5 Nov, 2010

India : Ghee lamps slowly fading Pg 9

O HERALD O

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Delta flight makes emergency landing A Mumbai-bound Delta Airlines flight carrying 244 passengers from Amsterdam to Mumbai Thursday night landed in emergency conditions at the airport here after an unidentified object was noticed in the aircraft’s cargo-hold. -- (PTI)

The Voice of Goa — Since 1900 panjim, FRiday, noVembeR 5, 2010 postal Reg. no. Goa 101 pRiCe Rs. 3.00

Goa lights up to Diwali festival HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, NOV 4

Huge effigies of Narkasur were burnt across the State during wee hours to usher in the Diwali festivities. The festival of lights marks victory of Good over Evil and it’s also a time for the families to reunite over different kind of dishes made up of ‘fov.’

Panjim market was abuzz with the people queuing up to buy sweets and lanterns. Diwali, a Hindu festival, is celebrated across the State in every household.

After burning Narkasur effigies during wee hours, people took holy bath known as ‘abhyangsnan’ and later ate sweets.

Each household had ‘diyas’ (lamps) lit soon after the burning of Narkasur effigies to drive

DIWALI GREETINGS

Herald wishes all its readers, advertisers and distributors a very happy Diwali.

May the festival light up hopes of a better tomorrow.

WE ARE OPEN TODAY The offices of the Herald will remain open on Diwali and hence there will be an edition of this paper dated November 6, 2010.

away evil spirits and welcome happiness and prosperity.

Police kept strict vigil across the State and there was no untoward incident reported throughout the night.

After Margao bomb blast experience last year, the police machinery is on high alert

throughout the State. Police officials said that suspicious looking people were frisked at several places and even plain cloth policemen were stationed near Narkasur competition venues.

State had relaxed ban on loud music by two hours and Narkasur revellers were allowed to play loud music till mid-night.

The streets of Panjim were chock-a-block with massive traffic jams witnessed since evening.

The rains in the evening failed to dampen Diwali spirits of the people, who were seen visiting places to see Narkasur effigies.

The business in Panjim market soared all time high with the people buying sweets, gifts and ornaments for Diwali.

(Continued on page 10)

Goa’s Heartbeat: Diwali – a unifying light Pg 1

(air Surcharge Rs 2.00) pages 16 + 4

It’s a victory of good over evil in Margao HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, NOV 4

The Commercial Capital played host to the traditional Narkasur competition organized by Solid Party Trust amidst tight security a n d f a n f a re o n T h u r s d a y evening.

The competition evoked moderate response from the participants and the public as it comes a year after the city was rocked by bomb blast metres away from the venue of the Narkasur competition.

Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat and Fatorda MLA Damu Naik were the prominent figures who attended the competition.

The Chief Minister told newsmen that Goans are born fighters and have come to witness the competition in large numbers despite last year’s bomb blast.

“The crowd is quite good de-

A Narkasur effigy at the Margao competition.

spite apprehensions raised in many quarters against the backdrop of last year’s bomb blast.

Goa is not affected by the blast.

One can see the festival spirit amongst the people”, he added.

Wishing the people of Goa Happy Diwali, the Chief Minister prayed to God that this Diwali brings light to all Goans by wiping darkness.

Fa t o r d a M L A s a i d t h a t whether the effigy of Narkasur is big or small does not matter, but what matters is the killing of Narkasur by Lord Krishna.

Unlike in the past, the crowd response was comparatively less, but the organizers expressed satisfaction over the turn out despite last year’s incident and the unseasonal rains.

“Around 20-plus groups participated in the competition.

The crowd response was also good”, remarked Solid Party leader Rupesh Mahatme, while thanking the people of Margao and the participants for making the competition a success.

Two watch towers erected (Continued on page 10)

Fake currency scare hits State HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, NOV 4

Fake currency scare has raised its ugly head in Goa, and if Goa Police are to be believed, it is being transported from across the border in Pakistan.

Police officials said that counterfeit currency notes printed in Pakistan are being illegally pushed into Goa. This has prompted Reserve Bank of India (RBI) writing to Goa Police to remain alert.

“RBI has expressed concern

Hotels asked to insist on guests’ photo IDs HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, NOV 4

An order of the South Goa District Magistrate has emphasised owners and managements of all hotels, lodging, boarding, private guesthouses, etc., not to allow guests to check-in without submitting photo identity proof such as smart card, election card, and other such substantiation by recognised authorities.

The order issued on November 2 makes it mandatory for these commercial establishments to insist on photo-identity proofs and submit records of the same to the police for inspection. In case of foreigners, the establishments have been asked to submit ‘C’ forms.

Owners of such establishments failing to obey the order will have to face punishment under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code. The police authorities have been ordered to file FIRs on behalf of the State in court against those failing to obey the order.

The order came into force on November 2 and will remain in force for 60 days unless withdrawn earlier.

Sonia, Tata Forbes’ most powerful people PTI BOSTON, NOV 4

Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Tata Sons Chairman Ratan Tata are among the five Indians named among the most powerful people in the world by Forbes in its year’s list of 68 people “who matter”.

India’s business tycoons Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani and steel giant ArcelorMittal Chairman Lakshmi Mittal also make this year’s list.

China’s President Hu Jintao has topped the 2010 Forbes list of the ‘World’s Most Powerful People’.

For the top spot, Jintao pipped US President Barack Obama, who comes in at second place. Of the 6.8 billion people on the planet, Forbes’ list comprises the 68 who matter.

about the increasing instances of fake notes traced through various banks. These are usually printed in Pa k i s t a n a n d enter Goa via Nepal, Bangladesh and West Bengal,” said Economic Offence Wing (EOW) PSI Satish Padwalkar.

Sources confirmed that the department has already placed its intelligence to trace the orig-

inator and those circulating counterfeit currencies in Goan markets.

Moreover, intelligence agencies have alerted the banks about such currencies which are deposited by account holders without knowing the truth.

“We are holding regular meetings with the bank officials alerting them on the issue.

There are just one or two such

notes but we cannot book the holder,” he said.

The EOW has launched education drive among traders to remain alert and at the same time, encouraging them to have UV machine, which can track fake notes. RBI in its letter has clearly mentioned that printing such fake notes attracts offence under Section 489-A and 489-E of the Indian Penal Code.

It is learnt that RBI has further directed Goa Police to probe into the source of the fake notes.

Wait a minute, whenever tension flares up in this area, I'm extremely busy you see..

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Rise in deaths due to ratol Mapping of coastal villages In future, PWD nod intake a cause for worry after okay of CRZ ’10: Minister must for allowing HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, NOV 4

Five cases, three deaths in the last eight days. That’s the alarming number of deaths due to ratol consumption reported at government-run Hospicio hospital, showing a surge in cases of ratol consumption as a means to commit suicide.

If the death of young Loutolim woman, Nadia Torrado due to ratol paste consumption brought to the fore the lethal nature of the rodent killing paste, ratol appears to be increasingly used by the young and middle aged persons to end life.

Says Dr Doreen Dias, Psychiatrist, attached to Hospicio hospital: “In the past, doctors were called upon to treat attempted suicide cases relating to overdose. But, people tend to take ratol to take drastic steps. This is indeed an alarming situation

and needs to be addressed on a priority basis”.

Dr Dias said the victims, in some case, were unaware the lethality of the consumption of ratol paste. “Doctors are helpless when suicide victims with consumption of one or two ratol pastes. There are chances of survival in overdose cases, but not vis-à-vis ratol consumption”, she added.

Another Hospicio doctor attributed the surge in ratol cases to the copy cat syndrome after the much-publicised death of the Loutolim woman.

Ratol has claimed a young married woman from Sao Jose de Areal, besides a young girl in the last three days. Thursday saw the admission of a 40-year old man from South Goa rushed to Hospicio after consuming two tubes of ratol paste. Incidentally, the hospital did not witness many cases in the last 2-3

months, but the sudden surge has raised many an eyebrow.

In the case of the Sao Jose de Areal woman, the suicide note stated that the victim was fed up of life and refused to blame anyone for her decision.

Says Dr Doreen: “During counseling, we have come across many cases relating to family conflicts and minor domestic quarrels. Probably, many a victim did not even know that ratol is lethal in nature”.

Blame it on copy cat suicide syndrome after the much-publicised Nadia Torrado death case, a Hospicio doctor said the government can certainly think of banning or restricting the sale of ratol in the open market.

“But, that is a policy decision for the government to take. Similar decisions have been taken in some countries, restricting the sale of pesticides in the open”, the doctor added.

Goans greeted on Diwali HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, NOV 4

CHIEF MINISTER : Extending greetings to the people on the occasion of Diwali, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat has hoped that the festival of lights brings happiness, peace and prosperity to all.

Kamat said Diwali is not only a religious festival but is a unique opportunity to all to come together in a happy atmosphere. “The burning of Narkasur effigies besides having mythological reference, symbolizes victory of good over evil.

Though Goa has achieved new heights of progress and prosperity, preserving our high traditions is uppermost in our mind,” he added.

Kamat has further appealed to people to celebrate this festival keeping in mind our responsibility to maintain clean environment.

GOVERNOR: The Governor Dr S S Sidhu has also extended greetings to people on the occasion.

In his message the Governor stated that Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the country, which is widely celebrated by people from all faiths with unity, joy, enthusiasm and spiritual fervour.

“This unique and traditional festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and virtues over vices.

Over the years, this festival has become an important event which helps in fostering social solidarity, bonhomie, mutual trust and goodwill among the people,” the message adds.

The Governor has also stated that this festival assumes greater relevance in these times when divisive and communal forces are attempting to vitiate the social atmosphere and national solidarity.

ARCHBISHOP: Archbishop-Patriarch Filipe Neri Ferrao has sent his greetings to the Hindu community on the occasion of Diwali.

In his message, Archbishop Ferrao said: “We cordially greet our Hindu sisters and brothers on the happy occasion of Diwali and join them in their joy as they celebrate the victory of light over the powers of darkness.”

“There is nothing that unites the human family more than the endeavour of conquering the common enemy: the evil of darkness, whenever and wherever it raises its head. This sense of solidarity can only be nurtured in an atmosphere of mutual respect, trust and cooperation.”

“It is such an ambience that leads us to shun violence, overcome indifference and discrimination, paving the way for mutual cooperation, so that we can together address the unresolved challenges of our times.”

“May the community celebration of Diwali this year be a significant step in that direction,” said Archbishop Ferrao.

VASCO REPORTER ADDS: RAVI NAIK: Home Minister Ravi Naik also greeted people of Goa. “The festival of lights will bring peace and prosperity to the people of the State,” he said.

He, however, cautioned the people of Goa that there were efforts made during last Diwali

celebration to disturb communal harmony, but they could not succeed. “People of Goa do not give importance to such elements,” added Naik.

FRANCISCO SARDINHA: S o u t h G o a M P Fr a n c i s c o Sardinha also wished the Hindu community on the occasion of Diwali.

CPI: The Goa State committees of Communist Party of India (CPI) and All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) have also extended greetings to all brothers and sisters during this festive season and wished a joyous Deepavali festival, which symbolizes and brings along the glad tidings of freedom from bondage, oppression and evil, enlightenment, prosperity and peace.

GPCC: Goa Pradesh Congress Committee, in its greetings, has wished Hindu brothers and sisters a very happy and prosperous Diwali. “Let festival of lights bring peace, unity and prosperity to one and all,” GPCC general secretary Altinho Gomes said in his message.

DSE: The Diocesan Society of Education has also extended greetings to the managers, heads, teaching and non-teaching staff members as well as students of the educational institutions run by the society. “May this beautiful festival strengthen the bonds of friendship and unity existing among the people of this State and may we all come together to work for peace, understanding and cooperation among ourselves and in the world at large,” says Fr Zeferino D’Souza, Executive Secretary of Diocesan Society of Education.

PWD Minister promises to hotmix Madel roads HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, NOV 4

Residents of Madel in ward 8 can look forward to hotmixing of all dilapidated roads across the ward before Christmas. The low-lying area hit by overflowing soakpits and septic may also be finally connected to the sewerage project by April next.

PWD Minister Churchill Alemao along with GPCC general secretary Vijay Sardessai and councilor-elect of Ward 8 Gonzaco Rebello visited Madel on Wednesday night and assured to take up the road works on a war footing.

In fact, the Alemao-Sardessai duo promised to commence the road hotmixing work within five

days at a public meeting, which was attended by PWD officials attached to roads, water supply and sewerage corporation.

In his typical Janata Darbar fashion, the PWD Minister introduced the whole team of PWD officials to the people before promising to complete the hotmixing works before Christmas.

He called upon people to cooperate during laying of water pipelines and warned that habitual antagonists would have to face police action if they unnecessarily impeded the dept’s resolve to supply water to all.

He also said that he would whole heartedly co-operate with Vijai Sardesai and his panel to

Losing candidate holds review meet HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, NOV 4

While councilor elect of ward 8 had a meeting along with the Alemao -Sardessai at Madel, losing candidate Purnanand Chari along with his supporters had an election review meeting at the other corner of the ward last night.

While disclosing plan to form a Vigilant Action Committee comprising of the ward people, Chari served a 15-day ultimatum on the SGPDA to put the wholesale fish market in order and stop the nuisance created to the Madel resident.

Chari warned that the residents would be forced to come on the streets if the authorities fail to act.

Thanking his supporters, Chari said they may be losers, but have won the hearts of the people with their simple and united campaign. redress the grievances of the people of Fatorda and this work was likely to ensure Sardesai’s election to the assembly in 2 years.

Sardessai, in his address, appealed to the people to leave aside past differences and unite to ensure that progress reaches the neglected portion of Fatorda.

Reaching out to his local political opponents, Sardesai said he harboured no ill feeling towards anybody and was willing to accept constructive opposition if not for co-operation from his detractors.

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, NOV 4

The state will initiate carrying out mapping its coastal villages only after the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) 2010 draft is formally implemented, Environment minister Aleixo Sequeira said.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the launch of ‘Braille machines and CTP Technology in Printing’, the minister expressed apprehensions that if draft notification is dropped, the entire task of mapping villages will be a waste.

“Why should I do it before the notification if formally approved and implemented? It’s just a draft notification. We will map villages only after its final approval,” he replied to a question to the CRZ draft released by the Union Ministry in September 2010.

The Union Government in the fresh CRZ 2010 notification declared that no developmental activity will be carried out at Goan beaches, which are designated as turtle nesting sites.

The notification also said that the state Government will carry out a survey of all fishing villages of Goa. “What happens if the draft notification is thrown in dustbin? Why should I act before it is implemented,” he said.

The Union Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) has given special status to Goa in the notification. Asked for his reaction on the draft, he stated, “I am happy and not happy with the draft notification.”

Replying further he added that the draft is presently being studied by respective officials.

The state, he said, has certain suggestions to offer, which will be put forth before the MoEF for consideration.

“We are studying the notification because we don’t want to be blamed of doing nothing for the people of Goa. We have taken pains to circulate the copies of draft to all MLAs, NGOs and whoever is concerned about CRZ,” he said.

National Fishworkers Forum (NFF) vehemently opposed the fresh draft terming it as mere eyewash and ploy to rob away the traditional fishermen’s land.

Sequeira said that the Government has till date not received grievances from the forum.

He also said that the state will not spare any CRZ violators be it five star hotels or any other structures. “I have ordered demolition of a part of a structure belonging to a five star hotel in North Goa,” he added.

Union Minister for environment Jairam Ramesh in a cate-

gorical statement has stated that all five-star hotels and vacation beach complexes constructed by violating CRZ will have to face the axe in Goa. The ministry has released that there are approximately 8000 illegal structures as per satellite imaginary pictures. “We don’t know for sure as to how many illegal structures are in Goa…It may not be correct figures. The exercise is on to compile the number of illegal structures,” Sequeira said.

Referring to a case pending at Bombay High Court at Goa, the minister said that the Court has asked respective village panchayats to identify structures along the coastline after 1991.

“Most structures have come after 1976. I will again clarify that all structures may not be illegal as CRZ rules came in place in February 1991.We will get the exact data only after village panchayats submit their reports,” he said.

Giving approximate data of structures built between 1976 and 2006, he said, some 2000 structures are built in the 0-200 meters zone, 4000 structures within 200-500 meters along the sea and 2000 structures within 0-100 meters along the river.

Haj pilgrims felicitated before journey to Madina

bus stops

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, NOV 4

Public Works Department will now have to take permission from the Transport department before allowing any more bus stops in the state.

The Task Fore on transport, chaired by Chief Minister Digamber Kamat, last week, took strong objections to the scores of roadside bus stops, which many at times come up just to allow corporate houses to advertise their products.

State transport director Arun Desai, last week, has asked PWD to take prior permission or No Objection Certificate (NOC) from them before letting any bus stop sprung.

“Within the city itself you will find several unauthorized bus stops,” Desai said adding that construction of any such structure should be done only after public demand, transport department’s scrutiny and district magistrate’s order. He said that all these rules are flouted.

Task Force meeting which was held on Wednesday also decided to form a committee under the chairmanship of transport director in order to study the traffic flow and the number of bus stops on national highways.

The committee, on November 10 evening will visit - PanjimMargao, Panjim-Vasco and Margao- Vasco routes to survey number of unauthorized stops and traffic congestions.

The report will be presented to the Task Force in its next meeting, scheduled to be held in December’s first week.

“These three routes are taken on trial bases. It has been brought to our notice that a good number of unauthorized

stops have come up across these routes. At the same time some authorized stops are lying unused,” director stated.

As per the statistics, there are 28 bus stops on Panjim-Margao route and 30 on Panjim-Vasco route.

He pointed out that at places like Nuvem, Agassaim and Goa Velha, there are two bus stops exactly opposite to each other creating traffic mess.

The meeting decided that there should be at least 100 meters distance between two bus stops, although they are located at each side of the road.

The department is also planning to come up with bus bay at Nuvem, Agassaim and Goa Velha for smooth functioning of traffic. “We have notice that buses waste nearly 10-15 minutes at these spots,” Desai said.

The department will also come up with the traffic management according to which, the buses will be asked to stop at alternate bus stops. Also every third bus on the route will be express one.

The director said that although the entire process will take time, traffic would be smooth at the end of it.

When asked, Desai said that it’s not just the responsibility of the transport department or bus owners but public also need to play an equally important role when it comes to traffic management.

“Rather the waiting at the bus stops, people, always in hurry, stand on the road to flag down buses, which then becomes a commonplace to either pick or drop passenger further delaying the entire journey,” he stated.

CM to have final say on Margao council chief HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, NOV 4

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat felicitates Haj pilgrims in the presence of Home Minister Ravi Naik, South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha and GSHC Vice President Abdul Rehman.

Photo by M Prabhav HERALD REPORTER VASCO, NOV 4

After a delay of almost 11 days, the 282 Haj pilgrims will leave for Madina in Saudi Arabia by maiden direct flight from Goa on Friday at about 1 am.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat along with Home Minister Ravi Naik and South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha felicitated the Hajis, who will leave for Madina, in the presence of Goa State Haj Committee (GSHC) Vice Chairperson Abdul Rehman, trustees of Masjite-e-Noor Iqbal Mohidin, All Goa Pradesh Congress Committee Minority Chairperson Saifullah Khan and others.

They were felicitated on the inaugural function of maiden

flight to Haj from Goa at Noore-Masjit, Alto-Dabloim, on Thursday.

The Haj pilgrims, who had arrived in the State from Kerala, Bihar, UP and other states, to board the flight were forced to stay in Goa, as a portion of the runway at Dabolim airport was damaged, after a fuel tanker met with a self accident on the runway on October 23, which was repaired on October 31 evening.

Addressing Hajis, Kamat wished the pilgrims and prayed for their safe and happy journey in maiden flight from Goa. “I hope that Haj pilgrims’ number will increase next year and if the number of pilgrims increases next year, then efforts

Talks on for consensus on Cuncolim civic chief HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, NOV 4

The process of consultations to evolve a consensus candidate for the post of Cuncolim Municipal Chairperson has begun.

Cuncolim MLA and Urban Development Minister, Joaquim Alemao had a meeting with the Chairperson Devendra Desai and vice-Chairperson Landry Mascarenhas on Thursday.

Sources in the know said the Urban Development Minister has worked out a solution to the claims by the councilorselect to the post of Chairperson by rotating the post amongst the top aspirants.

While the details of the meeting between Alemao, Devendra and Landry were not known, sources in the know said the Urban Development Minister is inclined towards the continuance of Devendra as the Chairperson and Landry the Vice-Chairperson given this being the election year.

It is learnt that while Devendra might occupy the post for a period of two years, he would pave way for Landry to take over the reigns for the next two years.

The balance term of one year will be shared amongst the remaining claimants, sources said.

Landry and his supporters had laid a strong claim for the coveted post which has been taken note of the by the Urban

Development Minister.

When contacted, Alemao said the process of consultations has begun and the formal meeting of the councilors-elect will take place later this week. He said the councilors-elect has called on him after their election victories and has extended their cooperation in the election of the new Civic Chief.

Sources in the know said there are many contenders amongst the councilors-elect for the post of vice-Chairperson and the claims will be resolved via rotation of the chair amongst the aspirants.

One held for outraging modesty

MARGAO (HR): The Cuncolim police arrested one Yeshwant Vengurlekar for allegedly outraging the modesty of a 32-yearold woman at Betul on Thursday.

PSI Prasanna Bhagat informed that the accused was later released on bail.

He said the accused trespassed into the house of the victim and abused her, besides assaulting her husband. The accused is alleged to have outraged her modesty while leaving the house and threatened the family with dire consequences.

will be made to double the number of flights from Goa,” said Kamat.

Kamat thanked Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel and South Goa MP Sardinha for granting a direct flight to Haj from Goa. Home Minister Ravi Naik and South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha also wished the Haji’s and prayed for their safe journey.

The jumbo jet, direct charter flight, Alwafeer Airline Boeing B747-400, to Haj, which was scheduled to operate from Goa on Thursday at about 7 pm was further delayed and will arrive at 11 pm and leave for Haj at about 1 am.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat would finally take the final decision on the new Chairperson for the Margao Municipal Council, while the post of vice-Chairperson may go to the senior most member from the camp of GPCC general secretary Vijay Sardessai.

This was decided at a meeting between the Chief Minister and the GPCC general secretary held in the city on Thursday evening.

The duo was huddled together for quite some wherein Kamat and Sardessai took stock of the situation and the post poll scenario.

Given that this is an election year, it is learnt that both the Congress leaders have agreed to decide the Civic leadership issue amicably given that the Congress has swept polls for the Margao Civic body by completely routing the BJP. Sources in the know said during the confabulations, the GPCC general secretary is learnt to have put up a host of conditions before the Chief Minister, including development package

for Fatorda, jobs for the locals, rehabilitation policy for the land losers, et al.

Both Kamat and Sardessai are believed to have stressed on the need to provide a stable council for the citizens of Margao. In this backdrop, the Chief Minister has reportedly told the GPCC general secretary that the Civic vice-Chairperson ought to be from his group to lend stability to the Council.

In the 20-member body, around nine councilors-elect belong to the Chief Minister’s camp, while around seven are believed to be owing allegiance to the Sardessai group.

A formal decision on the new Chairperson is likely to be taken by weekend when the councilors-elect from both the Kamat and Sardessai camp would meet and choose the leader.

Archbishop House closed

PANJIM (HNB): The offices at the Archbishop House, AltinhoPanjim, will remain closed to the public on November 5 on the occasion of Diwali.

Mormugao councillors sing stability tune HERALD REPORTER VASCO, NOV 4

Most of the newly elected councillors to the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) have assured to provide stability to the council for the development of their wards and Vasco city.

It may be recalled that during the previous tenure, such has been the ‘musical chair’ syndrome at the MMC that as many as 14 of the 19 councillors have either served as chairperson or vice chairperson in the last five years.

Though the council had 20 members, the strength was reduced to 19 following the resignation of Mormugao MLA Milind Naik as councillor.

While six councillors served as chairperson, all seven women councillors had the privilege to become the vice chairperson.

However, if assurances of all the 20 newly elected councillors are taken seriously, it appears that stability is a priority on the agenda among all the councillors for the development of city.

Immediately, after winning the elections, when media persons questioned about the musical chair during the last tenure, first among all the councillors to assure stability was MMC chairperson Shekhar Khadap-

kar.

“No musical chair this time and stability will be the main agenda,” said Shekhar Khadapkar.

“I would even love to sit in the opposition, as I have learnt a lot about council’s affairs and functioning of the council in the last one year tenure as chairperson,” said Khadapkar.

Newly elected Councillors Bhavana Bhosle, Sumita Usgaonkar, Sarita Palkar, Tukaram Redkar, Landez Sunita, Jerry Fernandes, Fiola Rego, Pascoale D’Souza, Neny D’Souza, Premanand Nanoskar, Tara Kerkar and Sudesh Korgaonkar stated that they would not support musical chair in the council, as they want development of their wards.

“We want stability for the development and we will not supp o r t m u s i c a l c h a i r, ” s a i d Councillor Sarita Palkar.

“I am not bothered about the chair. My main priority would be the development of my ward and Vasco city,” said Councillor Tara Kerkar.

Jerry Fernandes, the youngest councillor among the 12 new faces elected by the people, also assured that stability in the council is important for the development.

Earlier, Manesh Arolkar had said that since chairperson’s post has been reserved for women, it is expected that stability would be maintained in the council unlike the last tenure.

Electrical equipments damaged in lightning HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, NOV 4

Electrical equipments worth Rs 2 lakh were damaged from about 12 houses, after lightning struck a house in KumbharwadaBordem, Bicholim, on Thursday at about 2.15 pm.

According to reports, the occupants of the houses escaped unhurt. Electrical equipments like TV, refrigerators, washing machines, belonging to Kishore Kudaskar, Sanjana Kudaskar, Kedar Rajai, Gokuld a s H a r m a l k a r, R o h i d a s Kunkolkar, Ramakant Shetkar, Bhikaji Dalvi, Raghu Pal, Mahadev Kunkolkar and Anant Pal were damaged. Talathi Vishram Gad conducted the panchanama.

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GOA, FRIDAY, 5 NOVEMBER, 2010

Tivim villagers urged to back GBA’s fight for RP

Collem duo convicted for assaulting linesmen

Venita Coelho and other village leaders.

The meeting raked up the issue of the cricket stadium with Malvankar pointing out how 1.3 lakh square metres of eco-sensitive land was acquired by the Government for a private party for the dubious project. The matter is in the High Court which has ruled for a stay order.

Dr Claude Alvares said people were winning with support of the law and as far as the cricket stadium was concerned the ancillary projects had already been withdrawn from the plan as per affidavits in the HC. He called the people to join the GBA campaign to get the RP finalised.

Mathew D’Souza asserted Communidade land was being appropriated for projects that have no benefits for the people.

He urged the people to remain vigilant so that the control of land remains with the local people.

Geraldine Fernandes, who

HERALD CORRESPONDENT SANGUEM, NOV 4

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, NOV 4

In its second meeting on the eve of Diwali, the Goa Bachao Abhiyan, along with the Tivim Bachao Manch, gave a call to the villagers of Tivim to strengthen its hands to fight for notification of eco-sensitive zones and restriction of 50 FAR (floor area ratio) pending finalisation of the Regional Plan 2021.

At the meeting, the villagers decided to call upon their MLA and ask him whether he will support the demand for notification of eco-sensitive zones marked in the draft RP 2021.

GBA has vowed in its village meetings it will call upon people to put pressure on their respective MLAs. The meeting was attended by local farmers like Uday Malvankar and Communidade member Mathew D’Souza, Savio D’Souza of TBM, Goa Foundation’s Claude Alvares, Ganv Ghor Rakhon Manch Convenor Geraldine Fernandes, script writer

hails from Tivim, stated people strongly supported the demand made by GBA for changes in the law for participatory planning and urged the people to rally together to achieve the four demands.

Venita Coelho emphasized the need for a proper development plan to ensure food security, water supply and the one which protected land for the locals.

Joint Secretary GBA Miguel Braganza stated that GBA was reaching the people to help them decide whether the kind of development envisaged by the Government benefited them or not. He pointed out that the football ground at Duler, Mapusa, where they played regularly was now a stadium and one has to pay Rs 500 as entry fee to use the ground.

Convenor GBA, Dr Sabina Martins, said people have to rally hard yet again for notification of eco-sensitive zones and restrict haphazard constructions to save Goa from being sold out.

Goa leads the way, commissions ‘Braille embosser’ machine HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, NOV 4

Goa became the pioneer to have its official gazettes to be printed in Braille script. Minister for Printing & Stationary Aleixo Sequeira commissioned the ‘Braille embosser’ machine at Government Printing Press today.

The advanced machine can print normal official gazettes, documents, notifications and

orders in Braille script, “on demand.” So also, Computer to Plate (CTP) machine, paper cutting machine and perforating machines were also inaugurated.

Speaking after the launch, the minister said that Braille printed documents will be available to visually impaired free of cost provided they produce certificate of visually disabled.

“The condition is put forth

so that there is no abuse of the facility. For commercial establishments, each Braille script page will cost Rs 2 and at educational institutions, it will be available at Rs 1 per page,” he said.

Printing & Stationary Director N D Agarwal said that the latest technology will help provide prompt and better services to visually challenged population.

With this, the department has become the fourth establishment to have procured these machines.

He said that notifications can be converted into Braille through software developed by Modular Private Ltd. The state has invested a whopping Rs 60 lakhs for CTP, Braille machines are procured at a cost of Rs two lakhs.

National Association for Blinds – Goa Unit Rozendo Mendosa expressed gratitude to the Government to have accepted their demand.

“This is for the first time in India that Braille machine has been installed in a government department. Visually impaired students in Goa have excelled in vocational and educational studies. They are performing far better than normal students,” he said.

The department released Government gazette ever y Thursday informing people about the latest Acts endorsed by the State as well as Central Governments besides other set of information.

Joint Director (Planning) Suresh Shanbogue, Director of Information & Publicity Menino Peres, Assistant Director Printing Subhash Shetye and others were also present.

14 GCS senior scale officers promoted HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, NOV 4

On Thursday, 14 senior scale officers of the Goa Civil Service were in for some good news on the eve of Diwali. They have been promoted to junior administrative grade with immediate effect.

The promoted officers are Sandip Jacques, S V Naik (Director Administration, Goa Medical College), Swapnil Naik (Director Tourism), Elvis Gomes (Commissioner Corporation of the City of Panjim), Margaret Fernandes (Managing Director Goa SC and OBC Finance Development Corporation), Candida Fernandes (Director Administration, Kala Academy), Prasad Lolienkar (Director Art and Culture), G P Naik (Collector South Goa), N D Agarwal (Director Government Printing Press),J B Bhingui (Chief Executive Officer Goa Daman and Diu Khadi and Village Industries Board), Gopalkrishna Padgaonkar (Secretary Goa Konkani Akademi), D B Shanke (Panchayats Additional DirectorI), Yatindra Maralkar (Joint Secretary Personnel), Sanjiv Gadkar (Director Women and Child Development) and Michael D’Souza (Director Science, Technology and Environment).

The order issued today states their current postings, however, will remain the same.

Sanguem Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Artikumari Naik has convicted Luis D’Costa and Benny Azavedo, both residents of Collem, of assaulting the linesmen, Ballappa Yelvi and Gangaram Patel, while on duty.

The offence of assault on the duo was filed at Collem Police station by Junior Engineer, attached to Electricity Department, Curchorem, Jaipal Bidrali. The case was investigated and charge sheeted by Investigating Officer Jaidev Gawas. Both the accused persons were charged under Section 332 read with 34 IPC. On the day of the alleged offence which took place on July 7, 2007, linesmen Bellappa Yelvi and Gangaram Patel had gone to the village to undertake repair work of the main electricity line, when an altercation broke between the linesmen and the accused. The accused allegedly assaulted the linesmen with slaps.

Immediately, a complaint was lodged and the accused were arrested by police and later released on bail.

The Court after going through the evidence led by the Prosecution and on hearing the arguments led by the APP Govind Gaokar convicted the duo and sentenced the accused to pay a fine of Rs 3,000 each.

Incidentally, the accused persons aggrieved with the Judgement passed by the JMFC and are likely to file an appeal before the District and Sessions Court against the order of conviction passed by the JMFC Sanguem.

Panjimites recall fears of Margao’s ‘narkasur’ blast HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, NOV 2

Citing the Margao blast on the eve of Diwali last year, Panjimites expressed fears over a temporary stage built for the ‘narkasur’ contest close to a heritage structure at the Church Square.

Citizens in the area said the authorities concerned failed to apply their mind while giving permission to the ‘pandal’. They said it was all the more irrelevant to have it facing the church, which is the major heritage structure and tourist destination in the area.

Rui Ferreira, who resides close to the stage, in his complaint to the North Goa Collector maintained being a heritage structure the church was visited by tourists late in the evening.

He said the stage opposite the heritage structure, wellknow tourist destination, will result in people using its steps to sit and view the contest, thereby blocking the main thoroughfare of the city which leads motorists out of the city limits.

In his complaint, Ferreira cited a news report that appeared in October on the front page. The report impresses upon state governments to make tourist destinations safe, especially those areas which could increase vulnerability to crime.

The resident has asked the authorities concerned to take necessary precautions in view of last year’s Margao blast occurring close to a religious structure.

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Casinos will not be allowed Share love of God, Archbishop exhorts seminarians in village: Reis Magos locals HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, NOV 4

Villagers at the recently held Reis Magos gram sabha vociferously demanded that in no circumstances, casinos should be allowed at Reis Magos.

Villagers at the gram sabha stated that casinos will spoil the peaceful environment of the village and fishing activities will come to a grinding halt.

“If any proposal from casino companies is received by the panchayat, it should be placed before the gram sabha and then the panchayat should take the decision in the matter,” said the villagers.

The resolution to this effect was proposed by Umesh Dharwadker and Baptist Fernandes seconded it.

Reis Magos Sarpanch Sushmita Pednekar informed that District Magistrate, North Goa, has approved four speed breakers, two at Ambekhand and one

n If any proposal from casino companies is received by the panchayat, it should be placed before the gram sabha and then the panchayat should take the decision in the matter. each at Aframent and Portais.

The sarpanch further informed that the panchayat has written a letter to the Archbishop stating that they propose to acquire land admeasuring 15,000 sq mtrs in Reis Magos for the construction of primary school and Subhealth centre.

The villagers said that part of

Naik elected sarpanch of Curti-Khandepar HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, NOV 4

Suraj Naik was on Thursday once again elected as sarpanch of Curti-Khandepar Panchayat.

It may be recalled that during a no-confidence motion held on October 27, Suraj Naik was voted out by 6-0 votes along with Deputy Sarpanch Deepa Naik.

However on Thursday, Suraj Naik and Madhumati Garde were declared elected after both won by 6-5 votes. The election was held by way of secret ballot.

Naik and Garde secured six votes, while other contestants for the post of sarpanch and deputy sarpanch, Narayan Rama Naik and Anita Naik, secured 5 votes.

All the 11 panchayat members, Bhika Kerkar, Ravindra D Gaude, Anita Naik, Parvin Banu Tashildar, Narayan Rama Naik, Hussain Mulla, John Pereira,

Suraj Naik, Deepa Naik, Madhumati Garde and Narayan V Naik were present during the election.

“This is for the third time, opposition panch members have failed in their attempts and I think because of the developmental activities undertaken by Sarpanch Suraj Naik, he succeeded in retaining the post,” said Panch and ex-sarpanch John Pereira.

“We are backing Suraj Naik and are happy over his work”, added Pereira.

Sarpanch Suraj Naik said he will continue with the developmental works in all 11 wards without any fear of losing the sarpanch’s post.

“I think my action against illegal activities has left some panch members unhappy and are constantly trying to destabilize our panchayat. I do not fear such people and their tactics,” stated Naik.

Reis Magos village has now merged into Saligao Constituency. In Saligao constituency, there is no Primary Health Centre and hence the panchayat should acquire land for Primary Health Centre too.

The sarpanch said the panchayat has already written a letter to the president of Pilerne and Nerul Communidade with a request to provide land for the purpose of Primary Health Centre.

Issues regarding street lights, water problem, drainages, etc, were also discussed in the gram sabha. Baban Chodanker, Vishwanth Parulekar, Joseph Rodrigues and others participated in the discussion. Panch Member Roopa Tople proposed the vote of thanks. Sarpanch Pednekar welcomed the gathering, Panchayat Secretar y Cliff ton Azavedo read the minutes of the gram sabha meeting held on August 29.

Injured girl succumbs to injuries HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, NOV 4

The minor girl, who was knocked down by a truck at Nagoa-Parra, succumbed to injuries on Wednesday.

According to Anjuna Police, Karishma Muthappa Chavan (8) was admitted in a hospital in a critical state. Anjuna Police conducted an inquest and the cause of death was due to head injuries.

Anjuna resident attempts suicide HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, NOV 4

A 30-year-old resident of Anjuna attempted to commit suicide by burning herself with kerosene.

According to Anjuna Police, the woman had scolded her daughter, while the father had retaliated back at the mother, forcing her to take the extreme step. Anjuna Police is investigating the case.

HERALD NEWS BUREAU PANJIM, NOV 4

Archbishop Patriarch Filipe Neri Ferrao inaugurated the grand fourth Centenary celebrations of the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol in the Seminary Church recently.

Archbishop Patriarch Ferrao presided over the solemn commemorative Eucharist in the Seminary Church. Over 200 priests concelebrated, and about hundred seminarians and several religious women, and a large number of lay faithful participated in the Eucharistic celebration.

Among the dignitaries was the presence of three former Rectors of the Seminary, Fr Arnolfo Mazarello, Fr George Nazareth and Fr Thomas Aquino Sequeira.

Earlier, Rector Fr Dennis Fernandes welcomed the dignitaries and called to mind the great milestones in the illustrious history of the Seminary. He invited everyone to thank God for the unique gift of the Seminary to the Church in Goa. Rector also welcomed the 18 newly ordained priests to their “Alma Mater”.

In his homily, the Archbishop Patriarch paid tribute to the great service that the Seminary has rendered to the Church in Goa, to the country, and elsewhere in the world.

He exhorted the staff and the seminarians to carry further the

Archbishop Patriarch Filipe Neri Ferrao along with three former Rectors of the Seminary, Fr Arnolfo Mazarello, Fr George Nazareth and Fr Thomas Aquino Sequeira.

glorious traditions of the seminary.

The Archbishop further urged the priests and the seminarians to love Christ passionately, preach the word of God actively, share the love of God through the celebration of the sacraments and offer themselves in loving service to all humanity.

Fr Joaquim Loiola Pereira, the secretary of the Archdiocese, read the message and greetings of His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI on the occasion of the fourth centenary of the Seminary.

His Holiness expressed his joy and called the Seminary to carry on the noble task of the formation of priests in the image and likeness of Christ, and invited the semi-

narians to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.

Following the tradition which states that the College of the Jesuits at Rachol was solemnly inaugurated with the celebration of the Vespers of the feast of All Saints, the Rector, the seminarians and the staff had sung the Vespers on the eve of the function.

Fr Donato Rodrigues, Professor of Moral Theology, proposed a vote of thanks. He urged the parish priests to send delegates to the International Conference organized by the Seminary to mark its fourth centenary on the theme ‘Catholicism in the World of Science’ scheduled from December 17 to 20.

Traditional hawkers seek MMC nod to sell items in city HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, NOV 4

The Goan traditional hawkers on Wednesday called on Margao Municipal Chief Officer seeking permission to sell Diwali items either at the Pimpalkatta area or the old fish market area in the city.

Led by Adv Anacleto Viegas, the hawkers contended that they have been into the business of selling traditional items during Diwali and other

festivals at the Pimpalkatta for long.

However, they pointed out that the Civic body had over the last one year had stopped granting them permissions to sell the items at the Pimpalkatta area, thus affecting their business and livelihood.

After giving them a patient hearing, MMC Chief Officer Prasanna Acharya said he has issued directions to the Municipal market inspector to study

the matter and take a decision at their level.

“I have told the market inspector to study the feasibility of allowing the traditional hawkers to sell the Diwali items at the old fish market”, Acharya later told newsmen.

He, however, ruled out the question of granting any permission at the Pimpalkatta area in view of the Council resolution banning activity in the area.

upcoming events ‘Festival of Blessings’ at Panjim PANJIM(HND): A three-day Festival of Blessings with live music and talk will be held on November 5, 6 and 7 at Azad Maidan in Panjim from 5.30 pm. According to a press release, Rev Paul Thangiah from Bangalore will be the main speaker. A very powerful speaker, he touches many hearts with his sense of humour, simplicity and passion. Being a great organiser and administrator he travels around the globe, imparting skills at leadership seminars. He has also authored books on Family and Corporate world. His books have been well received by all. His Media Ministry reaches to millions through different satellite networks. These programmes have been a blessing to many sick, broken hearted and hopeless people in various parts of the world. His latest Tamil release Uyirvullavarai has become a golden disc, having crossed the distribution of over 1 lakh CD’s on the day of release itself. It is only his passion and his vision that helps him to go beyond his limitations.

Group dance contest COLLEM(HC): Mahadev Mahila Mandal and Self Help Group of Kajumal-Sangod, Mollem, will organise a group dance competition for cultural groups from the State in the meeting hall of Mahadev Temple, Makadem, on November 14 at 2.30 pm.

Cash prizes of Rs 3,000, Rs 2,500 and Rs 2,000 will be awarded to the first three dance groups. Besides, three consolation prizes of Rs 500 each will be awarded. For details and entry forms, contact Maya Kutkar on 2612378 or Manohar Malekar on 9764269846.

Dance classes underway CALANGUTE(HC): Dance classes, organized by Floor Fillers Dance Academy, are underway at Calangute Panchayat Hall.

The dance classes are being conducted for kids, teens and adults during the Diwali vacations upto November 20 from 4 pm. Dance classes include Bollywood Jazz for kids (4-9 years), Bollywood Jazz and Latin Ballroom for teens (10-17 years), Latin American Ballroom (Salsa, Cha Cha Cha, Meringue, Jive, Waltz, Bachata) for adults (15-30 years) and Hip Hop for all age groups. For details, contact on 9657446102 or 9823073078.

Poojanotsav at Bicholim MAYEM(HC): The annual Poojanotsav of Goddess Laxminarayan at Atil Peth Math Mandir, Bicholim, will be celebrated with a variety of religious rituals and entertainment programmes from November 5 to 10. The celebration will commence with Dindi procession of Goddess Laxminarayn from the residence of Vidhyadhar Shirodkar at Housing Board, Bicholim, followed by installation of the idol of goddess. Competitions like Dandia, fancy dress, Akash Kandil, drawing, breaking the pot, musical chairs, etc, have been organized on the eve. Besides, entertainment programmes like orchestra, dance, singing programme, etc will be performed. Hari Bhajani Pandit Buwa Prashant Dhond from Kudal-Maharashtra will deliver Kirtan every day at 7 pm and at 9 pm.

POWER SHUTDOWN

NOV 6 BICHOLIM: from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm. Areas affected are Arkar, Sonarpeth, Deendayal building, Hirabai Memorial hall and surrounding areas.

NOV 7 MAPUSA: From 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are Mapusa Residency, Braganza hotel, Carvalho petrol pump, Bamonwaddo Cuchelim, Pilimbi waddo, Mapusa Industrial Estate, Alto-Duler, Costa bakery and surrounding areas.

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Accident-prone Dumane culvert Display patience for PWD to carry out quality work, urges Alemao finally gets concrete railings HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, NOV 4

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, NOV 4

The accident-prone Dumane culvert finally had concrete railings, providing some protection to the motorists.

It may be recalled that since last several years, a number of vehicles, including four-wheelers and even mini-buses had plummeted over this culvert bridge, causing deaths and serious injuries. A few foreign nationals in recent years become the fatal victims of such mishaps.

Concrete studs are erected by providing suitable gaps in between on either side on the otherwise unprotected side borders of the oldest culvert bridge.

“This might have given some safety to the unsuspecting motorists driving on the route.

However, it may not be long before heavy vehicles using the culvert bridge will hit and destroy this protection, as it begins immediately after a steep turn while going towards Agonda,” said the motorists.

The culvert bridge is situated on Canacona-Agonda road in such a treacherous situation, that motorists, especially new drivers on the route, fails to control their vehicles and goes over the unprotected bridge and lands in the rivulet.

However, mishaps have been minimized since mid of last tourism season, after authorities reacting to public pleas, erected two speed-breakers on either side of the road, helping mo-

The coconut-breaking ceremonies to mark commencement of hot-mixing of roads recommenced in Canacona taluka with PWD Minister Churchill Alemao launching Rs 4.6 crore of Khola panchayat’s 14 kms of internal roads.

After lighting Agarbatis and breaking a coconut at Matvemoll junction to begin the inauguration of Khola’s 14 kms of State road and about six internal ro a d s i n t h e p re s e n c e o f Quepem ML A Chandrakant Kavlekar and others, Alemao said: “People need to display patience and should not expect developmental works overnight.”

“Some people after criticizing us, goes to priests and Pujari’s (Bhat’s) to pressurize us for taking such works in haste,” said Alemao, who along with Chief Minister Digambar Kamat had launched hot-mixing of State road at Agonda, on the eve of the recently ended monsoons, but till date remains abandoned after completing just about 800 mtrs of hot-mix works.

“If we had commenced hotmixing of roads in Khola at the end of last summer, the roads would have been spoiled by now,” added Alemao.

In a function held outside the Khola panchayat building, Alemao later distributed 94 gas connections for Khola vil-

Vehicles cautiously drive on the narrow Dumane culvert bridge on Canacona-Agonda road, where now concrete railings are erected.

Photo by Kathy Pereira

torists to cut their speed before approaching the culvert.

Incidentally, a demand for an alternate bridge culvert over this Dumane rivulet, which would help in avoiding the steep turn, continues to gather dust in PWD department, reportedly

Ravindra Bhavan to hold jewellery workshop

BY HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, NOV 4

Ravindra bhavan is organizing a Kundan and Imitation jewellery workshop from November 8-15 conducted by traditional experts from Gujarat. All the art lovers and also the selected applicants are being requested to be present for the workshop at the conference hall, Ravindra bhavan, Margao on November 8 at 2.15 pm.

Panchayat has not received any proposal: Sarpanch HERALD CORRESPONDENT OLD GOA, NOV 4

Sao Mathias Sarpanch Tulshidas Kundaikar stated that the panchayat has not yet received any proposal pertaining to the proposed tourism project at Vanxim Island in Diwar.

Speaking to Herald on Wednesday, Kundaikar said even though there were rumours about the proposed project, the panchayat has not yet received any such proposal and if such a proposal is received, the panchayat will take the decision in the best interest of Vanxim locals by not harming the sentiments of the residents.

“Until and unless the panchayat does not receive a proposal, we can’t do anything on it,” he said.

“Residents have been raising the issue at every gram sabha, but I feel that in the last 10 years, some locals are negotiating with the concerned builder, who is likely to set up

due to non-approval of land-acquisition file.

When contacted, local PWD officials said: “The alternate Dumane bridge construction is hampered due to non-completion of land acquisition process of required land in the vicinity.”

the tourism project. Some locals have even sold their fields and taken money, but now they a re d e n y i n g i t , ” c l a i m e d Kundaikar.

“I had asked some locals to come openly to discuss the issue and then find a solution on it,

DIWAR TOURISM PROJECT but the locals in turn come for the gram sabhas and raise their voice against the proposed project and do not allow us to talk,” stated the sarpanch.

“When we ask some locals if they have taken money, then the same locals ask us what proof we have,” said Kundaikar.

When asked whether the panchayat is being taken into confidence by the Vanxim locals over the issue, he said the panchayat has not been taken into confidence, but we do support them.

Awards in social services HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, NOV 4

Bharatiya Abhiruddi Nigam’, a registered voluntary organisation of Bangalore, has invited applications for awards in fields of Medicine, Social Service, Education, Teaching, Research, Vastu, Religion, Art and Culture, Dance, Drama, Publication, Sports, TV, Films, Industry, Administration and activities related to Economic development.

Following awards - Mother Teresa National Stree Ratna award, National Vocational Excellence Award, National Samaja Ratna award, Dr Abdul Kalam lifetime achievement award, Rahul Gandhi Young India Achievers Award - will be presented in the month of November at Kala Mandir, Panjim.

Profiles may be sent to The Secretary, Bharatiya Abhiruddi Nigam, No 17, 2nd floor, 3rd Cross, Muneshwar Temple Street, Nagashettyhalli, Sanjay Nagar, Bangalore – 580 094, Phone: 9449042399, by November 10, says a press release issued here.

‘MPLADS rules need amendments to facilitate buying of constructed halls’

PWD Minister inaugurating work of hot mixing of roads in Canacona taluka.

Photo by Kathy Pereira

lagers under RDA scheme, besides distributed coconut and other plants, fruit-bearing plantation saplings to the villagers.

Earlier while welcoming, Khola Sarpanch Archana Velip said: “Out of 196 applications claims from alleged vegetable vendors received by the panchcyat, we have already disbursed cheques to 110 beneficiaries, while 80 are still pending.”

Khola panchas, NaqueriBetul Sarpanch Willuna D’Silva, Barcem Sarpanch Gopinath Gaonkar, ZP (Khola) Krishna Velip, Quepem MLA’s wife Savitri Kavlekar were present.

However, Vijay Poi Khot, MLA

Konkan Railway observes Vigilance Awareness Week

BY HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, NOV 4

Konkan Railway Corporation observed Vigilance Awareness Week with the focus on “generation of awareness and publicity” against corruption.

To achieve this objective and with a view to generate awareness amongst the traveling public and employees about the ill-effects of corruption, various activities were undertaken all over Konkan Railway.

These included, skits at important station platforms and lectures by prominent personalities, essay and slogan competitions etc.

Debates were also held on thought provoking topics related to Vigilance to which employees of the Corporation gave an enthusiastic response. Prizes to winners were given away by the Managing Director, Konkan Railway during the concluding session held on November 1, 2010 at Corporate Office, Belapur. Pocket size cards containing

inspiring quotes of great personalities and vigilance related slogans contributed by KR employees were distributed amongst employees of KRCL as a moral boosting exercise. Also, interaction was done with traveling public to reiterate information regarding complaint lodging mechanism and distributed in the form of visiting card size printed leaflets for their convenience.

On the occasion, the KRC Managing Director released the Vigilance Bulletin – ‘Sachetak’ containing useful information, tips in the form of Dos and Don’ts, structured case studies and various other useful information, energizers etc, which will not only add to the knowledge bank of employees assisting them to avoid mistakes in working but also shall help them in adopting good and ethical practices while taking informed decisions, stated KRC Chief Public Relations Officer, Siddheshwar Telugu.

Chota Cinema Center Awards, a platform for Goans HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, NOV 4

Chota Cinema Center Awards is organised by Mandovi Entertainment in collaboration with The Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) since IFFI 2009, to provide platform to the talented Goan producers, directors and artists interested in film making.

Prize money to be given out to the artists this year has been increased: For Upto 5 minutes - Rs 10,000, Rs 8,000 and Rs 5000 for first three places; upto 15 minutes - Rs 15000, Rs 12000 and Rs 8000; up to 30 minutes - Rs 30000, Rs 20000 and Rs l0000.

Other Prizes for Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director and Best Editor carry cash prize of Rs 5000. Trophy and certificates will be awarded in each category and to each winner.

The entry for the films will be registered till November 15 from 10 am to 6 pm at Mandovi Entertainment, 31st January road, Centre Costa Campos, Opp Ashok restaurant, near Herald office, Cortim, Panaji. For details call 9823108559/9765852855/ 9049441177.

MP Shantaram Naik hands over a computer to Sister Vandana of St Mary of Angels Convent HS, Chinchinim. Also present are Collector, G P Naik, Altinho Gomes, Damodar Korgaonkar, J T Vaz, Vijaya Sheldekar and Bhai Naik HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, NOV 4

MP Shantaram Naik has said that MPLADS guidelines should be amended to facilitate buying of already constructed premises like halls for beneficiaries seeking community halls under the scheme.

Naik, who was distributing computers, copiers, printers, laptops and LCD Projectors, to the educational institutions of South Goa, under MPLADS at Margao on thursday, further said that, under the present guidelines, if a community hall is to be constructed for the benefit of the society, the project has to be tendered under the tedious PWD procedure, which not only delays the com-

pletion of the project, but causes escalation of 30% to 40%, which is avoidable if readily constructed halls of standard quality are permitted to be negotiated by amending the guidelines.

Naik further said that allocation of funds under MPLADS must be regulated under an Act of the Parliament as it is not fair to distribute crores of rupees under ordinary schemes of the government. He added that the government has taken right decision to enact a law to regulate Mahatma Gandhi Nat i o n a l Ru r a l E m p l o y m e n t Scheme.

Naik also pledged that a minimum of 2% of the MPLADS amount should be made avail-

able to the MP’s for distribution during natural calamities or other exigencies.

Naik appealed for optimum use of distributed electronic items.

Collector of South Goa, G P Naik appreciated Mr Naik’s efforts of assisting education institutions especially in the rural areas. He urged co-ordination between government and MPs for distribution of electronic items to the institutions.

General Secretary of GPCC, Altinho Gomes, appealed for better maintenance of the electronic items given to them under MPLADS. Secretary of GPCC Damodar Korgoankar, proposed a vote of thanks.

of Canacona constituency, of which Khola continues to be a part, was conspicuous by his absence, as there was no mention of Canacona MLA’s name from any of the speakers at the function.

Interestingly, while Savitri Kavlekar came to occupy her chair on the dais, the compere, introduced her as probable candidate for Sanguem constituency, but Alemao instantly added by saying: “Kavlekar’s wife can be also a replacement for Kavlekar in case Quepem gets reserved for women in next assembly polls.”

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Pg 7 Ravi Naik: Advance loans to educated unemployed HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, NOV 4

Asserting that co-operative sector enhances the growth of economy, Minister for Co-operation Ravi Naik has asked cooperative credit societies to advance loans to educated unemployed youth to set up their own ventures and promote self employment to ease the unemployment problem.

Speaking after inaugurating the second branch of the ParraVerla-Canca Urban Co-operative Credit Society Ltd at Vagator in Bardez on Thursday, Naik said that co-operative sector is primarily aimed to assist needy and downtrodden. While financing loans for business purposes the co-operative credit societies should also extend loans for educational cause with thrust on regular recovery of loans. He felt that for overall prosperity, co-operative credit societies should give more loans.

Ravi Naik said as Vagator is a tourist spot for Indians as well as foreigners, elected representatives should encourage unemployed youth to start self-employment ventures at appropriate locations.

Naik complimented the board of directors of the society for starting its second branch and assured all help for future endeavors.

MLA Dayanand Mandrekar Registrar of Co-operative Societies, P K Velip Kankar, also spoke on the occasion.

Health Ministry plans to eliminate filariasis HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, NOV 4

Goa is on the verge of this elimination of filariasis as this year no new microfilaria case was detected in the State.

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, GoI, envisages eliminating filariasis from this country by 2015.

The main strategy of elimination is to hold Mass Drug Administration(MDA) with DEC tablets and this programme is organised in the State ever since year 2004. This year also the MDA will be conducted on November 11, the National Filaria Day and on subsequent days.

The Health Workers will visit the households and administer prescribed dose of the DEC and Albendazole tablets.

Everyone has been asked to co-operate and swallow the tablets except pregnant women and children below the age of 2 years.

The press release states that on many occasions the tablets are received by people but some do not consume them. This will grossly affect the process of elimination of Filariasis. The Health Workers will cover all household and also try to contact people in offices. People are asked to co-operate with the Health Officials.

Workshop for teachers HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, NOV 4

Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT), New-Delhi has asked deputation of teachers from the State to participate in different Courses, workshops for middle/high/higher secondar y school teachers in the year 2010-11.

The Directorate of Art and Culture, deputes school teachers for participation.Teachers below 48 years of age with sound health and familiar with English are eligible to participate.

Those teachers who have attended earlier courses are not eligible. Also, teachers without invitation letter from CCRT or Directorate of Art and Culture will not be eligible to participate. Details and forms are available in the Office of Directorate of Art and Culture, Shramashakti Bhavan, 5th floor, Patto, Panjim.

Forms have to be submitted to the Directorate along with the recommendation of the head master/principal, says a press release issued here.

Offices at Archbishop’s House closed HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, NOV 4

The Offices at the Archbishop’s House, Altinho, Panjim, will remain closed to the public on November 5, on the occasion of Diwali.

OHERALDO

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O HERALD O

Take time to stand and stare

Vol No CX No: 279 Goa, Friday 5 November, 2010

Climate change hits Narkasurs

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atch towers and closed circuit TV cameras may have helped the police maintain a close vigil on the Narkasur competition in Margao, last night, but the greatest threat to Goa’s unique tradition of Narkasur is not Hindu terrorists or miscreants, but the rain. Over the last three years, the period of rain has ‘advanced’, and cloudbursts continue long after the monsoon has officially ‘retreated’. This gravely threatens the Narkasurs, which are built of wood, straw and paper.

The so-called religious objection of the Sanatan Sanstha is that the traditional Goan Diwali, with its larger-than-life Narkasurs, ‘glorifies’ evil, while it ignores Lord Krishna, who in Hindu mythology destroyed the evil ‘rakshasa’. This is completely baseless. A great deal of design, creativity and skilled effort goes into the making of these demons. But, at the end of the night, they are all mercilessly burnt down.

The very people who build them, like Lord Krishna, ensure their demise. How does that become ‘glorification’?

The Sanatan Sanstha’s top leadership comes from Maharashtra. They have a rigid Brahminical approach to religion.

And, it seems, they have come to believe that Goans are easy to bully.

Let us take a look at the North Indian tradition of Dussehra.

After the ‘Ram Leela’, on the day of Dussehra, North Indians erect huge, larger-than-life effigies of the ‘rakshasa’ king of Lanka, Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna and son Meghanad.

These massive effigies are then set on fire, in much the same way as the Narkasurs are set on fire in Goa. Has the Sanatan Sanstha even once objected to the erection of these massive effigies? Do they not ‘glorify’ the ‘evil’ that Ravana personifies? Or is that the Sanstha is just too timid to take on the aggressive North Indians, and prefers to harass the easygoing Goans instead?

Just as North Indians are entitled to their traditions, Goans have every right to continue with theirs. The Sanatan Sanstha should keep its rigid views to itself. They employ insidious techniques of making complaints to the authorities about ‘insults’ to religious sentiments. The police must be very careful when faced which such complaints, as acting on them could hurt the religious sentiments of ordinary Goans.

Dealing with the Santan Sanstha is easy. Their threats count for little, and few people take them seriously. But what about the weather? That is one threat that cannot be countered. Climate change is now a reality. Whatever we do, we have to take it into account, as it is changing our lives dramatically, not just in India but in the whole world.

In Goa, we have just had one of the hottest summers in a century followed by one of the wettest monsoons in a century. Each one of us must do our bit to push our governments to do everything they can to combat this phenomenon, which could threaten our future generations.

Coast not clear

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nion Minister for Environment Jairam Ramesh’s categorical statement that all five-star hotels and beach complexes in violation of the Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) rules in Goa will have to face the axe, shows that this issue, which Goa Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira has often said is ‘resolved’, is actually far from settled. According to Ramesh there are approximately 8,000 illegal structures in Goa as per satellite imagery pictures and he has directed the state government to demolish them. The minister needs to make a statement on this issue, as Goans living on the seashore believed, thanks to his assurances, that they were safe.

T

We cannot risk letting technology turn life into a chronic rush says Dr sUsHeeLa FerNaNDes

he modern epidemic called Hurry Sickness is a term which was coined 50 years ago by a prominent cardiologist who noticed that all of his heart patients had common behavioural characteristics, the most obvious being that they were in a chronic rush.

Hurry sickness has been an issue in our culture for quite some time; the problem however is escalating in degree and intensity over the past few years, leading to rudeness, short tempered behaviour and violence, alongside a range of ills.

Studies have shown that 38 per cent of Asians from age 19-27 text message while behind the wheel, giving rise to unprecedented accidents and traffic congestion.

The primary culprit in this inferno of noise and hurry is the increasing prevalence of technology – like e-mail, cell phones, pagers, laptop computers and satellite TV. Now we bring work home, into our bedrooms and on our vacations. The laptop unconcerned with family values also makes its way to the dining table. There is an increased pressure to do more in the same number of hours.

Time is being compressed more than ever.

In the past an overnight letter used to be a big deal, but now if you can’t send an e-mail attachment, there’s something wrong. Because the technology is available to us, there is an irresistible urge to use it. Despite the undoubted speed of the internet, in a sense, it has made us even more impatient. People are finding that all this multitasking, rushing, and worrying is not only making life intolerable, but actually making them less efficient than they could otherwise be.

People pull their cell phones out in the most unlikely venues; our personal lives are available on a public level like never before. People have conversations about their work, spouses and their therapy sessions with complete impunity. Ordinarily we’d never be exposed to this information.

The pace of life has increased so tremendously in such a short span of time that it is amazing to note the proliferation of fast food places for some time now. Fast foods are consigned to encourage fast meals. There is this growing trend of take away cafés, frozen foods, pre-cooked snacks and microwave cooking; all these short cuts have gotten us used to the idea of instant gratification.

The ‘new generation’ has a microwave mentality; we want things in seconds… A hundred

HeaLTH FirsT years ago people did not worry if they missed a stagecoach; they could always catch another one in a day or two, today we have a heart attack if we miss a revolving door. We are in such a hurry.

We cannot wait. It is disconcerting to know that fewer families sit down together for a daily or at least weekly meal; (let alone buy and prepare the ingredients). Is there an idea of a family dinner anymore? Or has it become an element in history?

The media literally invades our dining rooms and our quiet lives, disturbing the peace of our homes and disrupting our simple schedules.

Time is going by like a millrace, the need for efficiency, increasing traffic congestion – all characteristics of today’s world seem to squeeze out any opportunity that was earlier taken for granted – like gathering to share a joke, chatting about the day, a friendly visit or discussing a problem and sharing your concerns with your family at

dinnertime.

The quiet tenor of life seems to have vanished, as we see motorists drumming their fingers impatiently at stoplights, tempers flaring in supermarket queues and waiting rooms. No one seems to have time at hand. Saddest of all, is the success of an American series of books, all over the world, called One minute bedtime stories. What do parents do with the time thus saved?

Life seems to have quickened to an incredible speed. Someone remarked recently, “Everyone I mingle with expresses a feeling of being in a race with self. An impetus to succeed at any cost or achieve more in less time is driving people to illness and despair.”

This high-tech revolution and the lifestyle it has spawned has brought with them a rash of serious health problems including heart attacks, palpitations, depressions, anxiety, immune dis-

Time will tell

Little matters

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ime is such a rare commodity these days. Everyone is always saying “Oh I just don’t have the time” or “Oh, I wish the day had more than 24 hours”. Well, if we actually think about it, time seems to rule our life, doesn’t it? It’s that shiny device on our left wrist that helps us …or, should I say forces us to keep track of time. It determines what time we get up, sleep, work, relax and just about everything else in life.

Everywhere you look, there are alarms, clocks, chimes, bells, timers-and goodness- knows what else, to remind you that “Time waits for no man”, to remind you that you still have those pesky bills to pay, errands to run, the dog to be walked, dishes to be washed etc., etc.

No matter how fast you work or how much work you get done, miraculously there always seems to be more. It just seems to multiply by the minute almost as if it were conspiring to bury you beneath it. From the time we wake up to the time we sleep, it’s just a crazy race against time.

But hold on a minute, it’s only fair to look at the positive side too. Time is one of the most important elements of life. We are

born at a time predestined by God; not a second earlier nor a second later. Every stage of life involves time. From being a baby, a child, an adolescent, a teenager, and finally an adult, every person has to pass through all these stages, whether he’s rich or poor, black or white, because time is no respecter of persons. All that time involved, helps us turn into mature people.

Time is also a great healer. Every person faces tragedies in their life at one point or another. Sometimes, it’s the loss of a loved one, a death, a disease or a broken relationship. People end up getting emotionally scarred. In these cases, God has gifted us with time as a wonderful medicine to heal those hurting wounds. As time goes by, we realize that any incident in particular does not control our life or end our world. We still survive and are free to live fully and freely by just making a decision to do so. It’s how we react to the incident that determines our happiness. Time is everything to someone dying with a life threatening disease. In fact it’s all he has ... just a little while more. What wouldn’t he give to buy a little extra time?

Letter of the Day Unfair Awards Benjamin Fernandes, Panjim Being an ardent tiatr fan, it was heartening to watch the record number of entries at this year’s tiatr competition. But the joy turned to disappointment when the results were declared last week. Not-so-deserving artists have been declared winners and the most eligible performance be it Best Actor, Singer, Comedian etc ... have been overlooked by the judges. Even more absurd were awards given to professional artists when competitions like these are meant to nurture upcoming talent.

Democracy losing value?

Julius Carvalho, Dubai-UAE The CM’s statement that good governance

100 Years Ago

led to victory of many Congress candidates of recent municipal election is another foolish statement from a person who is turning Goa into a criminal state. If what the CM said is right, then why did he not openly declare those candidates who were of the Congress Party before the election?

I wish the CM understood the difference between good and bad Governance. It is also very disturbing that many Goans could not distinguish between good and bad and worst governance. There is talk of money, gifts and muscle power used to win the elections and one reliable source said that a candidate gave Rs10000 each to the voters from his ward. Goans consider elections as a short term benefit and allow criminals to get elected and destroy Goa by passing various projects after taking huge commissions in the long run. Does this not show that democracy is losing its true value?

Are we not laying the foundation for its complete collapse?

Hardball time with Obama PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

5 November 1910 Haiti’s human sacrifices

The Official Gazette published from Colonies reports about human sacrifices taking place at the Island of Haiti with no one in hand to stop that vile behavior.

Challenge for new regime

It is stealthily expressed the new Portuguese regime who gained fame from Morality and Justice. Will it usher the internal prosperity?

Republican Flag hoisted

From the official communication made known by the new Republican Government, its new Flag will boost bicolour distributed between red at one end and green from the outside. The Flag was hoisted at the Palace of the Province of Goa.

Sunflower disinfectant!

The Sunflower planted around the world is supposed to have disinfecting powers.

This Plant brought originally from Peru has that quality which is far greater than all the gold available.

S. Kamat, Alto-Betim The US economy has to emerge from recession and Obama needs his visit to India to result in more jobs in the US. First he suggested a stop to outsourcing jobs to India. Now with the business that he expects to generate in aviation and military industries he will be bent on showing how many jobs he has been able to create because of India. More than 100 CEOs are accompanying him with a similar agenda.

Is this in India’s best interests? Today the US needs India more than India needs the US. Dual-use technologies are not so critical.

Despite the West trying to thwart them, India has come so far in its space, weapons and atomic energy programs. Not getting US technologies is not going to stop our programs. This is the time to play hardball with President Obama and extract from the US what is best in our national strategic and business interests.

Civic chair for a year

orders, digestive ills, insomnia and migraines.

Human beings are not designed for prolonged high speed activity. The Irish proverb goes, ‘God made time but man made haste.’

Venturing a look into our heart rates and brainwave patterns, it shows that our basic physiology has not evolved to keep pace with technology – we are hard wired, to be able to handle a ‘fight-or-flight’ response where the stress ends in 5-10 minutes. In our current culture however, we struggle with stress for hours on end.

Children are experiencing the same sense of overload, time pressure and demands that their parents experience, and they don’t have coping mechanisms to deal with it – resulting in a hidden epidemic of symptoms like – digestive problems, migraines and hypertension, whether these problems result from being swept into the maelstrom of their parents lives or from loads of extracurricular activities and unprecedented homework requirements – the fact remains that even children who should be playing around in the summer sun are not spared the ills of modern day overload.

If life has to have some meaning at all, let us slacken the reins by doing less in life by focusing on what matters most. For, in this mad race through life, we are losing out on more important things… on things that really matter – relationships. Our homes are intended to be havens of love, peace and contentment but with the advent of a new culture, they are turning into casual ‘hangout’ joints where people just ‘pop’ in to change, to shower or shave.

In this fast paced world sweeping us along in its momentum, we whiz past even our children whom we lovingly ‘tuck in’ each night just because we have no time to see them awake. God forbid that it should take some harsh reality to compel us to put the brakes on our overspeeding lives before it is too late…

Take time for those little things life demands of you – to just be with your loved ones…to say you love, to say you care… and enjoy your life for – When you are too fast to get somewhere, You miss the fun of getting there.

Life is not a race, so take it slower, And enjoy the music before the song is over…!

Mobiles and parotid cancer Gregory E D’Souza, Siolim Dr. R G Wiseman Pinto regularly conducts research on cases of cancer. The latest trend in increase in Parotid cancer is something that every parent giving a mobile phone to a young child needs to think about. There should also be a study on mobile tower locations too. Six to eight people from Gaunsavaddo, Siolim have been diagnosed with cancer. I would request Dr Wiseman to conduct a similar study in Siolim. This mobile tower was the first tower erected in Siolim and very near to the Holy Cross High School. The Government of Goa and the Directorate of Education should pass a notification for removal of such towers and banning of erection of any towers within 500mtrs of any school. I hope the health Minister Vishwajeet Rane, whose wife is also a doctor, will take a decision and conduct a study in every village of how many cases of cancer have been diagnosed where mobile towers are erected.

Chairperson could occupy the post for a year or two-and-half years. The new incumbent should be given a fair amount of time to carry out developmental work.

Even the name of the councillor/s, who will head the council subsequently should be decided at the time the new council is formed. This decision should be legal and binding on all. This will stop the horsetrading and the no-confidence motions which have been throttling the civic process in the State.

Goan mariners problems Crispino Faria, Vasco There is an MMD in Vasco itself near Antarctic Research Centre, Bogda, but, there are no examinations or Dangerous Cargo (DC) endorsements done. We have to travel all the way to Mumbai for this. I am a marine engineer and I have to spend a lot of money like all the others in travelling to Mumbai, staying there, which could be saved if MMD Goa would cater to us. We go to MMD to book our exams, answer both written and orals at separate times, DC endorsement, checking the results, applying for Certificate of Competency, etc. This is a waste of time and money. Institute of Maritime studies class rooms can be used for conducting exams, as it is used for GP ratings exams.

Goa Gutka

Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco

Vincent Rego, Dubai

The Chief Minister said that even the Brihamumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has a different chairperson by rotation for one year and that such an arrangement could be made in our Municipalities. Each

Why is Goa Government silent on the name Goa Gutka on a chewing tobacco product?

We Goans do not believe in gutka nor do we manufacture it. It is a non-Goan venture.

Goa Government should sue the manufac-

turer for using this name. Why are our montris silent on this? Goa Advocate General should file a case to remove the name of Goa from this product. Secondly, along with cigarette smoking Government must put a complete ban on chewing paan and gutka. It is a nuisance to see red dirty corners around the city and slowly spreading in villages through migrants. We Goans do not have the practice of eating paan and spitting everywhere, then why should we accept this menace from non-Goans who bring this habit to our beautiful Goa? Each government has the right to protect their respective state and not allow anything and everything under the guise of ‘all Indians are equal’.

Politics all-polluting Pachu Menon, Margao Improving the civic amenities should be the councils’ prime objective. How can it when political parties stake a claim at any level – universities, labour unions, panchayats and municipalities. The recent civic polls were a show of strength by individual legislators to assert their hold on the electorate. ‘Congress-party-backed’ nominees and ‘Congress-leader-sponsored’ candidates contributed evenly to the rout of the BJP in the municipal elections.

Nonetheless, this show of unity could be short-lived. Personal egos guarantee that they will swing any way which brings them profit. The game of musical-chairs has defined the civic scene in Goa. God only knows what developmental work these newly elected members will carry out.

Again, it is the common man who is a pawn in the game and stands to lose the most.

Vanessa Lobo Every minute of the day, we are making decisions, knowingly or unknowingly. Nobody can make all the right decisions all the time, no matter how much experience you have, there’s only one way to know whether or not you have made the right decision.

Only time can tell us that.

We are blessed with 24 hours every single day during which we can do absolutely anything we want to. Unfortunately, we get so caught up in the daily drudgery of life that we rarely make time for the really important people and things. We’d rather work overtime than enjoy a walk with our kids. We’d rather spend endless hours before the TV than help someone who yearns for our company. But that’s too bad, because time has a way of getting back at us for misusing it. So beware as a moment once gone is lost forever. It’s no wonder we have so many regrets for deeds not done, words not said and love not shown.

Time can be our friend or foe. Let’s make it our friend and God will surely bless every moment of our lives. More importantly, let’s start right now, because after all who knows, if we will live to see tomorrow.

Letters to the Editor Missing matter Vishal d’Costa, Cuncolim It was very disappointing to see the continuation matter from the entire front page missing on page number 12 of our favourite news daily Herald on the November 2 edition. It makes me believe that the tiger has really lost its teeth. It’s also upsetting to see more advertisements published than news, specially featuring ministers on their birthdays.

Teachers fire fighting Lt Col (Retd) Ranjit Sinha, New Delhi “School teachers to be trained in fire fighting” (Herald 2 Nov). Imparting fire fighting training among teachers should be implemented throughout the country. However it should be made part of the curriculum too and coordinated by the Central Government. The teachers can be sent for training in National Institute of Fire Safety and Fire Engineering for a concise course.

Trained anganwadi workers can educate the village housewives on fire hazards and first aid. For urban housewives, aggressive media advertising must be undertaken.

Real Narkasur Reo Cunha, Moira

Diwali, Festival of Lights will be celebrated soon. Day before that, effigy of Narkasura is burnt, signifying killing of evil in the world. Despite this evil still exists in the form of criminal corrupt politicians who rule and control us. Destroy them in elections. Only then, can we have a real Diwali.

Prosperous Diwali to all!

Let the Bible speak Isha Fernandes, Margao Most Christians get discouraged when they read sceptical and scholarly views on the Bible. A unique feature of the Bible is that the simplest reader can get its message better than a learned scholar. When the Books of the Bible were written, many of the original readers were not highly educated by today’s standards. Yet, these people understood what the writers were saying. First understand the scriptures, before looking for flaws in them. “For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” (1 Cor 1:25).

Paths of Wisdom Reward of Hajj

By Samir Khan Abû Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that he heard the Holy Messenger (may Allah bless and greet him) saying: “A person who performs the Hajj (Pilgrimage) during which he neither indulges in lewdness nor abuses, such a person returns (from the Pilgrimage duly purified) as if born by his mother on that very day.”

(Riyad-us-Saleheen, Book of Hajj) Many are the blessings of Hajj Pilgrimage. The most striking feature of this spiritual journey is that Allah forgives all the sins of one who undertakes this journey, and thus returns in a manner as if he/she was born anew.

For, Hajj is the greatest devotional rite. Just for the love of Almighty Allah and for seeking His pleasure the believer leaves the members of his family, relatives, friends and colleagues, business and trade – thus all the mundane concerns. He undertakes a long, sometimes arduous journey as if a violent passion is dragging him/her with the heart turned towards Allah and none else, with repentance from sins, seeking forgiveness with utmost submission and humility, and pledging to keep on the right path in the future and praying to Allah for the courage and strength to live up to it.

The believer who undertakes the Hajj Pilgrimage with such consciousness does not commit any act of passion or disobedience to Allah such as indulging in lewdness or abusing others.

If he/she, by the Grace of Allah, performs the Pilgrimage thus, the Holy Messenger (may Allah bless and greet him) gives him/her glad tidings that Allah will forgive all his/her sins. In another hadith narrated by Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) the Holy Messenger (may Allah bless and greet him) said, “There is no other day on which Almighty Allah frees the largest number of His servants from the fire of Hell than the Day of Arafah.”

Such is the reward of Hajj Pilgrimage.

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

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opinionateD

Time to rescind the Social Contract

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By dAvId d’AmATo

n the classical era, the modern concept of the social contract theory had yet to be developed, and political theory therefore largely confined its focus to the question of what makes good polity. The state, owing to its nature as such, was to be submitted to the relevant inquiry going not to "the consent of the governed," but to the necessary attributes of the best possible society, of which the state was understood to be an indispensable feature.

In truth, there was little distinction at all in classical thought between the political institution and the broader society that it governed. The two were seen as coextensive, aspiring to justice as the highest social end, but with justice as something, that Professor William M Evers describes as ‘status-governed’.

Later thinkers such as Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau reformulated the idea of the social contract to conform to a less fatalistic account of free will. They placed emphasis on consent, however given, and to the maturation of natural law theory.

It's safe to assume that most of us, from day to day, assign little of our mental energy to the question of whether we have an affirmative moral duty to defer to the state and whether it should be able to control us regardless of the fact that it can. The pension crisis in France, though, has put ‘the social contract’ – if not the abstract theory, then at least the phrase itself – in the news, raising fundamental questions about the character of our relationship with the Leviathan.

The strikes, which polls show are supported by 71 percent of the French population, come in the wake of a planned government ‘austerity’ measure to raise the retirement age from 60 to 62. As Angela Doland and Greg Keller of the Associated Press report the story, protestors are incensed at what they perceive as the French state ‘tamper[ing] with the near-sacred French social contract’. As it is with any consideration of contractual obligations, the question underlying the pension crisis asks what the legitimate (that is, rightful) expectations of the parties are – what kind of performance the bargain contemplates.

With the supposed contract at issue here, there are however, two related and mirroring assumptions at play, homologous errors that run through the entire debate. The first is the deluded belief, detectable in the frustrated mood of the protests, that the state would honour its promises or obligations. The undertakings of the welfare state, though they are promoted as a helping hand, are designed to create a permanent underclass grinding away for the elites' bottom lines and consuming, among other crap, the products of Big Agribusiness.

It is an incredible testament to the publicity power of the state then that anyone could ever believe that it takes its commitments seriously. In short, the government's word is worth about as much as the paper that its empty money is printed on, and that is true whether we are talking about France, the United States or any other band of sanctified criminals.

The second premise swirling about media analysis of the ‘social contract’ at hand is the perverse idea that we are morally bound to obey the state; that responsibility, argue statists, stemming from our consent to it. Acknowledging that the very notion of consent entails the existence of a genuine, individual choice, the ability to opt out, defenders of the state hold, that by living in this or that dominion we tacitly agree to the state's terms. It ought to be noted here that – insofar as many statists deny individual autonomy and sovereignty altogether – not all of their ideas about consent even require the individual to give it.

Immanuel Kant, for example, seemed to adhere to a view of consent as, in the words of Tibor Machan, a ‘united act’ taking place in the subconscious of the group. The problems with social contract justification of the state are clear enough and were refuted by analogy in Lysander Spooner's No Treason.

Spooner argued that a contract is non-viable, as anything more than an agreement between the distinct individuals who ‘consent formally’ at the time, and that those people have ‘no natural power or right to make it obligatory upon’ anyone else. The series of developments in France are evidence that the state couldn't care less about the provisions of the social contract, or (more accurately) that such a thing never existed.

The very existence of the state is an affront to the principles of mutual agreement, to the principle of contract, and unfortunately for the French the worker can't win as long as the state survives. Though the elites will, with all the usual placatory gestures, reassure away the strikes, only tearing up the state's predatory adhesion contract will resolve the ultimate problem.

(Center for a Stateless Society Contributing Writer David D'Amato is a market anarchist lawyer. He is currently completing an LL.M. at Suffolk University Law School.)

Rule of law restored in Bihar: Nitish PTI SAKURABAD (Bihar), NOV 4

Bihar Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar today said his government had restored rule of law in the state and delivered justice to every section of the society.

"We fulfilled the promise of establishing rule of law, and delivered justice to women and other sections of the society," Kumar told an election rally here.

"Earlier people were afraid of going out of their houses and used to return before sunset, now the fear in their minds have become a thing of the past and you can see people even venturing out in the night for work

and the scene has much changed in the cities like Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur and other places," he said.

Castigating his political opponents for making attempts to create sense of insecurity among the minorities, he said there was not report of single communal dispute during the past five years and thus, it was needless to talk about communal tension and riots.

Desribing the RJD government as a "Pati-Patni" government which had "ruined" the state for 15 years, Kumar said "you have voted for a change and we have lived upto your expectations."

India not to take ‘hasty decision’ on outcome of Obama visit: Rao PTI NEW DELHI, NOV 4

India today said it will not make any "hasty decisions" on the outcome of discussions with President Barack Obama on "complex" issues of outsourcing, seat for India in UN Security Council and withdrawal of US ban on export of dual-use technology.

Seeking to downplay Obama's remarks yesterday in which he did not hold out any assurances on these key concerns, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao said it would be wrong to prejudge the US leader's discussions with the Indian leadership.

There has been a good "working progress" on elimination of obstacles created by dual-use controls of the US as governments of both countries were of the view that the issue need to be reviewed in order to reduce and "ultimately eliminate" it, Rao said.

She also disclosed that India has invited US companies to explain to them the provisions of its domestic civil nuclear liability law and address their concerns, if any, and also begin discussions on the next steps of implementation of civil nuclear power projects.

"A commercial delegation from the US is likely to visit India very shortly in this connection," Rao said. India was hopeful of participation of US companies in India's nuclear field.

Earthern diyas lit with desi ghee for Diwali may soon be a forgotten practise as cost-conscious middle class consumers are seen opting for cheaper options for the festival of lights.

While those in the metro cities have over the past many years gradually moved on to other forms of lighting, even those in the rural areas are opting for fancy lights, candles and oil diyas.

"I remember the days when ghee price used to be Re 1 per kilogram. We used to light up Diwali in desi ghee diyas.

Today, I see my grandchildren decorating the house in fancy lights and candles. Ghee is a

thing of past now," says 96year-old Gurgaon-based veteran Jai Narayan.

A kilogram of ghee in the domestic market is priced at around Rs 270-300, while one litre mustard oil is in the range of Rs 70-80.

A Chinese string of 100 tiny bulbs can be bought in the range of Rs 50 to Rs 70 and shopkeepers say lights in the shape of pineapples, pomegranates, rice and net stars are seen as popular among buyers.

The significance of using ghee in the Diwali puja is said to be a very sacred service to please the Gods, according to priests.

K P Vyas, a priest at a West Delhi temple attributes use of alternatives to the lack of

A policeman pushes a barricade to be erected in front of the Taj Mahal Hotel as part of security measures ahead of US President Barack Obama's visit in Mumbai.

White House ‘gear’ in India PTI NEW DELHI, NOV 4

The White House will, of course, stay in Washington but the heart of the famous building will move to India when President Barack Obama lands in Mumbai on Saturday.

Communications set-up, nuclear button, a fleet of limousines and majority of the White House staff will be in India accompanying the President on this three-day visit that will

cover Mumbai and Delhi.

He will also be protected by a fleet of 34 warships, including an aircraft carrier, which will patrol the sea lanes off the Mumbai coast during his two-day stay there beginning Saturday. The measure has been taken as Mumbai attack in 2008 took place from the sea.

Arrangements have been put in place for emergency evacuation, if needed.

Pranab could head WB govt if alliance clicks: Mamata PTI KOLKATA, NOV 4

namool Congress has only one cabinet minister."

Refusing to join issue with Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi that his party wanted an alliance "with honour", she said, "I will not give my opinion on comments by others. But I personally don't like blackmail and also do not like others doing so."

Dismissing reports she had referred to Gandhi as a seasonal bird, she said, "I had compared the CPI(M) with a seasonal bird because it makes promises before elections."

Banerjee said she had high regard for former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi and Congress president Sonia Gandhi and added that, "Rahul is still learning the ropes in politics. Don't try to create a quarrel amongst us. Let him rise further and I bless him."

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee has said ally Congress leader Pranab Mukherjee could head the government in case the alliance came to power in West Bengal after the Assembly elections next year.

In a TV programme, she said the alliance with the Congress will be kept intact for the Assembly elections, but warned that she would not tolerate any "blackmail".

Responding to a question, she said she might not contest the Assembly polls and devote time for campaigning though she could always enter the House within six months in the event of becoming the chief minister.

The Railway Minister said in the programme last night that

she had also told Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee that he could head the government in West Bengal in case the Trinamool Congress-Congress alliance came to power.

On who would handle the railway portfolio if she became the chief minister, she contended that it would remain with the Trinamool Congress as long as it was an ally of the central government. "After all, the Tri-

Govt proposes to table sexual harassment bill

Former Army chief’s assets under scanner

PTI NEW DELHI, NOV 4

AGENCIES NEW DELHI, NOV 4

Women can now look forward to a more secure workplace with the government today proposing to bring in the long-pending sexual harassment Bill under which an employer would be liable to pay a fine of Rs 50,000 on failing to comply with its provisions.

A meeting of the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, approved the introduction of the Protection of Women against Sexual Harassment at Workplace Bill, 2010, in the coming winter session of Parliament.

The proposed Bill, if enacted, will ensure that women are protected against sexual harassment at all work places be it public, private or unorganised and ensure a safe environment for women at workplaces.

Domestic maids, however, will not be covered under the Bill.

Even before the controversy about his flat in the scam-hit Adarsh Society has ebbed, questions are being raised about former Army chief Deepak Kapoor's ''disproportionate assets''.

As per a report published in English daily Thursday, Defence Minister A K Antony is looking into the matter after Trinamool MP Ambica Banerjee in a letter to him drew his attention to the former General’s landed property.

The MP has, as per the report, listed Gen Kaoor’s assets which apart from his Adarsh flat, includes a flat in Dwarka sector 29 in Delhi, three houses in Gurgaon, and a penthouse in Lohkandwala in Mumbai.

In addition to these, Gen Kapoor also got a 448-sq-metre plot in Gurgaon allotted to him in July 2009 from chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda's preferential quota and that too for Rs 35 lakh, which is much below

knowledge amongst people as well as modern-age priests.

"Nowadays religious priests lack a proper knowledge of the vedas which mention the use of ghee to please Gods. Sesame oil is supposed to be the only oil equivalent to ghee and all others including mustard oil is mentioned as used for monsters and other creatures," he says.

Meanwhile, traders say people get attracted to fancy

The Uttar Pradesh government has refuted the charges of Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes regarding diversion of special component plan fund and increase in cases of crime against dalits.

"The statement given by chairman of SC/ST commission is false and baseless as not a single penny of special component plan has been diverted by the state government," an official spokesman said here.

P L Punia had yesterday alleged that the Mayawati-led state government diverted the plan fund to construct medical colleges and crime against dalits was on the rise in UP. -- (PTI)

appointments

‘Ghee’ lit lamps for Diwali slowly fading PTI NEW DELHI, NOV 4

Maya denies rise in dalit atrocities

lights due to their colours, shapes and affordability.

"People use lights because they are very cheap and even the poor can afford to buy them and also they consume very little electricity. Rising oil and ghee prices are other factors that have forced people to look for alternatives," says Deepak Singh, a wholesale dealer in Sadar Bazar.

Youngsters also seem more interested in options other than ghee diyas.

"Lighting ghee diyas is a tedious and time-consuming whereas fancy lights are easy to use and they do not leave behind dirty marks on the walls," says Harsh, a school student.

the market price.

ADARSH FLAT: Facing criticism over allotment of an Adarsh apartment, Kapoor sought a meeting with Defence Minister A K Antony to explain his position.

Defence Ministry officials said that Kapoor wrote to Antony seeking an appointment so that he could clear the air over the criticism.

APPOINTMENTS

Obama is expected to fly by a helicopter -- Marine One -- from the city airport to the Indian Navy's helibase INS Shikra at Colaba in south Mumbai.

From there, he will drive down in Lincoln Continental -- the Presidential limousine -- to the nearby the Taj Hotel.

Two jets, armed with advanced communication and security systems, and a fleet of over 40 cars will be part of Obama’s convoy.

Four Maoists killed in Orissa PTI MALKANGIRI (Orissa), NOV 4

Four Maoists were killed in a fierce encounter with security forces and a huge cache of arms and ammunition recovered from them in Orissa's Malkangiri district today.

Acting on intelligence inputs, a joint team of the anti-naxal Special Operation Group (SOG) and police raided a Maoist camp in Nuaguda forest Malkangiri S P Anirudh Singh said.

APPOINTMENTS

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FROM PAGE 1 Goa lights up to Diwali

Deepawali or Diwali is one of the biggest and the brightest of all Hindu festivals. Each Hindu house is decorated with flowers, lamps, and Rangoli, which are major elements of Diwali celebration.

Rangoli is a necessity as according to Hindu traditional beliefs, on this occasion Goddess Lakshmi visits every home and blesses the families with prosperity. It is believed that Rangoli invites positive powers and drives away evils.

Lakshmi Puja or the worship of Goddess of Wealth will be performed on Friday evening, being a major event of Diwali. It comes after Dhanteras (when new things are purchased to worship on Diwali day before putting it to use) and Chota Diwali or ‘Narkasur-slaying day, (which marks Good over Evil).

Hindu philosophy says it is highly important to keep the house clean and pure for Diwali, as Goddess Lakshmi enters the cleanest house first. This is another reason why ‘broom’ is also worshipped on the day.

It’s a victory of good

near the venue of the competition maintained a strict vigil near the stage, while 150 policemen deployed along the route scanned the adjoining parking lots in view of last year’s scooter bomb blast that killed two persons behind Grace Church.

Margao Sub-Divisional Police Officer, DySP Umesh Gaonkar and his team of police officers were on the field, providing a tight security cover in and around the Narkasur competition venue.

Indonesia's Mount Merapi erupts again REUTERS JAKARTA, NOV 4

Indonesia's Mount Merapi blasted ash and gas into the sky today, killing six more people in the latest in a series of eruptions over the past nine days that claimed 44 lives and forced more than 75,000 to flee their

homes.

Heavy rain also lashed the area, cooling flows of lava that were encroaching into some abandoned villages on the slopes of the volcano near Yogyakarta, the cultural heart of Java island.

Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, director of disaster risk reduction at the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPN), said emergency shelters had been moved to 15 km (9 miles) from the summit from 10 km (6 miles) previously because of the increased strength of the eruptions.

Villagers were evacuated to the shelters – sometimes forcibly -- last week as the volcano alert level rose.

Indonesia's transport ministry has changed flight paths in the area to keep planes away from the vicinity of Merapi, spokesman Bambang Ervan said.

“We closed routes impacted by the eruption and diverted them to the north and south of Merapi,” he told Reuters.

He said the airports in Solo and Yogyakarta were still operating.

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Thousands rally as Iran marks US embassy capture AGENCIES TEHRAN, NOV 4

Thousands of Iranians, chanting "Death to America!", gathered on Thursday outside the former US embassy in Tehran to mark the 31st anniversary of the capture of the mission by Islamist students.

Waving Iranian flags and carrying anti-US banners alongside posters of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the largely young crowd also shouted anti-Israel slogans.

State television showed a banner saying "I will give my life for the leader (Khamenei)”, while another quoted Iran's revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini as saying, "If you want to shout, shout at the US." Iran annually on November 04 marks the anniversary of the capture of the US embassy by Islamist students in Tehran in 1979, months after the Islamic revolution which toppled the US-backed shah.

The embassy in central Tehran has remained closed and the US and Iran have had no diplomatic ties since then.

The students, who took 52 American diplomats hostage and held them for 444 days, said

they were responding to Washington's refusal to hand over the deposed shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

However, over the past three decades, many Iranians who led the storming of the embassy have become severe critics of the regime they helped to establish.

This year's anti-US demonstration, one of the cornerstones of the Islamic regime, comes days before expected nuclear talks which will see US and Iranian officials sitting at the same table for discussions on Tehran's controversial atomic pro gramme.

US-Iranian animosity rose markedly during the tenure of former US president George W Bush, who lumped Iran as part of an "axis of evil" along with North Korea and Saddam Hussein's Iraq.

Relations have become further strained since 2005, when President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad took office. The hardliner repeatedly launches anti-US tirades.

Iran's Khamenei, the all-powerful leader of the Islamic republic, has made it clear he still distrusts the United States de-

spite Bush successor Barack Obama's initial diplomatic overtures towards Tehran.

On Wednesday, Khamenei again praised the embassy takeover 31 years ago and expressed his distrust of US leaders.

"This act is the symbol of courage and intrepidness of the young revolutionary generation against the grandeur of America, because the capture of the den of spies (US embassy) destabilised the power of America," he told a gathering of students on the eve of the anniversary.

"The declarations made by American presidents at different times appear to be friendly and soft, but in fact they are like an iron hand in velvet gloves," the country's commander-in-chief said.

This year's anniversary comes at a time when Washington, along with Britain, Russia, China, France and Germany, are preparing to participate later this month in discussion s w i t h Iran over its nuclear pro gramme.

World powers suspect Iran's atomic drive is aimed at making weapons, a charge denied by Tehran.

UK tuberculosis rates highest in 30 years

REUTERS LONDON, NOV 4

Cases of tuberculosis in Britain reached their highest level for 30 years in 2009 with 9,040 cases and the number of new drug-resistant TB cases has almost doubled in the past decade, government data showed today.

An annual tuberculosis (TB) report from the government's Health Protection Agency also said the number of multi-drug resistant cases of the disease had also doubled in the last decade, although the proportion of these extremely difficult to treat cases remains low at around 1.2 per cent.

Treatment for non drug-resistant TB requires a six month course of multiple antibiotics.

But for drug-resistant TB, the treatment is even more complicated and prolonged and for multi-drug resistant TB, treatment may be required for 18 months or even longer.

“We are concerned to see

cases of TB at their highest levels since the 1970s. TB is a preventable and treatable condition but, if left untreated, can be life-threatening,” said Dr Ibrahim Abubakar, head of TB surveillance at the HPA. He said that while TB can affect anyone, cases are more common among people in urban areas, as with many other infectious diseases, and in immigrant communities and vulnerable populations such as drug users or the homeless.

“TB is sadly not a disease of the past and the figures today serve as an important reality check,” said Dr Paul Cosford, executive director of Health Protection Services at the HPA. Up to a third of people worldwide are infected with the bacterium that causes TB, although only a, small percentage ever develop the disease.

Some studies have shown

My win was people finding the power of their voice: Nikki

PTI WASHINGTON, NOV 4

Indian-American Nikki Haley who created history by becoming the first women governor of South Carolina, has said generating jobs and boosting the economy would be her top most priorities.

"We want the government to know the value of a dollar and we want jobs and the economy to come first. This was people finding the power of their voice.

It was people saying we want government to remember who it is that they work for," Haley, 38, told CNN in an interview.

Born of Sikh parents who migrated from Punjab, Haley created history by becoming the first woman to occupy the governor's mansion of South Carolina.

She only the second IndiaAmerican to be a Governor of a US State after Bobby Jindal of Louisiana; and also the first Indian American female governor.

According to final tally, Haley received 51.38 per cent of the total votes polled against her Democratic rival Vincent Sheehan who got 46.89 per cent.

"You know, tomorrow morning there's going to be a lot of news and a lot of observers that say we made history and in some ways, you can look at me and say we did," Haley said in his victory speech.

"But what I want this to be is

that we're turning a page. We're turning a page on where we've been but the history's going to be on where we go," she said.

In her CNN interview, Haley honestly acknowledged that the last night's victory hasn't set in yet, but she is excited.

"This was all about the people saying we've had enough. It wasn't about a party. It was about taking their state and their country back and it started with South Carolina, and we're thrilled," she said.

"You know, this is the turning of a new page. This is a time where we go back to the basics.

We look at the fact that government was intended to secure the rights and freedoms of the people. It was never intended to be all things to all people.

And certainly when you give a man a job, you give a man pride. We're going to give a lot of pride to the state of South Carolina. We're going to do it with the legislature.

We're going to do it with the people who have their power and their strength back, and we're going to make South Carolinians proud," she said.

"You know, politics is the art of distraction," Haley responded when asked about the extramarital allegation against her during the election campaign.

When they saw we were winning, they tried to distract us.

We didn't let that work. Our focus has always been about doing right for the people of this state when it comes to jobs, when it comes to education, and more importantly with spending and how we spend our dollars in government, she said.

"While it was a brutal 18 months and I certainly wouldn't wish that on anybody, we had to do it, because when you push on the establishment, the establishment pushes back.

that people with substance abuse problems and those who live in hard-to-reach communities are more prone to the illness than the general population.

The AIDS epidemic drove up the number of TB cases across the world in the late 1980s and 1990s because the immune suppression caused

by HIV can make a person far more susceptible to TB. Patients can get drug-resistant forms of the disease either as a result of catching such a strain from another person or because of inappropriate or incomplete treatment.

“The key to reducing levels of TB is early diagnosis and appropriate treatment,” Abubakar said in a statement.

He said efforts to improve early diagnosis and control the spread of the infection should be a priority in the UK and be increased in vulnerable areas where prevalence is high.

Iran says 4 ‘terrorists’ arrested REUTERS TEHRAN, NOV 4

Iranian authorities have arrested four people they say were paid by a Kurdish militant based in Britain to carry out assassinations, state-run Press TV reported today.

“Iran's Intelligence Ministry says it has arrested four Britainlinked terrorists in the western city of Marivan, who carried out five assassinations in the last two years,” the English language TV channel said on its website.

The report said the men were paid by a commander of Komala, an Iranian Kurdish group it described as a “terrorist” organisation which it said had carried out assassinations in western Iran since the Islamic Revolution in 1979.

It said the men were all members of Komala and received weapons and cash on the Iran-Iraq border to carry out their attacks. It did not say who were their victims.

Kurds are an ethnic group with no state of their own who make up large minorities in Iran, Iraq, Turkey, and Syria. Iranian forces sometimes clash with Kurdish guerrillas who operate out of bases in northern Iraq.

The news came on the day Iranians commemorate the seizure of the US embassy in Tehran after the 1979 revolution which has come to symbolise the Islamic Republic's resistance to what they see as Western aggression. The embassy building is referred to as the “Den of Espionage”. The Press TV report played up the UK link, saying that Britain “funded and supported certain terrorist groups against the Islamic Republic”.

Unlike the United States, Britain still has diplomatic relations with Iran. The head of Britain's Secret Intelligence Service, John Sawers, said in a speech last week that 'intelligence-led operations'' were needed to prevent Iran getting a nuclear bomb, a comment interpreted in Tehran as proof that Britain was using subterfuge against the government.

Sparing no effort in Mumbai trial: Pak PTI ISLAMABAD, NOV 4

Pakistan today insisted that it is "sparing no effort" in bringing the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai terror attack to justice but contended that it needed India's cooperation for the successful completion of the trial.

Replying to a question on US President Barack Obama's remark that Pakistan has a "special responsibility" to act "transparently, fully and urgently" in the case, Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit said Islamabad was committed towards this.

"At our end, we are sparing no effort," he said.

Pakistani authorities arrested seven suspects, including Lashker-e-Taiba operations commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, shortly after the incident on charges of planning and facilitating the attacks.

No NATO aircraft violated Pak airspace: US AGENCIES ISLAMABAD, NOV 4

The United States embassy in Islamabad has denied reports that NATO aircraft had “violated” Pakistan’s airspace close to the Afghan border.

“No NATO aircraft violated the Pakistani airspace in the areas of Burkha and Kharlacha as alleged in reports,” the Daily Times quoted a press release issued by the embassy, as saying.

Earlier, it was reported that despite assuring Pakistan of stopping further intrusions into its territory, NATO aircraft had once again breached the country’s border limits in Kurram Agency on Tuesday.

The helicopters allegedly entered about 600 meters inside Pakistani airspace, and after flying in the area for 10 minutes they returned back to Spin Boldak area in Afghanistan to their airbase. It comes weeks after three Pakistani Army men were killed in an air strike by NATO helicopters at a military post, 200 metres inside the Pakistani border in Kurram Agency.

Friends of India to head key Congressional panels

PTI WASHINGTON, NOV 4

Influential Republicans lawmakers and well known friends of India may now head the key Congressional committees in the aftermath of the party's sweeping win in the Congressional elections to take control of the House of Representatives.

Though Indo-US relationship enjoys bi-partisan support, Indians in the US feel that pro New Delhi lawmakers heading key committees could be advantageous to get through any India-specific legislation.

The powerful House Foreign Affairs Committee would now be headed by Republican Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, who played a key role in the passage of the IndoUS civilian nuclear deal.

She is unlike the outgoing Democrat Chairman Howard Berman, who had introduced killer amendment to the civilian nuclear deal.

Republican Ros-Lehtinen, has also been highly critical of the Pakistan’s half-hurted approach

towards war against terrorism.

Similarly, Ed Royce, Co-Chair of the Congressional India Caucus is all set to chair the House of Representatives sub-committee on terrorism, non-proliferation and trade.

Only last week, Royce had written a letter to the US President, Barack Obama, urging him to strengthen defence co-operation with India and speak with the Indian leadership, when he visits there later this week, on purchase of American military hardware.

A key-advocate of Indo-US relationship, Royce had played a prominent role in lifting of sanctions imposed in India after the 1998 nuclear tests.

Like Ros-Lehtinen, Royce too has been highly critical of Pakistan, and has been seeking US access to A Q Khan, the notorious Pak nuclear scientists.

In fact, Royce is also a top contender for becoming the Chairman of House Committee on Financial Services. He would replace Barney Frank, who is said to have been unhelpful in

India related matters.

In Kansas, one of India’s known friend Sam Brownback was elected the governor on Tuesday.

Brownback as Congressmen was instrumental in passage of the "Brownback amendment" that eased sanctions against India after the 1998 nuclear tests.

Former Bush trade negotiator Rob Portman won the Senate seat from Ohio. During the Bush Administration he built strong personal ties with Indian leaders.

A large number of lawmakers from the India caucus members have been reelected during the Tuesday’s Congressional elections.

Among prominent winners are Gary L Ackerman, Earl Blumenauer, Joseph Crowley, Sheila Jackson Lee, Brad Sherman, Frank Pallone and Fred Upton.

In the outgoing Congress there are 152 Congressmen who are member of the Congressional India Caucus, of which more than 110 have won.

Somali pirates seize ship AGENCIES BRUSSELS, NOV 4

Somali pirates on Wednesday hijacked a merchant ship carrying 20 passengers in the Indian Ocean off east Africa, the European anti-piracy mission said.

The Comoran-flagged vessel, with nine crew, was attacked as it headed to Tanzania from the Comoros, the Indian Ocean archipelago.

"On the morning of 3 November 2010, the master of the MV Aly Zoulfecar reported that pirates were on board," the European Union's NAVFOR mission said in a statement.

Among those on board the 43-metre-long merchant vessel were 13 people from Tanzania, 12 from Comoros and four from Madagascar.

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Apr-Oct direct tax mop up crosses Rs 2 lakh cr PTI NEW DELHI, NOV 4

Buoyed by robust economic growth, net direct tax collections crossed the Rs 2 lakh crore mark during the April-October period, an increase of around 18 per cent from that in the same period last year. "Net direct tax collections in the first seven months of the current fiscal crossed the mark of Rs 2 trillion and stood at Rs 2,04,351 crore as on October 31, 2010 (April-October, 2010)," an official statement said.

During the April-October period of 2009, net direct tax collection stood at Rs 1,73,447 crore, the statement added.

The growth in direct tax collection could be mainly attributed to the strong economic growth

of the country.

Indian economy is likely to grow by 8.5 per cent in the current fiscal after registering a growth of 7.4 per cent in the last fiscal. In the direct tax category, growth in corporate income tax was 22.05 per cent.

The collections from corporate tax stood at Rs 1,34,251 crore as on October 31, 2010 as against Rs 1,09,996 crore in the same period during the last fiscal. Meanwhile, growth in collections from personal income tax, including securities transaction tax, residual fringe benefit tax and banking cash transactions tax, was 10.33 per cent.

The collections from personal income tax stood at Rs 69,722 crore as on Octo-

ber 31, 2010 as against Rs 63,195 crore collected during the same period in last fiscal. The Budget had estimated to collect Rs 4.30 lakh crore direct tax in the current fiscal.

The Wealth Tax collections stood at Rs 378 crore during April-October this year against Rs 319 crore collected during the same period last fiscal, an increase of 18.50 per cent. In the personal income tax category, the growth in collections from Securities Transaction Tax was, however, negative at 6.80 per cent.

The collections from Securities Transaction Tax were Rs 3,602 crore as on October 31, 2010 as against Rs 3,865 crore collected during the same period in last fiscal.

Coal India jumps 40% to Rs 342.35 on debut AGENCY MUMBAI, NOV 4

The share price of state-run Coal India closed at Rs 342.35, up 39.73 percent from the issue price of Rs 245, on the first day of trading at the BSE Thursday.

Trading in the world's largest coal miner, which raised Rs 15,200 crore through an IPO last month, opened at Rs 287.75, up 17.44 percent from the issue price.

The scrip touched a high of Rs 344.75 and a low of Rs

287.45 in intra-day trade.

Average trading price of Coal India, in which the government controls 90 percent stake, was Rs 327.83.

The scrip attracted a record volume as investors scrambled to buy shares in the firm which produced over 80 per cent of India's coal at 471 mines across the country.

The total market capitalisation of the firm rose to Rs 2,16,240 crore.

Coal India's IPO, the biggest in the nation, was subscribed

Millions lie to take leave AGENCY LONDON, NOV 4

One in five employees take leave for stress but almost all are too afraid to admit it and instead lie about having an upset stomach or that a relative is ill, researchers have found.

While it found that talking about workplace pressures is still a huge taboo, few workers actually want to hide their stress from their bosses.

Seven out of 10 would like to discuss the issue with their employers although onethird want their manager to make the first move, reports the Daily Mail.

Previous research from the Royal College of Psychiatrists suggests businesses are losing around 8.4 billion pounds a year through absenteeism caused by poor mental well being.

Paul Farmer, chief executive

of Mind, a mental health charity which conducted the study, said: 'Millions of people experience unmanageable stress at work, and the fact that so many people feel forced to lie about it rather than finding a solution should be a major concern for our businesses.

'If employees don't feel they can be honest about the pressures on them, problems that aren't addressed can quickly snowball into low morale, low productivity and high sick leaves. We'd urge employers to encourage a culture of openness at work so they can solve problems now rather than storing up problems for the future,' Farmer said.

The Mind research also reveals that 62 percent of employees feel their bosses aren't doing enough to look after the workplace wellbeing of their staff.

Diwali comes to market early, Sensex zooms 428 pts to new peak PTI MUMBAI, NOV 4

Diwali sparkles came to stock markets a day early today as the BSE benchmark Sensex closed at an all-time high of 20,893.57 points by gaining almost 428 points on robust buying of blue chips like RIL, SBI and HDFC. This leaves just 107 points to go for the Sensex to breach the landmark 21,000 points level. The Sensex today closed at 20,893.57 points, supassing the previous record of 20,873.33 achieved on January 8, 2008.

15 times. Listing of Coal India has boosted liquidity in the market, pushing the BSE benchmark Sensex 2.09 percent higher at 20,893.57 points.

Coal India has earmarked 46 billion rupees ($1 billion) as capital expenditure for the next fiscal year beginning in April 2011, its chairman said on Thursday.

The company will use its cash reserves for overseas acquisitions, Partha Bhattacharyya told reporters.

BSNL 3G in 120 more cities by Dec AGENCY NEW DELHI, NOV 4

PTI WASHINGTON, NOV 4

US President Barack Obama has said his four-nation Asia trip beginning with India later this week would concentrate on creation of job opportunities for his countrymen, who are frustrated on a high unemployment rate. "As I plan for my trip later this week to Asia, the whole focus is on how are we going to open up markets so that American businesses can prosper, and we can sell more goods and create more jobs here in the United States," Obama told a crowded press conference, a day after the his Democratic party lost majority in the US House of Representatives, while managed to retain a slender majority in the Senate.

"And a whole bunch of corporate executives are going to be joining us so that I can help them open up those markets and allow them to sell their products," Obama said. Several top American CEOs would join Obama in India leg of his trip both in Mumbai and New Delhi.

In Mumbai, his first stop, Obama would address a meeting of top Indian and American business executives; besides having a separate meeting with American CEOs in India that time, including Indra Nooyi of Pepsico. He would also meet members of the Indo-US CEO Council.

His India trip could alone fetch orders worth USD 12 billion both military and civilian that could result in creating / saving as much as 50,000 to 60,000 jobs in the US.

‘All options’ to handle inflows surge, volatility REUTERS NEW DELHI, NOV 4

India will keep all options on the table to handle a surge of capital inflows and the attendant volatitily, but is not in favour of direct controls, the Finance Ministry's chief economic adviser said on Thursday.

The comments came a day after the U.S. Federal Reserve committed to buy $600 billion more in government bonds by June 2011, a move many fear will lead to a surge of investment inflows into emerging markets like India, Korea, Brazil and China.

"Part of the money is also coming in because of the confidence in India's ability to grow," Chief Economic Adviser to the Finance Ministry Kaushik Basu said.

"So we have to keep all options on the table about how

we handle it in case there is a surge and volatility."

India however faces a huge current account deficit which is nearing almost 3 percent of GDP, a gap which is largely financed by capital inflows.

Policymakers therefore say India does not need to impose capital controls right now.

"India is a much stronger economy today and so we should be able to take it," Basu said.

India has already received more than $26 billion of capital inflows into equities so far this year.

India's response has been measured in comparison to other economies like China, South Korea and Brazil who have vowed to fight the latest round of quantitative easing by the United States.

Central banks in countries

Facing rough weather for adopting "illegal" business practices in Andhra Pradesh, MFIs are now trying to 'legitimise' their activities by seeking to join hands with the state government to provide "sustainable financial services to poor women" even as Union Finance Ministry is said to be keen on involving money lending agencies in anti-poverty programmes.

Though the Centre has not taken a formal decision in this regard yet, it has informally sounded the state governments on this, days before the current controversy involving the Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) broke out in Andhra Pradesh, highly-placed official sources here, said.

"In fact, such a proposal first came from the external funding agencies like World Bank and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The World Bank and the

760.35 Bharti Airte, 330.2, 331.8, 325.25, 326.15 Bhel, 2507.9, 2535.5, 2505, 2525.15 Bhushan Stee, 525.75, 529, 511.25, 524.3 Biocon Limit, 433.8, 438, 428.8, 430.8 Bombay Dyein, 623, 624.4, 612.6, 616.9 Bosch Limite, 6410, 6458.95, 6321, 6443.4 Brigade Ente, 135.6, 144.8, 134.5, 141 Cairn India, 331.8, 331.8, 326.5, 328.9 Canara Bank, 748.9, 768.05, 747.85, 760.9 Central Bank, 235, 243, 233.5, 239.8 Century Text, 518.85, 531.5, 516.05, 529.55 Cesc Ltd, 385.7, 388.8, 382.25, 386.85 Chambal Fert, 93, 94.95, 90.1, 93.85 Chennai Petr, 249, 253.5, 247.05, 252.6 Cipla Ltd, 351.8, 352.6, 349.05, 349.95 Colgate Palm, 889, 897.8, 885, 891.15 Container Co, 1329, 1332.85, 1323.15, 1329.35 Crompton Gre, 329.35, 334.35, 326.8, 330.35 Cummins Indi, 804, 805, 792, 793.3 Dabur India, 100.4, 100.4, 98.8, 99.6 Deccan Chron, 142, 148.95, 140.65, 147.3

like Japan and South Korea that are faced with a rising local currency have indicated they may take measures to counter the appreciation pressure.

India's central bank, the Reserve Bank of India, has however maintained it will only intervene in foreign exchange markets if inflows turn 'lumpy' or 'volatile'.

The Indian rupee has appreciated 5.1 percent in 2010.

However, on the global front, Wednesdays move by the Fed could have negative repercussions for the forthcoming Group of 20 meeting in Seoul.

With many emerging countries willing to retaliate, government officials say a meaningful outcome to the currency and global imbalance debate now looks a little bleak in Seoul.

LEAF to unveil branded basmati rice PTI NEW DELHI, NOV 4

Rice processor Lakshmi Energy And Foods (LEAF) said it will soon enter the branded basmati rice space with the pan-Indian rollout of a premium variety. "We will launch our branded basmati rice in seven cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai this month.

We will extend it to other markets later," LEAF executive director I S Gumber said. The packaged basmati pusa rice will be sold under ''Lakshmi Foods'' brand, he said, adding that the notification of PUSA 1121 variety as basmati rice prompted the company to venture into the Rs 10,000 crore branded basmati rice market.

GSL hands over Rs 13 cr dividend cheque to Antony PTI PANJIM, NOV 4

Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL), defence ministry undertaking, presented a dividend cheque of Rs 13.38 crore to Union defence minister A K Antony, company official said today.

Rear Admiral (Retd) Vineet Bakhshi, Chairman and Managing Director GSL, presented the cheque yesterday in the presence of senior defence ministry officials.

GSL has declared and paid dividend of 90 per cent of the paid-up share capital for the financial year 2009-10 as compared to 57 per cent in the previous year, the spokesman said in a press release issued here.

During the financial year 2009-10, the company has achieved a Value of Production of Rs 866.48 crore and made a Net Profit of Rs 130.72 crore.

"This is against the value of

Centre mulling to involve MFIs in poverty reduction PTI HYDERABAD, NOV 4

State-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) will expand its third generation (3G) services to 120 more cities across the country by December, Minister of State for Communications Sachin Pilot said Thursday.

Currently, the operator runs 3G service in 640 cities.

BSNL is also expecting to increase its subscriber base in this segment by 2.5 million by March 2011, Gopal Das, BSNL chairman and managing director, said on the sidelines of a telecom event here.

BSNL and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd. (MTNL) were awarded 3G license much before the private telcom operators by the government.

In order to give a phillip to its the mobile business, BSNL has launched a plan, 'pyari jodi', under which a BSNL landline customer can take a free SIM card and make free local calls to his landline.

Aban Offshor, 827, 839, 823, 831.8 Abb Ltd., 860.25, 872, 856.45, 862.35 Abg Shipyard, 471.9, 485.7, 462.95, 482.2 Acc Limited, 1084, 1099, 1069.2, 1088.4 Adani Enterp, 750, 786, 745.8, 770.85 Aditya Birla, 840, 847, 836.05, 840.55 Allahabad Ba, 259.9, 261, 255.25, 258.15 Alstom Proje, 799.9, 806, 791.15, 795.45 Ambuja Cemen, 151, 152.8, 148.5, 151.75 Andhra Bank, 181.55, 183, 180.1, 181.85 Ashok Leylan, 75.5, 78.7, 74.7, 78.4 Asian Paints, 2699.05, 2730, 2650, 2663.05 Axis Bank Li, 1550.7, 1555.5, 1538.1, 1544.4 Bajaj Hindus, 127, 131.2, 126.5, 130.5 Bank Of Baro, 1037.55, 1044, 1029.45, 1038.95 Bank Of Indi, 505.3, 514.5, 505.05, 512.8 Beml Limited, 1150, 1165, 1125.15, 1136.15 Bharat Elect, 1744.85, 1758, 1718.95, 1735.4 Bharat Forge, 377.5, 378, 372.3, 373.95 Bharat Petro, 765.6, 767.85, 757.05,

Obama says Asia trip to focus on jobs

IFAD recommended to the states, which have been borrowing money from them, to involve MFIs in poverty reduction programmes. The Government of India is probably trying to implement the World Bank agenda," a top bureaucrat pointed out.

But, IAS officer V P Jauhari, who retired as Special Chief Secretary to government and led an inquiry into the activities of MFIs in the state, cautioned in his report against involving MFIs in government programmes.

In fact, he suggested that the state govt alert the Govt of India as well as the Reserve Bank of India about the "illegal and unethical practices" being adopted by MFIs. "This will help other states learn from the sad experiences of AP," he added.

It was during former Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy's tenure a couple of years ago that the World Bank first came up with the proposal

Dish Tv Indi, 63.4, 67.7, 62.45, 66.35 Divi’s Labor, 704.8, 705, 698, 699.7 Dlf Limited, 352.4, 356.9, 350.55, 354.8 Dr. reddy’s, 1705, 1738.45, 1705, 1734.15 Edelweiss Ca, 63.7, 63.9, 62.8, 63.15 Educomp Solu, 550, 559.8, 548.1, 550.6 Eih Limited, 122.5, 124.15, 121.5, 122.15 Engineers In, 350, 351, 345, 345.6 Essar Oil Lt, 155, 160.7, 153.1, 158.85 Essar Shippi, 114, 115, 110.2, 114 Exide Indust, 163.5, 164.7, 161.9, 162.55 Federal Bank, 491, 495.85, 488.35, 492.95 Financial Te, 1065, 1065, 996, 1026.65 Gail (india), 490, 495.8, 489.2, 494.65 Gammon India, 196.05, 200.95, 195.5, 198.35 Glaxosmithkl, 2210.1, 2241.95, 2210.1, 2224.6 Glenmark Pha, 369.7, 369.7, 352.1, 354.95 Gmr Infrastr, 53.75, 53.75, 53.15, 53.25 Godrej Indus, 219.5, 220.45, 217.5, 219.25 Grasim Indus, 2400, 2430, 2391.2, 2413.3 Great Offsho, 383.55, 387.9, 381.1, 383.7 Gtl Infra.Lt, 45.3, 46.5, 45.05, 46 Gujarat Mine, 141, 171, 140.55, 164.35

Gujarat N R, 61.5, 64.55, 61.25, 63.95 Gujarat Stat, 117.8, 118.8, 115.75, 118.1 Gvk Pow. & I, 44.3, 44.9, 43.65, 44.8 Hcl Technolo, 405, 416, 405, 412.05 Hdfc Bank Lt, 2390, 2405, 2367.55, 2389.2 Hdfc Ltd, 722.95, 743.6, 719, 739.7 Hero Honda M, 1875, 1886.3, 1832, 1840.6 Hindalco in, 221.7, 228.2, 220.2, 226.45 Hindustan Co, 61.9, 63.15, 61.65, 62.85 Hindustan Ma, 75.2, 76.05, 74, 74.45 Hindustan Pe, 501, 501, 483.2, 484.35 Hindustan Un, 297, 302, 295.15, 299.2 Hindustan Zi, 1254.4, 1315, 1251.65, 1309.05 Housing Dev, 257.8, 261.65, 256, 258.3 Icici Bank L, 1248.9, 1270.55, 1241, 1266.05 Idea Cellula, 67.1, 67.7, 66.55, 67.25 Ifci Ltd, 73, 74.3, 72.5, 74.05 India Cement, 119.7, 123.2, 118.75, 121.7 India Infoli, 120.55, 122.7, 120.1, 121.95 Indiabulls F, 226, 233.45, 224.05, 230.85 Indiabulls R, 191, 198.4, 190.1, 196.3 Indian Bank, 307.2, 307.25, 300.1, 306.15 Indian Hotel, 104.9, 105, 102.6, 103.35

when the state government was desperately seeking funds from the Bank for the ambitious Jalayagnam (irrigation projects) programme.

"Andhra Pradesh is one of the major borrowers from the World Bank. One of the recommendations, apart from a few pre-conditions of the World Bank, was enhancing the role of MFIs in rural credit distribution and their involvement in government programmes.

Though the government did not concede the demand immediately for involving the MFIs in its programmes, it did help them expand their operations rapidly in the last few years," the bureaucrat said.

Micro Finance Institutions Network president Vijay Mahajan wrote a letter to the state Principal Secretary (Rural Development) R Subrahmanyam to this effect promising to "extend all cooperation to the Govt of Andhra Pradesh's efforts to provide credit to rural poor women."

Indian Oil C, 424.8, 424.8, 414.65, 415.4 Indian Overs, 179.1, 179.1, 171.4, 172.4 Indus Dev Ba, 184.1, 193.8, 183.5, 193 Indusind Ban, 279.9, 285, 278, 280.15 Infosys Tech, 3044, 3085, 3032.95, 3077.15 Infra. dev., 209.4, 215.8, 207.55, 215 Ispat Indust, 20.7, 21.45, 20.7, 20.9 Itc Ltd, 177.35, 177.5, 175.05, 177 Ivrcl Infras, 157.5, 157.5, 154.25, 155.55 Jai Corp Lim, 246.5, 246.75, 243.5, 244.5 Jaiprakash A, 125.7, 129.85, 123.5, 128.35 Jet Airways, 806.85, 815, 798.05, 808.35 Jindal Saw L, 220, 224.75, 217.8, 222.95 Jindal Steel, 712.5, 721, 712.15, 718.8 Jsw Steel Li, 1337.9, 1364.8, 1336.8, 1351.7 Kotak Mahind, 487.2, 495.3, 484.5, 490.3 Lakshmi Mach, 2680, 2748.8, 2680, 2735.45 Lanco Infrat, 63.5, 64.25, 63.05, 63.6 Larsen & Tou, 2155.25, 2212.7, 2155, 2171.95 Lic Housing, 1320.05, 1376, 1312, 1369.45 Lupin Limite, 454, 455.8, 445.85, 447.85 Mahanagar Te, 68.15, 68.8, 66.75, 67.65 Mahindra & M, 767.05, 795.95, 765.4,

production of Rs 508.01 crore with a net profit of Rs 81.96 crore, in the previous year," the spokesman said.

This is the highest Value of Production and Net Profit achieved by the company since its inception in 1957. There has been a 70 per cent growth in production and a 59 per cent growth in net profit this year.

MF FUNDA

BOARD MEETINGS Chartered log Tulsi Extr Source: Indiainfoline.com

ICICI PRUdENTIAl MUTUAl FUNd has unveiled a new fund named as ICICI Prudential Regular Savings Fund, an open ended income fund.

The NFO price for the scheme is Rs 10 per unit.

The new issue will be open for subscription from November 15 and close on November 29, 2010.

Growth and dividend options are available under the scheme.

Dividend option shall have dividend payout and dividend reinvestment facility with dividend reinvestment as default facility. Dividend option will have quarterly and half yearly dividend frequencies.

The exit load charge will be 2% of the applicable NAV if the amount sought to be redeemed or switched out is invested upto 1 year. While there will no exit load charge if the amount sought to be redeemed or switched out is invested for a period of more than 1 year.

The minimum application amount is Rs 10,000 (plus in multiples of Re 1).

The fund seeks to collect a minimum subscription amount of Rs 10 million under the scheme during the NFO period.

The scheme`s performance will be benchmarked against Crisil Composite Bond Fund Index.

The scheme will be managed by Chaitanya Pande.

KOTAK MUTUAl FUNd has announced that with effect from November 10, 2010, the exit load structure of Kotak Bond Short Term, an open ended debt scheme will be revised.

Accordingly, for redemptions / switch outs (including SIP/STP) within 90 days from the date of allotment of units, irrespective of the amount of investment the exit load charge will be 0.50%.

While the exit load charge will be nil for redemptions / switch outs (including SIP/STP) after 90 days from the date of allotment of units, irrespective of the amount of investment UTI MUTUAl FUNd has approved November 9, 2010 as the record date for declaration of dividend under dividend option in Retail & Institutional Plan of UTI Fixed Income Interval Fund - Monthly Interval Plan II. The face value of per unit is Rs 10. The quantum of dividend will be 100% of distributable surplus as on the record date.

777.5 Maruti Suzuk, 1501, 1514, 1496.05, 1507.6 Max India Lt, 161.85, 165.9, 160.25, 162.45 Maytas Infr., 193.75, 194.8, 190.1, 193.6 Moser-baer (, 65.85, 66.4, 65.35, 66.1 Mrpl, 83.6, 87.65, 83.3, 87 Nagarjuna Co, 154, 155.6, 152.3, 153.65 Nagarjuna Fe, 37.75, 38.55, 37.1, 38.35 National Alu, 410, 414.8, 403, 409.85 Neyveli Lign, 164.25, 172.85, 162.65, 169.4 Ntpc Ltd, 194.1, 195.3, 194, 194.7 Oil And Natu, 1342.7, 1383, 1329, 1368.4 Omaxe Limite, 145, 145.9, 142.3, 145.3 Oriental Ban, 528.55, 528.55, 522, 525.6 Pantaloon Re, 476.2, 481, 472.2, 474.85 Parsvnath De, 67.25, 68.3, 66.25, 66.7 Petronet Lng, 120, 122.7, 118.5, 122 Power Fin Co, 369.3, 374, 368.15, 370.05 Power Grid C, 100.8, 104.35, 100, 101.5 Praj Industr, 72.5, 72.9, 71.2, 72.4 Punj Lloyd L, 124.95, 125.25, 123.05, 124.8 Punjab Natio, 1332, 1378.9, 1325, 1369.85 Rajesh Expor, 132.15, 139.25, 130.1, 130.8

Ranbaxy Labs, 608.9, 610.8, 599.5, 607.45 Rashtriya Ch, 125.5, 125.5, 115.45, 116.2 Rel. nat. re, 39.25, 41.35, 39.1, 40.95 Reliance Cap, 824, 839, 820.1, 831.15 Reliance Com, 180, 183.2, 180, 182 Reliance Ene, 1212.12, 1245, 1212.12, 1240.9 Reliance Ind, 868, 874, 864.2, 868.4 Reliance Ind, 1077.9, 1107, 1075, 1105.05 Reliance Pow, 160.2, 166.8, 160.2, 165.2 Rolta India, 171.25, 175.75, 164.6, 175.05 Satyam Compu, 81.95, 83.2, 81, 82.75 Sesa Goa Ltd, 332.8, 340.9, 331.5, 335.05 Shipping Cor, 183.9, 186.95, 180.7, 185.7 Siemens Ltd, 842.2, 849.85, 835, 836.6 Sintex Indus, 218.55, 222, 218.1, 220.15 Sobha Develo, 367.5, 378.9, 365, 368.8 State Bank O, 3298, 3449, 3286.15, 3433.45 Steel Author, 195.1, 197.15, 194.5, 195.6 Sterlite Ind, 178.8, 184, 176.05, 181.05 Sun Pharmace, 2274, 2274, 2232, 2241.75 Sun Tv Netwo, 523.05, 526, 519.45, 521.5 Suzlon Energ, 57.4, 58.5, 56.8, 57.75 Tata Communi, 308.9, 315.95, 307, 312.55 Tata Consult, 1062, 1078.6, 1061.5,

1069.15 Tata Motors, 1194.9, 1240, 1178, 1234.05 Tata Power C, 1386.6, 1404.65, 1386.6, 1398.1 Tata Steel L, 617.5, 622.6, 615.1, 621.5 Tata Teleser, 23.2, 23.75, 23.2, 23.4 Tech Mahindr, 738, 749.9, 733.1, 748.75 The Ge Shpg., 354.6, 371.2, 352.5, 368.35 The Phoenix, 242, 244.95, 242, 244.45 Thermax Ltd, 899.9, 930, 881.2, 904.5 Titan Indust, 3850, 3860, 3811.3, 3822.35 Torrent Powe, 300, 300.9, 292.15, 298.2 Triveni Engg, 123, 124.5, 121.7, 123.75 Tv18 India L, 89, 89.3, 87.5, 87.8 Uco Bank, 138.4, 140.5, 137.7, 139.65 Ultratech Ce, 1129.9, 1130.85, 1115.9, 1121.75 Union Bank O, 391, 394.7, 384.2, 386.65 Unitech Ltd, 88.7, 90.75, 88.7, 90.15 United Phosp, 208.7, 216.5, 205, 212.55 Videocon Ind, 262.5, 263.15, 259.05, 260.75 Vijaya Bank, 111.6, 113.95, 111.6, 113 Voltas Ltd, 253.7, 256.4, 249.05, 255.1 Wipro Ltd, 439, 440, 435, 436.75 Yes Bank Lim, 373.2, 375.5, 370.05, 372.1 Zee Entertai, 292, 299, 291.9, 297.4

OHERALDO

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Pg13

BIZ

GOA, FRIDAY, 5 NOVEMBER, 2010

Sans rebate, ‘khadi’ still sells!

BharaTI Pawaskar PANJIM, NOV 4

For some it is a way of life. For others, it is a style statement.

A decade short of a century ago, Mahatma Gandhi sparked a revolution with the charkha.

Khadi, synonymous with Bapu, has been changing colours. The youth are increasingly fascinated by this ecofriendly cotton, while its silk avatar is a fashion trend. Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) figures reveal that khadi sales across the country totalled Rs22,748 crore in 2009-10, up from the previous year’s Rs21,543 crore.

The government has announced a new Market Development Assistance (MDA) scheme for khadi in place of the earlier rebate on sales. This came into effect from 1April 2010. Earlier, the central government gave a 20 per cent special rebate to customers for 108 days, from Gandhi Jayanti (2 October) through the festive season. In addition, most state governments gave a further 10 per cent rebate on sales.

This year, the Government of Goa has given its 10 per cent rebate, but the 20 per cent cen-

IDBI Bank raises $125 million PTI MUMBAI, NOV 4

Public sector lender IDBI Bank has raised $ 125 million foreign currency syndicated loan from the Singapore market to meet the growing demand from domestic corporates for foreign currency funds.

"As part of our $ 1.5-billion medium term note (MTN) programme for this fiscal, we have raised $ 125 million through a three-year bond issue. We mobilised this fund on November 1 in Singapore. With this, so far we have issued bonds worth $ 475 million so far this fiscal," IDBI Bank Chief Financial Officer P Sitaram told PTI here today. He further said the issue had an overwhelming response as more than a dozen foreign bankers were keen to participate.

Some of the leading bankers who participated in the issue were BNP Paribas, RBS, StanChart, United Overseas Bank of Singapore and BoT Mitsubishi among others, Sitaram said.

The bonds, listed on the Singapore bourse, have a three year maturity and carry a coupon of Libor plus 185 bps.

Meanwhile, Sitaram said, IDBI has already started seeing a major spurt in credit off take since October and expects 8-10 per cent credit growth over March 2010 in the third quarter and around 18 per cent spurt q-o-q.

On the evolving interest rate scenario, he said the rates cannot but go up further in the days ahead. Within in hours of RBI effecting yet another 25 bps spike in short term lending and borrowing rates on Tuesday, IDBI Bank hiked its deposit and lending rates by 50 bps. It also raised rates on high-value housing loans in response to the RBI action to tighten norms for these advances.

tral rebate is on hold. How has this affected sales in October?

In a telephonic interview, the President of the Bombay Sarvoday Mandal T K Somaiya told Herald: “Khadi is not merely a cloth. It is powerful concept that has the potential to change the face of rural India.

It provides employment to thousands of artisans, weavers, printers and sellers in villages across the country, strengthening the rural economy. We have regular visitors who never look at price tags or rebates,” he says, citing the example of Gurunath Kelekar, veteran freedom fighter, who regularly travels to Mumbai to buy Gandhian literature, gramodyog products and khadi. “For many, khadi is a way of life,” Somaiya says.

Goa has two khadi outlets – at Panjim in North Goa and Margao in South Goa. Asked whether the withdrawal of the usual 30 per cent rebate by the central government has had any effect on sales during October, Assistant Director of Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan Ram Narayan said, “There is not much difference. Till September, combined sales in both

Goa outlets was Rs9.7 lakh.

Last year, the sales till October was Rs14 lakh. Including this month’s sale, the figure will touch last year’s figure of Rs14 lakh.”

But Superintendent-inCharge at the KVIC office at Susheela Building B N Mataghare has a different take: “October 2010 sales at Panjim were Rs2.34 lakh while October 2009 sales were Rs4.39 lakh. Margao’s October sales were Rs4.58 lakh while last year they were Rs7.16 lakh.

The withdrawal of the rebate seems to have directly affected October sales, but we have to educate our customers that it will benefit weavers and artisans.”

The rise in khadi sales is because eco-friendly khadi is spun and woven entirely by hand, without any hazardous colours or chemicals. “That is why today’s youth prefer it. In Goa, people prefer wearing cotton,” says Shabbir Bhati, a salesman for 11 years at the Khadi & Gramodyog Bhavan in Panjim.

The situation at Margao is similar. “We have regular customers who ask for khadi as

well as village products. The supply is a bit slow, but whatever is on the shelves gets sold soon, no matter the price,” says Pravin Solanki, in-charge at the Khadi & Gramodyog Bhavan in Margao.

Salesman Rakesh Kumar proudly announces: “I am from a khadi family.” His family at Muzaffarpur weaves khadi. He himself has been serving KVIC for 22 years.

Khadi lovers who look forward to buying khadi at a discount in October may now get a feel that the prices are high.

But the government’s idea is to allow the producing centres to get the rebate amount immediately, instead of waiting for a year to get the government subsidy.

Khadi sales outlets – government as well as private – see it as a welcome move. The ‘no rebate’ policy, they say, will put the rebate amount straight into the pockets of the weavers and artisans in villages, reinforcing the rural economy. About nine lakh spinners and weavers associated with 1,958 khadi institutions across the country will directly benefit from the MDA scheme.

Intra-Co transfers could be free of immigration cap PTI LONDON, NOV 4

In what could be a major relief to Indian companies, British Prime Minister David Cameron has said that the proposed immigration cap for non-European workers should not include 'intra-company transfers'.

The issue of restricting 'intracompany transfers' had agitated a number of Indian firms having operations in the UK, and the move to exclude the bracket from the immigration cap will help tens of thousands of migrant workers who move to the UK through this route every year.

Prime Minister David Cameron told the House of Commons that "the cap on nonEuropean Union skilled workers shall not affect intra-company transfers for global employers".

The Prime Minister said he wanted to "achieve much better immigration control without disadvantaging business".

"For instance, things like intra-company transfer shouldn't be included in what we're looking at".

Under the present rules, workers arriving on intra-company transfers, many of them employed by Indian IT companies, can stay in the UK for up to five years.

The majority of skilled workers entering the UK from outside the European Economic Area come in on intra-company transfers.

In 2009, they accounted for 22,000 out of a total of 36,490 skilled migrants, and the government believes that the multinationals use this route to bring in cheap labour for jobs that can otherwise go to unemployed British youth.

The Confederation of British Industry and Indian business and ministers had urged the government to exempt intracompany transfers from the cap, insisting that they "enhance the UK's attractiveness as a global location for investment and jobs".

Sir Andrew Green, the chairman of Migrationwatch UK, said: "We agree that there is no need to cap intra-company transfers provided that they are genuinely key senior staff, which was the original purpose of the scheme".

"That does not include tens of thousands of Indian IT workers on 24,000 pounds a year when British IT workers face 16 per cent unemployment. Nobody really needed by an employer would be paid less than 50,000 pounds a year. That should be the minimum salary for these transfers".

Rupee ends higher at 44.21/dollar PTI MUMBAI, NOV 4

The Indian rupee ended higher by 14 paise to Rs 44.21/22 against the American currency, on fresh selling of dollars by banks and exporters on the back of weakness of dollar in overseas amidst strong equity market.

At the Interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) market, the domestic unit opened higher at Rs 44.25/26 per dollar as against the yesterday's closing level of 44.35/36 per dollar.

Avantor to acquire RFCL from ICICI Venture PTI MUMBAI, NOV 4

Avantor Performance Materials Holdings S.A. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire RFCL Limited from ICICI Venture Funds Management Company Ltd, a subsidiary of India's second-largest bank, ICICI. Avantor identified RFCL as an attractive target to build on its current presence in the laboratory and pharmaceutical markets in India, a press release issued here today stated.

Avantor, previously known as Mallinckrodt Baker, was ac-

quired by an affiliate of New Mountain Capital, LLC in August 2010.

Avantor and its subsidiaries manufacture and market high-performance chemistries and materials around the world under two well-known and respected brand names, JT Baker and Mallinckrodt Chemicals.

Avantor and New Mountain Capital will provide RFCL with significant financial and strategic resources to support their growth initiatives.

"We believe that the combined Avantor and RFCL busi-

ness will be positioned as a leading player in the laboratory, pharmaceutical, electronic materials and diagnostics industries in India," Avantor's Chairman and a Senior Advisor to New Mountain Capital, Raj Gupta, said. Avantor has around $ 430 million in annual sales.

"We are very pleased with this transaction as it will bring the best of opportunities for RFCL and its management and employees for the future," ICICI Venture's Executive Director, Prashant Purker, said.

GOVERNMENT OF GOA

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARMTENT WORKS DIVISION VI, FATORDA MARGAO GOA

TENDER NOTICE NO.F-3/PWD/WDVI/ASW/30/2010-2011 The Executive Engineer, Works Division VI, PWD., Fatorda-Margao Goa, on behalf of the Governor of Goa,invites sealed item rate tenders from the approved and eligible contractors of PWD & those of appropriate list of State of Goa for the following works.

Sr. No. 1

Description

Approx.

Est. Cost Rs.

Earnet Money Rs.

Cost of Time limit Tender Rs. incl Monsoon

Class of Contractor

Immediate flood damage repairs at Ghorkwadi Aquem Baixo in Navelim Constituencv(Re tender 2nd call)

9,55,908.00

19119/-

1500/-

120 days

III & Above

Urgent supply of RCC slabs including drains at various location in Margao Constituency(Re tender 2nd call)

9,48,458.00

18970/-

1500/-

-do-

-do-

Urgent repairs to the drains at Chinchal & Calcodem in Margao Constituency (Re tender 2nd call)

9,45,041.00

18901/-

1500/-

-do-

-do-

Reconditioning of road and drainage system near Ganapati Temple New Vaddem in Vasco Constituency(Re tender 2nd call)

9,37,263.00

18746/-

1500/-

-do-

-do-

Urgent repairs to the Nallah with covering at Rawanfond in Margao Constituency (Re tender 2nd call)

9,32,386.00

18648/-

1500/-

-do-

-do-

6

Urgent removal of pot holes and drainage Imp. of various road in Margao Constituency (Re tender 2nd call)

9,29,389.00

18588/-

1500/-

-do-

-do-

7

Urgent repairs of road near Chicalim junction in Cortalim Constituency

9,22,819.00

18457/-

1500/-

-do-

-do-

Immediate repairs to drainage near GPS Ghantamorod Aquem Baixo in Navelim Constituency (Re tender 2nd call) 9,20,597.00

18412/-

1500/-

-do-

-do-

Urgent repairs to concrete drainage at Laymati Davorlim in Navelim Constituency (Re tender 2nd call)

9,14,129.00

18283/-

1500/-

-do-

-do-

Urgent repairs to the drains with covering Fire Station Margao in Margao Constituency (Re tender 2nd call)

9,15,172.00

18304/-

1500/-

-do-

-do-

8,89,932.00

17799/-

1500/-

-do-

-do-

Immediate repairs to drainage behind Maruti Mandir Navelim Constituency (Re tender 2nd call)

8,83,814.00

17677/-

1500/-

-do-

-do-

13

Improvement of road and drainage near Fakir Galli Opp. Coast Guard Bhakle Talem Shantinagar in Vasco Constituency (Re tender 2nd call)

8,71,729.00

17435/-

1500/-

-do-

-do-

14

Repairs to road and drainage near Saw mill Indona in Navelim Constituency(Re tender 2nd call)

8,28,892.00

16578/-

1500/-

-do-

-do-

Repairs to gutters at Fuslabhat Aquem Baixo Navelim Constituency (Re tender 2nd call)

8,23,551.00

16472/-

1500/-

-do-

-do-

8,11,989.00

16240/-

1500/-

-do-

-do-

7,94,856.00

15898/-

1500/-

-do-

-do-

2 3 4

5

8 9 10

11 Urgent repairs to drain including pathway at Khareband in Margao Constituency (Re tender 2nd call) 12

15

16 Urgent protection of the road near Kudchodkar Hospital and Flyover in Margao in Margao Constituency (Re tender 2nd call) 17

Repairs to drainage near Prabhu house Shantinagar in Navelim Constituency (Retender 2nd call)

1. Last date & time of receipt for application is 12th November, 2010 upto 1.00 p.m.

2. Last date & time remitting the cost of tender document is 16th Nov. 2010 upto 1.00 p.m.

3. Last date of Issue of tender form is 19th Nov. 2010 during Office working hours 4. The completed tenders will be received in the Office of the Executive Engineer Works Division VI, PWD., Fatorda-Margao upto 1300 hours on 23rd November,2010 & will be opened on same day at 1500 hours Eligibility: 1) Eligibility in terms of Clause 5.3 of Rules of Enlistment of contractors in PWD GOA 2004 The application for tenders should be accompanied with list of works in hand as on this date.

APPLICATION FOR ISSUE OF BLANK TENDER FORMS SHOULD BE ACCOMPANIED: 1. Attested copy of valid Registration certificate.

2.Attested copy of PAN CARD 3.Declaration giving the list of work in hand In complete applications shall be summarilly rejected. Right to accept |>r reject any or all the tenders including lowest without assigning any reason thereof is reserved.

DI/Advt/993/2010

pg 14:Layout 1 11/4/2010 11:21 PM Page 1

Pg 14

SPORTS GOA, Friday 5 November, 2010

GOA DIARY

Soccer coaching camp

PANJIM (HSD) -- The Goa Learning Soccer School will conduct football coaching camps for boys aged 10 to 14, from November 6 to 21, at Mapusa and Saligao. For details contact 9823281781.

Goa Kayaking expeditions

PANJIM (HSD) -- Goa Kayaking will conduct daily kayaking expeditions from November 6 to 14, in Mandovi, Zuari and Nerul rivers. Details may be obtained on 9422056037 or 2541715.

St Francis Xavier soccer: Rebello Pandals v. Tennests Club, Canacona, Mapa Digas ground, Panchwadi, 4.30 p.m.

Bardez Cup soccer: Clube Sao Minguel de Taleigao v. Betalba-

tim SC, Dr. Gustavo Monteiro Stadium, Candolim, 4.45 p.m.

4th All-Goa late Eslinda Alemao inter-village soccer: Curtorim Gymkhana v. Carmona SC, Rosary ground, Navelim, 4.30 p.m.

Rossman Cruz Nagoa Cup soccer: Nerul SC v. Verna SC, Nagoa ground, Verna, 4.30 p.m.

Curtorim Villagers Cup soccer: Ambelim SC v. Dramapur SC, Curtorim ground, 4.30 p.m.

VJT Cup soccer: Jolly Boys of Mingfol v. Youth of Sirlim, Church ground, Chinchinim, 4.30 p.m.

Alvernaz Alemao memorial volleyball semis: Piety SC, Navelim v. Da Cruz, Mala-Panjim, Butica court, Navelim, 8 p.m.

Pg 15

SPORTS GOA, Friday, 5 November, 2010

Chelsea, Bayern, Madrid through to last 16 AGENCIES LONDON, NOV 4

Chelsea and Bayern Munich qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League by recording wins to stay perfect in the group stage, and Real Madrid joined them thanks to substitute Sanchez Pedro Leon’s last-gasp equaliser in the 2-2 draw at AC Milan on Wednesday.

Filippo Inzaghi’s second-half double looked like it would earn Milan victory but Leon’s strike

deep into second-half injury time means the Spanish giants will definitely finish in the top two in Group G. The draw means Madrid coach Jose Mourinho, who made his first return to the San Siro since leaving Inter Milan over the summer, is still to lose a game in charge of the nine-time European champions.

Chelsea didn’t need such late heroics although it did score all its goals in the second half in the

4-1 win over Spartak Moscow in Group F. Serbia defender Branislav Ivanovic netted twice at Stamford Bridge to add to goals by Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba, who converted a penalty.

Bayern was also comfortable winners, Germany striker Mario Gomez hitting a hat trick and Thomas Mueller scoring the fourth in a 4-0 victory at Cluj in Group E. Arsenal could have also qualified with two games remaining but was defeated 2-1 by

Shakhtar Donetsk in Group H, with former Gunners striker Eduardo scoring the winner against his old club. The Croatia international, who didn’t celebrate his goal, was also on target against Arsenal two weeks ago.

The most impressive scoreline came at Zilina where Marseille, aided by a hat trick by France striker Andre Pierre Gignac, won 7-0 to record the biggest away victory in Champions League history.

A day after defending champion

Inter Milan, Barcelona and Lyon all failed to pick up wins that would have seen them through to the knockout stage, three of the continents other heavyweights showed them how to do it.

Madrid did it the hard way in Wednesday’s showcase match at San Siro, a ground where the Spanish league leaders still haven’t won in 14 attempts.

In the group’s other match, Auxerre kept alive its slim hope of a top-two finish by beating four-

Chirag face JCT in Durand final on Sunday PTI NEW DELHI, NOV 4

Chirag United rode on Mohammad Rafique’s late strike to break East Bengal’s 17-match

PTI INDORE, NOV 4

winning streak and advance to the final of the 123rd Durand Cup football tournament at the Ambedkar Stadium here today.

After both teams failed to break the deadlock in the first half, Rafique scored the all-important goal in the 86th minute of the match, to help

his team prevail over the depleted red-and-gold-brigade - who were missing four key players -- and make their maiden final appearance in the

world's third oldest football tournament.

They will fight it out with JCT Mills, Phagwara in the summit clash on Sunday.

time European champion Ajax 21, courtesy of substitute Steven Langil’s 84th-minute winner.

Last-place Auxerre has three points in Group G, one less than Ajax and two behind Milan.

Bayern, last season’s runnerup, romped to a convincing win at Cluj—its fourth in a row in Group E—to put it six points clear of AS Roma, which won 32 at 10-man Basel thanks to goals by Jeremy Menez, Francesco Totti and Leandro Greco. Basel and Cluj are both on three points.

Braga won 1-0 at Partizan Belgrade to sit three points behind the joint leaders.

MP survive late scare, gain three points

Madhya Pradesh survived a late scare to earn three crucial points on the basis of their 158-run first innings lead on the fourth and final day of their Group A Plate division match against Goa at the Holkar Stadium here today.

Resuming at an overnight

score of 268 for three, Goa declared their second innings at 423 for seven, setting the hosts a target of 265 runs in 35 overs.

Vaibhav Naik 65 not out (116b, 4x11) led the visitors charge today and ensured that the team crossed the 400-run mark in support of Shadab Jakati (17) and Robin D'Souza (36 not out). Overnight batsmen

Ajay Ratra (47) and Rahul Keni (35) too made useful contributions.

For MP, Ishwar Pandey and S Abbas Ali were the pick of the bowlers ending with figures of 3-64 and 2-50 respectively.

Madhya Pradesh went for an outright win and got a blazing start with openers Naman Ojha

62 (50b, 4x5, 6x4) and Zafar Ali 68 (59b, 4x7, 6x2) adding 134 runs for the first wicket in just 17.4 overs.

However, after the dismissal of Ojha, who was bowled by Jakati, MP lost their way and from a position of 134-0, they collapsed to 161-8.

Spinners S Vidyut (4-13) and

Jakati (2-64) and Amit Yadav (218) did most of the damage as MP lost eight wickets in little over 18 overs and for the addition of just 27 runs.

However, Abbas Ali 13 not out (57m, 35b, 4x2) held fort at one end to ensure that MP walked away with three useful points.

Goa 1st innings: 170 MP 1st innings: 328 Goa 2nd innings: (overnight 268-3) Ajay Ratra c Harpreet Singh b Anand Rajan 47, Rahul Keni c Naman Ojha b Ishwar Pandey 35, Vaibhav Naik not out 65, Saurabh Bandekar b Ishwar Pandey 11, Shadab Jakati b Abbas Ali 17, Robin D’Souza not out 36.

Extras: 20. Total: 423 for 7.

MP 2nd innings: Naman Ojha b Shadab Jakati 62, Zafar Ali c Ajay Ratra b V Shivramakrishnan 68, Harpreet Singh c (sub) S BYadav b S Jakati 6, Mohnish Mishra c R D'Souza b V Shivramakrishnan 2, Abbas Ali not out 13, Murtaza Ali c Swapnil Asnodkar b V.Shivramakrishnan 1, Devendra Bundela c S Jakati b Amit Yadav 1, T Sudheendra c Sagun Kamat b Amit Yadav 4, Ankit Sharma c&b Amit Yadav 0, Anand Rajan not out 0.

Extras: 4. Total: 161 for 8. . Bowling: S Bandekar 3-0-22-0, S Jakati 17-4-642 Amit Yadav 30-1-18-2, R D'Souza 5-0-40-0, S Vidyut 7-2-13-4.

Caramorod shock Upcoming Boys HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, NOV 4

Caramorod SC shocked Upcoming Boys, Baida 3-0 to sail into the quarter-finals of VJT Cup football tournament, organised

by VJT Events Management, at Church ground, Chinchinim on Thursday. Caramorod were leading 1-0 at half time.

Carmarod enjoyed a lion share of exchanges from the start, both in the attack and de-

fence. Upcoming Boy’s citadel fell as early as in the third minute when Terence Soares’ stiff grounder beat the rival keeper hands down.

John Fernandes doubled the lead with a swift shot after he picked up a well through pass from his own half.

Schubert Monteiro rounded off the tally in the dying minutes with a scorcher from the top of the box.

Penha de Franca pip PVC HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, NOV 4

Penha de Franca got the better of PVC, Parra 2-1 to move into the quarter-finals of 4th Bardez Cup inter-village football tournament organised by United Club of Nerul, at Dr. Gustavo Monteiro Stadium, Candolim,

on Thursday.

All goals came in the first half.

Penha-de-Franca took the lead t h ro u g h Ve r a s s i m o w h i l e Mangesh doubled the lead. Parra pulled one back through Edwin.

Changing over, both the teams tried to score but their forwards failed to find the nets.

Navelim outshine Nerul HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, NOV 4

Navelim Villagers Union defeated Nerul Sports Club 2-0 to enter the semi-finals of 4th AllGoa late Eslinda Alemao intervillage soccer at Rosary ground, Navelim on Thursday.

Navelim were leading 2-0 at the break.

Good luck smiled on Navelim when they opened their account through an own goal put in by Nerul’s Sidharth Shirodkar in the 12th minute.

Navelim doubled their tally when Milton Gomes found the nets in the 23rd minute. Nerul fought hard to reduce the margin, but in vain.

Benaulim in quarters HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, NOV 4

Young Strikers, Benaulim recorded a narrow 1-0 win over Fr Agnel Youth Club, Assolda to enter the quarter-finals of Curtorim Villagers Cup inter-village football tournament organised

by Curtorim Gymkhana, at Cur-

torim ground, on Thursday.

Benaulim were leading at the break.

Benaulim started on a promising note with their forwards and midfielders working in tandem to put the rival citadel under pressure.

The all-important goal came at the stroke of the lemon break when Carlos Fernandes bulge the net after receiving a pass from Steven Baptista.

With the time running out, Fr Agnel went all out in search of the equaliser but everything proved futile.

Dicarpale SC win HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, NOV 4

Dicarpale Sports Club defeated Mandopa Sporting 5-4 via tiebreaker to advance in Rossman Cruz Nagoa Cup soccer, at Nagoa ground, Verna, on Thursday.

The teams enjoyed equal ball possession but were unable to materialise on the opportunities, which came in between in the regulation time.

In the penalty shoot-out, Sidney Furtado, Vincent Figueiredo, Brass Vales, Joaquim Figueiredo and William Niaso scored for Dicarpale while Jason Pereira, Alvito Colaco, Allister Gomes and Nivel D’Costa netted for Mandopa.

In the Wednesday ’s encounter, Nerul Sports Club edged past Navelim Villagers Union 2-1 to enter the semi-finals.

A Little about Civics

There are many different ways in which France a country can be governed, ranging from elected governments to royal ruling families. Here is a list of some of the different types of governances in the world:

Types of Governance

them and run the ent definition of anstate.

Example: archism.

France 4. Libertarianism 2. Monarchy There are a few A libertarian is a types of monarchial person who believes governments. However, that each individual essentially a monar- maintains the responchy is a form of gov- sibility for their own ernance that actions. The differdesignates an indi- ence between libervidual as the head of tarianism and state. If the monarchy anarchism is that libis ‘absolute’, the ertarians are reruler has complete quired to respect the power, whereas if the rights of other indi1. Democracy monarchy is ‘consti- viduals as well. tutional’, the ruler Democracy is popu- is mostly symbolic. An larly described as example of an absolute 5. Theocracy ‘rule of the people’ monarchy is Brunei, because the When laws are influgovernment enced by religious is formed texts and the heads from the of state are relipool of gious figures, the citizens. form of governance is The only known as a theocracy. form of Vatican Example: democracy City. in actual Brunei use is ‘representative’ where the vast and a constitutional majority selects a few one is Netherlands. members to represent 3. Anarchism This school of thought is where its followers believe Vatican City that there should be no ruling state or government. Every Contact Us: individual governs Comments or queries? Bouquets their own actions, or brickbats? Talk to us! as there is no auEmai Junior Herald at thority to enforce a set of rules. In junior@herald-goa.com or fact, since there join our Facebook fan page. is no governance as Our readers are invited to rave, such, the anar- rant, chat or even contribute. No Netherlands chists themselves message will go unanswered! each have a differ-

What is Freedom of Speech?

The Constitution of India states the basic rights of an individual in the country – these are known as the Fundamental Rights.

Freedom of speech or freedom of expression is one of those rights.

Freedom of speech (or expression) is the right to speak without being limited or censored. While the context in which the law was written was meant for an individual, in India this right extends to the press as well.

Although it is a fundamental right to be able to say anything one wants, there are legal limitations – therefore the right is not absolute. The two main limitations: one is the ‘offence’ principle and the other is the ‘harm’ principle. Any speech that can be deemed to give offence or cause harm is punishable by law.

Various countries have different interpretations of the freedom of speech. For example, in Israel, denial of the holocaust is a punishable offence. The same goes for blasphemy against Islam in most Muslim countries.

Freedom of speech is a right like any other right: it comes with responsibilities.

pg16:Layout 1 11/4/2010 11:29 PM Page 1

SPORTS

Chelsea, Bayern, Madrid through to last 16 Pg 15

GOA, FRIDAY, 5 NOVEMBER, 2010 www.oheraldo.in

Men in Blue dazzle on Day 1 lSehwag (173) and Dravid (104) put up a record 237-run partnership PTI AHMADABAD, NOV 4

Rahul Dravid congratulates Virender Sehwag on his century.

India 1st innings: Gautam Gambhir b Ryder 21, Virender Sehwag b Vettori 173, Rahul Dravid b Martin 104, Sachin Tendulkar batting 13, VVS Laxman batting 7. Extras: 11. Total: 329 for 3. Fall of wickets: 1-60, 2-297, 3-317. Bowling: Chris Martin 16-2-52-1, Hashim Bennett 15-2-47-0, Daniel Vettori 28-3-69-1, Jesse Ryder 10-1-44-1, Jeetan Patel 13-1-79-0, Kane Williamson 8-0-31-0.

Virender Sehwag smashed a blistering 173 while Rahul Dravid marked his return to form with a fluent century as India took firm control of the first cricket Test against a hapless New Zealand here today.

Electing to bat, India rode on Sehwag's classy 22nd century and Dravid's 30th ton to pile up an imposing 329 for three at close on the opening day.

Sehwag and Dravid (104) put on a record 237-run partnership

for the second wicket against New Zealand to lay the platform for a mammoth first innings total on a batting friendly track at the Sardar Patel Stadium.

They eclipsed the previous record of 204 which stood in the name of Sunil Gavaskar and Surinder Amarnath in Auckland in 1976.

The hosts lost opener Gautam Gambhir (21) in the pre-lunch session but Sehwag and Dravid tormented the insipid New Zealand attack with a flurry of strokes to take India to a commanding position before being dismissed in quick succession at the fag end of the day.

Sachin Tendulkar (13), who needs just one more century to record the amazing feat of 50 Test tons, and the stylish VVS Laxman (7) were at the crease

at stumps on a day which saw the hosts completely dominate the bowling.

The Kiwis compounded their misery by dropping as many as three catches with Sehwag being the beneficiary on two occasions-- once when he was on 144 and then on 155.

With lot of batting yet to come, New Zealand would be pinning their hopes on the second new ball – taken soon after it was due when India were 310 for two – to restrict the Indian first innings score to a reasonable level.

Sehwag’s innings was a blast typical of the Delhi daredevil as he cut loose against the New Zealand bowlers with a flourish, clobbering 24 boundaries and a six.

But for a knee injury, that forced him to use a runner after

tea, Sehwag could have continued to blast his way.

Neither pace nor spin did anything to unsettle him before a loose prod, from the crease, saw him bowled through the gate by rival captain Daniel Vettori after tea.

Dravid, who joined Sehwag after the latter had strung a stand of 60 with Gautam Gambhir (21) for the first wicket, started very slowly, before opening out to slam his 30th century in his 145th Test.

To make matters worse, the visitors also dropped both the century-makers. Dravid was let off by wicket keeper Gareth Hopkins off the bowling of Jesse Ryder who had earlier accounted for Gambhir. The batsman was on 28 in a team score of 192 for one.

Sehwag was given two reprieves by the butter-fingered Kiwis. Off spinner Jeetan Patel, who took a lot of stick from the Delhi opener, dropped the dasher off his own bowling at

Pg16 144. Eleven runs later substitute Martin Guptill floored a dolly at mid- on off debutant Kane Williamson.

In the morning, it was Sehwag who stole the show as he drove, cut and slashed his way to 87 not out, with 15 fours and off 84 balls, before lunch in a team score of 127 for one.

Dravid, who inched his way to 12 in 51 balls before lunch, steadily grew in confidence and attacked in the post-lunch session that produced 116 runs in 32 overs as India reached 243 for one.

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GOA’S

HeartBeat

Friday, 5 Nov 2010

A Unifying Light – Diwali Diwali is a joyous festival celebrated across the country and around the world. Though a Hindu festival, Diwali is not restricted to just one religion.

As Goans show that a festival is a great means of communal harmony, Herald explores further

Ratche vonntik kan asa - Anonymous

email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com

So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth - Baha 'u' llah

A Puja for Bountiful Returns

BY DOLCY D’CRUZ humans who divide and festivals which unite people.”

HERALD FEATURES “I think previously people misunderstood lighting lamps as worshipping n the eve of Diwali, the roads will be flooded with spectators some God. If we refrain from celebrating the festivities with our neighbours watching the hay and paper mache effigies of the notorious of different religions, we would be living like islands, separated by religion. demon strategically placed on the sides of the streets. Children, I send my children to help prepare the Narakasura as the same children all excited to be a part of the procession and move in step help my kids in preparing the old man for New Year. In this modern age, I with the Narkasur, will surely be awake way past their bedtime. don’t think people are narrow-minded anymore, they understand that Children, regardless of which religion they follow, join in the happiness of praise and worship of one God is different from being there just for friends. the festival.

We don’t join them in saying prayers so I don’t think we should be shy In Goa, there are two stories that are vastly believed to be the legends away from saying that we light lamps and play with fireworks,” says Nataline of Diwali. One is that Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura on the Rodrigues from St Inez. behest of the villagers who were suffering due to the demon’s ill doings.

Maria Pereira from Panjim says, “It looks beautiful when all the houses The killing of the evil demon Narakasura is celebrated in the vicinity are lit with ‘diyas’ as lights are as Naraka Chaturdashi, one day before Diwali and so pleasing and cheerful. Earlier, I didn’t find this is the reason practically every ward around the it acceptable to light ‘diyas’ in our house but state painstakingly makes the demon’s effigy to now the children feel happy as they can also burn it on the eve of the festival. The second celebrate the festival like their friends. It story is the return of Lord Ram after 14 years is a way of letting the children enjoy of exile. The great king had returned on a their holidays.” new moon’s night and hence was welcomed “Diwali holidays have always been with lamps lit up in rows. fun. We used to finish our exams so The effigies of Narakasura which are we were free from the study tension. filled with grass and crackers are burnt On the eve of Diwali, my school friends at around 4am symbolising the end of and I used to roam around Panjim looking evil. After this, people return home at Narakasuras and notice how much work to take a bath with scented oil. The those young boys must have put in. At night, women of the house perform ‘aarti’ we would peep outside the window to see and a ‘kareet’ (bandicoot berry) them burn the effigy. The next day, we would is crushed under the feet signilight small earthen lamps and play with fying victory of good over evil. sparklers. Even now, I try to decorate the Slight juice of the crushed ‘kareet’ house with small lamps. I don’t pray to any is tasted to forget the bitterness Hindu Gods but I prefer to take part in the of the previous year and start a new year. Diwali festivity in a small way,” says Sybil Menezes marks a new year as the houses are cleaned and from Mapusa. decorated with ‘akash dive’, small lamps, mango So this Diwali, no matter which leaves and marigold flowers. religious community you belong As the festival of light is a joyous one which too, try lighting a lamp in your signifies victory, people from different religions home and watch as that simple in Goa also follow the tradition of lighting lamps gesture will ignite a blaze and giving gifts. Radhika Malik from Porvorim of joy, love hope and says, “We celebrate the festival by lighting ‘diyas’ unity in the lives of you and giving sweets to each other. My sons go out and your loved ones. to see Narakasuras in the night. We believe that God is one and that religions are man-made. It is not compulsory that if we go to a temple or Let’s peace together our world: Two ladies, one Muslim attend novenas God answers are prayers. It is

O

Preparing for Laxmi Puja is exciting as it begins the first day of the new financial year for Hindus. In Goa too, this puja is celebrated with great fervour, expecting the best growth in business

BY HERALD FEATURES ften Diwali and Laxmi Puja are confused to be the same. Well, it is not. As per the Hindu calendar, Laxmi Puja is sometimes held on the same day or the next day of Diwali. This year, Laxmi Puja will be celebrated on November 5.

According to ‘Pancham’, the Hindu calendar, Laxmi Puja is celebrated on a new moon night.

This puja is dedicated to Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth. Despite the fact that this day falls on an ‘amavasya’ night, it is regarded as a very auspicious day. “Laxmi Puja depends on ‘tithi’, which is a lunar day. There is a particular time also known as ‘mahurat’ and date when the ‘puja’ has to be held in the evening. Previously, every house used to get a Hindu priest to say the ‘mantras’ but now the elders in the house also do it. In business establishments and shops, they call the Hindu priest to say the prayers. All that is required is a framed picture of the Goddess Laxmi, a decorated ‘kalash’ (sacred pot) and compulsorily, five types of seasonal fruits. We pray for her blessings, good luck and prosperity in everything we do in the coming year,” says Jyoti Amonkar. For business establishments, new account books are made on this day.

Laxmi Puja is observed in full faith by the Goans. It is believed that the lit lamps are a welcoming sign for the Goddess to enter the house and that the Goddess Laxmi enters the cleanest house first and then the remaining. Even the family members have to be hard working.

That is one of the main reasons the walls are painted with a fresh coat of paint and even the most messiest of rooms are kept clean.

Here’s wishing all a prosperous financial new year! - DDC

O

and the other Hindu, unite to celebrate Diwali

Another of Benaulim’s Best: Antonio D’Silva

Harry Potter Fans and Black Magic decimating India's Owls

He is a versatile actor, who performs a given role with élan and ease, helping the audience connect with the person he portrays. He is also a singer with a mellifluous baritone voice. Here is more of Antonio Xavier D’Silva

D

ie-hard fans of the best-selling Harry Potter stories are seriously threatening India's owl population, as demands for the ultimate wizarding accessory increase, a wildlife group says.

Potter's snow-white owl Hedwig, his trusty messenger throughout the book and film series, is being blamed by animal groups and politicians for fuelling the trade in Indian owls, as fans look to ape every aspect of their young wizard hero.

A report released this week in New Delhi by wildlife group TRAFFIC India, which found that 15 of the countr y's 30 species were for sale in markets, also blames the demand for owl parts in ancient rituals for driving the illegal trade.

Abrar Ahmed, the report’s author said that his research was sparked when a friend asked him to procure an owl for her son’s Harry Potter-themed birthday party.

“Although Hedwig spends much of her time in a bird cage in Harry’s room, real owls do not make good pets because they need room to fly and hunt for food,” said Ahmed.

“Following Harry Potter, there seems to be a strange fascination even among the urban middle classes for presenting their children with owls,” Jairam Ramesh, India's Environment Minister told the BBC at the launch of the report.

BY ELVIS SEQUEIRA HERALD FEATURES he village of Benaulim, known for its fishing and tourism, is also famous for its brand of exotic tiatrists. The late Rosario Rodrigues, Roseferns, Patrick Dourado, Menino de Bandar, Ben Evangelisto are just a few that hail from this picturesque, beach-kissed village in South Goa. Antonio Xavier D’Silva, known as Antush in the tiatr world, also figures in this list.

Antush’s first encounter with the Konkani stage was in 1978 at the age of 20 years, with Jerome Fernandes’ tiatr ‘Tukach Lagon’. His foray into the tiatr world could have happened much earlier, but for his hectic job schedule (before turning into a professional tiatrist, Antush was employed full time as a fitter-welder). His first appearance on the tiatr stage, and his later subsequent outstanding performances in one-act play competitions organised all over South Goa, earned him a place in Patrick Dourado’s Dramatic Troupe. This marked the beginning of his career as a professional tiatrist. His role in Patrick Dourado’s nonstop tiatr ‘Noketr’ gave him a permanent foothold on the Konkani stage. It also gave him opportunities to join other well-known directors of the Konkani stage for better prospects.

When the late Rosario Rodrigues, a pioneer of non-stop tiatr invited Antush to join his troupe, the latter grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Antush could not have asked for a better opportunity to display his talents. The great Late Rosario Rodrigues’ penchant for penning witty and thought-provoking scripts blended perfectly with Antush’s unique style of narration. The fusion of both resulted in Antush giving excellent performances. Little wonder then, that Antush was a part of Late Rosario Rodrigues’ dramatic troupe for an entire decade, before joining Prince Jacob Productions. He is currently the lead actor in Menino de Bandar’s troupe.

Besides those mentioned above, Antush has also acted in tiatrs of well-known directors such as the late M Boyer, the late Prem Kumar, John D’Silva, Ben Evangelisto and others. When the first ever popular Tiatr Festival organised by Tiatr Academy of Goa was held at Joao Agostinho Pai Tiatrist Hall, Margao, Antush was adjudged the Best Actor for his performance in Menino de Bandar’s tiatr ‘100 Vorsam’.

As a tiatrist, Antush has performed several times in Kuwait, Bahrain,

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Traditional practitioners in India, locally known as ‘tantriks’, also demand owl bones, feathers, claws and organs, as well as the bird's blood and tears, for ceremonial

rituals, the report said.

The heavily-coveted ear-tufts - feathery extensions on the heads of larger owls - are thought to grant the birds greater magical powers, and fetch a high price for the tribal communities that make a living from the trade.

One ancient practice demands the mixing of ground ear-tufts with seeds and milk, before spraying the dried powder on a person’s head in order to hypnotise them.

(Courtesy: Reuters)

Muscat, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar besides performing in the different states of India. He has produced two audio CDs ‘Khot’ and ‘Ghatki Judas’, his latest, with well-known singers Lawry Travasso, Xavier Gomes, Felcy, Olga and others, rendering their voices to lyrics penned by Antush, Anil Pednecar, Lawry, Anthony and Romano.

Amongst all the directors that he has worked with till date, he considers the late Rosario Rodrigues to be the best and his tenure with the Rosario Rodrigues Dramatic Troupe to be the most fruitful and memorable part of his career. He says, “I consider the late Rosario Rodrigues to be my guru.”

Antush reveals that his best performance till date has been in the late Rosario Rodrigues’ tiatr ‘Bhuk’.

Paying rich tributes to the late Rosario Rodrigues, whom he considers his mentor in the tiatr world, Antush reveals, “Rosario Rodrigues is the best writer the Konkani stage has ever produced. The void created by his untimely death can never be filled. Although many have tried to ape his style of writing, none can match his calibre.”

Like many of us, Antush is an admirer of Bollywood thespians Amitabh Bachchan and Dilip Kumar. “I have learnt much from watching these two great actors perform on screen,” explains Antush.

As for Antush himself, he continues to regale tiatr audiences with his sublime acting and singing talents in Menino de Bandar’s new tiatr, ‘ Devan Ghoddlem, Munxan Moddlem’.

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Friday, 5 Nov 2010

WHAT’S UP IN GOA??

Introduction to Kayaking and Training Program 2010 at Vainguinim Beach, Dona Paula, Panjim will be held from November 7 to 10 and at Hollant Bay, Vasco da Gama from November 12 to 15, respectively. It is organised by Goa Kayaking in association with Cidade de Goa. Email goakayaking@gmail.com. Call 2223119, 2462182 or 9422056037.

All Goa Garba-Dandiya Compeition, organised by Kamlavati Ravalnath Sanskrutik Kala Mandir, Carambolim will be held on November 6 at 7pm at Shree Kamalavati Ravalnath Prasan Mandal. Call 9823827933 or 9764769316.

One Act Play Competition, organised by the Kala Academy will be held in the month of December at the Kala Academy, Panjim.

Registration closes on November 9 at 4pm. Call 2420452.

Pottery, painting and art workshops will be held till November 6 at the Art Escape, Benaulim. Visit www.artescape.in. Call 9881568756 or 9323590051.

Reading workshops for children and teens by Jugneeta Sudan will be held during the month of November at the Sunaparanta – Goa Centre for the Arts, Altinho, Panjim. Call 2421311.

India’s First Citizen Journalism Course, a certificate course by the JM Foundation for Excellence in Journalism in association with the Goa Union of Journalists (GUJ) will be held from November 12 to 14 at the Inspectorate of Factories and Boilers (IFB), Altinho, Panjim. Call 94224 43093, 2409490, 9822122436 or 9822179125.

‘Threet’, an art exhibition by three international artistes residing in Goa will open on November 7 at 6.30pm at the Kala Academy, Panjim. Call 2420452.

‘Crazy Idea Competition’,

HOROSCOPE organised by the Staff Club of the National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula is open for registration. It will be held on the occasion of NIO Foundation Day. Visit www.nio.org/innovative ideas competition. E-mail crazyidea@nio.org.

The 30th Surashree Kesarbai Kerkar Smriti Sangeet Samaroha, a music festival will be inaugurated on November 13 at 5.25pm at the Kala Academy, Panjim. The musical session will be held later on. The second session, to be held on November 14 will begin at 10am at the aforesaid venue.

Call 2420452.

‘Developing English Teaching Skills – a practical approach’ will be introduced from November 15 to 17 from 9.30am to 4.30pm in Alto-Porvorim. Then on, it will be held from Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm. Call 6513749.

‘Anything is Possible’, a documentary will be screened on November 6 at 6.30pm at Sunaparanta - Goa Centre for the Arts, Altinho, Panjim. Call 2421311.

Gospel Music Programme by Crusaders for Jesus with Mary will be held on November 8 and 9 and November 12 and 13 at the Vasco Municipality Building, Vasco and the Government Multipurpose School Grounds, Borda, respectively.

Theatre Festival, organised by Ganga-Zuari Academy will be held on November 6 and 7 at the Kala Academy, Panjim. ‘Matiechem Bhangar Korunk’, the Konkani tiatr will be staged on November 6 and ‘Duibriddhho’, ‘Rogeer Bondhu’, ‘Sukshma Bichar’ and ‘Kallol’ will be staged on November 7 as part of a series of Bengali Shruti Natok. Call 9822121427.

30th Surashree Kesarbai Kerkar Smriti Sangeet Samaroha, a musical concert will be held on November 13 and 14 at 5:25pm at Kala Acade m y, P a n j i m . C a l l 2420452.

Step back from your current battle. Gain perspective and 21 Mar - 19 Apr you'll see the whole truth. You are feeling somewhat uncomfortable with a new person in your life, and yet you might have to confront them on some important conflict or challenge that you both need to face together. Go for it!

Taurus You may not realize it, but you're immersed in the middle of 20 Apr - 20 May a power struggle now. You are somewhat jealous of a friend's or colleague's success, but that doesn't mean you're going to sabotage them. You are much better at learning from others and then surpassing them on your own!

The bills may Gemini be piling up, but you can handle them. Just get organized 21 May - 20 Jun and dig in! You need to get busy in some way today, so make sure that you're using that good energy to good effect. Things should get more and more interesting as you create more and more cool situations.

You're entering a very constructive phase -- and now you can start a 22 Jun - 23 Jul foundation. Are you really sure you know what's going on? If so, proceed as normal. If not, hold back until you've gotten the last piece of the puzzle firmly in place. That might take a while, though!

Don't underestimate the influence you have over others.

24 Jul - 23 Aug Take yourself seriously. You're feeling more in touch with your intuition today, and that could mean that you're better able to interact with your friends and family. In fact, you may be able to help someone behind the scenes.

Your actions, if fueled by the right priorities, will make posi23 Aug - 22 Sep tive changes happen. You need to revisit your goals today. That doesn't mean you've gone off the deep end, just that you are better able to evaluate them in terms of their potential to be brought to life.

There's some loose energy right now; you'll finally get 23 Sept - 22 Oct enough room to move around.

You've got enough cash on hand to make life a lot simpler -- believe it or not! You may need to use it in a way that doesn't feel comfortable, but you should be able to make ends meet.

Scorpio T h i s d a y i s very community oriented, and collabora23 Oct - 22 Nov tions offer a new opportunity. You've got inner strength powering your every move today. It's a good time to push forward to see if you can get even more of whatever it is you've been going for lately.

It's easy!

Sagittarius A birth or other

Capricorn Luxury and excess are holding you back.

Try to pare 22 Dec - 20 Jan down to life's essentials. Now is the time to step up and tell the world your decision -- even if you're not totally sure of it yourself! It's a good time for you to force yourself to shake things up in your life. You're ready!

Aquarius You have more energy than you know what to do with. You 21 Jan - 19 Feb just need to tap into it! You're not so sure about your career -- or romantic -- track right now, but that's all good. It might be the inspiration you need to shake things up and get moving in a better direction.

You'll feel an obligation to take action soon. Have 20 Feb - 20 Mar confidence in your position.

You're feeling a surge of positive energy, but with it comes upheaval. You almost certainly have to deal with people who are simply unable to cope, but you can reassure them if anyone can.

Aries

Libra

type of new beginning will introduce you to a 23 Nov - 20 Dec new philosophy soon. You need to deal with some big emotions going on under the surface -- and you might not want to deal with anyone else.

That's okay, as long as you don't make a habit out of shutting others out.

WORD OF THE DAY

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

Pisces

DID YOU KNOW? This wave is not for surfing

whimper Pronunciation wim-per Function Verb Meaning : to cry with low, plaintive, broken sounds Example Sentence Sally was bereaved to see her beloved pet Rooney as he whimpered in pain after breaking his leg chasing after rabbits.

LAFFS

The wave-like structure seen in many promotions of Australian tourism is the Wave Rock, a natural rock formation composed of granite and located east of the small town of Hyden in Western Australia. It derives its name from the fact that it is shaped like a tall breaking ocean. The ‘wave’ part of the rock is about 50 feet high and around 350 feet long. The ‘wave’ formation was formed 60 million years ago and the shape of the rock is not caused by a wave phenomenon, rather its rounded wave-like shape was formed by subsurface chemical weathering followed by removal of the soft weathered granite by fluvial erosion, thus the weathering occurred below ground level before it was exposed. The end result is an undercut base, leaving a round overhang.

WIZARD OF ID

Funny Quote

“If it weren't for the fact that the TV set and the refrigerator are so far apart, some of us wouldn't get any exercise at all.”

– Joey Adams DAILY GROOK TRESS IMPRESS

by Francis Rodrigues seventies hair gigantic black, was they swear an afro'disiac!

GARFIELD

MIND BENDERS

SUN MOON TIDES

Tongue Twister Six sick hicks nick six slick bricks with picks and sticks.

Chance of T-storms Friday 28° C | 23° C 30% chance of precipitation

Riddle Me This

Sunrise 0633 - Sunset 1804 Moon rise 0524 - Moon set 1713

I am ridden with holes but I still hold water.

What am I?

TIDES High Low High Low High ---- 03:32 09:12 15:49 22:45 D Tide timings are for Mormugao Harbour. For Panjim/Calangute add 20 mins. For Colva add 30 mins

17:30 Jumbo 20:00 De Dana Dan 08:55 Mirrors 11:05 A Lot Like Love 13:20 Bride Wars 15:10 The Pink Panther 2 17:05 Honey I Shrunk the Kids 19:00 Born to Fight 21:00 The Day the Earth Stood Still 23:05 Transporter 3

09:45 Julie & Julia 12:30 Madagascar 2 14:45 The Dark Knight 18:30 The Scorpion King: Rise of a Warrior 21:00 Bean 23:15 Underworld

08:30 11:30 15:00 19:00 22:30

09:20 11:15 13:20 15:25 18:55

Last ‘Riddle Me This’ Answer: Corn on the cob

21:00 Echo 23:10 Underworld: Evolution

Jo Bole So Nihaal Humjoli Chachi 420 Bluffmaster Tathastu

The Air I Breathe Edison New York I Love you Bulletproof Monk Death at a Funeral

08:00 12:00 16:30 20:00

08:00 12:00 16:00 20:00

09:45 Kushti 13:00 Raja Hindustani

Khudgarz Sooryavansham Golmaal: Fun Unlimited Amar Akbar Anthony

Badhaai Ho Badhaai Aankhen Aa Dekhen Zara Geraftaar

19:00 Papad Pol 19:30 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 20:00 Papad Pol 20:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta 21:00 Gutar Gu 21:30 Malegoan Ka Chintoo 22:15 Lapataganj

11:30 Yeh Ishq hai 12:00 Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani 12:30 Mano Ya Na Mano 13:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 13:30 Geet 14:00 Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani 14:30 Yeh Ishq hai 15:00 Geet 15:30 Rang Badalti Odhni 16:00 Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani 16:30 Yeh Ishq hai 17:00 Geet 17:30 Rang Badalti Odhni 18:00 Yeh Ishq hai 18:30 Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani 19:00 Geet 19:30 Rang Badalti Odhni 20:00 Yeh Ishq hai

IDIOT BOX 10:30 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 11:00 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 11:30 Behenein 12:00 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 12:30 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 13:00 Tere Mere Sapne 13:30 Hamari Devrani 14:00 Maryaada ... Lekin Kab Tak? 14:30 MasterChef India 15:00 Kaali: Ek Agnipariksha 15:30 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 16:00 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 16:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 17:00 Sasural Genda Phool 17:30 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 18:00 MasterChef India 18:30 Sabki Laadli Bebo 19:00 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 19:30 Sasural Genda Phool 20:00 Chaand Chupa Badal Mein 20:30 Behenein 21:00 Sapna Babul Ka ...Bidaai 21:30 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 22:00 Tere Liye 22:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 23:00 Kaali: Ek Agnipariksha 23:30 Maryaada ... Lekin Kab Tak?

09:00 C.I.D : Aakhri Chunauti 20:30 Baat Hamari Pakki Hai 21:00 Comedy Circus Ka Jadoo 22:00 C.I.D 23:00 Crime Patrol

10:00 Preet Se Bandhi Yeh Dori... Ram Milaayi Jodi 10:30 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo 11:30 Pavitra Rishta 12:00 Dil Se Diya Vachan 12:30 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 13:00 Jhansi Ki Rani 13:30 Pavitra Rishta 14:00 Sanjog Se Bani Sangini 15:00 Dil Se Diya Vachan 15:30 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo

16:00 Pavitra Rishta 16:30 Dance India Dance 18:00 Preet Se Bandhi Yeh Dori... Ram Milaayi Jodi 19:00 Dil Se Diya Vachan 19:30 Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo 20:00 Jhansi Ki Rani 20:30 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 21:00 Pavitra Rishta 21:30 Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Singing Superstars

20:30 Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani 21:00 Mile Jab Hum Tum 21:30 Geet 22:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 22:30 Yeh Ishq hai

12:00 Gutar Gu 12:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta 13:00 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 13:30 Papad Pol 14:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta 14:30 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 16:30 FIR 17:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta

12:00 Lie To Me 13:00 The Bold and The Beautiful 13:30 How I Met Your Mother 14:00 MasterChef Australia 15:00 Best of Koffee with Karan 16:30 The Simpsons 17:00 Lie To Me 18:00 MasterChef Australia

12:00 Minute to win it 13:00 So You Think You Can Dance 15:00 Breaking The Magician's Code 16:00 Breaking The Magician's Code: Magic's Biggest Secrets Finally Revealed 20:00 A.I. Artificial Intelligence 23:00 The Saint

19:00 How I Met Your Mother 19:30 Best of Koffee with Karan 21:00 MasterChef Australia 22:00 Lie To Me 23:00 How I Met Your Mother 23:30 The Simpsons

09:00 Valencia Open 15:00 Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champ 19:00 Davidoff Swiss Indoors 20:30 Ace 21:00 Score Tonight 21:30 Davidoff Swiss Indoors

11:00 X Games 16 12:00 Barclays Premier League 14:00 US Figure Skating Championships 16:00 X Games 15 Classix 17:00 Premier League World 17:30 16 Nations: Road to Qatar 18:00 Bpl Express 19:00 World of Football 19:30 Football Asia 20:00 Sportscenter India 20:30 Sportscenter Asia 21:00 Versus 22:00 Summer of 99 23:00 Sportscenter India 23:30 Sportscenter Asia

09:30 European Tour 13:30 WWE: Raw 15:30 WWE: Smackdown 17:30 ATP World Tour 23:30 UEFA Europa League H/ls

09:00 UEFA Champions League 10:00 Scottish Premier League H/ls 10:30 Football League Show 11:00 UEFA Europa League 13:00 Liga BBVA Show 13:30 Total Italian Football 14:00 UEFA Europa League 15:00 UEFA Champions League 16:00 UEFA Europa League 18:00 UEFA Europa League 20:00 UEFA Champions League 21:00 Liga BBVA Show 21:30 Total Italian Football 22:00 UEFA Champions League Magazine Show 23:30 Football League Show

08:00 Sri Lanka Tour of Australia 16:30 India Down Under Programme 17:00 Oriental Masala 18:00 ICC World Cup H/ls 19:00 Summer of 99 20:00 Versus 21:00 Summer of 99 22:00 Versus 23:00 Cricket Extra 23:30 India Down Under Programme

11:00 Nat Geo Wild 12:00 Trapped 13:00 Megastructures 14:00 True Stories 15:00 Big 16:00 Nat Geo Junior 17:00 Nat Geo Amazing!

18:00 Mega Bridges Week 19:00 Situation Critical Compilation 20:00 Nat Geo Wild 21:00 Big 22:00 Nat Geo Amazing!

07:00 Kids Club 07:30 Care for Mother Earth 08:00 English News 09:00 Konkani News 10:00 Marathi News 11:00 Fashion Show 11:30 Fairyland 12:00 Flavors 12:30 Sanz Sangodachi 13:00 English News 14:00 Tiatr 15:30 Sangeet 16:00 Tatoo Programme 16:30 Flavors 17:00 Kids Club 17:30 Sanz Sangodachi 18:00 Konkani News 19:00 Marathi News 20:00 English News 21:00 Health Watch 21:30 HCN Smash Hits 22:00 English News 23:00 Frame Box Animation 23:30 Gospel 00:00 Flavors 00:30 Quinton Sings Again Note: Subject to change

SUDOKU 698

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 697

HERALD CROSSWORD - 698 Across 1- Paris "thanks"; 6- California wine region; 10- Great quantity; 14- Bellowing; 15- Designer Cassini; 16- Trim; 17- Scoffs; 18At hand; 19- Treater's words; 20Frozen treats; 21- Place for a pep talk; 23- Winter melons; 25- Diners; 26- Rank; 27- Glossy; 29Crooked; 32- Slow growth; 33Male cat; 36- Sci-fi princess; 37Mistaken; 38- Baylor's city; 39One circuit; 40- Resounding blow; 41- Biblical mount; 42- Unfettered; 43- Secreted; 44- Portion of time; 47- Gilded; 51- Modest; 54- Corrida cries; 55- Receptacle for holy water; 56- Back of the neck; 57Talk; 58- Floating ice; 59- A party to; 60- Break off; 61- All there; 62Dry run; 63- Surmise; Down 1- Sleight of hand; 2- Writer Jong; 3- Judges' garments; 4- Roman capital of Palestine; 5- Apr. addressee; 6- Taboos; 7- Novelist Waugh; 8- Highest point; 9- According; 10- Dashing; 11- Boat often made of birchbark, canvas, or fiberglass; 12- Defense covering; 13- Considers; 21- Legal science; 22- Tirade; 24- Fiddle stick; 27- Rock; 28- Like some juries; 29- Competitor of Tide and Cheer; 30Large body of water; 31- Hide of a small beast; 32Ladies of Sp.; 33- Convert into leather; 34- South American tuber; 35- Miss Piggy's query; 37- Detective story; 38- Available for a pass; 40- Courts; 41Highly respectful way of addressing a man; 42One with a bullet?; 43- Embrace; 44- Breathes fast and hard; 45- ___ Gay; 46- Babbled; 47- Concerning; 48- Shake like ___; 49- Fluff, as bangs; 50-

Glacial ridge; 52- Long luxuriant hair; 53- Wall St. debuts; 57- Biol., e.g.;

SOLUTION - 697

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Friday, 5 Nov 2010

Giving Goa the Kayaking Experience Q

HERALD FEATURES uietude, solitude, serenity, fun, excitement, adventure…Different thoughts come to mind when one thinks of kayaking. Goa Kayaking, a kayaking club plays a pioneering role in bringing this thrilling, eco-friendly experience to Goa. Come Diwali hols’ and hordes’ of enthusiastic would-be kayakers, will descend on Vainguinim Beach and Hollant Bay to take part in Goa Kayaking’s hugely popular Introduction to Kayaking Program, a programme that prepares people to participate in the kayaking experience.

They all come - parents, children, adults, young, not so young, old, college guys and gals, school goers’ some as young as seven years, some raring to go, others cajoled and egged on by their parents or friends. But, with one intention - learn kayaking and then be part of all the action happening on Goa’s waterways.

Learn they do, in just four days of action-packed drills, manoeuvres, paddle skills and routines that take a beginner to

Parenting

Pg3

Sing to the King HERALD FEATURES here were showers, but they were showers of Blessings at the Kala Academy Open Air Auditorium on November 3 as 1500 people were enthralled as they praised God through music and dance at the Gospel concert, Sing To The King.

Organized by the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, the concert began with a prayer dance performed by 32 children from the Bethesda Life Centre, followed by the Handmaids of the Lord’s Joy Dance.

Shepherd’s Voiz, the Gospel band of the Music Apostolate of the Renewal then took over and got the crowd, young and old, on their feet dancing and singing with gusto as the lyrics flowed on the giant screen.

The performance by the four priests left the crowd with a standing ovation for their harmoniously sung a capella rendition. The Youth United For Christ also put a well choreographed meaningful dance, which had one of them dressed as Jesus, and the others worshiping him.

The concert was concluded with a performance by a pop band A-26 who regaled the audience with their superb musical diversity and high performance level.

Their mixing of traditional Gospel songs and popular hymns with modern prais and worship songs was well received and left the crowd asking for more.

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skilled kayaker (though raw) through a fun, learning experience.

“I thoroughly enjoyed myself and look forward to participating in the daily expeditions. However I wish my friends too had joined in. They don’t know what they’ve missed,” says Astrid, post The eco mantra is all pervasive here. No sound pollution, no carbon footprints, visits to birding sites, nesting places and hatcheries accessible – but only by kayak!

Best of all, you leave no trace of your visit and you leave the environs’ in as pristine a condition, as they were before.

To learn kayaking and join the expeditions, call 9422056037 or e-mail goakayaking@gmail.com.

Review of audio CD Kazari Jivitant

Tourism

Getting Creative with Clay HERALD FEATURES he Art Escape, Benaulim is holding a series of painting, pottery and art workshops.

November 3 saw the introduction to play with clay using slab methods to make basic objects and trying their hands on the pottery wheel. The workshop was conducted by Sylvia Kerker and attended by adults, teens and kids.

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BY ELVIS SEQUEIRA HERALD FEATURES nthony de Ambajim has recently released his debut Konkani audio CD titled ‘Kazari Jivitant’. This young, enterprising man, who hails from Fatorda in South Goa, was till the release of this album, dealing in supplying and operating of electrical equipments to various tiatr directors for their shows. Meanwhile, he also acted in a few tiatrs at the amateur level.

‘Kazari Jivitant’ has 12 tracks comprising of solos, duets and trios. The first track, ‘Onupkari Put’, by Ignatious de Xelvon, tells the tale of an ungrateful son. ‘Palkacho Tiatrist’ sung by Benaulim based tiatrist Rons. ‘Upkar Attoita’, a duet sung by Bushka and Junior Reagan stands out for its musical score and the melodious voices of its singers. Well known singer Tony de Ribandar lends his voice to ‘Dotorponn’ while Agnelo Lobo contributes with ‘ Moga Oslem Hatiar Nam’ , laying emphasis on the power of love. This is followed by a political trio, ‘ Micky Jikhlo’ composed

by Victor D’Cunha and sung by Victor, Andrew and Tony de Ribandar.

Back again, this time with a melodious solo, Bushka does full justice to ‘Devacho Gutt Dev Zannam’, a song that tell the tale of a jilted lover. ‘Xemaicho Kir’, a solo by Rosario de Benaulim is a thought provoking composition with a beautiful message. It could have been better placed as the title song of this album.

‘Goykarank Kele Bikari’ sung by Rons also deserves special mention. The other tracks in this album are ‘ Niz Mog’ sung by Sonia and Rumaldo, ‘ Onupkari Zainaka,’ sung by Junior Reagan. The title track ‘ Kazari Jivitant’ has been sung by Anthony de Ambajim himself. The music for this album is played and arranged by Sir Piety ( 1st and second trumpet), Elffio Fernandes (keyboards) and Wilson(drums) The recording and cover designs have been done by Exodus Studio, Navelim Goa

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36th Tiatr Competition a Success

BY CRISTINA ESTEVES he recently concluded 36th Tiatr Competition organised by the Kala Academy received an overwhelming response not only from various participating groups, but equally from the audience who were treated to the novelties and unique creations introduced on the Konkani stage.

This year there were around 21 village cultural groups participating in the competition and the excitement among the writers, directors and the participants knew no bounds.

Each of the dramatic troupes gave their best as far as singing and acting on stage was concerned, so much so that it was a tedious task for the judges to give a fair judgment.

All the same, those in the panel of judges made a conscious effort to pass a reasonable judgment. No sooner did the competition conclude after a period of almost a month, the results were out, taking some of the victorious groups on cloud nine and leaving others disheartened. But when similar competitions are conducted on a mass scale, victories and defeats need to be accepted in a sporting spirit.

As compared to previous years, although this year the strength of the participating groups was more, there were numerous suggestions made by those who were regular in attendance in watching the tiatrs for progress, better participation and judgment.

Tiatr lover Mario Fernandes, from Salvador do Mundo, who watched several tiatrs at the competition, was of the opinion that the band group which accompanies the singers in one tiatr, should not be allowed to participate in another tiatr simultaneously. “If this suggestion is turned into a rule, then there will be more chances for upcoming musicians to get an entry to perform at the tiatr competition and showcase their talents,” he added.

Fernandes was also of the strong

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opinion that there should be tiatr workshops round the year which could help those interested in participating in such competitions to put up their best as far as the script writing, stage setting, light effects, background music and other aspects are concerned.

Another tiatr fan who watched most of the tiatrs staged for the competition observed that the standard of some of the tiatrs was very low. “How could the concerned authorities grant permission to the troupes willing to stage such low standard tiatrs at the competition? If we expect to raise the standard of tiatr through such competitions, then the scrutiny at the initial stage needs to be done tactfully and on merit basis. Only then will the audience get the value for their money. Otherwise it will simply be waste of time and energy,” he grieved.

Agnelo de Borim, who has been organising tiatr competitions in south Goa for the past 12 years under the banner of Vanadana Productions, says that his sole aim in doing so is basically to revive and go back to the original form of tiatr. “Today, the basic concept and definition of tiatr is lost. Each of the directors define it in their own way but the manner of presentation is never stressed upon. Khell-tiatrs are always presented with ‘stylism’. But when songs are added and the drama is presented in ‘stylism’, it cannot be called a tiatr,” he added.

This year’s tiatr competition had a crowd of teenagers and youngsters participating wholeheartedly par excellence. Francis D’Souza, another tiatr lover from Britona was of the opinion that there should also be a children’s tiatr competition where the budding artistes get a platform to showcase their talents to the maximum. “Their active and extraordinary participation with the senior artistes somehow lead to drowning of new and unique talent,” he added.

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Friday, 5 Nov 2010

Christina feels sexier after giving birth

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Parenting

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Not worried about PILs against Guzaarish: Ronnie

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Vidya also Backless?

Tourism

hristina Aguilera said that she feels sexier after having son Max and that her confidence rose naturally. “It was easy for me to feel sexy after having Max. I felt there was a newfound confidence within myself and my body that I didn’t have before,” she said. The former Mousketeer has also admitted that she can’t stand going to the gym.

The 29-year-old Candy Man singer, who recently announced her separation from husband Jordan Bratman, revealed that she ‘detests’ working out and dieting.

She said, “I’ve never been really good at staying in shape.

I’m not one of those people who likes buckling down and loves a workout. I detest exercising, I really don’t like it at all. But I do it because it helps me feel good and helps my mind feel good. I’ll lift a few weights, do some cardio, and a little bit of boxing.” “I don’t like deprivation, I will say that. So I definitely like to treat myself. Life is definitely too short to deprive myself too often.”

Currently she is busy promoting her latest album ‘Keeps Getting Better – A Decade of Hits’ which will hit the markets on November 11. She revealed that unlike her last album, which was based on the 20, 30 and 40’s music, this one is pretty different, as she has experimented with a unique style.

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case against Guzaarish has been dismissed as ‘frivolous’ and producer Ronnie Screwvala says he is not afraid of more ‘loose’ PILs (public interest litigation). He describes the Hrithik Roshan-Aishwarya Rai film as a ‘love story’ with the controversial issue of euthanasia as part of its narrative.

“PILs are loose too, for people with hidden agendas. The film is a love story of a man and his life and, yes, euthanasia is part of the narrative,” Screwvala said.

“We have been true to our story and while we cannot stop people in a democracy to file wasteful PILs, we see no issue at all. Relevant is that the first PIL was dismissed by the court as frivolous.”

A lawyer, Aditya Dewan, has filed PIL in Delhi High Court alleging that Guzaarish promotes euthanasia or mercy killing, which is illegal, and portrays the legal profession in bad light. He demanded a disclaimer from the producers saying mercy killing is not legal in India and there is a debate on whether such deaths can be allowed.

But the case was dismissed by the court saying the facts averred in were inadequate for the court to appreciate...and that it cannot be entertained in its present form.

About being told that, UTV Motion Pictures made meaningful movies, Screwvala, responded that his banner invests in movies on the basis of scripts and the director’s vision. And even for director Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Guzaarish, they did the same.

“Let’s be clear - we do not make ‘meaningful’ cinema as we don’t know what that means. We make movies with strong narratives, strong genres backed by a solid script and a clear-cut director’s vision and all this to be a commercially successful movie.

Ready to hit the screens on November 19, Guzaarish stars Aishwarya as a nurse and Hrithik as a paraplegic patient. This is their third outing together after Dhoom 2 and Jodhaa Akbar.

Leonardo DiCaprio to play serial killer

e has built a career playing romantic Romeo types, dodgy dealers and sexy cops – now Leonardo DiCaprio is going over to the dark side to play a devilish role and is set to take on his first truly evil character. DiCaprio will play one of America’s worst ever serial killers, a maniac thought to have killed up to 200 people in the 1800s, in a film adaptation of the true story book The Devil in the White City; Murder, Magic and Madness at the Fair that Changed America.

The killer DiCaprio will play, HH Holmes, lured his victims to a hotel he built during the 1893 Chicago World Fair. His victims, mostly single young women, met grisly deaths at the hotel later said to have later been dubbed ‘murder castle’. It reportedly came complete with a gas chamber and dissecting table.

Word is that DiCaprio’s Holmes will rival Anthony Hopkins’ Hannibal Lector and Anthony Perkins’ Norman Bates in the lineup of most terrifying on-screen serial killers.

The book, upon which the film will be based, by Erik Larson, has sold 2.3 million copies.

Tom Cruise had earlier been keen to play the evil killer, optioning the story with a view to bringing it to the big screen. But the option lapsed in 2004.The project has long been of interest to DiCaprio, who has bought the screen rights along with his production company Appian Way partner Jennifer Killoran.

Killoran said that the book was “truly a one-of-its-kind American story about our nation’s first serial killer. We’re excited to bring it to the big screen.” DiCaprio has had a varied career and commands $20million per film. Inception was his latest hit.

idya Balan has fallen in step with the like of Deepika Padukone, and Kareena Kapoor. She has featured, backless, on the cover of FHM India’s third anniversary November issue in an undraped saree. The gorgeous and sexy Vidya shows off her naked back on the cover page of the esteemed magazine which celebrates its 3rd anniversary.

Known for her rather coy, ethnic nature, Vidya Balan had stayed away from exposure on screen.

Nevertheless, she did titillate the audience even when covered from top to toe in Ishqiya, with some bold scenes. If she looked seductive in a fully draped saree in Ishqiya, just let your imagination run wild and wonder how ravishing would she appear in an undraped saree.

About the bare-backed look and of the wonders a sari can do, Vidya says, “I’m glad people are getting bored of just seeing women in bikinis we’ve become very parochial about sexiness. I think the sari is by far the sexiest garment it covers the right amount, it exposes the right amount it’s such a tease and I like teasing.” So get ready to see a flirty side to her.

Want more Attention?

Move over Mithai, Healthy Cookies this Diwali

Help your Woman around the House

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en, if you want more sex, try picking up a vacuum or doing laundry. A new study suggests that men who do more chores at home, get more in the bedroom.

The report, released by the Council on Contemporary Families, shows American men still do not do their share of housework and child care, but collectively they are getting better about pitching in. The study found that men's contribution to housework had doubled over the past four decades; another found they tripled the time spent on child care.

In the report Joshua Coleman, a San Francisco-area psychologist and author of ‘The Lazy Husband: How to Get Men to Do More Parenting and Housework’ said equitable sharing of housework can lead to a happier marriage and more frequent sex.

“If a guy does housework, it looks to the woman like he really cares about her – he’s not treating her like a servant. And if a woman feels stressed out because the house is a mess and the guy’s sitting on the couch while she’s vacuuming, that’s not going to put her in the mood,” Coleman said.

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hoco chip cookies, honey biscotti, orange drops, coconut crunch, sugarless raisin…the Diwali gift platter has been sweetened this time by a mind-boggling array of cookies, which are being snapped up as an alternative to sweetmeats and dry fruits.

Unlike ‘mithais’, many see cookies as a healthier gifting option and something that does not have to be stored in a refrigerator, only to be forgotten. They are also cheaper than dry fruits.

Shops have a good variety of cookies on display for Diwali, which will be celebrated today.

“People want to give gifts that can be used instead of lying around in the box,” Atul Tondon of the Wenger's Pastry shop in Connaught Place said. “Since the economy has opened up and so many new gift ideas are coming up, people are not concentrating on one thing, they are trying to do something different with every festive season,” he added. The change in lifestyle and consumption behaviour has inspired bakers to innovate.

Wenger's Pastry, one of the oldest bakeries in the capital, offers 20 to 30 different varieties of cookies made of almond, ‘pista’ and some even made American style.

The demand for cookies has increased by more than 60 per cent over the years, say bakers. Since people are becoming more health conscious, they are avoiding sweets.

“The ‘khoya’ used in sweets is high on fat. Since people are becoming health conscious, they are opting for something that is low in calories. Cookies are low on calorie and fat. We even provide sugar free cookies,” said Surinder Singh Rawat of Patisserie Petunia in, Gurgaon, Mumbai.

Cookies have a longer shelf life. News of adulterated ‘khoya’ being seized by law enforcement agencies has also persuaded people to shift to cookies.

“With so many adulterated sweets in the market it becomes difficult to differentiate which is worth buying and worth eating. That is the reason people are looking for alternatives like cookies,” said Ram from The Grand Plaza bakery.

“A lot of sugar and ghee is used while making sweets, which is keeping people away from buying them,” he added.

Cookies are increasingly being purchased by the upper middle class. Those from a higher stratum of society are still going in for dry fruits. One can even ask for customised cookies, but orders for these need to be placed two days in advance.

Of course, it goes without saying that die-hard ‘mithai’ fans will still choose to sink their teeth into ‘barfis’ and ‘laddoos’!

Beetroot Juice helps prevent Dementia in Elderly

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rinking beetroot juice can increase blood flow to the brain in older adults, potentially halting the progresses of dementia.

“There have been several studies showing that drinking beet juice can lower blood pressure, but we wanted to show that drinking beet juice also increases perfusion, or blood flow, to the brain,” said Daniel Kim-Shapiro, director of Wake Forest University’s Translational Science Center.

“There are areas in the brain that become poorly perfused as you age, and that’s believed to be associated with dementia and poor cognition,” Shapiro said.

High concentrations of nitrates are found in beets, as well as in celery, cabbage and other leafy, green vegetables like spinach and lettuce, report the journal, Nitric Oxide: Biology and Chemistry.

When you eat high-nitrate foods, ‘good bacteria’ in the mouth turn nitrate into nitrite, according to a Wake Forest statement. Research has found that nitrites can help open up the blood vessels in the body, increasing blood and oxygen flow. In the study, researchers looked at how dietary nitrates affected a group of adults aged 70 and above.

The MRIs (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) showed that after eating a high-nitrate diet for four days, blood flow to the white matter of the frontal lobes increased.

This area is commonly associated with degeneration that leads to dementia and other cognitive conditions.

Editor –in-chief: R F Fernandes. Editor: Ashwin Tombat. Chief Editor-Features: Christina Viegas.

(Trends courtesy: Agencies)

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