April3,2011

sunday

Panjim I April 3, 2011 I Postal Reg. No. Goa 101 I Price Rs. 3.00 I Air Surcharge Rs 2 I Pages 16+12

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MUMBAI: An inspired India Saturday night regained the coveted World Cup after 28 years as they suppressed Sri Lanka with a six-wicket victory in a nervewrecking final to script a glorious new chapter in their cricketing history.

Chasing 275 for a historic win, the Indians held their nerves as they rode on Gautam Gambhir’s 97 and Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s unbeaten 91 to overhaul the target with 10 balls to spare and send the cricket-crazy nation into a frenzy.

The vociferous, jampacked crowd at the Wankhede stadium erupted in wild celebrations as Dhoni hit the winning six runs to give India their biggest cricketing moment and crown themselves the ODI world champions, in addition to being the number one Test

team.

The World Cup title triumph, coming as it did after more than two decades, was doubly special for Sachin Tendulkar since it was the only silverware missing from his collection.

It was also a fitting farewell to coach Gary Kirsten, for whom it was the last day in office as the Indian coach.

The players, many of them with tears in their eyes, rushed to the ground to hug each other as Dhoni finished it off in style by hitting a six, as fire crackers lit up the evening sky to mark the moment.

The highlight of the Lankan innings was Mahela Jayawardene’s rollicking 103 as Sri Lanka capitalised on the batting powerplay to post a decent 274 for six.

The Indian bowlers were

disciplined in the first half of the innings but conceded as many as 63 runs in the batting powerplay to undo all the good work.

Apart from Jayawardene’s 88-ball knock, captain

Kumar Sangakkara (48) Tillakaratne Dilshan (33) and Nuwan Kulasekara (32) were the other notable performers.

The Indian innings began on a disastrous note as the

destructive Virender Sehwag was dismissed in the very second ball of the innings with paceman Lasith Malinga scalping the prized wicket.

Tendulkar, playing in what

India break jinx

india spectacularly broke the jinx of a host nation not winning the World cup.

Yuvi man of the tournament

flamboyant left-hander Yuvraj Singh was adjudged player of the 2011 World cup. in nine matches, including six in the league phase, Yuvraj amassed 362 runs and took 15 wickets.

Dhoni man of the final

Mahendra Singh Dhoni was declared man of the final for his unbeaten knock of 91 in 79 balls with eight fours and two sixes.

Rs 1 cr bonanza for each player

each player of the victorious indian cricket team will get Rs 1 crore, the Board of control for cricket announced Saturday.

GOA SHAMED ON INDIA’S DAY OF FAME

Held with cash-Babush detained, grilled by Customs at Mumbai Dubai bound Babush carried huge amounts of FOREX and lakhs of rupees. Likely to face charges under Customs Act and FEMA. TEAM HERALD PANJIM: Goa’s Education Minister Atanasio Monserrate was detained by the Air Intelligence wing of the Mumbai customs, at the Mumbai airport for allegedly carrying foreign exchange, reported to be over 250,000 dollars (Rs 1 crore) from sources in the Mumbai customs. This amount plus an additional sum of Rs 30 lakhs was reportedly detected and seized from Monserrate as he was boarding an Emirates flight to Dubai shortly before midnight.

However there has been no official confirmation of this amount. All through the

WORLD

weekend

day speculation on the figure gained momentum and the figure changed rapidly, much like the betting odds for the India-Sri Lanka World Cup final.

Monserrate was travelling to Dubai with his son and his close associate Nitin, who incidentally handles much of Monserrate’s private fi-

nances and incomes from various businesses. It is learnt that Babush had already boarded the Emirates flight to Dubai when the cash was detected in his suitcase. He was immediately asked to get of the plane and submit himself to interrogation by the Air Intelligence Unit of the Mumbai customs.

The Chief of the Air Intelligence Unit and Additional Commissioner Mahendra Pal led the interrogation team. When contacted he refused to elaborate on the investigation. >Continued on pg 10

Related reports on page 4

probably is his last World Cup game, entertained his home crowd with a couple of delightful boundaries while Gambhir also looked for runs at the other end.

The Indians suffered a huge jolt went Malinga struck again by dismissing the champion batsman as he snicked an away-going delivery and captain Sangakkara latched on to a low catch.

The third-wicket pair of Gambhir and Kohli put on 83 runs before Dilshan broke the partnership.

Dhoni came ahead of Yuvraj to keep the left-right combination going.

Dhoni and Gambhir scored at a brisk pace to keep India in the hunt.

The pair stitched 109 runs for the fourth wicket before Gambhir paid the price for a horrendous stroke, just three runs short of what would

have been a well-deserved century.

Earlier, both the Indian new ball bowlers bowled a tidy line and length and did not allow the Sri Lankan openers to get off to a flying start while the fielding was also sharp.

Zaheer drew first blood in his fourth over by evicting Tharanga with an outgoing delivery and Sehwag holding on to diving catch.

Dilshan and Sangakkara put on 43 runs for the second wicket.

Sangakkara and Jayawardene then took upon themselves the task of rebuilding the innings.

It was left to the well-settled Jayawardene to hold the innings together and he found an able ally in Thilan Samaraweera to take the Sri Lankan total close to the 180 mark.

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A major problem leading to the traffic congestion in Mapusa is a surge in the number of new motor vehicles.

---- Source in Mapusa RTO office

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Goa I Sunday 3, April 2011

Most accidents involving cattle goes unreported to police due to various administrative hassles .

-- Sanjay Metri

Are authorities serious in solving Mapusa’s traffic congestion, parking woes?

Increase in number of vehicles is leading to major traffic congestion in most of the Goan cities and Mapusa is no exception. In Mapusa RTO, 1200-1400 vehicles are registered every month from all parts of Bardez which is causing a lot of parking problems, reports Anil Shankhwalkar

V

isit Mapusa and you will be instantly confronted by traffic congestion, with motorists making endless rounds to find parking space.

Acute shortage of parking lots as well as frequent traffic jams in the city has tarnished the reputation of Mapusa as a major hub for trade and commerce.

A major problem leading to the traffic congestion is a surge in the number of new motor vehicles. According to sources in the Mapusa RTO, around new 1200-1400 vehicles are registered every month from all parts of Bardez taluka, of which a large number of them end up in Mapusa town.

Mapusa Traffic Cell Police Inspector Uday Parab has recommended that authorities should allot specific areas for parking of the two and four wheelers.

“Parking of vehicles should not be permitted at all places in the town,” says PI Parab.

He also feels that traffic congestion is largely linked to the presence of movement and parking of inter-state buses in the town.

“Inter-state buses should not be allowed to enter the city area. There should be a

Anil Shankhwalker

Traffic congestion, haphazard parking in Mapusa. separate bus terminus outside the city for these interstate buses,” opined PI Parab.

He has also suggested the restriction of vehicles within the KTC bus stand.

“The existing KTC bus stands should be expanded to cater to the increase in buses plying along different routes. No

vehicles, except those of the government, should be allowed to be parked in the bus stand. For instance, private vehicles are not allowed inside the main bus stand in Karnataka or Maharashtra,” said PI Parab.

Emphasising the need for traffic signals at strategic locations, PI Parab has appealed

to motorists to observe traffic rules in the town.

“All these measures will certainly help ease the traffic congestion in Mapusa town,” said PI Parab.

Shiv Sena leader, Philip D’Sousa, who has been actively pushing authorities to improve infrastructure and facilities in Mapusa, claims the MMC lacks the

vision and political will to resolve the problem of parking space and traffic congestion in Mapusa.

“The MMC should have planned out a parking facility at the basement of the new fish market under construction, similar to the one in the Panjim Municipal market. A basement parking would have provided ample

Surge in mishaps over stray cattle menace in Canacona

parking space. What is required is vision and prudence on the part of MMC,” said D’Souza.

He also pointed out that lack of parking facilities in residential and commercial buildings has been a major factor for the poor traffic management in Mapusa.

“Stilted parking should

be made compulsory for residential complexes and basements in commercial complexes in Mapusa town.

But how many buildings have this facility? Even those that initially promise stilted parking eventually end up as shops. To give you an example, one building opposite the Mapusa Police station earlier had

stilts for parking of vehicles. However, the area was later converted to shops and commercial establishments for reasons best known to the MMC,” said D’Souza.

“The MMC should invite expert advice on parking facilities like multilevel parking and other parking systems which are being adopted in other parts of the country. This step needs a political will. If proper parking measures are implemented then motorists will not waste time, effort and precious fuel in search of parking space in the town,” he added.

Admitting that traffic congestion and acute shortage of parking space was a major problem in Mapusa, MMC Chairman Sudhir Kandolker has, however, claimed that the MMC is working out a solution to resolve the problem.

“The Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) is seized with the problem of parking and traffic congestion in the town. We have, therefore, decided to acquire 5000 sq mtrs of Communidade land in Morod for a parking lot.

The process to acquire the land has begun,” said Kandolker.

Belgaum-Goa road via Chorla still awaits completion

Louis Rodrgues

If traffic congestion is causing parking problems in the cities, the stray cattle menace along our roads has cost many people their lives. Kathy Pereira reports

T

hese “mobile speed breakers” have gained such a notorious reputation in Canacona taluka that motorists are either forced to kill their speed or end up getting killed or maimed along the route.

The stray cattle menace has caused such problems that it has led to a surge in road mishaps, mostly involving two-wheelers, in the last two years.

At least 75 people were reportedly injured after their two-wheelers skidded after hitting the stray cattle, while over 50 two-wheelers and another 50 other light motor vehicles were damaged due to mishaps involving stray cattle, informed sources.

The mishaps have also caused several deaths of bovines, especially along the highway passing through Canacona taluka. According to rough estimates, over 250 cattle have died while another 150 have been injured in mishaps in Canacona taluka since the last two years.

Most cattle have been killed along the highway at night and the culprits involved in many of such incidents are reportedly the inter-state transport vehicles.

“On a single morning, we found three buffaloes lying dead on the road, apparently

Kathy Pereira

A stray bovine lays dead after being hit by highway traffic in Canacona.

Organised racket, claim residents Some people from Canacona have alleged that there is an organized racket operating in parts of Canacona, whenever stray cattle are knocked down by a motorist.

“As soon as the cattle are knocked down, a group creates a scene till the motorist parts away with some compensation amount,” claimed a resident of Canacona.

Residents complained that such practices are also common with members of the Dhangar community, who take goats/sheep along the roadside for grazing.

“If the sheep or goats are hit by a vehicle, they forcibly demand compensation from the motorist,” the resident added.

Incidentally, the situation is quite the opposite when such mishaps take place along the railway tracks.

As per Railway rules, if cattle are found on railway tracks or have hit a running train and get killed, the cattle owners are penalized with fines. In most cases, the concerned farmers are quick to deny ownership of the dead cattle.

ran over by a heavy vehicle overnight,” recalled a resident of Bhatpal who resides in close proximity of the NH-17.

Several such incidents have been reported along the entire 25-km highway stretch from Padi to Polem, which passes through Canacona taluka.

Given the several incidents of mishaps that have killed cattle, caused injuries to motorists and damaged vehicles, one surprisingly finds no traffic signal to warn motorists about the impending dangers of driving along the cattle-prone zone road.

“One will find at least one incident every week or in a fortnight, where cattle are killed in motor accidents at Vodammol-Shristhal,” informed one Sidharth, who normally travels early every morning to his workplace.

Adds Sanjay Metri, a regular motorist: “Most accidents involving cattle goes unreported to police due to various administrative hassles .”

“If the rider or pillion rider is not seriously injured and even if vehicles get damaged after running into a bovine, the incident is not reported to the police. Motorists merely claim insurance benefits as a self-accident,” said a source.

The ongoing work on the Chorla road.

P

olitical apathy and non- cooperation from government authorities has led to an unwarranted delay in completion of the BelgaumGoa road via Chorla, the shortest route connecting Karnataka and Goa. It will be more than a year for the delay, as the deadline to compete the road was over way back in May 2010.

Residents of the area who have intensified the agitation have also persuaded Goan authorities to hold bilateral talks and persuade their Karnataka counterparts to expedite the roadwork.

People of Goa, especially from Bicholim, Bardez and neighbouring talukas in Goa, along with the people from Belgaum who have been eagerly awaiting the completion of the work along this shortest road will have to wait for at least another year.

Frequent agitations by res-

idents of Jamboti, Kankumbi and other villages in the region, had forced authorities in

Louis RodRigues

BeLgaum Karnataka to restart the work.

But their agitations have met with little success as the work is still going at snail’s pace.

The residents have now sought the assistance of people and authorities from across the borders.

“The chief minister of Goa should also take up the matter seriously and convince his Karnataka counterpart, as a large number of Goans are also affected by this delay,” stated Kiran Gavade, a social activist from Kankumbi, who has been spearheading people’s movement here.

As on date, a stretch of about 27 of the 51-km road has been completed, while

another 18 kms between Jamboti and Kankumbi is expected to be completed by May. Even then, the Kankumbi-Chorla stretch will be left incomplete, leaving commuters to face further hardship.

Of the 51-km road, about 30.8 kms from Malaprabha Bridge near Kusmalli to Chorla comes under the reserved forests. As such, the width of 3.75 mtrs will be maintained along this stretch.

“Local BJP MLA Prahlad Remani has been lethargic on this issue,” alleged Gavade and warned that villagers in the area would not entertain any negligence from authorities.

Villagers from Jamboti, Chikale, Amgaon, Chigul, Kankumbi, Maan, Chorla, Surla and other villages have now come together to fight to ensure that the road is completed within a short span of time.

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A delegation representing the affected people have handed a representation to me with their grievances. I will call a meeting of all concerned, including the MPT Chairman on Tuesday or Wednesday to deliberate on the demands. — Chief Minister

CM assures to protect interest of Khariwado residents Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

The affected residents of Khariwado stage a morcha in Margao on Saturday.

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 2 :Even as agitated homeless residents of Khariwado descended in the commercial capital on Saturday, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat has promised to work out a solution to the problem after a joint meeting with officials of the State Government officials and MPT. The meeting is likely to take place either on Tuesday or Wednesday and will discuss the demands raised by the homeless residents for their rehabilitation and to save the remaining structures.

The Chief Minister gave the assurance to a delegation of agitating fishermen from Khariwado, who had been demanding a stop to the demolition of the structures.

He said the government would try to protect the interest of the fishermen at Khariwado.

“A delegation representing the affected people have handed a representation to me with their grievances.

Their demand is that I should try to work out a solution”, Kamat said, adding that he would call a meeting of all concerned, including the MPT Chairman on Tuesday or Wednesday to deliber-

ate on the demands.

Kamat said the government would try to ensure that the interests of the affected are protected, adding that the issue is connected with the MPT. A member of the delegation, Fr Bismarck told newsmen after the meeting that the Chief Minister has assured to work out a solution to save the houses of the people. Officials of the MPT and Goa Government will meet next week and discuss the grievances of the people”, Fr Bismarck said, adding that the Chief Minister has categorically said that his doors will be open for the affected

residents if the MLAs or Councillors are not supporting them on the issue.

Michael Pereira said the delegation has impressed upon the Chief Minister to make provision for a shelter for the homeless after Friday’s demolition. “The Chief Minister told us that ample time was given to go for a stay, but the 66 affected residents could not get the stay after being misguided by some politicians. “We have asked the Chief Minister to make provision to house the affected residents and to save the remaining houses from demolition”, he added.

Earlier in the day, a large

Japan tsunami: Archbishop appeals for monetary aid

HERALD NEWS BUREAU

PANJIM, APRIL 2: Expressing solidarity with the victims of the tsunami in Japan, Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao has appealed for financial assistance and prayers towards the physical and psychological recuperation of the victims.

“The colossal destruction unleashed by an unprecedented earthquake and tsunami that hit Northern Japan earlier this month has been vividly portrayed to us by the visual and the print media,” said Archbishop Ferrao, in his circular to the clergy, religious and laity in the Archdiocese.

“We have seen the helpless condition of the countless citizens rendered homeless and even destitute, with all their resources lost. While thousands lost their lives, the life of the survivors is extremely difficult, who need medical and psychological help, as they limp back towards a distant restoration of normalcy,” he added.

He pointed out that nations have promptly and generously responded to the crisis, assisting the Japan and other agencies in clearing, rebuilding and rehabilitation.

number of affected residents of Khariwado descended in the commercial capital in a bid to draw the attention of the chief minister to their plight.

After assembling near the Lohia Maidan, the affected people took out a morcha in the city before culminating at the District Collectorate building, where they had a meeting with District Collector, G P Naik and SP, South Allan De Sa. A delegation of the affected residents along with the district Collector and SP, South later headed to the residence of the Chief Minister for the talks. The Chief Minister’s residence was literally converted into a fortress with the police authorities not taking any chances.

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Youth killed, 6 injured in Bethora mishap HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, APRIL 2: A youth died while six others were injured when four motorcycles collided with an oncoming bus near Bethora panchayat on Saturday evening.

According to Ponda police, Rohit Gaonkar (20) of Bethora along with his 6 other friends were returning from Kuadra-Bethora. The spot is famous for picnics.

When they reached near the Bethora panchayat, the motorcycles collided with an oncoming bus (GA-01-W4210).

Rohit was declared dead, while his other six friends, Manjunath Tejpalkar, Abhishek Naik, Rahul Naik, Deepali Naik, Pranita Naik and Nisha Lodhia have been admitted to the GMC.

Bus owners threaten strike from April 15 HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 2 : Around 550 private buses will remain off road from April 15, if government fails to fulfil their long pending series of demands by that time.

The All Goa Private Bus Owners Association (AGPBOA) will serve a seven-day notice to the State Government over their pending demands, failing which an indefinite hunger strike will be also called off from April 12.

“A notice will be served to the government on April 6, wherein we will seek seven days ultimatum, asking to upkeep their promise of fulfilling our demands,” AGPBOA General Secretary Sudip Tamankar said adding it’s been almost a year since the government had assured to heed our demands.

“Government comes out with fake assurances every time. But this time we want government to act,” he stated.

The Association, last year, after intense pressure, had forced government to listen to their grievances and accordingly the assurance was given by the Chief Minister

Mapusa MLA for short, long term plans to decongest roads HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 2: Mapusa MLA Francis D’Souza on Friday told the State Legislative Assembly that Transport and Public Works Departments should combine resources to prepare short term and long term plans to decongest roads in the state.

Supporting the cut motion, D’Souza said that every year around 50,000 new vehicles run on the State routes but unfortunately there is no study to access its impact on the road.

He said that department has completely failed to come out with proper mechanism to control the growing vehicle population which in turn leads to accidents on the State roads.

“The Transport Department in coordination with PWD needs to formulate certain short and long term plans, to curtail increasing road accidents,” he said adding that along with widening, one way road method need to be adopted in most parts of the State.

to solve the issue on immediate basis.

The increased expenses of the bus, had forced the association to demand for hike in the bus subsidy of Rs 2 lakh, provided to them by government on purchase of every new bus.

“Looking at the current scenario, Rs 2 lakh subsidy per bus is not worth. The bus rates have gone up by Rs 7 lakh in 2001 to Rs 12 to Rs 13 lakh, in 2010. The Government needs to hike the subsidy to at least Rs 3.5 lakh,” Tamankar said.

AGPBOA had also urged government to withdraw the collection of passenger tax in advance for the month of April.

The Association also demanded permission for displaying advertisements on their buses as on KTCL buses.

Goa I Sunday 3, April 2011

A notice will be served to the govt on April 6, wherein we will seek 7 days ultimatum, asking to upkeep their promise of fulfilling our demands. It’s been a year since the govt had assured to heed our demands. — AGPBOA General Secy

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Chief Minister Digambar Kamat should dismiss ‘Babush’ or ask him to resign before assembly session begins on Tuesday. The minister’s intention were clear, who was allegedly smuggling foreign currency.

— Manohar Parrikar

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Goa I Sunday 3, April 2011

I am closely watching the situation. If we find that there is sufficient evidence of any wrong doing, action will be taken. There is no doubt in it. But let us wait before we jump to conclusion at this stage.

— Digambar Kamat

SHOCK TIME FOR CONG, STRATEGY TIME FOR BJP

BJP guns for Babush, calls emergency meet TEAM HERALD PANJIM, APRIL 2: Goa Education Minister Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate’s arrest in Mumbai has created uproar in the State politics with the Opposition threatening that it will not allow the assembly session to continue till the minister is sacked.

Leader of Opposition and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Manohar Parrikar today said that the assembly session will not function till Babush is sacked from the Cabinet.

“Many ministers transfer their ill-gotten wealth to tax havens like Dubai through Hawala and the money is ploughed back. Babush’s case is a living proof,” he said speaking to Herald.

“Chief Minister should dismiss the minister or ask him to resign before assembly session

begins on Tuesday,” Parrikar said adding that the minister’s intention were clear, who was allegedly smuggling foreign currency.

Parrikar also said that Kamat should make a statement on the issue giving details like why his minister was heading with such huge cash to Dubai and if he had sought prior permission from him.

“When assembly is in session, any minister before leaving the station (country) should take permission from Chief Minister and also has to inform the Speaker,” said Parrikar.

“We want to know whether leave of absence has been granted to him or not,” he added.

He also said that this is not for the first time that the minister has caught on criminal front.

“Several cases are registered against him and it’s high time to take some major decision,” Panjim MLA said.

Parrikar alleged that attempts are already on to downplay the offence. “But it would be difficult to save him as the money that he was carrying is much beyond the permissible limit,” he added.

Pointing that most of the ministers are always on foreign tours especially to Dubai, BJP has demanded inquiry into frequent trips of such ministers and also sought investigation whether there has been any financial transaction between the two (Goa and Dubai).

Action if there is AN ‘EDUCATED’ SNAPSHOT OF THE EDUCATION MINISTER’S foolproof evidence, says Digambar CONTROVERSIES BABUSH: BRUSH WITH THE LAW AND ORDER

“This minister was heading for Dubai. Chief Minister should tell why his ministers fly so often to Dubai,” Parrikar stated.

He claimed that there were two more persons along with Monserrate on their way to Dubai. “It seems one is detained along with him while another one has already reached Dubai,” he said refusing to name anyone.

The budget session of the State Legislative Assembly started on March 16, will conclude on April 8 with the chief minister’s closing budget speech.

BJP has also called for emergency legislature wing meeting on April 3, Sunday to decide future course of action.

Party legislature wing spokesperson Damodar Naik told Herald that they are outlining their future course of action.

“Not only in the Assembly but even otherwise, BJP has been exposing the ministers who are involved in corrupt practices.

We demand Babush’s dismissal from the Cabinet,” he said.

BJP Goa Unit President Laxmikant Parsekar, during the press conference, said that Customs Department should declare how much cash; the minister was carrying when he was detained.

“He is a Congress minister.

The party has a government at Centre, in Maharashtra and also in Goa. There is every possibility that the matter would hushed up,” Parsekar said.

TOTAL NUMBER OF CRIMINAL CASES AgAINST HIM- 14 n August 2004 - IT raided Babush’s premises in Panjim, Bangalore and Mumbai. 27 properties were attached a year later. n 2004 - Gajanan Korgaonkar alleged that he paid Rs 12 lakh bribe to Babush for a property deal. n 2006 - Goa Bachao Abhiyan spearheads huge agitation over the controversial Regional Plan 2011, which sought to covert green spaces into concrete. Babush, and his close friend and Minister Vishwajeet Rane were the architects of the plan. The plan was finally scrapped after a prolonged people’s movement. n January 2008 - Babush’s supporters mercilessly assaulted Youth Congress members, supporting the IT Habitat at Dona Paula, which was opposed by Monserrate n February 18, 2008 - Babush, along with his wife, son and supporters were arrested and beaten up by the police after his supporters attacked and stoned the Panjim Police Station.

The case was been handed over to CBI. The CBI subsequently gave a clean chit to the police saying his family was not assaulted by them. n September 2008 - Social activist Aires Rodrigues complained to the returning officer that Babush had submitted a false affidavit during 2007 elections. n October 2, 2008 - Son was allegedly involved in raping a German minor. Son arrested and released. The German mother who filed the case left the country along with her daughter.

TEAM HERALD

PANJIM, APRIL 2: Chief Minister Digambar Kamat today said that he would take action against Education Minister Atanasio Monserrate only after being briefed on the episode.

“I am closely watching the situation. If we find that there is sufficient evidence of any wrong doing, action will be taken. There is no doubt in it. But let us wait before we jump to conclusion at this stage,” Kamat said.

Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Subhash Shirodkar however refrained from commenting on the issue. “I am not aware of anything… I am not in a position to comment on this right now unless I know what exactly happened,” he said.

The Congress has obviously decided to underplay this or at the very least not take a view till the facts are completely clear. AICC General Secretary in-charge of Goa Desk Jagmeet Singh Brar actually asked who Babush Monserrate was and what portfolio he held when the Herald contacted him. “I have absolutely no idea of this”, he said.

But speaking informally, most of the ministers Herald spoke to admitted that the development was “huge”.

Monserrate has had a brush with the law several occasions but in this case he has actually been caught with foreign currency which he has not declared.

On the face of it, even allies like Mickky Pacheco who has been at the receiving end of police action and investigations remained circumspect “If you are carrying foreign currency above a certain limit you need to declare it. That’s the law. I don’t know the details of this case, so let us see what unfolds”

A NIGHT IN MUMBAI Herald put together a series of little snippets on Monserrate’s detention by the Customs and the Enforcement Directorate in Mumbai OFF TO DUBAI TO WORK OR PLAY?: Scheduled to take the Emirates flight EK 509 Mumbai Dubai at 22.35 on April 1, 2011.

SHOW ME THE MONEY: The Air Intelligence Unit of Customs detects large amounts of cash in the luggage of Monserrate’s entourage which included him, his son, his close associate Nitin who handles all his finances and a fourth person.

COME DOWN MINISTER: Monserrate who had already boarded asked to come down and face questions along with Nitin. None of his team members travel.

FOLLOW THE CUSTOM: The Air Intelligence Wing of Customs grills him for close to 16 hours from the wee hours of the morning of April 2 (intervening night of April 1/2) till the

evening of April 2.

ED TOO BABUSH?: The Enforcement Directorate too looked at the case closely since there are alleged FEMA violations. ED is likely to issue him a show cause notice to be replied to at the earliest.

IT’S REALLY NOT FINE: Customs to impose a heavy fine under Customs Act, unclear if a detailed Customs investigation will be launched.

MONSERRATE’S SUPPORTINg CAST BACKROOM BOY: Tony Dias, a customs officer posted in Dabolim rushed to Mumbai on Saturday morning. It is learnt that he may have tried to lobby with his counterparts to get Monserrate out of this mess.

It dug a pit, laid eggs, returned to the sea

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n an unusual incident, an Olive Ridley turtle arrived graciously on Agonda beach in broad daylight on Saturday, showing no interest to the scores of tourists, including locals present on the beach.

The turtle used its flaps to dig out a pit, laid eggs, close the pit and return to the sea, much to the surprise of everyone.

It was about 5.30 pm on Saturday, when the turtle suddenly appeared from the sea on shore behind the village church, and began to stroll its way to the dry sand.

This visit drew a number of tourists, some of who were swimming in the sea, while others lying on the beach, as they began to look with deep curiosity.

A dog, which was also observing the incident, ran towards the turtle and tried to stop it on the way.

However, to the surprise of

Govt to review Bambolim Super Speciality project HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 2: Coming

Curious onlookers surround the turtle while it lays eggs at the Agonda beach. everyone observing the Olive Ridley’s arrival in broad daylight, the turtle paid little heed to the dog’s threat. It using its flaps to dig out a pit, after reaching a certain distance.

By then, there were almost a hundred people surrounding the turtle, who magnificently covered the pit. It showed no

concern to anybody and began to stroll down the shore, entered the waters and soon disappeared in the Arabian Sea. The large assembly of people also invited the attention of Forest Department appointed turtle nests caretakers, who also reached the site and were heard asking people not to dis-

turb the turtle.

There was also a slight altercation of words between these caretakers, as few locals reportedly could not recognize them.

The forest officials later reached the site and excavated around 91 turtle eggs from the pit for re-plantation near the Turtle care centre,

situated a little ahead on the beach.

It may be recalled that Agonda is one of the three beaches in the State reserved for turtle nesting. So far, six Olive Ridley turtles have visited the beach to lay eggs, of which babies from four nests have already been released in the sea.

MONEY MANAgER: Nitin who handles Monserrate’s finances and some businesses where he has a stake including a luxury vehicle agency was travelling with him.

FRIENDS IN DUBAI: Many including a Goan couple from a panchayat in North Goa based in Dubai with whom Monserrate sometimes stayed.

CM CALLINg, CM CALLINg: Chief Minister Digambar Kamat tried calling Babush whole day but his phone was switched off. Kamat depended on national TV channels for his primary news. Told Herald “His phone is off. I will not know anything till he calls. But the Speaker’s permission has to be taken since Assembly is in session if he is to be arrested and I shall be informed too.”

under fire from the Opposition the government on Friday said it will take a re-look at the Super Speciality project coming under Public Private Partnership (PPP) at Bambolim.

“We will review the project,” stated Chief Minister Digambar Kamat as Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar charged that the government proceeded in selecting M/s Elbit India Hospitals Ltd, in “total hurry”.

Parrikar said prime land which has been leased out to Elbit India Hospitals Ltd, an Israeli company, to set-up super speciality under PPP, was actually earmarked for expansion of dental college.

“On January 22, 2010 foundation stone was laid for

expansion of dental college but later it was given for PPP project indicates that there is confusion,” stated Parrikar on the floor of the House.

Earlier, trying to pacify the Opposition MLAs who tried to embarrass the government, Kamat assured the House there will be total transparency with respect to PPP project.

Parrikar also questioned the government whether health care was listed in July 2007 PPP guidelines issued by the government and whether item was added defacto.

However, Kamat who was replying in the absence of Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said if there were any procedural lapses, it will be corrected.

The chief minister was not able to respond to the

queries raised by the Opposition members.

Parrikar wanted to know file observation of the chief secretary and finance secretary pertaining to the project.

“They are not experts but intensions of the government are good,” stated Kamat even as maintained PPP is a good concept and undertake only in case of big projects.

Interestingly, Aldona MLA who has been critical of the government on many issues, this session, demanded that the government should keep the project on hold since assembly elections are just eight months away.

“Since you have accepted that you are no expert on PPP – why not keep it on hold till assembly elections,” stated Narvekar.

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goa SNAPSHOT

The garbage treatment plant will be in operation before end of April 2011, as per the deadline set by court.

-- CMC sources

Kathy Pereira

CANACONA, APRIL 2: The

‘Kharedi Yatraa’ inaugurated PANJIM: ‘Kharedi Yatraa’ exhibition of household and interior products was inaugurated on Friday at Campal grounds, Panjim, at the hands of Yatin Parekh, Mayor of Panjim.

In this Kharedi Yatraa, more than 80 reputed companies have participated with their latest products.

Reputed companies like Tata Motors, Prestige, Prince Plastics, Eureka Forbes, Godrej Foods, Pitambari products, Pravin Masalawale, Sumeet, Prime, AMC Cookware, Lotus world furniture, Makita Power tools, Rainbow electronics, Sahu Furniture, Golden Frame, Nirali, etc. have participated in this show.

Companies have offered huge discounts and attractive gifts on purchase and the expo will be open upto April 6 from 10 am to 6 pm.

Fr Conceicao to conduct retreat PANJIM: Holy retreat lead by Fr Conceicao will be held on April 4, 5 and 6 at St Sebastain Church, Calvim, Aldona from 9 am to 5 pm. Free transport from parishes on following routes will be available: St Cruz, Merces, Taleigao, Chorao, Divar: Bicholim, Revora, Pirna, Colvale, Camurlim, Thivim, Sirsaim, Bodiem, Assorna, Arambol; Morjim, Mandrem, Sodiem, Siolim, Anjuna; Clangute, Arpora, Candolim, Nerul, Penha de Franca, Saloi, Pomburpa; Olaulim, Provorim, Succorro, Vaddem; Uccasaim, Bastora, Guirim, Sangolda, Parra, Mapusa, Duler, Moira, Nachinola, Quitla, Panarim; Carona, Aldona, Corjuem. For details call coordinator Freddy Pontes on 9822158003.

Free cardiac camp at Gaunem PANJIM: JCI Bandora-Madkai in association with IMA (Indian Medical Association) Ponda Charitable Trust, will organise a free cardiac camp at MGC School, Gaunem on April 3, to spread awareness and prevent cardiac ailments amongst rural population.

During the camp, free diabetic screening (Courtesy Franco Indian), BP check and free ECG will be offered to all patients. Cardiac consultation will be provided by Dr Jyoti Kusnur MD (Medicine) DNB (Cardiology) Consultant Interventional Cardiologist.

Those interested can register for the camp between 8 am and 10 am on April 3 at the venue or contact Jc Thejus Shenoy 9326127608.

T B Hospital at Tambdi Mati to be renovated, finally HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 2: T B Hospi-

tal at Tambdi Mati which has remained neglected for years will be finally renovated.

The government has issued a letter to Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) to undertake renovation of the hospital, told Chief Minister Digambar Kamat to Goa Assembly, on Friday.

Opposition members as well as Speaker Mauvin Godinho that T B Hospital is in dire need of up-gradation and repairs.

“It appears T B Hospital itself is afflicted with TB,” remarked Speaker whereas

Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar said the hospital is in very pitiable condition.

“You feel like crying when you see it,” he said.

Earlier, Shiroda MLA Mahadev Naik drew attention of the House to extremely poor condition of T B Hospital quarters.

Replying to the question Chief Minister told the House that the building has suffered many structural damages and it was constructed some forty years ago.

But they have planned a new structure to be build through GSIDC for which budget provision has also been made in this budget.

It appears that the T B Hospital itself is afflicted with TB. --- Pratapsingh Rane

CMC garbage plant before April-end HERALD CORRESPONDENT

Mayor of Panjim Yatin Parekh inaugurating the Kharedi Yatraa exhibition at Campal grounds, Panjim.

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Goa I Sunday 3, April 2011

garbage treatment plant constructed by Canacona Municipal Council (CMC) is set to come up before April end, in keeping with the time frame set by the Court.

According to municipal sources, work at Dumane garbage treatment site is in advanced stage of completion, as the machinery of the garbage processing unit will arrive in next couple of days.

“The garbage treatment plant will be in operation before end of April 2011, as per the deadline set by court,” informed a municipal source.

Municipal engineer Suhas Dessai informed that the civic authority has already availed power connection to the site and have

Utter mismatch in educational, cultural calendar, says Damu HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 2: Fatorda MLA Damodar Naik today said that there is an utter mismatch between the educational and cultural calendar resulting in the severe pressure on the pupils.

Talking on the Cut Motion, Naik said that many a times the students are asked to answer exam when the State is celebrating the festivities.

“There are times when people are busy in making Narakasur effigy, the students are busy attending exams,” he said adding that the cultural festivities of the State should be taken into consideration while deciding the academic calendar.

He said that the National Policy on Education, 1986, has also given thought to this crucial issue, which is stressing the pupils.

The BJP leader pointed out that although Chaturthi is a biggest festival in Konkan belt but the holiday for this festival is short while Diwali holidays are long.

The shed of CMC’s garbage treatment plant coming up at Dumane. already constructed infrastructure rooms at an approximate cost of Rs 3.5 lakh.

The approach road and the huge shed are in the finals stages of completion at an approximate cost of Rs 20 lakh.

The entire garbage treatment plant is coming

up in an area of about 4,400 sq mts of land and the same is segregated with a high-rising compound wall and entry gate constructed at a cost of Rs 13 lakh, informed a source in the CMC. The Lichard tank, besides the Geo-textile (plastic) inside the tank have also been

tendered and the installation work will be completed in next few days, while the machinery for 5 metric tonnes garbage processing unit is on its way to the taluka and will arrive at the site in next two days, informed the source.

The cost of the Lichard tank and Geo-Textile is approximately pegged at Rs 2.5 lakh, while the cost of that processing unit amounts to Rs 30 lakh, informed a source from CMC. Incidentally, residents of Agonda and Khola have opposed the garbage treat-

ment plant at Dumane, which the civic body is constructing in the land acquired by them belonging to the village jurisdiction of Shristhal Panachayat.

Residents have opposed the acquisition as it is feared that garbage menace will be a nuisance to the nearby residents, farmlands, water bodies and motorists plying along the Agonda-Khola road.

CMC is presently dumping garbage in whatever locations, sometimes in private land and at other times on internal roadsides.

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WEEKENDEDIT

Hard fact: Cricket is still a money game

A

t the end of the 2011 world cup, here’s a bit of the seamier side of Indian cricket. The side not many will wish to speak of. A side that gets buried under the car-

pet.

ICC boss Sharad Pawar has been isolated for pushing through a cabinet decision to approve a tax exemption of Rs 45 crores to the ICC for income from the World Cup. Sports Minister Ajay Maken had objected to this move from the government, saying that ICC being a commercial body should not be given this break. He added that in case the government granted this freebie to the ICC, then other sporting bodies will ask the same.

What did Sharad Pawar do? He got outraged at Maken for raising such an objection. Firstly, Pawar had no business to be in the same cabinet meeting, which was called to decide on an issue of the ICC that he heads. If the conflict of interest rule can apply to lawyers and judges and anybody with ethics, why shouldn’t it apply to Sharad Pawar?

According to finance ministry officials, the total receipts of the ICC from the ongoing World Cup is Rs 1,476 crore, while the cost for organising the event is Rs 571 crore. The exemption came under a proposal approved by the Cabinet in 2005 that the Income Tax Act 1961 be amended to give exemption to the income of both residents and non-residents arising from an international sporting event conducted in India.

Consequently, exemption from income tax was also granted to ICC for the ICC Championship Trophy 2006. But precedence cannot be an excuse for this largesse. Cricket is, in spite of the passion of fans, a mammoth industry and if it’s an industry, it must pay up. The ICC must justify tax exemptions in the wake of the Rs 1000 crore plus profit it will generate. Is the money saved on tax going to be ploughed back into the development of the game? Will sport other than cricket keep getting the same benefits?

Hopefully the enormity of the money that fuels this game will be taken in to account before letting India lose Rs 45 crores on tax. The amount may not be huge when you have the country’s biggest tax evader Hasan Ali sitting on thousands of crores. But it’s important, just once, to tell other sporting champions who have made India proud that they matter too. Vishwanathan Anand has been a World Champion for close to decade. Has the sport of chess got recognition and support that it deserves?

We have two All England Badminton champions in Prakash Padukone and Pullela Gopichand. When was the last time the Badminton Federation of India granted a tax exemption?

Sharad Pawar could have avoided this. The Indian Premier League is full of stories of shady deals, suspicious off shore accounts, shady investors and so on. If any sport needs cleansing in this world, cricket does and one immediate way to do this is to rid sports bodies of politicians.

Sharad Pawar may have had no business to be in the cabinet meeting, which decided on tax exemption to ICC. But should a Sharad Pawar be head of ICC in the first place?

The euphoria of the world cup will sadly cloud many of these real issues. But these are the times we live in.

Hopefully the enormity of the money that fuels this game will be taken in to account before letting India lose Rs 45 crores on tax.

— Edit

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Vol. No CXI No. 92 I Goa I Sunday 3, April 2011

On the other hand, there is the embrace of empires of a different kind. Both the Chinese and the Brazilians have offered to buy out Portugal’s debt.

– Jason Keith Fernandes

FLY ON THE WALL

Panic dictates Digambar’s policy making

D

igambar Kamat has perfected the art of doing nothing. He thinks that if he can successfully do nothing for long enough he can get back to power.

In polite and respectable drawing room conversations, it’s called maintaining a status quo. It basically means, “I’m scared to take a decision.”

The so called ‘decision’ to maintain status quo on the medium of instruction at the primary level was another classic example of this fine art, professed by Digambar Kamat and in this case executed by Education Minister Babush Monseratte.

And was his declaration that the medium of instruction will continue to be in the mother tongue supposed to be a visionary breakthrough in your child’s future. Well, we didn’t quite notice it.

And by the way, the right thinking people of Goa, (Sashilaka Kakodkar and her quickly cobbled army of intellectuals and Nagesh Karmali-type fanatics not included in this category), didn’t even ask for a change in the medium of instruction.

They asked for a choice as parents, to decide on the medium of instruction for their children, which should include English but surely not exclude the mother tongue.

In what was purely a worried outcry of parents who wanted the facility of instruction imparted in English in addition to Marathi and Konkani, Digambar Kamat and Monseratte should have reacted as parents. Instead they reacted as politicians.

They and the ill conceived Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Mandal, brought in politics when there was none. They introduced the communal angle when there was none. They pitched it as a ploy by the ‘English’ lobby to get grants, not realizing that giving grants for English would be needed only to execute the basic policy of adding English as one of the mediums of primary instruction.

They did everything to divert the focus from parents to politics and it is at the altar of politics that they have surrendered basic common sense.

Digambar Kamat is actually in a state of political panic. He has realised that

suJay Gupta

And by the way, the right thinking people of Goa, (Sashilaka Kakodkar and her quickly cobbled army of intellectuals and Nagesh Karmalitype fanatics not included in this category), didn’t even ask for a change in the medium of instruction. They asked for a choice as parents, to decide on the medium of instruction for their children, which should include English but surely not exclude the mother tongue.

his own seat in Margao may be under threat, if there is a split in the Muslim vote bank. He understands that any move which may be perceived as antmajority move could further damage the poll arithmetic.

It is for the same reason that he has refused to take on Home Minister Ravi Naik, even in the wake of surmounting evidence of a drug police nexus and the continued incompetence of the Goa police. Kamat perceives that the Bhandari

vote bank, the largest amongst Hindus will be lost to the Congress for good if Ravi Naik is targeted.

But is Kamat over reacting? Is he playing soft Hindu politics? The answer is yes, and in doing so his informed decision making and therefore his credibility has taken a backseat. Therefore, when political panic dictates policy, the policy of taking no decision takes precedence over logic.

A status quo on the medium of instruction is a shameful reaction to a genuine call by all parents. It’s nothing but a display of comatose indifference to the will of people.

In a landmark essay on the Manmohan Singh government, eminent writer and columnist MJ Akbar wrote, sometime this year for an Arab daily, “Drift, as the term indicates, is never in a hurry. A government can float a long way before someone realizes that it has lost direction. Drift does not threaten a government’s survival, but it saps the people’s patience.”

This is as true of Manmohan Singh as of Digambar Kamat. Kamat and Monserrate could have seized the initiative, decided that Goa needs to wake up new times and listen to the voices of parents from Pernem to Canacona. Instead they took the easy way out by practically putting the issue in cold storage.

But the people of Goa will continue to give it heat. Delay in decisions is not a solution. The siren call of procrastination of this government will be silenced at the hustings.

Let Babush leave his Republic of Taleigao and go to the real Goa. Let him go, not to Salcete where the cry for English will naturally be stronger, but to Pernem and Sattari. Let him visit empty primary classrooms in government and government aided schools and see how students have moved to private English convents or even the odd English school run by village locals with their own savings.

Sometimes, right decisions for the entire state cannot be taken by just sitting in government office or in your own constituencies.

There is a Goa beyond Margao and Taleigao.

LETTERS FROM PORTUGAL

FACEBOOK

find us on facebook search for heraldweekend Paganini Fernandes Sports and football grounds are being leased out in Benaulim - for a period of 33 years lease to a private professional club, and the Multipurpose School ground in Borda to fetch revenue, if used for any activity, including local sports games etc. Who is in charge here?

The government policy on youth and sports needs to be clarified or are we entering a new phase in the sports and football arena on the road to professional football at people’s expense. Who is monopolising who?

Judith Coutinho Statistically speaking how many of us who have studied in English medium are able to speak and write fluently? Our pronunciation and grammar leaves a lot to be desired. It does not hold water which medium of instruction you use; a person wanting to be perfect will always desire to do so, while the mediocre will go with the flow hardly bothered.

Gustavo Stephen Godinho Let us try to keep it very simple – let the parents get what they wish for their children. If the majority says they want English, give it to them. It is the question of a child’s future. The parents have the right to demand and the government needs to understand it.

Thomas Gracias Tomazinho Cardozo was a speaker in the goverment, almost 10 years ago, why he did not take up the issue of medium of instruction then? He has a habit of fishing in murky waters, first with the Roman script in Konkani, and now with the medium of instruction.

Perhaps Tomazinho didn’t take up these issues when in the government, because he had to let go of the loaves and fishes of office?

Reliving Alcácer Quibir

A

ugust 4, 1578, the youthful king of Portugal Dom Sebastião led his troops and those of his ally, the deposed Sultan of Morocco, against those of the reigning Sultan of Morocco outside the town of Casr al Kabir. Outnumbered and outflanked by the Moroccan armies, the battle was a complete rout for Dom Sebastião’s armies. This young and enthusiastic King lost his life, as did vast numbers of the Portuguese aristocracy who were slaughtered on the battlefield. The resultant power vacuum in the Portuguese kingdom allowed for the Spanish King Phillip II to ride in and lay claim to the Portuguese crown. For the next 60 years, the Portuguese and Spanish crowns would be united while Portugal and its domains, which were maintained as distinct, were nevertheless swallowed into the global Spanish empire.

Following a trend characteristic of history writing where the Southern Europeans are concerned, Dom Sebastião’s decision was cast by some historians as prompted by fanaticism.

On the contrary, he was encouraged by large sections of Portuguese society, both nobility and the merchants, who expected large gains from the enterprise.

The events that have unfolded in

Jason Keith Fernandes Portugal since the last column seem to suggest that the Battle of Alcácer Quibir may not be a terribly inappropriate metaphor for this country that is literally verging on an abyss. A couple of days after the hugely popular demonstration of the Geração à Rasca, a Facebook campaign began demanding that the PS Government headed by Prime Minister José Socrates step down. This demand appeared rather bizarre. The PS would most likely be replaced by the PSD and the latter would have to make the same or similar unhappy choices for the country. Larger cuts on social spending, higher taxes, lower wages, perhaps take financial support from the ogres in Brussels and Washington.

In a move seemingly designed to bring down his government, José Socrates sprung a surprise on the Portuguese, announcing, without earlier consultation with others, renewed financial plans to help deal with the crisis while in Brussels. None too happy with this situation, and no doubt hoping to gain from a mid-term election, the PSD

indicated that it would not support these budgetary proposals. That was that, political crisis in Portugal.

The crisis is further compounded by the flanking measures of the ratings agencies that additionally assault the country by lowering its credit rating.

The options for Portugal are grim. It is suggested, that the prescriptions from Brussels and Washington will lay the Portuguese economy low for a long time to come.

On the other hand, there is the embrace of empires of a different kind. Both the Chinese and the Brazilians have offered to buy out Portugal’s debt. There is however, no such thing as a free lunch.

While the thought of an annexation or a departure from the EU into a Luso-commonwealth may be just a joke, it would be interesting to see what implications the eventual resolution of the crisis will bring to the Portuguese self-image.

Dom Sebastião’s body was never recovered from the battle-field. This absence allowed for the emergence of Sebastianism, a Messianic belief, not unlike that of some Shia Muslims, that the young king had hidden himself and would arrive at the opportune moment to lead the country out of its misery into glory. This might not be a bad time for the young Sebastian to wake up and rescue his country.

PEOPLE’SEDIT

Systemic approach to counselling Zulema deSouZa a Collaço

T

he present increase in suicides in Goa has generated some concern among public stakeholders, who believe that the placement of a counsellor in each school will resolve the issue. Such a process will merely act as a palliative method or a band aid treatment.

One needs to realize that development in any form brings forth stressors that need to be dealt with appropriately, with openness and a commitment by society and institutions of learning. To be effective, it requires a comprehensive, progressive and result oriented program.

There are Goan NRIs in different countries, who have the experience and expertise in developing and implementing such programs. Local Goans often perceive these NRIs as fault finders, who have an urge to marginalise others. Moreover, the NRIs often face road blocks erected

by Goan politicians and people in responsible positions, who are insecure and unwilling to collaborate and learn from others.

The idea of implementing a program to deal with the increase of suicides is just one facet of the program.

Developing and implementing a comprehensive counselling program requires a team of professionals, who have an understanding of child development and individuals with specific expertise. It needs a team approach comprising of administrators, teachers, social workers, counselors, parents, support systems, law makers and other interested citizens.

The recommendation that a single counsellor in a school can handle the counselling is an understatement. For counselling to be effective, it needs to be integrated within the regular curriculum, and every teacher has a responsibility to incorporate sections of the counselling program within their subject.

The content of the program ought to be geared towards the age and development of the child, and to include topics such as self worth, respect, integrity universal values, equity, decision making, problem solving, career education, conflict resolution, critical thinking, environmental and global concerns etc.

The curriculum would include skills and strategies for teachers and students. There would also be a section listing community resources, further reading material and parenting skills.

As a former educator, consultant and counsellor with one of the largest boards in Canada, I was one of the members on the writing team in developing and implementing a comprehensive counselling program for students from pre-school to the pre-university level.

The success and relevance of the program will depend upon the criteria for the selection of professionals on the writing team. The members on the writing team would need to be team players, receptive to new ideas, have expertise in areas of their speciality, and independent thinkers who believe in change.

Finally, the implementation and testing stage is crucial to the success of the program since it would require time lines for training of staff, designating target schools to test and validate the program and to develop future recommendations. It would also require involvement of the Department of Education, and the director to appoint a co-ordinator for the total program, (preferably a social worker or an individual with a background in counselling).

Fo r l ette rs to t he e di to r c o nt act us at e d itor wee ke n d@ h e rald -go a.c o m Printed and published by Vinayak Pai Bir for and on behalf of Herald Publications Pvt Ltd. Printed at Herald Publications Pvt Ltd, Plot No: L-135, Phase II, Verna Industrial Estate, Verna, Salcete, Goa. Published at PO Box 160, Rua Sao Tome, Panjim, Goa - 403001.

Editor-in-chief: Mr R F Fernandes. Editor: Sujay Gupta (Responsible under PRB Act). Regd Office: St Tome Road, Panjim, Goa. Tel: 2224202, 2228083, Fax: 6658510 (all Editorial); 2230535, Fax: 2225622 (Advertising); Margao: 2737689. Mumbai Office: 16-A, Bell Building, 2nd Floor, 19 Sir PM Road, Fort, Mumbai - 400001 (Tel: 22840702/22844908). RNI No: 43667/83.

HOW TO CONTACT US: mail@herald-goa.com — For press notes, general queries. reporters@herald-goa.com — For Reporters. business@herald-goa.com — For Business news. editorweekend@herald-goa.com — For Letters to the Editor. sports@herald-goa.com — For Sports news. advt@herald-goa.com — For Advertisements.

Disclaimer: Except for the weekend edit 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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india

This will be the first time the topmost law officer of the government will be appearing as a witness in a corruption case. CBI will file the supplementary chargesheet by April 25 and is likely to complete its probe by May 31.

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Goa I Sunday 3, April 2011

I represent the state in Parliament and I consider Assam my state. I have always got a lot of love from Assam and it will always be my effort to serve Assam better.

Dr Manmohan Singh

CBI: Raja conspired with India bans nuke-related trade with Iran bureaucrats in 2G scam AFP

PTI NEW DELHI, APRIL 2: A Raja conspired with top bureaucrats, including a retired IAS officer, and corporate honchos to cause a loss of Rs 30,984 crore in the allocation of 2G spectrum, the CBI said in its indictment of the former Telecom Minister who has been chargesheeted along with eight others and three telecom companies.

The agency, which filed its first chargesheet before a special court, alleged that former Telecom Secretary Siddharth Behura, Raja's personal secretary R K Chandolia and Swan Telecom promoter Shahid Usman Balwa and Sanjay Chandra, MD of Unitech wireless, entered into a conspiracy for manipulating the procedure for allocation of spectrum with the aim of favouring companies like Swan Telecom and Unitech

Group.

The chargesheet, running into about 80,000 pages and brought in seven steel trunks, was filed before CBI judge O P Saini in the special court constituted exclusively to try the case that is being monitored by the Supreme Court.

Attorney General G E Vahanvati and corporate lobbyist Niira Radia have been named among 125 witnesses in the case. This will be the first time the topmost law officer of the government will be appearing as a witness in

Satya Sai Baba’s health stable PTI ANANTAPUR, APRIL 2 : The health condition of Sri Satya Sai Baba, who developed a breathing problem last night after being hospitalised at Puttaparti for lung and chest congestion, is now stable, doctors attending on

him said today.

86-year-old Baba had difficulty in breathing late last night and was put on supportive respiratory device, said Dr A N Safaya, Director, Sathya Sai Institute of Higher MedicalSciences hospital, in a health bulletin here.

a corruption case. CBI will file the supplementary chargesheet by April 25 and is likely to complete its probe

by May 31 in the case that has dented UPA’s image.

Others named include Vinod Goenka, a Director of DB Realty, Sanjay Chandra, MD of real estate company Unitech and Unitech Wireless and Gautam Doshi, Hari Nair and Surendra Pipara, Group MD and two Senior VPs of Mumbai-based Reliance Telecom Company.

NEW DELHI, APRIL 2: India has banned trade in all goods and services with Iran that could help Tehran pursue development of nuclear weapons, a government statement said.

The changes were made in new foreign policy trade rules to conform with a UN Security Council resolution imposing sanctions on Iran related to its nuclear and missile development programme, said the commerce ministry. India sits as a nonpermanent member of the UN Security Council.

The changes posted on a government website Saturday ban trade in all equipment, goods and technology which could contribute to Iran's enrichment-related, reprocessing or heavy water-related activities or to the development of nuclear weapon delivery systems.

Energy-hungry India, which has long enjoyed warm ties with Iran, has

been treading a delicate path in its relationship with the Islamic republic as the United States presses New Delhi to

break commercial links with Tehran.

The export ban comes as India has been struggling to

work out a long-term method to pay for oil imports from Iran.

Iran is the second-largest

crude supplier to India after Saudi Arabia and supplies up to 14 percent of the country's oil import needs.

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Goa I Sunday April 3, 2011

www.oheraldo.in

There is a lot of tolerance here and an eclectic mix of people as well. Goa has its own identity.

It seems… chosen — Marianne Borgo

we

The main problem of the village is the lack of desire amongst the elected panchas, who have adopted a laissez faire attitude that permits all kinds of illegalities — Agostinho Antao Herald Pics

VILLAGE REPORT

A VILLAGE PRESERVED It’s a village still in search of its identity. But, things have been progressing here, in a sense. A housing project for retired Britons was stopped and a resolution passed not to allow any commercial projects without a comprehensive garbage management plant. The villagers seem to be intent on making the village proud.

Julio D’silva discovers the serene little nook of Guirdolim

T

he village of Guirdolim, carved out in 1973, is still struggling to find its own place under the sun. It continues to live in the shadow of its sister villages of Cavorim and Chandor, even though it was created to break this hegemony. While the menace of crass commercial interests and mega projects is yet to manifest itself in the village, Guirdolim has a different set of problems One of the major problems facing the village is the Mormugao Steel Plant situated in neighbour-

ing Curtorim village, close to the border between the two villages.

In the first place, the emissions from the plant have affected horticulture in the village and papayas do not grow any longer in the areas close to this plant. The other problem caused by this factory is the change in the demography of the village particularly in New Township ward, where there are a large number of migrants. Till date neither the panchayat has carried a census of the migrants living in the village, nor bothered to collect one month’s rent from the owners

From Paris (to Goa) with love…

She’s a beautiful actress who charmed TV and cinema screens in France for decades. Now, Goa is where she waters her garden and basks in serenity.

Kurt Bento gets a lesson in joie de vivre from Marianne Borgo

Herald Pic

EVERGREEN: Marianne Borgo amongst the trees outside her home

I

t was somewhere in 93-94 that I came to Goa for a second time.

I’d heard through some friends that there was a brilliant yoga instructor named Derek in Baga, so I found a nice cosy guest house and settled in. The next morning, I woke up and sat there looking at the beautiful sea. That’s when I heard this voice saying, ‘Far out, isn’t it?’

He was referring to the ocean. He continued talking to me and so I gave in and made small talk. It

VILLAGE LANDMARKS: (left) The Guirdolim Village Panchayat (above) the Chandor church, attended by the villagers of Guirdolim.

turned out that he was going to the classes too.

So we walked together and on the way he turned to me and said, ‘by the way, I’m Richard.”

That was the day Marianne Borgo met Richard Gere. A French actress, dancer and now consultant to the ESG, Marianne’s tryst with Goa started in the late 70s, 1977 to be exact, when she came down with her then husband. After that, Goa took a backseat to her professional life until that

who have rented their premises, as provided under the Panchayat Raj Rules.

Although there is a regular demand for widening of the road leading to the village square from Eclati in Curtorim, it cannot be done as it is within 100 metres of the railway line, which runs through the village. Ironically, a railway over-bridge that could address this problem is waiting to be constructed for more than 15 years now. Although the state government has constructed the approach roads for this bridge, the actual

construction of the bridge is still awaiting sanction from the Railways Ministry, which is a telling comment on the performance of the ministers representing this village.

“We have plans, but unfortunately we lack support. For example, the proposal for an overhead bridge over the railway tracks has been hanging for quite a while now and people continue to suffer,” said Jose Antao, the Guirdolim Sarpanch.

The inhabitants of Guirdolim have very vigilantly fought to maintain the rustic look of their village. Three years ago, the vil-

lagers in one voice rejected the Green Shield project, which had international promoters seeking to set up a housing complex for retired Britons. However, there are an increasing number of residential cum commercial structures coming up in the village and there are a few multi-apartment buildings too. Taking cognizance of this trend, at one of the gram sabhas, it was resolved that no construction license should be issued for any commercial project unless the promoters clearly identify the garbage management site on the plan.

“The main problem of the village is the lack of desire to do something amongst the elected panchas, who have adopted a laissez faire attitude that permits all kinds of illegalities, which will have serious ramifications in the future,” Agostinho Antao, former Sarpanch This is a village with a difference, with a heart that beats but there’s only so much heart can do. The powers that be are the ones with the chance to change things for the better. Until then, the little village of Guirdolim can only wait, watch and hope for the best.

Sachin Ambadoskar

tryst with yoga in Baga.

Since Marianne has been down every year, sometimes staying here in her beautiful whitewashed house in Calangute, overlooking green fields, for months on end.

It’s the unique charm that Goa has that brings her back. “There is a lot of tolerance here and an eclectic mix of people as well. Goa has its own identity. It seems… chosen,” says Marianne. A student of Conservatoire National d’Art Dramatique, she was one of the lucky 26 chosen from a batch of 1500 students. Since then, from the age of 19, she has acted in art films, made for TV films, TV series and plays, making her quite the expert on French cinema. It was that experience and passion towards the art that led to her being a consultant on French cinema for the Entertainment Society of Goa. Today, she helps with the selection of French films and is planning on organizing monthly viewings of French films at Marquinez Palace, where French teachers across Goa will be invited to participate in workshops, classes and lectures about French culture and theatre.

Marianne also has a special fondness for her work with orphanages in Goa. “I believe that in life if you start a good thing then angels come and help you. In France we say, ‘aide toi le ciel t’aidera,’ which means, “Help yourself and heaven will help you,” she states.

Apart from all that, she finds time to work, be it here in Goa, where she’s acted in a film called Love, Wrinkle Free or in France where she’s currently working on a TV commercial. For her, Goa is home, where her cat and all her friends,make life worth living. “An artist has to be free. One needs freedom of their minds. That’s what I find in Goa,” concludes Marianne.

CRUSADER

A calamity called Colva Colva is no longer a beach. It’s a disease. Garbage is dumped everywhere, rampant illegal construction of hotels and buildings and the lax attitude of the authorities has destroyed this popular destination. The Colva Civic and Consumer Forum headed

by Judith Almeida are fighting to win back Colva. Lionel Messias looks at some of her epic battles

T

here are three ways to discharge wet hotel garbage in Colva. Drain it out into the field behind, empty it into the covered storm water drains in front, or lay a pipe under the road in front and let it flow into the drain on the other side. If nothing works or let it seep away into whatever space it can find beyond.

Colva is hemorrhaging, and badly. Hotelier and pub owners have changed the contours of the sand dunes and there is truly no legal permanent or temporary structure between the sea and the narrow GandaulimColva road albeit all the Town and Country Planning (TCP) and Village Panchayat licenses they possess, claims Judith Almeida, iron lady of the Colva Civic and Consumer Forum (CCCF).

The popular haunt Boomerang, she says, lays a pipeline on to the beach

on most mornings between one and four am to pump out its liquid waste. “Elderly joggers have told me revolting stories of their dilemma,” says Judith.

So far 45 hotels, restaurants, and eateries have been inspected by the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) which has been incompetent in putting an end to their activities.

The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) too has to take the blame for this Colva tragedy.

Judith explains, “More hotels are to be inspected and our demand was actually to inspect up to 700 metres inwards from the beach.” The GSPCB’s report dated March 14 (the latest of two) has 33 repugnant pictures of raw sewage, waste water, and solid unsegregated waste discharged into the Colva creek. It includes lab test results, a sche-

matic sketch and a report on restaurant offenders.

It also says, ‘The storm drain along the Colva main road was full of wet thick sewage; there was a foul smell. The water of the Morla Tollem pond was black.’

Between the first bulky report dated May 5, 2010 and now, the government and the Sernabatim, Vanelim, Colva and Gandaulim panchayats did nothing to solve the problem. “How can they?

environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), (GoI).

Akar asked for MoEF’s approval only after CCCF took it to court in April 2009.

Others on CCCF’s hit list, which is fighting a lonely battle despite physical threats to her and attempts at internal sabotage, is Reliance Builders.

Its owner Yvette Almeida Coutinho was issued the Sanad

CHAMPIONS AGAINST FILTH: Judith and other CCCF members inspect an illegal garbage dump In 1991 Hotel Colmar had 15 rooms, today it has 156.” Among the clutch of builders and hoteliers to be put on trial in court is Margao’s Akar Constructions.

The reason being, it showed in its plans to the TCP Board a builtup area of 29,623.98 square meters which requires (for above 20,000 square metres) prior

(conversion of land use from agriculture to nonagriculture) for 6,620 square metres for the clear purpose of ‘residential use’ only. Later however, the TCP issued her a license to build a hotel complex. The GCZMA also gave its approval for a hotel complex on the basis of a MoEF approval.

All this achieved despite the Collector, Margao

declaring in a letter (January 30, 2006) that her property fell within 500m from the High Tide Line (HTL). Even the VP issued its occupancy certificate as a hotel complex and referred to it in all its correspondence as such.

So, how did Reliance get clearances to build within the HTL in the first place? To compound the ‘hotel complex’ sham, it was later sold as individual row houses or units.

The GCZMA (lr dt January 13, 2004) after discussing the issue with the VP, Department of Settlements and Land Records, and Colmar Hotels, said ‘eight structures of the hotel were constructed within the No Development Zone . More damning was this that the resort failed to produce valid original survey record/plan; construction license and conversion sanad.’ But after GCZMA ordered that its water supply be disconnected, the owners obtained a High Court injunction despite section 22 of the Environment (protection) Act, 1986 which prevents any civil court from acting against directions issued by GCZMA (among others) under section five of the same act.

Then, as it happens so often in Goa, the VP lost all the files of Hotel Colmar, and so in 2011, Judith Almeida and her CCCF were back to square one.

9

Goa I Sunday April 3, 2011

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goa

Students have gone to that school even though the teachers, who teach English there, are not even trained — Suresh Naik

mirror

Almost 30 parents don’t pay up on time. We pitch in to cover the shortfall, to ensure that students don’t suffer — Bhushan Shirodkar

CAMPAIGN: MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION

FUTURE PERFECT: (left) children lining up outside Dynadeep school and (above) Akshaya Naik and her daughter Anchal.

The Bhagwati school in Pernem is one of the oldest and most well known schools here. After the primary sections, students are given a choice of either Marathi or English as a medium of instruction. Those opting for English are assigned to sections A and B and those in Marathi to section C. Here’s the student ratio.

Class

They Love English In the heart of Pernem, where the language is mostly Marathi and the population certainly not Catholic dominated, parents in remote villages are taking kids out of government primary schools and sending them to private English medium schools. Sujay Gupta spent time in these villages to bust some myths about who really loves English

T

he vast stretch of the empty road to Casarvonem, recedes rapidly into the recesses of more villages, in the bowl of Pernem taluka. Over yonder, on the west, lie the hills and plateaus of Mopa and other scattered villages – Warkhand, Ugwem, Shemacheadren.

Not quite the typical English countryside, but not too different either, if you stop by an almost nondescript little school Dnyandeep Academy, in the middle of the fields.

The school is like a home with a few rooms a little open space in the front and small room for visitors. From the first kindergarten classroom, we hear animated sounds of a class in progress, full throttle. But the language is a little at odds with the surroundings.

From the room inside, we hear the teacher say “This is the story of the fox and the grapes. Once

upon a time there was a fox…” Then we hear the chorus of little kids with near perfect diction, “Once upon a time… there was a fox.” The story continued with the fox jumping to get grapes on a tree and finding the grapes sour. This is when both the teacher and the students mispronounced sour, but barring this minor glitch, it was perfect storytelling.

The kids or this teacher, Shivani Parab, who is actually a parent from a nearby village, filling in for another teacher on leave, do not quite know that in this little school in Casarvonem, a revolution has happened.

Dnyandeep Academy was born out of dream.

A dream of people like Bhushan Shrodkar, a boy from humble beginnings who later ran a small pharmacy business, and Umesh Gawas, a former sarpanch, who decided to keep everything else on the side to set up a vil-

lage school which taught in English (see box).

With a little help from many friends, including people from the village, the school took off and takes students in upper kg, kg and standard one and two. The medium of instruction is English, while they teach Marathi as well.

So what makes parents here most of whom haven’t studied a word of English, confidently send them t this private school and pay a little more fees than the government school? And mind you, these are not parents who rub shoulders with the high society of Panjim, just humble village folk, who have defied presumptions that parents ought to and indeed do want instruction in the mother tongue.

Akshaya Anant Naik calls herself a housewife.

We call her a game changer. In a family where only a distant uncle has ever learnt English, her elder

His mother B used to sell bhajiyas, now he runs an English school

hushan Shirodkar isn’t a likely candidate for running a school. Yes, he had humble but proud beginnings, but his mother would have never thought that her little Bhushan would ever sacrifice all else so that little kids in and around Casarvornem village could learn English.

His mother was the first entrepreneur of the village, selling bhajiyas and supplying them to homes and other places. It is with this money that she raised Bhushan and gave him education. Bhushan went on to become a medical representative till he changed his destiny.

daughter goes to the St Rita’s English school in Colvale and the younger one Anchal comes to Dnyadeep. Their fees are paid from the salary her husband earns as a bus conductor, with the Kadamba Road Transport Corporation.

Anchal, who we met, gave a shy but impromptu rendition of her storytelling and poetry prowess.

It’s important that these stories are told from Pernem. There are some similar ones in Sattari too. When people in Panjim or Margao sit and argue that the whole issue of medium of instruction boiled down to the fact that people in the North Goa talukas are the biggest supporters of the other tongue – Marathi or Konkani – being taught as a medium in the primary section, these stories bust that myth.

In the waddos of Purva Casarvonem and further beyond in Talarn village,

He learnt that some residents of the village, including the family of the village priests were planning to open an English medium school, at the behest of local parents, and he wanted to be a part of the initiative. He broke fixed deposits and other savings accounts to contribute to the running of the school. “We charge fees that are a quarter of what we are permitted to charge. Moreover, almost 30 parents don’t pay up on time. We pitch in to cover the shortfall, to ensure that students don’t suffer.”

But this dedication has come at a cost. Bhushan

these myths never existed. At least not in the mind of the principal of the government primary and middle school at Talarn village, Suresh Naik. He sees his school losing out to English on a regular basis and his is a government school with a nice building and grants.

Check these facts – From class one to four (the primary section) he has 13 students. Four students in class one, three and four, and, just one student in class two. The kid

Vishram Shet, has a few perks of being the only student- he always comes first and a few drawbacks – he can’t ever bunk class without getting caught.

But the laughs aside, look at the enormity of the situation, where schools that do not teach English are losing students.

Where are the students going then? Principal Naik’s reply is a shocker, “To the private convent school, St Anne at Ibrampur.” Then he explains “Students have gone to

Class

Class

Class

Class

5A – 39 5B – 32 5C – 15 (Marathi) 6A – 36 6B – 36 6C – 23 (Marathi) 7A – 43 7B – 43 7C – 27 (Marathi) 8A – 34 8B – 41 8C – 17 (Marathi) 9A – 34 9B – 33 9C – 18 (Marathi)

that school even though the teachers, who teach English there, are not even trained. But what’s even more surprising is that some of those teachers have joined our school after getting selected for government service and training, but the students have refused to follow them back to our school.”

Driving back from Talarn, we stopped on our way to chat with a parent who had withdrawn his child from the convent

and instead of putting him back in the government school, sent him to the Dnyadeep where our story began. And his reason was, “I know the people and feel that they will do justice to teaching my child in English.”

In the fields of Pernem, lie several hard truths and one simple one. English needs to be included as one of the languages of instruction. Halfway measures of appointing English teachers won’t quite do.

SIMPLE MATH Schools

Marathi

Konkani

English

Govt primary........................................................ 834 ..................... 33........................ 5 Govt aided and unaided primary......................... 46........................ 139...................... 124 Govt middle schools ............................................ 2.......................... —........................ 53 Govt aided and unaided middle schools ............. — ....................... —........................ 20 Govt higher schools............................................. 2 ......................... —........................ 72 Govt aided and unaided higher schools .............. — ....................... —........................ 284 Govt higher secondary ........................................ — ....................... —........................ 15 Govt aided and unaided higher secondary ......... — ....................... — ....................... 67 (courtesy: Directorate of Education)

was supposed to get married last year, but postponed it because running the school needs his full attention, plus his finances have dipped with all the contributions he has made. The management has now decided to get Bhushan married with contributions if need be.

Bhushan’s partner in Mission English is Umesh Gawas. A former sarpanch of his village, Gawas too has caught the English bug. He is a part of the school’s management and carries out a critical service – he ferries children from their homes and back so that everyone gets to school.

To do this, he took a personal loan and bought a Maruti van.

To save the cost of a driver he roped in his brother to do the driving. He too is a critical pillar that supports what is truly a people’s movement to teach their village children English.

REVOLUTIONARIES: (above) Bhushan Shirodkar

and (top left) Umesh Gawas

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india

“

Goa I Sunday, 3 April 2011

Chief Minister Yeddyurappa said the State government was thinking of increasing the solatium for police, considering the risk involved in the job.

FROM PAGE 1

Babush detained

Monserrate spent close to 20 hours under detention and is likely to be issued a show cause notice by the Enforcement Directorate which is the agency which investigates FEMA violations to explain his source of foreign funding. Babush has to revert back to the ED early next week. Monserrate was let off late on Saturday evening.

The customs is also likely to impose a heavy fine under the Customs Act. Sources in Mumbai customs said that the future course of action, including a possible arrest at a later date, if at all, will depend initially on the quantum of money in Monserrates possession in the form of both cash and travellers cheques. It is learnt that Monserrate explained that the amount was for business purposes and most of it was in the form of traveller’s cheques. There is no independent confirmation of this from customs either.

Late in the evening, there that Monserrate was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate since the nature of alleged offences under the FEMA Act would come under the purview of the Enforcement Directorate.

Monserrates detention parked off a flurry of activity in Goa though the Congress did its best to avoid taking cognizance of it, hoping that the World Cup final fever would take the heat off the latest controversial episode in the Education Minister’s career.

Monseratte used several backroom channels though to get out of the situation. At about 1 am last night, one prominent lawyer in Panjim, who has also handled cases for other ministers received a call from one of Monserrate’s associates who was travelling with him to Dubai.

This morning one customs officer posted at the Dabolim airport Tony Dias, known to be very close to Monserrate rushed to Mumbai in the morning with the obvious purpose of trying to see if some “departmental” help could be given.

He wasn’t too successful though. Monserrate’s wife Jennifer too left for Mumbai in the morning.

The political fallout of this will be heavy. The BJP is already ginning for him and demanded that he be sacked immediately as cabinet minister. The Congress will have to do a fine balancing act and ensure that a political backlash is contained. Some sections will prefer a weak Monserrate so that he doesn’t do political damage, but in election year carrying the Babush baggage, weak or strong may prove detrimental.

K’taka mulls hiking solatium for police PTI BANGALORE, APRIL 2 : Karnataka government is contemplating increasing solatium for police personnel to Rs ten lakh from the Rs three lakh at present, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa said here today.

Giving away police medals to 99 police personnel on Police Flag Day, Yeddyurappa said government was thinking of increasing the solatium, considering the risk involved in the job.

He lauded police for maintaining law and order in the state and for bringing down the crime graph drastically

in the city.

Yeddyurappa announced opening of 25 more police stations in the state and assured the police personnel of upgrading their housing facilities along with basic amenities including regulary supply of drinking water.

He said his government was also keen to increase medical reimbursement for police personnel.

Responding to reporters' queries, he wished India "all the best" for the world cup final against Sri Lanka.

"I really wish India wins the world cup and I hope my favourite player Sachin Tendulkar scores a century in this match", he said.

11 www.oheraldo.in

world

Radioactive water found seeping into sea in Japan PTI TOKYO/FUKUSHIMA, APRIL 2:

Highly radioactive water was found seeping into the sea from a crack in a containment pit of the troubled Fukushima nuclear plant, as Japanese Premier Naoto Kan promised full support to the tsunami-hit people of the northeast in his first visit to the region.

The operator of the stricken nuclear complex said it has discovered a 12inch crack in a wall of the No 2 reactor at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant from where highly radioactive water appears to be seeping into the sea, while the IAEA termed the situation as “very serious”.

Kan, who had earlier flown over the region after the devastation struck, today inspected the tsunami-hit northeast for the first time and also gave a pep talk to the workers who are working overtime to minimise the damage caused by the country’s worst nuclear crisis.

Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) said water was leaking from the crack in the wall of a 2-metre deep pit that contains power

cables near the water intake of the reactor, and the level of radiation has been measured at over 1,000 millisieverts per hour, national broadcaster NHK reported.

TEPCO said it is preparing to pour concrete into the cracked pit to stop the leak of radioactive water.

The radiation detected in water in the basement of the turbine building at the No 2 reactor was about 100,000 times the normal level.

The discovery, officials said, likely explains the rising radiation levels in sea water near the plant. “... we have been trying to confirm the reason why, and in that context, this could be one source,” said Hidehiko Nishiyama, deputy head of the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency.

The developments came as Kan visited an operation base in Fukushima Prefecture to encourage Self-Defense Forces (SDF) personnel and other workers, three weeks after the monster magnitude-9 quake and tsunami struck the country’s northeast leaving nearly 30,000 people dead or unaccounted for.

“By all means, the accident at the Fukushima Dai-

ichi plant needs to be put under control with your collective efforts,” Kan told the workers, thanking them for their “hard work” under “harsh conditions”.

“We have to work hard until we reach a point where we can say our country has overcome the quake and the tsunami disaster,” he was quoted as saying by Kyodo news agency.

Before visiting the base situated 20 km from the nuclear plant, the Prime Minister flew into Rikuzentakata city in Iwate Prefecture, which was devastated by the twin disaster, on a military helicopter from Tokyo and met evacuees there.

“The government fully supports you until the end,” he told people gathered at an evacuation centre.

The International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Yukiya Amano, meanwhile, warned of a prolonged battle against the nuclear crisis in quake-hit Japan.

A Japanese national himself, Amano, at a press conference in the Kenyan capital Nairobi insisted that the situation at the stricken Fukushima plant remained “very serious.”

Gilani says he discussed all ‘outstanding’ issues with Singh PTI ISLAMABAD, APRIL 2: Pakistan Premier Yousuf Raza Gilani has said his talks with his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh on the sidelines of the cricket World Cup semi-final in Mohali involved all “core and outstanding” issues between the two countries, including the Kashmir problem.

“During my meeting with Dr Manmohan Singh, and at all our previous meetings, all core and outstanding issues were discussed. Without resolving the Kashmir issue, we cannot take things forward. We discussed all core and outstanding issues, including Kashmir,” Gilani said, responding to queries on his live monthly TV show “PM Online” last night.

Referring to his meetings with Singh at Colombo in 2008, Sharm el-Sheikh in

Pope calls for peace meeting in October AFP VATICAN CITY, APRIL 2: Pope Benedict XVI has announced a day of reflection and dialogue in October to mark the 25th anniversary of a landmark peace meeting in Assisi convoked by his predecessor, the Vatican said Saturday.

The October 27 meeting at the hometown of Saint Francis of Assisi is aimed at “reflection, dialogue and prayer for peace and justice in the world,” the statement said.

“The Day will take as its theme: Pilgrims of truth, pilgrims of peace,” it added.

Pope John Paul II had arranged the first meeting on October 27, 1986, at the same town.

“We discussed all core and outstanding issues, including Kashmir.”

2009 and Thimphu last year, he said it was in the Bhutanese capital that the two leaders agreed to resume the dialogue process at the level of the Foreign Secretaries and Foreign Ministers.

Gilani said he accepted Singh’s invitation to watch the Pakistan-India World Cup semi-final in Mohali as

he thought the meeting would provide a good opportunity for discussions with the Indian Prime Minister.

The two countries have to find solutions to their problems through dialogue, he said.

Asked about previous attempts at cricket diplomacy

by Pakistan’s former military rulers, Gilani said: “It will not be proper to compare the current democratic government in Pakistan with the regimes of Gen Zia-ul-Haq or Pervez Musharraf... There is democracy on both sides and both sides have made sacrifices for democracy.”

Despite the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, Gilani said, he and Singh agreed during their meeting in Thimphu to resume talks and not to let the dialogue process become hostage to such incidents as it would only benefit militants.

A p p o iNtmeNts

“

During my meeting with Dr Manmohan Singh, all core and outstanding issues were discussed. Without resolving the Kashmir issue, we cannot take things forward.

--- Yousuf Gilani

“

Nine die in Afghan Koran demo after UN killings AFP KANDAHAR, APRIL 2: Nine people died Saturday in new protests against a Koran burning in the US, a day after seven UN staff were killed by a mob in the worst attack on the world body in Afghanistan since the 2001 invasion.

The fresh protests began from the centre of the main southern city of Kandahar and spread to other locations as police clashed with crowds marching towards the UN offices and provincial administration headquarters, witnesses said.

“Today as result of violent demonstrations in Kandahar city 73 people are wounded and nine people are martyred,” the administration said in a statement.

The protesters damaged government and private buildings and torched vehicles, it added.

Police had fired into the air to try to prevent thousands of protesters marching towards the UN offices and provincial headquarters, an AFP reporter at the scene

AppointmentS

said.

Kandahar is the spiritual heartland of the Taliban, who have fought an insurgency against President

Hamid Karzai’s government in Kabul and its Western allies since they were ousted by the US-led invasion.

AppoiNtmeNts

Goa i Sunday 3, April 2011

Pope Benedict XVI has announced a day of reflection and dialogue in October to mark the 25th anniversary of a landmark peace meeting in Assisi convoked by his predecessor, the Vatican said.

AppoiNtmeNts

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world

“

They are asking us to withdraw from our own cities.... If this is not mad then I don’t know what this is. We will not leave our cities --- Mussa Ibrahim

“

Goa I Sunday 3, April, 2011

There is no doubt that something on a large scale took place in this city, on which the ICRC is continuing to gather information. Red Cross workers had themselves seen a very large number of bodies.

--- ICRC spokeswoman Dorothea Krimitsas

Fierce fighting rages as Gaddafi regime rejects ceasefire PTI TRIPOLI, APRIL 2: Fierce fighting raged today between the rebels and troops loyal to Muammar Gaddafi for the control of the eastern oil town of Brega as the government of the embattled leader dismissed conditions for a ceasefire as “mad”.

Opposition forces and Libyan troops were locked in intense battle near Brega and the towns of Az Zintan and Misurata, the last major opposition stronghold in west for weeks amid relentless air strikes by coalition forces.

In the village of Argkuk, near Ajdabiya, Al Jazeera reported the death of seven civilians and injuries to 25

others in what appeared to be a NATO-led coalition air strike on a pro-Gaddafi vehicle carrying ammunitions.

BBC said Nato was investigating the report.

Mussa Ibrahim, the government spokesman, termed the strike a “crime against humanity”.

He also scorned rebel conditions for a nationwide ceasefire, term it “mad”.

“They are asking us to withdraw from our own cities.... If this is not mad

then I don’t know what this is. We will not leave our cities,” Ibrahim was quoted as saying by Al Jazeera channel.

He said Gaddafi’s troops would never withdraw from the rebel-held cities and remain stationed there.

In the rebel-stronghold of Benghazi, opposition leader Mustafa Abdul Jalil yesterday said they would agree to a ceasefire if Libyans still under Gaddafi’s regime are granted freedom of expres-

sion and forces loyal to him withdraw from cities.

“We agree on a ceasefire on the condition that our brothers in the western cities have freedom of expression and also that the forces that are besieging the cities withdraw,” he said at a joint press conference with Abdelilah Al-Khatib, the UN envoy.

Soon after the UN resolution authorising international air strikes against Libya was approved,

Gaddafi had announced a ceasefire immediately. However, his troops have besieged Misurata and attacked eastern cities that have slipped out of his control, including the opposition stronghold of Benghazi.

Amid the intense fighting in the east, the Arab channel said the rebels appeared to have more communication equipment such as radios and satellite phones, and were working in more organised units.

Carnage, mass graves alleged as Ivory Coast violence rages AFP ABIDJAN, APRIL 2: Mass graves have allegedly been found in western Ivory Coast as a picture emerged Saturday of carnage amid fierce post-election battles, which the ICRC said claimed 800 lives in a single day.

The government of internationally recognised president Alassane Ouattara said

numerous mass graves had been found, “especially in Toulepleu, Blolequin and Guiglo, whose authors are none other than the loyal forces, mercenaries and militias of Laurent Gbagbo.”

The accusation came after the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said “at least 800 people” were killed on Tuesday during fighting in Duekoue, a major crossroads in western Ivory Coast.

Four months after a disputed election, with Laurent Gbagbo clinging to power despite an international consensus that he lost, Ouattara’s army launched a lightning offensive across the country before besieging the economic capital Abidjan.

As heavy fighting shook the city of five million, world leaders urged Gbagbo to step down immediately, citing concerns for citizens caught up in the bloody conflict.

In the west, it appeared that gross human rights violations had accompanied the fighting. Although the circumstances remained unclear, the ICRC said it looked like inter-ethnic violence.

“At least 800 people were killed in Duekoue on Tuesday,” an ICRC spokeswoman in Geneva, Dorothea Krimitsas, told AFP, adding that information on the death toll had been gathered

by Red Cross workers.

“There is no doubt that something on a large scale took place in this city, on which the ICRC is continuing to gather information,” she said, adding that Red Cross workers had “themselves seen a very large number of bodies”.

13

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sports

Vasco rout BEML, Sesa FA beaten

Agasaim edge out Siridao Boys

HERALD SPORTS REPORTER

Panjim, April 2: Two brilliant saves by St. Lawrence Agasaim’s golkeeper Odpoi in the tie-breaker set up a 53 win via the tie-breaker over Siridao Boys in Villagers of GoaVelha Super Soccer at Goa Velha on Saturday. There was no score at half time.

Ajay scored after receving a pass from Francis Pocket.

Saby equalised for Sridao Boys from a direct free kick.

In the tie breaker, Francis, Rudy, Estrocio and Ajay scored for Agasaim while for Siridao Boys, only Seby and Elvis scored.

Panjim, April 2: Vasco Club kept up their excellent showing blasting BEML, Bangalore 8-0 in a Group C preliminary match of Second Division I-League at Race Course Stadium, Madurai on Sunday. They led 3-0 at the break.

Sachin Gawas was the hero for Vasco netting three goals in all, in the 33rd, 41st, 50th minutes. Julius Akpepe

added one in 45+1.

Koko Sakibo scored a brace after the break in the 54th and 64th minutes. The other scorers were Jerose Oliveira in the 81st, Joel Sequeira in 90+3. Coach Gawin Araujo credited the boys with superb display.

In a Group B at Jamshedpur, Mohammedan Sporting edged past Sesa Football Academy 1-0 with Dipendu Biswas scoring the matchwinner in the 88th minute.

Churchill-ONGC tie on Monday PANJIM -- The I-League match between Churchill Brothers Sports Club and ONGC scheduled to be played at the Nehru stadium, Fatorda, Margao on April 3 has been postponed to April 4.

Salgaocar coach Bencherifa said there were some minor issues that bothered his preparations against Pune FC. Luciano Sabrosa is on a double booking and will miss the match. Midfielder Anthony Barbosa is recovering from an injury. Nigerian striker Ekene Ikenna is doubtful due to food poisoning.

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Goa I Sunday 3, April 2011

I’ve been thinking about the Olympics for such a long time and come what may, I am determined to give my best during the qualification trials in August.

-- Talasha Prabhu

Viva Kerala too good for JCT V KERAlA 4

JCT 1

AGENCIES Kochi, April 2: Viva Kerala grabbed all three points in the round 20 of I-League, scoring four goals against JCT Mills FC 4-1 in their battle for survival.

It was man-of-the match, Sajesh P who opened the scoring for the home team which was followed by a brace from Anil Kumar PK and Krama Tsewang.

In the 18th minute, Felix found Pradeep off a corner kick and the later crossed for Karma, whose shot was saved by the JCT custodian. Sajesh blasted the rebound into the nets.

Viva doubled their lead with just two minutes into the second half. It was Karma who tapped in a cross from Anil Kumar in the 47th minute.

JCT never gave up and returned a goal through a header from Ajay Singh in the 67th minute.

Viva punished the away team scoring through in-form

Anil Kumar in the 82nd minute.

Seven minutes were added on at the end of regulation time due to an injury sustained by Viva's keeper Sharath during the match.

And that allowed Viva to score their fourth goal of the match.

Viva remained unchanged as they still find themselves in the 11th spot with 18 points, one point behind the

Indian Arrows in the tenth spot and four points ahead of JCT Mills in the 12th position. Viva will now play Mumbai FC in their next home match.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

as the tournament enters the final phase from here on.

The home team goes into the match with several key players carrying niggling injuries - the crucial will be the absence of goalkeeper Subrata Paul, who is serving a one-match suspension due to the red card he received against ONGC. Likewise, defender Lamine Tamba (double-booking) will sit out.

“Salgaocar will be strong.

The game is important for both –Salgaocar looking to go up

and so is the case with Pune,” said coach Derrick Pereira.

Coach Bencherifa said there were some minor issues that bothered his preparations. Brazilian stopper back Luciano Sabrosa is on a double booking and will miss the match. Midfielder Anthony Barbosa is recovering from an injury. Nigerian striker Ekene Ikenna is doubtful due to food poisoning.

Salgaocar on the other hand are unbeaten in eight matches and on a high with

TODAY’S FIXTURES H A L v. A r r ow s C h i r a g v. D e m p o M u m b a i v. M B a g a n P u n e v. S a l g a o c a r

Pune wary of Salgaocar Margao, April 2: After suffering mixed outing at the IFA Shield tournament in Kolkata, Pune FC are back in the I-League campaign with the toughest and inform team Salgaocar SC as their opponent in the Round 20 encounter of I-League at Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune on Sunday.

Pune are on eighth position and even a draw should help them gain confidence

40 points to top the standings. Pune have 22 points.

The Goans are joint top scorers with 42 goals (17 games), which is a feat that only Churchill Brothers has achieved but from 19 matches. Salgaocar’s mainstay has been Ryuji Sueoka and Yusif Yakubu who account for 24 goals.

Talasha eyes London Olympics berth Photo: Rozario Estibeiro HERALD SPORTS REPORTER Panjim, April 2: “2012 London Olympics is my final dream, with intensive training starting from April 5 so as to be in top shape in August for trials to select the India team,” disclosed Goa’s ace international swimmer, Talasha S Prabhu at Hotel Mandovi, here on Saturday.

“I’ve been thinking about the Olympics for such a long time and come what may, I am determined to give my best during the qualification trials in August. I have been enjoying the rigorous training in Bangalore under National coach Pradeep Kumar,” remarked Talasha as she addressed the media alongwith her father Satish and Dempo’s Group of Companies general manager, B T Bhoke.

“The London Games seem a long time away and not that far away at the same time. Things are really gathering pace in terms of championships and more intensive training camps but I feel the selection for it will go pretty much right,” the Dempo Goodwill Brand Ambassador narrated.

Undoubtedly, Talasha’s position of eminence in aquatics is solely due to the Dempo Group of Companies sponsorship of Rs 10.50 lakh per year for the last two years now.

Talasha’s relocation to Bangalore alongwith her mother Berna for elite training for the past two years has

Benaulim up

TAlAShA PRAbhU (centre) alongwith her father Satish (left) and B T Bhoke of Dempo Group of Companies in Panjim on Saturday. resulted in the talented swimmer tallying 52 medals at National level competitions from just five before she was selected by Dempo.

“I owe it to Shrinivas V Dempo. Without that handsome sponsorship which takes care of everything, I would be still languishing in Goa and never made a mark in India,” pointed out Talasha.

Dempo could even raise Talasha’s sponsorship to Rs 20 lakh, which is the case with another budding sportsgirl, Natasha Palha of Agasaim who is training in Spain, should she need to undergo further, expert training either in US, Australia or Singapore, disclosed Bhoke of Dempo Group of Companies. “She has been performing exceedingly well and we are ready to do everything needed so that she can scale still higher and

greater heights,” remarked Bhoke, who added that Talasha’s progress graph has been simply remarkable.

As of now, Dempo have been sponsoring three talented sportspersons - Talasha, Natasha (tennis) and Ivana Furtado (chess), but the company could also consider other exceptional boys and girls (maximum age 16) in athletics, badminton, table tennis, volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling, archery, boxing, hockey and skating, said Bhoke. “The Dempo Sports Policy has no limitations so long as those selected not only keep up their performance, but show further improvement. New names are under consideration,” stated Bhoke.

“Talasha earned an international medal at SAF meet.

She was the lone Goan in the Indian National team at Commonwealth Games. She

represented India at Asian Youth, World Schools, FINA event in Rome and several other international, recognized meets in Tokyo, Vietnam, Dhaka. She is the winner of Dilip Sardessai award in Goa. If her performance has been outstanding, the credit should go to the Dempo Group of Companies and its chairman Shrinivas, in particular,” stressed Talasha’s father, Satish who has been backing his daughter to the hilt.

Talasha’s commitment to her goal is something to be admired. She has been turned into a thorough professional, where excuses are not tolerated and a disciplined way of life, like that in the Army, is the watchword.

She is also keeping pace with her studies side by side and feels that such a regimen is the only way for ultimate success.

GFA 2nd Division: St Savio SC v. Milagres SC, Duler stadium, Mapusa, 4 p.m.

1st all-India invitational veterans football: Raia Veterans v. Bardez Veterans, DSYA ground, near Military Camp, Ponda, 4 p.m.

Rusi Daver Soccer Cup: Betalbatim SC v. Sodiem Siolim SCA, Saligao Sporting ground, 4.30 p.m.

YSC inter-ward soccer: St. Sebastiao, Gonvol v. Mellantoloi, 3.30 p.m. YSC’s All-Goa soccer: Cortalim Boys v. YSC Mankem, 4.30 p.m., Mankem ground.

Cruz memorial football: St Rock, Fatrade v. Ferrari Boys Varca, 9.30 a.m.; Cross Boys Carmona v.

Rosary Boys Dovorlim, 4.30 p.m., Carmona panchayat ground.

Villagers of Goa Velha Super Soccer: St. Anthony's SC, Marna, Siolim v. Carmona Boys, Goa Velha ground, 4.30 p.m.

U-14, U-12 cricket camps PANJIM – The Goa Cricket Association will conduct selection trials for boys U-14 and boys U-12 for summer camp on April 5 and 6 from 8 a.m.

Players who have registered their names with GCA may report at GCA Academy gound, Porvorim (North Goa players ) and BITS Pilani Goa campus (South Goa players).

Photo: Rozario Estibeiro

PANJIM -- Holy Cross Benaulim defeated Menezes Boys 5-1 in Cruz memorial football tournament at Carmona ground, Saturday.

They led 1-0 at half time with Wilson being the scorer.

Polwin, Leslie, Cedric, Mackenzie scored for Holy Cross Benaulim after the break.

Nuvem ahead

MARGAO--Nuvem Sports Club blanked Goa Velha Sport Club 3-0 to march into the semifinals of All Goa SWC Cup intervillage football at Zaino ground, Velim on Saturday.

Rollin Borges struck twice.

Joe Colaco rounded off the tally late in the second half.

Meanwhile Goa Velha lodged a protest.

MAlAY SAMAnT (extreme right, with his father and mother) studying at Lourdes Convent HS, Saligao, who swam across Mandovi River on the World Autism Awareness Day alongwith Abraham Fernandes, Abigail D’Costa, Vinela Olenga Dias.

They were felicitated by CCP Mayor Yatin Parekh, Deputy Commissioner of Customs, Tony Dias, CCP councillor Makhija, Special Olympics Bharat director Victor Vaz, Special Olympics Goa director Luis Fernandes, SAG’s joint director Eugenio Cardoso at Customs Jetty on Saturday. The students were trained by SAG coaches at Peddem swimming pool, Mapusa.

The swim with a difference was organized by Special Olympics Bharat with the sole objective of creating an awareness on the need of the society to encourage children with autism. Girish Lotlikar of Customs provided logistic support.

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“

Mohammed Bin Hammam, FIFA President Sepp Blatter's rival in the forthcoming elections for the head of football's governing body, said the Swiss is harming the organisation's image. In the eyes of the public and media, it (FIFA) is corrupt under Blatter.

“

Goa I Sunday 3, April 2011

We don’t give up, no matter what the score.

We were brilliant all over the Park.

-- Wayne Rooney

Rooney keeps Man Utd atop AP london, APril 2: Wayne Rooney’s hat trick kept Manchester United on track to win the Premier League with a 4-2 comeback win over West Ham, while Chelsea’s hopes of retaining the title were hit with a 1-1 draw at Stoke on Saturday.

While third-place Chelsea

needed Didier Drogba to equalize at mid-table Stoke, Rooney’s first hat trick for 14 months helped the leaders bounce back from a 2-0 halftime deficit to boost their chances of a record 19th English championship.

Liverpool, which shares the record of 18 titles with United, lost 2-1 against a West Bromwich Albion side

MORE DRAMA ADVTS ON PAGE IV

led by its former manager, Roy Hodgson, while Tottenham’s hopes of a second straight top-four finish were hit by a 0-0 draw at Wigan.

Chelsea has eight games left and is 11 points behind United, which has played one more game. Second-place Arsenal can keep United’s lead at five points with victory over Blackburn in Saturday’s late match.

United has trailed 2-0 away from home three times this season and salvaged seven points from those matches.

Two penalty kicks by Mark Noble put relegation-threatened West Ham 2-0 ahead by the 25th minute at Upton Park, but Mexico striker Javier Hernandez replaced Patrice Evra for the second half and fellow forward Dimitar Berbatov went on for Park Ji-sung to help United get back in the game.

Rooney curled in a 65thminute free kick for just his eighth league goal of the season and struck his 100th in the English top flight eight minutes later, creating room on the edge of the area with one touch and shooting past goalkeeper Robert Green

Manchester United's striker Wayne Rooney scores his penalty during the English Premier League football match against West Ham United at Boleyn ground, Upton Park, in London on Saturday. with his next.

The England striker then scored a 79th-minute penalty following Matthew Upson’s inadvertent handball and Hernandez scored from Ryan Giggs’ cross with six minutes left.

United had looked on course for a repeat of November’s 4-0 League Cup defeat to West Ham after penalties awarded for a handball by Evra and a trip by Nemanja Vidic on Carlton Cole at the very edge of the area.

Chelsea fell behind to

Stoke in the eighth minute through Jon Walters’ breakaway goal.

Drogba headed an equalizer in the 33rd but Stoke could easily have won, hitting the woodwork twice in the second half and forcing several good saves from Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech.

Ancelotti kept Fernando Torres on the bench until the 61st but the Spain striker endured an eighth game without a goal since his 50-million-pound ($80.6 mil-

lion) transfer from Liverpool in January.

West Brom had never scored a goal in its nine previous Premier League matches against Liverpool but, with Hodgson in charge, won on Saturday through two second-half penalties by Chris Brunt.

Liverpool led through Martin Skrtel’s 50th-minute header, but Brunt equalized in the 62nd after defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos brought down Peter Odemwingie and goalkeeper Pepe Reina then tripped Odemwingie, giving Brunt the chance to hit an 88th-minute winner.

Also, Darren Bent scored twice for Aston Villa but his side stayed deep in relegation trouble after Leighton Baines’ 83rd-minute penalty earned Everton a 2-2 draw.

Newcastle beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-1 and Birmingham beat Bolton 21.

Norwich kept a firm hold of second place in the second-tier League Championship with a 6-0 win over Scunthorpe, while Cardiff beat Derby 4-1 to move ahead of Swansea into third place on goal difference.

Djokovic to face Nadal in final AFP MiAMi, APril 2: Novak Djokovic's remarkable run continued on Friday as he steamed into the final of the ATP's Miami Masters 1000, where he will face world number one Rafael Nadal.

Djokovic reached his fourth final in as many tournaments this year with a 6-3, 6-1 victory over American Mardy Fish.

Nadal, meanwhile, notched a convincing 6-3, 6-2 victory over 16-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer, now ranked third in the world.

Saurabh cricket at Chicalim HErAld rEPorTEr VASCO -- The Vasco residential coaching camp (RCC) will organise their maiden U-14 Saurabh Sardesai cricket tournament for Mormugao Schools from April 4 at Chicalim ground.

In all, 12 schools will battle for the title. The opening match will be between Our Lady of Candelaria and Vasco RCC. Regina Mundi will meet Navy Children School in the other match.

Saurabh Sardessai, a promising cricketer from Vasco RCC lost his life in a tragic accident just when 11 he fell down from the terrace of a building while playing.

He was a very good wicketkeeper-batsman.

chUbby cheeks Spring Valley High School, Alto Porvorim, winners of Goa League of Arsenal Cup who will represent Goa in Arsenal Cup finals in Shillong from April 9. Standing Latesh Mandrekar, Ivon Fernandes, Zaki Khan, Johann Fernandes, Myron Fernandes.

Sitting Avrhisto Fernandes (captain), Agnela Barretto (PE teacher), Selena D’Souza e Po (Headmistress), Alex Alvares (SAG coach), Cajetan Vaz (PE teacher). Squatting Alrich D’Souza, Gajanan Mandrekar, Dravin Mandrekar.

All-India Veterans soccer at Ponda today HErAld SPorTS dESK Panjim, April 2: Bardez Veterans will clash with Raia Veterans in the inaugural match of 1st All-India Invitation Veterans Football tournament at sports complex, Ponda on Sunday at 4 p.m.

Francisco Sardinha, MP will inaugurate the tournament being organised by Ponda Football Veterans. ExIndia international captain and ex-Dempo stopper Nicholas Pereira, Geetesh

Naik, Lalit Jain and Fr Basil Lobo will be present. There is a special attraction lotto with a prize of Rs Rs 2,000.

For the first time Ponda football lovers will be able to witness old players in action.

On Sunday, ex-international forward Bruno Coutinho, Elvis and Jude will be in action for Bardez.

Salgaocar Veterans will have most of their senior players with Brahmanand Sancoalkar, Lawrence Gomes, Johnny Pereira, Xavier Co-

laco, Alfred, Rocky Carneiro.

Another team to watch will be Customs and Central Excise with former Dempo and Sporting players.

The week long tournament has got four outstation teams, Air India Mumbai, Kerela Veterans, Golden Gunner’s Mumbai and Kolhapur Veterans.

The finals will be played on April 10 with the winners getting richer by Rs 51,000 and the runner-up by Rs 31,000.

Sesa FA hold Peddem Bomm HErAld SPorTS rEPorTEr Mapusa, April 2: Super-sub Raymond Rodrigues scored with a delightful chip from outside the box to equalize for Sesa Football Academy Juniors in the 83rd minute as they drew 1-1 with Peddem Bomm Sports Club in GFA’s 2nd Division League at Duler stadium, here on Saturday. Gautham Nivakar had given Bomm the lead in the 70th minute.

Sesa finished their campaign, with

six points from four matches, but as per the GFA rules, Sesa Football Academy will not be allowed to contest the playoffs, due to the fielding of a second team in the Pro League.

Peddem Bomm have a small chance of qualifying for the play-offs, as they have finished on five points from four matches and will have to wait and see the result of the match between Milagres and St Savio on Sunday, as Milagres are also on five points, but enjoy a greater goal difference of three goals.

Penha de Franca who had finished their campaign earlier have now qualified for the play-offs with six points.

In the 70th minute, Jesmon Carvalho sent in a cross to the danger area and Gautham did well to jump higher than his opponent and put Bomm in front.

Once Sesa went a goal behind, they replaced lone striker Umesh Harijan with Raymond and he came up trumps, scoring a sublime equaliser, from outside the box.

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President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh led the nation in hailing Team India’s triumph saying it is a testimony to the hard work of the players and the astute leadership of Dhoni. In a message, Patil said "the road to success has been long and hard. You and your team were tested at every stage."

“

Goa I Sunday 3, April 2011

We batted like champions and we saved lots of runs on the field. I was playing the World Cup for a ‘special person’ -- Yuraj Singh

Jubilant Goan fans in Margao, Baga, Panjim and Vasco celebrate India’s victory.

Photos: Sachin Ambodskar &Third Eye

Tears of joy for Sachin AFP MuMbAi, APril 2: Sachin Tendulkar said he could not hold back his tears after India thrashed Sri Lanka in the World Cup final on Saturday to win the "ultimate" prize after a gap of 28 years.

"I couldn't have asked for more," said Tendulkar, as his teammates carried him on their shoulders for a victory

lap before adoring fans at the Wankhede Satdium.

"Winning the World Cup is the ultimate thing. It is the proudest moment of my life.

It shows it is never too late," he said referrring to India's

wait for 28 years for the coveted crown.

"I thank my teammates who were fabulous. I could not really hold back my tears. These are happy tears so I don't mind crying."

No fairytale finish for Murali

AFP MuMbAi, APril 2: Record-

India deserved win: Sangakkara Sangakkara, who made 48, said the only way his team could have stopped India from winning the crown was to take quick wickets but that did not happen.

"India were the better side.

They were fantastic tonight.

The only way for us to stop India was to get at least

seven wickets. Gautam (Gambhir) was outstanding and (Mahendra Singh) Dhoni stepped up and performed.

"We are diappointed but the better side won."

Gambhir made 97 while skipper and man-of-thematch Dhoni finished unbeaten on 91.

breaking Sri Lanka off-spinner Muttiah Muralithran bowed out of international cricket on the losing side.

Murali, who will be 39 later this month, had said before the tournament he would retire after this Cup. He went into the final with 800 wickets in 133 Tests and 534 in one-day internationals, both world records.

But in his 350th one-day international a half-fit Murali was rendered wicketless, his eight overs costing an economical 39 runs but without quite the same sharp turn that made him so difficult to face for so long.

Wel come mep pr osper i t y t hi sGu s GudiPadwa Kick start this new year with the stunning looks, great mileage and advanced technology of Hero Honda two-wheelers.

AFP captain Kumar Sangakkara said his team were disappointed at missing out on a second World Cup title but proud to go down to a team that deserved victory more.

"I am very proud of everyone in the team, especially Mahela (Jayawardene) who rose up to the occasion and put up a great hundred," he said, after India defeated his side by six wickets in the final at the Wankhede stadium.

Jayawardene scored an unbeaten 103 off just 88 balls to take Sri Lanka to 274-6 in the day-night clash watched by a capacity 30,000 crowd and millions more on television.

"When you look at this Indian team anything less than 350 is not enough. It has been a great tournament for us. The way India played they deserved the tag of favourites.

"Both Sri Lanka and India will be proud with the way they have played."

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Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni today crossed the 6,000-run mark in ODI cricket during the World Cup summit clash against Sri Lanka here while teammate Gautam Gambhir also took his tally past 4,000. He is now the seventh Indian batsman to have crossed the 6,000-run mark

DHONI’S DASHERS SUPREME Team India: Each one takes Rs 1 crore Kirsten & support staff: Rs 50 lakh each Selectors: Rs 25 lakh

Man-of-the-Match: M S Dhoni Man-of-the-Series:•Yuvraj Singh

Sachin Tendulkar is carried on his teammates shoulders after India defeated Sri Lanka in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 final played at The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday.

Dhoni hits out at critics

PTI Mumbai, April 2: Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni today took potshots at the critics of his team, saying that the World Cup triumph has answered them.

He said a couple of decisions taken by him in today's summit showdown against Sri Lanka could have been criticised had his side not won the World Cup. "A few decisions I have taken today, including why I brought in S Sreesanth in-

stead of Ravichandran Ashwin and why I promoted myself in the batting order ahead of Yuvraj who has been in great form. It could have been that the decisions cost the match," he said at the post-match presentation after India beat Sri Lanka by six wickets in the summit showdown here.

"We have been hearing a lot of things during this tournament and so it feels great to win the World Cup," he said.

"I always wanted to give

chance to give chance to younger players by sending them up the order. Today, I thought I would take the responsibility myself. It was more like proving myself and not to others," he said.

Asked specifically if the World Cup triumph was in a way telling the critics to shut up as the players would do their job with their performance, he said, "In India it would be very rude to say like that."

"We spent the last 30-35 days together in the field and

Coin tossed twice in final Stadium on Saturday when the toss had to be performed twice.

After India captain Dhoni spun the coin, it looked as if he thought he had won the toss.

But match referee Jeff Crowe did not hear a call from Lanka capCaptains confused over toss. tain Kumar Sangakkara who, as the visiting skipper was supposed to nominate AFP 'heads' or 'tails' while the coin Mumbai, April 2: The World was in the air.

Commentator Ravi ShasCup final between India and Sri Lanka was plunged into tri, who was 'hosting' the controversy before a ball was toss, said the coin had fallen bowled at the Wankhede heads the first time.

SCOREBOARD Sri Lanka: U Tharanga c Sehwag b Zaheer 2, T Dilshan b Harbhajan 33, K Sangakkara c Dhoni b Yuvraj 48, M Jaywardene not out 103, T Samaraweera lbw b Yuvraj 21, C Kapugedera c Raina b Zaheer 1, N Kulasekara run out (Dhoni) 32, T Perera not out 22. Extras: 12. Total: 274 for 6. Fall of wickets: 1-17, 2-60, 3-122, 4-179, 5-182, 6-248. Bowling: Zaheer 10-3-60-2; Sreesanth 8-0-52-0; Patel 9-0-41-0; Harbhajan 10-0-50-1; Yuvraj 10-0-49-2; Tendulkar 2-0-12-0; Kohli 1-0-6-0.

India: Virender Sehwag lbw b Malinga 0, Sachin Tendulkar c Sangakkara b Malinga 18, Gautam Gambhir b Perera 97, Virat Kohli c & b Dilshan 35, MS Dhoni not out 91, Yuvraj Singh not out 21. Extras: 15.

Total: 277 for 4. Fall of wickets: 1-0 2-31 3-114 4-223. Bowling: Malinga 9-0-42-2, Kulasekara 8.2-0-64-0, Perera 9-0-55-1, Randiv 9-0-43-0, Dilshan 5-0-27-1, Muralitharan 8-0-39-0.

Man-of-the-Match: M S Dhoni Man-of-the-Series: Yuvraj Singh

There were then a few moments of confusion before Crowe said he had not heard the call and so ordered a re-toss -- an almost unheard of event in any cricket match and certainly one of this importance.

the dressing room thinking of this victory only and we have achieved that now," he added.

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Goa I Sunday 3, April 2011

My team is disappointed at missing out on a second World Cup title but is proud to go down to a team that deserved victory -- Kumar Sangakkara

HE RA LD

Pg IV

INDIA

GOA, SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2011

Four CRPF men killed in ambush PTI DIPHU, APRIL 2

Ahead of the first phase of assembly polls on Monday, KPLT insurgents today ambushed a CRPF convoy killing four jawans and injuring as many in Assam's Karbi Anglong district.

A group of Karbi Peoples Libe r a t i o n T i g e r i n s u rg e n t s opened fire at the convoy of

three CRPF vehicles carrying 18 men at Arlangso in Deothar, police said.

The jawans died on the spot.

While three of the injured were admitted to Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) Hospital in neighbouring Golaghat district, one critically injured was sent to Gauhati Medical College Hospital.

The paramilitary force personnel also retaliated but the rebels escaped into the thick jungles, sources said.

Eleven rounds of empty cartridges of light machine guns (LMG) and self-loading rifles (SLR) were recovered from the spot.

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GOA’S HEARTBEAT

Special Status Needed:

Monis chukon ieta, ani matoechem aidon futtum ieta - Anonymous

To protect Marginalised Goan from Greedy Rich Goans and Much More…

BY CHRISTINA VIEGAS HERALD FEATURES ur Special Status story last Sunday garnered in a lot of feedback from people all over. Most felt it made interesting reading, many got enlightened about Special Status and still others felt that there is truth in the fact that the Goans themselves have sold land to the rich and mighty from out of state. But it was also interesting to get feedback from people who pleaded that they did not belong to the divided Goans.

Instead, they iterated, that the majority of them are united over this issue but unfortunately, since they belong to the marginalised, middle class or ‘aam aurat and aam admi’, their voices are not heard and this is the reason they are coming out in the open and getting together at various seminars and workshops to explain the issue to people. They are trying their best to ensure the greedy rich Goans do not get away with selling Goa. According to Rui Da Gama, Managing Trustee and Convenor, Asha Family Responsibilities and Rights Association, “I agree with you that it is the Goans themselves who are selling their lands, but these are the minority ‘bhatcars’ or the rich landlords. These greedy rich are conniving with the outsiders who are willing to invest pots of their black money in our Goan villages.

They will get the maximum money from these outsiders and finally migrate to places like Canada, England, etc.”

And getting to the topic of the outside settler who has successfully integrated with the Goan community and has been contributing constructively towards everything good for Goa, the opinion is for the outside settlers to work freely here by staying in rented places and to take the fruits of their effort to the development of their native states on retirement. Now, I wonder how many would concur with this suggestion!

As for pressing for Special Status, interestingly, Matany Saldanha, convenor, GMFSS opines, “While it is true that Goa does not share international borders with other countries, the fact remains that by virtue of being a tourist destination it is quite high on the terrorists’ agenda and therefore needs special security which can be addressed by granting Special Status instead of deploying more Central Para Military Forces who contribute significantly to the changing demography is the State.”

He continues, “Besides, 60 per cent of Goa’s population comprises of OBCs, SCs and STs. If the North Eastern States could get Special Status because of the high tribal population therein, why should Goa not get Special Status because of the high percentage of disadvantaged population living here?”

Unfortunately, there are mixed perceptions on Special Status and not many have understood the need for this. Special Status is not sought by Goa only for financial packages but to protect the very essence of formation of states that was done on linguistic and cultural basis. As Saldanha says, “Goans are today running the risk of not only losing their language which is getting drowned by other voices, but also losing their culture and ethnicity as Goa is turning more and more cosmopolitan like Mumbai.”

Getting to Goa’s prosperity, we all know that the Gross Domestic Product is absolutely great. But delve beyond the good figures and you learn that the state’s GDP is fuelled by three major factors – mining, tourism and

Parenting

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I have found the best way to give advice to your children is to find out what they want and then advise them to do it - Harry Truman

Post the 2nd Popular Tiatr Festival, ‘tiatrists’ and the Tiatr Academy of Goa discussed the elements that make up a ‘tiatr’. This cleared the air among the ‘tiatr’ community. Here is a briefing

Photo by Rozario Estibeiro

foreign remittances.

In our story last week, we had touched on the fact that Goa contributes 2,500 crores of rupees of export duty on mining and we get nothing from this for environmental development. Saldanha says, “The underbelly of Goan countryside is being ripped apart to export the ore to China and the Centre rakes in the earnings leaving Goans to suffer from dust pollution, unsafe roads, uncultivable fields and depleted forest cover. Experts in the mining industry prophesise that this industry will last for only another 15 years in Goa and after that what happens? Goa will be left with ravaged country, denuded forests, destroyed fields and a large chunk of unemployed persons. How does the tiny state deal with this problem when it will have no resources? The royalty from mining is expected to touch Rs 900 crore for the current fiscal year according to Chief Minister Digambar Kamat. But the question is how much is going to the Centre and what is the harm if Goa demands a greater share, after all the earnings are from ravaging its land?”

As for tourism, ironically this very sector has made cost of living extremely high in the state, so much so, many Goans find it difficult to have their staple fish on their plates everyday. Land prices have skyrocketed and Goans cannot afford to purchase a small piece of land for themselves; thanks to the clamour of second homes by non-Goans. And as Saldanha says, “The Gadgil-Mukherjee formula used by the Planning Commission while allotting funds to States goes against well performing States like Goa who, it is said, are actually punished for their performance rather than being awarded.”

Yet another factor in favour of Goa’s demand for Special Status is its unique identity and ethos that has evolved thanks to some unique laws in force here. The Common Civil Code for example has been much appreciated by all and sundry as it does not discriminate anybody nor seeks to appease any section and is truly secular in letter and spirit. It also confers the right to property upon women while women in the rest of the country are still fighting for it. It is to protect these unique laws, identity, land, demographic balance that we need Special provision under Article 371 of the Constitution of India; our only hope. And it is the government’s duty to guarantee its people the right to life and property before the situation goes way beyond control.

Devan Ghoddlem, Munxean Moddlem

BY RON FIDELIS very ‘tiatr’ is so, specifically due to certain elements. The ‘tiatrist’ community, via the workings of the Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG), has figured out a four-point grid that separates a ‘tiatr’ from a ‘natak’ or a ‘khell tiatr’.

At a meeting by the ‘tiatrists’ after the 2nd Popular Tiatr Festival discussions were had.

With regard to a traditional ‘tiatr’, while there was a claim to make the scenes between four to seven for more flexibility, they settled at six to seven as the first prerogative, fulfilling the ‘sath pordde legacy’ as popularly known.

Secondly, four ‘cantos’ in four separate scenes have to be present. Then there are ‘cantarams’ – songs between the scenes not connected to the main play. For a ‘tiatr’ to be called a

E

Birth Order and Children First born, middle or last born, birth order plays an important part in one’s life, personality and even academics, especially in India where the majority are seeped into superstition. As parents are under pressure to see their child perform well in exams, Herald delves deeper to find out how the birth order affects the child’s academics and the measures to be taken to deal with children at this critical time

BY DOLCY D’CRUZ HERALD FEATURES it with your book and study, see how your sister is studying,” this is one of the taunting lines a child is brought up with during school years. The first born are set as examples to the other siblings and is brought up to be responsible.

Alfred Adler was a pioneer in the study of birth order.

His research suggested that the position a child had by the order of birth significantly affected the child's growth and personality.

Grace Andrew is a clinical psychologist and Executive Director of Sangath says, “It is very true that birth order does affect one’s life and academics. When one child does well, they are compared by their parents. Comparison can lead to sibling rivalry. According to the birth order, the younger ones get away with anything while the elder one is considered more understanding and responsible. If the younger one does something wrong, the parents usually resort to telling the elder child, “You are elder, you should understand.” I advice parents should learn to let it go and allow the child to perform their best, the onus is on the children as parents compare their children even to their friends’ children.”

Noticing the stress involved in exams, Dr Nandita de Souza, developmental and behavioural pediatrician says, “Parents are most anxious about the first child and are relaxed with the second and third born. Pressure comes with exams as parents want their child to do well. They compare their children with their siblings with the hope

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What is ‘Tiatr’ and What is Not

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that the child will work harder which generally discourages and disheartens the child. On the contrary, parents should compare the child with his/her own performance which will motivate them to do better. Once the exams are over and the kids are enjoying holidays but parents are under a different kind of anxiety about the results.

Some children cannot bear the burden to meet the expectations of their parents while a vast majority have learnt to ignore their parents nagging.”

Dr Priti Bakre, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Sethu says, “The elder child is treated as the responsible one, the second or middle child usually has an identity crisis on which role to take up and the youngest one is considered a baby. Birth order doesn’t bring about any learning disability but comparison to siblings has an impact on the child’s self esteem. Nagging a child after exams is best avoided. Some parents show their love for children based on the results. They will not gift the child anything for the birthday saying that you didn’t fare well. There is no warm flow of positive interaction with the child, parents are busy with work and the only free time is spent by taking up studies which is not always positive. Parents should avoid labelling children, words like stupid discourages a child and their self esteem suffers.”

As children are on the verge of holidays, they should be allowed to keep the past behind with a simple understanding that they have to do well in the future.

Comparing and harassing a child will not help in a better result but will affect their personality in the long run.

‘tiatr’, there have to be a minimum of ten songs with at least two duets, one duo, one trio, a quartet and a choral song compulsorily sung in voices from any of the above song formats mentioned.

The fourth and most debated point came about due to ‘khell tiatrs’ and ‘nataks’ and plays being crossed with ‘tiatrs’. This was streamlined to make sure internet jokes between two comedians on stage would not take place. TAG held meetings where they discussed how comedy has to be imbibed within the main storyline of the play and not be a separate sideshow. Some directors did not attend these meetings. This message has not come across as well understood by a few playwrights in the recently concluded 2nd Popular Tiatr Competition. “The endeavour here is to separate elements that are of tiatr,” informs Tomazinho Cardozo, President, Tiatr Academy. Some state that people like these extra comic stances but, “blatantly feeding providing this only because people want it is a typical commercial attitude,” Tomazinho duly points out.

Kudos to those who have maintained the ‘tiatr’ format in spite of being from the non-stop ‘tiatr’ circuit, as it is difficult.

While the non-stop directors revert from ‘khell tiatr’ ways to an original traditional ‘tiatr’ format, in return they get enveloped by this unique art form of the Goan ‘tiatr’.

This sets them a class apart from theatre forms all over the universe.

FAMILY SITUATION

HOW PARENTS’ EXPECTATIONS AFFECT CHILDREN: CHILD'S CHARACTERISTICS

ONLY

Retains 200% attention from both parents.

May become rival of one parent. Can be over-protected and spoiled.

Likes being the center of adult attention. Often has difficulty sharing with siblings and peers. Prefers adult company and uses adult language.

OLDEST

Dethroned by next child. Has to learn to share. Parent expectations are usually very high. Often given responsibility and expected to set an example.

May become authoritarian or strict. Feels power is his right. Can become helpful if encouraged. May turn to father after birth of next child.

SECOND

He has a pacemaker. There is always someone ahead.

Is more competitive, wants to overtake older child. May become a rebel or try to outdo everyone. Competition can deteriorate into rivalry.

MIDDLE

Is ‘sandwiched’ in. May feel squeezed out of a position of privilege and significance.

May be even-tempered, “take it or leave it” attitude. May have trouble finding a place or become a fighter of injustice.

YOUNGEST

Has many mothers and fathers. Older children try to educate them. Never dethroned.One is usually stronger or more active. Parents may see one as the older.

Wants to be bigger than the others. May have huge plans that never work out. Can stay the ‘baby.’ Frequently spoiled.

One is usually stronger or more active. Parents may see one as the older.

Can have identity problems. Stronger one may become the leader.

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Sunday, 3 Apr 2011

WHAT’S UP IN GOA??

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

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

Summer Camp April 2011, organised

by Xavier Centre of Historical Research, Alto Porvorim will be held from April 4 to 30 from 9.30am to 12.30pm.

E-mail xchr.events@gmail.com.

Call 2417772.

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

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

French courses, conducted by Alliance Francaise will be held in the months of April-May in Panjim. Registration is open. E-mail alliancefr@hotmail.com. Call 2420049 or 9922813950.

Biggest Summer Dance Camp, organised by Xtremers Dance Academy will be held from April 4 to May 28 from 4pm to 8pm at Panjim, Margao, Ponda, Vasco, Colva, Bicholim, Porvorim and Mapusa. A free zumba fit-

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HOROSCOPE ness trial will be held on April 5 at 6.30pm at Don Bosco, Panjim. Call 9823712572, 09822170820 or 09823469258.

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

‘Sentimental Journey’, a free musical programme, organised by V Events will be held on April 3 at 7pm at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao and on April 6 at 7pm at DMK Auditorium, Kala Academy, Panjim. Call 2420452.

Fado evenings will be held on April 5 at Alfama, Cidade de Goa. Call 2454545.

‘CARZ’, a one-day workshop on cars for kids by Rohan Coelho will be held on April 16 from 9am to 6pm at Sunaparanta - Goa Centre for the Arts, Altinho-Panjim. E-mail info@sgcfa.org.

Call 2421311.

‘Indradhanush’, a 3-day cultural festival, organised by the Ganga-Zuari Academy will be held from April 22 to 24. There will be competitions in the areas of dance, singing, essay and drawing. Call 9822486204 or 9404434878.

‘Click! Click! Click! The vibrant colours of Shigmo’, a photography contest capturing the sights of the Shigmo organised by Goan Shutterbugs is open to entries till April 4.

Visit www.goanshutterbugs.com. Call 9822151419.

The annual summer camp for children, organised by Wildtrek Adventures will be held on April 7, 8 and 9 at the periphery of Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. Call 9822123458, 9822155805 or 2710650.

You're still exploring new ways to connect with others, so 21 Mar - 19 Apr be patient with yourself. You need to explore your surroundings. It could be a new office space, a neighborhood that has been hidden from you for years or even that one basement room that you've never checked out.

Taurus To find a great deal today, you have to shop around. Don't 20 Apr - 20 May make a hasty purchase! This is a good day for looking up data on whatever your next big step is likely to be. Check out that romantic prospect, investigate a prospective employer or just shop around.

There's a lot to Gemini learn right now, so asking good questions is ess e n t i a l . Yo u 21 May - 20 Jun friends have friends of their own -- and one of them is more important than ever right now. You might not ever know exactly what they said or did, but they set something big in motion!

You are entering a very active mental phase, and your quick mind is getting 22 Jun - 23 Jul quicker! Your memories are important today -- and are more likely to be correct than usual, which is really saying something! You ought to be able to get your people to agree with your take on what has already happened.

Discussing hopes and desires with friends will create entertaining conver24 Jul - 23 Aug sations.

Education and learning are topping your to-do list today - so get out there and dig up something new! You may want to take a class or try something a little less formal, but you must expand your mind!

The energy of others will rub off on you today -- hang with 23 Aug - 22 Sep high-spirited people. Your mood is great today -- but it may grate on friends or coworkers if you inflict it on them when they're not ready for it. See if you can either have fun on your own or find another loon to share it with!

You will have great influence in face-to-face conversations 23 Sept - 22 Oct today. You've been working hard to get here -- but now you can see that you need to compromise to get any further.

That can work well for you, as you almost certainly need to use your handiest skills.

Scorpio Right now, your physical health is greatly affected by your 23 Oct - 22 Nov e m o t i o n a l health. Helping people is still on your mind today, and you should find several new ways to take care of the most important people in your life. That could mean clients, friends or family, but get to it ASAP!

Sagittarius It's a good day

Capricorn A surge of creativity will hit you today -carry a pen 22 Dec - 20 Jan a n d p a p e r wherever you go. You need to get in touch with your ancestors -- your parents, or maybe those who came long before. It's a good time to dig around the roots of your family tree and see what you find.

Aquarius Today it's time to move to the next phase of a big plan. Seek 21 Jan - 19 Feb out innovative ideas. Do right by someone you don't know today -- it's sure to come back to you before long! The more karma you can score now, the better off you will be when you start to really need it.

Let your imagination go wild today. Don't try to concentrate 20 Feb - 20 Mar on the outside world. Mixed messages are your specialty, but you're receiving some info that feels too ambiguous to even be called a message.

You should see if you can get this person to open up and get more specific.

Aries

Libra

to make a clean sweep of things.

Get rid of the 23 Nov - 20 Dec clutter around you. Your to-do list is sure to shrink quite a bit today -- but you're all smiles!

Somehow, you've managed to maintain a great sense of humor while proceeding through your tasks with great efficiency.

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

Pisces

DID YOU KNOW? Marlon Brando – An actor par excellence

hoagie Pronunciation hoh-gee Function Noun Meaning : a large sandwich made of a long crusty roll split lengthwise and filled with meats, cheese, tomato, lettuce, onion, etc Example Sentence When hungry, I make myself a hoagie with all the trimmings.

LAFFS

Regarded as the greatest actor of his generation and one of the most influential actors of all time, Marlon Brando (April 3, 1924 – July 1, 2004) was known for his passionate, naturalistic performances. He achieved fame on Broadway in A Streetcar Named Desire, later starring in the film version. Considered the foremost practitioner of the New York Actors Studio style of ‘method’ acting, Brando became notorious for his ‘mumbling’ diction, but his mercurial performances were highly regarded and he is now considered one of the greatest American film actors of the twentieth century. He acting skills earned him Academy Awards for his roles in On the Waterfront and The Godfather but Brando refused to accept the second Oscar. Sacheen Littlefeather represented Brando at the ceremony, appearing in full Apache clothing. She stated that owing to the “poor treatment of Native Americans in the film industry”, Brando would not accept the award.

WIZARD OF ID

Funny Quote

“Cabbage: a familiar kitchen-garden vegetable about as large and wise as a man's head.”

– Ambrose Bierce DAILY GROOK SNIP TRIP

by Francis Rodrigues cutting hair day and night, for a barber shear delight!

GARFIELD

MIND BENDERS

SUN MOON TIDES

Tongue Twister Sunday 32° C | 23° C Dawn 06:08

The crow flew over the river with a lump of raw liver

Clear

Sunrise 06:30

Sunset Dark 18:48 19:09

Riddle Me This What is put on a table, cut, but never eaten?

Moon rise 06:00 Moon set 18:39 High Low — 04:44

TIDES High Low High 11:09 16:58 22:48

New Moon

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

21:00 Raajneeti

10:30 12:35 14:35 16:25 18:30 21:00 23:00

Street Fighter Aeon Flux Dragonball: Evolution Taken Edge of Darkness Ice Age You Only Live Twice

08:30 11:30 15:00 19:00 22:30

Last ‘Riddle Me This’ Answer: Mercury

18:15 Bugsy 21:00 Juno 23:10 Red Sands

Aabra Ka Daabra Dil Maange More Zameer Singh Is Kinng Operation Dumbo Drop 08:30 12:30 16:30 20:00

10:45 13:00 14:45 16:45 19:00 21:00 22:45

Invisible Target Spartacus Bean Billy Madison A Cinderella Story Semi-Pro The Lord of the Rings

09:00 13:00 15:50 17:50

Maruti Mera Dost Khichdi: The Movie Chain Kulii Ki Main Kulii Ghayal

09:50 11:55 14:10 16:15

Meri Jung 3 Idiots King No. 1 Robot

A Chinese Tall Story The Water Horse 16 Blocks Jesse Stone: Thin Ice

08:00 Gupt: The Hidden Truth 12:00 Toofan 16:00 Taarzan: The Wonder Car 20:00 Dhamaal

23:00 Let'z Go!

10:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00

House : Private Lives Top Chef : Dinner Party Most Daring Masters of Illusion Wipeout Most Daring Top Chef : Dinner Party Wipeout Most Daring Masters of Illusion Top Chef : Dinner Party World Trade Center

10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00

Las Vegas American Idol Community The Simpsons Friends Koffee With Karan : Farhan & Zoya Akhtar 16:00 Dexter 18:00 Mr. Sunshine 18:30 Raising Hope

IDIOT BOX 10:00 Comedy Ka Maha Muqabla 12:00 Discover India with Anupam Kher 12:30 Superstar Buzz 13:00 Maayke Se Bandhi Dor 15:00 Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham 19:30 Star Parivaar Awards 2011 : Shubh Aagman 20:00 Star Parivaar Awards 2011 : Main Event 23:30 Maayke Se Bandhi Dor

09:00 11:30 15:30 16:00 19:00 20:00

India Ne Bana Di Jodi Jubilee Comedy Circus C.I.D C.I.D Band Baaja Baaraat Comedy Circus Key Taansen 21:30 Comedy Circus Key Taansen 23:00 C.I.D

SUDOKU 824

19:00 The Good Guys 21:00 Koffee With Karan 22:00 Detroit 187 10:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 13:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 14:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 15:00 Ring Wrong Ring 15:30 Ring Wrong Ring 16:00 Ring Wrong Ring 16:30 Gili Gili Gappa 17:00 Gili Gili Gappa 17:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 18:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 18:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 19:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 19:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 20:00 Amar Akbar Anthony 23:00 Mrs. Tendulkar

10:30 12:30 13:00 16:30 17:30 20:00 22:30

Koffee with Karan Superstar Buzz Housefull Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani ITA Awards 2010 Do Dooni Chaar Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani

10:00 10:21 11:00 11:30 13:00 15:00 18:00 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00

Link'D Let'z Go! Zoom Box Let'z Go! Garama Garam Top 40 Let'z Go! Planet Bollywood Business of Bollywood Link'D Main Miss India Club Mix

10:00 Kumbh Karan 10:30 MAD VIII 11:00 Mr. Bean: The Animated Series 12:00 Barbie Fairy Secrets 13:30 Chhota Bheem Marathon 19:00 Mr. Bean The Animated Series Marathon 20:00 Barbie Fairy Secrets 21:30 Mr. Bean: The Animated Series 22:00 Takeshi's Castle 22:30 Bam Bam Bam Gir Pade Hum 23:00 FAQ

10:00 Barclays Premier League 2010/11 : Stoke City vs.

Chelsea 12:00 Barclays Premier League 2010/11 : Birmingham City vs. Bolton Wanderers 14:00 2011 Sbk Superbike World Championship 14:27 MotoGP World Ch’ship 2011 : Round 2: Main Race 18:30 Engine Block 2011 18:50 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup 2011 : Race 2 20:00 TNA Impact 22:00 Ace 2011 22:30 MotoGP World C’ship 2011

10:30 11:00 12:58 13:00 14:00

Sportscenter Week In Review 2011 US Figure Skating Sportscenter Weekend Cape to Cape Mtb 2010 Sony Ericsson Open Miami : Semifinal 2 15:30 Sportscenter Weekend 15:32 Cheerleading Worlds 16:30 Full Time 17:00 Scorecast Sunday 17:30 Super Sunday 17:55 Barclays Premier League 2010/11 : Fulham vs. Blackpool 20:00 Super Sunday 20:25 Barclays Premier League 2010/11 : Manchester City vs. Sunderland 22:30 The Warrior Prince 10:00 ICC Cricket World 10:30 Full Throttle 11:00 NBA 2010/11 : Philadelphia 76ers vs. Milwaukee Bucks 13:00 WWE: NXT 14:15 Moto GP 2011 : Race 18:30 European Tour 2011 : Trophee Hassan II: Day 4 22:30 ATP 1000 Masters 2011 : Sony Ericsson Open Miami

12:00 The Warrior Prince 13:30 ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 Express H/ls : Group Round: England vs. Ireland 13:45 ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 Express H/ls : Bangladesh vs. England 14:00 ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 H/ls 15:00 ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 H/ls : Group Round:

Australia vs. Pakistan 16:00 ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 H/ls 19:00 ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 H/ls 20:00 ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 H/ls : Quarter Final 4: Sri Lanka vs. England 21:00 ICC Cricket World Cup

11:00 Mission Army : Inside Artillery and Air Defence 12:00 Planet Carnivore : Lion 13:00 Nat Geo Amazing!

14:00 World's Deadliest Animals : Predator Superpowers 15:00 Nat Geo Wild : Hyena Queen 16:00 Engineering Connections : Wembley Stadium 17:00 My Life Is a Zoo 18:00 Nat Geo Amazing!

19:00 Great Migrations 20:00 Weird & Wonderful Hotels 20:30 Weird & Wonderful Hotels 21:00 Mission Army : Inside Mechanized forces 22:00 Best of Wild : Golden Baboons

09:30 It Happens only in India : Udaipur 10:00 Ghost Stories : Sister Katherine 10:30 Ghost Stories : Toni Jo Henry 11:00 Paul Merton in Europe 12:00 Traveller Band : Trip of a Lifetime - Brazil 13:00 Traveller Band : Market Vaues - Thailand Bangkok 13:30 Traveller Band : David Rocco's Dolce Vita 14:00 Traveller Band : Lonely Planet - Kazakhstan 15:00 Ghost Stories 16:00 India Investigates : The Nithari Case 16:30 India Investigates : The Tandoor Case 17:00 Paul Merton in Europe 18:00 Greatest Sports Legends 19:00 Ghost Stories : The Ghost of Elma Sands 19:30 Ghost Stories : Sister Katherine 20:00 It Happens only in India : Mumbai

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 823

HERALD CROSSWORD - 824 Across 1- Yonder thing; 5- Colombian city; 9- From Cardiff; 14- Thick cord; 15- Analogous; 16- Winged; 17Inflame; 19- Open to bribery; 20Bruce ___ was a famous kung-fu movie star; 21- Fishing reel; 22Cleave; 23- Musical wind instrument; 25- Bundle; 26- Dreary; 27Person to whom property is transferred; 30- Accumulate; 31- Concerning; 32- Portable bed; 34Fork feature; 35- Attack; 36- Horrors!; 37- SASE, e.g.; 38- Reason for a raise; 39- Plain writing; 40Nonproprietary; 42- Layer; 43Winglike parts; 44- Get along peacefully; 48- All, musically; 50Chicago paper, for short; 51Born; 52- Japanese gateway; 53Cromwell's cavalry; 55- Big name in printers; 56"She turned me into a ___! ...I got better..."; 57Gossip; 58- Either of two Chinese dynasties; 59Mil. leaders; 60- New Orleans is The Big ___; Down 1- Having three lobes; 2- A return to one's home; 3- Outward show; 4- Beverage commonly drunk in England; 5- Checking out, as before a robbery; 6- Director Kurosawa; 7- Hero; 8- B & B; 9- Ripple; 10- Cricket team; 11- Alley; 12- Celestial body; 13- Norse goddess; 18- Rotates; 22- Person of exceptional holiness; 24- Ascend; 25Sheep cry; 27- Caper; 28- Bounce back; 29Seemingly forever; 31- Eagle's home; 33- Digit of the foot; 35- Turkish palace; 36- Large African antelope; 38- Liquescent; 39- Common people; 41Country; 42- Indicates a direction; 44- Headgear of a monarch; 45- Gandhi's land; 46- Prophets;

47- Irritably impatient; 48- Pith helmet; 49- Bear in the sky; 50- Corner; 52- ___ Aviv; 53- Gerund maker; 54- Chemical ending;

SOLUTION - 823

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e n in p p a h ’ n ot ‘

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HERALD FEATURES unshine Worldwide School celebrated World Autism Awareness Day on April 1, 2011. All students and staff came dressed in blue and a PowerPoint presentation and video about Autism was shown to all. A thought-provoking poem, I am Carl, giving a summary of what Autism is and its symptoms, was also read out at the event.

It has been noticed that the number of children having this disorder is increasing every year, but being tested early and treated properly has proven quite helpful.

S

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Sunday, 3 Apr 2011

A Blue Sunshine on World Autism Awareness Day

Travel

Parenting

Pg3

I am Carl , or the way I feel today.

You may not understand me say. reasoning for things I do or my and erst You may not und over again, and r ove gs thin say and d then.

The reasons why I’m so lou my homework every now and Why I run so differently or lose sometimes numbers too, and I write my letters backwards say “Guess what” 100 times to you.

I’ll on, sati ver con a in n whe and . itement can set me in a spin Too much noise, light, or exc feel, rubbing against my skin. ts pan se I don’t like the way the es it’s hard to control, I try to be good, but sometim I don’t always do what I’m told. , ulse imp an I have to do it, it’s ce on everything I eat, sau BBQ and ch Ran p, chu Ket t.

I just can’t sit still in my sea sometimes I have days that , turn of out it’s n whe n I like to talk a lot eve ng to learn. and interrupts what I’m tryi my mind plays tricks on me , soft so r eve , and play Sit up straight, wipe my face ble with and I usually lose my train of thought. some of these things I have trou m, or slam the door so hard, k mo I didn’t mean to spill the mil ir homework, I don’t know where to start? everyone else is done with the lings get hurt too, fee My heart’s as big as gold, my s just like you. day bad e hav and cry I get sad, n other girls and boys, My brain works differently tha , I can give your life so much joy. true , but one thing always holds my hand won’t work that way over and play.

I get frustrated so easily and let me come ’t won s kid er oth se tho I don’t understand why less, differently or love of me any Please don’t think of me any ng to do my best.

I’m just like other kids and tryi que way, and every moment with me uni I am ver y special in my own . day l dul a e hav er you’ll nev

Classic Marathi Play performed across Goa HERALD FEATURES classic Marathi musical play, ‘Manapman’, written by Late Krishnaji Prabhakar Khadilkar, was held at four places across the state, namely Panaji, Margao, Curchorem and Mapusa. The play is famous not only for its great storyline, which is a love story, but also for its superb musical Natya Sangeet that has regaled audiences from the early years of the 20th century.

Music lovers in Goa enjoyed the melodious songs while famous stage

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singers Kirti Shilledar in the role of Bhamini and Udayan Kale enacting the character of Dharyadhar left the audience spellbound and asking for an encore performance.

The music score was by Bhaskar Pethe on Organ and Dyanesh Kossambe on tabla.

All shows, free and open to the public, were jointly organised by SNK Events and Gomantak Marathi Academy and sponsored by Lokmanya Multipurpose Co-Operative Society Ltd and Sesa Goa.

Photos by Herald Features

Photos by Nomratha Fernandes

Volkswagen releases New Car with BlueMotion Technologies

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Handing over the champagne Lutz Kotte (right) The Volkswagen Passat

HERALD FEATURES he German car-manufacturing company Volkswagen recently launched a new car, the Passat with BlueMotion Technologies in Goa. Sales of the all new Passat will start with the Highline and Comfortline which will later be followed by the Trendline. Neeraj Garg, Volkswagen Group Sales India Pvt Ltd, said, “The new model comes with BlueMotion Technologies which will work together to achieve good fuel efficiency and reduced emissions without depriving customers from the fun of driving.”

Lutz Kotte also with Volkswagen Group Sales Pvt Ltd, added, “These efficient technologies have been implemented in a range of Volkswagen cars and are among the cleanest and most fuel efficient in the world.”

The launch of the car was grand. Thunderous music and flashing lights accompanied the night launch which took place at the Arossim Beach.

Viewers gazed into the sky as a glowing air balloon made its way to the launch area. Attached to the balloon was a stunt woman who performed midair. As it was lowered, she handed a champagne bottle to Neeraj who then launched the car. From the darkness of the water rose the new Volkswagen Passat with two lights flashing towards the shore. Besides being grand, it was magical. The car will remain afloat till April 4.

BlueMotion Technologies include the TDI Engine, Auto Start-Stop System, Brake Energy Recuperation, DSG Dual Clutch Gearbox and Gear Shift Indicator. Alongside this, there are a number of other features. They include the Park Assist, the new Attention Assist detector, the Acoustic Sound Lamination and Climate Seats.

Enchanting Musical Melodies at Swar Barse

Neeraj Garg and a friend

HERALD FEATURES he music lovers of Margao had a treat of harmonious melodies at the ‘Swar Barse’ musical concert presented by Vaishnavi Creations, Margao as part of the Shigmotsav 2011 celebrations. The event held at Deo Jageshwar Mandir, Aquem organised by Madgao Shigmotsav Samiti received a good response and the audience was entertained with the melodious singing of Rahul Saxena and others. The event was compered by Samira Gujar.

The concert began with the invocation song ‘Gananayakaya Ganadhishaya’ presented by Zee Saregama fame Chaitanya Kulkarni who also presented other numbers. Rahul Saxena took the stage with the Marathi ‘abhang’ ‘Kaal Dehasi Aala and Abhir Gulal’ and other memorable songs. The musical evening concluded with the song ‘Morya Morya’ presented by all the five artists. The musical accompaniments were provided by Goan musicians like Vishnu Shirodkar (Keyboard), Avadhoot Chari (Dholak), Rohit Bandodkar (Tabla), Prakash Amonkar (Octopad), Dinesh Manerikar (Hand Sonic) and Ashwin Raikar (Organ).

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Sunday, 2 Apr 2011

Parenting

Pg4

Snow White finds its Princess in Lily Collins

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ooks like Armie Hammer is going to be smooching Taylor Lautner’s sweetheart. Lily Collins, of The Blind Side fame and daughter of hitmaker Phil Collins, has been cast as the titular princess in Snow White, Relativity Media’s upcoming version of the Grimm fairytale turned Disney classic, the studio confirmed.

The role of Prince Andrew Alcott, who traditionally awakens the princess from her poison-apple-induced sleep, went to Hammer last week, and Julia Roberts is onboard to play the evil Queen. Just days ago, The Lovely Bones star Saoirse Ronan had been linked to the role of Snow White, but...

Lily obviously proved fairest of them all.

The positively charming sounding film is due in theatres June 29, 2012.

In the meantime, Hammer has been sharing the spotlight with Leonardo DiCaprio while shooting Clint Eastwood’s J Edgar.

Jada Pinkett Smith defends her Kids’ Showbiz Careers

I don’t want to be part of rat race: Soha Ali Khan

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ctor Will Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith has defended her decision to let her two children start their show business careers at such a young age, insisting they don’t shoulder the same burdens as other pre-teen stars because they have no financial pressures.

“This isn’t about fame or money.

They were still going to have their trials because of who their parents are. As much as I wish I could figure out a way I could protect my children, they have their destiny. I’m not going to put brakes on that out of fear,” said Jada.

Their son Jaden, 12, kick-started his movie career with last year’s remake of The Karate Kid, while his 10year-old sister, Willow, launched herself as a singer and is currently on tour with Justin Bieber.

“Our children are allowed to stay in the paradigm of being a child. They don’t have to take care of their families: become the complete emotional, physical and financial focus that happens to many child stars.”

“It is something to manage. I will not overlook that. I have a 10 year old who can stand up in front of an audience of 17,000 and rock the house. I have to keep her grounded,” she said.

Riteish compliments Genelia for Performance in Urumi

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ollywood actor Riteish Deshmukh, who is said to be dating Genelia D’Souza, complimented and congratulated the actress on the reviews of her first Malayalam film Urumi.

His tweet on her Twitter page congratulated her for the “fantastic” reviews she got adding, “Ur d new ACTION gal”.

The two actors have forever denied being in a relationship; nevertheless, Genelia was quick to reply, saying, “Thank u so much rd…me super happy.”

Scrabble boosts Children’s Language, Speech Skills

oha Ali Khan wants to do more masala films in Bollywood but says she does not want to be a part of the rat race.

The actress, who was missing from the big screen in 2010 after the release of her commercial film Tum Mile in 2009, says she is happy in her own space and does not want to rush through life. “It all depends on the rat race. Unfortunately or fortunately everything has become about money. But I am not interested in making money, being a star or being famous. I am interested in working. I would rather not be popular and do good work,” said Soha.

The Rang De Basanti star has done memorable roles in off-beat films like Khoya Khoya Chand and Mumbai Meri Jaan.

“I love acting. Being an actor I can be part of both the worlds. I would love to do more masala movies,” she adds.

The petite star shared the screen space with her mom Sharmila for the first time in Sangeeta Ghosh’s Life Goes On, a modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s King Lear.

The film, in English, was released in India last Friday.

“I was keen to share some filmography with my mother but I was not sure when or how and then Sangeeta came with this beautiful script. It was fun to work with my mother. She is such a great performer,” she says. The 32-year-old star is looking forward to expand her portfolio with all kinds of roles and she is also doing her first comedy Chemistry with Shreyas Talpade. Apart from that, she also has Sound Track, in which she portrays a deaf character.

Hunger sharpens Sense of Smell

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ondering how to encourage your child to communicate? Try sitting down to a game of Scrabble or Cluedo. According to Government communications adviser Jean Gross, board games boost children’s language and speech skills.

They also encourage taking turns and listening within the family, added Gross, who was appointed the first communication “champion” by the last government.

“Cluedo is really good because it involves speculating,” she added.

“What we often want with language is to get children not just talking about the here and now, but about what might be. “Scrabble is also fantastic because of links with the written words. It develops vocabulary,” she said.

“If you look at something like Snakes and Ladders, it’s particularly

rich in language. It’s got “up”, “down”, “along” and a whole lot of positional words that help children,” she added.

Research from Dundee University found that activities such as singing nursery rhymes and looking at photograph albums help promote language, she said.

Breakthrough could help Hydrogen replace Petrol as Fuel

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ydrogen fuel could become viable as an eco-friendly alternative to petrol, thanks to a new process that allows it to be stored cheaply and practicably. The technology utilises materials that soak up hydrogen like a sponge, and then encapsulates them in tiny plastic beads so small they behave like a liquid.

The process, based on a new way of producing nano-fibres from hydrides, is being developed by Cella Energy, a spin-off from UK Rutherford Appleton Lab. The technique allows hydrogen to be released at a much faster rate and at lower temperatures than before, researchers said.

“What we’ve been doing is taking these materials and encasing them in plastic and making them into a very fine powder and that improves their properties,” said Stephen Bennington, Cella Energy Chief Scientific Officer. “It also means you can pump it like a fluid and it’s safe. It is not gong to easily burst into flames,” he said. Hydrogen produces only water when it is burned and is considered an ideal solution to cutting carbon emissions from petrol or diesel vehicles, which are estimated to cause 25 per cent of all carbon release. But until now, attempts to store hydrogen have not been consumer-friendly so this has not been a viable option. Cella Energy Ltd says their technology would allow people to use the carbon-free fuel with their existing car after a few modifications.

Editor –in-chief: R F Fernandes. Editor: Ashwin Tombat. Chief Editor-Features: Christina Viegas.

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hen fruit flies are hungry, they become better in scenting out their next good meal. “As humans, we sometimes forget that feeding behaviour has two components,” said Jing Wang of the University of California, San Diego, who led the study. “First, you have to go out and hunt for food,” Wang said, adding that actually eating that food is secondary.

As our experiences suggest, during hunger the fragrance of food becomes even more delectable. Likewise, food that smells especially good is also especially hard to resist.

Wang and colleagues set out to study what happens to flies’ sense of smell after they were starved for a few hours. Insulin in flies works in essentially the same way as it does in humans, Wang said. It controls the amount of sugar in the circulation. “When a fly is hungry, insulin drops dramatically. This tells the olfactory neuron to change its sensitivity.” That change is controlled on certain neurons (nerve cells) through an increase in the activity of the gene encoding the neuropeptide F receptor.

With more receptors on their surfaces, those neurons grow increasingly sensitive to the neuropeptide and to the odour cues they are designed to pick up.

Not all animals are episodic feeders like we humans are. Some animals eat all the time and others eat only very infrequently. It remains to be seen how this system might be different in other species according to that variation in meal times.

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