than 50 per cent of women and nearly 20 per cent of men reporting at least one incident of sexual harassment during a 12-month period.

The survey covered 16 types of verbal and physical harassment, including offensive stories or jokes and touching that made the person uncomfortable.

“We were surprised by this finding. We thought women would be negatively impacted if they saw their harassment as frightening or bothersome,” Settles said.

Where men were concerned, sexual harassment was distressing when they saw it as either frightening or bothersome.

“People tend to underestimate the impact of sexual harassment on men,” Settles said. Men typically haven’t had a lifetime of experiences dealing with sexual harassment and may not know how to deal with it when it happens to them,” she added.

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