DEC 25

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O HERALD O

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World: Pope’s message specifically to Brits

Six HuJI men convicted Six HuJI militants, including three Pakistanis, were on Friday held guilty by a Delhi court for conspiring to kidnap cricketers Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly in 2002 to secure release of two jailed terrorists. Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Pinki pronounced the verdict in the case in which the convicts were also accused of plotting to assassinate former President A P J Abdul Kalam. – (PTI)

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India: Christmas goes Pg 8 green

Noose tightens on Kalmadi; arrest likely HERALD CORRESPONDENT NEW DELHI, DEC 24

Noose tightened on Congress MP Suresh Kalmadi with a possible arrest any time for alleged corruption and mess in the conduct of the Commonwealth Games here in October as its Organising Committee chairman, with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) swinging into action Friday morning, raiding his office and homes in Delhi, Pune and Mumbai.

Three of his aides who held top posts in the Organising Committee, T S Darbari, Sanjay Mohindroo and M Jeyachandran, are already in jail here with the courts refusing to let them off on bail while the CBI may reg-

ister a new FIR (First Information Report) to take Kalmadi into custody on the basis of evidences recorded and the seizures made in the course of investigations, including those at his places raided on Friday.

Though the CBI has a heavy posse of staff in its Mumbai office, it opted to fly the investigating officers to Mumbai and Pune from Delhi as they were well-versed with the CWG cases under probe, a CBI official said.

He said the documents seized in searches in Delhi and Pune were sealed after obtaining signatures of Kalmadi and others from his side as they would be scrutinised and tallied with other papers recovered in other

raids.

The sleuths who landed at Kalmadi’s bungalow are reported to have questioned him on some of the documents related to the London Baton Rally missing from the Organising Committee’s office. Kalmadi claimed the Organising Committee has given all documents and some that the CBI felt missing may be with other agencies.

Inflation, political turmoil mar X’mas HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 24

Goa went into Christmas mode amidst an uncertain political turmoil, soaring prices of consumer items, especially that of onions at a whopping Rs 70 per kg, leaving people teary eyed, even as temperatures dropped tremendously.

The capital city and main market areas across the State witnessed a big rush for last-minute shopping for food items in spite of the inflation. The horticulture carts that came as solace to the people witnessed a rush for onions selling at Rs 35 per kg.

The capital city’s major and minor streets witnessed traffic snarls for almost the entire day with tourist vehicles making the drive on the roads difficult. The surge of domestic tourists will

GREETINGS

The Herald wishes all readers, contributors, advertisers and distributors a Merry Christmas.

WE ARE OPEN TODAY The offices of the Herald will remain OPEN TODAY, hence there will be an edition of this paper dated 26th December.

continue till the New Year celebrations, said officials.

The rush in the market places and shopping stores indicated people loosened their purse strings a bit to indulge themselves in buying clothes, shoes, etc, for the occasion.

Coastal areas in Goa were decked up for Christmas celebrations after the mid-night services with all hotels other (Continued on page 8)

Case filed against Narvekars for forgery HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 24

The Mapusa Police, after much dilly dallying, registered a case on Friday under Sections 420, 468, 476 of IPC filed by Dr Shekar Salkar against Dayanand Narvekar, Sushma Narvekar, Ganeshraj Narvekar, Dr Ravindra Chodankar and P R Borkar for alleged forgery of the birth certificate pertaining to Ganeshraj Narvekar.

Dr Salkar in his report stated

that there were several birth certificates pertaining to Ganeshraj and that the latter had played thrice in Polly Umrigar cricket tournament in 200506, 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons when as per the BCCI rules, a player can play only twice.

“There are certificates stating that Ganeshraj was born on 282-1993, 1-9-1993, and November 1994/95. That apart, the certificate produced in the first

school shows the birth date as 28-2-1992,”alleged Dr Salkar.

“The BCCI had also circulated a list showing that Ganeshraj is not eligible to play further in Polly Umrigar, but that he had played after changing the name to Ganesh, thus denying a genuine Goan player a chance to play for the State,” claimed Dr Salkar. “The boy’s certificate shows the name as Ganeshraj alias Ganesh,” he stated.

Dr Salkar alleged that the

changes in birth certificates were done during the period when Dayanand was a minister in the Government, thus misusing his official position.

“I have procured the certificates through RTI and it is a water tight case. In one certificate it says that the child was born at home while another says that he was born in the hospital,” pointed out Dr Salkar. The birth certificates of those born (Continued on page 8)

No ‘Santa Claus’, only ‘Scam ta Claus’ for Aam Aadmi

OHERALDO

Pg2 GOA, SATURDAY, 25 DECEMBER, 2010

ACB initiates inquiry into Colvale land scam

To question Housing Minister Halankar lands acquired for the projects of the GHB, to his own use, has chosen to abuse his position in power as Minister for Housing and Chairman of the GHB has made a show of allotting Trust which he heads…,” the letter reads.

The officials said that a case will be registered only if offenses leveled against the GHB are proven. “We have finished questioning engineering and planning section of the GHB. As a part of the inquiry, all relevant files are attached,” said an investigating team member.

The complainants said that this has resulted a loss to the exchequer of more than about Rs 57-lakh. The complainants also pointed out that the Chairman allotted 23,000 m2 at a throwaway price of Rs 1000 per m2 which land is worth about Rs 4,200 m2, to an institute of

hotel management and the ownership is not known. They have estimated a loss of Rs 7.36 crores to the exchequer through the alleged illegalities.

Halankar, who is also the tourism minister and Nationalist Congress Party legislator is facing crusade by his own party to resign from the cabinet. Halankar and Revenue Minister (also NCP legislator) Philip D’Souza are facing party-level inquiry for lobbying with Congress leaders.

Both are asked to quit the cabinet, which will pave way to induct former tourism minister Francisco Pacheco.

The complaint is registered after the complainants moved Judicial Magistrate First Class accusing police of not registering the case. The Court had served notices on Vigilance officers and GHB officials in this connection.

Security agencies on alert after LeT infiltration

AITUC against KTC’s plan to rent out assets

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 24

Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) has initiated a preliminary inquiry into Colvale land scam involving the Housing Minister Nilkant Halankar.

ACB officials said that the minister will soon be called for questioning af ter it wraps up questioning present and past Goa Housing Board members.

“We have already begun a preliminary inquiry based on a complaint by 13 social activists against the minister. We will soon question the minister, as the complainants alleged that the GHB land was allotted to a trust owned by Halankar,” ACB officials said.

Kashinath Shetye, Ketan Govekar and 11 others in their complaint to the ACB alleged land conversion scam at Colvale.

“Chairman of the GHB apparently in an effort to channel

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 24

State Government has directed all security agencies in Goa to remain alert after four alleged members of Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba are believed to have infiltrated into Mumbai to carry out violent attacks.

Though the officials in Goa have ruled out specific threat here, the security agencies including Goa police, marine police, Indian Navy, Coast Guard and more specifically fishermen are asked to remain vigilant.

“It is a general alert in the country. At a meeting couple of days ago, we have asked all security agencies to step up security…there is no specific threat to Goa though,” Chief Secretary Sanjay Shrivastava told Herald today evening.

Goa police have confirmed that they have intensified marine and regular patrolling. “We have been informed that there is a possibility of the intrusion from the coast. It can be from anywhere on the western coast, including Goa,” police spokesperson Atmaram Desh-

pande said.

Taking no chance in wake of past terror threats, the authorities well in advance requested Central Government to deploy central Para-military force in Goa starting from International Film Festival of India till January first week.

“The Centre has already sent Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to Goa to assist the existing security force for Christmas and New Year. We are assured more Para-military companies soon,” he said refusing to divulge details.

Following Mumbai terrorist attack in November 2008, a total of 375 CRPF and RAF personnel were rushed to Goa by the Centre in the wake of intelligence reports suggesting that the tourist hot spot might be a terror target during the Christmas and New Year revelries.

Whereas, in 2009, nearly 400 additional paramilitary troopers were sourced from the central government to gear up for the two high profile events IFFI and the President Prathibha Patil’s visit - and December celebrations.

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 24

All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) has objected to the plan of Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) to hand over their properties to private developers.

“We oppose the move of KTCL, who are trying to lease out or sell the prime lands belonging to the Corporation to a private firm,” AITUC General Secretary Christopher Fonseca said.

Talking to Herald earlier this week, KTCL Chairman Deepak Dhavalikar had said that Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) has been asked to conduct feasibility report to rent out the properties on Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis to private players to make up for the financial requirements to run the state-owned transport system.

The implementation of Sixth Pay Commission recommendations, has burdened the Corporation with additional liability of Rs 1.75 crore per month rather then inherited by a loan liability of Rs 40 crore to Rs 50 crore to the Goa State Cooperative Bank, together making dent into the earnings.

“The excuse made by the corporation that the implementation of Sixth pay has let them into financial brink is not acceptable,” Fonseca said.

Fonseca alleged that KTCL wants to earn commission by leasing out properties to private players and they are taking Sixth pay just as an excuse to do it.

Briton jumps off Princess, injured HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, DEC 24

A jump off the grounded 'River Princess' proved costly for a Briton when he was injured in the process.

According to Drishti reports, a foreigner approached the Sinquerim Lifeguard Tower at about 6.45 pm stating that her husband, Warren Hordy, had gone missing for about 10 minutes.

It was suspected that he had gone on board the 'River Princess' and she pleaded with the Life guards to conduct a search.

Lifeguards, Amir Gaonkar and Sarvesh Paryekar, immediately called for a jeep and using the BSP search light, carried out the search around the wrecked ship.

A foreign national was seen floating in the water and the lifeguards swam across to him with their rescue tube towards and brought him safely ashore.

He was found conscious, but lifeguards found minor abrasions over his forehead, arms and legs.

While checking him for other injuries, the foreigner confirmed that he had jumped off the 'River Princess', due to which he had suffered bruises.

The lifeguards released the Briton after providing him with basic first aid and safety advice not to go on board the 'River Princess'.

GOA

Supporters demand Mickky’s immediate induction HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 24

Bitterly protesting over the delay in inducting him in the Digambar Kamat Ministry, supporters of Benaulim ML A Mickky Pacheco have demanded that the former tourism minister be immediately inducted in the Cabinet and vowed to stand by the MLA come what may.

Rallying behind the Benaulim ML A under the banner of Nuvem-Benaulim Action Committee, the supporters took strong exception to attempts being made by Congress leaders to paint Pacheco with a tainted image. They said they will take a collective decision on the future course of action if Mickky is not inducted in the Ministry, but hastened to add that the Benaulim MLA will continue his association with the NCP. The supporters pointed out that the leaders who were jailed for criminal activities in the past are now calling others tainted and demanded to know why these same leaders are not demanding the resignation of Babush Monseratte from the Cabinet.

Adv Bairon Rodrigues said that there is no charge sheet nor any murder charges against Pacheco and demanded to know

Nuvem-Benaulim Action Committee Chairperson Nelly Rodrigues addressing a press conference to demand immediate induction of Mickky Pacheco in the Kamat Ministry.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

how the Congress leaders can just paint Pacheco a tainted MLA. Saying that the supporters are aggrieved with the way Pacehco is being kept out of the Cabinet without any justification, Adv Rodrigues said it is an irony that those who have figured on the net on the hall of shame are c a l l i n g Pa c h e c o t a i n t e d .

“Pacheco was framed by the C o n g re s s o n t r u m p e d u p charges. Now, the Congress wants to deny him the Ministry because of these charges. There is no case at all”, he asserted, and charged the Congress for filing the false case concerning overseas manpower when there was no complaint from the American Diplomatic Security

agency.

He said the Congress should do soul searching as Babush Monseratte continues to be in the Ministry when cases are pending in the court against him.

Chairperson of the NuvemBenaulim Action Committee and Colva ZP member, Nelly Rodrigues said it is really sad that the Congress leadership is not following the coalition dharma.

She said it is for the NCP leadership to decide who should be in the Cabinet, adding that the Congress have no business to say no to Pacheco’s induction in the Ministry. “Mickky today is a force to reckon with. The Congress leaders are afraid of his growing popularity”, she

added.

Raia ZP Member Domnic Gaonkar recalled that Mickky had quit the Kamat government following instructions from the NCP Leadership and added that the Benaulim MLA should be inducted back in the Minister as per the NCP’s directives.

Gaonkar warned the Congress leaders that Mickky would become a hero if the Chief Minister does not accede to the request of the NCP leadership to induct him in the Cabinet.

While demanding justice for the Benaulim MLA, Betalbatim Sarpanch Minguel Pereira sought to know whether Mickky is the only tainted politician in the Goa Assembly.

Nuvem ZP Member Wilfred D’Sa said that what is wrong with Mickky in the Cabinet when Congress leaders like Churchill Alemao have also been in jail for a longer period than Mickky.

S a y i n g t h e C o n g re s s i s gripped by a fear psychosis, former Betalbatim Deputy Sarpanch Marcus D’Souza said the congress leaders have turned jittery because Mickky have the capacity to get elected 22-23 candidates in the coming polls.

Requesting the Chief Minister to induct Pacheco in the Cabinet, Nuvem Panch member Freeda D’Sa said “Congress leaders are wary that Mickky has already emerged as a giant leader in South Goa”.

Joe Fernandes said no charges have been proved against Mickky till date and demanded to know the basis for calling him a tainted politician.

Majorda sarpanch Visitation D’Silva, deputy Sarpanch Eslinda Braganza and others made a strong plea to the chief minister to induct Pacheco in the Cabinet.

Colva Sarpanch Angela Borges, Benaulim Sarpanch Carmelina Fernandes, Nuvem Sarpanch Antonio Barretto, social activist Zarina Da Cunha were present for the briefing.

GTDC to host X’mas, New Year parties on Santa Monica HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 24

Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) will host a gala party on board Santa Monica boat on the mid-night of December 25 and 31.

GTDC Managing Director Nikhil Desai said that the party cruising in the evening will be accompanied with live entertainment programs.

“Goa witnesses more visitors at the

time of Christmas and New Year season.

We have worked towards creating a wonderful experience for our visitors on board the Santa Monica boat so that they are able to spend a lovely evening with family and friends,” Desai said.

Several visitors from across the globe, especially domestic guests flock the State during the month of December to celebrate Christmas and New Year in a big way. Branded as a party desti-

nation, tourism officials feel that the fresh initiative will boost tourism.

“Goa is a favourite holiday destination especially when it comes to Christmas and New Year. The State offers a variety of options to choose from the discerning visitor to Goa. The Christmas and New Year midnight cruises are a delightful way to spend an evening with close family and friends,” Tourism Director Swapnil Naik said.

The added attraction will be cruising in River Mandovi beneath the twinkling stars on a cool December night.

The cruising will have live performances, fire works, dinner buffet with games and other contests to entertain children on-board. Beach parties, traditional dance balls, night clubs, gala dinners, cruising and other entertainment events are some of the appealing traits of Goa to woo tourists.

3 held for demanding Demarcate water sports dowry, murder attempt zone, Tourism Dept told HERALD CORRESPONDENT BICHOLIM, DEC 24

Bicholim police on Friday arrested three persons on charges of dowry demands and attempting to murder a woman from Vathadev Bicholim.

According to Bicholim DySP Bossuet D’Silva, Mohammad Gavas from Dhabdabo Bicholim lodged a complaint with police stating that his sister, Sabina, had married Rafique Shekh from Vathadev.

After their marriage, Rafique went abroad to work leaving behind Sabina with his family.

"As per the complaint, members of the family, including Sabina's motherin-law, sister-in-law and brother-in-law were harassing her since the last few months. A non-cognisable offence was earlier registered with the police," DySP D'Silva told Herald.

"They were demanding a TV, washing machine and furniture and their demands were increasing day by day," he said.

On December 18, the three family members allegedly added Rattol poison in the chapati and gave it to her.

Sabina took seriously ill and was later rushed to Goa Medical College Hospital at Bambolim, where she is battling for life.

"We recorded her statement when she was fighting for her life the next day and she had told that her in-laws tried to kill her by adding poison in the chapati that she ate," said DySP D'Silva.

"As she was immediately shifted to the hospital she survived and the doctors were able to flush out the poison from her body."

Acting on the complaint, Bicholim police on Saturday arrested Sabina's mother-in-law, Fatima Shekh Ali, sisterin-law, Shakila Shekh, and brother-inlaw, Husain Shekh under Section 307 for attempt to murder, 498 rw (34) IPC for harassment and dowry case. Bicholim PI Harish Madkaikar is investigating.

Drishti team saves 7 from drowning HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, DEC 24

Seven persons were saved from drowning by Drishti Surf Life Team in separate incidents at Calangute, Candolim and Baga beaches.

In the first incident, Nilesh Khatale (26) of Nashik was swimming in the no-swim zone at Baga beach, when he was heard shouting for help. Lifeguard Shekar Gawas who was patrolling the area on the Jet Ski immediately rushed to his rescue and brought him to the shores safety.

In another incident, Syed of Hyderabad and Kunal of Mumbai, who were initially swimming in the safe zone at Calangute beach, began drifting outside the safe zone and continued swimming in the area despite warning by the Life Guards.

The lifeguard posted at the northern end of the swim zone observed Syed and Kunal in trouble and jumped straight into the rip after calling for a backup.

Lifeguard Sachin grabbed hold of Kunal while another Lifeguard Ramkrishna followed for help.

The Jet Ski arrived and operator Ganesh Pednekar picked up Syed who had drifted to an approximate distance of 50mtrs from the shore. Both were safely brought out.

Kunal was examined and found to be normal but Syed experienced acute difficulty in breathing. Syed confirmed that he was feeling dizzy and was constantly vomiting. Syed was put up on oxygen therapy and transferred to Candolim PHC in the lifeguard Jeep as the 108 Ambulance was not available.

In the third incident, Kavita Varma (42) was swimming at Candolim Beach and got caught in

one such receding current and drifted to the beach. She panicked and called for help after which the lifeguard posted at the point rushed for her aid.

Later, three youth, Jashan Arora (24), Ravin Patel, (24) and Swapnil Kuber (24) of Mira Road in Bhayander-Mumbai were swimming with lifejackets at Baga beach when they began struggling in the sea and called for help.

Lifeguard Pratin Gaonkar called for a Jet Ski backup and swam across with a rescue tube.

By the time, the lifeguard secured one of the youth, the Jet Ski reached the spot and secured the remaining two and dropped them to the shore one by one.

Passport officer files forgery complaint HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 24

Passport officer S B Heere today filed a complaint with Panjim town police against a Quepem resident of producing fake documents to obtain a passport.

In his complaint letter, Heere accused Rexon Gomes of furnishing fake SSC and schooling certificates to get Emigration Clearance Not Required in passport.

“Rexon has also produced fake passport documents by showing them as genuine,” the Passport Officer further said in his complaint letter.

Panjim police are investigating a case under sections 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating), 471 (using as genuine a forged document) and 420 (cheating) of Indian Penal Code.

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 24

Taking serious cognizance of the incident wherein a Delhi-based medical student died in water sports activity at Baga, the Government has directed Tourism Department to demarcate ‘ water sports zone.’

“We have asked the Tourism Department to demarcate water sports zone at all beaches in assistance with Goa police. We have also cautioned water sports operators not to interfere at these points,” Chief Secretary Sanjay Shrivastava told Herald.

Shrivastava said that the water sports operators are asked to compulsorily implement on the demarca-

student at Delhi died due to injury as the jetski in which he was traveling dashed against a stationary boat, a week ago.

Shrey along with his friends was in Goa after answering his exams.

They hired a boat at Baga and while returning back to the shore, the boat man allegedly -- Chief Secretary took a rash and negligent turn and collided tions failing which action will be initiated. So also, into a stationary boat. The flags showing swimming impact of the collision was and non-swimming zones, such that Shrey dashed safety and non-safety zones against the stationary boat and fell in the water. should be clearly put up.

While he died on way to The decision was taken in a meeting with top level the hospital, one of his senior officials and bureau- friends who also lost balcrats after Shrey Makhija ance and fell in the water (21), a final year medical luckily survived.

We have asked the Tourism Department to demarcate water sports zone at all beaches; and have also cautioned water sports operators not to interfere at these points.

OHERALDO

GOA

Pg3 GOA, SATURDAY, 25 DECEMBER, 2010

Bus, taxi operators postpone strike after talks with CM HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 3

The bus and taxi operators have decided to postpone their proposed strike on December 27 after Chief Minister Digambar Kamat on Friday agreed to reduce the permit rates following intervention by Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes.

A joint delegation of the bus and taxi operators accompanied by the Calangute MLA called on the Chief Minister and impressed upon him to review the permit

rates charged by the government.

After an hour-long discussion, the Chief Minister later told newsmen that he has agreed to reduce the permit rates within the range of Rs 1000. “The delegation complained that the permit rates have been hiked from Rs 150 to Rs 5000. I have agreed to reduce these rates within Rs 1000”, he said, adding that he has convened a meeting in Panjim on December 28 with the Director of Transport to resolve

the pending grievances.

After coming out from the meeting, the Calangute MLA said that all problems faced by the bus and taxi operators would be settled by the government.

He said the Chief Minister was very sympathetic to the demands of the operators and has agreed to reduce the permit rates. “The meeting on December 28 will resolve all outstanding problems of the bus and taxi operators”, he added.

Subhash Kalangutkar of the All Goa Bus Owners Association told newsmen that the bus owners have agreed to postpone the strike scheduled on December 27 after the Calangute MLA has assumed the responsibility to

solve their pending grievances.

However, leader of the bus owners Sudip Tamankar said though the Chief Minister has given oral assurances to resolve their demands, the bus owners will meet and take a decision on the strike withdrawal.

The All Goa Taxi Owners Association said they have agreed to withdraw the strike after the Calangute MLA promised to get

BJP sells onions on ‘no profit no loss’ at Fatorda HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 24

Onions were sold like hot cakes at Fatorda on Friday evening at a no profit no loss sale organized by the Fatorda unit of the BJP. The onions were open for sale for two hours between 4 pm to 6 pm and if the BJP block Mahila leaders are to be believed, around eight tons of onions were during the two-hour time frame.

There was a mad rush of household owners to purchase the commodity sold at a rate of Rs 30 per kilogram.

DRAWING COMPETITION ON 22nd DECEMBER 2010 AT BIG G PANJIM & ON 23rd DECEMBER 2010 AT BIG G MARGAO

NECKLACE MAKING COMPETITION ON 22nd DECEMBER 2010 AT BIG G MARGAO & ON 23rd DECEMBER 2010 AT BIG G PANJIM

all the demands resolved.

Its representative Vinayak Nanaskar said the Chief Minister has given the assurance to reduce the permit rates and called for scrapping of the rates published in the Official gazette. “We have decided to postpone the strike.

The Calangute MLA has taken the full responsibility to fulfill our genuine demands”, he added.

OHERALDO

Pg4

GOA

GOA, SATURDAY, 25 NOVEMBER, 2010

Cops made aware on Calangute meet condemns child rights, juvenile justice attack on fishermen HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, DEC 24

Speakers at a public meeting in Calangute have condemned the attack on fishermen from Calangute constituency fishermen allegedly by a group owning allegiance to Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes.

The meeting, convened by former Calangute Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira on Thursday, sent a strong message to the Calangute MLA and his supporters not to interfere with the traditional fishermen of Calangute constituency.

Addressing the fishing community members, Sequeira accused Fernandes of instigating residents of Candolim against the poor fishermen of Calangute constituency.

"When I was offered the Calangute constituency ticket by the Congress, I gave Agnelo a chance to contest on an understanding, which he failed to keep. He was then

a novice in Calangute and nobody ever knew him," said Sequeira.

"I took him to the very traditional fishermen against whom he has instigated the villagers of Candolim, even though he himself was a fishermen which he has admitted time and again," he added.

"Though the three fishermen were badly assaulted, Calangute Police has failed to file an FIR in the matter, which goes to show that the ‘goondaism’ prevails along the Calangute belt," said Sequeira.

"We, therefore, wish to send a strong message to the Calangute ML A to stop ‘goondaism’ and we demand that the Calangute Police act immediately in the assault case within the next 10-15 days," Sequeira said.

Anthony Menezes, President of Calangute United and Ex-Calangute Zilla Parishad member, said he was "pained to hear that the poor fishermen of Calangute were mer-

cilessly beaten up at the Sinquerim jetty" "I condemn the strong arm tactics of those involved in the incident. I wish to reiterate that I shall always be with the fishing community in their hour of needs and fight for their rights," he said.

Others who spoke on the occasion included Joao Lobo of Calangute, who suggested a compromise in the interest of all concerned, while Dynaneshwar Bandekar of Nerul also spoke in support of the fishermen.

Earlier, Calangute Sarpanch Alex Fernandes welcomed the gathering, while the three fishermen who were attacked gave a account of the incident.

The meet was also attended by former Calangute sarpanchas Laxman Porob Palyekar and Albert Fernandes, former deputy sarpanch of Calangute Ana Marie D’Souza and Michael Lobo, Saligao Zilla Parishad member.

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, DEC 24

The Tiswadi Free Legal Aid Service Committee in collaboration with NGO SCAN-India recently conducted a workshop on ‘Child Rights and Juvenile Justice’ for forty police officers from Aggasaim, Old Goa and Panjim police stations, at the conference Hall of Directorate of Prosecution.

The workshop was chaired by the Chairman of the Tiswadi Legal Service Commit-

tee Judge P M Shinde who urged the police to be sensitive in dealing with cases of child abuse and of children in conflict with law. The workshop covered two major topics - the Goa Children’s Act 2003 and the Juvenile Justice Act 2000.

The Goa Children’s Act 2003 was presented by Public Prosecutor of the Children’s Court, P Bharne, who spoke on important provisions of the GCA 2003 and the procedures to

be adopted by the police while dealing with cases of child abuse. She stressed on the importance recording the child’s statement in presence of an NGO representative, besides the forensic, CFSL report and the panchanama which are vital base for the case Adv Emidio Pinho while presenting various provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act 2000 and Rules 2007 stressed that the Juvenile Justice Act is a reformative act and not a punitive legislation. The resource person covered the procedure the police should adopt while dealing with cases involving children who commit crime.

They also shared the success stories of reformation of children once in conflict with law who are placed in different vocations.

Various case studies and video clips were shared with the officers. The officers suggested that a similar workshop should be held for all PIs, PSI, ASI and HC of Goa Police.

S H O RT TA K E S

Vice Chairman of Information Technology Corporation Isidore Fernandes inaugurates Amigos Restaurant at St Inez, Panjim.

Kite flying contest

CURCHOREM (HC): Alankar Sports and Cultural Club of Dudhgala-Sanvordem recently organized its annual kite flying programme ‘Alankar Anandotsav-2010’ near Datta Mandir, Sanvordem.

Over 50 kite flying lovers participated in the programme, which was organized in the open fields near Datta Mandir.

Club President Ratnakar Naik inaugurated the programme.

The multi-coloured kites were provided to the participants free of cost by the members of the club Inacio Mascarenhas, Rohidas Naik and Prashant Naik.

A traditional sport competition ‘Viti –Dandu’ was also organized for junior and senior boys.

‘Sakhya Hari’ performed

GRE accused of causing discord Fr Richard’s life termed a miracle among fishing community HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, DEC 24

Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes on Thursday accused the Goa Ramponkarancho Ekvott (GRE) of causing discord among the fishing community in the State.

"It is the GRE which is creating discord among the fishing community of North and South Goa. GRE is basically an association of fishermen of South Goa, especially in Cansaulim and fishermen of North Goa are not taken into confidence," Fernandes told Herald.

Lashing out at the GRE in connection with alleged assault on three fishermen, Fernandes said: "They have labelled me as a goon for helping my own villagers, which I am supposed to do.

There was no fight whatsoever,

but maybe someone was pushed down and got hurt."

"However, they had, in fact, come to hit my brother and other panchayat members of Candolim and I do not see any reason for being called a ‘goon’ or ‘terrorist’," Fernandes added.

The Calangute MLA accused former MLA Matanhy Saldanha of shielding a person who had been instrumental in burning two canoes of fishermen.

"I am told that the GRE does not attend to the needs of North Goa fishing community and they have their own association called North Goa Traditional Fishermen Association (NGTFA) under the leadership of Domnic Fernandes," said Fernandes.

He warned that his supporters are capable of retaliating and will not take things lying

down if criminals make merry in their own village of Candolim.

Earlier while addressing a press conference at Candolim, NGTFA member Anand Bandokar also warned of similar consequences, while Caitan Fernandes of Vailankanni Saibinn Assocation at Nerul worked out a compromise and recommended an immediate solution to end the fight among the fishing community.

Others who addressed the press meet included Bhau Kalangutkar, president of Oleshwar Fishermen Association (Nerul), Shashikala Govekar of Nerul. Fishermen from Calangute, Nerul and Candolim also attended the meeting to express their support to the Calangute MLA.

Around the World

Its strategic position sandwiched between the Middle East, Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent along the ancient "Silk Route" means that Afghanistan has long been fought over - despite its rugged and forbidding terrain.

And it became a key Cold War battleground after thousands of Soviet troops intervened in 1979 to prop up a procommunist regime, leading to a major confrontation that drew in the US and Afghanistan's neighbours. The emergence of the Taliban - originally a group of Islamic scholars - brought at least a measure of stability after nearly two decades of conflict. But their extreme version of Islam attracted widespread criticism.

Culture The culture of Afghanistan has been around for over two mil-

The Land of the Afghans

lenniums, tracing record to at least the time of the Achaemenid Empire in 500 BCE. Afghanistan's official languages are Pashto and Dari (Persian).It is mostly a tribal society with different regions of the country having their own separate tradition, reflecting the multi-cultural and multilingual character of the nation. In the southern and eastern region, as well as western Pakistan which was historically part of Afghanistan, the Pashtun people live according to the Pashtun culture by following Pashtunwali, which is an ancient lifestyle that is still preserved until today.

The country's traditional male clothing usually includes a salwar kameez (dress), lungee (turban), karakul, pakol, topi, kufi (hats), and a chapan (coat). Occasionally some men wear or wrap keffiyehs on their heads.

Women were required by the Taliban to dress in burqa while in public.

Contrary to popular belief, the chadori, the Afghan version of a burqa, was not introduced by the Taliban, only required. The chadori is pre-Islamic, and consists of a cap, chador, and mesh face covering. They are heavily embroidered. The colours depend on religion, and location. People of Kabul for instance wear the mid-blue. Very religious women may wear black. The Taliban created a dress code based on religion, Muslim women wore khaki color, and Hindu women wore mustard yellow.

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, DEC 24

Terming the life of Fr Richard as a miracle and a gift to mankind, Caritas Goa Director Fr Valerian Vaz referred to an illness he suffered in the early seventies and

Merry Christmas!

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Caritas Goa Director Fr Valerian Vaz felicitates Fr Richard D’Silva at the Golden Jubilee celebration of his priesthood, held recently at Mount Carmel, Ponda. Also present is coordinator of the celebration committee Fr Basil Lobo.

Gesëende Kersfees Gezur Krislinjden Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah Tchestita Koleda; Tchestito Ro jdestvo Hristovo Gun Tso Sun Tan'Gung HawSun Prejeme Vam Vesele Vanoce a stastny Novy Rok Glædelig Jul Vrolijk Kerstfeest en een Gelukkig Nieuw jaar! or Zalig Kerstfeast Cristmas-e-shoma mobarak ashad Hyvaa joulua Zalig Kerstfeest en Gelukkig nieuw jaar Joyeux Noel Froehlich Wei nachten Kala Chris touyenna!

Mo'adim Les imkha.

Chena tova Buone Feste Natalizie Shinnen omedeto. Kurisumasu Omedeto Sung Tan Chuk Ha God Jul or Gledelig Jul Feliz Natal Pozdrevlyayu s prazd nikom Rozhdestva is Novim Godom Feliz Navidad God Jul and (Och) Ett Gott Nytt År Chung Mung Giang Sinh

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Email Junior Herald at junior@herald-goa.com or join our Facebook fan page. Our readers are invited to rave, rant, chat or even contribute. No message will go unanswered!

said that doctors had given him only six months to live, yet he outlived the medical findings beyond imagination only to surrender to the will of God. Fr Valerian was speaking as the chief guest at the felicitation function organised by the Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee, in Ponda recently, following the felicitation of Fr Richard D’Silva, former Parish Priest of St Anne’s Church and

erstwhile chaplain of Mount Carmel Chapel, Ponda – now on a Franciscan mission at Raipur in Chatisgarh – to mark 50 golden years of his priesthood.

In his introduction of the felicity, Fr Simplicio Pereira gave account of Fr Richard’s life as a religious, who he said, left no stone unturned to please his Master in the Sacred Vineyard.

Replying to the felicitations, Fr Richard humbled himself before the audience and thanked the organisers and the people for attending in large numbers despite their busy schedule.

Chaplain of Mount Carmel Chapel Fr Basil Lobo welcomed the gathering.

The function was compered

by Rocsan Fernandes and Francis D’Costa proposed the vote of thanks.

Earlier, Fr Richard D’Silva celebrated the Solemn Thanksgiving Mass at the Mount Carmel Chapel, Ponda, along with his religious friends and well wishers who had come from all corners of Goa and India amidst a well attended congregation from all parts of Goa.

‘Research needed on date of first Konkani Gramophone Record’ HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, DEC 24

“Pai Tiatrist Joao Agostinho Fernandes was a visionary and hence he saw that Konkani tiatr scripts as well as songs were preserved for posterity. Thus he produced the first Konkani Gramophone Record, the centenary of which we are celebrating this year,” said Dr Rafael Fernandes while addressing the gathering on Wednesday at TAG’s Conference Hall, Campal, Panjim.

According to Dr Fernandes he feels that Joao Agostinho Fernandes produced the first Konkani Gramophone Record in 1908 and not in 1910. He informed the audience that he has found this from the remark that Joao Agostinho has made in his book of one of his tiatr published in 1911, that some of his songs were recorded by HMV Company in 1908. However, he stated that more research is needed to verify the same.

The chief guest of the function, the veteran singer of All India Radio, Ansso Rodrigues stated that in the past they

recorded songs when enough facilities were not there. She expressed her satisfaction that their efforts and sacrifices proved useful for the development of Konkani song and music.

TAG President Tomazinho Cardozo stated that producing a Konkani gramophone record over 100 years back was a milestone. He highlighted the efforts of late Alfred Rose, C Alvares, Alexinho de Candolim, Chris Perry, Young Menezes and others who produced numerous Konkani Gramophone records and took Konkani kantar to different parts of the world.

A cultural programme of old Konkani songs on gramophone records was presented by the singers Anthony San, Clarissa, Socorro de Santa Cruz, Sonia Fernandes, Sharon Mazarello, Irene Cardozo and Tomazinho Cardozo.

Earlier Vice President of TAG Roseferns welcomed the audience and later Member Secretary Victor de Sa proposed vote of thanks. The function was compered by Joy Fernandes.

Christmas celebrations at Carambolim HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, DEC 24

Parish of Carambolim under the guidance of Parish Priest Fr Conceicao D’Silva will celebrate Christmas with religious and cultural fervour. Programes of different types will be held throughout the Christmas week. The details are as follows: December 25: Christmas Midnight Mass, followed by housie organised by the Parish Youth of Carambolim and star competition. There also will be a mass at 8 am in the morning. At 3.30 pm, a sports meet will be conducted. December 26: Mass at 8.15 am - Family Day Celebration. One Act Play Presentation

at 6.30 pm. December 27: Carol singing presentation and musical talent presentation at 6.30 pm. December 28: Dance presentation and programme by Parish Pastoral Council at 6.30 pm. December 29: Fancy dress competition and solo singing presentation. December 31: Morning Mass at Mother Theresa’s Convent at 6.30 am followed by programme and sweet distribution for old people. Holy Hour at 11 pm organi s e d b y Pa r i s h Yo u t h o f Carambolim. 2nd Mass (morning) at 8 am. The weeklong celebrations will come to an end with a football match between married and unmarried from the parish at 5 pm.

Pujari performs Arti on the occasion of ‘Sakhya Hari’ at SavoiVerem.

Photo by Amresh Parab

MARCEL (HC): Hundreds of people took part in the annual religious event ‘Sakhya Hari’ at Savoi-Verem in Ponda taluka.

The event, which dates back to hundreds of years, began with a Palki procession of Shree Anant. In the evening, the Palki procession first made a halt at Shree Sateri Devasthan and later at Shree Narayan Devasthan.

While returning, the villagers paid obeisance and performed Arti at respective houses, as the procession passed by.

Antonio tops BE exam

PANJIM (HND): Antonio Bruto da Costa has been awarded the late Laxmibhai Raghunath Shirodkar memorial prize for standing first in Bachelors Degree in Computer Engineering examination conducted by Goa University in 2010. He is as student of Goa Engineering College, Farmaguddi and is the son of Fatima Maria Gracias and Carlos Bruto da Costa from Margao.

St Roque feast celebrated

MARGAO (HR): The feast of St Roque was celebrated with traditional gaiety and religious fervour at Majorda-Calata recently. Every year, the feast is celebrated on the second Saturday of December coinciding with the Advent season.

Masses were held at the St Roque chapel since morning, while the Rector of Rachol Seminary, Fr Dennis Fernandes was the main celebrant of the concelebrated high mass.

The village wore a festive look on the occasion of the feast.

Mahila Melawa organised

Chairman Rohan Khaunte hands over cheque to a self-help group. Also present are Socorro Sarpanch Sheetal Arolkar, panch Sandeep Vazarkar, panch Karthik Kudnekar, dy Sarpanch Sanjay Pednekar, and Salvador-do-Mundo panch Sandeep Salgaonkar.

PANJIM (HND): Porvorim Yuva Welfare Trust recently organised a Mahila Melawa at Porvorim as a part of the initiative to empower women through formation of self help groups aimed at making women self sufficient and alleviate their socio-economic status.

The Mahila Melava was attended by nearly 1300 ladies from Porvorim who were briefed on the functioning of the Self Help Groups. Chairman of the Trust Rohan Khaunte assured a financial aid of Rs 25000 to each self help group. Transport Minister Sudin Dhavlikar also promised social welfare schemes to the people in this area. Dr Leena Desai in her presentation informed why women should not neglect their health and take preventive measures.

Alumni association elected

PANJIM (HND): Alumni Association of S S Dempo College of Commerce and Economics elected following officer bearers: Ashutosh Kharangate (chairman), Viraj Dhond (vice chairman) and Sarfaraz Shaikh (treasurer). Niranjan Joshi, Kapil Angle, Salil Naik and Ashfa Shaikh were elected as members. Faculty representatives are Dr Radhika Nayak (ex-officio president), Vishal Rane (secretary), Anand Panvelkar, Namrata Wagle and Sonya Angle. Prof Pravin Gaonkar outlined the objectives of the association.

Principal Dr Radhika Nayak welcomed the gathering and highlighted the contributions of the alumni of the college.

The vote of thanks was proposed by Prof Prisca Braganza.

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Nirakar Education Society lauded for education exploits HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, DEC 24

Director of Information and Publicity Menino Peres has lauded the services being rendered by Shri Nirakar Education Society in the field of education. He said, in the last SSC examination

the student of Tudal High School located in a remote area near Gaondongrim stood second in Canacona and the strength of the students increased from 28 to 240 which reveals the remarkable progress made by the school run by Nirakar Education

Society.

Peres was speaking as chief guest after distributing prizes to the students who have excelled in curricular and co-curricular activities at the 13th annual prize distribution and social gathering of Tudal HS and Tudal School complex at Tudal, Gaondongrim.

Expressing happiness over the existence of English medium school in Tudal, the Director of Information said that occasions like annual social gathering provides excellent opportunity to the people and particularly the

parents of the students to come together to witness the performances of the students . “It also provides a forum to the students to exhibit their talent in cultural arena,” he added and advised the students to devote more time in their studies to achieve excellence in life.

Peres who also handed over copies of books Location Goa and other books published by the DIP to the Chairman of Nirakar Education Society stressed the need to have proper linkage between education and industries so as to meet the require-

ments of industries in the state.

Chairman of Nirakar Education Society Prashant Naik listed the achievements of the school run by the society. He felt the need to organise a programme at taluka or state level by Tudal High School on first Chief Minister of Goa, late Bahusaheb Bandodkar to enlighten the younger generation about the life and work of Bandodkar before concluding his birth centenary year celebration on March 12, 2011.

Secretary Kishor Kankonkar presented report of Tudal HS.

Additional rice, wheat for APL cardholders HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, DEC 24

In view of Christmas festival, additional 5 kgs of rice and 2 kgs of wheat per card to APL cardholders will be distributed during the month of December. APL cardholders may draw this additional ration quota from their respective FPS by January 5, 2011.

The Fair Price Shops are directed to lift the stock of the commodities and release the same to the APL cardholders only.

Siolim gets first coastal police station HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, DEC 24

Home Minister Ravi Naik inaugurated Siolim Coastal Police Station, the first in the state, in the presence of MLA Dayanand Mandrekar, on Thursday. Building for the police station was constructed at a cost of Rs 57 lakhs.

Informing that such police stations will be opened at Betul, Harbour, Orlim and Pernem, Naik said that the police force in the coastal areas required a boost and modernization to keep a check on anti-social and terrorist activities. “The law and

order situation in the State is excellent,” he further claimed and called upon the people to be alert and help Goa Police to maintain peace.

Dayanand Mandrekar urged the Minister to improve the police force at Anjuna police station and at the Siolim outpost.

The Director-General of Police Bhim Sain Bassi welcomed. R S Yadav proposed vote of thanks.

Sarpanch Sanisha Toraskar, ZP member Deepak Dhargalkar, Principal Chief Engineer J S S Rego, officials from the Indian Navy, Coastal Guard and police were present.

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O HERALD O

Centering the universe

Vol No CX No: 322 Goa, Saturday, 25 December, 2010

We wish you a Merry Christmas

C

hristians decorate their houses, put up Christmas trees, make elaborate cribs with Nachani grass and figures of the infant Jesus, Mother Mary, Joseph, the three kings, shepherd boys and their herds. Both men and women, young and old take pains and designing them. They decorate the Christmas tree and put up star-shaped lanterns.

The whole family gets together to prepare sweets, bake the Christmas cake, and for the sumptuous Christmas lunch, with at least two types of meat dishes and a fish dish. Sweets and wine are served to all visitors. Family members and close friends exchange gifts. Families get together around the Christmas tree, from whose branches hang exquisite decorations and at its base the gifts, which youngsters look forward to most of all.

The entire city wears a festive look. Shops and bazaars are brightly decorated, and offer attractive bargains. Streets and markets are stocked with festival wares. The perfect dress or suit with the right accessories is worn to midnight mass and the dance that follows.

Carol singing gets everyone into the Christmas spirit. For the young ones, the much anticipated visit of Santa Claus and the gifts he brings is the highlight. The Christmas spirit is not just for the day, it pervades into New Year; the festive mood lasts for at least a week. Santa Clauses move through the streets with glittering, colourful robes and glowing long white beards and whiskers, shaking hand with children.

The day is spent meeting friends and relatives. Greeting cards wishing joy and peace are exchanged. Nights take on a life of their own, with dances, carol singing and revelry.

And why not? We are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, the founder of Christianity and saviour of humanity. It is not just Christians that celebrate Christmas. People of other communities in India also look forward to this festival of goodwill and greetings. Even in times of deep discontent, anger and frustration, the Christmas season is rung in with a feeling of happiness and goodwill.

It is such a happy time that we sometimes forget that Jesus was crucified, that the early Christians were hunted in the Roman Empire and had to practice their religion in secret. To publicly profess their religion meant a grave risk to life. We forget that Christmas is also a time for charity, when we should do a good turn to those less fortunate than ourselves.

We have certainly lost much of that spirit, being overly preoccupied with the commercial side of Christmas and overlooking the real elements that make this festival the extraordinary occasion it is. Of course one should celebrate.

One should spend, prepare and plan. Christmas is a great festival, but we should look forward more to the Christmas spirit than to the Christmas spending.

Gross injustice

A

Chattisgarh court has sentenced 60-year-old Dr Binayak Sen to life imprisonment on charges that he committed sedition by aiding Maoists in the state. It convicted him on two counts of sedition and conspiracy, but found him innocent of waging war against the state.

It is a completely outrageous verdict. Dr Sen worked in rural and tribal areas, with the poorest of the poor. His was one of the few voices raised against the notorious Salwa Judum; he exposed its excesses. This earned him the ire of the state government. He was arrested and held for two years without bail. Now, he has been sentenced to life imprisonment.

Surely he will appeal. But incidents like these make one wonder whether India is actually a democracy…

Stop sunburn Reo Cunha, Moira

B

We must acknowledge the fundamental truth of us, as God’s creation, says aVertHanUs l d’soUZa

efore the days of GPS (Global Positioning System), sailors used to steer their vessels by referring to the “Lodestar,” which was the central point in determining the direction, their ships would take. On cloudy nights, when the stars were not visible to the human eye, they used sextants. Though this equipment was slightly less reliable, it consisted of the lodestone, a magnetic device to indicate the direction North. No navigator in his right mind would venture out without being familiar with the Lodestar or without carrying his sextant with him. In fact, the sextant was a permanent feature in a ship and the captain would always use it, as a point of reference.

The modern, technically advanced navigational aid described as the Global Positioning System has made navigation far more reliable, than the primitive lodestar or the sextant. The GPS has become ubiquitous, not only on the battlefield, but also in cars, on city streets. Today’s technology revolution has made it possible for school children to pack the GPS in their hand held mobile phones.

The point to be noted here is that we still need a reliable point of reference, to navigate through our modern world – whether geographically, commercially, or ethically. A casual look at the world today, makes it very clear, that modern man is badly in need of a lodestar, or a point of reference, by which, to steer his course through life.

The world today, is characterised by confusion of all kinds. Confusion in thinking; confusion in art and culture; confusion in commercial transactions, and, above all, confusion about a final destination. We are all going somewhere, but we do not seem to know where. We confound our confusion, by becoming more and more immersed in our creation, of more confusion. The more we rely on our own competence, the more we seem to get bogged down in confusion.

Our economic systems are in shambles; our political ideologies don’t seem to produce the results we hope for; our military strategies do not achieve results, but actually cause more destruction and more hatred around the globe. In Biblical terminology, we seem to be wandering around in the desert – and round and round in circles. We do not have the point of reference, which is so necessary to bring us to our destination.

In addition to our lack of a clear and reliable navigation system, we do not even know where we are headed. The more we rely on science to help us, the more we seem to be unable to prevent

fuse, even among new entrants, indirect corruption in the administration

Cedrick Fernandes, Margao

PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

25 December, 1910 Christmas Holiday

Today being a holiday dedicated to the Family, Herald wishes its readers all the prosperity in the years to come.

A C Menezes, Chinchinim Although we celebrate birth of Jesus Christ on 25th December, it would appear it is not a correct birth date. Shepherds would not venture to go to high hilly places to tend to their sheep in cold weather. Most probably Jesus Christ’s birthday was shifted to coincide with the celebrations of pagan Romans of the winter’s solstice day, which according to the Julian calendar fell on the 25th December.

With the advent of the more scientific Gregorian calendar, the winter’s solstice day now is the 21st December.

Is he hypocritic?

Goa’s Home minister had stated that “there is no sale of drugs in Goa,” but then, the drug nexus case came to light. He has now snubbed allegations of Goa being a major hub for narcotics by saying that “there is no drug mafia in Goa.” If that is the case, then why do his family members enjoy Zcategory security? Are the families of other Goans not that important?

Our Home minister must withdraw the Z-category security his family members currently enjoy, which will prove that there is no drug mafia in Goa. If he doesn’t, then it would appear that there is a drug mafia in Goa. Let him invoke the Goa police policy or a police bill. Summarily, one gets the feeling that Goa is not safe.!

Political drama unfolded Amanda Fernandes, via email The political drama has unfolded in Goa, as a dissident group within Congress party, led by highly corrupt and immoral PWD Minister, has threatened to topple the Kamat government, if the NCP legislator Mickky Pacheco is not inducted into the cabinet.

Corrupt ministers are involved in smuggling, ‘goondagiri’ and land scams. Congress party does not have any credibility in Goa.

are clear indications that modern man is not satisfied with all the prosperity, which is touted to be the solution to all his problems. Greater prosperity has given rise to more psychoanalysis and more psychotherapy. Medical science now insists that even the clearly clinical diseases, have a psychological basis. The modern treatment is almost always psychosomatic.

The crisis of our times can be described as a spiritual and moral crisis. Underneath the economic, the social, the political and the cultural confusion, is the absence of meaning and purpose. We do not know where we are; we do not know where we are going, and we do not know how to get there. We clearly need a point of reference to steer our course.

Fortunately for us, we have not been left to our own devices. The creator of the universe is always there to guide us, and to help us along the way.

He not only reveals to us the purpose for which we have been created, he also gives us the means to reach our final destination. We might wander in the desert for forty years or for four hundred years, but we can always depend on the pillar of fire by night, and the pillar of cloud by day, to know the direction in which we have to travel.

In fact, God has gone further. He not only shows us the way; he actually provides us with food and drink to sustain us on our journey. What was prefigured in the Mosaic exodus from the land of slavery to the freedom of the Promised Land has been actually realised in our own times. God not only guides us from afar like the lodestar; he not only leads us as Moses did, he is actually present with us in our journey through life. He has unequivocally told us: “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life” He also declared “I am the Light of the world, the one who follows me, will not walk in darkness, but will have light and life.” (Jn 8: 12).

To nurture us along the way, the Incarnate son of God, Jesus the Christ gives us his own flesh to eat and his blood to drink. “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall never be hungry, and whoever believes in me shall never be thirsty.”

(Jn 6: 35) “I am the bread of life. Though your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, they died.

But here you have the bread which comes from heaven so that you may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread which has come from heaven; whoever eats of this bread will live forever. The bread I shall give, is my flesh and I will give it for the life of the world.” (Jn 6:48-51.)

Our lodestar, our guide, our navigator is not remote from us. He is Emmanuel – God with us. This is the reason for our hope and confidence. Our salvation is not dependent on our own efforts. It has been procured for us by our creator himself. However, St Augustine reminds us that God, who created us without our consent, will not save us without our consent. Our willing co-operation is necessary for our salvation.

Humankind is unique, in that we have the freedom to choose our own ultimate destiny.

We can either fritter away our energies creating false gods among us like the golden calf crafted in the desert, or by attaching ourselves to the truth which makes us free.

As branches of the vine, we can partake of the life of God himself, or if we detach ourselves from the vine we die and become fit, only to be cast into the flames to be destroyed.

The universe is truly centred in the creator.

Only he knows the reason why he created the universe, including ourselves. Unless we acknowledge this fundamental truth, we will labour in vain to create a world, that is truly meaningful and life inducing.

Invoke spirituality during Xmas

I

Cheating our youth

100 Years Ago

social unrest and even military conflict. International relations are determined by deep seated suspicions, instead of being built on mutual trust.

We do not trust even those who profess to be our friends: we suspect their real motives. Professional analysts and political “experts” are constantly dissecting events to arrive at some reasonable conclusions about specific events and trends. Only the intellectually disabled will deny that the modern world, is in a state of utter confusion.

It does not take extraordinary acumen to see that we are living in darkness, and wandering around in the valley of death. The eminent psychologist Carl G Jung described the human condition in a brilliant book which he titled: “Modern Man in Search of a Soul.” Similarly, Viktor Frankel indicated that modern man is in a frantic search for “Meaning.” (“The Unheard Cry for Meaning”) Economic prosperity, the achievement of the political dream, the attainment of military superiority has not satiated the deepest strivings, of modern man. The increasing number of suicides in the more affluent societies, the dependence on alcohol, sex, drugs and other narcotic substances

t’s Christmas time in the city. Yes, indeed, today is Christmas day. It’s the birthday of Lord Jesus Christ. A tiny little babe, was born in a manger, to deliver us from sin. Indeed, it is a day to rejoice. It is a day to show our love, for our brothers and sisters.

It is a day to forgive our enemies, and extend a hand of friendship.

A time to bury the hatchet, to let bygones be bygones. Yes, indeed, Jesus Christ calls each one of us, to follow in his footsteps. Since it is the birthday of Lord Jesus Christ, we should focus our attention on him on this day.

But it saddens me to see that while Jesus Christ is kept in the background, Christmas has taken an all different meaning. Christmas has now gained commercial importance. For the hospitality industry, it is about making hay, while the sun shines. Every starred hotel worth its salt ushers in the Christmas season with the cake-mixing programme. I wish someone could enlighten me on the significance of this ‘ritual.’ What has cake-mixing got to do with the Christmas season? It is probably held to attract tourists, and get them into

Xmas day or solstice day?

The Commissioner for NRI Affairs, Eduardo Faleiro has rightly stated that we need an Act to ban bogus recruitment agencies, which have been cheating our youth. In fact, the local administration has to be put on alert on this issue and browse through the numerous ads that appear regularly, to check the genuineness of such agencies.

Many of our youth have been taken for a ride. Eduardo Faleiro would be of great service to Goans if he could advocate for a ban on politicians, who extort sizeable sums to provide our youth with jobs, and the bureaucrats with promotions. These unscrupulous individuals deprive meritorious people of their rightful place and in-

Moral consIderatIons

Tongue in Cheek

Goans are in a Christmas mood since last week of December. Now that it is Christmas day, they reminisce of their celebrations and carol singing. There had been sporting events Christmas tree parties and cultural events.

It is unfortunate that another form of celebration – namely Sunburn – would take place, which involves loud music, drinks, drugs, and scantily clad females. This has nothing to do with the spirit of Christmas which is religious and comes with the message of peace.

Catholics must convince the authorities to stop such events. My question to fellow Catholics is this: Is Jesus present at such events?

Jose Maria Miranda, Margao

OPINION

the Christmas mood. Probably the right way to get into the Christmas mood is to go to the confessional and clear all the cobwebs of sin. Just like we visit the beauty parlour on the eve of Christmas to look our best, it would be nice to clear our conscience and spend time before the Blessed Sacrament, which must be considered the ‘beauty parlour’ of our soul. But then, the spiritual aspect of Christmas is all, but lost.

A few days before Christmas, one sees glass painters getting very busy. Probably every business establishment gets the front glass of the shop/hotel painted by pictures that relate to the Christmas season. One sees pictures of Santa Claus, the Christmas tree, snowman, reindeers, Christmas decorations, etc, being painted on the glass. It is very rarely that one sees the picture of the crib, or baby Jesus, and the holy family being painted.

This probably goes to show that Jesus is pushed into the background.

Many think that Christmas is all about going for dances and

Open letter to PM

Dinesh Vaghela, Porvorim

We hear people stating that British/Portuguese rule was better than the democratic government of today. The reason for such thoughts that form in people’s minds is because we fail to develop participatory democracy in India. In 1947, the British Parliament had passed a bill to transfer power to the Indian people. Free India is yet to benefit from it. People are slowly losing faith in democracy.

I appreciate the RTI law passed by the Congress-led government. Though not accepted by government officers, this law alone is insufficient to empower the citizens.

I expect a person of your eminent calibre to suggest introduction of a few more laws to empower citizens. Let us begin with empowerment of Gram Sabhas.

Now the time has come for a shift of power from top to the bottom, from the hands of a couple of people at Delhi, to the Gram Sabhas.

Has UPA-II fared better?

B V S Priolkar, Margao Sonia Gandhi had recently stated in the recently concluded plenary session of the Congress that UPA has fared ‘better’ than NDA. This is quite the opposite. Prices of petrol, diesel, and cooking gas have been more than doubled. Onion prices have jumped four to five times.

Prices of essential commodities have shot up two to three times. As a result of scams, the country has been looted. There appears to be no sincere and serious attempt to recover the colossal loss to the exchequer. All efforts are wasted in finding what was done in NDA rule rather than looking at their own performance.

Reducing burden Jonas Correia, Aldona When one enters the Collectorate offices in Mapusa, it is a busy place with hordes of people going up and down the stairs, in

getting high on alcoholic drinks. But then, Christmas is more about spirituality. It’s more about spending time in prayer and meditation.

Jesus Christ wouldn’t want us to celebrate his birthday by indulging in a drinking binge.

Unfortunately, Christmas has now taken the form of entertainment. Many tourists, including heavyweight politicians and Bollywood stars, descend into the state during the Christmas season to have a ‘jolly good time.’ For them, Christmas is all about fun and frolic, and indulgence in wine and dine. All these frivolous celebrations seems fit for the New Year day and not for Christmas, which should be more devotional and spiritual, with celebrations on a low key, among family members and friends. But unfortunately, there has been an overlapping of Christmas celebrations with that of the New Year which arrives just a week after Christmas. We need to celebrate Christmas keeping Jesus Christ and his life in focus, and reserving all the fun and frolic for the New Year celebrations. Wishing everyone a meaningful Christmas.

Letters to the Editor

Letter of the Day

The ministers are requested to work for the betterment of the common people.

The people of Goa are suffering from high price rises, while the legislators loot the people, left and right. They should fight to bring down inflation and not work for personal gain.

By adelmo Fernandes

an endless trail.

The three major jobs are mutation, resident certificates or caste certificates. The priority is given to the last two, since they are required to obtain a job or admission in some institution, or to avail of a scheme.

Since every family has a ration card, the government should think of incorporating the full address and the caste of each household on the card. The concerned citizen could photocopy the ration card, get it notarised and use it for whatever purpose required.

This would save a lot of time for the Mamlatdar and other staff, to attend to mutation cases, which are pending for decades.

Revive agriculture in Goa Flora Miranda, Panjim Today, so many of our youth hanker only after white collar jobs, when one can earn much more in agriculture.

In my childhood days in Curtorim, it was a pleasure to see green fields everywhere.

I am proud to see what Reginaldo Lourenco is doing for Curtorim farmers. This can be done in every place in Goa. What is needed today, are tractors, trans planters and harvesters. At present, there are no trans planters in Goa. If these things are given to each village by the Government, there is no need to

depend on costly labour. The Goa rice is much healthier to eat. Vegetables could be grown after the paddy is harvested.

What is happening to onion prices today will one day happen to other vegetables, if remedial measures are not taken now?

Payment of compensation Carlos Fernandes, via email The Goa Government seems to have, at last, realised the importance of paying compensation to accident victims, involving death or disabilities. There appears to be some discrimination as regards the compensation payable to the victims, or their families, depending on their financial standing. Government should treat every citizen as equal, and compensate all. After all, life is precious.

It is more important to reduce accidents, rather than paying compensation. The drivers causing accidental deaths, due to negligence or under influence of alcohol, should be held responsible and made to pay a substantial amount to the family of the deceased, in addition to imprisonment.

License of habitual traffic rule violators, should be suspended.

Life insurance policy with double benefit cover in case of accidental death, should be made mandatory for driving license holders, as this will reduce the financial burden of the victims, to some extent, in case of accidental death.

Govt playing spoilsport Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco It is a sad state of affairs that during every major festival, the prices of essential commodities spin upward, beyond control. This happens during Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi and Christmas. In the process, it is the common man, who is affected. One wonders whether it is a deliberate attempt on the part of the wholesalers to resort to increase in the wholesale price, by indulging in hoarding.

This Christmas it is the price of onion, which is sky-rocketing. But the fact is that the price of every essential commodity, be it sugar or milk, has also gone up in recent times. Despite all the price rises, it is seen that the spirit of the common man is never

Paths of Wisdom The gold wrapping paper

Once a man punished his five-year-old daughter for using up the family’s only roll of expensive gold wrapping paper before Christmas.

Money was tight, so he became even more upset when on Christmas Eve, he saw that the child had used the expensive gold paper to decorate a large shoebox she had put under the Christmas tree.

Nevertheless, the next morning the little girl, filled with excitement, brought the gift box to her father and said, “This is for you, Daddy!”

As he opened the box, the father was embarrassed by his earlier overreaction, now regretting how he had punished her.

But when he opened the shoebox, he found it was empty and again his anger flared. “Don’t you know, young lady,” he said harshly, “when you give someone a present there’s supposed to be something inside the package!”

The little girl looked up at him with sad tears rolling from her eyes and whispered: “Daddy, it’s not empty. I blew kisses into it until it was all full.”

The father was crushed. He fell on his knees and put his arms around his precious little girl. He begged her to forgive him for his unnecessary anger.

An accident took the life of the child only a short time later. It is told that the father kept this little gold box by his bed for all the years of his life. Whenever he was discouraged or faced difficult problems, he would open the box, take out an imaginary kiss, and remember the love of this beautiful child who had put it there.

In a very real sense, each of us as human beings have been given an invisible golden box filled with unconditional love and kisses from our children, family, friends and God. There is no more precious possession anyone could hold.

Printed and published by Vinayak Pai Bir for and on behalf of Herald Publications Pvt Ltd. Printed at Herald Publications Pvt Ltd, Plot No: L-135, Phase II, Verna Industrial Estate, Verna, Salcete, Goa. Published at PO Box 160, Rua Sao Tome, Panjim, Goa - 403001. Editor-in-chief: Mr R F Fernandes. Editor: Ashwin Tombat (Responsible under PRB Act). Regd Office: St Tome Road, Panjim, Goa. Tel: 2224202, 2228083, Fax: 2222475 (all Editorial); 2230535, Fax: 2225622 (Advertising); Margao: 2737689. Mumbai Office: 16-A, Bell Building, 2nd Floor, 19 Sir PM Road, Fort, Mumbai - 400001 (Tel: 22840702/22844908). RNI No: 43667/83.

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

OHERALDO

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Pg 7 GOA, SATURDAY, 25 DECEMBER, 2010

‘Four Lashkar terrorists could be foreigners’ PTI MUMBAI, DEC 24

Four alleged members of Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkare-Taiba (LeT), who sneaked into the city to carry out "violent" attacks, could be "foreigners" and are believed to have infiltrated into the countr y from the Bangladeshi border, police said.

"The nationality of the four terrorists could not be ascertained yet, but they do not appear to be Indians. They could be from other country or countries," Mumbai Police Commissioner Sanjeev Dayal told PTI. The city police yesterday said that four suspected LeT operatives have sneaked into Mumbai recently to carry out "violent" attacks with the aim of causing "destruction" ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations.

"The four jihadis were identified as Abdul Kareem Moosa, Noor Abu Ilahi, Walid Jinnah and Mahfooz Alam. The four recently sneaked into the city to carry out extremely dangerous activities," Joint Police Commissioner (Crime) Himanshu Roy had told reporters last night.

Roy had released a sketch of Jinnah and issued an advisory to the citizens of the metropolis to remain alert.

Sources said they had received information that the LeT

Security arrangements for Christmas in Kandhamal PTI PHULBANI (Orissa), DEC 24

Security arrangements have been made for peaceful Christmas celebrations in Orissa's Kandhamal districts where riots had taken place in 2007 and 2008.

Security personnel have been deployed in strength at places of worship, prayer halls and Christian-inhabited areas, while streets were being patrolled, Superintendent of Police S Praveen Kumar said.

There would be checking at all entry points to the tribal-inhabitated districts, he said.

"Strict vigil is being maintained across the district which witnessed communal violence during Christmas in December 2007 and after the killing of VHP leader Laxmanananda Saraswati in August 2008," a senior police official said.

Meanwhile, in relief for the administration, the Kui Samaj Seva Samiti (KSSS) has agreed not to hold any procession tomorrow following persuasion by officials. KSSS has planned a procession and public meeting tomorrow to observe 'Saheed Divas' marking the third death anniversary of a tribal who was killed in the riots at Barkhama village in Baliguda block.

Brace up for train delays as fog vision device far from ready PTI NEW DELHI, DEC 24

Railway passengers may not get any respite from cancellation and rescheduling of trains this winter too as a crucial fog vision instrument being developed by IIT Kanpur has not been successful due to technical problems.

A lab model was developed for the fog vision device by IIT Kanpur but optics required to make the field prototype is not available with the institute, an official of Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO), Lucknow, which is under Ministry of Railways, said.

When the IIT sought assistance from Bharat Electronics Ltd, which deals with advanced optical systems, they responded that the former's requirement "cannot be met by any technology known to them," A K Mathur, Executive Director, RDSO, told PTI. "It appears that optics required to take that project further may not be technically feasible. Hence RDSO is exploring alternate options available worldwide," he said.

Fog vision instrument is aimed at providing clarity to train drivers for about 250-300m in dense fog to identify any obstruction on track.

"Fog is known to attenuate all visible and infrared spectrums very heavily, so we are now exploring ‘mm wave’ technology which has lesser attenuation," the official said, adding this technology may be tested next month.

operatives had sneaked into the country through the borders of Bangladesh.

"There is also a possibility that Jinnah could have changed his appearance, as his sketch was released. They were co-ordinating with the state and central intelligence agencies to track them down," said a senior police official, requesting anonymity.

On Tuesday, the Centre sounded a terror alert for Mumbai and Ahmedabad following specific Intelligence inputs that the LeT teams may have entered the two cities to carry out strikes.

Mumbai police has formed Special cells in a bid to "neutralise" the four terrorists. The police have also set up dedicated phone number -- 022-22633333 -- to enable people pass on information about the militants and in the event of an emergency.

In September, police released photographs of two suspected HuJI members -- Kalimuddin Khan and Hafij Khijir Ulla Sarif - on the eve of Eid and Ganeshotsav festivities. But the duo could not be traced.

A Crime Branch source said that Kalimuddin was a Pakistani and Sarif was from Bangladesh.

Police were taking utmost precautions and massive deployment of police have been made at all sensitive locations, worship places and crowded places to ensure safety of the citizens.

A three dimensional security apparatus has been put in place, particularly around the Taj Mahal Hotel, one of the sites of the 26/11 carnage. Roads near the iconic Taj remained closed since yesterday for 15 days and the area is under complete surveillance.

Lok Sabha makes fresh appeal to political parties PTI KOLKATA, DEC 24

Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar today made a fresh appeal to political parties to find a solution to the impasse over the Opposition demand for JPC on the 2G spectrum issue which stalled the winter session of Parliament.

"I am again calling on parties to find a solution. I have great respect for members and I believe that they also don't want the impasse the continue," Kumar said at a felicitation programme and an interaction organised by four chambers of commerce here.

"Dialogue is the only way to get a solution," she said, adding "this has commenced and I hope a positive result will come soon.."

While the Opposition has not allowed functioning of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in the winter session over its demand

for a Joint Parliamentary Committee on the 2G spectrum license issue, the ruling UPA has also remained adamant on not going for a JPC, leading the impasse to continue.

"The present situation is in everybody's mind.

Democracy means to bring about a mid-path and solve problems," Kumar said while expressing hope that the imbroglio would

be solved soon.

She said that if any of four pillars of democracy did not function properly, it would break the faith of the people.

"All the pillars should be very careful to keep themselves above board," the Speaker said.

"Earlier, I had a meeting with all the leaders. There was no outcome...But one has to keep on trying, we have to make democracy work," Kumar said.

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Pg 8

GOA, SATURDAY, 25 DECEMBER, 2010

Why a ‘clandestine’ road to liberalisation, says Khurshid PTI NEW DELHI, DEC 24

Successive governments have broadly been apologetic about economic liberalisation since 1991 and failed to convince people about its benefits but had Rajiv Gandhi been alive, things would have been different, Corporate Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said today.

Addressing a seminar here, Khurshid said following the death of Gandhi, the country was missing a leader who could have properly explained to the 'aam admi' about the benefits of economic liberalisation.

"We had to take the clandestine road to liberalisation. We kept speaking of liberalisation with a human face which is

good thing. Nothing wrong in it. We kept speaking about middle path...our emphasis was being apologetic for having to move from a controlled economy to a market economy," he said.

Khurshid said Gandhi had built around himself a nucleus of people "who are going to move us from one paradigm to another paradigm."

And many of them are now in the system like Sam Pitroda and Montek Singh Ahluwalia who have been able to provide inputs periodically whatever position they have held, he said.

"What we did not get because of having lost Rajiv Gandhi not having a person of his stature (was his) ability to influence people in this country," Khurshid

Gujjar stir enters day 5 PTI JAIPUR, DEC 24

A day-long bandh called by Gujjars in support of their demand for five per cent reservation in government jobs hit vehicular traffic in Dausa district even as Gadia Luhar community joined the stir which entered the fifth day today.

The bandh in Dausa hit the transportation on the DausaBharatpur-Agra highway but there is no report of any violence or blockade so far.

"Security forces are patrolling across the district and situation is under control with no untoward incident since morning," Dausa District Superintendent of Police S Singh said.

said addressing the seminar on role and challenges for private initiative in school education.

"We could not find the idiom to explain to the 'aam admi' who were used to Mai Baap Raj, the license raj....

Please tell me that magic moment when any public figure in this country has stood up and said I will explain to you what liberalisation is and that we are today making a conscious choice," the Minister said.

He said the present Congressled government was often accused of coming under the US pressure but the latest Wikileaks release have proved that the allegations were wrong.

On private schools demanding change in some provisions of Right to Education Act, he said lobbying that serves a better purpose was never illegal in the country.

"When the incident of so called corruption and telephone tapping come out, I was very transparently saying whenever anybody asked me a question that lobbying is not illegal in this country. Anybody who thinks lobbying is illegal in this country is being stupid. Everybody lobbies all the time," he said.

Police stops foreign tourists to check their belongings at a security checkpoint outside the Taj Mahal Palace hotel in Mumbai on Friday.

2010: A watershed year in Indo-US ties PTI WASHINGTON, DEC 24

By any standards, 2010 would be remembered as a watershed year in Indo-US ties, when President Barack Obama paid his maiden visit to India and endorsed his country's "indispensable partner" for a permanent UNSC berth, recognising New Delhi's emergence on the world stage.

Building on the progress made over the last two decades during the two previous presidencies of Bill Clinton and George W Bush, the Obama administration, as it had promised, took the relationship to a new level.

2010 will not only be remembered as a year when sixth ever US President visited India, the third consecutive one, but also a year when Obama endorsed India for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council; thus formally taking note of emergence of India on the world stage.

"This is my first trip to India, but this will be my longest visit to another country since becoming President.

And that's because I believe that the relationship between the US and India will be one of the defining and indispensable partnerships of the 21st century," Obama had said during the US-India Business Council and Entrepreneurship Summit in Mumbai in November.

During the year, the two countries also came closer on the issue of Afghanistan. Post 9/11, India and the US have been working independently in Afghanistan; but this year saw more convergence of views on

the war-torn country.

In fact, during Obama's India visit, the two sides agreed to identify projects which they can do together. It looks like the first such project would be in the agriculture sector.

Even though, the trust deficit between the two countries on the issue of Pakistan remained – albeit a bit less – the US, towards the end of the year, appeared to be more closer to the Indian argument that the key to terrorism in the region lies in Pakistan and some elements in its establishment.

This was reflected in various statements coming out from the top officials of the Obama Administration, asking Pakistan to do more in war against terror.

The Obama administration also did not buy the Pakistani argument that resolution of the Kashmir issue was key to the success in the war against terrorism.

Despite repeated assertions – and even demands if some news reports are to be believed – at the highest level in Pakistani leadership, including by Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the Obama Administration refused to offer its services of mediation between India and Pakistan on the Kashmir issue.

In the South Asian neighborhood, be it Sri L anka, Bangladesh or Nepal, the two countries increased their area of cooperation. And to the surprise of many, the US and India this year started a sub-dialogue on South East Asia.

At least two rounds of such dialogue were held this year,

Christmas goes green PTI NEW DELHI, DEC 24

Stars, lights, candles balloons, festoons, ornaments, Santa Claus and of course the traditional cone shaped trees remain the staple hallmarks of Christmas. This season, however, people seem to be mindful of the environment and are opting for more ecofriendly products to brighten up the festival.

"We have for many years been celebrating Christmas using the same tree. We just pick out a really beautiful star or a big bell or some other decorations to change the look," says Susan Thomas, a homemaker living in the capital who packs up her tree after the festive season.

Sharad Goyal, who owns a shop in Gurgaon says," The sale of artificial tress is more this year as they can be used atleast for five years. People are getting conscious of not using real trees."

"Customers do not want plastic items. So we use natural material like grass, hay, pinebuds and jute material," he adds.

Goel also sells smoke free candles that he says has been attracting a lot of customers.

Terra cotta decorations, treehangings made of cloth and jute bags with Santa printed on them have been reported to be fast selling items at major markets in the capital.

A coffee retail has launched a green Christmas campaign.

"We are encouraging people to gift a tree to their family and friends instead of a greeting card and we will send a certificate with a special message from us," says Arjun Chaturvedi, manager of the coffee chain in Delhi.

"Also, we are seeking donations from people which will go to the NGOs that are working for the maintenance of trees.

We are getting a good response from people," he adds.

A church in Bangalore says it has been celebrating a ecofriendly Christmas for the past two years. "This year our theme is about reusing all things that people consider waste," says Church secretary Alex Mathew.

The previous year members had decorated their church premises with video tapes that had become obsolete.

The 30-feet Christmas tree, which during the day appears green, white, red and transforms to gold and electric blue at night, had been made using reusable items.

"We have used approximately ten kilos of waste paper for the tree. This is a season of hope, and it's all about reusing and loving what you have," says Alex.

Ravinder Monga, a wholesale trader in Sadar Bazaar in Delhi which stocks on Christmas trees, says, "Last year we had received orders from one big hotel in Delhi.

which many experts believe is an effort to check the increasing influence of China in the region.

However, both India and the US have denied this.

On Myanmar, the US this year appeared towing the Indian policy of engagement with the military leaders.

Cooperation in counter-terrorism is one area where India and the US have quietly made tremendous stride this year which, in fact, started late last year during the State visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Washington.

Post-Mumbai attacks, the access given to David Coleman Headley, a key plotter of the strikes, is something visible to the public in the open, but intelligence and security agencies of the two countries have established institutional mechanism of cooperation.

Defence ties were further strengthened as US Defence Secretary Robert Gates visited India flowed by a return visit by De-

fence Minister A K Antony here.

India also placed multi-billion-dollar orders for buying defence equipment from the US, giving a big boost to its economy through creation of thousands of jobs.

When all the ordered aircraft are delivered, India will have the second largest C-17 fleet in the world behind the US. During the year, the US also announced removal of Indian space and defence entities from the Commerce Department's Entity List as India aligns its export controls with global standards.

This was one of the key irritants in the relationship between the two countries.

Besides endorsing New Delhi for a permanent position in the UN Security Council, the US this year announced its decision to support India's full membership in four multilateral export control regimes -- Nuclear Suppliers Group, Missile Technology Control Regime, Australia Group and Wassenaar Arrangement.

FROM PAGE 1 Inflation, political turmoil

establishments announcing a slew of programmes to attract crowds.

Businessmen in these places remained optimistic of good business for the entire night. Unlike last year when room occupancy of hotels wasn’t too good on Christmas eve, this year the situation has changed.

Church leaders and priests were kept busy the entire day getting the ‘pandals’ set up for the outdoor mid-night service. Late in the evening people as well as tourists saw the Panjim church illuminated in all its glory for the mid-night festivity.

At the stroke of mid-night, church services began with people coming out in huge numbers to attend the same. Fire works were seen after the mass outside the churches. People waited after the mass to wish each other followed by the customary cake and coffee.

GREETINGS FROM CM, GOVERNOR, ARCHBISHOP: In spite of his political predicament, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat extended his greetings on the occasion by observing, “In the great spirit of service to humanity preached by Lord Jesus Christ my Government will continue to serve the people of Goa and the country till the last.”

“Let us on this occasion of ‘natal’ rededicate ourselves to make Goa an ideal State in the country wherein every individual will be employed or engaged in gainful employment and thereby earn decent living,” he said.

The Governor too wished the people, “On the auspicious eve of Christmas, let us rededicate ourselves to live together as members of one family and work for the greater glory and progress of the nation, in keeping with the spirit of the message of Jesus Christ.”

In his Christmas greetings to the Catholic community in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, Archbishop-Patriarch Filipe Neri Ferrao said that Christians all over the world believe that the unseen God took human form in Jesus and was born as a frail babe at Bethlehem, two thousand years ago.

“And Christmas commemorates that great event, every year.

The Feast of Christmas is a universal invitation to humankind: an invitation to fraternity and friendship, to unity and peace and, above all, to make space for God in our life and society,” he said.

“This is actually God’s dream for the humankind he created. By taking flesh, God identified himself with humans and, in so doing, he demands that we should recognise him in every other human being, regardless of creed, colour or social condition.” “When we do this, we create a space for God in our daily life and we become the leaven of a new society, wherein everyone is welcomed, accepted and loved.”

“We can then join hands with one another and work together to recreate our world into a place where justice, peace, understanding and forgiveness shine out. May this Christmas find us more involved in the realisation of our God’s dream,” Archbishop Ferrao added.

Case against Narvekars

in Porvorim are registered in Pilerne Panchayat, Dr Salkar clarified.

Initially, the Mapusa Police, who were reluctant to register the case referred it to the Directorate of Prosecution which opined that prima facie the case needed to be investigated. In fact, when I could not file the case in the court today as it was a holiday, I turned to the Police again and I was successful in getting the case registered at last,” disclosed Dr Salkar.

“There are several discrepancies in the birth certificates and these are of very serious nature,” concluded Dr Salkar.

OHERALDO

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INDIA

GOA, SATURDAY 25 DECEMBER, 2010

Rights activist convicted of sedition PTI RAIPUR , Dec 24

Rights activist Binayak Sen, Naxal ideologue Narayan Sanyal and Kolkata businessman Piyush

Guha were today found guilty of sedition by a Raipur court for helping the Maoists in their fight against the State.

Additional District and Ses-

sions Judge B P Verma held the trio guilty under provisions of Section 124 IPC (sedition), 120 B IPC (conspiracy) and Chhattisgarh Special Public Security Act. 58-year-old Sen, a paediatrician by training, had been accused by the prosecution of carrying messages and letters from Sanyal to the underground Maoists. Guha was also found involved in helping the Maoists establish a network.

Binayak, a PUCL activist, was arrested on May 14, 2007 from Bilaspur. He was present in the court along with Sanyal and Guha.

Reacting to the conviction of Sen, his wife Elina Sen said, “What happens now is we take whatever legal recourse is available to us. ”

Yak population declining PTI ITANAGAR, DEC 24 The population of yak, a friendly animal found in mountainous regions, in the country is rapidly declining for a variety of reasons ranging from reproductive disorders, improper nutrition and degradation of natural grassland.

AIADMK general secretary J Jayalalithaa offering floral tributes to party founder and former Chief Minister M G Ramachandran on his 23rd death anniversary, in Chennai on Friday.

Discussed shifting to national politics with Gadkari:Yeddy PTI BANGALORE, DEC 24

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa today said he had discussed with BJP President Nitin Gadkari the issue of his shifting to national politics after the next assembly elections, and would abide by the decision of the party central leadership.

"I have discussed with Nitinji.

Whatever decision I am going to take, that will be finally decided by our (central) leaders.

According to their direction, I will proceed further", he told reporters in response to a question on his desire to shift to national politics.

Springing a surprise, Yeddyurappa said earlier this week he would quit state politics after the next Assembly elections due in May 2013, shift to the national scene and possibly become a Rajya Sabha member.

Yeddyurappa said there was no possibility of him meeting

Governor H R Bhardwaj, who is locked in a war of words with his government, today as he was proceeding to Mandya for campaigning in the Zilla and Taluk Panchayat elections.

There are a lot of issues coming out regarding the Governor.

I will discuss (the issues) after election (Taluk and Zilla Panchayat polls on December 26 and 31) results," he said.

Bhardwaj had been repeatedly raising the issue of alleged corruption involving some ministers in the cabinet and land scams.

Yeddyurappa said he would also discuss with his Cabinet colleagues regarding writing to President Pratibha Patil complaining about the Governor and take a decision on it.

When his reaction was sought on "the name of Ananth Kumar (senior BJP leader and former Union Minister) coming out visa-vis 2G spectrum scam (Radia

tapes), Yeddyurappa saw it as a "systematic conspiracy" by Congress to deliberately seek to create confusion by bringing up "all irrelevant names".

“Congress could not conduct Parliament session leading to hanging our heads (in shame).

So, they want to create confusion this way or that way. Truth will come out. This is a baseless allegation (against Ananth Kumar)", he said.

Yeddyurappa said the attempts to “insult” Ananth Kumar would "boomerang" on the Congress.

On the local body elections, he expressed confidence of the BJP doing well. The BJP governme n t ' s d e v e l o p me n t p ro grammes had become "household" topics, he claimed, adding he hasn't seen such an enthusiasm by the people in his thing for the BJP in a big way at the hustings.

Pepper spray drive to help eves in distress PTI NEW DELHI, DEC 24

Amid increasing crime against women in the capital, a civil society group is all set to launch a cheap pepper spray to ensure safety of women under a campaign called 'mirchi jhonk' Led by a doctor, Seema Malik, the campaign aims to form a human chain across the capital to ensure that immediate help is rushed to the victims by volunteers and members of that area.

“Over the last few months cases

of rapes and assault have made it to the headlines with alarming frequency in Delhi. Instead of criticising police and the politicians, the public also needs to do something,” says Malik.

According to police records, more than 400 rapes have been committed against the women in the capital.

The campaign gives and trains women for self-defence. The steps include carrying a pepper spray or a pack of red chillies in the bag to temporarily blind the attacker,

walking on the pavements facing the traffic and keeping important telephone numbers on emergency dial.

The campaign also includes introducing a cheap variant of pepper sprays currently available in the market.

“The sprays in market are priced between Rs 150 to Rs 400. A woman living say in the slums cannot afford to spend that much that is where our spray will come in handy,” says Malik.

A team of martial arts volunteers have also been roped in to teach women basic self-defence techniques in times of crisis. Also, there are street plays being conducted in various localities and colleges to spread the word.

‘We are also contacting the RWAs in different areas to keep a vigil in their areas and install lights where there are long stretches of darkness which can be used by criminals against women,” says Malik.

The group also runs a helpline for the women which it says has received 163 calls so far.

“We have not received a call till now where we need to rush immediate help for the victim.

Counselling is being provided to women who have called the helpline as these are domestic and personal issues,” she adds.

The initiative has been appreciated by the police and leaders, says Malik adding that all the police stations have promised their help to us.

There is a plan to launch a cab service exclusively for women, which is going to be driven by women drivers.

It aims to secure women who reach home late at night.

Hubby shoots wife dead PTI BARABANKI (UP), Dec 24

A woman was shot dead allegedly by her husband after she objected to his illicit relationship with another woman in village Chakia here, police said today.

Sonam was shot dead by her husband Sunil, a teacher,with a country made pistol yesterday after they had a heated argument over his illicit relationship with another woman, Superintendent of Police Navneet Kumar Rana said.

There are 65,000 yaks in the country now - a steep decline from 1,32,000 in 1977. China has 13 million of them.

Of the 65,000 yaks, Arunachal Pradesh alone accounted for 13,000 as per the 2003 census, scientists at the National Research Centre on Yak at Dirang in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh said.

Pg 10

SPORTS

GOA, Saturday, 25 December, 2010

SS Angle HSS excel in athletics

Outstation players barred from GPL l Mechvac Fabricators beat Dempo lAl Fatah too good for Salgaocar

BY SUDHIN KAMAT PANJIM, DEC 24

Students of SS Angle HSS with Hemant Kamat, Vassalo Carvalho, Arnav Phaldessai (gymkhana secretary), Sharendra Naik (PE teacher).

HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARGAO, DEC 24

Satyawati Soiru Angle Higher Secondary, Mashem-Canacona won the team championship securing 31 points at the recently concluded 35th State mini, secondary and higher secondary schools athletics championship organized by Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda.

The boys under-19 team won the boys championship. The following students excelled Glemy Dias and Sunil Velip

bagged the gold medal in 10,000m and Glenny Dias 5km walk.

Suprash Velip, Suresh Velip, Suvesh Velip, Shiddesh Pagi and Gurudas Gaonkar bagged the silver in 5km walk, triple jump, 1500m, hammer throw and 800m.

Dilkush Zaro, Jeet Painguinkar, Krishna Naik claimed bronze in 5km, high jump, hammer throw.

The Principal, staff and management congratulated the students for their splendid performance.

When I am writing this news, I am as much confused as the six franchisees participating in GPL2 and they have every reason to.

In the latest development late last night, GCA officials dashed phone calls to different franchisees giving them the news that their outstation players would not be allowed to play in the GPL until and unless they bring the NOC from their respective associations.

Some of the officials of GCA tried their level best to convince the Dempo management who were furious over the issue as they were told only 12 hours before the match and it wasn’t possible to get any players from other States.

It was really nice to see Prashant Kakode play in the final eleven of Dempo and claim three wickets, thus proving a point to the organizers when all was in a mess. The same could be the state of other franchisees tomorrow as well.

In the second match last year’s winners Salgaocar were the victims of the latest happenings.

In the morning, Dempo won the toss and elected to bat.

Rohit Sabharwal played the crucial knock of 47 runs to take the tally to 133. Dempo, with the departure of star player Swapnil Asnodkar early couldn’t achieve the target thus falling short by 41 runs. Kakode showed that fitness alone doesn’t fetch results but that one has to have a big heart too.

In the second match Al Fatah, batting first set a decent target of 140. Chasing the target after losing early wickets, Salgaocar fell short by 19 runs. Shadab Jakati scored a swashbuckling 54 not out and rightfully deserved the man-of-the match award.

Day two will see GSA take on Sarvodaya in the morning session. It needs to be seen how much these two teams have been affected by the outstation players fiasco. As I am ending

Shadab Jakati receiving the man-of-the match award from Balu Phadke at Porvorim

this column many outstation players of different teams would have already flown out of the State may be never to play in Goa again.

MechVac Fabricators 133 for 8 (Rohit Sabarwal 47, Amit Yadav 24 not out. Prashant Kakode 323, Shailesh Miskin 2-22).

Dempo 92 for 9 (Swapnil Asnodkar 1, Keenan Vaz 16, Yeshwant Raikar 16 not out. Shashank Rao 3-19, Saurabh Bandekar 2-19,

Amit Yadav 2-14, Ganeshraj Narvekar 2-12).

Al Fatah 139 for 9 (Sher Bahadur Yadav 28, Saheel Dhuri 22. Shadab Jakati 3-21, Advait Katakr 3-24). Salgaocar 120 all out (Shadab Jakati 54 not out, Suraj Dhongre 23. Saheel Dhuri 2-22).

Meanwhile as there was very poor sale of tickets the GCA announce that the entry will be free.

Ghantker bags triple crown GPL T20 (second day): GSA v. Sarvodaya, 9.30 a.m.; Salgaocar Sports Club v.

Mechvac Fabricators, 2 p.m., Goa Cricket Association Academy stadium, Alto Porvorim.

The finalists alongwith dignitaries.

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, DEC 24

Narayan (Ajit) Ghantker bagged a triple crown at the Civil Services Table Tennis Tournament organised by Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, at Indoor Stadium, Campal here.

The reigning champion, representing Goa Medical College, created history winning the men singles title for the 20th row in succession. Partnering Dr Ajit Nagarsekar, he also added the men’s doubles title.

Sunita Kanekar representing Government High School, Sanquelim won the ladies singles title while Goa Medical College won the overall championship.

Laxmikant Naik, Asst. Accounts Officer (DSYA) was the

chief guest and distributed the prizes along ith Mahesh Rivonkar, coordinator.

The tournament was conducted by NIS coach Irwin Cordo who was assisted by Ashok Mahambre.

Results: Men singles: Amey Lawande (PWD) beat Manguesh Chodankar (FDA), Dr Ajit Nagarsekar (GMC) beat Gurudas Kerkar 3-0, Narayan (Ajit) Ghantker beat Amey Lawande 3-0, Rajendra Naik beat Dr Ajit Nagarsekar 3-0, Narayan (Ajit) Ghantker beat Rajendra Naik 30 (finals).

Men doubles: Amey Lawande and Antonio Corte (PWD) beat Rajendra Naik and Manguesh Chodankar (FDA) 3-0, Narayan (Ajit) Ghantker and Dr Ajit Na-

garsekar (GMC) beat Amey Lawande and Antonio Corte (PWD) 3-0 (finals).

Ladies singles: Lisette Camara (DSYA) beat Shilpa Gawas (Excise) 3-0, Sunita Kanekar (Govt.

H.S Sanquelim) beat Jonita Fernandes (GMC) 3-0, Anuja Cokre (Govt. H.S Sanquelim) beat Lisette Camara (DSYA) 3-1, Sunita Kanekar beat Anuja Cokre 3-0 (finals).

Veterans singles: Narayan (Ajit) Ghantker (GMC) beat Manguesh Chodankar (FDA) 30, Amey Lawande (PWD) beat Gurudas Kerkar 3-0, Rajendra Naik (FDA) beat Amey Lawande (PWD) 3-0, Narayan (Ajit) Ghantker (GMC) beat Rajendra Naik (FDA) 3-0 (finals).

hockey tournaments all over the State, Goans Hockey ended the year with the power-packed hockey exhibition match.

The Goan Hockey Select attack moved like a well disciplined unit and so outpowering was their trust that they notched up three goals within the first 15 minutes. Center forward Mahadev Marathe opened the account in the 4th minute.

Thereafter, Macquin (2) en-

hanced the lead. Dattesh, Janurioand Sucurro added to the tally finish of the match 6-0.

Mozem played well in the University defence.

The match was referred by chief coach Alexander Remedious and Velencio Carasco. The chief guest was Owen Lobo, a former player. The exhibition match was organized by Goans Hockey vice-president Lloyd Macedo.

Goan Hockey Select win

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, DEC 24

In the build up to the University hockey games, Goa University took on “Goan Hockey Select” at Peddem ground, Mapusa on Thursday. Goans Hockey won.

The Goans Hockey select team was captained by Sydney Fernandes and the University led by goalkeeper Cifton Rodrigues.

After the series of successful

GUSA win Sunbun festival HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, DEC 24

Goa United Sports Academy reigned supreme as they lifted the Sunburn football festival title at Dr Gustavo ground, Candolim on Thursday. They won 1-0 against Anjuna Gymkhana.

Anjuna Gymkhana had to settle for second place. Candolim Sports Club finished third.

The winners received Rs.15, 000 from chief guest Bruno Coutinho and the runners up walked away Rs. 10,000 richer.

The football tiourney was held to mark the kick off Sunburn 2010, Asia’s premiere dance music festival and world’s number 9 (cnn.com) event.

The first match between Anjuna and Candolim ended in a draw, while in the second match Calangute beat Candolim 4-0.

Sunburn 2010 is the festival’s fourth year in Goa. Over the years Sunburn has helped consolidate Goa’s position on the world map – transforming it from just a tourist destination to a global music hotspot and a platform for promoting music, art, culture and business.

Each year, Sunburn attracts thousands of tourists and fans from across India and the world to Goa - opening up tons of opportunities for local businesses and communities to share, participate and prosper.

Anant gets FIDE rating

PANJIM (HSD) -- Anant Prabhudesai of Sharada Mandir School, Panjim completed his rating performance at the FIDE rating tournaments at National U-9 in Ahmedabad and Rotary International Pune. His rating will be 1545.

Anant is 9-years-old and is being coached by Siva Swamy, Prasanna Swamy and Dronacharya awardee Raghunandan Gokhale.The total number of rated players in Goa is 7.

SPORTS

Pg 11 GOA,Saturday, 25 December, 2010

Facile win for Vaddem HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, DEC 24

Vaddem Sports Club started their Christmas celebrations early as they overpowered Young Humorists 6-3 in GFA’s 2nd Division at Tilak Maidan on Friday.

Vaddem were in a commanding 3-1 lead at the interval.

Rohan netted a fine hat-trick, while teammates Francis, Nacidade and Chetan also found the back of the net for Vaddem.

In GFA’s U-14 league on Thursday, United Boys of Palolem stormed to a 6-0 victory over Sarzora Sports Club at Sarzora ground.

At Cuchorem ground, Guardian Angel Sports Club got the all-important goal to down Raia Football Club 1-0.

In GFA’s U-16 league, Salcete Football Club did well to overcome Ave Maria Athletic 4-3 in a thrilling encounter.

Katyayani advance HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, DEC 24

Katyayani Baneshwar beat Mallikarjun HS by 44 runs in U16 Deelip Sardessai cricket tournament at Dapot, Mashem, here.

Katyayani 164/6 in 25 overs ( N a n d e s h Ko m a r p a n t 6 2 , Praveen 2/32).

Mallikarjun HS 120 all out in 21.4 overs (Swaraj Desai 21, Sanjay Gaokar 26, Nandesh Kom a r p a n t 6 / 1 0 , Va i s h n a v Pednekar 2/22, Hrishikesh Pednekar 2/22).

Taekwondo team for Nationals HERALD SPOPTS DESK PANJIM, DEC 24

The Goa taekwondo junior team will participate in 30th National Junior Championship in Jaipur from December 27-29.

The boys team - Santosh K. Lamani, Pandurang L. Chavan, Jaganath Sabar, Aman Kumar, Abhishek Kallur, Sagar G. Palconda, L Dingku Singh, Naik Siddhesh Agasti, Shubham Kulkarni, Adarsh Tiwari.

The girls team Vijeta Kalkal, Preeti Chauhan, Sonali Vaddar, Debra S. Gomes, Sennell Gomes, Tanvi D. Gaundalkar, Sanida Fernandes, Sai S. Desai, Alrisha Fernandes, Sama Lotlikar.

Peter Fernandes, Rashmi R. Naik have been selected as technical officials.

GOA DIARY Inter-village football

PANJIM (HSD) – The all-Goa Romeo memorial inter-village football tournament organised

by Crown Club de Santa Cruz will start on January 5 at Govt school ground, St Cruz. The finals will be played on January 27 on the occasion of village feast. Teams may contact president of the club, Fortunato Braganca on 9422453284 or Cruz Coelho on 9822136930 or Vincent Oliveira on 9225907677.

The winners will get Rs 40,000 and the runners-up Rs 30,000.

Merces volleyball tourney

PANJIM (HSD) -- The Merces Club and Village Panchayat of Merces will organise their annual interward volleyball tournament for Panchayat Cup on December 27 at Merces Club court. Details may be obtained from Charles D’Sousa, president, Merces Club or Yatin Palekar, deputy sarpanch, Merces.

Iconic series puts Test cricket on top: Lorgat UNI DUBAI, DEC 24

ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat said Sachin Tendulkar's historic 50th Test century, the exciting series between India and South Africa and the ''enthralling'' Ashes series, reaffirms the supermacy of Test cricket over other formats. ''These are iconic series which clearly capture the imagination and interest of cricket lovers across the world. Everyone is talking Test cricket and the demand for tickets, particularly in Melbourne, it is very impressive,'' Lorgat said of the ongoing Ashes series which is locked at 1-1 after three Tests. ''I was fortunate to be in Adelaide a few weeks ago when they recorded their biggest attendance since the Bodyline series in 1932-33. Cricket Australia is now expecting crowds of more than 90,000 to watch the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne”.

Venue: VARCA SPORTS GROUND

Pg 12 GOA, Saturday, 25 December, 2010

By JOHN D’SILVA THE EMPEROR OF KONKANI STAGE

THE EMPEROR OF KONKANI STAGE

Pg 13

SPORTS

GOA, Saturday, 25 December, 2010

Saina may face Expecting typical Kingsmead pitch with lot of bounce: Smith $ 5000 fine UNI NEW DELHI, DEC 24

Ace shuttler Saina Nehwal will have to pay a fine of 5000 dollars to the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and also face disciplinary action, in case she fails to convince the sports governing body for her absence in the season-ending Super Series event in Chinese Taipei.

Saina has cited her ankle injury as reason behind pulling

off from the promotional event, starting January 3.

The tournament was supposed to see the participation of the season's top 8 players, and Saina by virtue of her Hong Kong Open win was zoomed into the seventh place.

Going by the new rule for not showing up at a major BWF, Saina was asked to give a proper medical examination certificate in order to avoid the fine of 5,000 dollars.

Butt to face 7-year ban: sources

KARACHI (AGENCIES) -- Pakistan's suspended Test captain Salman Butt is facing a seven-year ban while his team-mates Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir could escape with two-year bans after next month's hearing of the ICC anti-corruption tribunal in Doha.

A well-placed source said Butt was likely to be banned and slapped with a heavy financial penalty.

"The way things are going for him the frequent change of lawyers and his abrasive relationship with the ICC, he does not appear to be in a position to plead his case effectively against the allegations against him," the source said.

PTI DURBAN, DEC 24

South African captain Graeme Smith is deligted that the Kingsmead track here, known for its bounce and carry, is the best he had seen for some years which should help his fast bowlers against Indian batsmen in the second Test starting on Sunday.

Smith said from what he had seen, the pitch, considered the bounciest in South Africa though it has slowed down a bit in recent times, is expected to live up to its reputation of the past.

"The pitch has been a bit patchy over the last few Tests.

It has spun a bit more, taken more reverse swing and gone very flat in the middle period of matches. From what I've seen today, I can only hope it will get back to what it was when I first started playing here," Smith said.

"I'm a bit scared to pronounce on a pitch three days before a Test, but the track has a good grass covering throughout, certainly the best I've seen in Durban for a while which is good to see. We'll see how things de-

Warns India to find way to tame Amla AGENCIES JOHANNESBURG, DEC 24

Smith warned the visiting Indian team to find a way to tame Hashim Amla or forget the chance of levelling the three-Test series in the second game starting in Durban on Sunday.

"It's going to be a huge moment for Hashim to play in his 50th Test but I know it will not unnerve him," Smith told the Afrikaans daily Beeld here on Friday.

"His discipline and ability to stay calm under pressure is exactly what makes him such a fantastic player," said Smith.

Smith also added that Amla was by far the best batsman in the world in 2010 in all forms of the game. velop with weather and everything over next couple of days, but hopefully the pitch will have good carry and bounce, that's all we're asking for," he said.

Smith conceded that South Africa hadn't played well in Durban over the last few years, losing their last two Tests against

England and Australia. " W e haven't been at our best in our last two matches here, so it's up to us to put that right now. We've had a good chat over how to play at our best here, and we have the players with the experience who know what it takes to do well here," said the Proteas captain.

He said the home team are taking a lot of confidence into the second Test after the innings victory in Centurion but they ill-afford to be complacent.

Loses valuable Test cap

South Africa captain Graeme Smith has lost his valuable Test cap which he wore in every match since his debut against Australia way back in 2002 in Cape Town.

Smith said that the cap, which he lost during his travel from Centurion to Durban, was irreplaceable for him.

"Realise this is a long shot, but had my Test cap that I've used since my 1st test for proteas stolen on travel up to durbs! can't be replaced," he wrote on his Twitter page.

"Cap means a lot to me so if you know anything pls give me a shout......thx."

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GOA,SATURDAY, 25 DECEMBER, 2010

Outstation players barred from GPL Pg 10

Facile win for Vaddem Pg 11

Expecting typical Kingsmead pitch with lot of bounce: Smith Pg 13

Contact us on: sports@herald-goa.com

www.oheraldo.in

Sachinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adaptability makes him better than Don: Dhoni PTI DURBAN, DEC 24

Iconic batsman Sachin Tendulkar's ability to adapt to the pressures of modern day cricket makes him better than Australian cricket legend Don Bradman, feels India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Dhoni, who faced a barrage of questions from mediapersons about these two batting legends on the eve of the second Test against South Africa in Durban, also said that he doesn't like any comparisons to be drawn between the two.

"There is no doubt that both are brilliant batsmen, but Sachin h a s b e e n a ro u n d f o r t w o decades, the best in the world

and had moreover throughout his career could adapt even with the demands of one-day cricket and more recently the Twenty20 version," the skipper was quoted as saying by the South African daily 'The Beeld' today.

"I do not like comparisons between Sachin and Don because they played in different eras," said Dhoni.

Tendulkar is the leading run maker in the history of Test cricket with 14,513 runs in 175 Tests. He recently completed 50 centuries in Tests at the Super Sport Park in the first Test against South Africa at Centurion.

Bradman, who died in 2001 at the age of 92, holds the record of the best batting average of 99.94 in 52 Tests.

Dhoni said Tendulkar's presence is still an incentive for each of his teammates.

"He's the kind of guy who get the best out of whoever he bats," said Dhoni.

"I was on the other side of the

pitch when he earlier this year struck that 200 not out against South Africa in Gwalior in a oneday game," said the captain.

SPORTS

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7 & 8, Guru Sai Plaza, Opp. Big G, I B Road, Panji Fond, Margao, Goa. Ph. 2704440.

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