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Goa’s Heartbeat: Mark Wahlberg gets the walk of fame Pg 12

The Voice of Goa — Since 1900 panjim, sunDaY, august 1, 2010

Goa: Panel to probe girl’s death at GMC Pg 3

NCP too seeks CBI probe into cop-mafia nexus HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 31

17 killed in China twin mine mishaps PTI BEIJING, JULY 31

At least 17 workers were killed and 24 others trapped in twin mine accidents in China today, as military personnel made frantic efforts to recover some 2,000 of the 7,000 barrels containing explosive chemicals washed away by floods.

At least 17 workers were killed and 20 others injured today when a powerful explosion ripped through a dormitory area of a coal mine in China’s northern Shanxi province, local authorities said.

The blast occurred at the Liugou Coal Mine in Linfen city of Yicheng county and the casualty figure could rise further, said a senior official of Yangquan Coal Industry (Group) Co. Ltd, which owns the mine.

In another mine disaster tonight, 24 miners were trapped in a flooded coal mine in Hengshan district’s Jixi city of northeast China’s Heilongjiang province.

Frantic efforts were being made to rescue them, official media here said.

Hundreds of people die every year in mine accidents in China.

Toeing the line of Bharatiya Janata Party, the Nationalist Congress Party too has asked for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the politicianpolice-drug mafia nexus, a subject that has been rocking the monsoon session of the Goa legislative assembly time and again in the last two weeks.

Replying to queries from the media at a press conference on Saturday, NCP party president Jose Philip D’Souza disclosed the party had taken a decision that the drug nexus investigation should be handed over to the CBI. We will communicate our decision to the party high command, he stated.

The NCP’s decision for a CBI inquiry comes as a shot in the arm for the party’s MLA Mickky Pacheco who had made a strong demand for it in the past. The MLA maintained he had to face a politically-motivated arrest and subsequently jail for the Nadia Torrado death because he had raised his voice against the issue.

Today when media persons asked Jose Philip on whether it was true the CM had pressurised Mickky to quit after Nadia’s death, he replied, “I don’t know whether the CM had asked Mickky to quit, but I am aware about some of the allegations levelled by the MLA against Kamat in the monsoon session of the assembly.”

The NCP President said all he could say was he will ask the

The party had taken a decision that the drug nexus investigation should be handed over to the CBI. We will communicate our decision to the party high command. party high command for an inquiry into the allegations made

by Mickky.

On a question whether NCP would demand for a 50-50 share in the seat sharing during elections, Jose Philip said the party high command had an upper hand to decide in this matter.

The seat-sharing issue crops up only during election time and is best tackled at that time, he mentioned.

Over a question on rumours whether Mickky was resigning from the NCP to join the UGDP, Jose Philip said he was not aware of any thing like this. He continues to be our MLA, he stated.

The NCP today held the first meeting of its new executive committee where it has vowed (Continued on page 2)

Cutbona jetty comes abuzz Fishing season begins today

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULY 31

The hustle and bustle finally returned at the Cutbona fishing jetty as mechanized boat owners geared up for the new fishing season beginning from August 1.

Though the rough sea and delay in the arrival of workers from Jharkhand and Orissa has made boat owners keep their fingers crossed whether they would be able to venture out in the sea on Sunday, hectic activity has returned back to the fishing jetties in preparation for the new season.

The boat owner invoked God’s blessing for the new season as a local village priest blessed the vessels and sought divine help to protect the workers in the new season.

A visit to the fishing jetty revealed that workers were seen engaged in loading fishing nets

Mechanised boat owners gearing up for the new fishing season.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

and other items in the fishing vessels. Trawlers and purse seine vessels were seen taking trial rounds in River Sal today to ensure that the vessels are fit to venture out in the sea on Sunday.

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the boat owners is the rough sea and the non-availability of the work force. Vice-president of the Cutbona Boat Owners Union Roosevelt Alemao said the sea was indeed rough and many workers have not yet (Continued on page 2)

Valley clashes claim two, 40 hurt PTI SRINAGAR, JULY 31

Two civilians were killed today and 40 people, including 30 policemen, were injured as widespread clashes between protesters and security forces erupted in the Kashmir valley today as indefinite curfew was imposed on major towns including Srinagar.

As the casualties in the violence since yesterday rose to six, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah again issued an appeal to the people to remain vigilant against the sinister designs of “vested interests” against peace.

Chairing a high-level meeting here, he also announced formation of three ministerial teams for Baramulla, Anantnag and Pulwama districts which will work with the citizen groups for speedy restoration of peace in those areas.

The first casualty of the day took place at Naidkhai in Sumbal area when hundreds of people gathered outside a Jammu and Kashmir armed police’s battalion headquarters and tried to ransack it and set it on fire besides snatching the weapons of the personnel.

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Sports: Yuvraj in for Lanka tri-series Pg 16

Is Gujarat ‘enemy’ nation: Modi PTI AHMEDABAD, JULY 31

In a scathing attack on the Centre following the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI’s) plea to shift the Sohrabuddin fake encounter case outside Gujarat, Chief Minister Narendra Modi today asked whether the State w a s c o n s i d e re d a p a r t o f “enemy” country.

“Do you not consider Gujarat as a part of India. Why is Gujarat being treated as if it was part of an enemy State. Are judges of Gujarat useless. Other courts of the country are good, but courts in Gujarat are bad?” he asked.

Modi’s remarks at a function here came a day after CBI filed a status report in the Sohrabuddin case in the Supreme Court urging it to shift the case outside Gujarat for a “fair trial”, saying “the atomosphere is not conducive in the State.”

Modi accused Congress of playing vote bank politics on the fake encounter case and blatantly using the CBI. “There is an attempt to pollute the environment of Gujarat.

This is an insult of the judicial system of Gujarat.. its judges..its lawyers,” Modi said.

The firebrand chief minister accused the Centre of targetting him for the last eight years.

“They are trying to malign my name for the last eight years.

(Continued on page 2)

Lok Sabha Speaker, Meira Kumar presenting the 42nd Dnyanpith Award to well known Konkani litterateur, Ravindra Kelekar in the presence of Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat at a function held at Kala Academy on Saturday. Also present are Chairman of selection board, Dr. Sitakant Mahapatra, Director of Bhartiya Jnanpith, Ravindra Kalia and eminent Hindi writer, Dr. Namwar Singh. (Report on page 3)

CPM has formed suicide squad to kill me: Mamata PTI KOLKATA, JULY 31

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee today alleged that unable to fight her politically, Communist Party of India (Marxist) has hatched a conspiracy to eliminate her and discussed forming a suicide squad for that.

“CPI(M) and some other political parties which have vested interests— I am not speaking about all parties—have held a meeting and hatched a conspiracy to eliminate me. Such a meeting was held, you can inquire,” Banerjee told reporters here.

She charged that at the meeting CPI(M) discussed forming a suicide squad to eliminiate her

and that whatever money was required would be paid.

Banerjee claimed she had information of this and thought that West Bengal government had it too.

“CPI(M) ministers and leaders are keeping a watch on my movements. They are inquiring about my movements. A conspiracy is afoot to kill me,” she alleged. “Is it fair politics? They cannot fight us politically. They are cowards,” she said.

She also alleged a suicide squad was formed by CPI(M) to eliminate Trinamool Youth Congress president and MP Shubhendu Adhikari.

Asked how she knew about

the suicide squads, Banerjee said “Why is CPI(M) setting up so many camps of armed cadre in West Midnapore? Because they want to kill me.”

The Trinamool Congress chief said she was firm in her resolve to visit Maoist-affected Lalgarh in West Midnapore district on August 9 as announced by her earlier and warned that the state government would be responsible if anything happened to her.

Stating that prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC were in force in West Midnapore district for a year now, Banerjee alleged that the state administration was only allowing CPI(M) to hold rallies there.

GOA

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GOA, SUNDAY, 1 AUGUST, 2010

CM inaugurates NIT Goa, says govt according top priority to education HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JULY 31

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat on Saturday said that the State Government is according top priority to education sector. He said, Goan students are not lagging behind in professional studies be it IIT and other courses but what they needed is proper guidance and support which the State Government is willing to give.

Inaugurating the National Institute of Technology, Goa, the first among the ten new NIT’s proposed in the country at a function held at Farmagudi on Saturday, Kamat expressed satisfaction over the establishment of the prestigious NIT Institute in Goa. He assured to extend all support to NIT Goa in its future endeavours. National Institute of Technology Karnataka-Surathkal is the mentor institute for NIT Goa. Minister for Transport, Sudin Dhavalikar and Chief Secretary, Sanjay Srivastava were present on the occasion.

Terming the establishment of NIT Goa as a historic day for the State of Goa, the Chief Minister said, NIT, the institute of repute will help accomplish the dream of Goa in promoting technical education in Goa in

a big way in the years to come. He thanked the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh and Union Human Resource Development Minister, Kapil Sibal for fulfilling the commitment of establishing NIT in Goa. He said, he has already asked Kapil Sibal to reserve 50% seats for Goans in NIT Goa. MHRD has allocated an annual in take of 90 students to NIT Goa comprising of 30 students each in B Tech programme of computer science and engineering, electronics and communication engineering, electrical and electronics engineering.

The Chief Minister who released a book on academic regulations and brochure on NIT Goa further, said that the people of Goa should introspect of their best interest.

He said, efforts are being made to make Goa a model state in the country and that a road map for Goa has been prepared for next 25 years. He said he has asked the Union Minister for Heavy Industries Vilasrao Deshmukh to establish public sector undertakings in Goa so as to generate employment to the educated unemployed youth and for drop outs as well.

Minister for Transport, Sudin Dhavalikar said that the National Institutes of technol-

Assolna murder accused acquitted HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULY 31

ogy are premier institutions of technology in India and are known for imparting quality technical education. He stressed the need to have a independent campus for NIT Goa equip with all the infrastructure facilities.

He thanked the Chief Minister for making Farmagudi plateau an educational hub.

Chief Secretary, Sanjay Srivasatava said that the first batch of 77 students at NIT Goa will be the torch bearers of the institute in the years to come and to take it to greater heights in technical education. He advised the students to learn the best and become good professionals.

Dr M Modassir expressed his gratitude to mentor institute NITK-Suratkal. He highlighted the importance of education and stressed the need to imbibe values of honesty, humanity, goodwill among students to become good end responsible human beings.

Collector of South Goa, G P Naik and Vice-Chancellor of Goa University, Dr Deelip Deobagkar were present on the occasion.

Earlier, Prof Sandeep Sancheti, Director NIT Surathkal and Goa welcomed and Vivek Kamat, Principal of GEC proposed the vote of thanks.

Cuncolim mishap: man succumbs to injuries HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULY 31

The labourer who had sustained burn injuries two days ago at the Cuncolim Industrial Estate succumbed to his injuries at the Goa Medical College and hospital, Bambolim on Saturday.

Cuncolim police informed that Basu Bhartiya had sustained 80 per cent burn injuries while he was working in a steel unit.

Meanwhile, the Maina Curtorim police has registered a case of unnatural death following the death of one Vincent Vaz, aged 32 at Curtorim on Saturday.

PSI Navlesh Desai said that Vincent’s body was dead at Cavotem-Curtorim and has ruled out foul play.

The body was later referred to the Hospicio hospital for post mortem examination.

The police are investigating.

MMC employee assured of regularisation, withdraws stir

The South Goa Sessions court on Saturday acquitted one Santan Fernandes, who was charged by the Cuncolim police in connection with the murder of one Prisider Mendes, a resident of Assolna.

Sessions Judge U V Bakre acquitted Santan after the prosecution could not prove the case against the accused.

Mendes was found strangulated to death in his house on August 17, 2008. The Cuncolim police which swung into action following the cold blooded murder, later arrested Santan Fernandes from Mumbai in connection with the case.

The prosecution examined 28 witnesses in support of its case.

NCP too seeks CBI probe

Is Gujarat ‘enemy’ nation: Modi

But now they have started maligning the judicial system of the State. I will not tolerate this. They can attack me but why the judicial system?” Modi asked.

“Am I doing anything wrong by fighting terrorism.. Have I done anything wrong by arresting the accused of Ahmedabad blasts.

Why am I being stopped from fighting terrorism?” he asked.

Modi has stepped up the offensive since the arrest of his close aide and former minister Amit Shah, by the CBI for alleged involvement in the case.

“Gujarat’s peace, brotherhood, development and progress is not liked by some people. They are working towards maligning it.

There have been serious efforts to maintain peace in the State.

But they do not want peace in Gujarat. They want to demean it,” he alleged.

Citing the example of the Best Bakery case, in which the trial was held in a Mumbai court, Modi said even though the case was transferred to Mumbai, the investigation was done by Gujarat Police, and the case papers and chargesheet was prepared by them.

“Only the courtroom and judge was from Mumbai, rest including the investigation was by Gujarat Police, based on which the accused were convicted,” he said.

Similarly, he said in the Bilkis Bano case, which was first transferred outside Gujarat, and then handed over to CBI, all persons except one, named in the chargesheet filed by Gujarat Police were convicted.

“This shows that Gujarat police was correct and CBI wrong,” the chief minister said while accusing the CBI of bias and training its guns on the courts, judges and people of Gujarat.

Modi has slammed the CBI for filing a case against Shah, alleging that it was a political attempt to undermine his government.

The CBI, which is probing the case, believes that Shah ordered Gujarat’s senior-most policemen to eliminate Sohrabuddin because he had become a recurring problem for marble traders in Rajasthan, who were tired of his extortion attempts.

Heavy rains on Saturday morning forced authorities at the Anjunem dam to open two gates and release water to maintain the water level at the dam.

Assistant Engineer M P Huddedgaddi told Herald that the two gates were opened at about 11 am and water was released at the rate of 10 cubic metres every second.

It may be recalled that heavy rains had caused the water to rise to 90.2 metres. Though the danger level of the dam is 93.2 metres, it was necessary to maintain the water level to below 90 metres.

“The flowing capacity of the river at present is up to 200 cubic meters and as such, if the water was released at the rate of 10 cubic metres a second, it will not affect the flowing capacity of the river and as such, there is no danger. However, all four gates will be opened only if the water level rises up to 93.2 metres, which is the full capacity of the dam,” Huddedgaddi added.

Meanwhile, two houses collapsed at Taliwada-Kudchirem and Bordem-Bicholim, causing a combined loss of about Rs 1 lakh.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, JULY 31

to strengthen the party in all 40 constituencies. “We were waiting for the formation of this committee. Now begins the work of strengthening the party in all 40 constituencies,” he stated.

He said the new vice presidents and general secretaries in the committee have been assigned work of strengthening the party.

The two ministers of the NCP, including me, have decided to attend to grievances of the people and party workers every Tuesday in the party’s office at Panjim, he stated.

The president introduced the new committee by reading out the names of each and every member.

Cutbona jetty comes abuzz

HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, JULY 31

Water released from two gates at the Anjunem dam.

Photo by Vishant Vaz

Samiti demands Ravindra Bhavan construction at site already chosen

FROM PAGE 1

turned up at the jetty till date. “The boat owners are keeping their fingers crossed on the arrival of the workers from Jharkhand, Orissa and Karnataka”, he said.

Alemao said the rough weather conditions would certainly come in the way of small boats venturing out in the sea. ‘The rough sea may not be a major problem for boat owners at Vasco and Panjim.

But, the situation is different at Betul, at the mouth of River Sal”, he added.

Meanwhile, even as mechanized boat owners are bracing up to venture out in the sea on Sunday, small boat owners operating in the Betul area have nothing to cheer about.

Canoe owners said the rough conditions at the mouth of the River Sal at Betul will prevent small vessels to venture in the sea on Sunday.

A local fishermen Sudhakar Joshi said the government should pay attention to the problems small boat owners face at the Betul mouth. He said it would be impossible for small canoes to venture out in the sea for the next one week because of rough conditions.

Water released from Anjunem dam to maintain level

MMC Chairperson Savio Coutinho and Chief Officer Y B Tawde offering juice to Silva’s relative to withdraw the hunger strike.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULY 31

Aggrieved Margao Municipal Council worker Wenceslau Silva, his relatives and well wishers have finally withdrawn their four-day hunger strike on Saturday noon.

This follows the assurance given by the Municipal Chairperson Savio Coutinho that the Civic body would call a Departmental Promotion Committee on Monday to decide Silva’s regularisation.

The Civic decision comes after Fatorda MLA, Damu Naik, MMC officials had a meeting with Urban Development Minister, Joaquim Alemao Saturday morning and discussed at length Silva’s claim for regularisation.

A furious Urban Development Minister is believed to have questioned the MMC Chairperson and the Chief Officer for driving the worker to resort of

hunger strike.

Silva was shifted to the Hospicio hospital late Friday night on health grounds, while his relatives and members of the Citizens Working Centre continued the fast till noon today.

It was only after MLA Damu Naik along with MMC Chairperson Savio Coutinho and Chief Officer Y B Tawde visited the venue and promised to solve the issue by Monday, the relatives and CWC leader Sriram Raiturcar and others agreed to withdraw the fast around noon.

“Silva issue was a genuine one. He did not figure in the list of 39 workers who were regularised in 2006. He was denied justice despite being a ST and Goan”, MLA Damu said, adding that the Civic body has agreed to rectify the injustice done to the MMC worker.

CWC President Sriram Raitur-

Curchorem riots case hearing on Aug 3 HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULY 31

A Fast Track Court, Margao has posted for hearing on August 3 the application filed by Adv Alban Viegas stating that the prosecution did not obtain prior sanction from the government before filing the charge sheet in the Curchorem communal riots case.

Adv Viegas argued that the police cannot file a charge sheet in an offense relating to section 153-A of the IPC against the accused before obtaining government sanction.

The matter came up for hearing before Fast Track Court Judge Vijaya Pol and the matter was posted for arguments on

the application on August 3.

The matter assumes significance as the court has already framed charges against 30 accused persons in the case, including the then BJP general secretary Satish Dhond and BJP youth leader Sharmad Raiturcar.

VBCC to felicitate scribe Chodankar HERALD REPORTER VASCO, JULY 31

The Vasco Block Congress Committee (VBCC) will felicitate senior journalist and former headmaster of Mangor High School Anil Chodankar, to mark Lokmanya Tilak death anniversary on August 1 at 4 pm at Tourist Hall, here.

Vice President of Goa Pradesh Congress Committee M K Shaikh will be the chief guest at the function, while All Goa Congress Committee Minority Department Saifullah Khan will be the guest of honor and Tahir Daud Carol will be the special invite.

Anil Chodankar, who is presently a reporter for Marathi daily Lokmat, had earlier served as headmaster for Mangor High School and had also worked with All India Radio, Doordarshan and was also a reporter for the Konkani daily Sunaprant.

car said the fast was withdrawn after the Fatorda MLA and others promised to regularise Silva’s services. He thanked all those who offered their support to the worker to seek justice.

MMC Chairperson Savio Coutinho later told newsmen that the Chief Officer has written a letter to the Director of Municipal Administration to attend the DPC meeting scheduled on Monday to decide the issue concerning Silva’s regularisation.

The Bardez Kala Bhavan Nirmiti Samiti has demanded that the Ravindra Bhavan be constructed at the site already selected by the Directorate of Art and Culture and warned that art lovers in Bardez taluka would oppose any alternative site.

Addressing reporters at Mapusa, Bardez Kala Bhavan Nirmiti Samiti President Narayan Karekar said the Ravindra Bhavan complex is for the performing arts and it will provide the cultural space required for organizing dramas, tiatrs, competitions, sangeet sammelans, annual social gatherings of the schools and colleges and exhibitions of paintings.

“Besides, various courses in music, dance and acting will be taught in the Ravindra Bhavan.

Hence the location of the Ravindra Bhavan has to be close to the bus and taxi stand. In view of this, the land selected and acquired by the government in Survey 144/6 is a perfect site for the Ravindra Bhavan,” said

Karekar.

“The government should not buckle under pressure of a few politicians and should go ahead with the project immediately,” Karekar added.

He informed that some people have claimed that the area of 8,538 sq. metres will not be sufficient for the Ranvindra Bhavan and have feared that the project could lead to traffic problems.

“Both these statements are false and misguiding. The Ravindra Bhavan with a seating capacity of 1000 can be constructed in an area of 2500 sq. mtrs only, if planned properly and the remaining 6038 sq. mtrs of land can be used for parking.”

“Hence, the fear that the project will create traffic problem is baseless. On the contrary, if a commercial project of 100 flats, shops and offices comes up in this area, it would create more traffic problems,” said Karekar.

Kiran Shirodker added that some politicians have suggested a site at Tivim for the Ravindra Bhavan.

“This site is around 5-6 kms away from Mapusa. People who are staying on the outskirts of Mapusa or nearby villages will have to use two buses to go to Tivim. Hence, the site suggested at Tivim is not at all suitable for the Ravindra Bhavan,” said Shirodker.

Mapusa Citizen Forum President Ratnapal Salker said that art lovers of Bardez taluka should get united and impress upon the government that the existing site is best suited for Ravindra Bhavan and it should not be changed at any cost.

Social Worker Madhukar Bhonsale said some people are objecting to the Ravindra Bhavan project at the site selected by the government for selfish interest.

“The fact is that Mapusa communidade has sold around 3,806 sq. mtrs of land in Survey 144/6 to a builder on April 22, 2009 for a big commercial project.

“To safeguard the interest of the builder, some people are opposing the Ravindra Bhavan project,” alleged Bhonsale.

RTI: Rights and Wrongs Church out of RTI scope Joaquim de Souza, by email

The reported move by Antonia Michelle Abel to seek to bring the office of the Archbishop under the preview of the Right to Information (RTI) Act appears to be out of lack of understanding of the purpose behind the Act. First and foremost, one must understand that there are civil laws for the enforcement of which there are several bodies appointed and financed by the central and state governments.

The Church, on the other hand, is governed by Canon laws regulating the spiritual needs of its faithful. The central or state governments have no say whatsoever in the formulation or enforcement of the laws of the Church.

The Church is an independent body with its own rules and regulations, and transparency is part of its religious teaching.

Any attempt to bring the provisions of the RTI Act to the Office of the Archbishop would amount to unwanted interference in the religious affairs of the Church.

Absurd suggestion Col Cyril P D'Souza (Retd), Calangute

This is with reference to the news report on bringing the Bishop’s office under the RTI Act (Herald, 28 July). It is surprising that Mapusa MLA Francis D'Souza, who heads the panel, should have even entertained Antonia Michel Abels' strange request, which is absurd, insulting and recommends an invasion into the independent and secular functioning of the Church in Goa. Ms Abel has made ridiculous suggestions about Portuguese laws, culture and customs, which we Goans have so uniquely imbibed and follow for centuries together. We are very proud of our culture and traditions. In fact, it is our unique culture which binds and brings us Goans together, no matter what faith or creed we belong to, unlike other states that constantly experience communal riots and tensions instigated by communal outfits and parties.

Thankfully, by clarifying that neither his panel nor his party want to bring the Church under RTI, Mr D’Souza has set the record straight. I hope the Mapusa MLA realises that he also represents a sizeable number of Catholics and other Goans from his constituency, and shouldn’t give in to mischievous suggestions like that of Antonia, maybe because she is his constituent. Instead of directing such queries to the Law Department, he can guide and direct such those who make such silly suggestions to the Commission for Social Communications set up by the Goa Archdiocese.

With reference to the letter by Francis A Soares (Herald, 31 July) claiming it is wise to bring the Bishops ' office under the RTI Act, he claims that old churches are renovated with funds

from the government, which is absolutely wrong. Only those churches, temples and other heritage sites that have been acquired by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) are entitled to repairs and maintenance. The Bishop cannot move a stone from these structures without permission from the ASI. All other churches have their own governing bodies to look after the affairs of the church.

People like Mr Soares should take more interest in church affairs, to see how they function. He too can get all the information he wants from the Commission for Social Communications of the Goa Archdiocese.

Embarrassment!

Ayres Sequeira, Salvador do Mundo

The Ad hoc Legislature Committee on Law and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have stated clearly that they are not interested in bringing the Office of the Archbishop Patriarch of Goa and Daman under the purview of the RTI Act, in a press release.

However, the suggestion by Antonia Michelle Abel to the ad hoc committee appears to be in self interest.

Exactly a year back, a politician of yesteryear had attempted to bring Church properties under the purview of state law. He later backed out realising his mistake. Interestingly, both interested parties are from the same religious background, but probably not aware of the functioning of the Church. They have needlessly embarrassed the Catholic community.

SUNDAY MAIL

Who is Antonia?

Schubert S Vaz, Guirim

One Antonia Michel Abel has requested that the Office of the Archbishop should be brought under the purview of the RTI Act. Her request does not make sense.

The Bishop has nothing to do with the Law and Judiciary Department.

Why is this lady interfering in Church affairs? If she has the guts, let her go directly to the Bishop’s Palace and talk. Nobody has stopped her from approaching any Church authority. She can even approach any Catholic priest for guidance. Going directly to the Legislative Assembly suggests hidden motives.

But why did some of our Hon’ble MLAs buckle at her suggestion?

We Goan Catholics wish to know who this lady is. What are her credentials, what are her real motives, and why is she so obsessed with the Church in Goa? Who is she instigated by? Is she the same lady who was last seen moving around with a famous historian-turned-agnostic who constantly writes hate literature on the Catholic Church from his cosy flat in Lisbon?

Will the real Antonia Michel Abel please stand up!

(Correspondence on this subject is hereby closed – Editor)

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GOA, SUNDAY, 1 AUGUST, 2010

Panel to probe girl’s death at GMC HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 31

Speaker of Lok Sabha, Meira Kumar with Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly, Pratapsingh Rane and MP (North Goa), Shripad Y Naik on her arrival at Goa Airport, Dabolim on Saturday. Secretary Legislature, J N Braganza, Secretary Protocol, S Kumaraswamy and Joint Secretary Protocol, J V Pednekar are also present.

Konkani writer Kelekar accorded Jnanpith Award HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 31

Renowned Konkani writer Ravindra Kelekar was awarded with the Bhartiya Jnanpith Award for his contribution in the world of literature on Saturday. Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumari presented him the award, which carried a cheque of Rs 7 lakh, a citation plaque and a bronze replica of Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati).

Speaking at the ceremony, Kerekar rued that regional languages were marginalised in India. “English in India has shaped several ‘bonsai’ experts, ‘bonsai’ authors and ‘bonsai’ scholars. The miniature ‘Bonsai’ looks beautiful but does not bear fruits… The country (India) has produced such great personalities. Are we intending to bend India into a Bonsai?” Dr Ravindra Kaliaji articulated Kelekar’s speech due to latter’s decrepit old age.

A recipient of several State and national awards, Kelekar questioned on how many read books authored by Indian writers here. He recalled his books in Konkani attracted limited read-

ers, for, a stock of 1000 copies were sold in 10-long years.

“In the last 25-30 years, some 25 Konkani books were published. Most of these were printed in 1000 copies and it took nearly 10 years to sell the stock. As a result of which, we cannot gather courage to publish more copies as it may take minimum 20 years to find readers,” said the author.

Not just Konkani books, but, Kelekar lamented that books authored in other regional languages including widely spoke national language-Hindi are least read. “In the democratic country, all functioning and businesses are carried out in English. High profile jobs are attained only if a job seeker knows English. It has become a status-symbol…

Everybody is carving itself into English style,” said the Padma Bhushan awardee.

He added that no educated men read books in regional languages, but rather opt for English books. He stated imitation will not fetch results but will distance from motherland.

“You will be uprooted in your country…Out of place every-

where, at home nowhere. English has certain limitations. It networks you with the world but distances from your own people,” he stated in an overcrowded Kala Academy auditorium attended by outsized number of students and invitees.

In the same breath, Kelekar supported knowledge of English is essential though not for the development of the country. Citing instance of excelling countries like Germany, France, Japan, China and Russian, he said India can also develop in all sectors via its varied languages.

Meanwhile Kumari said that she was quite influenced by Kelekar’s speech. She suggested reading regional language books to widen the knowledge of Indian culture, history, literature and other sections.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, also present for the ceremony, applauded the awarded writer for his efforts to elevate Konkani at a recognition level.

Chairman of the selection board of the 42nd Jnanpith Award Ceremony Dr Sitakant Mahapatra, Dr Manwar Singh and others were also present on the occasion.

Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane on Saturday said he has called for a committee to inquire into the death of 16-year- old Raveena Rodrigues from Verna at the Goa Medical College and Hospital in Bambolim after she was brought in from a private hospital.

Earlier in the day Rane kept in abeyance a note issued by him for suspension of Dr Dilip Amonkar, prof and head of surgery department at GMC, who operated the girl at the private hospital in Vasco. Rane said it would be unfair of him to suspend the doctor without knowing the facts of the case, even

HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JULY 31

Noted freedom fighter Dr Eclito Manuel Francisco Ramiro D’Souza passed away at his residence at Banda-Assolna on Saturday after a prolonged illness. He was 89.

After passing his medical degree at the Bombay University, Dr. Eclito went to Kenya where he served for the Kenya city Commission, heading its health department. In Kenya he was the Vice President of east African Goan League, which was spearheading for Goa’s Freedom along with other British Colonies like Tanzanai, Uganda etc. During his regular visits in India, he was involved in activities concerning Goa’s Liberation.

He was the part of the delegation which met Indian Home Minister Pandit Pant in New Delhi in 1960 pressing for Indian action for Goa’s Liberation along with Vishwanath Lawande, Aruna Asaf Ali, Lambert Mascarenhas, Fr. Mascarenhas , George Vaz, Irene Heredia, Bertha Braganza etc.

Dr Eclito maintained close contact with Indian leaders and diplomats. The First Governor General of Goa General K.P. Candth, was his personal friend, who even spent some days at his residence after his retirement. Some of his contemporaries called him India’s unofficial diplomat in East Africa due to his constant political affairs concerning Goa’s Liberation where he wanted Indian Military Help to liberate Goa. A nationalist and patriot, Dr D’Souza protested against the

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 31

Incessant rains ‘destroy’ Calangute coastline HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, JULY 31

The coastal belt of Calangute has been badly affected by continuous rains during the past few days.

The roads are full of rainwater while the paddy fields have been inundated, leaving farmers to ponder over the condition of their crops.

Motorists and pedestrians have found it difficult to manage the water-logged and pot-holed roads, while school children have been facing hardships to and from school.

The incessant rains have had similar effect in Candolim as well. Coconuts in private properties were uprooted in the vicinity of the grounded River Princess, while a short distance away, the wall of a private property gave way as strong waves hit the wall.

At Nagoa-Arpora, a wall of the house belonging to one Agnelo Fernandes collapsed forcing the three-member family to sleep in the water-logged house.

In Saligao, roads were also flooded affecting the motorists and pedestrians. An elderly couple, Martin and Maria Bra-

ganza, were badly affected by torrential rain as they found it difficult to move in and out of their house due to the flooding of their traditional access

path by a builder. The Braganzas have brought it to the notice of various authorities about their difficulty, but to no avail.

Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane informed the girl’s death had left behind many questions and I thought it fit to form this committee to answer them.

The minister informed the girl’s death had left behind many questions and I thought it fit to form this committee to answer them. “It will be headed by Secretary (Health) Rajeev Verma.

The other members are GMC Dean V N Jindal, Director of Health Services Dr Rajananda

Freedom fighter Dr Eclito passes away

PIB officer Jog no more

Coconut trees uprooted at Sinquerim in close vicinity of the grounded River Princess.

Photo by Thomas Fernandes

as he offered condolences to the girl’s family.

Assistant Information Officer at the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Suryakant Jog, passed away late Saturday evening after fighting cancer over the last several days. He is survived by his wife and one son.

Friends close to him said Jog, who had been admitted to Campal Clinic, here, where he breathed his last at around 8.30 pm.

He started his career with the Marathi daily Gomantak before joining PIB where he had a long stint. Apart from his journalistic work, Jog was known for his ‘kirtans’ and social work.

His body will be consigned to the flames tomorrow morning.

confiscation of Cuncolim . He published his paper “Confiscation of Cuncolim” a historical survey in January 1961. He was always vocal for maintaining Indian culture and traditions.

Desai and a private surgeon, he stated and added, “I have suggested the name of Dr Bossuet Afonso from Panjim.”

He mentioned the inquiry by the committee will go into all facts and sequences from day one the girl started developing symptoms till her death on July 29, he mentioned. Rane said by Thursday, which is the day of deliberations on health in the House, he is expecting to get some facts of the case. Even if I manage to get some preliminary findings the same would be placed before the House during the ongoing Monsoon Session, he assured.

Meanwhile, the girl’s organs have been sent for histopathological examination.

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Parents urged to allow wards choose careers

S H O Rt tA K e S Sarah bags award

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, JULY 31

Sarah Dias receiving the award from retired Chief Justice of India, Justice Balkrishnan.

PANJIM(HND): Sarah Dias, a final year Law student of V M Salgaonkar Law College, Miramar, representing the college has won ‘The National Human Rights Commission Award 2010’, recently held in New Delhi. Her overall performance has been adjudged distinction.

About 58 students from other colleges all over India participated amongst which she is the first Goan student to win the award. Sarah passed her Std X from Sharada Mandir School, Miramar, later joined Dhempe College and after Std XII joined V M Salgaocar College. Her hobbies include reading, singing, music, dancing and taking care of pets.

She also gives part-time lectures to navy cadets at Verem.

At present, she teaches Cathecheism at St. Andrew’s Church, Goa Velha and will celebrates her 21st birthday on August 2.

She is the daughter of Xavier Dias and Conceicao Dias of Sea Pearl, Goa Velha, says a press release.

Unidentified reptile rescued

Bharatiya Janata Party State President Laxmikant Parsekar has advised parents not impose their will on the children, but should allow them to choose careers of their choice.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the function organized

by Akhil Gomantak Kshatriya Maratha Samaj at Mapusa to felicitate the meritorious students of Bardez taluka, who excelled in the SSC and HSCC examinations of Goa Board held in March/April 2010.

“Many parents want their children to pursue the same careers as theirs, while some parents force their children into careers which they once wanted to pursue, but couldn’t. This is not fair,” said Parsekar.

“If a student joins a course which he is passionate about then his desire, dedication, enthusiasm and effort will be of the highest order and he will be successful in his career,” said Parsekar.

Parsekar further said it is not necessary that student should acquire university degree to become successful in life. “There is range of options for the students to choose like music, sports, singing, etc, in which the students can achieve greater heights in life,” he added.

Guest of honour Dr Gauri Gawas said nothing is impossible in life if one works hard with zeal and determination.

“One must have ambition and

strong will power to achieve the goal. But after acquiring name and fame, one must always remain humble and modest,” she said and suggested the students to read a book ‘Alchemist’ by Paul Coelho.

In his speech, President of Central Committee of Akhil Gomantak Kshatriya Maratha Samaj Santoba Dessai highlighted the work done by the committee a n d re q u e s t e d K s h a t r i y a Maratha Samaj members to help the organization to complete the building complex of the Samaj, which is under construction at Porvorim.

In his welcome speech, Akhil Gomantak Maratha Samaj President Suhas Naik said he would provide free accommodation in Mapusa to the 10 poor deserv-

ing students from remote villages, those are desirous of pursuing higher studies.

Narendra Morajkar, Dr Giblo Gaonkar and Prof Surendra Gawas also spoke on the occasion.

The programme began with the invocation song. Parsekar gave away cash prizes, mementos and certificates to Nikhil N Gaokar, Gopal M Pal, Niket N Gad, Siddhi Satyavan Naik, Siddhi Shrikrishna Naik, Priyanka R Joshi, Anjali A Shetye, Anaya U Naik, Prashant M Chaugule, Tanvi U Shetgaonkar, Girish G Sawant, Grishma G Palkar, Shraddha S Naik, Parshuram S Shety, Yamuna P Naik, Ramita S Gawas, Sneha V Gawas and Madhavi Z Naik. Gopal Sawant compered the programme.

BJP President Laxmikant Parsekar addresses the gathering at Mapusa.

Photo by Anil Shankhwalker

Govt Printing, Stationery awarded ISO Certificate The white coloured thread-like snake at Kavlem- Ponda.

Photo by Amresh Parab

MARCEL (HC): Members of Animal Rescue Squad (ARS) from Ponda have rescued an unidentified reptile at Kavlem-Ponda.

The long and slim reptile resembling a thread, was discovered

by ARS members in a lake at Kavlem. However, the ARS members are unaware of the species it belongs to.

Incidentally, there are numerous threadworms but members claimed that threadworms are normally small in size.

Members are now planning to take the reptile to Maharashtra forest department to ascertain its identity.

“It’s strange and we don’t even know what kind of reptile it is. We even searched through all the books related to snakes, but no results so far. I will try to take this reptile to Maharashtra forest department to identify,” said ARS member Sanket Narvenkar.

Rophe’s prayer tower

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JULY 31

ISO certification was presented to the Department of Printing and Stationery at a function held at Goa State Co-op Bank Ltd, hall at Patto, Panjim in the presence of the Minister for Printing and Stationery Aleixo Sequeira on Friday.

Chief Secretary, S K Srivastava, Secretary Printing and Stationery, V P Rao also graced the occasion.

Anil Patilkulkarni, incharge training South of TUV India Private Ltd, Bangalore handed over the ISO certifi-

Vidhyawardhak Mandal Chairperson Sadashiv Walaulikar has stressed the need to adopt quality education along with extracurricular activities like sports, art and other fields.

He was addressing the gathering during the PTA meeting of Shri Shantadurga Higher Secondary School. Principal Gerald Delenay, PTA President Narayn Mashelkar, Secretary Mahesh Sawaikar, Gurudas Zantye and Rajesh Dhond were present on

PANJIM(HND): Rophe TV, a 24 hour spiritual channel in Goa had an inaugural ceremony of their Intercessory Prayer Tower recently at St Inez- Panjim. The name ‘Rophe’ originates from the Holy Bible chapter ‘Exodus 15:26- “I’am the Lord who healeth thee”. On this a short message along with a prayer was proclaimed by Fr Emidio Pinto, the guest of honour who then declared the Prayer Tower open.

Present for the Ceremony was the Director, Anthony Dias, Proprietor Royston Dias and family, along with the staff and all the intercessory Prayer Warriors. Prayer requests can be sent to the Prayer Tower on the following no 0832-3264663 / email on tvrophe@yahoo.in.

PSI Ulhas Dessai retires PANJIM(HND): Police Sub-Inspector at the CID-Special Branch Ulhas Laxman Dessai retired from the Goa Police Department after 37 years of service on July 31, 2010. Dessai joined Goa Police in 1971 as a police constable and was promoted to the post of head constable in 1979.

In the year 2000 he was promoted as Assistant Sub-Inspector and then again in 2006 became a PSI after which he was posted at the CID Centre in Panjim.

In the year 1996 he was awarded by the then Chief Minister for his good work and till his retirement he received cash prizes and certificates on 52 occasions.

During his long stint in the department he was posted in the security of the Secretariat for 10 years. He has served at the Panjim Police Station, Police Headquarters, Goa Reserve Police and Vasco Police Station.

Press is the oldest press of the Government in Asia and the first Government Press in India to get the ISO certification, he added.

The Minister released the Index of Official Gazette on this occasion.

Director of Printing and Stationery, N D Agarwal welcomed.

Dy Director, Subhash Shetye proposed the vote of thanks.

Director of Information and Publicity, Menino Peres, Director of Women and Child Development, Sanjiv Gadkar were among those present on the occasion.

Need for quality education urged HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, JULY 31

Fr Emidio Pinto inaugurating Rophe’s Intercessory Prayer Tower at Panjim. Also present are Director, Anthony Dias, Proprietor Royston Dias and family, along with the staff.

cate to Minister for Printing and Stationer y, Aleixo Sequeira.

Speaking as chief guest on the occasion, Sequeira congratulated the employees of Printing and Stationery for being awarded the ISO certificate. He said, this is the second Government department to get the ISO certificate first being Department of Art and Culture.

The Minister further said due to the efficient and quality work of the employees the Department has achieved the milestone. The Government Printing

the occasion.

Mahesh Sawaikar was elected unopposed PTA president for 2010-11. Other office bearers elected are V ishwanath Dhawaskar (vice president), Sulochana Sawant (secretary), C K Kansar (joint secretary), Santosh Chanekar (treasurer) and Baburao Gaonkar, Vasant Raikar, Nish a n t C h a n e k a r, M a n i k Assagaonkar and Manisha Pawaskar (members).

Sadashiv Walaulikar and Vijay Sardesai were elected manager and assistant manager respec-

tively. Sulochana Sawant compered the function, while Mahesh Sawaikar proposed the vote of thanks.

YHAI trek to Karvati Falls

PANJIM(HND): The YHAI Panjim unit will organize a one-day trek from Panjim to Karvati Waterfalls on Sunday, August 15. Those interested must book their seats

by August 11 with Rohidas on 9422445673, Savio - 9767701245 or Manoj - 9822125868.

Help heal her heart

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, JULY 31

Six-year-old Marissa Rodrigues has two holes in her heart, and needs to undergo an operation in Bangalore to close them, or her life may be in grave danger.

She has been examined by Dr Francisco C Colaco’s Echocardiography and Ultrasound Centre, which has recommended the operation that is scheduled in October 2010. Her operation is covered under the state’s Mediclaim scheme, but her family still needs assistance to travel and stay in Bangalore, apart from medications for two years.

The estimated amount required for this is Rs1.50 lakh.

This is a request to all readers of Herald to contribute generously towards little Marissa’s surgery. Whatever amount you wish to contribute can be paid to Account No: 07580100012780 at the Bank of Baroda, Calangute.

Once the collection reaches the target amount, it will be closed.

Please call Domingo (Baga) at 9 8 2 2 1 6 5 1 7 2 o r Wa l t e r (Calangute) at 9960803790. They both represent the Moti Voiz Foundation, which is making the collection for Marissa, and will guide you if you want more information or want to know how to make a donation.

Students urged to inculcate reading habit HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, JULY 31

Kirtan Pandit Udaybuwa Fadke has called on students to inculcate reading as the main habit, as it has the power to take over the knowledge derived out of modern information technology.

He was addressing students of Shri Shantadurga Higher Secondary School, Bicholim, on the occasion of Guru Pournima celebration, which was recently organized by Marathi division.

Fadke stressed the need to do pious work which according to him is the real dharma (religion).

School Principal Gerald Delanay, teacher Pranita Parab, Sulakshana Sawant and Students Representative Namdev Gaonkar were present on the occasion.

On the occasion, Dhanada Manerkar narrated the importance of Guru Pournima, while Shradha Kudalkar sang a song followed by presentation of Shloka by Pankaj Sainekar and Pravina Vaze. The function was concluded with recital of Shantipaath by Hrishikesh Vaze.

Trupti Joshi and Rucha Garde compered the function, while Namdev Gaonkar proposed the vote of thanks.

Dom Jose Colaco: A tribute on his birth centenary

By Jose Maria Miranda

S

ince the advent of Christianity in this State, several priests from Goa brought great glory to the Catholic Church by their high integrity, devoted work to the community and tremendous spiritual zeal with which they guided their flock. It is no wonder therefore that right from the 17th century, Goans were elevated as Bishops and put in charge of various Dioceses and Archdioceses as also as Ambassadors of the Vatican, generally known as Nuncios, to various countries. While most of the Bishops and Archbishops, that Goa can be proud of, were not born in Goa, but had left their native place to serve in various dioceses in India, there were a few who were born and brought up in Goa and served in various distinguished and respectable positions in Goa. Among them was D. Jose Filipe do Carmo Colaco, whose birth centenary we celebrate today. D. Jose was born in Margao on 14th July 1910 to Adv. Serulino Colaco and Isabel de Santa Rita Vaz. He belonged to the well known Colaco family from Margao and was the brother of the prominent physician, writer and speaker and former Member of Parliament, the late Dr. Antonio Colaco of revered memory.

After completing his studies in Rachol, D. Jose was ordained priest on 22.9.1934 and later went to Rome where he did his Doctorate in Theology. On his return, he was appointed Professor of the Major Seminary of Rachol and later rose to become its Rector. Incidentally, we celebrate this year the 4th centenary of the foundation of this Seminary, which has given the Church of Goa, several talented and zealous priests.

Recognizing his merits as an intelligent and competent Professor and his qualities

as a highly spiritual man, who had inspired many generations of priests, the Holy See appointed Fr. Jose Colaco, Bishop of Cape Verde, then a Portuguese colony in Africa.

He was consecrated Bishop at Old Goa on 27th May 1956, where he served with great dedication and zeal for twenty years until he felt it wise and appropriate that he should hand over the reins of the diocese to a native of the place, where the civil administration had changed hands after the Portuguese Revolution of 1975. He voluntarily retired prematurely in 1976, returning back to his house in Margao.

Those of my generation and those of the younger too, remember Bishop Colaco as a tall, handsome and simple priest immaculately robed in his white cassock taking his evening walk through the busy streets of Margao, that none would guess he was a Bishop. What endeared him to most of those who knew him was his unassuming and humble nature and his most aristocratic and yet approachable ways, ever ready to help and to serve. This enabled many of the Parishes in Goa to avail of his services for several religious functions, which he would readily accept to officiate, adding a special fervour and significance to the occasion with his august presence and inspiring and thought provoking homilies.

D. Jose passed away suddenly on New Year’s day in 1991.

Dr. Francisco Colaco, reputed cardiologist and a close family friend of the late Bishop says of him: “Many generations of priests admit they owe a great debt to this talented, extraordinary, imposing personality. In Cabo Verde, Dom Jose undaunted, through umpteen difficulties, nursed the budding Diocese through its teething troubles, until it found itself on even keel. Back in Goa, he carried out commendable apostolate reach-

ing out to as many as possible. To me, he was more than a model priest; he was our guru, counselor and family friend. On his deathbed I had the privilege of being beside him. All he wanted was “peace” and “light”.

Soon he exhaled his last breath and flew out of sight to the place of “everlasting peace” and “eternal light".

“Extremely kind, thoughtful and generous” - is how Teresa Colaco Bruto da Costa describes her uncle. “He had a balanced mind and very rational in his thinking. He was well versed in many fields and could talk to anyone on any subject. When people of all ages approached him for counseling, he was readily accessible to them. He was morally upright and a man of few wants” Another nephew of the Bishop, Filipe Colaco who now lives in the family’s ancestral house at Bernardo da Costa Road, Margao, having had it restored, keeping its beautiful antique look, remembers his uncle as ‘an extremely kind, polite and a wonderful personality – a man of sterling qualities, difficult to emulate. He says he remembers Archishop Raul Gonsalves and other priests coming to the house to seek his guidance.

Filipe feels happy that he has been able to maintain the high traditions of the family with the support of his cousins and siblings, which is in fact a blessing from his ancestors, including his uncle D. Jose.

To me and our family, D. Jose was a revered figure, a close friend and neighbour who unfailingly would give us the privilege of officiating at all important religious functions of the family. To me in particular, he was a guide and counselor whom I held him in great esteem, respect and awe. In these few hurriedly written lines I pay my humble tribute to this prominent son of Goa, a great Bishop and above all an exemplary and true man of God.

uPCOmING eveNtS Mass at Bl Vaz sanctuary

PANJIM(HND): There will be a special mass at the Sanctuary of Blessed Joseph Vaz, Sancoale on August 5 at 4:30 pm on the occasion of 333rd Anniversary of the famous ‘Letter of Bondage’ written by Blessed Joseph Vaz, the Patron of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman. Bl Joseph Vaz, the holy son of Goa, stands out as the first Catholic Priest who wrote such a letter of surrender to Mother Mary.

Rosary of Bl Joseph Vaz will begin at 4:15 pm. There will be no morning mass on that day.

The Mass will be followed by blessing over vehicles.

Gents of the village will pray for special blessings upon them on this occasion and seek guidance from the Blessed.

Br Anil’s retreat

PANJIM(HND): Bro Anil of Salvation Ministry will be conducting Holy Spirits Gifts impartation retreat on August 1, between 3 pm to 6 pm at Swami Vivekananda Hall, 6th floor, Junta House, Panjim. For details contact 9226387098 or 9763553575.

Feast of St Christopher

PANJIM(HND): The annual feast of St Christopher (Patron of the Vehicle) will be held on August 1 at Our Lady of Rosary Church, Fatorda. Mass will begin at 8 am followed by the blessing of all the vehicles. Parking place will be as usual. The feast is celebrated by all the owners and drivers of vehicles, says a press release.

Felicitation function

PANJIM(HND): Annual felicitation function of Akhil Gomantak Kshatriya Maratha Samaj, Porvorim will be held on August 1 at 11 am at Chatrapati Shivaji Mandir, Porvorim.

Health Minister Viswajit Rane will be the chief guest. BJP chief Laxmikant Parsekar and Pale MLA Pratap Gawas will grace the function as guests of honour.

This year, 125 students who excelled in different examinations from SSC and HSSC to Post graduation will be felicitated at the hands of guest, which includes Yamuna Pramod Naik of Pirna, Bardez and Pratik Anil Sawant of Ponda, who stood first and second respectively at Goa Board Higher Secondary exams in the Science stream. Also, 12 different personalities of Samaj, who have achieved different honours at State/National/International level shall be felicitated.

Trajano chosen NCP’s chief spokesperson HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JULY 31

The Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP) high command recently appointed the state party committee of office-bearers and executive members.

With the outgoing acting president Carmo Pegado, Revenue Minister Jose Philip D'Souza was named state party president earlier this month, while Mr Pegado is chosen as one of the four senior vice-presidents in the new team while Trajano D'Mello has been appointed as chief spokesperson.

According to a press release, the constitution of the new state committee was announced by national general secretary T P Peethambaram recently.

The 25-member committee consists of four senior vice-presidents Dr Carmo Pegado, Surendra Sirsat, Sangeeta Parab and Pandurgang Raut.

There will be three vice-presidents Ulhas Naik who will be incharge of all-party functions, Shaikh Iqbal and Trajano D'Mello who is also made the chief spokesperson. Around ten years ago, Trajano was a spokesperson of the Goa Pradesh Congress committee then headed by Luizinho Faleiro.

NCP will have four general secretaries: Avinash Bhonsle (in charge of frontal cells), Rajan Ghate (administration) Prakash

Phadte (public relations), and Venkatesh Prabhu Moni (in charge of cells).

South Goa zilla panchayat member Nelly Rodrigues along with Irwin Soares from Ponda are the two secretaries while the joint secretaries are Naresh Korgaonkar and Pascoal D'Souza.

Praful Hede, coordinator and Jitendra Deshprabhu, national secretary of the party are named as permanent special invitees on the state panel, while presidents of party's Seva Dal, Mahila and youth wings will be ex-officio invitees (permanent).

Chairman of the minority cell S Sayeed, chairman of doctor's cell Dr Almeida, SC cell chief Sakharam Korgaonkar and legal cell chief Nagesh Colvalkar are named as invitees, says a press release issued here.

Tribute to C Alvares HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JULY 31

On the occasion of the birthday of ‘ever green hero’ of the Konkani stage Duent-Amcho Raza C Alvares, HCN will present a tribute to the great legendary tiatrist on Joe Rose's Konkani show Palkachim Noketram on Aug 1 at 5 pm. The panel consists of Shreerang Narvekar (Organiser and proprietor to Narvekar Matou Mapusa); Jessie Dias (Stalwart of the Konkani stage), Osvi Veigas (senior and reputed singer) and Master Vaz (contemporary of C Alvares).

The host will be Joe Rose. The tribute tends to highlight the selfless and dedicated contribution of the late C Alvares to the Konkani Stage.

Kadamba’s bus service to Vailankanni HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JULY 31

As the annual feast of Our Lady of Vailankanni is celebrated in September, Kadamba will operate luxury bus service for the devotees to travel from Goa to Valankanni in Tamil Nadu to attend the fama and novenas. The ticket fare will be Rs 2400 per head. Booking will be done at all the booking offices of KTCL, having limited seats. Dy General

Manager of Kadamba Transport Corporation Sanjay Ghate has appealed to the devotees to book at the earliest to avoid disappointment. Detailed information about booking and route can be obtained on 2438035/9923001904 or 2714670, 9422059820. The bus will proceed to Valankanni on August 27 and will be back on August 31 and September 1 from Valankanni.

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SohraBuddIn CaSe

CBI probe has harmed nation’s federal structure: Jaitley PTI MUMBAI, JULY 31

Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley today said CBI investigation in the Sohrabuddin encounter case has harmed the federal structure in the country.

“Law and order is a state subject and CBI can investigate only central cases. It can investigate state-related cases only with the consent of the state government. But, this federal structure is not applicable to the court,” Jaitley claimed while speaking at a symposium “Federalism, Law and order and Vote Bank politics”.

Hitting out at the central investigating agency, Jaitley alleged that the CBI was involved in vote management in the corridors of court during the cut motion and nuclear deal debate in Parliament.

Jaitley accused the Congress of taking the country’s politics in a different direction. “Congress may not win the next Assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, if the complete rout of the party in the recent by-election is any indication.

“One should not be surprised if the next government arrests the present state home minister in the murder charge of a top Naxal leader who was killed in an encounter in the state recently.

Human rights activists and some sympathizers have charged that the encounter was fake, but the Andhra government has stood its ground,” the BJP leader said.

Referring to the turmoil in Jammu and Kashmir, Jaitley said separatists have changed their strategy to target the Indian state through provocative mass action. “Support to local separatists groups from across the border to attack security forces and provoke them to take action was brought to

light recently.”

“But, instead of supporting the security forces, the all party meeting called by the state chief minister passed a resolution demanding action against the security forces who opened fire. BJP did not support the resolution,” Jaitley said.

The BJP leader said the security forces should be thanked for maintaining law and order and risking their lives to protect the country.

“But, there is no courtesy. Such ingratitude is political sin,” he said.

Jaitley hit out at the NGOs and human rights activists alleging they were the overground face of underground movements.

“They behave as if they are the civil society. It is sad that in a democracy, we have to live under the tyranny of the unelected or unelectable,” he said.

Jaitley charged the media with acting as “stenographers of intelligence agencies” while referring to news reports about Soharabudin fake encounter case.

He said there are 210 districts in the state under the influence of Naxalites, out of which 90 districts are such where the writ of the civil administration does not run.

“But, still there is unnecessary talk in the central government on how to tackle the naxal menace,” he said.

Jaitley said Sardar Patel brought all princely states under the control of the Indian state while Pandit Nehru could not handle the Kashmir issue and the country was paying a heavy price for his “historic blunder” of giving the state a special status.

Former Punjab DGP K P S Gill said clear thinking and strong action is necessary to tackle terrorism.

Leaky valves almost shutdown Tarapur N-plant PTI NEW DELHI, JULY 31

Leaky valves and malfunctioning of pumps and fuel bundles had almost shutdown one of India's first nuclear reactors at Tarapur in 1973, a news magazine has claimed.

"In September 1973, the inevitable happened. The malfunctioning of pumps, valves and fuel bundles at TAPS (Tarapur Atomic Power Station) led to the radioactive levels rising far greater than those laid down by the International Commission for Radiation Protect i o n , " T h e We e k n e w s magazine reported.

The then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had summoned Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) Chairman Homi Sethna and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) Director Raja Ramanna to convey her "acute concerns" on the matter.

"Eminent scientists, both pleaded with her not to pronounce what would have been a death sentence on the credibility of the country's nuclear programme," the report said quoting Ashok Parthsarathi, then the Scientific Assistant to Gandhi.

TRS sweeps Telangana by-polls, wins 11 of 12 PTI HYDERABAD, JULY 31

It was a landslide victory for the Telangana Rashtra Samiti candidates in 11 out of 12 Assembly constituencies that went for bypolls in the Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh on July 27.

By early morning today when the results were announced at the end of a lengthy counting process that began yesterday, some of the TRS victors set new records in the state's electoral history.

For the first time in its political history, the Telugu Desam Party had to forfeit deposits in all the 12 Assembly segments while ruling Congress met with the same fate in four constituencies.

In Siddipet in Medak district, T Harish Rao, nephew of TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao, set a new record by winning the byelection with a margin of 95,858 votes against his Congress rival Srinivas Goud. The Congress as well as the TDP, which stood third here, lost the deposits.

Harish Rao won from Siddipet for fourth consecutive time. His victory margin is said to be by far the largest margin ever recorded in the Assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh. Interestingly, the Medak district administration, led by Collector S Suresh Kumar, also set a record by completing the counting process in just over 90 minutes.

Another TRS candidate Gaddam Aravinda Reddy too retained his Mancherial seat in Adilabad district with a record margin of 78,047 votes as against 13,827 he got in 2009. Reddy's victory margin is the second largest after Harish Rao's. The Congress lost its seat in Mancherial as well.

Koppula Easwar, another notable TRS candidate, improved his victory margin from modest 1,484 votes in 2009 to a staggering 58,891 now to bag Dharmapuri seat in Karimnagar district.

TRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao's son K Taraka Rama Rao secured a handsome margin of 44,642 votes in the by-election from Siricilla.

It is a sweet victory for Rama Rao this time in more ways than one as he scraped through with a bare margin of just 173 votes against the TRS rebel candidate K K Mahender Reddy in his first electoral battle in 2009.

Mahender Reddy was the Congress’ official nominee this time but lost his deposit following the bitter defeat. TRS’ Dasyam Vinay Bhaskar saw his victory margin in Warangal West constituency swell ten-fold – from 6,684 last year to 67,524 this time.

Similarly, the victory margins of E Rajender and K Vidyasagar Rao have more than tripled in Huzurabad and Korutla Assembly segments as compared to the 2009 general elections.

‘Obama’s India visit to take ties to new level’ PTI WASHINGTON, JULY 31

US President Barack Obama's visit to India in early November would take the bilateral relationship to a new level and demonstrate how the two countries are working together to find solutions to the pressing global challenges, India's envoy here has said.

India is looking forward to the visit of Obama to India in November this year, Indian Ambassador to the US Meera Shankar said in her remarks after signing the agreement on reprocessing of US spent nuclear fuel by India.

"We are confident that the visit would take our relationship to the next level and demonstrate how the two countries are working together to find solutions to the pressing global challenges of the day and for promotion of peace and stability in Asia and beyond", Shankar said.

Bill Burns, the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs signed the agreement on behalf of the US, which marks the final steps in terms of implementation of the Indo-US civilian nuclear deal.

"The signing of this Agreement today, and a few days back, of the Counter-terrorism Cooperation initiative in New Delhi, is also a reflection of our deepening ties," Shankar said.

"We have had in the last month our first Strategic Dialogue, the meeting of the CEO's Forum, as well as several other high level visits," she said in her remarks.

Governments being the biggest litigants should exercise restraint in approaching courts in order to decongest the system and reduce overall pendency of cases, President Pratibha Patil said today.

"Government agencies being one of the biggest litigants must exercise restraint from routinely instituting litigation and clogging the system," she said while inaugurating a seminar on judicial reforms here.

Calling for efforts to ensure speedy delivery of justice, Patil stressed on the need to re-look into the archaic laws to make them in tune with the present requirements, saying "making the language of law simple can prevent unnecessary litigation".

She said there was a need to analyse challenges, particularly the infrastructural requirements for a quick justice delivery system and for reducing the mounting cases.

"We must take stock of the challenges and structural weaknesses which beset our legal system impeding equitable access to prompt and quality jus-

The Lost Supper: Another view

By Allwyn Fernandes I know this is going to upset many, but I must raise it. Ancy D'Souza has written a letter to Jaideep Bose, Editor of The Times of India, protesting against a cartoon titled ‘The Lost Supper’, which appeared in the Sunday Times of India dated 25 July 2010.

The cartoon is below:

Ancy (and many others who share his sentiments on Facebook) says that the cartoon has hurt the religious sentiments of Christians deeply, by projecting Laxman's Common Man at the centre of the Lost Supper, with politicians of all hues sitting around him. The cartoon symbolises the situation in India today, especially over the past year – as food prices have been relentlessly spiralling upwards, and politicians have continued to serve up empty promises, the common man is left empty-handed and with an empty stomach.

But Ancy sees it differently. : “You have made mockery of our religious beliefs. Kindly apologize for the blunder you have created, or else we may have to plan a very stringent course of action,” says his letter to Mr Bose, the Editor of The Times of India.

But is the cartoon really offensive and has it really made a mockery of our Christian religious beliefs?

If Ancy visits my home, above my dining table is a painting from the Philippines titled ‘Table of Hope’. It depicts Jesus at the table, with a lot of ragged and dirty street urchins seated around him instead of the apostles. There is also a cute little urchin hiding under the table!

Everyone who has dined at my table has marvelled at the artist's depiction of what Jesus would do today – round up and invite us to his table not priests, bishops and cardinals in pink fancy wear; not even us Catholics praying in churches. No, he would round up the urchins, the poor and the hungry at our railway stations and bus stands, and in our schools, and break bread with them.

Yes, there is deep hunger even in our biggest and most prosperous cities like Mumbai – thousands of children come to school hungry, even in our Catholic schools, because their parents have no jobs or the money to give them a proper meal.

That picture was not given to me by an atheist or an agnostic, but by a solid SVD priest, Fr Franz-Josef Eilers, Secretary of the Office of Social Communications of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences.

I believe that the Sunday Times of India cartoon, by using a scene that symbolises Christianity's most solemn moment, depicts the picture in India today very powerfully.

What are we protesting against? Did not Jesus say: “Whatever you do to the least of my brethren, you do it to me”? Did He not say, and have countless artists down the centuries not portrayed, good being done to the poor, the hungry, the sick, the tired and the dispossessed as being done to Jesus himself? Then how are our sentiments hurt?

That Common Man in the cartoon, dispossessed of his meal, represents Jesus himself. And around him in the cartoon you see politicians of all hues, fussing around him. Was everyone around the Last Supper pure of heart? Did you not have a Judas whom countless artists have painted with his thirty pieces of silver? And did not Peter refuse to let Jesus wash his feet?

Weren’t those 12 men that we believe were round the table with Jesus at his last meal not human beings, with all their human failings – just like those depicted in the cartoon?

It is time to take a broader view.

That cartoon is something I would enlarge and put up in every church and use for reflection of the hunger that exists in our country today – hunger of every kind – while the politicians huff and puff without purpose around the hungry Common Man at the centre of it all.

(The writer was earlier the Chief Reporter of The Times of India, Mumbai, for many years. He can be contacted at: allwyn.fernandes@gmail.com)

Sibal wants 30 pc students to reach varsity level by 2020 PTI MUMBAI, JULY 31

Tourists at India Gate on a rainy day in New Delhi on Saturday.

Govts must exercise restraint in approaching courts: Prez PTI NEW DELHI, JULY 31

OPinionated

tice. Judicial reforms occupy a salient place in government's agenda," the President said.

She also voiced concern over the "explosion of litigation" saying that current figures reveal that the arrears in High Courts exceed 40 lakh cases, while in the Subordinate Courts, it surpasses 270 lakh.

"Now as the Chief Justice of India has talked about the difference between arrears and pendency in cases, I think we will have to review these figures," she said.

Earlier, CJI S H Kapadia had made distinction between the arrears and pendency of cases and said the calculation has to be reviewed as there are flaws in it. The President said the archaic laws, if needed, should altogether be scrapped.

"There cannot be better governance without better laws and there cannot be better laws if antiquated ones remain. Archaic laws and outdated administrative regulations must be scrutinized and if necessary scrapped or amended. Making the language of law simple can prevent unnecessary litigation," Patil said.

She appealed for making the

court procedures simple and straight for speedy justice.

"We must re-engineer and simplify court procedures, which otherwise tend to make litigation unduly slow and protracted.

Frequent demands and liberal grant of adjournments, filing of multiple suits and similar tactics make judicial productivity sluggish. Timely pronouncement of judgements and quick execution of decrees would be beneficial," Patil said.

She expressed concern over the disproportionate ratio of population and judicial officers which was coming in way of timely disposal of cases.

“Congestion of court cases has been compounded by shortage of judicial manpower and low judge to population ratio.

We must explore betterment of this ratio by augmenting the strength of the judiciary without compromising on quality.

"There is a need to act fast on other parameters. Advance action needs to be taken to fill up existing and prospective vacancies. Delay in the process of judicial appointments should be avoided in the face of the huge swell in the volume of litigation.

26 tribals affected by anthrax in Sundargarh PTI ROURKELA, JULY 31

At least 26 tribal people in four villages in Orissa's Sundargarh district have been affected by anthrax, doctors said today.

In-charge of Hatibari community Health Centre (CHC) S N Jotishi said a medical team from the district headquarter hospital, Sundargarh with sufficient medicines have been camping in affected villages and treating the patients.

The villagers of Dukatoli, Mangratoli, Kusumtoli and Anthugada under Hatibari Panchayat in Nuagam block of the district from where the anthrax disease was detected were given the door to door medical treatment, he said.

The family members of anthrax patients were also given medicines as a preventive measure, Jotishi said.

Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) of Sundargarh, Bikrant Kindo visited the affected villages yesterday and monitored the situation.

Stressing for collaborations in the field of education, Human Resources Development (HRD) Minister Kapil Sibal today said he had set a target of 30 per cent students reaching university level in India by 2020.

"The current rate is only 12.4 per cent. Presently, there are 500 universities and about 25,000 colleges in the country.

We need another 800 universities and 35,000-40,000 colleges to enable more 46 million children to avail college education," Sibal said while inaugurating the Indo-US summit on higher education organised by the Indo-American Society (IAS).

He said 220 million children go to school in India out of which only 14 million reach college. "Our economy cannot sustain with such numbers. Out of the numbers which manage to reach the college, only 40 per cent pass 12 Standard."

The ministry's aim is to increase the total percentage of students who avail higher education from the existing 12.4 per cent to 30 per cent by 2020.

Pressing for joint ventures in the field of education, Sibal said the country cannot move forward in a fragmented manner in the field of education.

"Even with the expansion, only 60 million children will be able to go to colleges and universities. What about the rest, we need to empower them. Expansion and inclusion without quality is also of no use," he said.

Sibal said the government will

soon introduce a national vocational education framework at the 10+2 level to create more courses which offer employment opportunities.

He said the state governments will be asked to identify and devise vocational courses, standards of which will be decided at the national level. "Vocational training and academics need to be synergised," he added. Sibal also urged the educationists to think differently.

"Different economic models and educational collaborations will bring energy into the system. A good system is built on foundation of Ideas and the need of the hour was to invest in the human mind," the minister noted.

He felt that if the output is better, India will be more competitive in the field of education.

"It is said that 100,000 students migrate to the US to pursue higher education. But, in the US there are about 75,000 engineers whereas there are 65,000 in Bangalore alone," Sibal said.

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Nitish, Cong will ‘bite the dust’: Lalu PTI PATNA, JULY 31

RJD supremo Lalu Prasad today accused his arch rival Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the Congress of ‘usurping’ reins of power in Bihar from his party under a ‘larger conspiracy’ to weaken the cause of social justice and said people had realised it by now and would force them to ‘bite the dust.’

“We didn’t lose but Nitish and Congress usurped the reins of power from our hand to thrust upon difficulties and miseries on the people under a large conspiracy to weaken the social justice”, Prasad said while addressing a gathering on the occasion of JD(U) leader Virendra Kumar Choudhary joining his party.

To buttress his point, Lalu said his framing in ‘false and fabricated’ cases of multi-crore rupees fodder scam, imposition of President’s rule by the Congress in 2005 which saw the worst-ever jail-break in Jehanabad that defamed Bihar at that time vindicated his charge.

Prasad also identified LJP president Ramvilas Paswan’s decision to go alone at the hustings in 2005 also contributed to the electoral reverses the RJD had faced. ‘’But we are happy that Paswan ji is with us’’, he said and added that the people of the state had made up their minds to ensure that ‘’Nitish’s alliance and Congress bite the dust.’’

Referring to the allegations pertaining to the multi-crore rupees fodder scam, Prasad alleged that the Chief Minister was facing similar charges at present.

“Why is he (Kumar) worried about a CBI probe into the allegations of corruption against him”, Prasad asked and said Kumar had now lost confidence.

Supporting his view, Prasad said the CAG report highlighted fraud in supply of foodgrains to flood victims in Khagaria. “The CAG enquiry reveals, the foodgrains were transported for flood relief

n “We didn’t lose but Nitish and Congress usurped the reins of power from our hand to thrust upon difficulties and miseries on the people under a large conspiracy to weaken the social justice”, Prasad said while addressing a gathering on the occasion of JD(U) leader Virendra Kumar Choudhary joining his party.

on trucks bore the registration numbers of scooters”, he said quoting the CAG report.

“Where are all the petitioners who got me falsely booked in the fodder scam cases... What are they doing now?” he asked.

The RJD leader was apparently referring to JD(U) national spokesman Shivanand Tiwari and its former state president Rajiv Ranjan Singh “Lalan” who had filed the PIL that led Patna High Court ordering a CBI probe in 1996 which paved the way for exit of Prasad as Chief Minister.

“All these conspirators are maintaining silence”, he said.

Prasad held the Centre and Nitish Kumar government ‘equally responsible’ for the people’s miseries caused by escalated prices of essential commodities and petroleum products.

Referring to the Women’s Reservation Bill, Prasad said he had opposed the bill ‘tooth and nail’ as it was aimed at ‘snatching the benefits of reservations from people.’

He also reiterated his demand for holding a census on the basis of castes to prepare data about the population of every caste.

Students participate in a face painting competition on Nature and Wild life theme in Patna on Saturday.

St Ignatius’ feast observed HERALD CORRESPONDENT BELGAUM, JULY 31

The Jesuit Fathers of Belgaum on Saturday observed the feast of St Ignatius of Loyola to mark the birth anniversary of the founder of the Society of Jesus.

Special Eucharistic celebrations were observed at Fatima Cathedral here on Saturday morning to commemorate the 469th birth anniversary of the great saint who had transformed a large number of youth of his days to form the Society of Jesus, better known as the Jesuits.

The Jesuits run a large number of institutions carrying out the work of imparting top class education to the society, apart from engaging themselves in the service of the society in various forms. St Paul’s High School at Belgaum is managed by the Jesuit Fathers.

In his homily at the Eucharistic celebrations, Fr Fidelino Araujo highlighted the virtues of St Ignatius Loyola, who “unravelled the greatest treasure of God’s love as he offered his life for the greater glory of God.” “ Through his ser vice to mankind, St Ignatius ventured to set the world on fire with God’s love,” Fr Fidelino said and encouraged the faithful to direct their words and deeds towards the greater glory of God. A skit depicting the life of St Ignatius was presented by the students of St Paul’s High School. Special prayers were also offered on the occasion.

Rector of Jesuit House Fr Albano D’souza, Principal of St Paul’s High School Fr Gerald Furtado, Vice-Principal Fr Roland C o e l h o , Re v Fr M a t t h e w Bardeskar, Fr Moses, Fr Joe Chennakala and other priests were present at the programme.

Kashyap’s movie to be screened in Venice PTI MUMBAI, JULY 31

‘That Girl in Yellow Boots’, a Hindi thriller film directed by filmmaker Anurag Kashyap and co-produced by National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC) has been selected for the 67th Venice Film Festival.

The film will be screened under Out-of-Competition section in the fest at Venic Lido from September 1-11 this year.

Under this section important works by directors already established in previous editions of the event are showcased.

Written by Anurag Kashyap and Kalki Koechlin, the movie will also be screened at the forthcoming Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The film will have its North American Premiere under Special Presentations.

It is a thriller tracing Ruth’s (Kalki Koechlin) search for her father–a man she hardly knew but cannot forget.

Desperation drives her to work without a permit at a massage parlour. Torn between several schisms, Mumbai becomes the alien but yet strangely familiar backdrop for Ruth’s quest.

She struggles to find her independence and space even as she is sucked deeper into the labyrinthine politics of the city’s underbelly.

A city that feeds on her misery, a love that eludes her and above all, a devastating truth that she must encounter, and everyone wants a piece of her.

The movie also stars Naseeruddin Shah, Prashant Prakash, Gulshan Devaiya, Shivkumar Subramaniam, Divya Jagdale, Kumud Mishra and Kartik Krishnan among others.

Music is by Naren Chandavarkar and cinematography by Rajeev Ravi.

An ecstatic Anurag Kashyap thanked NFDC for pulling the project out of post production limbo and completing it.

“I would like to thank Ronnie Screwvala, Sanjay Singh and Sikhya Entertainment for lending me the money and unconditional support.

I am feeling on top of the world,” he said.

Nun identifies rape accused PTI CUTTACK, JULY 31

The Catholic nun, who was allegedly raped during the communal riots in Orissa’s Kandhamal district in 2008, today identified one person during an identification parade at the Choudwar jail here, officials said today.

The nun was able to identify one person who was among the mob which attacked the Baliguda church in the district on August 25, 2008, they said.

J&K CM warns anti-socials PTI SRINAGAR, JULY 31

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today warned that anti-social elements damaging public property will be dealt with firmly and none will be allowed to vitiate the atmosphere in any part of the state and threaten the common man.

Chairing a high-level meeting here, he also announced formation of three ministerial teams for Baramulla, Anantnag and Pulwama districts which will work with the citizen groups for speedy restoration of peace in those areas.

Appealing to all sections of the society to extend wholehearted cooperation in restoration of peace and normalcy in the Valley, the Chief Minister reiterated the commitment of his government to restore law and order and normalcy and fight the forces of disruption.

“Anti-social elements who indulge in damage of public property will be dealt with firmly and nobody would be allowed to vitiate the atmosphere in any part of the state,” he said.

The Chief Minister said all necessary measures will be taken to safeguard life and property of citizens and added that under no circumstances the common man will be allowed to suffer.”

The teams for Baramulla, Anantnag and Pulwama will remain stationed at the district headquarters and work for speedy restoration of peace and

normalcy.

They will also monitor the dayto-day situation personally and initiate measures for return of peace.

It was also decided at the meeting that security forces should be advised to exercise maximum re-

straint and those taking law into their hands dealt with sternly.

The Baramulla team will comprise Irrigation Minister Taj Mohiud-Din, Agriculture Minister Ghulam Hassan Mir and Minister of State Javid Ahmed Dar.

appointments

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Gillard to fight on after grim forecast REUTERS SYDNEY, JULY 31

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard is heading for a shock defeat at elections on August 21, a new opinion poll showed today, as government infighting and damaging cabinet leaks threatened to derail her campaign.

But Gillard, who is still expected to win by most other opinion polls and political experts, vowed to keep on battling to keep the top job. ''Let's be very clear about this, we're in a fight,'' she told reporters while campaigning in Perth. ''I am going to keep fighting every day of this election campaign.''

Defeat for Gillard would sink her plans to slap a 30 per cent tax on iron ore and coal mines, to introduce carbon-trading and to build a 33 billion dollar-plus broadband network.

The latest Nielsen poll reversed a solid lead Gillard's Labour party held in the same poll a week ago. Australia's first female prime minister took over barely five weeks ago from unpopular predecessor Kevin Rudd, who was dumped by his own MPs. Support for Labour had dived

six percentage points to 48 per cent, according to the poll, published on Saturday in The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age newspapers.

It gave the conservative opposition an election-winning 52 per cent, after minor parties are eliminated under Australia's system of transferable voting.

Opinion polls have been erratic but, on balance, they have favoured Gillard. The Reuters Poll Trend, a statistical analysis that aims to smooth out the volatility of differing poll results, shows Gillard winning a slightly increased majority.

The new Nielsen poll shows two-thirds of voters still expect Gillard to win, despite many shifting to opposition leader Tony Abbott, but it will still come as a shock for Labour which is struggling to heal the wounds of Rudd's dumping.

Abbott today dismissed the latest poll results and said he remained ''very much the underdog'' in the election.

The new poll, conducted over two days this week, followed leaks of cabinet discussions to newspapers which said they showed Gillard had opposed decisions to boost the state pension and paid paternity leave.

Chelsea Clinton set for wedding of the century PTI NEW YORK, JULY 31

America was abuzz today with what is being billed as the 'wedding of the century' with former first daughter Chelsea Clinton set to tie the knot with investment banker Mark Mezvinsky, after an intensively secret buildup.

The star studded wedding will take place in Rhinebeck, a quaint rural retreat for the New York elite, amidst a news black out which has triggered a media frenzy with hundreds of scribes descending on the small town.

The bride, 30, met her wouldbe-husband as a teenager and her nuptials with Mezvinsky, 32, are set to take place at the grand Astor Courthouse, which has been declared a 'no-fly' zone, with hundreds of security personnel blocking all roads leading to the venue.

The bride's parents, former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, are already in Rhinebeck for the wedding which will have a guest list of 500, but sans President Barack Obama and the first family.

According to unconfirmed reports the guests include talk show queen Oprah Winfrey, Hollywood mogul Steven Speilberg and former British Prime Minister John Major.

Obama won't be there as he says that he wasn't actually invited and that in any case, two Presidents would be "one too many" at the wedding.

Chelsea Clinton and Mark Mezvinsky

But media reports do not rule out the possibility of the Obamas making a grand entry by keeping their participation a secret for security reasons.

Estimates of the wedding cost, has been put between USD 3 to 5 million.

Bill Clinton meanwhile charmed the locals during a casual stroll through the town, saying that he was pleased with his daughter's choice of life partner.

"I like him (Mark) very much," a smiling Clinton said "I really do. I admire him. Hillary feels the same way."

Casual in jeans and a black golf shirt, Clinton shook hands and greeted the crowd like he

Israel hits back after attack, kills Hamas commander PTI GAZA, JULY 31

In a strong retaliation to rocket fire on its fifth largest city Ashkelon, Israeli warplanes pounded several Hamas bases, killing one of the group's top commanders and injuring at least eight others.

In the heaviest bombardment in the Gaza Strip since ceasefire was declared on January 18, 2009, following three weeks of Israeli offensive, Hamas military wing's senior field commander Issa al-Batran was killed in overnight raids near the Magazhi refugee camp, the Palestinian sources said.

40-year-old Issa, thought to have been involved in manufacturing rockets, was the target of a number of Israeli assassination attempts, the most recent of which resulted in the death of his wife and five children in January.

In a statement, the military wing of Hamas vowed to avenge the death of Issa, whom it identified as a senior field commander. "These new Zionist crimes will not pass without an-

swer," the statement said.

Israeli fighter jets targeted the Tel al-Hawa neighbourhood and Ansar security compound in western Gaza, which served as a training site for Hamas commanders and was used as headquarters for high-rank Palestinian Authority officials like Yasser Arafat in the past.

Other targets included sites in Dir al-Balah and Rafiah area of southern Gaza.

The Israeli operation was in retaliation to the rocket attack on Ashkelon. The Grad-type rocket hit an open area near the coastal resort yesterday.

The National Resistance Committee, a group which supports the Islamist Hamas government in Gaza, claimed responsibility for the rocket attack, Israel Radio reported.

The Israel Defence Forces confirmed the air-strikes, which the army said targeted a Hamaslinked site in the northern Gaza Strip, a weapons-manufacturing warehouse in the central Gaza Strip and a weapons-smuggling tunnel in the southern Gaza Strip.

Bangla protests spread; dozens hurt AFP DHAKA, JULY 31

Bangladeshi police fired rubber bullets Saturday in a bid to subdue garment workers who rioted for a second day in protest against low pay as unrest spread to areas outside Dhaka, police said.

Workers fought pitched street battles with riot police in the manufacturing hub of Ashulia, north of Dhaka, as union officials rejected a government-backed pay hike as "insultingly low."

"Over 20,000 workers walked off the job and many clashed with police, hurling stones and rocks. We fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse them," police inspector Nasir Ahmed told AFP. The unrest came as Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina told "workers to accept the pay hike and return to work," threatening tough action against those who disobeyed her orders.

"She has warned that no act of violence or sabotages will be tolerated in the key garment industry. The instigators will be brought to book," her spokesman Mahbubul Haq Shakil said.

Rioters also burnt tyres, blocked a key road linking Dhaka with northern Bangladesh, attacked factories and forced police to run for cover. The factories have announced a shutdown in response and "violence has ebbed

but the situation is still tense," Ahmed said.

Police said at least seven officers including Ashulia's police chief were injured in the violence -- all hit by rocks thrown by protesters while the Englishlanguage newspaper the Daily Star put the toll at around 100.

At least 10,000 workers also blockaded a key road in Narayanganj, south of Dhaka, a police constable said, adding the labourers were holding a peaceful protest amid a heavy police presence.

The protests come a day after violence erupted in a slew of locations across the Bangladeshi capital, prompting riot police to respond against the workers with baton charges and tear gas.

The workers looted, ransacked factories and set vehicles afire leaving a trail of devastation.

The protests are in response to the government's announcement Tuesday that the minimum monthly wage for garment workers would rise by 80 percent to 3,000 taka (43 dollars) from 1,662 taka -- the lowest industry salary worldwide.

Most of the unions have spurned the offer, saying the workers need at least 5,000 taka a month to ensure a minimum standard of living in the face of surging food prices. They have threatened to keep up nationwide protests until the government meets their demands.

was back on the campaign trail, reported New York Daily News.

His surprise appearance came before a private rehearsal dinner last night in a renovated stone barn, after months of secrecy over the wedding.

After weeks of speculation about everything from who designed the dress, to the cost of the wedding cake, the ceremony will finally take place at 5 pm local time.

The nuptials will reportedly include both Christian and Jewish traditions as Chelsea is a Methodist while her fiancĂŠ is Jewish.

Iran quake injures 274 REUTERS TEHRAN, JULY 31

An earthquake in northeastern Iran injured 274 people, the semi-official ILNA news agency reported, and a slightly stronger tremor struck central Iran today.

The first quake with a magnitude of 5.7 hit the city of Torbat-e Heydariyeh, about 700 km east of Tehran, at 6:20 pm yesterday, and had its epicentre around 7 km from the city. Many people spent the night outdoors in the city's parks fearing aftershocks. No deaths were reported.

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‘Till the Last Teardrop Falls, I Will Always Remain Yours’ A friend lived up to that promise! True friendship transcends worlds; it never dies, as even death cannot tear faithful friends apart.

Herald reminisces about the promise…

BY CHRISTINA VIEGAS HERALD FEATURES oday, the world celebrates ‘Friendship Day’. Our cell phones are buzzing with heartwarming messages. This gets me reminiscing of college days, when we buddies promised each other, “Friendship is a golden knot that binds two hearts together! When we move on with our own lives, let’s never forget each other.”

We 17 year-olds, were a crazy bunch of three girls alongside ten boys; we were full of the joy of living. My best girlfriend, Karen, was the heroine of the group with her actress looks and flamboyant nature. No boy could help having a crush on her. So, from our crazy group, my close pal Pravin with the looks of a model and a beautiful soul, was no exception in losing his heart to Karen.

But, I (the painfully good girl) was his confidant to whom he comfortably poured his heart out as he couldn’t dare open up to Karen. For two years, his was a silent admiration and in his words ‘loved her’. He even treasured a lock of her silky hair in his diary. It amazed me to see this extrovert lad get dumbstruck in front of his lady love. But, doesn’t love do that to most of us?

He silently confided in me, “I’m crazy for her! I want to tell her, ‘Till the last teardrop falls, I will always remain yours’.” During our regular early morning visits to a quaint chapel amidst lush greenery, adjacent to our high school, one misty morning Pravin and I were alone. I urged him to scream out his promise to his love and he screamed out loud into the lonely mists, “Till the last teardrop falls, I will always remain yours!”

Valentine Day and Friendship Day meant sending her anonymous flowers and cards. My close bonding with Karen didn’t permit me to tell Pravin that she was aware of his feelings. Each day that he goaded me to convince her of his true love, guilt gnawed at me, as I knew that Karen could never reciprocate his feelings and was attracted to our junior college head boy, with his easy charm.

I pleaded with her, “Kan, please tell him, so that he can get some kind of closure and go on with his life.” Alas! She didn’t have the courage to be honest and set him free.

On our ‘Social’s Night’, I somehow worked out a situation that threw them both together for a romantic dance – how could I have known that was my last, yet most precious gift to my friend? After which, totally elated, Pravin dedicated one of my favourite numbers to me dressed in red. As we danced to ‘Lady in Red’, jokingly he warned, “Work hard to convince her. Don’t ever let her reject me, or else I will come after you and forcefully carry you around the fire for the ‘saat phere’.” Laughing, as we continued to foxtrot and he twirled me around, I happily quipped, “You Dodo! No ‘saat phere’ for me! Attired in white, I will get off a white horse-drawn chariot and run into the huge arms of my Prince Charming, waiting at the entrance of the Church.”

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To which came the constant good spirited jibe, “But, don’t forget to carry a ladder to reach up to your Mr ‘Lambuji’ cricketer – crazy girl!” Then there was an awkward, uncomfortable moment, when he abruptly stopped and with an intense look in his eyes, said sharp words that I remember till date over the many, many years, “Chrissie Doll! You are a free-spirit and a dreamer! May all your cherished, far-fetched dreams come true, and may no one ever hurt you. But remember, if and when you ever need me, I will always be there for you!” That night ‘goodbye’ with Pravin was kind of disturbing and touching; I couldn’t pinpoint the reason for the emotional turmoil. A kind of premonition!

The next morning I knew why! A shocking phone call had me devastated – Pravin had met with an accident and had succumbed to a head injury! I stood shell shocked at the funeral. Lying in his coffin, swaddled with bandages, his beautiful young face was filled with secret, unfulfilled faraway dreams. His mother sobbed out loud, heart-wrenchingly! With my heart bleeding, I sobbed silently, “Oh Pravin! Yes, you remained hers till your last breath and till the last teardrop fell. But you promised to be there for me when I’m down.” But the cold had gotten into him now. Alas! The fragility of life and the finality of death!

For a long time, Karen was consumed with guilt for no fault of hers. Till today we warmly remember Pravin. We three girlfriends are in three different corners of the earth with our individual worlds pulling us afar. Last year, after putting the kids to bed, late on Sunday night of ‘Friendship Day’, as I gazed at the majestic sky, I felt melancholic as it was a cloudy night. No twinkling star to comfort me, as Pravin had promised. Just then came a gentle downpour from the heavens! Thrilled, as I craned my neck out of the window, the fresh raindrops tenderly caressed my face and washed away my tears. My heart whispered, “Yes friend, we are worlds apart…yet, you are always with me in my heart!”

Life is short! We are constantly at parting points in our life. True friends are the heartbeats in our life. Only true friends can even listen to what you don’t say. Embrace them and nurture them! Separation and death is always hovering around us. You never know when you have to say GOODBYE!

Spend time today to learn about money options. A financial overhaul may be in order. You may be (21 Mar – 19 Apr) feeling a little extra zing today -- one that pushes you into a new endeavor. It's not that hard for you to get rolling, as your amazing energy should blow past all obstacles on your way to success.

This new attitude of your is pumping up your reputation -- and you sex appeal. You can't help (20 Apr – 20 May) feeling put out today -- it feels as if the whole world is against you! That's not really the way it is, of course, but sometimes your natural inclination just moves you at a different speed.

Remember that you can never truly own anything, so do not get too attached. There's (23 Oct – 21 Nov) no room for doubt today -- make sure you've got the wherewithal to handle all the details that are sure to come your way today. Be as methodical as possible!

Too many questions may try your patience today, so just take them one at a time. You're (21 May – 21 Jun) such a natural when it comes to communication that it may surprise you when you find that nobody is listening today. That's easily remedied, as long as you are willing to think outside the box.

This time, there will be no small details to trip you up. Focus on the end results. Children are (22 Nov – 21 Dec) making life more interesting for you today -- or adults behaving like children! You may want to make sure that your friends are ready for all kinds of shenanigans today.

An upcoming dinner party will provide the laughter and joy you've been seeking. You're (22 Jun – 22 Jul) feeling just a bit too much friction in your dealings with your boss, landlord or a traffic cop who's just trying to move things along.

Your fury may be justified, but take it out at the gym!

Your feelings about a friend's children will expand in some surprising ways today. You're far (22 Dec – 19 Jan) t o o w o r r i e d a b o u t what's coming up -- you should be focused on today! It's a really good time for you to deal with problems as they arise and put off planning for another day.

It's very smart to work from within the system, but beware of getting stuck in it. You could (23 Jul – 22 Aug) have fun watching paint dry -- as long as you could keep up a running commentary and regale your friends with your wit! Your great energy is the perfect addition to any gathering.

Take a look behind you today -- reexamining your past will inspire your future. You have got to take (20 Jan – 18 Feb) things down a notch -de-escalation is your only hope.

Someone is spoiling for a fight, but if you can keep cool in the face of their anger, life should get a lot better soon.

If you're truly compatible with the people you love, your relationships will endure. You can't deal (23 Aug – 22 Sep) with your coworkers today -- or maybe fellow students or even your family if you're at home or on the road. It's a good time to sequester yourself and catch your breath.

Take a look behind you today -- reexamining your past will inspire your future. You have (19 Feb – 20 Mar) got to take things down a notch -- de-escalation is your only hope. Someone is spoiling for a fight, but if you can keep cool in the face of their anger, life should get a lot better soon.

BY JANICE RODRIGUES HERALD FEATURES eing in any relationship, be it friendship or something more, is most often a blissful feeling; there is nothing better than having a friend around when you are in the dumps, they do their best to try and cheer you up, making you laugh even through your tears. “You know you at least have someone to catch your hand when you fall and a shoulder to cry on,” says Mackenzie Rodrigues. Friendship according to some people doesn’t have a definition. “Friendship is something that adapts to your life style and your needs, it just evolves around the few people you never want to lose,” says Douglas Pereira.

Friendship often begins with just a ‘hello’, but before you even know it, you become the best of friends, sharing a bond that you will cherish forever. “You can just be yourself with them, just do the craziest things in life and get away with if because you know that they would not mind it,” says Mackenzie, who says she can even share silence with her friends and not feel awkward.

But what happens when these best people in your life suddenly let you down or hurt you in some way? “It hurts really bad to have a friend betray your trust,” says Ashwari Govekar from Porvorim. It is often hard to fathom the fact that somebody who you considered so dear could break your trust.

This often pushes people down towards depression.

“Pain is a part and parcel of every relation but I think that friendship is the only relation which gives minimum amount of pain and more joy. It does hurt at times, but it hurts more just because they mean so much to you,” says Douglas. “When you have a minor tiff with your friend, you can just forgive them. But if they have really hurt you bad, the bond is broken and even if you do forgive, forgetting is not so simple. At the same time, while you are at that hurt phase where you are not talking to the person, you always feel the painful void,” says Mackenzie. Some people find it difficult to

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(Name of the deceased friend changed)

When you are down and out, just the presence of a friend by your side can give you strength to face the world

talk to the person again after the betrayal, some others may go back to being chums again but many others, even when they get back together, cannot let go of the sense of wariness.

Friendship like any other process has a beginning and an end, few are lucky to have a friend for life, but most often friendships start with full zest and a promise of forever but after a while, they fizzle out. “Sometimes, the attachment lasts for a lifetime while in other cases, it fades away, though the memories may remain with you forever,” says Douglas.

Also, with the world now being well connected with the flourish of mass communications and the internet, staying in touch with old friends could not be any simpler. So, whether friendships last forever or just remain a season of joy and happiness in your life, this bond is worth celebrating, with all your heart.

Happy Friendship Day!

Mark Wahlberg A Taste of Sweet during the Rains gets the Walk of fame

­H­O­R­O­S­C­O­P­E There have been too many duets in life -today, it's time for you start a solo act. You need (23 Sep – 22 Oct) to focus on one person - one at a time, that is! You don't usually mind big groups so much, but for now, your energy is best directed at individuals, so find the time for quiet chats.

Changing Seasons of Friendship

Today is the day we will find elders cutting off a piece of coconut and serving it with jaggery. A custom followed for generations; we sometimes blindly follow our traditions without realising their importance. The story behind ‘August Godd’

BY DOLCY D’CRUZ HERALD FEATURES n the good old days when majority of Goa was a farming community, provisions were kept aside especially for the monsoon season.

Provisions like dried fish, chillies, onions, grams and rice were stocked up for the proverbial ‘rainy day’. Even though the people were hard working, there were even worse conditions of poverty.

By this time of the year, the harvest would be getting ready and there wouldn’t be any grain left in the house.

By the time it was August, provisions like grains, pulses a n d c e re a l s were almost over and people would end up eating the vegetables that grew in the monsoons and even drumstick leaves.

It was because of this that ‘August Godd’ came into practice. Besides sweetening mouths on the beginning of the month, it acted as a silent prayer to God to make the remainder of the year a sweet one. As people were aware of the fact that August would be a month of hardship, they began the month with a prayer by offering coconut and jaggery and eating it. Even now, with

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ollywood heartthrob Mark Wahlberg was surrounded by his family as he was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday. The ‘Boogie Nights’ actor insists he couldn’t believe it when he was first told he would receive the prestigious accolade.

‘When I heard I was getting this star, I felt like it was a practical joke,’ he said.

The actor who began his career as a rapper, before becoming a Calvin Klein underwear model and then an actor, got down on his hands and knees to kiss the floor as he accepted his star.

The Oscar-nominated actor, who went to jail as a delinquent teenager, said that he would like to forget his past. “I don’t miss those days. Although occasionally a show like Glee does some of my songs, which is nice. But I have no involvement with any of that now,” said Wahlberg.

Wahlberg credited his success in Hollywood to rediscovering his Catholic faith. “I was raised around the Church, but then I strayed off and started hanging out with guys in the neighbourhood. When I got into trouble, I turned to God. Once I started to refocus my faith, really good things started happening for me. And even when bad things happened, it was a lot easier to deal with. It’s become the most important part of my life.”

The Departed star, 47, said that he considers his family his proudest achievement.

He and wife Rhea Durham married in August last year and have four children together, Ella, seven, Michael, four, Brendan 20 months and Grace six months.

modern technologies and refrigerating equipments, people still eat ‘godd katti’.

“My grandmother used to cut and give me a piece of coconut with jaggery on top of it and say, ‘ Today is August godd, eat this to sweeten your mouth.’ Because of her I know the meaning of the tradition,” says Manuel D’Souza.

“I still eat jaggery and coconut, to follow the tradition. It is a prayer for the month to be a smooth sailing one,” says Michael Fernandes, a Goan studying in Birmingham, UK.

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GOA’S HEARTBEAT

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Sunday, 1 Aug, 2010

LAFFS

WORD OF THE DAY

camaraderie

Funny Quote

“We English are good at forgiving our enemies; it releases us from the obligation of liking our friends.”

– P D James

Pronunciation kah-muh-rah-duh-ree Function Noun Meaning : a spirit of familiarity and trust existing between friends Example Sentence Ray and Di have been neighbours since they were babies; they share a great camaraderie.

SUDOKU 620

son 5, organised by the Samraat Club International in association with the Directorate of Art and Culture will take place on August 1 at 10am at the Dinanath Mangueshkar Hall, Kala Academy, Panjim. Call 2420452.

Fado evening will be held on August 3 from 8pm onwards at Alfama, Cidade de Goa. Call 2454545.

Intuitive Art workshop by Deviprasad C Rao will be held from August 4 to 6 from 10am to 12.30pm at the Sunaparanta - Goa Centre for the Arts, Altinho, Panjim. Registration closes on August 2. Call 2421311 An Open Forum discussing retail with a focus on Goa, organised by the Retail Committee of Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be held on August 2 from 5pm to 7.30pm at the Surendrababu Timblo Hall, Panjim. Call 2424252.

A Tilak Punyatithi programme, organised by the Goa Union of Journalists (GUJ) will take place on August 1 from 10am to 11am at the GUJ Hall, Panaji.

Independence Day competitions for kids that include drawing and painting, rangoli, flower arrangement, and fancy dress are open for registration till August 3. It is organised by the Ider Kids International pre-school. Call 9373089191 or 932671317.

The 29th anniversary of the Ponda Taluka Patrakar Sangh will be held on August 1 at 5pm at the Municipal Hall, Ponda.

Free Sanskrit conversational classes, organised by the Chinmaya Mission, Ponda will go on till August 8 at the Chinmaya Aradhana Ashram, Khadpabandh, Ponda.

An obesity camp, organised by Vrundavan Hospital and Research Centre, Mapusa will beheld on August 1 from 10am in the hospital premises. Call 9850450540.

DAILY GROOK KILL DRILL

by Francis Rodrigues rump-wrap shirt gives men guilt, call it a skirt you'll get kilt!

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BY DOLCY D’CRUZ HERALD FEATURES ord Ganesh is one of the most loved gods and artisans just await the onset of the festive season to lovingly mould His idols out of clay. This year, Ganesh Charturti will be celebrated on September 11 but the preparations of creating idols of clay are already underway.

A small community of artisans in Mapusa are involved in the small time business of idol making for more than 80 years. Anand Diukar has been running the business for more than 40 years, before which it was run by his father.

“My father was one of the first people to start the business of idol making in Mapusa. That was in 1931, almost 80 years ago. We continue to bring clay, known as ‘chikott matti’ from the same place, the fields in Tivim. The rate of production has remained almost the same as we cater to only a few families and don’t take extra orders if they are not placed on time. We are always faced with the problem of shortage of labour.” Anand makes about 100 idols for 100

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09:00 Beneath the Blue 11:00 Batman Begins 14:00 The Adventures of Pluto Nash 16:00 Timeline 19:00 Mortal Kombat 21:00 The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 23:30 The Pacific : Part Ten

BY COLIN SAVIO COELHO colin.coelho@gmail.com

Capturing the Romance of the Moment

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12:00 Bum Bum Bole 15:15 Naya Ajooba 17:15 Life Partner 20:00 Coolie No. 1 23:15 Vishnu-Devaa

12:05 Charlie's Angels 14:10 Jerry Maguire 16:55 Grand Champion 19:00 The Real Mccoy 21:00 50 First Dates 23:15 Kill Bill Vol: 2

12:00 Bum Bum Bole 15:15 Naya Ajooba 17:15 Life Partner 20:00 Coolie No. 1 23:15 Vishnu-Devaa

12:00 Tezaab: The Terror 16:00 Bachna Ae Haseeno 20:00 Koi... Mil Gaya 23:30 Traffic Signal

09:10 Michael Jackson's Ghosts 10:10 Balls of Fury

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09:00 Criminal Minds 10:00 MasterChef Australia 11:00 Glee 12:00 Friends 15:00 Castle : Always Buy Retail 16:00 Lost 17:00 Glee 18:00 MasterChef Australia 19:00 Criminal Minds 20:00 Whose Line Is It Anyway?

20:30 Rendezvous with Simi Garewal 21:00 Lost 22:00 Whose Line Is It Anyway?

Music Review

Photo by Chiquitita

HERALD FEATURES waranjali, a musical programme was held at the Black Box in Kala Academy in memory of Dr Gangubai Hangal on July 30, 2010. The programme was organised by Geet Shakun in association with Kala Academy.

Gangubai Hangal was an Indian singer of the khyal genre of Hindustani classical music, who was known for her deep and powerful voice. She passed away on July 21, 2009.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Panduang Phaldesai explained the Guru Shishya tradition: “Music unlike other fields of education still honours its teachers as the most important. Unfortunately, with advanced methods of teaching, the respect for teachers has diminished. In the olden days, teachers were held at a higher position than even parents as parents would help them grow at home but a teacher would bring light in the darkness of their mind, body and soul. A teacher provides a new vision of society to its students.”

The performances for the evening included Dr Reshmi Malawi Joshi, a noted singer from Allahabad who was accompanied by Jaiesh Haldankar on the tabla, Subhash Faterpekar on the harmonium and Akansha Kamat on the tanpura. The other performances included singers like Shakuntala Bharne and Sadashiv Aiholi.

09:00 Geet 10:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 11:00 India's Magic Star 14:00 Rang Badalti Odhni 16:30 Welcome 20:00 India's Magic Star 21:30 Star One Horror Nights 22:30 Rang Badalti Odhni 23:30 Laughter Ke Phatke

email us at: goasheartbeat@herald-goa.com

Dr Gangubai Hangal remembered on Guru Poornima

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09:00 Boogie Woogie Kids Championship 2010 10:30 Indian Idol 12:00 Aahat 13:30 Comedy Circus Ke Superstars 15:00 C.I.D 17:00 Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi 20:30 Saachi Ki Shaadi 23:30 C.I.D

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families and just ten extras in case someone asks for them. They also make idols for Nag Panchami and Gokulashtami which are on August 14 and September 1 respectively.

Sonu Natekar, 90, has been working on Ganesh idols for almost 50 years of his life. He explains the process of making an idol. “We first bring clay from the fields and make it soft.

Then we place the clay in a mould which is sprinkled with white ink powder. The clay is then removed from the mould in half an hour and joined together. Then the detailing is done like fixing the trunk, hands and jewellery like the crown. Once it is dried, we start the painting process, beginning with distemper. People prefer buying an idol painted with water paints.

Once it is Nag Panchami we don’t touch the mud as we calculate the time to start painting.”

Dharma Kovlekar who assists Sonu, adds, “If we sit to do an idol in hand right from scratch, it will take at least two days to finish the basic figure. We make around 150 idols which are for a fixed clientele.”

Instructions for Sudoku SUDOKU SOL 619 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

09:30 Gutar Gu 10:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

12:00 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 14:00 Mr. Natwarlal 17:30 Gutar Gu 18:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

20:00 Don 23:00 Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale

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Preparations of Ganesh Idols in Full Swing

WHAT’S UP IN GOA??

Lokmanya Tilak Punyatithi will be held on August 1 at 10:50am in the open space of the new Secretariat, Porvorim.

‘C Alvares - Patxea Duetancho’, a musical show by Mil–Mel–Nel will take place on August 1 at 10:30am at GVN, Margao. It is held to commemorate the birth anniversary of the popular Konkani Tiatrist, C Alvares. It will also be staged on August 7 at 7pm at Saligao Panchayat Hall, Saligao, the birth place of the late C Alvares and on August 8 at 6:30 pm at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Vasco.

A friendship day trek to Dudh Sagar waterfalls, organised by Off Trail Adventures will be held on August 1.

Call 9960054428.

Rangoli competition for the Mormogao taluka, organised by the All Goa Bhausaheb Bandodkar Janmashatabdi Samaroha Samiti (Mormagao taluka) will take place on August 1 from 10am to 12pm at the Shri Maharudra Hnuman Saunstha Sabhagruha, New Vaddem, Vasco.

Call 9822347838 or 9764385055.

‘Work Vision: Developing Employability Skills’, a 1-day state level inter-collegiate workshop, organised by the Department of Economics and Psychology of the Government College, Khandola will be held on August 6 from 9am to 4pm at the college premises. Call 9822124032 or 9822121176.

All Goa YMCA (Charcoal and Pencil) drawing competition, organised by the YMCA will be held on August 14 from 9:30am to 11am at the YMCA International Goa Hall, Campal, Panjim. E-mail ymcagoa@gmail.com.

Call 2227112 or 9423170317.

Applications for various music examinations are open at the Bal Bhavan, Campal Goa. Registration closes on August 16. Call 2226823.

Samraat Sangeet Sitara 2010, Sea-

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22:30 Hitz 23:00 Ace 2010 23:30 Resorts World Sentosa Martial Combat 2010

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Somerset Sabres 14:58 Sportscenter Weekend 15:00 Hitz 15:25 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Germany 2010:Korea Republic vs. Colombia 17:30 Bwf Super Series : Indonesia Open 18:25 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Germany 2010 : Final: Germany vs. Nigeria 20:30 Hitz 21:00 Champions League Twenty20 2009 H/ls:New South Wales Blues vs.

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07:00 Kids Club 07:30 Flavors 08:00 English News 09:00 Konkani News 10:00 Marathi News 11:00 Straight Talk 12:00 Konkani Palkachim Noketram 12:30 Flavors 13:00 English News 14:00 Konkani Movie 15:00 Kids Club 15:30 Dance Goa Dance 16:00 Sunday Mass 17:00 Tribute to C. Alvares 18:00 Konkani News 19:00 Marathi News 20:00 English News 21:00 Straight Talk 22:00 English News 23:00 Konkani Palkachim Noketram 23:30 Rafi Ki Yadein 00:00 HCN Smash Hits 00:30 Flavors Note: Subject to change

he romance of music is always enlivened by the piano. When the ‘oldies’ are brought to life with the intervention of the piano, the harmony is simply melodious and enjoyable.

‘Romantic Piano’ is an instrumental album that lives entirely up to its name. The romance in the music and the romance in the piano playing unite to bring forth the best of 20 classical evergreen hits of yesteryear. These include the favorites ‘To All the Girls I’ve loved before’, ‘Stand by Me’, the Beatles magic in ‘Yesterday’, the Titanic love theme ‘My Heart Will go On’ and so many more.

Some of the tracks really bring out the romance to the maximum. This surely comes through in ‘I want to know what love is’ and ‘Stand by Me’. The track ‘Nikita’ also enhances the mood of the moment. The piano magic continues with ‘Nothing’s gonna change my love for you’ and ‘It must have been love’. The love hits continue in romance mood with ‘Where do I Begin’, ‘Saving all my love for you’, ‘Hero’, ‘I will always

love you’, ‘All of you’. And the climax is brought in by the intensity of the music and rhythm of the song ‘And I love you so’.

The piano takes the lead in ushering the mood for a romantic interlude. The tracks are well set to music to the accompaniment of a host of instruments.

All the 20 classic hits of yore bring to fore a story that speaks of love and its many attributes.

This musical work would enhance the passion of a candlelit dinner or would even help in a moment of dreamy reflection. The strength of the piano tones and the vigour of the melody ushers in the right vibe to take control of the instant.

The album would surely add to the nostalgia as well. It is a compilation of well-selected classic hits and all arranged in a well thought-out sequence.

HERALD CROSSWORD - 620 Across 1- Checked out; 5- Mideast gulf; 9- Deadly; 14- Scorch; 15Bandage; 16- Idealized concept of a loved one; 17- River in central Switzerland; 18- Caribbean dance music; 19- Like a rock; 20- Unacknowledged; 22- Lake in central Scotland; 24- Horse locks; 26- ___ Grande; 27- Of late occurrence; 30- Needleshaped; 35- Pong maker; 36Ailments of body or society; 37Fizzy drink; 38- Greek X; 39Snack bar; 42- Baseball club; 43- Green land; 45- Approached; 46- Icon; 48- Very hot day; 50- Islands in the N Atlantic; 51- "Hold On Tight" band; 52- Nymph presiding over rivers; 54- Abdomen; 58- Commander in chief of a fleet; 62Middle East rug; 63- Cross inscription; 65- "It's Impossible" singer; 66- Muse of lyric poetry; 67- Boxer Spinks; 68- Consumer; 69- Postpone; 70- Protracted; 71- Darn; Down 1- Biblical birthright seller; 2- Bring forth young; 3- Acquire through merit; 4- Unrealistic person; 5Missing; 6- Part of LED; 7- SASE, e.g.; 8- Minn. neighbor; 9- Pugilismrelated; 10- Disposed to love; 11Anklebones; 12- Not "fer"; 13- Veinlike deposit; 21- Crazed; 23- Come up; 25- NaCl site; 27- Speed contests; 28- Moral precept of conduct; 29- Capital of Egypt; 31- Skein of

thread; 32- Like lungs; 33SOLUTION - 619 Maxim; 34- Gives a 9.8, say; 36- Memo heading; 40- Concerned with a specific subject; 41- Ruler of Hyderabad; 44Recluse; 47- Small amount; 49- Loud uproar; 50- Assisting; 53- Brother of Moses; 54Timetable, for short; 55- Airfilled rubber hoop, become fatigued; 56- Minnesota's St. ___ College; 57- Small mountain; 59- Ascended, flower; 60"So be it"; 61- Nobleman; 64Classical beginning;

GOA, Sunday, 1 August, 2010

Pg14

SPORTS

Pg15

GOA, Sunday, 1 August, 2010

Ace rider Allan gets podium finish

lLooking for sponsorship to sustain momentum HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 31

Goa’s ace supercross motorcycle rider, Allan Sequeira kept the State’s flag flying high for the third time in succession as he managed to get a podium finish at the 3rd MRF National Supercross Championship (Round Three) at Jaipur recently. He finished second.

Allan had won the top places both in Bangalore (Round One) as well as Coimbatore (Round Two) earlier and this time he was pushed to the second place by local Jaipur rider Gaurav Khatri.

Allan finished first in the first moto in his Honda CR and was leading in the second moto until the second last lap when Gaurav overtook him. It was the toughest round as the track was sandy in Jaipur. Besides, the local rider had the biggest advantage of being used to the home track.

Allan started alongwith 13 others and only eight could complete the race in Class A - private foreign open Group A 2/4 stroke upto 250cc.

A noteworthy feature was that Allan was riding a 2-stroke engine whereas the others had a 4-stroke one. It was sheer dexterity and supreme control and manoeuvrability over the 2wheeler that enabled the Sirvodem-based rider to finish as runner-up. It goes without saying that if Allan only had a new, modern machine, Allan would done wonders even in Class 1 Foreign Open Class in which presently he finished sixth, since his bike was an old, outdated model as compared to the others.

Without any sponsor to back him, Allan has been a fanatic supercross rider all these years.

And, there is no one like him in Goa, making waves at the National level. It looks as if Allan, the man and machine are almost made for each other and connected together.

Goa’s Allan Sequeira poses with the runners-up trophy won at MRF National Supercross Championsip (Round Three) alongwith his sons Peter and Alec in Jaipur.

Supercross racing is an expensive sport and dangerous too.

The only downside in doing this, is that Allan is totally on his own, except that he has the moral backing of Ashley Gomes, who has been kind enough in granting him permission to use the G o m e s Ra c i n g Tr a c k a t Calangute.

Everything in life has risks, but with risks comes rewards or benefits. Allan’s only reward has been to get national recognition and is a much respected and adored figure in his field. Financially he has been drained off.

There are very big holes in his pocket. Yet, he persists that he will continue with the sport, for it has become now a passion, his love.

So madly in love Allan is with the sport, that he left his highly remunerative job in US only for the sake of supercross in Goa and India. Even tough his principals in Chicago have been repeatedly renewing their offer since he has a valid US visa for 10 years, Allan has spurned them all. Only for the sheer madness of the sport and his love for Goa and Goans.

Allan hopes against all hope that someone will come to his rescue as he desperately needs to procure a 4-stroke engine.

Four-strokes are considered to be good bikes because even though they tend to be heavy, they are easier to ride.

The main advantages of fourstroke engines are they can be used on the street, which usually doubles up as practice for the rider. Four-stroke bikes are easier to maintain and have lower maintenance costs. They are far more reliable than two stroke engines.

Allan has developed adequate physique. He has a robust body because one needs to improve the body strength so as to exercise proper control. He has strong legs as hard as rocks and biceps that show every time he flexes his arms.

Allan has felt the danger and is living the life of the dirt biker.

He feels the biggest rush of his life, because he has pushed himself to the limits of his capabilities.

And, he is ready to do more and more.

Supercross is fun, highly exciting, competitive and action packed, says Allan. Its popularity in Goa is on the rise as can be seen from the vast legion of fans that rush to watch the event with most spectators on the edge of their seats as the riders overcome obstacles and do the steep jumps including huge triple jumps and tight turns.

Allan is now vigourously preparing for the fourth round to be held in Baroda in October and the fifth to be held in Goa in November. He is leading with a tally of 114 points (37, 40, 37) after the three rounds and he is definite that he is determined to maintain the winning momentum. It is a pity that he is alone, finding it very difficult to sustain his not-so-very expensive hobby. But he has not given up hopes of getting someone to sponsor him as he feels that he has had a hand in being able to convert innocent bystanders into ardent fans of the sport besides being also to some extent being responsible alongwith the organisers of the events and others for its success and popularity in Goa. Quickly, he also points out to Mo hammed Kadar of Margao who has also been participating in Class I and VII events and has been a rider striving for excellence.

Undoubtedly, Allan lives by admiration, hope and love.

6th Super Soccer final for Alvernaz and Lalush Alemao memorial trophy organized

by United Club of Benaulim: United Club of Benaulim v.

United Boys of Dando Colva, St John Baptist ground, DandoBenaulim, 4.30 p.m.

Vagator Parish Youth Trophy soccer finals: Parish Youth Nuvem v. Milagres Sports Club, Mapusa, Ozrant ground, Vagator, 4.45 p.m.

21st all-Goa St Anne’s soccer festival finals: Cajie Friends, Nuvem v. Ponda Footballers, Animal Husbandry ground, Curti, Ponda, 4.30 p.m.

Women’s football exhibition match: Carmel College, Nuvem v. Goa United (North), Animal Husbandry ground, Curti, Ponda, 3.30 p.m.

Youth of Forgottem interward soccer semis: Young Stars of Dando v. Pilar seminary, PAP ground, Goa Velha, 5 p.m.

pg16_Layout 1 8/1/2010 12:29 AM Page 1

SPORTS GOA, SUNDAY, 1 AUGUST, 2010 www.oheraldo.in

In BrIef India win bronze in Asian C'ship Indian women made country proud by winning bronze medal after defeating World No 3 China in the inaugural Asian Women Champions Trophy Hockey at Busan in South Korea on Saturday. India came from behind to upset China 2-1 in a hard fought match.

Wang Mengyu gave China the lead from a penalty corner in the 16th minute but Saba Anjum got the equaliser in the 24th minute while skipper Surinder Kaur scored the match winner for India with a 63rd minute penalty corner.

Bopanna-Aisam in semis Rohan Bopanna and Aisamul-Haq Qureshi scored their second come-frombehind win to progress to the doubles semi-finals of the ATP Farmers Classic tournament in Los Angeles.

The fourth seeded IndoPak pair overcame stiff resistance from Arnaud Clement and Jonathan Erlich before scoring a 3-6, 76(4), 14-12 winthe quarter-finals of the $619,500 hard court event.

Somdev Devvarman had lost in the second round of the singles event earlier.

HI elections on August 5 Armed with a Supreme Court ruling, Hockey India announced that it will hold its much-awaited elections, postponed four times in the past for various reasons, here on August 5. "The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has agreed to send its observer Antonio von Ondarza for the elections to be held at Delhi on Thursday 5th August 2010," an HI statement said.

England, India back Alan Isaac The BCCI and the ECB have formally endorsed the nomination of Alan Isaac, the chairman of New Zealand Cricket, for the post of ICC vice-president.

The official support of the two influential boards for Isaac is likely to herald the end of a contentious process that began when Australia and New Zealand jointly nominated former Australian Prime Minister John Howard for the post.

Chhetri gets green card for Asian Cup The Major League Soccer (MLS) club Kansas City Wizards (KCW) has permitted Indian striker Sunil Chhetri to join the national team to prepare for next year's Asian Cup. ''Attacker Sunil Chhetri has been permitted to join the Indian National Team through the 2011 Asian Cup, in co-operation with the All India Football Federation,'' KCW said in a statement. ''I am excited to be joining the National Team,'' Chhetri said.

Inzy offers to help Pak batsmen Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has offered his services as a batting coach for a national side struggling to score runs in England. ''The team definitely needs a full-time batting coach and if any offer is made to me for this position, I will definitely give it serious consideration,'' Inzamam told Reuters. ''They need a batting coach to guide them and it is a responsibility I would look at accepting because Pakistan cricket has given me a lot,'' he added.

Goa rout Punjab

Kalmadi rejects allegations

lBrighten semis chances

GOA….......... 3 PUNJAB…....... 0 SERVICES… 2 KARNATAKA... 1

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, JULY 31

Cavin Lobo scored a brace as Goa brighten their chances for a place in the semi-finals defeating Punjab 3-0 in their second Group A league encounter at Salt Lake stadium, Kolkata on Saturday. There was no score at half time.

In a gripping encounter, the best match of the quarter-final league so far, the teams dished out entertaining fare.

The teams started the match on an aggressive note with Goa looking sharp and combined in comparison to their last match against Karnataka.

Milagres Gonsalves saw his right footer sailing over the woodwork as Goa got the first opportunity to score, while Punjab came close through Balraj’s right footer, which was marginally wide off the target.

At the stroke of half time, Goa

almost scored the opener, but to their frustration, Peter Carvalho’s shot hit the crossbar.

After the breather, Goa stepped up the gas and came close to breaking the deadlock through substitute Adil Khan whose left footer was just off target before Cavin Lobo drew first blood for Goa in the 57th minute.

Cavin exchanged a couple of passes with Adil before placing his right footer to the right of Punjab goalkeeper Paramjit Singh.

After trailing by a goal, Punjab showed some urgency to level terms but, once again were left frustrated with Parveen Kumar failing to connect from close range. The JCT striker just needed to tap in a cross from the right, but failed to connect it in the 60th minute.

Goa custodian and captain Felix D’Souza then came up with the save of the day clawing away brilliantly Parveen Kumar’s header for a cornerrr Punjab kept on lurking in the opponents half in search of the equaliser, but Cavin Lobo sealed the match in Goa’s favour scoring in the 90th minute before Branco Cardozo headed in a Nicolas Rodrigues flag-kick in the added time.

Goa are sitting at the top of Group A with six points from two matches, while Punjab have slipped down to third place after Services defeated Karnataka 2-

Yuvraj in for tri-series lSachin,

Bhajji rested

from his shoulder injury.

Kerala paceman S Sreesanth, Seasoned players Sachin Ten- who is recuperating from a knee dulkar and Harbhajan Singh were injury, has not been picked in the rested while Yuvraj Singh was squad, announced by BCCI Sectoday recalled in the 15-member retary N Srinivasan after a meeting Indian squad for the upcoming of the selection committee here. cricket tri-series in Sri Lanka, beThere were no major surginning from August 10. The na- prises with the selectors more tional selectors also decided to rest or less retaining the nucleus of injured Gautam Gambhir, who the squad that won the Asia Cup missed out on the second Test in Sri Lanka in June. against Sri Lanka because of a knee "Ashok Dinda and Manish injury.

Pandey will replace SQUAD Tamil Nadu offR Ashwin and spinner R Ashwin Mahendra Singh Dhoni Sourav Tiwary in and Jharkhand bats- (C), Virender Sehwag the Indian team parman Saurabh Ti- (VC), Virat Kohli, Suresh ticipating in the wary, two promising Raina, Rohit Sharma, Emerging Players youngsters who Yuvraj Singh, Ravindra tournament in AusJadeja, Dinesh Karthik, have done well in tralia," Srinivasan R Ashwin, Praveen the domestic cir- Kumar, Ishant Sharma, said in a statement. cuit, have been reIn the absence of Abhimanyu Mithun, tained in the squad Ashish Nehra, Pragyan Zaheer, veteran speedto be led by Mahen- Ojha and Saurab Tiwary. ster Ashish Nehra will dra Singh Dhoni. lead the pace attack The tri-series, which has host which also has Ishant Sharma, AbSri Lanka and New Zealand as himanyu Mithun and Praveen Kumar. the two other teams, will be held Ishant and Mithun, who were in Dambulla from August 10 to not in the Asia Cup squad, have 25. India's pace spearhead Za- been included this time around heer Khan, who missed the en- probably because they have altire Test series against Sri Lanka, ready acclimatised to the Sri has been left out of the team as Lankan conditions as they are he has not recovered sufficiently in the Test squad.

PTI MUMBAI, JULY 31

1 in earlier encounter today.

Goa will meet Services on August 3.

GOA: Felix D’Souza, Mathew Gonasalves, Rowilson Rodrigues, Covan Lawrence, Fulgancio Cordozo, Joseph Pereira (Adil Khan), Savio Carneiro (Cavin Lobo), Godwin Franco, Nicolas Rodrigues, Milagres Gonsalves (Branco Cardozo), Peter Carvalho.

Services notched up their first victory in the quarter-final league edging past Karnataka 2-1 in a Group A encounterrrr After going down to Punjab in the first encounter, Services looked sharp in their attack and spurned numerous chances in the first half , but failed to break the jinx as the scoreline read 00 after the end of first half.

Services broke the deadlock in the 55th minute through captain and centre-back Dileep. M finding the target.

J. Karthigeyan brought Karnataka back on level terms in the 70th minute after he was left unmarked by the Services defenders.

Substitutes Shaji D’Silva then, handed Services three precious points scoring the winner six minutes later as Services kept their hopes alive for a place in the semi-finals, while Karnataka are virtually out of the tournament after going down in both their matches. There will be no matches on Sunday.

Narang 1st Indian for ’12 Olympics PTI NEW DELHI, JULY 31

World number two Gagan Narang became the first Indian to qualify for 2012 London Olympics after shooting bronze in the 10 metre air rifle event while compatriot Abhinav Bindra failed to qualify for final round in the 50th World Championship in Munich.

Narang shot 597 (100, 100, 100, 99, 99, 99) to finish fifth in qualification round and make it to the final round. Narang was tied with three others on the same score of 597 in the qualification round on the opening day of the event. In the final round, Narang held on to his nerves to shoot a score of 102 which helped him bag bronze in a strong field of 128 shooters.

However, Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra finished a disappointing 25th in the qualification round.

Bindra shot 593 (99, 99, 100, 99, 98, 98) to finish 25th and failed to qualify for the final round. Bindra had previously won gold in the last edition in 2006 at Zagreb. The third Indian shooter, Imran Hassan Khan finished 49th with a score of 590 (96, 98, 99, 98, 99, 100).

The gold went to Italian Niccolo Campriani, who shot a total of 702.5 (599+103.5) while Hungarian Peter Sidi bagged the silver with 700.4 points (599+101.4).

lBut

admits UK Co was roped in lIndian mission refutes OC’s claim

n The Indian High Commission had recommended the name of A M Films, a little known British company, and if there is something wrong there, I am not responsible for it.

-- Suresh Kalmadi PTI NEW DELHI, JULY 31

Under fire over allegations of financial irregularities, Commonwealth Games Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi today admitted that there was no contract under which payments were made to a British company which was roped in "at the last minute".

Kalmadi, who convened a press conference to clear the air, said the Indian High Commission had recommended the name of A M Films, a little known British company, and "if there is something wrong there, I am not responsible for it".

"There is no contract between the OC and A M Films which was roped in at the last minute only on the recommendation of the Indian High Commission in London", he said.

Reacting to remarks made

by Kalmadi, India's Deputy High Commissioner in London told PTI that "the High Commission has not made any (such) recommendation".

Dwelling on the issue, High Commission spokesman said, "A M Films is not on the panel of companies recommended by the High Commission usually".

The spokesman said, "we have to scrutinise the email Kalmadi is holding as proof of the High Commission's recommendation".

Kalmadi had shown a communication purportedly sent

by Raju Sebastian, an assistant in the Indian mission, recommending the name of the British company. High Commission sources said Sebastian was too junior a staffer to have been entrusted with this task.

The OC is reported to have made a payment of nearly 2.5 lakh pounds for video equip-

ment purchase while A M Films has claimed that it provided services of car hire, makeshift toilets, barriers and electricity.

The press interaction came a day after a major scam hit the Commonwealth Games with reports that A M Films was given over 4.50 lakh pounds without following any proper tendering procedure and there was no paper work.

Kalmadi claimed that "every pie is accounted for" and threatened to initiate legal action against those who have maligned the OC's image with "totally unfounded and baseless" allegations.

Wa s h i n g h i s h a n d s o f f charges of irregularities in awarding contracts for construction of stadiums which figure in the Central Vigilance Commission's report, he said OC was not in the picture.

Even as Kalmadi claimed there was "total transparency" in all the deals, Sports Minister M S Gill sent out a stern warning, saying "prompt and appropriate"

action will be taken if any irregularities related to the mega event in October were brought to the Ministry's notice.

Noting that he was closely following media reports alleging irregularities, he said "if anything comes to our notice which needs to be dealt with, then the officers must make sure that they deal with it promptly and appropriately".

Kalmadi sought to explain the last minute engagement of A M Films, saying the London authorities at a meeting on October 23 last year had said additional items like mobile video screens, portable toilets, ambulances, barricades etc had to be put in place for the Queen's Baton Relay on October 29.

"AM Cars and Vans – a company empanelled by the High Commission of India in London – was appointed for all the transportation requirement on the rates approved by the High Commission. Since AM Films was a sister company of AM Cars and Vans we went for it and that also on the rates recommended by the High Commission," he said waving a letter purportedly

issued by the High Commission on October 13, 2009.

He said the money to AM Films Ltd was paid through bank transfer from Delhi with due approvals. The other items like mobile toilets, barricades etc were got through AM Cars and Vans, he said.

Asked about BJP's demand for a judicial inquiry into the scam, Kalmadi said, "I am okay with any judicial inquiry. It's government's call. I have not received any letter from any authority from India or England on the issue.

Kalmadi brushed aside BCCI's refusal of a 100 crore donation towards hosting of the Games, saying the OC would not crash following Cricket Board's snub.

The BCCI today rejected OC's request at its Working Committee meeting in Mumbai.

"OC is not going to crash by BCCI's refusal," he retorted when asked about the Cricket Board deciding against the donation on a request by the OC. Kalmadi said he thought the BCCI would be interested in supporting Olympic sports since cricket was a "prime sport" in the country.

PTI NEW DELHI, JULY 31

the democracy and the people's right to know," the minister said.

Gill said financial bungling may be making headlines, but at this crucial juncture hosting a successful Games should be the priority of all the parties concerned.

"I think for all of us the prime focus has to be that in a little over 2 months we will be hosting the Commonwealth Games, which were taken in 2003 by the country's government and continued

by the successor governments.”

"The major parties support the necessity to conclude the Games in a successful manner for the honour and the good of the country and now it should be the prime duty for all of us," he said.

All deals should be made public: Gill

Sports Minister M S Gill today promised to take "prompt and appropriate" against corruption cases in the Commonwealth Games and said all deals related to the sporting extravangza should be be tabled in Parliament.

Gill said that if any irregularities related to October 3-14 mega event were brought to his Ministry's notice, it would deal with it seriously and swiftly.

"Anything that needs to be looked at must be looked at and it will continue even after the Games. I believe that we must put forward everything before the Parliament and the people," he told reporters here.

"I am closely following whatever has been reported in the media related to various issues of the Games, preparations as well as other issues. Whatever they be, the clear policy and duty of the Ministry is that if anything comes to our notice which needed to be dealt with, then the officers must make sure that they deal with it promptly and appropriately.”

"I believe that in our country which is a very powerful and vibrant democracy with a very strong press, we need to support

n If any irregularities related to mega event were brought to Sports Ministry’s notice, it would deal with it seriously and swiftly.

-- M S Gill

Roque gets CWG panel posting Nitish wins World Schools FROM OUR BUREAU NEW DELHI, JULY 31

Under-9 Chess gold

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, JULY 31

Nitish Belurkar, a Std IV student of Sharada Mandir High School, Mira Mar bagged a gold jointly with Aryan Gholami of Iran in the U-9 category at the World School Chess Championship in Turkey on Saturday. Nitish beat Sidiron Anton of Russia in the final round and scored 7 points out of 9 rounds.

Nitish is the son of Sanjay

Belurkar and Dr Roopa Belurkar of Panjim. Nitish in May this year, had won the bronze in the under10 category in the Commonwealth Chess Championship, New Delhi.

Nitish has thus earned a direct entry for the World Youth Chess championship to be held in Greece.

He will be arriving on Sunday at Dabolim airport at 4.15 p.m.

Riya Savant, brand ambassador of Geno Pharmaceticals (Ma-

pusa) finished 5th. She is a Std. V student of St. Mary’s High School, Mapusa. Riya is the daughter of Dharmanand Savant and Sandhya Savant of Mapusa.

Meanwhile, Ashesh Keni GCA president, Arvind Mhamal, secretary, Kishor Bandekar, treasurer, Navin Acharya, SAG’s assistant secretary (programme) and other office-bearers congratulated Nitish for his achievement.

Best goal against Germany: Forlan Uruguayan star footballer Diego Forlan, the Golden Ball winner in the recent World Cup, described his goal against Germany in the showpiece event as his best. "My best goal was the one against Germany.

Every time you play for your country it is special," the 31-year-old Forlan,told reporters in Kolkata.

Uruguay lost 2-3 to Germany in the third place play-off with Forlan hitting the crosspiece from a freekick in the 90+3rd minute.

"The German players were tall. I tried to hit it near the goalkeeper post. I saw, it hit the cross ...," the Uruguayan sensation said. He said he was happier to win the Golden Ball than the Golden Boot won by Thomas Mueller of Germany.

Pg 16

Ace rider Allan gets podium finish Pg 15

Nitish Belurkar, a Std IV student of Sharada Mandir High School with his medal and trophies.

Sports Authority of India (SAI) Director, Roque Dias has joined the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee on deputation as its Deputy Director General (Sport) for the event taking place in October.

Roque was earlier the Director of the Netaji Subash Institute of Sports, Patiala. Roque was selected for the coveted job in the Commonwealth Games because of his record of conducting many international com-

England in driver’s seat AGENCIES LONDON, JULY 31

England were on course for a resounding victory in the first Test after a century from Matt Prior and three early wickets in Pakistan's second innings.

Prior, who came to the crease at 72-5, made 102 not out as England declared on 262-9 at Trent Bridge, setting Pakistan a world record target of 435.

Stuart Broad then struck twice and James Anderson once as Pakistan fell to 15-3 at stumps on day three. Umar Gul had earlier made 65 not out as the tourists avoided the follow-on.

England 354 & 262-9 v Pakistan 182 & 15-3.

Prior136-ball effort also ensured that Pakistan need to

make their highest-ever fourth innings score to win a test. Their record run chase is 315 against Australia in 1994.

Prior, dropped from England's one-day plans earlier this year, combined in useful partnerships of 49 with Graeme Swann, 56 with Stuart Broad and then 49 with last man Steven Finn.

As Prior, on 63 when Finn came to the crease, approached his century he took a single off the first ball of an over seven times but the exposed number 11 survived.

It was Prior's third test hundred.

The floodlights were switched on all day after play began under gloomy skies, but they stayed on long into the evening session despite bright sunshine breaking out.

petitions and preparing the Indian teams for various international events.

Before his Patiala posting, he was the SAI's Regional Director, Western Region, at Gandhinagar, looking after Goa, Maharashtra, Rajasthan Gujarat, Daman and Diu. He has also been the Director of Sports and Youth Affairs with the Goa Government. Roque has been a national badminton player and recipient of the National Youth Award, Government of India.