My goa 07 01 2017

MyGoa

INTERVIEW: Churchill Alemao speaks about his politics and life beyond politics

`10

7 january 2017

RNI No. goaeng/2015/60455

the complete goan newsweekly

vol 2 | issue 12 | panaji - goa | 16 pages

luizinho faleiro

going solo?

DECEMBER 2016

HAPPY NEW YEAR

FROM GOA’S ONLY BUSINESS MAGAZINE

GOA’S ONLY BUSINESS MAGAZINE

www.businessgoa.in

INDUSTRY DOSSIER

VOL 2 ISSUE 12 PANAJI GOA

GOA’S ONLY BUSINESS MAGAZINE

RNI No.: GOAENG/2015/59955

www.businessgoa.in

The Congress party’s reluctance to lead a united opposition would be an advanage to the BJP in the forthcoming assembly elections

POSTAL LICENSE No.: G-2/RNP/Monthly/Goa-19/2015-17

INDUSTRY DOSSIER

SHAMIK CACULO STARTING YOUNG

DELFINO’S

GOAN BRAND

ARTHUR’S THEME

BON APPETIT

SANJIT RODRIGUES INTERVIEW

DEMONETISATION India demonetises 86% of its currency, in a bid to arrest black money Christmas & New Year Special

editorial

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panjim speaks Harshvardhan Bhatkuly

N

ow that the elections have been declared, some ‘overnight’ changes are welcome. They don’t surprise me anymore – cleaner roads, less amount of garbage strewn over the place. Some political hopefuls going out of their way to hello you and generally ask about your well being.

But has anyone bothered what Panaji would really be wishing for in this year? This being an election year, I am quite certain that she has a wishlist. And she won’t stop before extracting the promise of regaining her glory days. She tells me she that she has had enough and now she wants some things on an urgent basis. “I can’t bear the dirt and filth around me anymore,” she asserts. “Fix the St Inez nullah once and for all, I can’t handle the damn stench. Is it rocket science to clean a creek,” she asks in exasperation. “And while you are at it, do something about the Ourem Creek also,” she adds. Panjim is sending out a loud and clear message that she cannot handle the rat menace and stink of the market place anymore. “Is it too much to ask for hygiene?” she screams. I am lost for words, the city clearly isn’t. “There was a talk that these guys would develop a ring road parallel to the Bandodkar Marg,” she continues in the same breath.

“I wonder if it will ever happen. This would take so much burden off me. Even a tram wouldn’t be such a bad idea. What do these guys do when they go on study trips to Europe, I wonder.” I am tempted to say something clever but leave it there. After all it isn’t everyday that Panjim speaks. I am all ears.

I stoke her fury and ask her “Do these casinos stay put here?

Or are they moving into high seas?” “Has the traffic and parking woes reduced, now that we have a swanky multilevel parking place?” She gasps, “This is such an incessant irritant. I wonder how I manage to handle the traffic all day.” “And have you any idea for garbage treatment?” I question. I guess I have touched a raw nerve and she loses her temper spectacularly. I duck the verbal barrage and indicate that I had nothing to do with it. “Nothing you say?”

I nod trying to look helpless. “Do you not enjoy all that I have to offer you? The once verdant Miramar beach, the broad roads, the lovely old buildings, the central business district… Don’t you eke out a living from here? Haven’t you learnt all that you have in my lap? Played, fought, made friends, grown up, dreamt of a life? Tell me,” she demands of me. I am dumbfounded and angered by her onslaught. I hate myself for being a meek spectator to all the wrongs that I have allowed my city to come to such a pass. Angered, because I still don’t know what to do about it. Panjim looks at me and says that she may have lost her shine, but she is still capable of being the queen amongst cities that she once used to be. I believe her. Now, all that she needs is many more of us to believe in the city that we have grown up in.

And to bring her pristine glory back.

listen to the voice of a resurgent goa. every week.

My Goa

@MyGoa

Saturday, 7 January 2017

GBCN to organise Goa Big Year 2017

With a grand start to the year 2017, Goa Bird Conservation Network (GBCN) announced its plan of starting its very own Goa Big Year 2017. For the entire year, birding enthusiasts have to document birds on a daily basis.

Goa Bird Conservation Network (GBCN) is a nonprofit society which roots back to 2010.

The group of enthusiastic birders initially represented the Goa Chapter of the India Bird Conservation Network (IBCN) and functioned under the name of GBCN. Since its inception, members have been joining the network in large numbers and contributing on a regular basis.

The concept of Big Year involves a record sighting of maximum species in any calendar year within a specific political or geographical area.

Drawing inspiration from the same, Goa Bird Conservation Network (GBCN) has declared

GBCN announced its plan of starting its very own Goa Big Year 2017. For the entire year, birding enthusiasts have to document birds on a daily basis

the Goa Big Year 2017, which is the first of its kind to be held in India. The Goa Big Year 2017 will see birders from within the state and outside, observe, record and report birds (the maximum number of species) starting January 1, 2017 till December 31, 2017.

Participants will have to

visit various habitats in Goa and around, at different times of the year to record as many species as they can. Any record of rare species will need strong supporting evidence in terms of photographs, recordings of the call/song or very good observational notes and will be thoroughly scrutinized by a specially set Goa Rarities Committee. Goa boasts of 463 species and has a lot to offer to all participants of the Goa Big Year 2017.

(Registrations for participating in the Goa Big Year are open till January 31. (www.birdcount.in/goa-bigyear-2017/ for registration.)

The former FC Goa sponsor was detained by Middle Eastern Metropolis’ Anti-fraud task force at Dubai for alleged money fraud of AED 50 million

slapped criminal charges.

Further, the UK investigators have alleged, “We are working with various authorities both inside and outside Dubai, and looking at the alleged laundering. We have raised the question of how he could legally set up and run another investment fund when he was apparently never licensed to do this in the first place. He is under investigation for illegal trading by the Department of Economic Development (DED) and has judgments against him from the civil courts.”

Sydney Lemos in his defense claimed that his inability to return money back to investors was specifically because his company’s operations in Australia, under the FC Prime Markets banner, was under the cynosure of Australian anti-money laundering compliance investigators.

idea of the week

in the news sydney lemos Sydney Lemos, owner of Prime Markets, who was one of the key promoter of FC Goa in 2015, has been charged for his involvement in a ponzi scheme. He was detained by Middle Eastern Metropolis’ Anti-fraud task force at Dubai, according to a report in The National.

Sydney Lemos is a known name in football fraternity in Goa as he serves as the owner of FC Bardez, a Goa Professional League (GPL) side that participates in the state’s regional football championship.

Investigators from the United Kingdom working with Dubai’s authorities alleged that Lemos was involved in a money fraud surpassing more than AED 50 million (INR 92 Crore) and has now been

Printed, published and owned by Harshvardhan V. Bhatkuly and printed at Elegant Offset Printers, Karaswada, Mapusa Goa and Published at 409, Citicentre, EDC Patto Plaza, Panaji - Goa 403001. Editor: Harshvardhan V. Bhatkuly

mygoanews@gmail.com

Unsolicited material may not be returned. The opinions in columns and other stories expressed in My Goa are not necessarily that of the publishers and the Publisher/Editor shall not be held liable for any inaccuracy or otherwise. While great care is being taken to ensure accuracy of information, the publishers are not responsible for omissions or incorrect information. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the publishers.

Saturday, 7 January 2017

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COVERSTORY

Is Congress shooting itself in the foot by not leading an alliance of like-minded parties?

courtesy JoeGoaUK

Luizinho Faleiro’s reluctance to lead a united opposition against the BJP is baffling political pundits across Goa. Why is the Congress hell bent on fighting all 40 seats?

With less than a month to go for the polls, this may prove costly for the grand old party My Goa news desk

T

he Narendra Modi juggernaut came to a crashing halt in the Delhi Assembly Elections in February 2015, when the Aam Aadmi Party trounced the BJP in an unprecedented manner literally clean sweeping the polls. But the classicist political thinker would always consider the victory of the Nitish-Lalu combine in the Bihar Assembly Elections held in October-November 2015, to be a much bigger defeat awarded to the BJP, in recent times. The Maha-gatbandhan (Grand Alliance) formula had worked for a political pariah Lalu, when he tied up with the canny, but strong grassroots politician Nitish Kumar.

Political punters in Goa were betting on a similar alliance of opposition forces in Goa. But that has come a cropper. And even if the idea is still not shelved, it looks like it may come a tad bit too late to take on the might of the BJP in the state. The one person who is blamed for not allowing the idea of this grand alliance to happen is former Congress Chief Minister and current Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President, Luizinho Faleiro.

The Gandhi Parivar Man: It is the irony of the Congress party that it is losing popularity

ALL THE VICE PRESIDENT”S MEN: Ramakant Khalap, Luizinho Faleiro, Digamber Kamat and Pratapsinh Rane at Rahul Gandhi’s public rally at Fatorda

with the masses because of its overdependence on the Gandhi family. But Faleiro is calling the shots in the state because of his proximity to the Gandhi parivar. To put things in perspective, Luizinho Faleiro, who had won the Navelim constituency continuously from 1980 to 2002, has been out of active state politics after he lost in the 2007 Assembly Elections from his pocket borough to Churchill Alemao.

Faleiro was later moved out of Goa and made in-charge of the North Eastern states by virtue of his proximity to the Gandhi family, and also due to his vast experience as a Congressman.

Leadership in Goa There is no dearth of leadership in the Congress party in Goa. there are four chief ministers from the GOP – Pratapsinh Rane, Ravi Naik, Digamber Kamat, Faleiro, and five if the party denies ticket to Alex Reginald and fields Francis Sardinha instead. This competition of seniors, and their deafening silence on the leadership of the Congress party in the state or the failings to stitch an alliance with other like-minded parties, is giving rise to speculations that each of these stalwarts will be busy defending their respective

turfs. They would also be reticent to create a flutter at this nth hour and muddy the waters more and invite the ire of the Gandhi family.

Flight of Mauvin and Madkaikar If reports are to be believed, then there are rumours rife in the political grapevine that

other Congress leaders like Babu Kavlekar (Quepem) and Pravin Zantye (Mayem), may follow the route of Mauvin Godinho and Pandurang

COVERSTORY Madkaikar, as it would be difficult to get elected and sit in the opposition for another term. Many also talk that Vishwajeet Rane may embrace the saffron party or contest under his Sattari Yuva Morcha (SYM) banner – the SYM did run a media campaign and radio jingles, recently. Other leaders, who are playing the watching game, may not be coming out openly against the GPCC President, because the act of revolt at this moment will obviously mean that the advantage will be in favour of the BJP The AAP factor If you are from out of Goa and you decide to visit the state, you will be left with no doubt that the Aam Aadmi Party is not just fighting this election, but that they are already in government. Such is the proactive machinery of the AAP. They have declared a chief ministerial candidate from the civil services and a face of the minority community, clearly with an eye to corner the traditional Congress votes.

The on-ground preparedness of a Hindi speaking Kejriwal and his team of volunteers is a one to beat. Although experts believe that the AAP will not win seats to make any significant difference, their eating into Congress votes would again spell advantage to the BJP. Rahul Gandhi’s public meeting at Fatorda Contrary to what social media may make out of the Gandhi scion, his public meeting at Fatorda was a big success. It is important from the point of view that Congress is not a spent force in the state. Speaking to senior journalist Shekhar Gupta, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar was candid enough in stating that the competition for his party was primarily from the Congress. Luizinho Faleiro also falls back on the assurances on the Gandhi family that the Congress party

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Saturday, 7 January 2017 My Goa

@MyGoa

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OPPOSITION TO BJP: Jose Philip D’Souza, Vijai Sardessai, Babush Monseratte and Alex Reginaldo Lourenco

“Goa Forward is already on the streets with the candidates. We welcome the dates though it was too sudden. It is one month before the term of state government expires. But we are ready to take on BJP,” says Goa Forward mentor Vijai Sardesai. Goa Forward is contesting on five seats on its own, while its proposal with the Congress for working out a prepoll alliance is in discussion stage.”Congress has its own formula on decision making,” says Vijai will contest from all 40 seats.

This posture was taken much before the political situation has simmered to what it is.

Then there were no clear cut divide within the BJP led alliance. Neither was there the clear cut positioning of the AAP to corner Salcete.

Challenges before BJP BJP’s challenges are from within. It will be impacted in a few seats by the breakup with its former alliance partner, MG party. The Dhavlikar brothers are banking on the Lion symbol which still has strong brand equity in pockets of Hindu-dominated North Goa – a large chunk of voters that were wooed by the BJP over the years. MGP’s resurgence as a party challenging the BJP establishment is further buttressed by Subhash Velingkar mentored Goa Suraksha Manch (GSM). The GSM’s agenda is primarily to play spoil sport to BJP’s chances. However the BJP will not take this challenge lying down. The other challenge to the BJP is the recent demonetization scheme, which has inconvenienced crores of people in India, under the guise of eradicating black money. That the scheme was ill-conceived and badly executed has angered the

man on the street and has exposed the BJP’s lack of depth in matters of the economy.

However, there are significant numbers of people who stand by the Prime Minister’s decision for demonetisation.

Role of the Church In the 2012 elections, the church in no uncertain terms had instructed its followers to boot the Congress out of power. BJP had played the catholic card decisively and seen 6 MLAs elected on its ticket – an unprecedented election statistics. It also inducted Avertano Furtado, a former Churchill Brothers’ goalkeeper who trounced his one-time patron Churchill Alemao at Navelim, as

Minister for fisheries. Another independent MLA Benjamin Silva from Velim was hardly critical of the government in the last term. Goa Vikas Party supremo Micky Pacheco openly supported the BJP candidate in South Goa for the Lok Sabha elections in 2014, while Babush Monseratte supported BJP’s Siddharth Kuncalienkar’s election in February 2015 openly defying the Congress candidate and now his mayor in the Panaji Municipal Corporation, Surendra Furtado. Babush was later expelled from the Congress party for anti-party activity. Recent attempts by the BJP to rope in Avertano into the saffron fold, and his refusal to join in, says a lot about BJP’s chances in the

“The central election committee will deliberate in three days and

by January 9 or 10, the first list will be out. The meeting has to be fixed by the party vice-president” luizinho faleiro GPCC President

Salcette region, a block where Congress suffered the biggest casualty in 2012, returning only Digamber Kamat from a rather comfortable Margao to the Assembly and Alex Reginaldo from Curtorim.

The Catholics in Goa seem to be averse to voting for the BJP, more so because of incidents like beef-ban in neighbouring Maharashtra and the denial of the Chief Minister’s position to senior BJP man Francis D’Souza.

That the RSS calls the shots in the party which they had backed in 2012, was indeed a penny dropping moment for the community. Will it go back to supporting the Congress or will they put their weight behind AAP is to be seen.

MoI issue On the face of it, the BJP’s backtracking of its earlier MoI stand should earn it brownie points with those opposing grants-in-aid to English language schools, especially those run by the Diocese societies. However, reality looks otherwise. The English run school stakeholders refuse to see the BJP as anything other than the partners like MGP and BBSM, who have now deserted the BJP. Lack of preparedness With elections just under a month away, the Congress’ lack of preparedness is showing.

That Faleiro has been playing the game with cards held too close to his chest is what may be Congress’ undoing. The complete absence of senior leaders at press conferences, which are now addressed by total greenhorns, is a sign that not all is well with the Congress. If Faleiro is harbouring chief ministerial ambitions, he may find the going tough from the electoral point of view. A case in point being the fact that Congress’s Fatorda block committee went after Vijai Sardessai, whose Goa Forward Party may have been an alliance partner, if there was one, with the

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Saturday, 7 January 2017

Digamber Kamat could emerge as a ‘consensus’ power centre

Congress. Churchill Alemao, the canny old campaigner, feels that Luizinho is the one who is making sure that any alliance of ‘congress-minded’ parties does not happen. Now in the Nationalist Congress Party, Churchill believes that to beat the BJP, there is no alternative to a Congress-led alliance, and thinks aloud as to what Luizinho must be thinking.

Mission Salcete The BJP think tank is working overtime to see that the electoral situation in Salcete does not allow advantage to the Congress. Micky Pacheco’s taking over of Goa Su-raj Party may not cut ice in Nuvem and former Power Minister Aleixo Sequeira is hoping to get a Congress ticket, but it looks like the GPCC President Faleiro is very firm that he sees Wilfred ‘Babashan’ D’Sa as the party nominee in Nuvem Although Alex Reginaldo Lourenco has won two successive elections, and has been a strong opposition voice in the last term from Curtorim, there are talks that he may jump on the Goa Forward bandwagon due to his proximity to Vijai Sardessai. One also cannot discount the role of Sardinhas in this constituency, where the BJP also plans to field Arthur D’Silva. With a growing population of migrants, this may just turn out to be a surprise for the Congress.

In Fatorda, the winner will be decided on who the Congress chooses to field.

Whether Damu Naik of the BJP or Goa Forward leader Vijai Sardessai will be returned to the Assembly will be decided on how little votes the Congress gains.

It is only in Margao perhaps the Congress can be sure of

a sort of comfort zone with Digambar Kamat still holding strong to his bastion. The BJP does not seem to be geared to take on its once enemy number 1 in Margao.

With serious infighting in AAP and absence of leadership in other parties, Churchill’s comeback bid at Benaulim seems good.

Navelim will throw a keen contest. Luizinho Faleiro himself looks good to fight against an incumbent Minister Avertano Furtado, Edwin Cardozo, ZP member and Goa Forward candidate looks at a good fight, while Sheikh Jina, a BJP hopeful and Siddharth Karapurkar from AAP and MGP is also hoping to field a candidate.

Cuncolim is a constituency that will be watched closely.

With AAP’s chief ministerial candidate Elvis Gomes, and comeback hopeful Joaquim Alemao, it may just turn out to be second-time lucky situation for the soft-spoken BJP man Rajan Naik. Congressmen Devendra Desai, Clafacio Diasa and John Monteiro are applying pressure to the party high command to deny ticket to ‘outsider’ Joaquim Alemao, and choose one among themselves.

In Velim, former minister Felipe Neri Rodrigues hopes to trounce a not so high performing sitting MLA Benjamin Silva.

Central Force: The fact that BJP will bank on Narendra Modi, is its biggest advantage. Add to it, the promise of development and central funds with a BJP government at the Centre, may tilt the fence-sitters to vote for the saffron party. One mustn’t discount that at the core of this elections is Manohar Parrikar’s personal prestige. If BJP cobbles a minority government – and it has done so recently in Arunchal Pradesh – is a distinct possibility for a party that is hoping to return 26 members to the house. And the one person who can decide to challenge that run, could be the one leading a rather feeble pack of Congressmen, Luizinho Faleiro.

POLITICS

MGP formally withdraws support to Govt.

As soon as the model code of conduct has been imposed, political parties and candidates are leaving their past behind to join new forces.

In a latest move, Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party has officially withdrawn its support to the BJP. MGP is likely to form a three party alliance with Goa Suraksha Manch and Shiv Sena.

Party President Dipak Dhavlikar wrote to Governor Mridula Sinha informing about the withdrawal of the support to ruling party BJP by

3 MGP MLAs. “I beg to place before you the fact that our party had signed a pre-poll alliance with BJP for Goa Assembly 2012 elections and the party accordingly had adopted a resolution to that effect,” said the letter written by MGP President. He added, “As per election results, the BJPMGP government took over the charge of administration and we continued our cooperation inspite of differences on various issues, which recently led to the ouster of MGP MLAs from the cabinet.”

Former cabinet members

of the BJP-MGP Government Sudin Dhavlikar and Dipak Dhavlikar were sacked due to their publicly expressed differences over the leadership issues.

Ex RSS Goa Chief and mentor of Goa Suraksha Manch, Subash Velingkar was long awaiting for this split between the two incumbent parties. Following the withdrawal by the MGP, BJPs tally in the government has come down to 23 which include 21 BJP and 2 independent legislators. MGP has also declared that they are going ahead with the Feb 4 polls with Sudin Dhavlikar as their official CM candidate.

Early elections welcomed by political government had parties in Goa few projects to Election Commission has declared election dates for the 5 poll bound states. Goa will go polls on February 4.

The advanced date came as a surprise to Goan electorate.

With just a month to go for polls, those who welcomed the Election Commissions’ decision were almost all political parties including the Ruling BJP. However, even after the dates announcement, most of the parties haven’t finalised on their candidates.

Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party finds itself in comfortable zone if Ponda

Lavoo Mamledar

legislator Lavoo Mamletdar is to be believed. Lavoo says “A month is sufficient for the regional party to go to polls. We were ready even in December.

Our party is prepared for the election.”

CM Parsekar had earlier shown displeasure of holding early polls as he believed his

be completed.

However the BJP’s stand has changed now and the party functionaries have said that early elections would end up benefiting the ruling party. BJP State President Vinay Tendulkar has stated that opposition parties have limited time for the campaigning. “We have had Vijay Sankalp rallies across the state, where we got a very good response and hence we are fully prepared,” he said.

interview

6

Saturday, 7 January 2017 My Goa

@MyGoa

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“I live a simple life. Be it as Chief Minister or without any political powers. I am the same seafaring person”

Former Chief Minister and now NCP candidate for Benaulim Churchill Alemao spoke to Rupesh Samant at a special interview aired by radiobuyao.com (Excerpts of the Interview)

Rupesh: Would you still say that you are the only chief minister who resigned on the basis of a promise?

Churchill: In India’s political history nobody has demitted the position of the chief minister the way I did. I’m a man of my word.

Early 2017, how are the preparations going on in Benaulim Constituency?

Before contesting this election, I sought the blessing of God. If the Almighty wants me to win, then nothing can stop me. People of Benaulim have a strong liking for me and they wholeheartedly support me.

Also, there is no reconsidering of the fact that I will be contesting on any other ticket than the NCP. There are many aspirants in Benaulim, Congress has three, AAP has one as well as others. Do you feel your popularity is being threatened with so many forces eying the same constituency? Will you be benefitted if the votes are split?

I am not a new face to Benaulim.

My political baptism was at Benaulim. I have won the same constituency several times in the past. In 1989, I won with the highest margin in South Goa. That was the time when

“I am not a new face to Benaulim.

My political baptism was at Benaulim.

I have won the same constituency several times in the past” Churchill Alemao

I had become the first Catholic Chief Minister of Goa. People of Benaulim have reposed their faith in me many times.

They’re the people who gave me the platform as a politician.

How would you say the year 2016 treated you politically?

I have been comparatively inactive in politics for past 4 to 5 years. But I never stopped working for the welfare of the people. If you keep politics aside, 2016 has been a sad year on the personal front. I’m sad

that I lost two of my brothers, Ciabro and Roosevelt last year.

However, currently I’m feeling upbeat on the political front; and I am all set to regain my constituency. People of Goa have seen what they have done in the last term. I have a strong faith in the people of Benaulim.

People of Goa know you as a politician as a social worker, what are the things that you get in when you’re not in the politics?

Politically active or inactive, I never stop working for the people. I take up their issues with the government and get it done. I have a right to go to the government whether it’s the BJP or any other party.

And they have taken oath as ministers, that they will work for all the people in the state – regardless of party affiliations.

Sometimes there have been non-governmental works which I have done for the people.

Who would you say has been a good Chief Minister of BJP in Goa? Parrikar or Parsekar?

That people will decide.

However, there is a difference between administrator and manipulator. When it comes to administration I would pick Laxmikant Parsekar.

Goa Government can either function with taxes or mining.

Now as the mining activity has still to come out of the lull left behind by the ban, the government doesn’t have necessary funds.

Several statements like bikini ban have affected tourism. The government also had to bear huge loss of revenue due to removal of VAT on Petrol. When the money is not coming into the system, the government imposes lot many indirect taxes. People are suffering because of this government.

How many people from the Alemao family will contest election this time?

I can only talk for me and my children. From my family I am the only person who is contesting the coming elections. Even Valanka will not contest this time. I cannot speak on behalf of my brothers; they can contest on their own.

What

if

Joquim

gets

a

I can only talk for me and my children. From my family I am the only person who is contesting the coming elections. Even Valanka will not contest this time. I cannot speak on behalf of my brothers; they can contest on their own Congress ticket in Cuncolim constituency, will Valanka canvas for him? Will you campaign for him?

Joaquim is my brother. I made him enter into politics. When people of Benaulim asked for him to contest in the same constituency, we got him elected. Our fraternal love will always remain strong. If the alliance between Congress and NCP works out then obviously I’ll go for campaigning for him. Else we will have to wait and see what happens. At least I don’t need anybody to campaign for me. For me my people are enough. Neither will I call any ‘star’ campaigner from our high command.

There was a time since 1989 when your name Churchill Alemao itself would pull crowd to the political rallies.

Do you feel your impact and connect with the masses still exists since it’s been a few decades now? Also do you use technology for the campaigning?

We started with a football team with my name and it got massive popularity. In between and 1989 to 1996 when I was part of UGDP, people all over Goa knew me. I also got consistent media coverage.

What about the allegation that terms you a ‘Goonda’.

What do you want to say on that?

When the Konkani movement started, we had put our demand against government that we want the language to be recognized as Official Language in Roman script.

During that period we had completely stopped all functioning of South Goa. At the same time, Pratapsingh Rane called me a ‘Demon’.

Following which my brother was arrested and I went underground. We were out

on bail after Ram Jethmalani fought our cases. If Konkani had got recognised with the Roman script, then the future of the language would have been very bright. Poor people in South Goa would have got empowered if that had happened. But the fact remains that we were cheated.

When I entered into politics, many things happened in my career. One of which is that I laded up in the same jail that I had built!

How do you see these transitions from being Chief Minister to minister… then MLA… then the police machinery puts you behind bars who were once under your power. How do you feel about that?

In everyone’s life there are ups and downs. I never take pride in most of the things you mentioned. I live a simple life. Be it as Chief Minister or without any political powers, I’m the same seafaring person.

If this time if you’re not successful in winning the election, would you retire from politics?

I am not a politician. People have put me into politics and now it’s difficult to get out of it.

I didn’t enter politics to make money.

Apart from being in politics and winning elections in 2017 what are your other ambitions?

You can’t really predict the result of the election – for that God and people have to support me. Personally, I have many ideas, but they cannot be revealed just like that.

Secondly, if you see there are many things that need to be changed. If I am elected, I want to convert Benaulim into a model constituency.

POLITICS

India Today-Axis opinion polls show BJP in the lead BJP has registered decent numbers at the India TodayAxis opinion polls with high possibility of forming the next government in Goa. According to India Today-Axis, BJP is set win between 20-24 seats in the 2017 Vidhan Sabha elections in Goa. Congress Party is likely to follow winning 13-15 seats.

While debutant AAP may win 2-4 and MGP to bag between 1-4 seats. In Goa, a party or a coalition should have more than 21 seats to form a government.

The national polling agency conducted the survey in late December in Goa. 35 percent

of the respondent chose the incumbent Laxmikant Parsekar to be next Chief Minister of Goa. Former CM and Congress leader Digambar Kamat clocked 20 percent for the race of CM’s chair.

courtesy INDIA TODAY

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Saturday, 7 January 2017

17 percent respondents want to see Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar as their next CM. 47 percent of those surveyed said Manohar Parikkar’s return to Goa would ensure the BJP victory for Goa.

With no alliance talks, Congress party to contest 39 seats in the Assembly Elections With less than a month to go for election, most of the political parties in Goa haven’t finalised their candidates. The opposition party Congress is eyeing 39 seats to contest in the February 4 polls. Central screening committee of Congress met last week to discuss about the prospective candidates for the party.

The Congress party has fallen weak in the recent past as 2 MLAs, Mauvin Godinho and Pandurang Madkaikar have left the party to join the BJP. Several proposals have been made by local

Congress party cadre to the central screening committee.

Congress high command is slated to take a call on the final list of candidates on January 10. According to sources, the party is not likely to contest in capital city Panaji. Expelled Congress MLA Babush Monseratte is likely to fight from the same constituency on his newly formed United Goans Party ticket.

BJP MP Narendra Sawaikar has admitted of facing threat from only the Congress party in the next elections, “If you ask me, the Congress could

be the main opponent for the elections because it is a mainstream opposition party in the assembly and a national party like us,” said South Goa MP Sawaikar.

Several Congress leaders, including AICC General Secretary and Election incharge of Goa Digvijay Singh have ruled out formation of alliance with any party in the state. Goa Forward and Nationalist Congress Party have the in past, shown willingness to go to the hustings with a grand alliance along with the Congress party.

Election Commission gears up for Assembly Elections 2017

In the run up to the polls, Election Commission has cleaned up political advertisements and banners from major public spaces.

It was evident from most of the streets that ad slots were increasing and were filled with messages from political parties as the state elections are nearing. Enforcing the Election Code of Conduct, the state Chief Electoral Office issued directions to various government departments including the commercial tax

and excise departments to comply with the guidelines of the Commission for ensuring free and fair election.

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) informed that, all the Government departments have been directed to remove such material from the government premises within a day, from the public properties within two days and from the private properties within 72 hours. The CEO pointed out that display of political advertisements at the paid sites on locations like

airports, railway stations and even on electricity poles have been banned.

Election Commission in Goa has a new system in place for the electorate. Goans will now be able to review one’s vote.

your WEEKLY fix of Goa

weekdiary

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Saturday, 7 January 2017 My Goa

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Lokotsav: A melting pot of cultures I alexia fernandes

magine travelling the expanse of the Indian subcontinent and experiencing firsthand, the vibrant culture and tradition of each state. Every January, Goa witnesses a colossal melange of art and culture from every corner of India in a festival of true extravagance. Gaining popularity over the years, Lokotsav has grown from just a handicraft market to become an anchor for the preservation and promotion cultural diversity in the country.

Known for drawing large audiences from around the world, this massive festival is organised by the Directorate of

Every January, Goa braces up for a melange of cultures to descend upon its shores to showcase the best of artistic India

This year, the backdrop theme features the antique sculptures of the Ajanta Ellora caves of Maharashtra

Art and Culture, Government of Goa in collaboration with the West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur; Kala Academy, Goa; Sports Authority of Goa; Corporation of the City of Panaji; South Central Zone Cultural Centre, Nagpur; Department of Art & Culture, Jharkhand and efforts by other agencies.

In its 18th edition, Lokotsav 2017 celebrates the work of around 500 folk artists and 600 craftsmen from across the country bringing to you the folk culture, food and music of their respective states in a weeklong festival. Being a national festival, Lokotsav

Saturday, 7 January 2017

provides local artisans with an extensive avenue to promote themselves. Folk artists and craftsman from the states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Assam, Sikkim, Tripura Manipur, Haryana, Sikkim, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Goa will participate this year by presenting the culture of their respective states all under

This year, the backdrop theme will feature the antique sculptures of the Ajanta Ellora caves of Maharashtra. Spread across three venues at the Kala Academy premises – Darya Sangam, Dinanath Mangeshkar Kala Mandir, and the open air auditorium; the festival includes musical and dance performances every night. one banner.

Each year the stage set up of the festival has featured some incredibly unique themes like the majestic palaces of Rajasthan, the tranquility of rural Gujarat, the mesmerizing art of Mario Miranda and the Indo-Portuguese architecture typical to Goa. This year, the backdrop theme will feature the antique sculptures of the Ajanta Ellora caves of Maharashtra.

Spread across three venues at the Kala Academy premises – Darya Sangam, Dinanath Mangeshkar Kala Mandir, and the open air auditorium; the festival includes musical and dance performances every night.

The market is so diverse that it has something in store for everyone whether you’re an art lover or a foodie. A section of the venue is lined with small stalls selling handicrafts, furniture, paintings, pottery, ceramic ware, homemade soaps, traditional ethnic fabrics, footwear, and jewelry.

The food stalls serve up mouth watering delicacies that range from hot chaats, to the much relished Indian desserts, and of course the savoury pickles, from around India. This year the festival also includes various workshops through the week on Molela (clay work), jute work, Chikankari (embroidery), Adek work and

traditional cooking to give you some hands-on familiarity with folk art.

The festival this year will have for the first time performances by folk dancers in Jharkhand to perform on the occasion of ‘Jharkhand Divas’. Artists from other states will perform the folk dances and music like Mangniyar, Kalbelia, Bhavai, Bahurupia.

Rajasthan brings to the festival its famous puppet art with remarkable marionettes depicting swordsmanship, dancing, horse riding, juggling and acrobatics. Folk dances of Bihu and Bardoi Shikla dance will be performed by Assamese artists. From the State of Gujarat, artist will present performances like Mewasi, Kervano Vesh and Siddhi Dhamal. Artists from the state of Maharashtra will present Lawani and Koli dance. West Bengal, Manipur and Sikkim, Chhattisgarh, Tripura will also have performances staged through the week.

Folk dancers from international group of Germany are also expected to perform this season. The festival would, of course, be incomplete without in-house performances by Goan talent.

Goan artists will perform various traditional Goan folk forms like Ghode Modani, Jagor, Mussal khel, lamp dance, Goff, Dekhni, Mando, Kunbi/

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Dandla Khel and Dhangar.

A country rich in cultural diversity and traditions, India is one of the major producer and supplier of Handicraft products in the world. There is huge demand for the Indian Handicraft products in both national and international market. With a variety that’s ever expanding with each following year, Lokotsav 2017 promises an eventful week up ahead.

social

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Saturday, 7 January 2017 My Goa

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solve the mayem imbroglio I Sitaram Tengse

s the dark period for the residents of Mayem over after the Liberation of Goa? Or should one assume that it will end in the near future?

There are 1141 families who claim the rights to the land of Mayem; and they have been fighting for decades to claim their ownership of the land. There is no doubt that the current government is honest in its approach to see that this ownership is rightfully bestowed upon the residents of Mayem; neither it is the case that previous governments were found wanting in their efforts to do the same.

However, when the Manohar Parrikar led government was established in 2012, there was a renewed vigour to solve this issue. In furtherance of this, 62 villagers from Mayem were awarded sanads with respect to their properties this week.

That means 1123 applications have been accepted by the government and 1061 families are yet to receive their sanads.

Mayemkars can exercise patience because there are

cumbersome administrative procedures involved. But the moot point is that although villagers have received sanads, it does not mean they have been granted ownership of the properties. That is because the sanads that have been issued by the government are provisional in nature and there is no definite closure of the imbroglio that has been playing at Mayem since Liberation of Goa. This is again because the government is not in a position to offer clear title of the properties as the court is seized with the legality of this issue. Manohar Parrikar stated that the government is making honest efforts to expedite the legal issue, but then he also cautioned that one cannot be sure of what the court will decree – this means that the judgment may not be favourable to the residents and claimants. So then what is one to make of the issuance of these provisional sanads? Would it be wrong to assume that the same have been distributed with an eye of the ensuing Assembly Elections?

To unravel this mystery

Portugal’s Prime Minister to visit Goa Portugal Prime Minister Antonio Costa will be visiting India from January 6th to 12th 2017, to attend the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas as a Person of Indian Origin.

He will be the chief guest at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrations during his week-long visit.

Antonio Costa was born in Mozambique in 1929, then a Portuguese colony. His mother, Maria Antonia Palla, was a Portuguese journalist and his father, Orlando Da Costa, was an eminent writer of Goan descent. Costa studied law in the 1980s in Lisbon, when he first entered politics

and was elected as a Socialist deputy to the municipal council. He was elected mayor of Lisbon three times.

After toppling the conservative government, Antonio Costa was chosen to be the new Prime Minister of Portugal and assumed office on 26 November 2015.

Costa will visit Goa on January 11. During his twoday visit to the state, Costa will release the translation of his father Orlando Da Costa’s three-act play, Sem Flores Nem Coroas (No Flowers No Wreaths), at Adil Shah Palace, Panaji.

Senior journalist Sitaram Tengse provides a historical and honest-to-life perspective of the Mayem land issue

Parrikar seen distributing sanads. Also seen Dy CM Francis D’Souza and Speaker Anant Shet

and to gain perspective of the situation, one has to look as the historical notes pertaining to this issue. The Portuguese had many Counts (generals) in their administration, lnown as ‘Conde’. After annexation of new territory, these Condes were given their share of spoils. There are seven or eight instance where large land tracts were given to the Conde by their Portuguese rulers. However, Mayem is the only instance where the entire village was given to the Conde.

If the Portuguese had ceded Goa to India without military conflict, this situation would have been much different.

But India had to use military action to capture Goa from the Portuguese; and for relations to normalise between India and Portugal, it was important that the rule of Salazar had to end. In the interim, the Union Government had to promulgate an ordinance by which ownership of this land belonging to the Conde were seized and taken over by the Government of India. For the Indian government to understand the Portuguese administration, their laws and legal system was an uphill task.

(The issue of dual citizenship is also a fall out of ignorance of the Portuguese legal system.)

Dr. Mario Soares, when he was Portugal’s Foreign Minister, had visited India and re-established diplomatic relationships between the two nations. If the central government had not been ignorant about this issue, then

the Mayem problem could have been settled and sorted at this juncture.

Although a part of the Mayem evacuee property of the Conde lies with the heirs of the Conde, there were a large number of tenants and mundkars on the same. So legally speaking, the Conde is still the legal owner of these properties. The heir of the Conde has made several trips from Portugal to Goa after Goa’s liberation. In fact, the government even offered money from the proceeds of the village to the heir. One must, at this juncture, bear in mind that this legal issue is not between the Conde and the Government of Goa. The issue is between India and Portugal. It can be resolved only by diplomatic dialogue between the two nations. What the Goa government is doing with respect to the land at Mayem has got no validity of International law. Although the government has agitated this issue before local courts, somewhere the government knows that the result may not be in favour of the people.

Perhaps that is the reason why the provisional sanads have been distributed at this moment.

Parrikar says that the law relating to this land issue is a tricky one, and that previous governments have made a mess of the situation. This, in other words, is warning people that the legal order may not be favorable to them.

All such properties like the

one owned by the Conde at Mayem were labeled evacuee property after the liberation of Goa, and not as Mundkarial or tenanted land in favour of mundkars and tenants living in that area. Under International law, protection of land belonging to foreign nationals is mandatory.

The ownership of land at Mayem is currently in the hands of the local courts. The court, of course, understands its jurisdictional powers, and therefore the result may go against the mundkars of Mayem.

It may not be wrong to say that Parrikar is also aware of this legal position; but then what was the rush and hurry to distribute this provisional sanads for?

It is understood from reliable sources that the current owner of this property is open to grant ownership to the mundkars and tenants as per law, because eventually each tenant and mundkars claim will be on land that they can claim as per what the law has prescribed. But I personally feel that this issue can be resolved by diplomatic relations and can be sorted once and for all.

It is interesting to know that the current Prime Minister of Portugal is a Goan and he will be visiting Goa in the coming week.

Although this is his unofficial and personal visit to meet his family, the Chief Minister of Goa may meet Portugal’s Prime Miniser and impress upon him the need to resolve the land issue at Mayem at a holistic level. Of course, one has to show statesmanship of the higher order to resolve this issue or else gifting away the provisional sanads may only add insult to the injury faced by the villagers of Mayem.

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Saturday, 7 January 2017

living with pythons

A

nationwide initiative, ‘Living with Pythons’ has been kickstarted in 2017 by Nirmal U Kulkarni, herpetologist and wildlife photographer to create awareness and instill appreciation about India’s 3 Python species. These include the Indian Rock Python (Python molurus), Burmese Python (Python bivittatus) and Reticulated Python (Malayopython reticulatus).

Together, these snakes represent some of the largest snake species of the world.

While the Reticulated Python is now acknowledged as one of the largest snakes in the world, the Burmese python is a near threatened species in its range in Burma. Illegal skin trade and habitat loss have taken a heavy toll and one ray of hope

Nirmal Kulkarni’s initiative will bridge the gap between reptiles and human beings, and also save endangered pythons

Indian Rock Python

is forest of North East India where few populations survive.

The species found in Goa, and across the Indian mainland commonly, The Indian Rock python has now been accepted as threatened due to human reptile conflict and habitat loss.

This initiative aims to promote acceptance, awareness and understanding about these python species through

greengoa

Nirmal Kulkarni

conservation outreach and field based herpetology techniques.

The initiative aims to achieve these objectives through on field discussions, engagements with communities, youth and Forest Department personnel.

This project will also contribute to create awareness on the issue of human-snake conflicts that are key to python survival in human dominated rural and urban landscapes.

A specific target group of reptile enthusiasts and amateur snake handlers and rescuers in the states of Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra will also be sensitized on these ecologically important species.

Beside which the initiative proposes to address a need for a common protocol for Python rescue and release, as it will help minimize and address issues relating to reptilehuman conflict and provide vital answers to this growing challenge especially in urban India.

The illustration for the logo has been done by wildlife artist Nitesh Parulekar while the design has been executed by Printer’s Devil, Porvorim, Goa. The illustration is the head representation of the Indian rock python.

Nirmal Kulkarni, Team Leader and herpetologist states that he has dedicated the year 2017 for the cause of Indian python species and seeks support from the public to support this initiatiave.

THEARTS

12

Saturday, 7 January 2017 My Goa

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BOOKS

music

Swar-vedh classical music competition in memory of Mandatai Bandekar

S

hadjGandhar Music Academy Vasco is organizing an All Goa Youth Classical Vocal Competition in memory of Late Mandatai Bandekar.

Mandatai Bandekar was a connoisseur of classical vocal music. With a vision to promote the love for classical music among children and youth, she started the ‘ShadjGandhar Music Academy’ (SGMA) in 2010 in Vasco, for teaching classical music to aspiring students. In memory of her dedication and love for music, SGMA is organising a statelevel classical vocal singing competition Swar-Vedh for the youth in January 2017. The competition is open to vocalists between the ages of 15-25 years. The competition will have three rounds (Auditions,

With a vision to promote love for classical music among children and youth, Mandatai Bandekar started the ‘ShadjGandhar Music Academy’ in 2010 Late Mandatai Bandekar

Semi-finals and Finals). All three rounds will be held at the Multi-purpose Hall of the Directorate of Art and Culture, Patto, Panjim, on 8th, 15th and 29th January 2017.

The three best performers in the final round will each be awarded a cash prize, trophy and certificate; while the

three other participants will each be awarded cash prizes.

Semi-finalists will be awarded certificates and trophies. The organisers solicit participation in this competition in large numbers to avail of this golden opportunity to showcase proficiency in classical vocal music.

Learn from the MasterChef A new cookbook, authored by a Goan chef, will be released at Bastora, near Mapusa, on Saturday January 7, 2017, at 4.30 pm. The 128-page book is packed with recipes of Goan food, including appetizers, salads, main dishes, side dishes, and sweet treats. It is published by Goa,1556. This function, to which the public is welcome, will be held at the Holy Cross high school hall in Bastora village, Bardez.

Author of the book, Chandan Gopal Chari (47) grew up amidst many challenges, and worked hard and smart to become one of Goa’s most appreciated pizza and pasta chefs. He is known for his production, preparation and presentation of Continental and all-round cuisines, for over two-and-half decades.

An ex-student of Dyanprasarrak (Mapusa), St. Xavier’s College (Mapusa)

and IHM (Porvorim), he has worked in Goa, Oman, Dubai and Croatia (former Yugoslavia) as a continental and Italian chef.

Maria Grazia Raschi of Baba’s Wood Cafe, the noted Italian Restaurant, says of the author: “An enthusiastic, dedicated professional, Chandan adapts to Italian cuisine as a fish to water.

Always on the learning curve...”

cuisine

The Navhind Times’ The Budding Chef

The Navhind Times is all set to bring forth its culinary competition – The Budding Chef, in partnership with Amul India and IHM Goa. Challenging the culinary skills of Goa’s young master chefs, this grand competition is open to all students of culinary colleges and will take place at the IHM Goa campus, Porvorim.

The competition targets culinary students to test not just their cooking skills but creativity and presentation skills as well. In partnership with Amul, participants will be given Amul products and will be required to base their dishes on these ingredients. With a set benchmark for a high level of expertise and professionalism, the competition is only open to culinary students who are trained in the same. Ten culinary colleges from across the state will participate and battle it out to the final round.

Teams of three participants

representing each college will work common Amul dairy products like milk, cheese, chocolate, fresh cream, condensed milk and ghee.

The competition will include preparation of an entire three course menu; which much must compulsory use Amul mozzarella cheese for appetizer, and cottage cheese and ghee for the main course.

The dessert may be a hot or cold delicacy, but must be prepared using fresh cream, chocolate, condensed milk, tropical fruit and cheese spread. Giving the participants a little freedom to get creative, a choice of any additional ingredient is allowed; however no readymade sauces or mixes are allowed.

A panel of three eminent chefs will judge each dish on the basis of flavour, finesse, creativity, composition, portion and nutritional balance, serving method, and of course skilful presentation.

Besides these criteria, points will also be given for sanitation, organisation, techniques and execution, appropriate use of ingredients, and time management.

The competition aims to promote culinary passion among budding chefs by providing a platform for students to showcase their individual and group skills coupled with high culinary standards. There will be four prizes – best starter, best main course and best dessert and the overall grand trophy for The Navhind Times ‘Budding Chef ’ team. Winners will have the privilege of having their winning recipes published in the Kuriocity section of The Navhind Times.

The competition will be held at IHM Goa, Porvorim from 10 am to 1 pm January 13. Prize distribution will follow soon after.

Email your event listings to us at mygoanews@gmail.com

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Saturday, 7 January 2017 law

Bandora Legal Aid Cell to organise a panel discussion on ‘Protection against Sexual Harassment and Domestic Violence’on 7th Jan V. M. Salgaocar College of Law has 24 free legal aid cells functioning throughout the state of Goa. The main object of legal aid cell is to provide free legal assistance and legal literacy to the residents of the areas in which these legal aid cells operate in. One of these units, the Bandora Legal Aid Cell provides free legal assistance to the locals of Bandora and surrounding villages, every Saturday at Bandora Panchayat Hall from 3 pm to 5 pm.

In recent times, this cell has conducted its programs in various schools in and around

Ponda. The members of the Cell have organised talks in six schools and two higher secondary schools on the topic ‘Consumer Rights and Consumer Protection Act.’ Through these programs, the cell made an effort to spread awareness among the students of their rights and duties as a consumer.

Now the Bandora Legal Aid Cell is conducting a panel discussion. This panel discussion will be held on Saturday, 7th January 2017 at Sanjeevan Higher Secondary School Hall, Bandora, Ponda from 10 am to 12 pm. The topic

for the discussion is ‘Protection against Sexual Harassment and Domestic Violence’.

The panelists who will share their views on the sociolegal aspects of the topic are Ms. Sunita Sawant - S.P. Ponda Police, Adv. Harsha Naik Lawyer, Ms. Tara Kerkar – Social Activist and Ms. Priya Dohiphode – Panch, Kavlem Panchayat All the eminent panelists will discuss in detail the problems and remedies relating to Protection against Sexual Harassment and Domestic Violence.

whatsup

WORKSHOPS > CLASSES > HOBBIES

Inspiring speakers to address young Goans Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Gen. Bikram Singh, T V Mohandas Pai and Deepak Vohra to speak on 19th January at NIO Hall, Dona Paula

Ustad Amjad Ali Khan

Deepak Vohra

public policy

Suraj Kumar of Neeti Foundation to deliver lecture on Sustainable Development Goals at ICG on 11th Jan The International Centre Goa is organising a lecture on ‘Sustainable Development Goals and Governance Reform in India: Experiences from Indian states’ by Suraj Kumar, Chief Mentor of Neeti Foundation. This programme will be held at 4 pm on Wednesday 11th January 2017 at The International Centre Goa, Dona Paula.

Entry to the programme is free and open to general public. Those interested in attending may kindly email their registrations to pro@ incentgoa.com Suraj Kumar is Chief Mentor at Neeti Foundation, New Delhi. He has worked in the development sector since 1993 at progressively senior levels (nearly 15 years with the United Nations) in design and implementation of programmes on governance, women’s leadership and human development, policy dialogue on rights-based development with governments, and UN coordination in India and South Asia.

A significant part of Kumar’s career and professional development has been in the area of human

Suraj Kumar

On 25 September 2015, 193 countries of the UN General Assembly adopted the 2030 Development Agenda titled Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development development, beginning with the Madhya Pradesh Human Development Report. His current research focuses on ‘Public Policy Instruments for Governance Reform - Lessons from State level initiatives in India’ in which he looks at the experience of the Governance and HDR Projects in India and makes a case for building capacity at the grassroots level to generate demand and public pressure – so that the political will to improve governance can be sustained.

The Sustainable Development Goals

(SDGs), officially known as Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a set of seventeen aspirational “Global Goals” with 169 targets between them. Spearheaded by the United Nations, through a deliberative process involving its 193 Member States, as well as global civil society, the goals are contained in paragraph 54 United Nations Resolution A/RES/70/1 of 25 September 2015.

On 25 September 2015, 193 countries of the UN General Assembly adopted the 2030 Development Agenda titled Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Following the adoption, UN agencies, under the umbrella of the United Nations Development Group, decided to support a campaign by several independent entities, among them corporate institutions and International Organizations. The Campaign, known as Project Everyone, introduced the term Global Goals and is intended to help communicate the agreed Sustainable Development Goals to a wider constituency.

Gen. B K Singh

Goa Management Association (GMA) is organising the prestigious ‘Shaping Young Minds Programme’ (SYMP), under the aegis and in collaboration with the All India Management Association (AIMA), for the third time in Goa, on 19th January 2017 at the Cardium, NIO Auditorium, Dona Paula.

SYMP is an innovative programme evolved by AIMA, realising that young minds contribute significantly in steering the nation forward.

SYMP provides a platform for students and professionals (below the age of 30 years) to interact with leading icons from different fields. These leaders speak anecdotally from their own career and experience. This helps young students and professionals find the common link between self, choosing a career path, managing career expectations and taking up careers armed with confidence and zest.

T V Mohandas Pai

AIMA has been successfully conducting the SYMP every year in different cities across the country in collaboration with local management associations.

The icons addressing the Goa SYMP are Ustad Amjad Ali Khan (Sarod Maestro), Gen Bikram Singh PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM (Retd.

Former Chief of the Indian Army & Chairman, Chiefs of Staff), T V Mohandas Pai, (Chairman, Manipal Global Education) and Deepak Vohra, (Veteran Diplomat) The target participants for SYMP are students and young executives below the age of 30 years. Student Registration Fee Rs.250/- and Young Executives Rs. 1000/-.

You could send your participation at the earliest to avoid disappointment either by email to office@gmagoa.com or gmagoa@gmail.com or call on phone +91-832-2411538

sports K

Suraj Caculo

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Saturday, 7 January 2017

Traditional Karate Association of Goa leads the way for the new Olympic sport: Suraj Caculo

arate will be making its first appearance as an Olympic Sport at the Summer Olympics-2020 in Tokyo, Japan.This latest development has added an additional feather in the popularityof this sport among the youth, especially the children in schools / colleges.

Karate Association of India (KAI) is the only National Federation (NF) in India to be recognized by Govt. of India-Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports for Karate, and the only association in India to be affiliated to World Karate Federation (WKF).

KAI has 35 state affiliate units all over India. Apart from the states, KAI also has affiliates in Police and Para Military members such as Services Control Board, ITBP, Assam Rifles and state police teams. KAI is home to more than two lakh Karate players all over India, who train under the guidance of KAI’s globally accredited instructors.

Although Karate as a sport is not new to Goa, industrialist and karate

“Open Karate Championship will be held on the 7th and 8th of January 2017 at the SAG Indoor Stadium, Campal. The idea behind this event is primarily to promote Karate as a sport with children and youth of Goa” Suraj Caculo President TKAG

enthusiast Suraj Caculo, along with some like-minded senior Karate instructors took it upon them to bring in a change in the interest of development of Karate in Goa and formed a new association called ‘Traditional Karate Association of Goa (TKAG)’. TKAG is the only Karate association in Goa to be recognized by Karate Association of India (KAI) which is the National Federation, and by virtue of which the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) now recognizes TKAG. The channel for karate players to compete on a national and international level, including the Olympics, would be only through the TKAG as KAI would allow only those players in team India which have been selected by the respective state associations from across the country.

TKAG is relatively a newer association vis-à-vis others all over India. However, KAI

Salcete Football Club wins state U-16 title

S

alcete Football Club defeated Sporting Clube de Goa by 1-0 to win Goa State U-16 football tournament organised by Goa Football Association and played at the Duler Ground, Mapusa.

The all-important goal was scored with a nit chip by SFC’s prolific striker Leander Fernandes.

Consisting primarily of

players from Bethany Convent High School, Sao Jose de Areal, the Salcete Football Club team coached by Inacio Viegas had an impressive run up to the finals.

They remained undefeated in their group matches, winning seven and drawing two matches. They scored 46 goals and conceded only two.

In the semi-finals they defeated

Salgaocar Football Club 2-0.

SFC’s promising strikers Leander Fernandes and Mark Carvalho scored 17 (including 3 hat tricks) and 15 (including three hat tricks) respectively.

Salcete Football Club, Bethany Convent High School and Dempo Sports Club have entered into a tripartite agreement for development of grassroots and youth football.

considers it to be one of the better performing associations in the interest of development of Karate. This is endorsed by the fact that TKAG has been awarded to host the prestigious ‘KAI Senior National Karate Championship-2017’ in Goa. This pioneering event will be held on the 26th of February 2017 at the SAG’s Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee indoor stadium at Goa. An event of this magnitude will be the first to be witnessed by Goans, where over 1000 senior Karate players and officials from all over the country will participate. The event will be hosted by TKAG and will be conducted by KAI as per the World Karate Federation (WKF) rules and regulations.

“TKAG is looking forward to creating an impression on KAI by hosting this event as per international standards, and hopes to make Goa the preferred destination for such National as well as International events in the future,” says Suraj Caculo. “Since the National Championship in February 2017 would be restricted strictly for seniors and adults, we felt that the younger budding enthusiastic Karate players as young as 4 to 5 years and above, who may be less than a year in Karate practice should be given an experience to be a part of competitive karate. With this thought in mind we decided to conduct an ‘Open Karate Championship’ on the 7th and 8th of January 2017 at the SAG Indoor Stadium, Campal. This event would not have any barriers in terms of age, sex, styles and affiliations, as the idea was primarily to promote Karate as a sport with the children and youth in the entire state of Goa. The entries for this championship are closed well in advance as we experienced

an overwhelming response from every nook and corner of Goa; and have received a record-breaking 1010 entries in various categories. This sporting event will witness participation of young and seniors at a very competitive level including Black Belts. To have a level playing field for the new students practicing Karate, the competition categorization of Kata and Kumite (Competition Categories) is done by belts (grades) as White/Yellow/Orange belts (Novice), Green/Blue/Purple belts (Intermediate) and Brown/Black Belt (Advanced), as independent categories,” added Caculo.

V. M. Prabhu Dessai, Executive Director of Sports Authority of Goa has consented to be the Chief Guest for the opening ceremony which will be held on the 7thJanuary at 10am. The championship will be conducted strictly as per the WKF rules and regulations, as TKAG wishes to prepare Goan players to compete at the international levels. The managing committee of TKAG has pledged to take the sport of Karate in Goa to a different level and reach out to every school and college and parts of Goa. Another first by TKAG is that they will be conducting a ‘Senior Kumite Training Seminar’ from 21st to 23rd February at ‘Dojo De Goa’, the state-of-the-art Karate training academy, where current Karate World Kumite, Champion Sensei ‘Amir Mehdizadeh’ and WKF recognized Kumite coach and KAI General Secretary, Shihan Bharat Sharma would be conducting a kumite training seminar as never seen before. Since this is an advanced training seminar, the participation is restricted to only Black Belts and instructors. This will be the first time ever that a current world champion who is a resident of Iran would be visiting Goa, especially to conduct a training session.

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Saturday, 7 January 2017

younggoa

Goa State Youth Award multi-talented youngster has bagged the prestigious award for her 2016 to Malaika Vaz The many initiatives and exploits in the field of wildlife and nature My Goa news desk

M

alaika Vaz is a teenage athlete, explorer, social entrepreneur and filmmaker.

Recognizing her passion for wildlife exploration and conservation, she has been chosen to receive the Goa State Youth Award 2016.

Every year the State Youth award is conferred on a young Goan, and last year Goa honoured young explorer and wildlife filmmaker Malaika Vaz. Goa Chief Minister, Laxmikant Parsekar in the presence of Sports Minister, Ramesh Tawadkar presented the State Youth Award (Individual Category) to Malaika Vaz at an Award Ceremony organised by the Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs at Porvorim on December 26, 2016. Present among other dignitaries were Secretary for Sports, B. R. Singh, Director of Sports, V.M. Prabhudesai.

No stranger to accolades, Malaika was awarded the National Geographic ROAR Talent bursary to attend the Wildscreen Festival 2016 (Green Oscars) at Bristol, UK. In recognition of her potential as an emerging natural history presenter and filmmaker, Malaika was the only young wildlife filmmaker in the

Malaika Vaz receives the award from Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar

Malaika Vaz is currently researching and planning for a documentary on the Manta Ray trade across Southeast Asia. This project is aimed at bringing legislative change and enforcement to stop the illegal trade of Manta Rays world to be chosen by National Geographic for this prestigious opportunity in October 2016.

Malaika began working as a wildlife presenter and filmmaker from a young age.

At the age of 12, she hosted a popular adventure sports TV series ‘Spotlight with Malaika’ which was broadcasted on Goa’s HCN channel. She then began her foray into natural history storytelling as a presenter, and went on to produce her debut documentary on the human-tiger conflict.

This documentary was

officially selected at several international film festivals across the United States, New Zealand, Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur Eco Film Festival 2016 and Canada’s Planet in Focus Environmental Film Festival in Toronto 2016.

The documentary has also been selected for the Wild and Scenic Film Festival, California 2017 and the Reel Earth Environmental Film Festival, Kia Ora 2017.

Working in collaboration with the forest department of Ranthambore National

Park, she has recently presented and directed a wildlife documentary on the biodiversity of this National Park. She is currently researching and planning for a documentary on the Manta Ray trade across Southeast Asia. This project is aimed at bringing legislative change and enforcement to stop the illegal trade of Manta Rays. The film will follow an expedition style, as Malaika journeys to the oceans, ports and markets across three cities to uncover and document this story.

Malaika continues to inspire large audiences of young people through her social work. She is the Founder and Director of a women’s empowerment organization ‘Kriyā: Empowerment through Action’. The organization works to empower women victims of violence and marginalized tribal communities through adventure sport and outdoor education. She has also campaigned tediously for environmental protection and sustainable practice. These campaigns focused on curbing plastic pollution, safeguarding of tiger habitat and polar advocacy and protection.

In collaboration with Woodland, she led the initiative “Leave No Trace” which reduced plastic pollution at

Asia’s largest music festival Sunburn and has worked with renowned wildlife filmmaker Mike Pandey on The Return of the Tiger campaign, amongst others. Through other such active campaigns via print and social media, and through product launches as brand ambassador for Woodland and ‘brand friend’ for Victorinox, Malaika has reached out to many Indians spreading awareness on wildlife protection and environment conservation.

As an explorer, Malaika has been on expedition on all 7 continents. Her expeditions and adventures have taken her to the countries of Patagonia, Mongolia, Switzerland, Israel, Greenland, Bosnia and Herzegovina. She is the youngest person in the world to have explored both Antarctica and the Arctic.

Her most recent expedition was on horseback tracing the route of legendary conqueror Genghis Khan through China, Mongolia and Russia. A young adventurist, Malaika Vas is also a national level windsurfer, endurance horse rider, advanced PADI scuba diver, sailor and kayaker. She is also the countries’ youngest certified pilot, and received her pilot license after training in Canada.

Goa Institute of Management sees strong growth in placements this year Goa Institute of Management (GIM), one of the premier B-Schools in India is all set to close out yet another strong year of placements for its PGDM students.

At the moment, the placements have a strong pipeline of recruiters who will be visiting the Institute for campus placement in January.

This year has already seen 30 new companies visiting the campus and making offers to the students. Some of the prominent campus hirers include Deloitte, Cognizant, Arcesium, Asian Paints, Wipro, Infosys, Hindustan Unilever, Britannia, Reckitt Benckiser, Godrej and Boyce, Standard Chartered Bank. Some of the new recruiters this year are Varun Beverages, Grant

Thornton, Quest Global and GEP. The operations domain has also seen strong numbers, with Alstom being one of the notable recruiters.

GIM Placement Chair, Prof.

Umesh Mahtani, speaking on the trend this year said, “IT/ITES and consulting companies have increased the numbers they recruited this year.

The representation of companies in the FMCG sector also has been strong. For consulting roles we have had a larger number of companies, notable being Deloitte, E&Y, GEP, Grant Thornton, and Accenture. Around 15-20 more companies are expected in January and we are confident of continuing our track record of 100% placements

this year. The consistency in the track record of placements has put GIM in the top league of B-Schools in India.”

The Healthcare Management (HCM) Programme of Goa Institute of Management (GIM) has always been well-received by recruiters. 80% of the students are already placed and the placement team is on the way to a 100% placement record. The average package of students has seen an increase from Rs. 7.8 lakhs p.a. last year to Rs. 8.1 lakhs p.a. this year. The highest package is Rs 14 lakhs p.a. offered by a leading ITES company and was offered to a student from nursing background, undergoing the HCM programme. Another new development this year is the opening

up of winter, paid consulting projects on campus with 30% of the first year students engaged in these live projects where they are able to implement the concepts learnt in the class. The Institute expects that by January 2017, 100% of the HCM students will be satisfactorily placed.

Prof. Shawnn Coutinho, Placement Chair of Healthcare Management (HCM) Programme said “What marks a change this year is the number of new companies on campus and new sectors opening up to the students, namely medical devices and pharmaceuticals.

Summer internships have also seen the same rigour as last year with a diversification into medical devices.”

Saturday, 7 January 2017

Goem Goemkar Goemkarponn

OUR VISION

DEVELOPED GOA, HAPPY GOANS

OUR MISSION

EMPOWERED GOANS

OUR MOTTO

CLEAN POLITICS, GOOD GOVERNANCE

OUR COMMITMENTS De-nationalization of Goa's rivers Protection of Goa's land resources Making Goa a land of opportunities Zero tolerance to drug trade A multi-cultural and liberal Goa Transparent, responsive administration Sustainable, inclusive development goaforwardparty@gmail.com

Issued by General Secretary, Goa Forward Party

16

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