My Goa 21 01 2017

INTERVIEW: Aam Aadmi Party’s Chief Ministerial candidate Elvis Gomes speaks about his campaign RNI No. goaeng/2015/60455

MyGoa `10

21 january 2017

the complete goan newsweekly

vol 2 | issue 14 | panaji - goa | 16 pages

Battleground panaji

As battlelines have been drawn for the Assembly Elections 2017, political pundits are looking confounded at the result that Panaji may throw

editorial

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connecting with the voter

Harshvardhan Bhatkuly

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lection time makes for interesting reads on social media. If one party’s supporters are not slamming their counterparts, there are others who play guessing games. I am blessed to have in my friend list, fans of all political parties, who are right now painting the town red – and am therefore overloaded with political opinions and prejudices. Not that it alters my choice of politics. But it surely is amusing and oftentimes fun.

The people you encounter on social media are very different from their real life profiles. And if they seem to be politically inclined, God save you.

I know this gentleman who has been perked up to posting election related comments on social media, way before the bugle was blown and elections declared in the state. He has been towing a line of neutrality for a long time. But for those who have been reading his posts, they can make a fair assessment as to which party he is rooting for.

There are others who do not engage in posting anything in support of a political party. But go on an all out frontal attack on a particular political party, leaving no room for guesswork, as to which party’s bidding they are carrying on.

There is an assumption that social media can tilt electoral fortunes. Far from it actually!

But then why are so many man hours and efforts spent on a medium that is at best a support structure for other means of election campaigning? I am a great admirer of social media, and do spend a considerable amount of time moving my thumb on the smartphone. But I doubt I will ever make an electoral choice based on what I read on Facebook or Twitter.

Truth be told, in a mature polity like Goa, there

is no alternative to face to face interaction between a candidate and his voter. And I am not even talking about the public meetings where candidates thunder about their to-do lists. The ‘house-to-house’ phenomenon is something that every candidate worth his electoral deposit will vouch for.

I was just told that a particular candidate is in the habit of doing his house-to-house visits with several toughies. This has put off a few voters who were unsure of their electoral choice – and have now vowed not to vote for him – only because of his choice of cronies. It is not funny, how voters choose their future representatives on such perceptions. Oftentimes, ignoring the capacity or potential of public service of some candidates. But then, such is the nature of elections.

Goans are also emotional about their electoral choices – more often than not voting for the underdog and the more vulnerable looking candidate.

In 2012, we saw at least one candidate who was returned to the Assembly because he was denied ticket by his parent political party. It greatly helped his cause that he was not the official candidate. Conversely, voters also did not take it kindly when four members of the same family were given tickets by a single political party and its alliance partner.

The city-slickers assume that social media can make or break a candidate. It doesn’t occur to them that electoral politics are best fought on ground. As the countdown begins for Election Day, you can be sure of breaking news stuff happening every hour. Big national leaders come and make ground-breaking announcements, often setting the cat among pigeons.

Show of strength by taking out rallies on motorbikes

Saturday, 21 January 2017

A melodious way to celebrate Goa

Conceptualized by Goa For Giving, ‘Goenkarponn, the Goa song’ was released on 16th January at the Menezes Braganza Hall, marking the 50th anniversary of the historic Opinion Poll. With hard efforts put in by a total of 40 singers and musicians, the song intends to bring out the true spirits of Goa.

Both exciting and emotional, the song is idea of composed and directed by the week Effie and Ronnie Monserate with Bardroy Baretto of the Nachomia-Kumpasar fame as the mentor. A melodious effort to bring the true essence of Goa’s identity to its masses is the song, ‘Goenkarponn’.

16th January marked as ‘Asmitai Dis’ or ‘Identity Day’ beholds a decision made 50 years ago, when the people of Goa voted against the referendum for the merger of Goa with Maharashtra.

in the news

Avidipto Chakraborty With a 100 percentile score, twenty-three year old, final year student of BITS Pilani Goa campus, Avidipto Chakraborty has topped the CAT 2016 examination. Leaving behind over 2.3 lakh students, Avidipto has made his way to the most acclaimed Indian Institute of Management and other glitedged business schools.

Avidipto answered 86 mock tests of distinctive difficulty levels preparing him for the tougher than usual paper. Avidipto focused more on the accuracy in his answers, rather than the number of attempts he made and that’s what he considers made all the difference.

Avidipto has several achievements to his credit, co-founder of ‘Xinger’, an online food-delivery service, first ranker in the Economics

Avidipto has several achievements to his credit, co-founder of ‘Xinger’, an online food-delivery service, first ranker in the Economics Department of BITS Goa, Chakraborty has also been the chief coordinator of the department of sponsorship and management

or open jeeps is the norm nowadays. I only saw one or two parties roaming around the town and villages announcing their candidature on loudspeakers from open vans – a scene that was hugely put into play during my

childhood. That, coupled with throwing of the leaflets, would spell election time back then.

With the addition of new forms of communication and media, candidates now have a plethora of options to choose from. But, the old-fashioned politicians

Department of BITS Goa, he has also been the chief coordinator of the department of sponsorship and management, a student body entrusted with raising funds for national-level student festivals on campus.

Presently interning at Nomura Services India Pvt Ltd in Mumbai, Avidipto has already procured the job of a business analyst at McKinsey and Co. With further plans to study at IIM Ahmedabad, Avidipto looks forward to getting into management consultancy. It was during Avidipto’s summer vacation in May 2016 that he started preparing for the tests.

Avidipto’s advice to others is simple, “not to take the exam so seriously that the tension affects you while answering the paper. It’s also very important to be motivated and be around others who are also seriously preparing for the exam in the months leading to it”. accustomed to winning the polls will swear by the fact that it is personal contacts with your voter, in a humble manner, which will make you walk up to the Assembly as a successful candidate.

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Saturday, 21 January 2017

Battleground Panaji

COVERSTORY

As battlelines have been drawn for the Assembly Elections 2017, political pundits are looking confounded at the result that Panaji may throw

My Goa news desk

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anaji has been the pocket borough of Manohar Parrikar for well over 20 years now. It may not be wrong to say that the political career of India’s Defence Minister was carved out in the capital city. So much so that when he was offered the posting in Narendra Modi’s central cabinet, his hardcore supporters from Devulwada and Boca-da-Vaca could not control their emotions, as their ‘Bhai’ was Delhi-bound.

In his inimitable style, Parrikar’s decision to field his long-time assistant and protégé Siddharth Kuncalienkar, had its share of heartburn among many others who waited in Siddharth Kuncalienkar and Manohar Parrikar the wings and hoped to be member of the current anointed successor to Bhai. Assembly.

There was disappointment among a section of the BJP, but Parrikar-Babush combine as is his wont, Parrikar reigned It is an open secret that Babush supreme. And as expected, and Parrikar have been the bickering subsided and hunting in pairs. Their support Siddharth’s elevation as MLA for each other from 2007 has was sealed. This was in late managed them to hold on to 2014. Parrikar’s slogan of ‘take- their turfs, if not play a larger Siddharth-get-me-free’ offer political game across the state. worked with the electorate.

Babush, who has a It would be interesting to considerable following in note that at that time Atanasio Mala, which abuts his Taleigao ‘Babush’ Monserrate was constituency, and where he evincing his interest to contest has a few corporators working from Panaji. The Taleigao closely with him, ensured strongman had successfully Parrikar’s victory against made his bid contesting from Congress Party’s Dinar Tarcar the neighbouring St. Cruz in 2007. In 2012, constituency in 2012 and it is said that was open about enlarging his P a r r i k a r canvas in the Tiswadi Taluka. orchestrated At the nth hour, Babush the fall of withdrew from the race; and Tarcar again the Congress Party nominated – this time Surendra Furtado to contest as as MGP its candidate. candidate What happened later will from St.Cruz, baffle the purist, but not the paving the keen watcher of Goan polity. way for Babush Babush ensured that the BJP Monseratte to candidate Siddharth, won the be elected elections comfortably against from the Furtado – an act that made Babush the Congress Party strip him off the party membership, and Monseratte thus made him an unattached

period – helping new voters get election cards, reaching out to people for various state-sponsored schemes, and generally making his presence felt at all the right occasions in the constituency. His efforts reaped rich dividends when he won two seats in the Taleigao wards of the Corporation of the City of Panaji elections – Kishore Sastry and Naik’s wife Sheetal defeated Babush Monserrate’s candidates last year in May.

constituency.

But if rumours are to be believed, there has been a spectacular fallout since Babush was accused of rape by a minor last year, which then resulted in his arrest. Babush, it is said, has not forgiven Parrikar for what ensued.

New Challenger in Taleigao What is however puzzling many is the fact that Babush is not focusing on his original home turf – Taleigao. In the last assembly elections, although he managed to win the St Cruz constituency in a tripartite contest against Rudolf Fernandes of Congress and Dinar Tarcar of MGP, his wife Jennifer Monserrate barely managed to scrape through against first-time contestant Dattaprasad Naik by 900 odd votes. Many insiders later claimed that had Naik received a little support from Parrikar and BJP’s star campaigners, he would have

pulled a surprise on the Monserrates.

However, notwithstanding electoral defeat, Dattaprasad Naik continued his contact with the electorate in the five year

Taleigao Strongman Babush Monseratte first got elected as a MLA in the year 2002. He defeated his onetime protector and powerful Congress minister Somnath Zuwarkar and ended the latter’s political career.

Since then, he has held a stronghold on the Taleigao constituency. He resigned along with other members

COVERSTORY (Pandurang Madkaikar, Micky Pacheco, Isidore Fernandes and Digamber Kamat) of the house in 2005, to bring down the Manohar Parrikar led BJP government of which he was the Town and Country planning minister.

He later contested the byeelections and won the seat comfortably and was returned again to the Assembly in 2007.

It is only in 2012, that his ambition for a larger share of Goan polity was put to play. That notwithstanding, he has been a strong force in the municipal corporation of Panaji. And the current office is held by his corporators, in which, ironically Surendra Furtado serves as the Mayor of the city.

It was against Babush, Town & Country Planning Minister in the erstwhile Congress government, that civil society and environmentalists united to form the Goa Bachao Abhiyan and challenge the Goa Regional Plan 2011.

His Master’s Voice In contrast to Babush is Siddharth Kuncalienkar – an alter ego of his mentor, Parrikar whose writ ran large over Panaji constituency for 20 long years, before he passed on the baton to his protégé, who comfortably defeated city mayor Surendra Furtado in the 2015 bye-elections to the state legislative assembly.

But more importantly, as an MLA, it is felt that Siddharth was standing in for the Defence Minister at all important events in the state, regardless of the fact that he is a junior legislator in the scheme of things for the B J P .

Siddharth was also

Subhash Velingkar

entrusted with two important positions – as chairman of EDC; and as vice chairman of Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation.

His rise in the power equation of the state, if not meteoric, is surely quick and impressive.

One of Siddharth’s main objectives early on, was to quell the competition of the second rung of BJP leadership in Panaji, who were hopeful of earning the spurs after Parrikar’s move to Delhi as Defence Minister. It was Siddharth, who orchestrated silently to win over the block workers over the last two and a half years. And this has not been an easy task. He did find the going tough in the elections to the municipal corporation, when there were instances of revolt by BJP workers in the city. However, winning 13 seats out of 30, by going it alone was no mean achievement.

It is further noteworthy that in 3-4 wards, his candidates lost narrowly, earning him a moral stronghold in those wards. BJP’s candidate for mayorship, Gaurish Dhond also lost to incumbent first citizen Surendra Furtado, which further reduced the competition for Siddharth in the capital – thus making him the sole contender from the BJP for the city. Later, he bolstered his public image with the ‘Mission Smart City’ to come into his own.

An Acrimonious Fallout The one big irritant for Parrikar and the BJP in Panaji is Subhash Velingkar, whose pitch in the city and other parts of Goa is simple – to bring down Manohar Parrikar, whose confidante the RSS-pracharak once used to be. Checking on the ground level, Velingkar has managed to woo certain hardcore BJP acolytes towards his political outfit – Goa Suraksha Manch (GSM). Velingkar has also stitched an alliance with the

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Saturday, 21 January 2017 My Goa

MG Party, which broke its ties with the BJP recently.

Just when everyone thought that Velingkar had pulled a coup by making Parrikar’s long-time friend and business associate Raju Sukerkar to contest on the GSM ticket, the Defence Minister is believed to have engineered Sukerkar’s withdrawal of his candidature citing health issues. Just two days prior to his claim that he was being treated at the Leelavati Hopital in Mumbai, Sukerkar had thundered that his friendship with Parrikar would in no way come in between his political stance.

However, whimpered and submissive to the will of Parrikar a couple of days later, Sukerkar threw in the towel, leaving the GSM to field a lesser known physiotherapist Dr Ketan Bhatikar into the already sizzling arena.

The Zhadu Brigade Where does all this leave the Aam Aadmi Party? Valmiki Naik, the Panaji candidate is an unconventional mix.

A Saraswat Brahmin, like Siddharth and Dr Bhatikar, he has been working for his candidature in the city and grabbing headlines and social media attention for well over three years now.

One of the original workers of the AAP in the state, he is often looked upon as the custodian and first volunteer of the party. Once seen at dharnas and sitting on footpaths to raise civic issues, he is now seen making contact with early morning walkers on DB Road and at Panaji market. Valmiki claims to have completed two rounds of house to house contact with voters in Panaji.

Capital Issues There are over 22,000 voters in the capital city’s electorate and the GSB community has a sizeable population. Panaji has a well educated and politically astute electorate, notwithstanding the fact that the GSB community where Parrikar has a stronghold, is by

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and large mesmerized by his appeal.

However, voices are heard that Parrikar, barring bringing the International Film Festival of India to the city – and this has also rubbed a few people the wrong way, has done precious little to the town to which he promised the moon. His electoral promise of cleaning up the St Inez nallah in 1994, still remains unbanked.

Garbage and cleanliness issues were plaguing the city for far too long. It is recently seen that the garbage dumps at Patto and Campal, have seen some improvements, and critics are quick to point out that this has happened because of the declaration of elections.

The traffic and parking issues have been getting worse despite the launch of a multi-level parking lot, which largely remains unused by city dwellers.

The casino issue, which has often come to haunt Parrikar, is strongly agitated against by AAP. Babush has released an elaborate manifesto for the city, where he promises development.

Notwithstanding the fact that he totally ignored the St Cruz constituency for five years, after being elected from there, Babush’s critics are also quick to point out that he has his eyes set on the Panaji Outline Development Plan; and that has been driving him to contest from the capital. “Panjim needs a change. People have given the BJP 25 years to rule the city. Give me just 5 years and see how I change the face of the city,” he appealed after filing his nomination papers.

Social Voices The social media has been used to great effect by Siddharth, who put up all the achievements of the BJP in the last five years and city specific works. Not to be left behind in the social media race, Valmiki Naik of the AAP is a strong

Valmiki Naik

campaigner on Facebook and Twitter, and engages on a daily basis with his supporters and critics, alike.

Babush Monserrate is the only candidate who doesn’t use social media, and focuses only on the old world door-todoor campaigns.

Of course, the political mix of Panaji will baffle keen watchers. One wily BJP sympathiser put it across cheekily, “this is a winwin situation for Manohar Parrikar,” He feels that this is Bhai’s strategy to harness co-opetition (competitive cooperation) in the capital city.

Conspiracy theorists also claim that this is Manohar Parrikar’s gambit in making the Taleigao strongman contest from Panaji, in lieu of going soft on him in the criminal charges slapped against him.

The math is evident – Babush controls the municipal corporation of the city of Panaji. If he pulls a victory against Siddharth Kuncalienkar, he gets a chance to bargain hard to reprieve himself against criminal charges and also to negotiate a plum ministry from the BJP, should they need his support to form the government. If Siddharth manages to call his bluff, Babush earns brownie points with Parrikar.

The fate of Panaji hangs around the electorate. But one thing remains certain – the city will not be out of the shadows of the man who ruled the roost for a quarter of a century – Manohar Parrikar.

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Saturday, 21 January 2017

Parrikar manages to silence Anant Shet while Tawadkar files independent candidature

POLITICS

Anant Shet addressing a meeting

Ramesh Tawadkar

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n agitated Speaker Anant Shet and Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar were upset for not being offered the BJP candidature for the ensuing Assembly elections.

While Tawadkar has resigned from the BJP and filed his nomination as an independent candidate, Anant Shet has been silenced by the Parrikar camp. Anant Shet in an earlier address to his supporters had claimed to the fight elections

as an independent candidate to defeat the BJP. However, with the last date over for filing of nominations, Shet seems

“Tawadkar is a senior leader of the party and we cannot afford to lose a senior leader like him.

I appeal to him publicly that he should not commit a mistake by contesting the elections” Manohar Parrikar

BJP to support Govind Gaude in Priol

AAP spokesman Dr. Oscar Rebelo said, “by accepting the support of the BJP, Govind Gaude has betrayed us. We have withdrawn our support to him. Dr. Dattaram Desai has accepted our request to contest from Priol.”

Rebelo also added that it was Gaude himself who was earlier seeking an alliance with the AAP.

Govind Gaude

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ndependent candidate Govind Gaude has attracted supports from all corners in his battle against MGP President Deepak Dhavlikar. Congress and AAP were the first to offer political support to Priol candidate Govind Gaude.

However, as the events unfolded and Govind Gaude held a closed door meeting with the top brass of BJP, equations changed. BJP has extended its full support to Govind Gaude to defeat its earlier political ally MGP. State President of BJP,

Vinay Tendulkar in a press brief stated, “To defeat the sitting MLA and MGP president, the party has arrived at this unusual decision. We don’t want the sitting MLA (Deepak Dhavlikar) to get the benefit of BJP’s entry in Priol. So, BJP has decided to support Govind Gaude.” Earlier supporters of Gaude, AAP has withdrawn its support post this development.

AAP has now fielded Dr. Dattaram Desai as its Priol candidate. Dr. Desai was AAP’s North Goa candidate for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

to have dropped his plans of revolt. Pravin Zantye is the official BJP candidate from Mayem constituency. Pravin Zantye was a BJP member for a year and had previously contested on a Congress ticket. According to sources, it is learnt that Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has managed to procure a seat for Zantye, son of former Congress

minister Harish Zantye.

Former BJP MLA and a long time loyalist Vijay Pai Khot has replaced Ramesh Tawadkar in Canacona. In the previous term, when Cancona was merged with Poiguinim, Vijay Pai Khot was dropped in order to make way for Ramesh Tawadkar, who was chosen over Khot as he had a stronghold in the Schedule Tribe region of Canacona.

It was earlier speculated that Tawadkar would join the MGP in the run up for the election. MGP President Deepak Dhavalikar in his media address told that, MGP was looking to offer Tawadkar the Canacona seat as per MGP’s seat sharing formula with Goa Suraksha Manch and Shiv Sena.

Election fever: Verbal abuse and altercations at Pernem and Porvorim

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harged with election fever, supporters of Environment Minister Rajendra Arlekar and MGP candidate Babu Azgaonkar got into a verbal altercation at Pernem after filing their respective nomination papers.

It has been also reported that BJP state general secretary Sadanand Tanawade was manhandled even though Rajendra Arlekar tried to pacify the situation.

Tensions were also building in the Porvorim constituency betweeen the followers of

Porvorim independent MLA Rohan Khaunte and BJP candidate Guruprasad Pawaskar. Later, the same evening during campaigning, there was a slogan war that broke out between both the parties. Both groups had filed police complaints for threatening and abusing. The Khaunte group complained at the Mapusa Police station on the alleged threat of killing the Porvorim MLA. In a counter complain, Pawaskar approached Porvorim Police station to file a complaint.

interview

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Saturday, 21 January 2017 My Goa

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“Personal visits to people are an eye-opener”

AAP’s CM candidate Elvis Gomes found time in between his busy campaign schedule to answer a few queries put up by Colin Savio Coelho

Regarding the unemployment dole, the concerns are that money would be used for gambling and alcohol. How would you address these concerns?

No. It will be given only in those cases where despite efforts, gainful employment could not be obtained. There will be safeguards and some part time service would be obtained.

You said at the release of the manifesto that suggestions will still be considered at later stages and implementation improved. Do you propose to have more Goa Dialogues?

AAP believes in the voice of the people and that exercise will always continue whether in the form of Goa Dialogues or even individual level suggestions

Elvis Gomes (centre) actively campaigning with fellow AAP supporters

What is your view on the electorate in Goa? Is it ready to accept the revolution claimed by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)?

To put it in my perspective, Goa is ready and in fact, completely geared up to accept the revolution. Power to the Aam Aadmi You have publicly said you will accept the mantle of Chief Ministership if the voter gives the mandate. What would be three focus area as Chief

Minister?

That’s because the party considered me worthy of holding that mantle. If you ask me The focus areas as CM, they are first to restore the respect and dignity of the common Goenkar who has been treated shabbily by the past regimes when it comes the the rule of law and service delivery.

Second is the creation of sufficient employment opportunities to the youth .

Third is the recovery of the loot in the mining sector

which is well documented.

AAP is being projected as a Delhi party. What is the AAP response to this and what is its commitment to Goa? Those who project it to be so, are fully immersed themselves in Delhi. Not a leaf of theirs shakes unless Delhi says so, as has been witnessed in the past few days.

The Aam Aadmi Party in Goa has all the functional autonomy and works from and for Goa.

AAP has announced enhancement of benefits payable under various schemes. How do you propose to get funding for those?

Grant of benefits is towards the cause of social justice.

Governments in the past have failed the people keeping them outside the scope of human development.

Hence, till their empowerment, they need some assistance. Funding will come by placing plug on leakages alone.

Are there any immediate issues, planned to be taken up within a month to three months, if you become the Chief Minister?

Restoring the confidence in the bureaucracy and delivering public services efficiently will be my top priority.

What has been the most exciting part of your campaign until now?

Personal visits to people are an eye opener to the problems faced by the people which are not known in the air conditioned corridors of power.

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Saturday, 21 January 2017

Comings and Goings Ashwin Tombat

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he man of the moment is Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari.

By making a cryptic comment that Goa’s next Chief Minister could “come” from the Centre, he has veritably set a cat among the pigeons. Everybody wants to know: Is Manohar Parrikar going to leave Delhi and come back to Goa as Chief Minister if the BJP gets a majority (or cobbles one together), in the coming elections?

Mr Parrikar, for his part, is not saying. He is content to let the guessing game go on.

When asked about whether he was likely to come back to Goa as Chief Minister, he replied: “Let us cross that bridge when

we come to it.” If the bridge in his statement is anything like the Hon Raksha Mantri’s pet project currently coming up across the Mandovi, we may all have to wait a good deal longer than we expect…

Building bridges has not been the BJP’s forte this election season. Its alliance with the MGP – one of the two legs on which the party raced towards an absolute majority in the last election (the other being the Catholic vote) – has collapsed. On the flipside, the Congress has patched together an alliance-of-sorts, with Babush Monserrate, the NCP and Goa Forward. It may be overtly opportunistic and shamelessly short-term, but it does mean there will be less fragmentation of the anti-BJP vote. There’s also a significant X-Factor in the Aam Admi Party on the one side and the MGP-Shiv Sena-Goa Suraksha Manch spoiler on the other.

It’s common knowledge that the incredible landslide which demolished the

Nitin Gadkari has confused the Goan electorate that BJP might send a ‘central face’ as Goa CM

Parrikar and Gadkari

It is common knowledge that the incredible landslide which demolished the Congress in the last election was a creation of Manohar Parrikar, rather than of the BJP Congress in the last election was a creation of Manohar Parrikar, rather than of the BJP. People voted for Mr Parrikar, because they wanted him as Chief Minister of Goa. They didn’t really vote for the BJP; the party won because it was his party. Without Mr Parrikar, the BJP is a greatly

Tenancy Rights Activist arrested for questioning Parrikar on Government’s 2014 decision of transferring tenancy cases to civil courts

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uring a corner meet in Shiroda on January 18, a BJP worker questioned Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on the state government’s decision on the tenancy act; which led to his arrest.

The arrested man Naik’s statement was recorded by the national daily The Hindu, “I tried to ask him why the State government had amended tenancy law, which is causing a lot of hardship to people like me. [During this] the police caught me and dragged me to the police station,” Naik told The Hindu.

Parrikar was being questioned on the decision of state government as the complainant claimed that the decision was adversely affecting a large number of ongoing rights litigation as they were transferred from civil administration to trial courts. Naik also claimed that he himself was fighting a long court battle on the ‘mundkarial land title’ before Mamlatdar.

Leading a scathing attack on the BJP, Congress Party has called the

POLITICS

BJP government anti-Democratic.

Ponda police tried to justify the action by stating the man in charge was “disrupting the meeting”.

Many tenants have had to bear the legal brunt of agricultural land after the government, in 2014, made amendments to the original Agricultural and Tenancy Act 1964. The amendment has allowed the landlord to shift the tenancy cases to the Civil Court from the Mamlatdar office.

The tenants fear that they will lose their cases in the court which demands documentary evidence. The government’s contention has been that these cases were delayed by mamlatdars and the amendment was done so that the cases would get speedy disposal.

Following the amendment, several meetings were convened by the affected tenants in Ponda who feared that this change could be a backdoor entry to grab the land that they are tilling.

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less attractive party to vote for.

In fact, it was another statement by Mr. Gadkari that was of much greater significance. But in the general hullabaloo over Mr Parrikar, it slipped by almost unnoticed.

Nitin Gadkari, the party’s man-on-the-spot in charge of Goa, invited the MGP to join hands with the BJP after the elections. Considering how acrimonious the parting of ways between the BJP and MGP was, it was astonishing that he should have issued such an invitation. It’s another matter that the MGP has said it will ‘accept’ Mr Gadkari’s

offer only if Sudin Dhavalikar is made Chief Minister.

All put together, it means only one thing. Despite the brave talk; despite the chaos in the Congress; despite the India Today-Axis Opinion Poll predicting that the BJP will win 20-24 seats in Goa – deepinside – there’s a voice telling Mr Gadkari that his party is unlikely to deliver in the coming elections. And he is desperately trying to make the BJP a less unattractive choice for the voters, by dropping huge hints that if they vote for the BJP, Mr Parrikar may be back in the driver’s seat as Chief Minister after the elections. Mr Parrikar, on his part, is playing along by declining to confirm or deny…

So there you have it. Mr Gadkari knows. Mr Parrikar knows. Do you know?

This election is not going to be a cake walk for the BJP. It’s going to be a very difficult contest and, right now, the final outcome is very hard to predict.

Kautilya Teertha to release its second edition of pre-poll survey on 21st Jan

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he Kautilya Teertha pre poll survey, which had thrown astounding percentages in August last year, will release its second round of poll predictions on 21st January through an online channel.

“The Kautilya Teertha team has decided to release the survey through its web portal www.kautilyateertha.com on 21st January 2017 at 11 am. Detailed analysis of the survey will be available for public at large. The team will also send out the special press releases to the press and other media for coverage,” says a press communiqué.

Kautilya Teertha claimed to have sought responses from over 80,000 respondents in the first edition of research. The Aam Aadmi Party which was shown as leading the poll race, had received criticism from its political opponents. AAP’s initial media campaign was based on the percentages that were accorded to it by Kautilaya Teertha’s August 2016 Report.

Political watchers are keenly awaiting what the new report will predict, as this is closer to the date of elections. “We set out on field survey on 1st November 2016 and political developments started taking a different shape. We had to extend our date of release due to newer political developments. The survey concluded on 30th December 2016,” says a Kautilya Teertha executive.

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International Kite Festival a soaring success in Goa A thousand kites transcend the scenic sky of the Miramar Stretch, as Goa celebrates the International Kite Festival 2017

Vibrant stunt kite

Pics: Savio Johny

Hundreds of kites take flight at the event

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gainst the breathtaking sunset along the Miramar stretch, a

thousand alluring kites drew attention from miles from the coast. Goa rejoiced the

to the Indian calendar and the beginning of the harvest season which is called Makara Sankranti. Held for the third

third edition of the Special theme kites International Kite festival at Miramar beach on the 17th and 18th of January.

This year’s festival boasted stunt kites along with night kite flyers showcasing their collection in the evening. Over 2,000 kites were distributed generously among school children promoting the festival and upcoming young kite flyers. Engaging themes on cartoon characters, inflatable kites, delta kites and many more took off from the Miramar coast this year.

Making its way to Goa, the time in Goa, this colourful International Kite Festival fun festival promotes kite has catapulted tourism flying professionals, both opportunities for the states of international and national.

This year too, the International Goa and Maharashtra.

Festival witnessed The International Kite Kite Festival (Uttarayan) is international teams from regarded as one of the biggest various countries like USA, festivals celebrated and though Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, native to Gujarat, it has made Great Britain, Russia, Estonia, its way across many states Netherlands, France, and Italy in India. The festival marks flock to the shores of Goa’s onset of summer, according coast to flaunt their kite flying

skills. These included teams from India, from the States of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, West Bengal, and Kerala.

Belgaum based Parivartan Parivar, under the leadership of Abhay Patil organized the Belagavi International Kite Festival at Belagavi. For the last five years, the International Kite Festival has brought global recognition to the city of Belagavi by reeling in more than 3.5 lakhs visitors during the 2 day celebration of the International Kite Festival. Realizing the potential this mass festival had on toursim, Abhay Patil thought of hosting the international kite festival in Goa. The phenomenal success of the First Goa International Kite Festival in association with the Department of Tourism, boosted tourism in Goa and the festival was continued for the second edition in 2016 and the recently celebrated third edition in 2017.

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Saturday, 21 January 2017

Inspiring Leaders speak at Shaping Young Minds Programme A snapshot of the grand 55th edition of Shaping Young Minds Programme (SYMP) organised by AIMA and Goa Management Association

Ustad Amjad Ali Khan

Firdose Vandrevala

Gen.B.K.Singh (Retd)

Dr Pradeep Salgaonkar and Vice Chairman, Harshvardhan Bhatkuly.

The first session took off on a high note with Ustad Amjad Ali Khan mesmerizing the audience with his journey as a sixth generation custodian of music from the prestigious Gwalior gharana. He was candid in admitting that there were no plans of making a career, but that the preservation of musical heritage was his driving motivation. “Humility and tolerance are the biggest assets that one can hope to bank on for a successful life,” said the Ustad.

The second session was led by General B K Singh, former Chief of the Indian Army. The General spoke about his various leadership roles in India and abroad – as commanding officer of UN peace keeping forces. He laid great emphasis on respect to teammates and said that building morale was a key ingredient of an inspiring leader. “There is no family bigger and more cohesive than the Indian Army – there is consistency, dependability and brotherhood in the Indian Army. That is what makes it a valuable brand in the world,”

The first session took off on a high note with Ustad Amjad Ali Khan mesmerizing the audience with his journey as a sixth generation custodian of music from the prestigious Gwalior gharana. He candidly admitted that the preservation of musical heritage was his driving motivation. “Humility and tolerance are the biggest assets that one can hope to bank on for a successful life,” said the Ustad

he said. Vice Chancellor of Goa University, Dr Varun Sahni moderated the session.

Former diplomat and TV show anchor Deepak Vohra started the post lunch session along with moderator, former Goa State Election Commissioner, Dr M Modassir. Vohra won over the crowds with his exuberance and anecdotes, citing many examples of how India is the country of the future. He shared his experiences in various parts of the world and appealed to youngsters to make their careers in India. “There are two million foreigners working in India. And this

Pics: Aslesh Kamat

T

he 55th edition of Shaping Young Minds Programme (SYMP), an initiative of the All India Management Association (AIMA) was held on 19th January in association with Goa Management Association (GMA) at the Cardium Auditorium at National Institute of Oceanography campus, Dona Paula. A nationwide event, promoted

by AIMA, this is the third occasion that it was held in Goa. Dr Pradeep Salgaonkar, Chairman of the Executive Committee of GMA welcomed the audience and explained the format and concept of the progamme. “Iconic speakers and leaders wish to inspire young minds and seek inspiration from their professional and personal journey,” he said to a packed house, which had more than 500 college students and over 60 young executives take part in the day-long affair.

The programme was then formally inaugurated by sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and the moderator of the first session, Dr Ajay Vaidya, along with president of GMA Nitin Kunkolienkar, Chairman

Deepak Vohra

number is growing fast. This is the country where you should be working and pursuing your dreams,” he said. Deepak Vohra is currently Special Adviser to the Prime Minister of Lesotho and Guinea-Bissau The evening winded off with an interesting session by career manager and former national President of AIMA, Firdose Vandrewala, who extolled the virtue of working hard and enjoying whatever challenges are thrown at you. He recalled his challenges and growth at Tata Steel under the mentorship of former Chairman of the steel giant, Russi Mody. Being educated at IIT Kharagpur and later at INSEAD, Paris and the prestigious Harvard Business School, he was asked by a student participant as to what choices lay before youngsters who don’t have the advantage of studying at premier institutions. “Join a great company,” he said. He then went on to share how being part of the Tata Group shaped his career as a person and manager. Datta Damodar Naik, Chairman of KDN Group moderated the final session of the day. The vote of thanks was delivered by Harshvardhan Bhatkuly.

business

10

Saturday, 21 January 2017 My Goa

@MyGoa

mygoanews@gmail.com

Suresh Kare awarded 1st GCCI-K D Naik Memorial ‘Pride of Goa Award 2016’

Suresh Kare awarded the 1st GCCI- K. D. Naik Memorial ‘Pride of Goa Award 2016’. Also seen from left: Narayan Bandekar, S M Datta and Datta Damodar Naik

S

uresh Kare, Chairman, Indoco Remedies Ltd was awarded the 1st GCCI-K. D. Naik Memorial ‘Pride of Goa Award 2016’ on 13th January 2017 at the hands of S M Datta, Chief Guest and former Chairman of Hindustan Unilever Ltd. President of GCCI, Narayan Bandekar delivered the welcome speech. The citation honouring Suresh Kare was read by Nigel Cabral, member, GCCI Managing Committee.

Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Kashinath Damodar Naik Memorial Trust have instituted the ‘K D Naik, Pride of Goa Award’ to honour and bring into public focus those stalwarts of Goa, who through their dedication and single minded pursuit, have made a significant contribution to business and industry within Goa or outside. The K D Naik Memorial Trust (KDNMT) is a trust set up to honour the memory and legacy of Late Kashinath Damodar Naik, well known Margao-based businessman, historian and philanthropist.

Through awards, scholarships and lectures, the KDNMT perpetuates the memory of Kashinath Damodar Naik.

Entrepreneur and noted writer

Suresh Kare, thanking GCCI and the KD Naik Memorial Trust for the award recalled of his arduous entrepreneurial journey which started at a young age of 24. The situation at Indoco seemed hopeless, but he took it up as a challenge. Reviving the company became his mission and passion Datta Damodar Naik manages the Trust.

Suresh Kare is admired for the incredible amount of work that he has put in to build a pharma empire, whose products touch the lives of millions across 35 countries.

With three plants of Indoco Remedies Ltd. in Goa and one each in Himachal Pradesh and Maharashtra, the publiclylisted company is successful not only nationally but internationally, as well. Indoco Remedies Ltd has not only contributed to commerce and industry, but also to the health of the nation.

Suresh Kare, thanking GCCI and KD Naik Memorial Trust for the award, recalled his arduous entrepreneurial journey which started at a young age of 24. The situation at

Indoco seemed hopeless when he joined the small pharma unit, but young Suresh took it up as a challenge and made the revival of the company his mission and passion. From a turnover of 2.5 lakh per annum to over 1000 crore, he achieved this formidable task through focus, hard work, astute people management and a clear conscience about business ethics.

Susim Mukul Datta, Chief Guest and one of the iconic former Chairman of Hindustan Unilever, was the keynote speaker at the K D Memorial Talk on ‘New Opportunities for Goan Economy’. He was introduced to the audience

by Kirit Maganlal, member, Managing Committee, GCCI. S M Datta said that Goa needed an ‘out of the box’ approach towards progress and development. Tourism is the mainstay of Goa after the mining debacle. Goa should work on upgrading the tourism industry and try to model it on the lines of Switzerland or Indonesia Tourism Boards.

He also said that Cochin and Kandla are the major ports on the West Coast of India.

Kandla gets a lot of container traffic from the northern parts of India and from 46 smaller ports of Gujarat. Goa has a

strategic advantage over the Mangalore Port. If Goa can

link up the proposed truck terminal at Dharbandora to Mormugao and develop its inland waterways through the Sagarmala Project it could significantly reduce project costs. S M Datta also recommended adoption of high value crop cultivation and introducing new practices and technologies to maximize crop yield and push development of the pharma industry.

President of GCCI Narayan Bandekar thanked S M Datta for the key note address and presented him with a memento. Pallavi Arondekar, Dy. Director, GCCI proposed the vote of thanks.

Cyprus High Commissioner visits GCCI

LtoR: Demetrios Theophylactou, Narayan Bandekar, Pratima Dhond and Ramakant S. Kamat

H

igh Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus, Demetrios Theophylactou visited GCCI on 16th of January 2017.

President of GCCI, Narayan Bandekar said that this was the first visit of an official of Cypriot Embassy to the Chamber and he was sure that this would mark the beginning of a new relationship between people of Goa and Cyprus. Bandekar mentioned about the similarity between Goa and Cyprus.

Seeking better ties between India/ Goa and Cyprus and investment flow into his country, the High Commissioner explained that Cyprus ranks very high in the human talent ratio and has a robust legal and regulatory system based on the English Common law and conforming to EU

Directives. It has an attractive taxation system in place with perhaps one of the lowest taxes in the world. Cyprus is promoting ’Health & Wellness tourism’, agri, mountain tourism; nanotechnology; bio-medicine; casinos to attract about 3 million tourists and floating residences for the super-rich; attractive incentives for the film industry.

Hydrocarbons, he said, would be the next growth sector for Cyprus. Besides, the EU funds green and renewable energy projects and Cyprus would be happy to partner with Goa in all these sectors.

The High Commissioner’s presentation was followed by an interaction with GCCI members wherein he indicated that by the following year there was a possibility of direct flights between India and Cyprus.

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Saturday, 21 January 2017

dr savita kerkar speaks at mog on sunday, 22nd january

A Journey to the North Pole

Dr. Savita Kerkar, relives her inspiring expedition to the Arctic

M

useum of Goa presents Dr. Savita Kerkar, Head of Department of Biotechnology at Goa University, who will recount her unique experience of representing India on a research expedition to the North Pole.

Dr. Kerkar is an invaluable asset to the international community of microbiology and marine biotechnology.

Her journey to the Arctic documents her spirit as well as her scientific merit.

In 2009, Dr. Savita Kerkar represented India on the Third Indian Arctic Expedition as a research scientist. During her expedition to the North Pole, she undertook studying the effect of global warming on marine bacteria. Conducting extensive research in areas concerning bacterial diversity,

Dr Savita Kerkar with the team of the Rajiv Gandhi Center for Biotechnology

Dr. Kerkar has contributed significantly to scientific knowledge of aquaculture and marine ecosystems. One ongoing topic of Dr. Kerkar’s research, focusses on studying the impact of tourism on estuarine water quality and its effect on mangrove and saltpan ecosystems of Goa. This is a three-year project that

greengoa

is funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Environment (DSTE). She has previously completed research on screening of marine microbes from salterns of Goa for bioactive compounds, which was funded by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

Holding her first Master

of Science in Microbiology from Bombay University and the second in Marine Biotechnology from Goa University, Dr. Kerkar also earned a PhD in Marine Sciences from Goa University, where she now heads the Biotechnology department.

She was awarded British Council Scholarship for Research in Biotechnology, at the Herriot - Watt University (24th March –25th April 1997) Edinburgh, Scotland.

In July 2009, she represented India at the 3rd Indian Arctic Expedition with her research paper on the topic ‘Effect of global warming on marine bacteria: Sulphate Reducing Bacteria (SRB).

She was also awarded the first place for poster entitled “Study of heterotrophic

bacteria from a solar saltern influenced by heavy metals from mining effluents” at the 3rd International conference on Ecotoxicology & Environmental Sciences (ICEES-2011) in 2011. The following year she received the ‘Lupin Visiting Fellowship Endowment’ for the year 201213 at Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), in Mumbai.

Dr. Kerker achieved first place for poster entitled “Hypersaline sediment actinomycetes as potential bioremediators of Lead (Pb) and Iron (Fe)” at the 55th Annual Conference of Association of Microbiologists in India (AMI), organized

by AMI Coimbatore Unit & Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University in 2014. This dialogue will take place at 11 am on Sunday, 22 January, 2017 at Museum of Goa, Pilerne Industrial Estate.

THEARTS

12

CINEMA

Saturday, 21 January 2017 My Goa

@MyGoa

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Art

‘Martin’ released in Goa

Deepak Shirodkar receives Pedro Adao Award

A scene from ‘Martin’

The ‘Dr. Pedro Cabral Adao Promising Artist Award’ is organised by Art Chamber Galeria de Belas Artes, to spot and promote young artists in honour of the Late Dr. Pedro Cabral Adao, former Consul General of Portugal who passed away when serving in Goa in 2006.

Dr. Adao won the hearts of every Goan artist with his co-operation and support for them during his short tenure in Goa. Art Chamber has been holding art Promising Award events in his memory 2015-16, is being every year since his showcased this year passing away. The at the Art Chamber ‘Promising Artist Galeria de Belas Artes, Award’ is a sequence Calangute. The show to this since 2013. got underway at a Deepak Rama glittering and well Shirodkar as winner Deepak Rama Shirodkar attended opening with of the Dr. Pedro Cabral Adao Dr. Victoria Chowgule, the

Martin, written and directed

by Jeetendra Shikerkar is a psychological suspense thriller narrating the story of a Young engineer, working in New Delhi, Martin. As he arrives to Goa for a reunion with his folks, he receives an anonymous call changing his life and further leading to several twists and turns. Unknown of the game he is a part of, Martin struggles for his life and the lives of his loved ones. Produced by A. Durga Prasad, Martin’s cast includes John D’Silva, Anil Pednekar, Aryan Khedekar

and Brijesh Kakodkar in the central characters and a line up of several other artistes in supporting roles. Edited by Dinesh Mengade and music by Ajay Naik, the movie produced under the banner of Prasad Creations is shot entirely in Goa. “The USP of the movie is the story. Attempts are made to ensure that the audience is at the edge of their seats during the film,” says director, Jeetendra Shikerkar. Jeetendra has previously directed Marathi romance, Uday and also Konkani film Mortoo.

Chief Guest conferring the young artist with deserving accolades for his outstanding collection of work. On display at the Art Gallery are 25 paintings created in the last year specifically for this show.

A graduate of Goa College of Art, Deepak explains the inspiration behind his captivating art. “Every image has a story and every story has an image, all perceived differently. These compositions are result of how I see stories.

Some works are inspired by simple emotion or desire that motivates the self every moment. A fruit has various symbolic meanings and can be associated differently, Pomegranate in most of these works represents the fruit as a desired goal and in some works it is just the fruit as it is.”

BookS

Homeward Bound Written by Aloysius D’Souza, Homeward Bound narrates an intriguing story of Philip D’Souza and his journey to the west (Canada) in 1918 in search of gold, but loses his fortune. A year later his son Anju D’Souza went east to Burma, and discovered a golden land.

Anju (the author’s father) followed other Goans to Burma to find a different way of life. He was moulded into a person totally different from people of his age in Goa and Bombay.

“Dad would regale us with stories of his adventures through the various stages of his life. My daughter, Deepika, kept prompting me to record his stories with a tape recorder or similar device, which I never did. But many of his stories are so vivid that, even today, I can visualize Dad telling them.

Deepika and Dad’s friends will remember many of the stories and incidents I now recount,” recalls Aloysius D’Souza.

This timeless story traces back to the year 1942, in the

A timeless story dedicated to all Goans across the world

“This book, about the lives of my Mum and Dad in Burma and India, is dedicated to Goans everywhere to whom that small little area on the west coast of India called Goa is home. All Goans, like me, in our innermost thoughts sing: Be it ever so humble. There is no place like home (Goa)” Aloysius D’Souza

village of Nachinola in Goa to give you an idea of what life in Goa was like just after the end of the Portuguese rule. The book opens with Leopoldina Souza e Sequeira, who has just received news from the local parish of a bombing that took place in Rangoon by Japan. With the lack of communication and no other further information, Leopoldina is frightened for the lives of her three children and their families who live in Rangoon.

She had no news of her husband, Sylvester Philip, who had travelled to the other end of the world in Montreal, Canada with the Maharaja of Tekari, who belonged to a zamindar family of the Bhumihar community in South Bihar.

More than just the story of one family, the book speaks of a generation and ones that followed through a time of rapid and revolutionary changes. It is a story of Goa, and of a period that many may recall wistfully.

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Saturday, 21 January 2017

BITS Goa Campus hosts the platform for inspiration and connectivity, TEDxBITSGoa

Malaika Vaz

TEDxBITSGoa, India’s oldest TEDx event will present yet another inspiring and interactive session.

TEDx events witness a combination of live TED Talk videos and live presenters.

TEDxBITSGOA begun about 6 years ago; and has since then, applied the paragons of TED in the KK Birla Goa Campus also making TEDxBITSGOA the oldest TEDx event in the country.

Believing in the power of ideas that can change attitudes, lives and the world, TEDxBITSGoa will be organizing a TEDx event on the 22nd of January 2017.

With the aim of making it bigger, better and inspiring, this year TEDxBITSGoa brings 9 talented, successful, independent and inspiring individuals from different walks of life to share experiences, ideas and innovations. The evergreen character of Phunsuk Wangdu from the famous ‘3 idiots’ was

Piyush Mishra

Sonam Wangchuk

inspired by engineer, innovator and education reformist Sonam Wangchuk who will be one of the speakers for the event. He has also won the ‘Global Impact Award’ for his idea of the Ice Stupa to solve water problems in cold deserts.

The speakers list also include famous actor, poet and lyricist, Piyush Mishra, known mainly for his works in movies like Gulaal, Gangs of Wasseypur, Pink and more.

The model-turned-chef Sarah Todd is also one of the speakers of the TEDxBITSGoa. She is presently based in Vagator, Goa with her restaurant Antares, exploring varied variety of cuisines.

The inspiring Pranav Lal, a cyber-security analyst and photographer who is visually challenged since birth and a user of the ‘Seeing with Sound’ technology will also be present as a speaker for the event.

The State Youth Award recipient, athlete, explorer, environmentalist and

grown exponentially. The Linc Tower Run 2017 has three formats. In the Individual Run, participants run up and down the stairs of all five buildings.

There are three age categories: Student (18 years and under), Open (19 to 44 years) and Veteran (45 years and up), with prizes for men and women in each category.

‘Photography Workshop for the Visually Challenged’ by Rotary Club of Panaji and NAB

Sarah Todd

filmmaker, nineteen-year-old Malaika Vaz is also included in the list of speakers for the TEDx event. A Criminal Intelligence Officer at Interpol, Co-CEO of IRIANS Research Institute, Neuroscientist, entrepreneur and private psychotherapist Raul Rodriguez is another name in the list of speakers for the event.

Sumeet Vyas, actor and writer is also a name in the list of speakers. He has gained popularity mainly from the the web series, Permanent Roommates.

The author and community activist Ulrike Reinhand and Suvrat Raju honoured with The ‘Young Scientist Medal’ and ‘Ramanujan Cheng Visiting Fellowship’ and TIFR’s ‘Cowsik Medal’ will also be speakers at the event.

The event aims on bringing forth inspiring ideas and participants in the creation of a wide spread connectivity network. Venue: BITS Goa Campus, Sancoale.

Linc Tower Run on 5th February at Patto, Panaji The Linc Tower Run has placed Goa indelibly on the international map of Tower Running along with over a hundred other countries. The fourth edition of the iconic Linc Tower Run will be held at the business district of Panaji at EDC Patto Plaza, on Sunday 5 February 2017.

The race involves running up 840 steps and down 840 steps in five buildings, from Gera Imperium ll to Dempo Trade Center. Those interested can register online at www. towerrunning.in.

The fastest growing global urban sport today, this extreme urban sport has

whatsup

The 2017 event has a new, exciting demo sport. A Tug of War is planned for corporate teams. Over 500 runners from the armed forces, police, corporates, student teams, and general citizens will compete.

Organized by Adventure Breaks, and sponsored by Linc Properties, YoungIndians also partner this event.

Partha Bhowmick (extreme left) conducts a workshop

The Rotary Club of Panaji in collaboration with the Rotary Eye Bank Goa and the National Association for the Blind, Goa will be organizing a two day vocational workshop on photography titled ‘Blind with Camera’ for the visually impaired.

‘Blind with Camera’ is an initiative led by Partha Bhowmick, founder of the Beyond Sight Foundation in Mumbai. The workshop expects a total of about 21 participants including partially and completely blind youth between the age group of 13 to 21. Led by Partha, the workshop will focus on familiarizing photography as a profession to many irrespective of their sight.

The workshop will include

indoor as well as outdoor training for the participants.

The Basilica of Bom Jesus at Old Goa and the Church Square at Panaji are places that would be covered under the outdoor training. The workshop will be held on the 21st and 22nd of January 2016 at the National Association for Blind, Goa center in SantaCruz.

Partha Bhowmick has been working with the Beyond Sight Foundation for over ten years now. The organizers involved behind the workshop are Rtn. Sanjiv Mirchandani, Director Vocational Service, Rotary Club of Panaji, Nilesh Shah, President, Sanat Pilgaonkar, Vice-President and Arvind Ghatkar, Secretary of Rotary Club of Panaji.

Knowing the world through Postal Stamps and Currency Goa Philatelic and Numismatic Society in collaboration with Ravindra Bhavan Margao is hosting an Annual Exhibition of Stamps and Coins – Knowing the World through Postal Stamps and Currency.

The Philately exhibition will be open to all from 10am to 6pm on 22nd January 2017.

The exhibition also feature a special workshop for philately enthusiasts, which will include a talk on the introduction to Philately and Numismatic. The workshop will teach young enthusiasts how to begin with a stamp and

coin collection, choosing a theme of your collection, how to take care of your collection and prepare for exhibitions and much more. The workshop will be conducted by Goa Philatelic and Numismatic Society members at the Black Box from 3.30pm onwards and is open to all age groups.

A 42 year old society for stamp and coin collectors, the Goa Philatelic and Numismatic Society. Today, the society has 40 active members and works actively to promote philately interests in Goa. Email us your listings at mygoanews@gmail.com

Younggoa

14

Saturday, 21 January 2017 My Goa

@MyGoa

mygoanews@gmail.com

Mushtifund Aryaan Higher Secondary School celebrate their talent and academic excellence highlighted as M.A.H.S.S celebrates annual social gathering Creative their Annual Social Gathering

O

ne among the most reputed educational institutions in the state, with a record of producing Board toppers in either discipline, the Mushtifund Aryaan Higher Secondary School celebrated their Annual Social Gathering recently. The event was graced by the presence of Harshvardhan Bhatkuly, Editor Business Goa and My Goa, Dr. Nikhil Varerkar, HOD Economics at Dempo College of Commerce and Economics, Suhas Sardesai, Secretary Mushtifund Saunstha, Dilip Dharwadkar, Treasurer Mushtifund Saunstha and M.B.S. Kakodkar, Administrative Officer, M.A.H.S.S. The Director of M.A.H.S.S, Vyankatesh Prabhudesai warmly welcomed all the dignitaries. The zeal and enthusiasm with which the students practiced day in and day out to put up a grand show was truly commendable. The gathering witnessed a variety

L to R: Harshvardhan Bhatkuly, Suhas Sardesai, Vyankatesh Prabhudesai, Dilip Dharwadkar and Nikhil Varerkar along with students

of programs including dance performances, skits and more.

The Director, Prabhudesai appreciated the great performance presented by the top five students of 2015-16 batch at the board and national level in all the entrance exams.

The ex students: Aditya Patki, Deepak Gopalan, Aby Jose, Manasi Paste and Aditya Kuncollienkar were awarded a cash prize of `20,000/-

The zeal and enthusiasm with which the students practiced day in and day out to put up a grand show was truly commendable.

A fine mix of academics and creative talent was on display each for their exemplary performance at National

A Tasty Fight to be the ‘Budding Chef’

P

romoting and encouraging the culinary passion in many, The Navhind Times organised a culinary competition, ‘Budding Chef 2017’ in collaboration with the IHM Goa and Amul on the 13th of January 2017. Among the many tasty delicacies from participants across the state, the team from Agnel Institute of Food and Craft and Culinary Services; Sonia Patil, Mohit Ramrakhiyani and Rutvik Pandit for the ‘best starter’, the team from IHM Goa, Porvorim; Valric D’Costa, Jugal Borkar and Kovan Braganza for the ‘best main course’ and the team from V M Salgaoncar Institute of International Hospitality Education, Raia; Duhetha Philip, Dilmon Nunes and

Abner DeSouza for the ‘best dessert’ were awarded at the felicitation ceremony in the presence of General Manager of Taj Exotica, Vincent Ramos.

The function was graced by the presence of Pramod Revankar, General Manager, The Navhind Times, Donna D’Souza, principal of IHM

level competitive exams.

Prabhudesai appreciated the encouragement given to the students by TJSB Bank by sponsoring trophies for best performers. The following trophies were sponsored by the TJSB Bank: Student of the Year, Super Student Award (Academics) Super Student Award, Most Talented Student Award and the Most Disciplined Student Award.

The Navhind Times’ culinary challenge draws top talent from the state

Goa, Manish Bameta, Amul representative and Sanjeev Katkade, IHM front office HOD. The competition saw participation from about 12 culinary colleges and institutes from across the state. An individual set of Amul products were given

to all the teams that had to be incorporated into their 3-course meal. Named after herbs, the teams were also provided with a common basket full of Amul products, along with spices and oil as well. The teams were provided with a total of one and a half hour to serve the dainty

Prabhudesai Instituted a trophy in the memory of his father, Lt. Digambar Damodar Prabhudesai, for the Most Disciplined Student.

Prabhudesai appreciated the extended support given to encourage the students

by Nilesh Amonker who sponsored a grand trophy in the memory of his father, Digamber Amonker for the Most Talented Student.

3-course meal. Not pertaining just to the taste but the plating and presentation was also given equal importance.

Aakritee, chef and owner of A Reverie Restaurant, Bhaskar Kargeti, executive chef at the Taj Exotica, Prasad Metrani, executive sous chef of Grand Hyatt were the judges for the event. The teams were judged for their dishes on the criteria of flavour, texture, consistency, doneness, creativity, menu, ingredient compatibility, portion size, nutritional balance and serving method and presentation. Also taken into consideration was the sanitation, cooking techniques and execution, proper utilisation of ingredients, time management and garbage segregation.

Winners also bagged a free meal at Taj Exotica and the overall winners won a free night’s stay at the hotel.

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Saturday, 21 January 2017

The I-League/ISL Merger Conundrum

sports

Jonathan De Sousa

I

n the year 2004-05, history was created. Dempo Sports Club had won its first ever League title and Goa had an unprecedented 6 teams out of 12 in the National Football League (NFL), as it was then known, before being rechristened as the I-League in 2007. The likes of Dempo Sports Club, Sporting Clube de Goa, Salgaocar Sports Club, Churchill Brothers Sports Club, Vasco Sports Club and Micky Pacheco’s FransaPax Football Club were all part of India’s premier football competition. None would be faulted at that time, for putting their money on Goa becoming India’s football factory in the years to come. Twelve years later however, Indian football has been reduced to ashes and Goa now has its lone ranger – Churchill Brothers Sports Club – struggling to keep Goa’s state sport afloat in very troubled waters.

The downhill has been astounding – while Vasco got relegated that very same year, FransaPax folded up the following year due to the bullish behaviour of its owner (they were relegated after they refused to play further part in the tournament citing refereeing inconsistencies).

Salgaocar Sports Club, Dempo Sports Club and Churchill Brothers Sports Club would make a mark winning several titles between them and Sporting Clube de Goa, though trophy-less, dished in some attacking brand of football.

All this until 2016, when three of these four teams folded up citing a directionless I-League.

A ruling by the Delhi High Court saved Goa’s blushes with Churchil Brothers being reinstated in the Legaue after being excluded for two seasons due to non fulfilment of the LClub Licensing criteria.

The Merger Mess In 2014, the first edition of the Indian Super League kicked off, a tournament owned and operated by Football

Sports Development Limited (FSDL), a consortium of IMG Worldwide, Reliance Industries and Star India).

While the tournament had the sanction of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), Indian football’s top brass always maintained that the franchise-based League was just a tournament held to improve the popularity of the sport and that the I-League would remain India’s premier football competition. Two years later however, a cramped up calendar, mass exodus of I-League teams and an unhealthy ecosystem for football led the AFC and FIFA to issue a diktat that the two Leagues would have to merge in the future. Going back on its word and appeasing Indian football’s commercial partners, the AIFF dished out a restructuring plan for Indian football that made the Indian Super League, the number one League in India. Rubbing further salt in the wounds of the I-League teams the AIFF made the ISL a closed League with no relegation for the franchises and no promotion for the teams which were playing in the I-League which would now be called League 1. The second division would be played in a new avatar as League 2 with a chance of them

being promoted to League 1 but not further than that.

The plans have been shelved for the time being with clubs like Mumbai FC and Sporting Clube de Goa shooting off letters to FIFA and AFC complaining against the restructure. The AFC has now formed a task force that will look into the merger and only time would tell who will win this battle.

The most likely scenario Reports have emerged in several sections of the media that two new teams would be added in the ISL in the near future. JSW owned Bengaluru FC who have already set high standards in Indian football would most likely be absorbed into the ISL and would play their matches from Bengaluru.

However the big bone of contention seems to be the hugely popular clubs in West Bengal – East Bengal and Mohun Bagan – supported by millions of fanatic Bengalis all over the world. There were reports of Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment taking over one of these two teams while the other would be merged with the present ISL franchise from Kolkata, Atletico De Kolkata (ATK).

However the stubbornness of ATK owners Sanjiv Goenka and the officials from both these clubs has meant that no consensus has been reached.

It is also pertinent to note that as part of the Participation Agreement that was signed between FSDL and all the eight franchises, no new team

will be allowed to play in the same city within a radius of 50 km. Which means if there is a second or a third team that will play from Bengal, the matches would have to be shifted outside Kolkata – either to Siliguri or Barasat.

Then there is another small matter of appeasing the Essel owned, Mumbai FC, the lone team in the I-League from India’s commercial capital.

A year back there were talks that Ranbir Kapoor owned, Mumbai City FC which plays in the ISL, would merge with Mumbai FC, however talks stalled allegedly because Star the commercial partners of the League are rivals to Essel Group that own Zee and Ten Networks. There are some teams though like DSK Shivajians from Pune and Shillong Lajong from Meghalaya that have come out in favour of the new format. It remains to be seen however, in a few years from now, how well those who govern Indian football play their cards and come out with a plan that is acceptable to all stakeholders of Indian football.

Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias Open attracts best tennis talent this year

Defending champions Tejas Shevde and Simran Khan to battle it out

T

he registration at Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias Open 2017 recently commenced with the club receiving a total of 133 entries from across 10 categories.

The tournament organized

by Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias, Goa’s first tennis club in partnership with Goa State Tennis Association (GSTA) and Gadre Premium Seafood received an increase in entries as compared to the previous edition.

The eight day tournament will include ten categories – Under 12 (Girls and Boys), Under 16 (Girls and Boys), Men’s Singles, Ladies Singles, Men’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles,

Tejas Shevde

Veteran Singles and Veteran Doubles. Prizes collectively amounting to Rs 50,000 will be awarded to winners in various categories.

The tournament which is an annual fixture has received 133 entries and will begin on the 22nd of January 2017.

The competition will witness defending champion of the men’s category Tejas Shevde and defending champion of the women’s category Simran Khan battle it out on the court once again as tennis fans will be entertained to another edition.

Matches will be scheduled between 7 am and 10 am in the morning and between 4 pm and 10 pm in the evening.

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Saturday, 21 January 2017 My Goa

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ninoshka alvares-delaney bags the first beryl nasse award

T

he Business British Group Goa, in honour of its former president, Late Beryl Nasse held the 1st ‘Beryl Nasse Goan Woman Entrepreneur Award’ 2016-17 on 18th January 2017 at the Goa Mariott Resort.

Kumar Iyer, British Deputy High Commissioner; and Narayan Bandekar of NRB Group, sponsor for the evening gave away the awards.

Among 21 applications, a final 7 were shortlisted showcasing the immense talent that Goa beholds and the ‘Best Goan Woman

LtoR: Peter Pinto (President, British Business Group Goa), Shreemi Panandikar, Narayan Bandekar (NRB Group), Ninoshka Alvares-Delaney (winner), Kumar Iyer (British Deputy High Commissioner), Soyara Mohite, Diana Braganza, Maria Victor, Ashwini Krishna, Gautami Raiker

Entrepreneur’ award was bagged by Ninoshka AlvaresDelaney, a Goan fashion design entrepreneur running her sustainable fashion company.

Ninoshka has always wished that her profession would act as a means for her to give back to nature and society in her own little way and launched

her label Ninoshka which focuses on sustainable fashion.

Her penchant for minimalism urges her to create silhouettes which cater to all age groups,

and have an international appeal despite its Indian identity.

Peter Pinto, President of the Business British Group, Goa said that Beryl Nasse was dearly loved and universally respected and appreciated her efforts with regard to state issues of both Goa and Britain. She had a powerful vision of bringing the business community from UK and those in Goa together. Her vision for the empowerment of women inspired BBG Goa members to develop the ‘Beryl Nasse Goan women entrepreneur award’.

Issued by General Secretary, Goa Forward Party

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