INTERVIEW: Avelino de Sa, President of DRAG talks about disability rights awareness RNI No. goaeng/2015/60455
MyGoa `10
18 february 2017
the complete goan newsweekly
panaji ODP faces legal challenge
vol 3 | issue 3 | panaji - goa | 16 pages
“From St. Inez Church road to behind the Campal Trade Centre, they have shown a bridge over the creek on the plan, which is not existing. There are lots of other inaccuracies” SABINA MARTINS Goa Bachao Abhiyan
editorial
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Need for consistent election policy
Harshvardhan Bhatkuly
T
he Election Commission has slapped a ban against releasing any exit polls in all election bounds states from February 4th till March 8th. The idea behind the same is not to influence voter decision on the basis of any ‘biased’ exit polls that may be brought out by some partisan groups. As the after effects of Valentine’s Day is still in the air, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that everything seems to be fair in love and war – and let’s also add elections to this exalted class. Right from the time that elections were on the horizon, various research organizations published their findings. Political parties, who found favour in these opinion polls, went to town with these ‘results’. Other parties, who ‘fared badly’ in these ‘polls’ cried foul. However, what was interesting is that there were enough polls carried out across the state to benefit every party. Such are the times that we live in. The other rub is the quantity of sample survey that each pollster claimed that they had sought opinion or feedback from – the number was so huge, but even if you did random testing of their claims across our tiny state, you would find it difficult to believe the veracity of their figures. So are we to assume that each opinion poll that was conducted by these so called reputed research groups, is either a work of fiction or was a sponsored exercise – albeit funded by the parties which found favourable outcomes in the same? Every politician worth his salt will tell you that the voter is not a fool. But then how is this tomfoolery advanced by the
same political parties? And more importantly, why is it that statutory bodies like the Election Commission weigh in to enforce a ban on such exit polls? The guess would be because, howsoever smart the voter may be, there could be spells that his intelligence may be out for a walk. Otherwise there would be no chance that a politician would get away with going back on his electoral promise. Elections, call what you may, are eventually impulse buys. One small fact can attract you to vote for a party or a politician. Very few voters prepare a five-year repayment plan for this. And that’s why the pollsters are in business. The recent arrest of the editor of the online division of a media behemoth, for publishing an exit poll in Uttar Pradesh, in support of a dominant national party, should tell us all that EC directives are not being adhered to at all. Understanding the nuances of the law, it is further belittling that the accused was enlarged on bail, the same day. This does send conflicting signals about the intent of the Election Commission’s directives about the exit poll ban. On the face of it, the stringent provisions, as they are purported to be, do not seem to have enough teeth to reprimand a wrong-doer in proportion to its intent. The other big question then is, of the Union Budget. Departing from tradition, the Finance Minister rose to present his financial statement before the Lok Sabha on February 1st, when the convention was to do so on the last date of this month. Despite protests, the Finance Ministry went ahead to present the Union Budget, although 5 states were going
Saturday, 18 February 2017
ISRO World-Record 104 satellite launch In its thirty ninth flight (PSLV-C37), ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle successfully launched the 714 kg Cartosat-2 Series Satellite along with 103 co-passenger satellites from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota. This is the thirty eighth consecutively successful mission of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The total weight of all the 104 satellites carried on-board PSLV-C37 was 1378 kg. PSLV-C37 lifted off at 0928 hrs (9:28 am) IST, as planned, from the First Launch Pad. After a flight of 16 minutes 48 seconds, the satellites achieved a polar Sun Synchronous Orbit of 506 km inclined at an angle of 97.46 degree to the equator (very close to the intended orbit) and in the succeeding 12 minutes, all the 104 satellites successfully separated from the PSLV fourth stage in a predetermined sequence
beginning with Cartosat-2 series satellite, followed by INS-1 and INS-2. The total number of Indian satellites launched by PSLV now stands at 46. After separation, the two solar arrays of Cartosat-2 series satellite were deployed automatically and ISRO’s Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) at Bangalore took over the control of the satellite. In the coming days, the satellite
will be brought to its final operational configuration following which it will begin to provide remote sensing services using its panchromatic (black and white) and multispectral (colour) cameras. Of the 103 co-passenger satellites carried by PSLV-C37, two – ISRO Nano Satellite-1 (INS-1) weighing 8.4 kg and INS-2 weighing 9.7 kg – are technology demonstration satellites from India. The remaining 101 copassenger satellites carried were international customer satellites from USA (96), The Netherlands (1), Switzerland (1), Israel (1), Kazakhstan (1) and UAE (1). With this successful launch, the total number of customer satellites from abroad launched by India’s workhorse launch vehicle PSLV has reached 180.
Roque Dias, who was Regional Director, has been elevated as Executive Director, the No. 2 position in the Sports Authority of India (SAI) hierarchy. The elevation in his career has come at the right time and is the just reward for this hard working Goan. A science graduate, Dias has a coaching diploma from NIS, Patiala and a Master’s Degree in Administration. An enterprising Roque attracted the attention of authorities back home for his proficiency in sports and social activities which fetched him a national award. He is the recipient of the first Youth Award which
A science graduate, Dias has a coaching diploma from NIS, Patiala and a Master’s Degree in Administration
he received in 1986 from then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. The award also launched him on a bigger scale when he was chosen by the central government to represent the country to propagate the cause of Development of Sports in Asia at a conclave in Japan, where representatives from 36 countries participate. Dias has bagged several awards which include SAI nominating him for the Prime Minister Excellence Award in Public Administration. He was instrumental for the successful conduct of BRICS football tournament as Technical Advisor. His contribution was also recognized by the Organising Committee of the 2010 CWG as Dy Director General.
to polls. There was a caution call raised that certain Budget provisions would be prejudicial to the outcome of elections in these states. Notwithstanding the call of moral uprightness,
the government went ahead, throwing the rule book in the face of protestors, assuring them that no such prejudice will occasion. Cynicism in public life
idea of the week
in the news Roque Dias
aside, we have been a nation built on values of constitutional morality. Is it wrong to expect the same from the powers-thatbe? Email us your responses at mygoanews@gmail.com
Printed, published and owned by Harshvardhan V. Bhatkuly and printed at Elegant Offset Printers Pvt Ltd, Shed No D2-31, Thivim Industrial Estate, Karaswada, Mapusa Goa and Published at 409, Citicentre, EDC Patto Plaza, Panaji - Goa 403001. Editor: Harshvardhan V. Bhatkuly 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.
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Saturday, 18 February 2017
COVERSTORY
Panaji Outline Development Plan challenged in Court
Sabina Martins of Goa Bachao Abhiyan, along with Goa Heritage Action Group, has approached the Court to rule on the inaccuracies of the recently ‘altered’ Outline Development Plan for Panaji
My Goa news desk
The capital city Panaji is undoubtedly one of the most developed parts of Goa. Soon it will attain the status of a Smart City under a national initiative. The Regional Plan failed to grab much attention in the recently held assembly polls; however the Outline Development Plan of Panaji, which was notified a day before the election code of conduct, has not been received well by many, including the local body of the city and the civil society. Similarly, political differences and lack of coordination between the Panaji MLA and the local body CCP is not a new conflict to public knowledge. “Has the government totally compromised on the sustainable development?” asks Sabina Martins, a vocal campaigner against the Panaji ODP representing Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA). Goa Heritage Action Group (GHAG), with which GBA networks, has filed a petition in the District Court alleging its arbitrary preparation and hurried notification which will affect every citizen and their quality of life. Martins expects the District Court to bring a stay on the “inaccurate” Outline Development Plan of Panaji. She feels that high rise buildings that will bring more residents to an already populated city cannot be permitted without improving the road infrastructure, sewerage system, parking, water and electricity demand. In Conversation with Sabina Martins of the Goa Bachao Abhiyan: Q. What are your primary objections to the Panaji ODP? We have objections to Panaji ODP in terms of the process and content. In terms of process, as per the Town & Country Planning Act, you can have revision of the ODP plan or minor alterations. For revision, you have the whole exercise of putting out the draft plan for objections, following due process of law, including series of things that have to be done when a new plan is made. And minor alterations are when some plan released by government requires minor alterations. The Government
had put it out for Alterations/Revision this time. And what they brought in were major changes in some zones, landscapes. If you are doing those changes, wherein you are reducing the heritage zones then you have to have a Conservation Committee Meeting, which will sit and decide and pass the resolution and that goes to the PDA. The PDA cannot decide anything on their own. Secondly, all these have to be done taking into consideration of the local body. The Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) has not approved the plan. Upon filing an RTI, we found that CCP had clearly rejected the plan. How can they notify such plan? Q. Can you highlight some of the
Sabina Martins of Goa Bachao Abhiyan
We have objections to Panaji ODP in terms of the process and content. As per the Town & Country Planning Act, you can have revision of the ODP plan or minor alterations. For revision, you have the whole exercise of putting out the draft plan for objections, including series of things that have to be done when a new plan is made. And minor alterations are when some plan released by government requires minor alterations. The Government had put it out for Alterations/Revision this time. And what they brought in were major changes in some zones, landscapes
inaccuracies of the ODP plan? Building regulations should have been in place when the ODP was put for public objections. The residential special and commercial special zones strewn all over the city now, were not part of the regulations. These have to be taken into account while converting any residential areas into commercial zones. In this case, they have not specified anything clearly, neither were the regulations in place during the period for objections. If a bungalow comes up in a residential area, I have no problem, but if a 10 storey building comes up then I have a problem of roads, parking, water and electricity demand etc. Only in certain commercial business districts, like Patto and Panaji Market, certain tall storied buildings are permissible with proper width of the roads and parking facility. One example to cite of bad planning consequence is that it will be difficult for fire brigade services to attend to high rise buildings in congested mixed areas if the width of the road is not proper. The other major concern is that they have allowed building in ecosensitive zones. They have converted residential zones into commercial zones without having the requisite road width. If we recall past agitations in the Calangute and the Cansaulim case, the Hon’ble High Court has clearly mentioned, that in order to proceed with such development, you need to have requisite existing road; and constructions cannot be done based on proposed roads in the plan. From St. Inez Church road to behind the Campal Trade Centre, they have shown a bridge over the creek on the plan, which is not existing. The area there is already so congested. There are many such inaccuracies. Q. Do you feel there are way too many commercial zones proposed in the plan? Many conversions have happened to pave way for commercial zones which doesn’t meets the basic criteria; hence we have filed the case in the
COVERSTORY
District Court. The court has issued notices to the state government bodies and asked for their explanation. Panaji is so beautiful and to maintain its grandeur, the planning, architecture has to blend and compliment it. We are facing sewerage and water problems in St. Inez as well. A Plan should put the public interest before private interest. In this plan, our building has got 10 floors. People say I should be happy as I will get more flats, but we are not looking at individual gains. What is the point if there is no quality of life in the area? We have no problems if buildings are high rise, but there has to be corresponding facilities. You do not want to step out of your flat to be held up in the chaotic traffic outside your door with sewage overflowing from the rain water drains! Q. Which organisations are fighting this battle in Court? I am currently representing Goa Bachao Abhiyan which is a network of organisations and individuals. In the GBA meeting, it was decided to assist Goa Heritage Action Group; and I have been authorized to represent the concerns of GBA. Goa Heritage Action Group which is a registered organization and had filed an earlier petition on the Regional
Plan in the High Court during the GBA agitation is Petitioner 1 and GBA is Petitioner 2. We have filed an appeal to bring a judicial stay on the ODP. On the next date, the government will have to submit their say. Q. What is the ideal Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for Panaji ODP? It all depends from place to place, which requires a Comprehensive Development Plan. The Outline Development Plan is different from a CDP. The broad outline for development is done in ODP while detailing is done in CDP. It has to be done by the local body in consultation with the people. They should have on Board people with requisite knowledge and skills. There has to be a vision plan for the City. Look at the present scenario. Schools from Panaji were moved out because they wanted to decongest the city, but if you look at the ODP plan, it congests the city with high rise buildings in residential and commercial special zones. They want to increase the density of the population in the city. Hence there’s no clarity. Q. What are your immediate expectations from the next government?
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Saturday, 18 February 2017 My Goa
If a bungalow comes up in a residential area, I have no problem; but if a 10 storey building comes up then I have a problem of roads, parking, water and electricity demand etc. Only in certain commercial business districts, like Patto and Panaji Market, certain tall storied buildings are permissible with proper width of the roads and parking facility We want the government to stop the implementation of the ODPs. We are expecting the court to give a stay. If people invest in construction based on the present plan and if later the Courts hold that the constructions based on an illegal plan cannot be permitted, a lot of people will lose their money. We have seen so many National Green Tribunal orders directing demolition of structures in CRZ areas. Then there is also wastage of funds and where is the sustainable development if
@MyGoa
mygoanews@gmail.com
Q. Do you feel that public had softened their stand on the issue of Regional Plan and Casinos in this election? Not softened; but people have stopped believing them. Politicians know what the issues are but they do not work to address them. During 2012 elections we have our spent our time, we sacrificed our careers, we put in our time, money, energy agitating about these issues and in the end of it there is no resolution on that.
you have to redevelop the property after few years of its existence. What we are doing is to safeguard the interest of the people, place and the environment. Once this place is drastically changed, part of Goa will be gone. Q. Comment on the assurances given by the parties on the RP before 2012 polls? Political parties today have become opportunistic and business minded. They see elections as an investment. They bribe people and get their votes and then when they come to power, they are busy recovering that money. People were very emotive about the Regional Plan issue. Goans are very attached and close to their land. In Goa, we see that when someone takes up a cause for collective good, then many back it. When people collectively rally as it happened during the RP agitation, politicians ride to power giving promises that they will address issues. Even the casino issue was ignored by the government after coming to power. The casino lobby funds the politicians who in return legislate for them. When Congress was in power the BJP said that they will correct it, so where is the correction?
Q. Comment on the support that was extended by political parties on Goenchi Mati Movement? We had definitely wanted political parties talking of our causes as they will be legislating and getting the necessary laws and regulations. Civil society is just pressure points to keep things moving. Whether those parties who support our issues will come to power or not is a different story. Like we had ManoharParrikar at Azad Maidan for GBA rally expressing support to the cause before the 2012 election. He has not given us one appointment after getting elected. Neither did the current CM, Laxmikant Parsekar meet us. However, Deputy CM Francis D’Souza gave us one appointment as he is the Town and Country Planning Minister. He said that they would definitely call us when there is a discussion happening on Regional Plan, but after that there was no communication received from the Minister. When you are elected you have got to represent the people. You have to solve the issues. If there are difficulties in solving them, then you should dialogue with people to seek solutions. After getting elected it is bye from them till the next election.
Goa’s complete newsweekly
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Saturday, 18 February 2017
politics
42 FIRs of poll violations registered in North Goa Liquor traders pressurise for denotification of N highways to beat SC ban orth Goa police has initiated an investigation on the FIRs filed against the poll contenders. The list of 42 includes some heavyweight candidates from the north district, along with their supporters and party representatives. The cases were filed during the model code of conduct. In another news, Election Commission has stated that the Code of Conduct will continue till the results are out on March 11. As reported by a local daily, a senior police officer said: “Majority of the FIRs are pertaining to Section 188 IPC (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) which are related to posters, banners, pamphlets etc while some are related to allegations of bribing, inducing or influencing voters. There is also a case pertaining to rioting registered with Mapusa police in connection with alleged clash between the supporters of Porvorim candidates Guruprasad Pawaskar (BJP) and Rohan Khaunte (Independent). In two separate cases of alleged
bribery, Old Goa police have registered offence against former Cumbharjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar.” As per the information provided by the Election Commision, there were allegations against the Ex Congress MLA, that he had allegedly indulged in illegal activities of distributing gift coupons of Rs 500 each along with his new party (BJP) manifesto to residents of Cumbharjua. Madkaikar also seems to have been an accused of inducing a group to support him. Old Goa police have registered two separate FIRs against Madkaikar under sections of IPC including 171
B (bribery – Whoever, gives a gratification to any person with the object of inducing him or any other person to exercise any electoral right or of rewarding any person for having exercised any such right). Apart from Madkaikar, a case has also been registered against Pernem MGP candidate Manohar (Babu) Ajgaonkar who is accused of influencing voters. Pernem police has registered an offence under Section 171 F IPC (undue influence or personation at an election) and also under Section 188 of IPC. Sitting MLA of Porvorim Rohan Khaunte also face charges for influencing voters.
Chief Minister Parsekar asks for relaxation in Code of Conduct Chief secretary Dharmendra Sharma has written a proposal seeking a relaxation and that the Parsekar government expects a positive response within a few days
Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar has written to the Election Commision of India expressing the need of relaxation in Code of Conduct. Parsekar has cited that Goa will face developmental works delay with almost a months time left for election result and the following panchayat
election. Chief Secretary Dharmendra Sharma has written a proposal seeking a relaxation. The Parsekar government expects a positive response within a few days. Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar had earlier said that there is no question of relaxing
code of conduct as it should happen automatically after the elections are over. Parsekar added, “Election Commission might have delayed in relaxing the code as there was re-polling on one booth in Margao constituency on February 7”. The Code of Conduct was imposed in Goa on January 4 following the announcement of the elections for 40 assembly constituencies of the legislative assembly. Panchayat elections are slated to be held in the month of May. Although it was speculated the May 21 to be election date. Election Commission will take the call on the final date when the next government is in the saddle.
Unable to get a concrete resolution from the outgoing government, liquor traders have demanded denotification of state and national highways in order to prevent the Supreme Court order of shutting down liquor sales on major roads. Goa Highway Affected Liquor Vendors Association addressed the Press at Panaji. The Association has informed of filing a review petition in the Supreme Court against the ban orders. Gaurish Dhond, Convenor, (GHALVA) said that licensed liquor stores are older than the newly constructed highways. He said, “the state government should denotify these highways. In many cases, the highways were built much after the licensed liquor stores were set up. The stores have been in existence for generations. Businesses like these cannot be uprooted like this.” The Association has claimed to represent a large section of liquor industry stakeholders, including members of the Bar Owners Association of Goa, Goa Liquor Traders Association. “The review petition will be filed by our Association as administration in states like Goa, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Manipur, where election processes are on and the Model Code of Conduct is in place, Governments are not in a position to take policy decisions on the ban issue, until a new elected government is in place,” Dhond added.
The state of Goa houses more than 11,000 excise licenced liquor stores. Enforcement of the Supreme Court order will lead to shutting down of almost one third of the units. Extending its support to the liquor vendors, Goa Forward spokesperson Durgadas Kamat assured, “Goa Forward Party stands firmly with the Goan businessmen who have been adversely affected by the recent judgement of the Supreme Court regarding the ban on existing bars and liquor shops within 500 meters of national and state highways.” He further said that Goa Forward Party wanted the state government to take all possible measures to protect the genuine interests of Goan businessmen and dependents. The GFP has demanded “immediate halt” to the hurry shown by bureaucracy in implementing the apex court order. In its press release The GFP also expects the government and the bureaucracy to gear up to apprise the Supreme Court of imminent and irreparable damage to Goan economy and the business community on account of such instructions. The State Excise Department has started an exercise to identify liquor stores falling within 500 metres from highways. If no major intervention is done by the government, then affected liquor stores will not be able to renew their licences after March 31st.
POLITICS
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Saturday, 18 February 2017 My Goa
Lachar Samhita
Ashwin Tombat The writer is former editor of Gomantak Times, Herald and The Navhind Times Online Edition
T
he Election Code of Conduct must be written
mygoanews@gmail.com
The writer feels that Goa’s administration will be affected due to the extended Code of Conduct Courtesy: Darpan Magazine
in a very undecipherable code. Otherwise, why is it that the Union Government can go ahead with the Union Budget even as the poll process is on in five states – including India’s largest and most populous state, Uttar Pradesh – while simultaneously, no decision, big or small, or of any kind whatsoever, can be taken by the government in Goa? At election time, files pile up. Administrative decisions are put off. Development
@MyGoa
If the Code remains in force till 11 March, it will be a short month and a few days before it is back, thanks to Panchayat elections scheduled in mid-May. That is when the State will again have a month-long code of conduct work stops. Except for those involved in election
duties, practically the entire government machinery goes into hibernation. Why? It is understandable that policy decisions, or government announcements that can affect voting patterns, must be deferred. But why is routine work and decisionmaking put into cold storage? Is the Election Commission responsible for this debilitating state of paralysis, or is it the government? Or is it both...? We asked that last question because of the interesting conundrum before the state of Goa today. The election campaign is over. The voting is over. The votes are secure in their EVMs, which are locked away behind three layers of security, as Chief Election Officer (CEO) Kunal explained; when he assured the public that tampering with the votes cast was not possible. Then why is the Election Code of Conduct still on? If the Code remains in force till 11 March, it will be a short month and a few days before it is back, thanks to Panchayat elections scheduled in midMay. That is when the State will again have a month-long code of conduct. Thankfully, results for those elections will be very shortly after voting. The State government has said it “hopes” that the Election Commission of India (ECI) relaxes the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, which was imposed following the announcement
of the Assembly elections on 4 January. CEO Kunal says his department cannot recommend lifting the code unless there is a proposal from the government: “If the government writes to us demanding relaxation in the Code of Conduct and gives the reason for the same, we can examine the proposal and submit a report to ECI.” His words. Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar says his government has not written to the Election Commission, but that he still “hopes” the Code of Conduct should be lifted in the next couple of days. Really? So, the Goan public must have faith in the audacity of the Chief Minister’s “hope” to get their work done? Or are we merely fated to wait and watch as the government and the EC deftly pass the buck to each other? What exactly does the Code of Conduct prohibit and allow? According to the CEO, the poll Code of Conduct does not affect any routine work. All pending projects can continue and expenses can be incurred. Only fresh decisions on new projects cannot be taken. Specifically, the Chief Minister and ministers are not allowed to approve any administrative works or take policy decision. Announcement of new projects, programmes or concessions, or financial grants in any form or promises of such grants, or laying of foundation stones, is prohibited. No fresh sanctions for government schemes are to be made. Review by ministers and/ or processing of beneficiaryoriented schemes, even if ongoing, have to be stopped. The government cannot undertake any work for which work orders have been issued, but work has not started. In sum, it’s very little that can be done, while most things are put on hold. Please write that letter asap, Mr Parsekar...!
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Saturday, 18 February 2017
interview
“Many public places are becoming accessible to persons with disability due to the initiatives de Sa, President & Co-founder of Disability Rights Association of Goa, works tediously to secure a place for people with disabilities in the society though numerous interactive initiatives taken up by DRAG” Avelino My Goa news desk
Could you give us a brief of DRAG and its vision? Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG) was started in October 2003 by persons with disability with the main objective of bringing persons with disability into the mainstream society. DRAG is a registered charitable society recognized by the Directorate of Social Welfare, Government of Goa.
disability. What other initiatives has DRAG taken up to raise awareness on different issues in society? We have organized World Disability Day on open grounds. This event allows the general public to get a chance to come and see the talents of persons with disability, and it gives people with disability a platform to showcase their talents. Aside from this, we have also participated in the Panjim Carnival. We have taken up various issues surrounding disability rights and use media as a channel to actively raise awareness in society.
What are the kind of activities the organization deals with? The organization advocates and lobbies with the Government of Goa on various disability issues in society, and works to raise awareness on such disability issues by creating networks with various likeminded organizations at state and national level, to support the cause and help secure the welfare of persons with disability in Goa. How many people have associated with DRAG? The Organization has grown and today we have around 100+ persons who are associated with Disability Rights Association of Goa directly and indirectly as members, volunteers and partners who help us with the different initiatives that the organization undertakes. Could you tell us some of DRAG’s success stories? DRAG has many achievements to its credit since it began back in 2003. The Organization has achieved success in upholding the rights of persons with disability in the field of accessibility, education and employment in Goa. Many public places are becoming accessible to persons with disability due to the initiatives taken up by DRAG. Our work was lauded when we received the Goa State Award for Best
Avelino de Sa
NGO for welfare of persons with disability in the year 2007. Our greatest achievement, however, is that persons with disability are becoming aware
of their rights and have begun to come forward to demand their rights, and society too, is being more sensitive towards the needs with persons with
An initiative by Avelino de Sa along with school students promoting the rights of the disabled
Has DRAG gone national or global with its initiatives? or any future plans to do so? No, DRAG has not gone national or global with its initiatives. It has no plans to do so as there is still a lot of work to be done here itself in Goa. We have a plan to reach out to every person with disability in Goa. With reference to the recent ‘We Care Film Festival’, could
you tell us the idea behind it? This is the fourth time DRAG is organizing the ‘We Care Film Festival’ on disability issues in Goa. It’s an international film festival organized by Brotherhood, New Delhi, comprising of short films of 1-30 minutes time duration with the main aim of sensitizing school and college students on disability issues. Being an international film festival, it has travelled all over to about 169 venues all over the world. Initially, we had organized this film festival for only 1 or 2 days held at just 1 or 2 venues, but this year we had it on a much larger scale at six venues all over Goa and as a six day film festival. This year, through the film festival, we reached out to 3400 school and college students. Many college students have come forward to take the mission of inclusion of persons with disability in society to their neighbourhood. Many college students are also interested in learning sign language so that they can be sign language interpreters. What kind of challenges does the organisation face today, and has enough been done through government aid to help organisations like yours? The organization is growing in a big way but we still are in need of a lot of volunteers to carry forward our work, especially in the interior village areas to ensure we reach all corners of Goa. We do not receive any government aid as the funds provided by the Government are insufficient to carry out any activities that we conduct. Hence, we have to depend solely on corporate sponsors and our generous benefactors for funds to carry out any of our activities. Email us: mygoanews@gmail.com
weekdiary
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Saturday, 18 February 2017 My Goa
@MyGoa
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A World Music Indo-Jazz Peache Ensemble Mukesh Sharma
Emam
Carlos Gonsalves
My Goa news desk
T
he Assagao Mehfil has been enthralling audiences in the beautiful village of Assagao since early 2013, when Chinmaya Dunster, a renowned World Music maestro, and Sandeep Srivastava, singer, and composer, created the monthly concerts. At that time, there were hardly any professional, live Indie/Fusion music and dance performances happening in North Goa on a regular basis. The open air and intimate concerts became an instant hit with many music lovers in North Goa, attracting an eclectic and deeply loyal international audience to each evening event. Over the past two years, the Assagao Mehfil stage has hosted many impressive Indian classical musicians, vocalists and dancers from Goa, other states in India as well as from Canada, Spain, France, UK, Iran, Russia and USA. All artists present their own original compositions and are selected after submitting videos and/or recording samples of their performances. Although the Assagao Mehfil presents concerts year round, Goa is teeming with global musical talent; Assagao Mehfil affords these amazing artists a professionally
produced event with an appreciative and attentive audience. Since the Monsoon Season 2013, the beautiful and uniquely Goan ‘Hotel Astoria’ in Assagao has generously hosted the Assagao Mehfil; their magical outdoor venue provides a stunning backdrop for the evening performances. Rhythm and Mantra is a worldmusic indo-jazz peace ensemble performing original and traditional melodies, rhythms and mantra. Their music is all original combining Indian Classical and Devotional music with Jazz and Middle Eastern music. Mukesh Sharma is one of India’s leading exponents of sarod. His highly versatile and aesthetic perception of the sarod has enabled him to touch most profound depths of this instrument. His father, late Pandit Rasik Behari Lal, was an eminent sarod artist. A disciple of great sarangi maestro Pandit Ram Narayan. Mukesh had his initial training from late Pandit Suprabhat Paul, late Dr. Ramaballabh and Pandit Birju Maharaj. He has also received guidance from the sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan. Mukesh Sharma has created an enviable niche for himself in the field of fusion music and has worked with Paco de Lucia, Zakir Hussain, Karsh Kale, Emam &
listen to the voice of an intelligent goa. every week.
INTERVIEW: Vijai Sardesai slams the BJP regime as anti-Goan and vows to take Goa Forward RNI NO. GOAENG/2015/60455
MyGoa `10
14 JANUARY 2017
THE COMPLETE GOAN NEWSWEEKLY
VOL 2 | ISSUE 13 | PANAJI - GOA | 16 PAGES
The BJP is contesting this Assembly Elections without a Chief Ministerial face. Did Laxmikant Parsekar fail to demonstrate his work over the last two and a half years? Or is it that he suffers from image deficit?
LAXMIKANT PARSEKAR
THE FALL GUY
Friends, Peter Lerche, Gerald Deocke and other various eminent musicians world over. For over 19 years, Laxmi has been composing and performing original music in the US. In 2014, she was introduced to Indian Classical and devotional music and finally heard the music she only had dreamt was possible. Laxmi traveled to India and became immersed in kirtan, mantra, and Indian Classical music. She began studying Hindustani music with Ustad Chhote Rahimat Khan and studied with Indian Classical vocalist Geetika Varde Qureshi. Carlos Gonsalves, from the little hilly town of Mapusa, in Goa, has drummed his way into recognition, as one of the premier percussionists in the region. A humble soft-spoken percussionist, Carlos lets his drums do the talking, hence the name of the news article published in a local Goan newspaper 3 years ago that led to the title of his percussion filled DVD and his motto from then on – Talking Drums. Not just a vague statement, but a statement of intent. His favourite music ranges from well-known Indian acts like Sivamani and Trilok Gurtu, to Steve Gadd, Alex Acuna and Gregg Bissonette amongst others.
Xavier is definitely Goa’s most accomplished jazz talent. His brilliant improvisation skills were noticed by the Fundacao Oriente in Goa who offered him a scholarship to study jazz in Portugal. Armed with a degree in jazz studies and a Portuguese passport, he headed to the UK and promptly got absorbed into the local jazz circuit there. He currently divides the year between London and Goa. Trained in North Indian Classical drumming by the grand masters of tabla: Ustad Alla Rakha and Ustad Zakir Hussain, Emam also studied the Delhi Gharana of Tabla with the late Ustad Inam Ali Khan. Since 1978, Emam has been traveling to India, almost yearly, spending much time here in pursuit of a greater understanding of the culture and the music. In 1991, he was awarded a scholarship for the study of music in India by the American Institute of Indian Studies with funding from the Smithsonian Institute. Subsequently, he spent a year and a half in India, researching as well as producing music. The results were a book called “Delhi Gharana of Tabla (a Compositional Documentation)”, as well as music albums which were released by Magnasound. Email us: mygoanews@gmail.com
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Saturday, 18 February 2017
The Ketevan World Music Festival
T
he Ketevan World Music Festival rolls on to its second week offering a musical experience of co-existence; in the beauty of art to discover a deeper concordance with the others, even beyond culture, race and religion. Rediscover the spirit of the sacred repertoire for piano in the hands of the world acclaimed pianist of Indian origin, Karl Luchtmayer. The Candlelight Concert from Hildegard to Cage presented a singular programme that combined works based on John Cage and Hildegard Von Bingen pieces as a Ketevan Production that explored the contemplative of the titans of western music tradition. This followed a musical deconstruction and mystical journey by Australian Soprano Roberta Diamond conducted by the Italian Maestro Lusardi Girelli and the Ketevan ensemble for an Indian-European musical experience. Saturday will feature Western chants on divine love and Indian songs of tenderness. Vasco Negreiros’ piano cycle Quattuor Elementa (Four Elements, 2014) and its depiction, through music, of the four Classical elements – fire, air, water, earth – provided the background and the leading guideline for this programme of 20th/21stcentury Portuguese music. The ‘Sacrality of Fado’ exposes the roots and blood that runs deep through the tearful, nostalgic and torn veins of Fado Music. This programme, featuring
Sonia Shirsat (India) and an Intercultural Ensemble, combines the ensemble of Portuguese Fado, North African, Sephardic, Iberian, Indian and Arabic musicians to explore the origins of Fado and this broken love story between Goa and Portugal. The festival wraps up on Sunday with an exquisite programme by a prominent Indian Choir known as GU Choir and ensemble with Conductor Santiago L. Girelli. The performance is expected to guide one through a historical journey on the routes of faith and sorrow during the colonial period: two faces of the same coin. II International Music Symposium For a future that would further work on the importance of music research in India, the second edition of the International Symposium was held from the 14th to the 16th of February 2017. The symposium looked forward to bringing together professors, artists and lectures from around the world to discuss a variety of topics such as cultural dialogues in different era, circulation, transfer and appropriation of ideas, aesthetics, styles, techniques, different musical practices and ideologies. The Symposium discussed music with artistic or cultural ruptures; migration, exile, and travel; identity, otherness, nationalism and exoticism; culture, society and politics; interdisciplinary studies: visual arts, theatre, literature, philosophy, history,
sociology and cultural anthropology; heritage and collections; institutional policies for religion, artistic and cultural exchange between India and Europe; discursive strategies in the relationship
Rediscover the strength of music at the Ketevan World Music Festival
between music, religion and other arts; creation and intercultural dialogue. Musicians and professors for the symposium from around the world included Vasco Negreiros and Helena
Mourinho from Portugal, Tamas Bubno from Hungary, Sonia Shirsat and Sebanti Chatterjee from India, Santiago Lusardi Girelli from Argentina, Marialena Fernandes from Austria and Karl Luchtmayer from the UK. The first day focused on the topic, ‘The Western Tradition’, while the second day highlighted on ‘Syncretism and Musical Dialogues’ and the final day spoke about ‘Western music in Goa and India’. Email us your responses at mygoanews@gmail.com
Campus
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Saturday, 18 February 2017 My Goa
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GIM gears up for WIZBIZ 2017
G
oa Institute of Management (GIM) is back with its annual corporate quiz; WIZBIZ scheduled to be held on 18th February 2017 at the Sanquelim campus. With the aim of increasing an industryinstitute interaction, the quiz is organized every year by MECCA, the Marketing Club at GIM. WIZBIZ is one of the biggest student organized national level corporate quiz contests, held on the lines of Brand Equity Quiz and Tata Crucible Corporate Quiz. This year, the 17th edition of GIM WIZBIZ 2017 shall yet again witness Avinash Mudaliar as the quizmaster for the 14th year in a row. Mudaliar is one of the most renowned quizmasters of the country. The founder of 3XUS, the premier quiz organizing
company in India, he has conducted over 1500 quizzes in the last two decades. He is also the quizmaster of Under The Peepal Tree (UTPT) – Asia’s largest quiz festival. He has conducted The Times Mak Moto Quiz, The EYQ – Ernst & Young Knowledge Quiz and The Power of Ideas Print Quiz conducted by Economic Times.
The event is being held in four phases as follows: WIZBIZ Weekly: an app on Facebook was has conducted an all India daily quiz competition by team MECCA to generate awareness, garner views and increase the reach of GIM WIZBIZ. It had seen participants from all over the country for two weeks. The winners are announced at the
The largest student organized corporate quiz WIZBIZ is back for its 17th edition
end of the week. e-WIZBIZ: is a pre event conducted only for B-schools students, and is carried on through the dare2compete site. It spans for three days, and each day one winner is declared, who wins prizes worth `2000 each day. Participants are from renowned institutions like IIMs, NMIMS, S.P. Jain, XLRI etc. ZEAL: an in-house event
of GIM, gives the students of GIM a chance to be a part of the GIM WIZBIZ. It is a one day event, only open for GIM students. This year, GIM WIZBIZ, the national level corporate quiz, will see participation of teams from companies such as Pai Kane Group, TCS, Deloitte, Nexus Consulting, Kotak Mahindra, Reckitt Benckiser India, Sai Mitra Constructions, Chennai Silks, Pidilite, Pepsi, ESPN India, Canara Bank, ISBF, Acron India, Creative Capsule Infotech, Vedanta Group, Cognizant, Blue Ocean Market Intelligence, Dive Goa, Rileen Consultants, Savoir Faire Media, Adicent Designs and Kle Society. With the audience comprising of students and members of the corporate fraternity, this event has seen an ever increasing rise in its popularity.
NICMAR celebrates two day Techno Management 2017, a platform for students towards developing their managerial, technical and organizational skills Event INKARNO 2017 INKARNO National Institute of Construction Management and Research (NICMAR) Goa in association with Mushtifund Saunstha Goa celebrated a two-day Techno Management Event INKARNO 2017 on 11th and 12th February 2017 at Farmagudi campus. NICMAR, since its inception is engaged in activities towards the promotion of managerial training, research, and skill formation applicable at levels of the construction industry. The theme for INKARNO 2017 was Innovation and Celebration. Manguirish Pai Raiker Chairman National Council for MSME, ASSOCHAM was the Chief Guest for the opening ceremony. Raiker emphasized on the need for students to constantly evolve in their ideas and innovate at every level of opportunity.
Suhas Sardesai Secretary of Mushtifund Saunstha also graced the ceremony. Sardesai inspired students to remain motivated and focused towards their goals despite various challenges encountered at professional and personal life. Dr. Indrasen Singh, Dean NICMAR Goa highlighted the significance of management
NICMAR, since its inception is engaged in activities towards the promotion of managerial training, research, and skill formation applicable at levels of the construction industry
for ensuring excellence in academic and career profiles. INKARNO 2017 witnessed hosting of various competitive events with participation under technical, managerial, cultural and sport categories. Events such as dome sweet dome, tower crane, corporate roadies, switch, slow bike rider, autocad, fashion show, dare
to dance, singing night and others raised the grandeur of the event to all new heights. As an extension of the event festivities, NICMAR students performed flash mob dance at Mall De Goa; the largest mall in Goa. INKARNO 2017 was conceptualized by Lakshya Aggarwal, the student coordinator and his team under the guidance of Prof. Gopal G. S. Korgaonker, convener of the event. The event was supported by Alcon Anil Counto Enterprises, Saraswat Bank, Mall De Goa, Radio Mirchi, ShopClues, McDonald’s, Domino’s, Color Graphics, Sai Sound, among others. INKARNO 2017 was a platform for students towards developing their managerial, technical and organizational skills that complement the ambit of academic knowledge.
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Saturday, 18 February 2017
Awarded for serving the community
social
Guidance on consumer right awareness
Amita Salatry alongwith Prof Ujjwala Potekar and Rashmi Bandodkar (Principal)
Chief Guest on the occasion Rudolf Schwartz felicitating Sakshi Desai a home Guard volunteer with the Rotary ‘Service Award’. President, Rotary Club of Panaji, Nilesh Shah and Secretary Arvind Ghatkar are also seen.
Rotary Club of Panaji felicitated three citizens of Panaji with Vocational Awards for their long term dedicated service to the community. The three awardees comprised of artisan Tulshidas Hari Naik, Automobile Mechanic, Savlo Kashinath Sawant and Sakshi Desai, serving as lady Home Guard
for past several years. All the awardees have made immense contribution to the society in their respective fields. Chief Guest for the occasion was Rudolf Schwartz, a German national working for the under privileged children in the community. During the event, the awardees lauded their dedicated services to the
community and urged other members to emulate them. President of Rotary Club of Panaji, Nilesh Shah welcomed the gathering and Dinesh Kamat proposed a vote of thanks. Secretary of the Club Arvind Ghatkar was also present at the event. The project was coordinated by Bhalchandra Amonkar.
Dr. T.B. Cunha Government Higher Secondary School, Campal, Panaji, recently organized a programme on Consumer Rights awareness, for students of standard XIth, Arts, Commerce and Science. Noted activist of consumer movement and famous theatre personality, Ms. Amita Salatry guided students about the rights and duties of the
consumer and also the other aspects of the consumer movement. Principal Ms Rashmi Bandodkar welcomed the gathering, coordinator Prof. Ujwala Y. Potekar proposed the vote of thanks. Also present at the event was Prof. Adelina A.H. Lobo, Coordinator of the Consumer Welfare club.
THEARTS
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Saturday, 18 February 2017 My Goa
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Art
Literature
20 years of sketchbooks The Project Cafe in partnership with Sol de Goa presented India’s prolific and celebrated artist, Allen Shaw, who celebrates ‘20 years of sketchbooks,’ on February 15th with an exhibition of watercolors and stories at Sol de Goa. All good things find a destination in Goa to celebrate talent and life: The birthplace of music, art and heritage, giving back much to the world, even as it draws the world’s best talent to her sunny shores. With a unique positioning of luxury curated by the finest design and hospitality icons of India, The Project Cafe and Sol de Goa play host to India’s prolific art icon, Allen Shaw, recently showcased by Forbes India for his exceptional craft. India’s prolific and celebrated artist, Allen
Shaw, celebrated ‘20 years of sketchbooks,’ on February 15th with an exhibition of watercolours and stories at Sol de Goa. Graduating in Communication Design with a specialisation in Animation Film Design, from National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, Shaw soon put his talent to work, drawing the attention of art connoisseurs from across India and internationally. An avid travellerartist, capturing flights of imagination into 150 odd
sketchbooks created over a 20 year journey across Japan, Hungary, Poland, Russia, Italy, France, Croatia, Goa and more, today, Shaw is a forceful storyteller of his generation. Speaking about his recent exhibition in Goa, Allen Shaw says, “What started as a little indulgence 20 years ago has become my life today. I was always a storyteller, but what I have discovered over the years through these books and travelling is that I have been a nomad, a drifter, or gypsy, with many stories in my books in the form of sketches, illustrations, conversation pieces and memories. I completed 20 years of sketchbook keeping last year, and I am doing a road trip where I talk about this journey through presentations and a set of panels and sharing my sketchbooks.”
Discover timeless rustic stories from Goa
book is The Salt of published by the Earth Goa, 1556. ( Ru s t i c From the S t o r i e s blurb: “A from Goa) sense of is a book of empathy short stories with the translated underdog f r o m permeates Konkani this work. into English. This is The stories, w r it i ng written by infused with Jayanti Naik, a concern for a Sahitya the cultures Akademiof those who a w a r d belong to to winner and Dr Jayanti the Bahujan folklore Naik Samaj – a re s e arche r, concept in have been Goa that translated connotes the into English Augusto Pinto non-elite and by Augusto Pinto, Associate Professor often disempowered majority. in the Dept of English at S S The event will be held at The Dempo College of Commerce Dogears Bookshop, Margao on & Economics, Panjim. The 18th February 2017, at 5pm.
Music
An Evening with Marialena and Trio Viennair
Marialena Fernandes
Sunaparanta, Goa Centre for the Arts celebrated an evening of Western Classical music with Marialena Fernandes and Trio Viennair. The evening also wrapped up with performance featuring works by Schubert, Schumann, SaintSaens, Strauss Jr. and other composers. The project ‘The Quest for Passion’ aims to spread and share music among students and talented youth
Trio Viennair
in cooperation with the University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna and artistic organizations in India. The project also included workshops held to give the audience a chance to mingle with their favourite musicians. This unique workshop was not only for musicians or students, but all music lovers too. It involved exposure to the diverse use of instruments with demonstrations and
varied examples including body percussion nd rhythmic patterns. Well known, Mumbai born pianist Marialena Fernandes is Vienna-based and the woodwind ensemble ‘Trio Viennair’ comprises of accomplished musicians from Vienna made up of Maria Jauk (flute), Julia Zulus (oboe) and Frederic Alvarado-Dupuy (clarinet). Email us your responses at mygoanews@gmail.com
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Saturday, 18 February 2017
French brunch and works of Vincent Gagliardi Museum of Goa, in association with Alliance Francaise, will open an exhibition Gagliardi’s works over a French brunch at 12:30 pm on Sunday, 19 February at Museum of Goa, Pilerne. French artist Vincent Gagliardi specializes in traditional hand-engraving, which he combines with various techniques including a method similar to block printing to achieve unique and diverse results. Vincent Gagliardi’s work exudes a simple poetic nostalgia and humour while connecting personal and visual narratives. A French mixed media artist, he first discovered the traditional hand engraving
Management Day celebrations
Vincent Gagliardi
technique during his studies at the School of Fine Arts in Metz, France, and never let it go. Over the years, Gagliardi has created black and white, then coloured engravings, recycling worn linoleum form abandoned houses. The linoleum still bares traces of the people who once lived in these houses and the material has its own experience. His nontoxic
Environment Expo-2017 An environment exhibition ‘Expo-2017’ will be held by the Indian Students Aid Foundation on February 24th and 25th at Keri Vidyalaya Pvt ITI, Siolim. The event will commence at 9:30 am and will go on till 5 pm. The theme of Expo2017 will be “Science and Technology for Nation Building” will future sub themes – health, industry, transport and communication, innovation in renewable resources for sustainable environment; and innovation in food production and food
security. The Expo-2017 will be held in two different categories: the first category will be for high school students from the seventh to the tenth grades; and the second category will have higher secondary schools along with both Government and Private Industrial Training Institutes. The purpose behind development or construction of the exhibit and scientific principles will be the main factors on which the exhibits will be judged. Marks will be allotted to students on account of the material used,
technique is somehow similar to block printing, but the use of linoleum allows him to obtain unique artistic effect not possible with most woods. With this material, it is very close to the act of drawing on a piece of paper. Beyond this, his approach is singular yet varied, using every day materials and other mediums, adding poetry, philosophy and humour.
construction and working of the model, application and creativity. Prizes worth `7000, `5000 and `3000 for the first three winners respectively. A consolation prize of `1000 each will be given to two students. Under the higher secondary and ITI category, `8000, `5000 and `3000 will be given respectively to the winners. The entries are meant to reach the Indian Students Educational Aid Foundation, Siolim by 20th February 2017.
Genie’s SHAKTI celebrates feminine energy
Since her return from Goa in March 2016, Poretzky-Lee has been exploring Sari cloth as her main medium to make paintings as well as spheres. Through this latest installation, Genie is attempting to involve the viewer directly through their sense of vision and smell in celebration of SHAKTI feminine energy. Her art ‘Dressing the Void’ involves Sari cloth stretched over canvas becoming the catalyst to a painting process, resulting in a series of small acrylic paintings, celebrating the feminine but also the masculine through the use at times of ‘lungi’ fabric. The ‘Winding the Void’ consists in
whatsup
wrapping strips of cloth around a core – in this instance mainly a coconut – slowly evolving into spherical objects. Singularly wrapped spheres are not perfectly shaped. Like Earth, their dimples are synonymous with making
therefore retaining an impact of the process. The largest Sphere in this installation is spiced creating an olfactory environment. Poretsky-Lee’s publication Spheres: A Path of Many Windings (2013) conveys a sense of her fascination with the process of making. Although the book reproduces a number of the Spheres, it closes in on some of them to the extent that the viewer also has to sink into the incomplete and unfinished process of their becoming. The Spheres are also meditations on the nature of substance, living explorations of the nature of matter. They are made not so much of
Goa Management Assocition is celebrating Management Day in association with the Dnyanprassarak Mandal’s College & Resarch Centre, BBA Department, Goa, who will be hosting the event at their premises at Assagao, Bardez, Goa. Key speakers from different walks of life in Goa – Dr. Sangam Kurade, CMD of Zuari Foods & Farms Pvt Ltd, Victor Hugo Gomes, Proprietor and Founder Curator of Goa Chitra and Prajyot Mainkar, Director, Androcid Media Pvt Ltd,
Goa will address the audience in the evening on various perspectives of the theme ‘Fast Forward – From Catch-Up to Leadership’. Harshvardhan Bhatkuly, Publisher-Editor of Business Goa and My Goa will moderate the panel discussion. A competition for enthusiastic students of management colleges from Goa, testing their knowledge, awareness and creativity will also be held. The winner of this event will be awarded at the programme.
National theatre workshop for young aspiring theatre directors
M K Raina
Vasant Josalkar
Mohan Maharishi
Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Goa under the scheme “Organization of Courses/Camps/Workshops” organizes various workshops for the benefit of youth to preserve and promote art and culture in the state. The Directorate of Art and Culture in collaboration with National School of Drama, New Delhi and Kala Academy will be organizing a National Theatre Workshop. The workshop will be led by the eminent theatre
personality Mohan Maharishi. Professor Waman Kendre, Professor Ronn Dass, Dr. Anjala Maharishi, Professor Ashok Bhagat, Dolly Ahiuwalia Twari, Prof. Shafaat Khan, Bhanu Bharati, M.K. Raina, Vasant Josalkar will guide the students during this workshop. The month-long workshop is being held from February 15 to March 18, 2017 from 8.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Multipurpose Hall, Sanskruti Bhavan, EDC Patto Plaza, Panaji Goa.
the classic poetic materials that are already loaded with associations of dignity by the history of art – marble and bronze that lend themselves so well to the expression of noble and refined ideals – but the guttural materials of shredded fabric and string, plastic and plaster that reflect more urgent and primitive acts of formation; more female, more private. A graduate of Academie Julian – Paris (1959), Poretzky-
Lee studied art and sculpture. She later taught at Westminster Adult Education Institute for over 10 years as textile artist. She is a qualified therapeutic healer. She has traveled widely to India, South America, USA and Europe. Her work is housed in collections worldwide. Now making her way to Goa, Poretzky-Lee’s installation SHAKTI will be on display at the Museum of Goa at 6 pm on Saturday, 18 February 2017.
greengoa
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Saturday, 18 February 2017
Grow your own Microgreens!
Savio Souza introduces you the powerhouse of nutrients, microgreens
M
icrogreens are just regular greens grown and harvested in just two weeks time or less, after the first set of leaves appear. Fine dining chefs use microgreens to enhance the taste and freshness of their dishes with its delicate textures and distinctive flavours. Among upscale markets, microgreens are now considered a specialty genre of greens that are good for garnishing salads, soups, plates, and sandwiches. One can make delicious smoothies, salads, use it for creative platting or simply have them plain. Microgreens contain 40 times the nutritional value of regular vegetables. With a very high density of phyto-nutrients at the nascent stage of their life, they are considered as a super food. A variety of vegetables can be grown as microgreens such as radish, mustard, red amaranth, spinach, sunflower and many more that would not do as well as mature vegetables. One of its biggest benefits is these microgreens have a much wider variety and can be grown year round.
(Left) Savio Souza, CEO & Founder, The Green Education Organisation (GEO), conducting a workshop on Microgreens with students. (Above) GEO has workshops to reaches out to keen urban farmers pan India
The cultivation of regular crops have a limited range restricted to the Goan climate, however one can easily grow microgreens and have access to fresh and organic produce on a consistent basis. The traditional Goan diet does not contain a lot of fresh greens, but being able to grow your own will definitely encourage the average Goan family to inculcate this healthy habit into their lifestyle. The true beauty of microgreens
is that most varieties can be ready for harvest in a week’s time, which has made them increasingly popular with urbanites who are used to a culture of ‘instant’ everything. The Green Education Organisation (GEO) was started to spread awareness on how to grow organic food in urban spaces with a special focus on microgreens which are the most convenient to grow once you’ve mastered a set of basics.
The shocking state of our food today has created an organic revolution worldwide, whether the need arose out of environmental concerns or just the urge to adopt a healthier lifestyle by eating as local as possible. Unfortunately, a lot of food that comes from far off places has to be heavily treated with pesticides for preservation and to increase shelf life. Growing your own greens can also be very therapeutic, connecting one to nature and creating a holistic experience for individuals engaging in such activities with their family or by themselves. GEO continues to grow
with its workshops having reached out to keen urban farmers pan India. In addition to this, the organisation is constantly involved with network partners in turn key projects, and also work in schools and commercial kitchens to promote the growth and sale of organic food. Learn to grow your own gourmet style Microgreens with Savio Souza from The Green Education Organisation (GEO) on February 19th February from 11a.m to 1p.m. Prior registration is mandatory. Call 9822127845 for details.
India’s First Green Living & Learning Festival ‘See Sharp’ in Goa A multi-skill environment festival conducted by experts from around India
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ndia’s first ever-sustainable living and learning festival SEE SHARP fest will be held in Goa from the 24th to the 26th of February 2017 at the Ashwem beach, Morjim. Being the first multi-skill, environment festival conducted by experts in India, the festival will include hands-on workshops on green skills, sound healing and mindfulness. This fest is a quest to go back to living in harmony with the rhythms of nature while learning how to improve one’s own potential. Conceptualized by Tanya Kewalramani and Ashvin Mani Sharma, the event will be organized jointly by CELL (Centre for Ethical
Amanda Biccum
Sameer Hazari
Sriram Kuchimanchi
Life & Leadership), a nonprofit organization and Observing I, a sustainable technologies and services company. Partners for the fest are Google’s Search Inside
Yourself Leadership Institute (SIYLI) who will showcase their own mindfulness booth at the event. The fest will include over 20 workshops to be held within three days time.
Hands on workshops, rain water harvesting to making cooking gas from waste food, converting waste oil to detergent to getting started with organic farming will be
few of the interesting topics the fest will deal with. Master Classes by experts was another major highlight of the fest. Sriram Kuchimanchi founder of Smarter Dharma, Sameer Hazari, Visual Artist, Amanda Biccum, mindfulness guru, Rohan Mathew, permaculture designer are a few among the many experts who will present master classes at the fest. Waste to product entrepreneur marketer Kozue Philips, Rob Philips from Blossom Health Foods, Gaurav Shorey from Sustainable Habitats & Green Buildings industry and Upcycle Artist Waylon Dsouza will also be conducting workshop sessions for participants.
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Saturday, 18 February 2017
King’s School emerges victorious at the Goa CBSE Football tournament
sports
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he King’s School Margao beat Fr Agnel Central School 2-0 in the Finals of the 1st CBSE Goa Sahodaya Schools, Under-13 Boys Football Tournament. The seven schools tournament that had a two pool league system followed by semifinals and a finals, is the first tournament of its kind wherein all seven private Central Board schools in Goa have decided to come together to excel in sports and education. The football tournament had a total of seven schools which include Mount Litera Zee School, Green Meadows School, Sunshine Worldwide Academy, Vidya Vikas Academy, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavans, Fr Agnel Central School and The King’s School as the host venue school. The seven team tournament had a total of 12 matches, with Fr Agnel Central School dominating the league stage being unbeaten until the finals and were the favourites to win
The King’s School wins the 1st CBSE Goa Sahodaya Schools, Under-13 Boys Football Tournament.
the tournament with a clean sheet. Fr Agnel Central School and The King’s School topped the league stage from Poll A to proceed to the semifinals and were pitted against Green Meadows School and Mount Litera Zee School who topped the Pool B in the league stage. In the semis, The King’s School U-13 team beat Mount Litera Zee and won 4-1; while Fr Agnel Central Central
School won the semis beating Green Meadows School 4-0. The finals was keenly contested and played under floodlights after both the teams fought it through the day. Sanath Borkar and Shabaz Khan starred for The King’s Schools scoring two brilliant goals from outside the box and finally netting goals against Fr Agnel Central School Melric Perreira from Fr
Agnel Central School scored 6 goals in the tournament and was the highest goal scorer of the tournament while The King’s School’s Adon Cardozo bagged the Best Goalkeeper of the tournament, Best Defender award was bagged by Aditya Prabhudessai. Scorer in the finalist, The King’s School Shabaz Khan went on to win the player of the tournament trophy. The King’s school
coaches Santan Furtado and Riddesh Madgavkar expressed great satisfaction on winning the tournament and commended the efforts of the GFA referees in organizing a fair tournament. Former Director of the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Dr Suzana D’Souza was the Chief Guest of the tournament and gave away the medals and the trophies.
Fourth Edition of Cidade de Goa Open 2017 starts with frenzied tennis with 126 entries across 10 categories
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he Fourth Edition of Cidade de Goa Open 2017 got off to an exciting start as tennis enthusiast witnessed the inaugural match of Cidade de Goa Open 2017 tournament in Dona Paula. Commencing with 126 entries from across 10 categories, the next few days will be a delight as the tournament progresses. The annual fixture organized by Cidade de Goa, in association with Goa State Tennis Association (GSTA) witnessed matches played in Veteran Single and Under 16 Girls categories on the first day of the competition. The fourth edition of the tournament commenced with Glen D’Silva securing his place in the competition by edging past Tinesh Kalra (4-0,
Doubles, Veteran Singles and Veteran Doubles. The total cash prize amounting to `50,000 will be awarded to winners. The objective of the Cidade de Goa Open Tennis Tournament 2017 is to promote tennis and continue to offer a platform to budding tennis players across the state.
4-0) while Anbu overpowered Sandeep Verlekar (4-2, 4-2) in the Veteran Single category to proceed to the next round. Day 2 of the tournament saw matches played in the Men’s Singles, Veteran Doubles, Ladies Singles and Under 12 (Boys and Girls) categories. The tournament includes ten categories – Under 12 (Girls and Boys), Under 16 (Girls and Boys), Men’s Singles, Ladies Singles, Men’s Doubles, Ladies
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Spread across twelve days, the matches will be scheduled between 7 am and 9 am in the morning and 3 pm to 6.30 pm in the evening. Players of the Cidade de Goa Open 2017 tournament are offered with tennis courts and other required facilities by Cidade de Goa.
MY GOA | Saturday, 18 February 2017 | Pg16