My Goa 31 12 2016 by MyGoa

MyGoa

INTERVIEW: MGP leader SUDIN DHAVLIKAR speaks out on the break-up of the year

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31 DEcember 2016

RNI No. goaeng/2015/60455

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vol 2 | issue 11 | panaji - goa | 16 pages

Pandurang Madkaikar’s induction into BJP has ruffled many feathers at Cumbharjua, the constituency that was eyed by Siddhesh Naik, son of senior state BJP leader Shripad Yesso Naik. Is there a new crack in the BJP state unit, just when the party was steading itself after the RSS Goa revolt?

shripad naik

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INDUSTRY DOSSIER

SHAMIK CACULO STARTING YOUNG

DELFINO’S

GOAN BRAND

ARTHUR’S THEME

BON APPETIT

SANJIT RODRIGUES INTERVIEW

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

editorial

Saturday, 31 December 2016

Digi-Dhan boosts Goa’s Cashless Drive Going cashless is a state of mind. A visit to the DigiDhan event was an eye-opener. If a traditional Goan sweetmaker idea of (Chanekar) can go the week cashless, can we not?

say hello to post-truth politics Harshvardhan Bhatkuly

ost-truth politics is a political culture in which debate is framed largely by appeals to emotion disconnected from the details of policy, and by the repeated assertion of talking points to which factual rebuttals are ignored. David Roberts is credited for using the term in his blog in 2010, and its contemporary usage has been buttressed and driven by a combination of the 24-hour news cycle, false balance in news reporting, and the increasing ubiquity of social media In 2016, “post-truth” was chosen as the Oxford Dictionaries Word of the Year, due to its prevalence in the context of the Brexit referendum and US presidential election. Say hello to lies. Politics and truth stand poles apart. Politicians thrive on half-truths, factually wrong figures and choose to ignore facts, knowing well that their constituents would rather do with rhetoric than facts. Nobel Laureate Harold Pinter, asserted that “The majority of politicians, on the evidence available to us, are interested not in truth but in power and in the maintenance of that power. To maintain that power it is essential that people remain in ignorance, that they live in ignorance of the truth, even the truth of their own lives. What surrounds us therefore is a vast tapestry of lies, upon which we feed.” Post Truth also made social media messages with no iota of truth go viral and wild chest thumping and happy emojis followed. The butt of most fake messages was the UNESCO. In June, this year, the UN agency ‘declared’ PM Modi the best Prime Minister in the world. Around Independence Day, UNESCO ‘voted’ Jana Gana Mana as the best National Anthem in the world. After demonetization, the organization ‘declared’ the new Rs 2,000 note as the best currency in the world! Many years ago, when the new Mandovi Bridge was under construction, I used to believe that the humble ferry boat was a great leveler. Everyone from the rich to the poor stood still in the ferry, while it waded slowly through the river. Today, I feel social media is that leveler. It can give anyone, howsoever ill-equipped to comment on a topic, the power to take on the biggest experts in the domain. And trounce them on the basis of rhetoric and post truth! Data is hardwork. Stirring emotions is not. To argue on the basis of facts and figures, one has to conduct research, speak to experts and still be inundated with more questions than what you had, when you had started your inquiry. Contrast this with setting a crowd full of half-witted, social media happy, headline-only readers. You just have to gauge their mood and set their passions aflame. A very senior media person recently mentioned to me that this is the best of times to be a politician. His electorate is deprived of promises that stood real two decades ago. There is angst against the establishment. Very few voters find it worth their time to research and cross check facts and figures. And that being judgmental or having an informed stand on issues is no longer a handicap, due to a multitude of information available at the swipe of his finger. The only challenge is from other hopefuls, who wish to prey on the same subsets in society. So as we welcome a new year, and a new election season, we can rest assured that in this year, there will be ample room for post-truth politics. My Goa

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Fostering and encouraging the digital payment methods, Union Minister for Defence Manohar Parrikar in the presence of Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar, Union Minister for State AYUSH (independent charge) Shripad Naik, Governor HE Mridula Sinha inaugurated the DigiDhan Mela on 28th December 2016 at Inox courtyard, Panjim. Parrikar stated that cashless transactions will help curb tax evasion and will also bring accountability in the economy.

Parsekar said that Goa will successfully walk towards a cashless economy as the state holds high literacy and digital awareness. A significant number of banks, oil companies and agencies were a part of the Digi-Dhan Mela who offered a wealth of information promoting cashless economy. The event also marked the presence of Siddharth Kuncolienkar, MLA of Panaji, Dharmesh Sharma, Director of Information and Technology, Ameya Abhyankar and several

other senior officials. A wide list of companies were seen at the DigiDhan Mela with their stalls including, SBI, Bank of India Corporation Bank, Sogle Borem, Vodafone, Reliance Jio, Idea, Chanekar Classics and more. Mobile Wallet Providers were also present at the Mela adding to the busy scenario at the Inox courtyard. Parrikar urged people to opt for digital transactions and also stated that a good response has been received from the people of Goa.

ADC to President of India. He has done 3,855 hours of operational and training flying. He is a fighter Combat Leader and an A2 Qualified Flying Instructor. He has been a Directing Staff at TACDE and an Instructor at Flying Instructors School, Air Force Station, Tambaram. Also, he is an alumuns of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. Air Marshal Deo was Air Officer Commanding at 32 Wing Jodhpur. He has commanded 15 Squadron and a Signal Unit besides being Chief Operations Officer

of a frontline forward base and commanded Air Force Station, Jodhpur. As Station Commander of the Signal Unit, he was actively involved in induction of modern assets and sensors in the IAF. Prior to taking over as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Air Command, he was Air Officer Commandingin-Chief of Eastern Air Command, Director General Air Operations (DGAO), Air Officer Commanding of COBRA Group, AD Commander and Air-I at Headquarters, Central Air Command, and has held various staff appointments and worked in Operations/ Plans Directorates at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan). What makes this story interesting for Goans is that Deo was a resident of Mala during his school days and was a student of People’s High School’s 1974 batch.

person of the week Air Marshal Shirish Deo Air Marshal Shirish Baban Deo will be the next ViceChief of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Air Marshal S B Deo, who is currently Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Air Command of the IAF, will take over the new responsibility from Air Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa, who is all set to be the new IAF chief. A highly decorated officer with research acumen, Air Marshal S B Deo was commissioned in the fighter stream of the IAF on June 15, 1979. He is a recipient of the Presidential awards Param Vishist Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Vayu Sena Medal (VM), and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM). On January 1, 2016 he was appointed as honorary Air

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Saturday, 31 December 2016

COVERSTORY

Backdoor entry of ex-Congress MLA Pandurang Madkaikar upsets BJP Cumbharjua party cadre Pandurang Madkaikar’s induction into BJP has ruffled many feathers at Cumbharjua, the constituency that was eyed by Siddhesh Naik, son of senior state BJP leader Shripad Yesso Naik. Is there a new crack in the BJP state unit, just when the party was steading itself after the RSS Goa revolt? My Goa news desk

olitical parties in Goa including the new entrants are accusing each other of importing tainted politicians from their rival parties, while each of those parties are themselves indulging in the same practice. As such decisions are taken, very few dissenting voices rise within the party, the few times they do, the voices aren’t considered significant even for a media attention. In the latest developments of politics in Goa, the ruling BJP is facing a major rift from its one of the founding member and the senior leader in state. Union Minister of State, AYUSH, Shripad Naik has shown extreme displeasure over the induction of former Congress MLA from Cumbharjua Pandurang Madkaikar into BJP. Shripad Naik’s absence for the BJP’s Vijay Sankalp rally at Cumbhajua on the day

Madkaikar, Tendulkar and Parrikar

of Madkaikar’s induction was evident of the fact that Shripad Naik was upset at the developments. Naik claims he was forced to come out in the media and show his discontent as Parrikar in a media briefing told pressmen, “Shripad Naik was taken into confidence before taking the decision on Madkaikar.” According to Shripad Naik, the decision was taken without due consultation with him and he was only informed after the final decision had been taken. “I did not go to the press because of party discipline. Consultation means asking for an opinion before a decision is made. This decision was already made by him (Parrikar) before I was told about it,” Naik said. North Goa MP Naik continued, “I genuinely felt that the entry of Congressmen such as Madkaikar and Godinho would do more harm to the BJP than benefit the party at

the forthcoming state assembly election.” Along with Shripad Naik, major section of the BJP party cadre from Cumbharjua constituency have objected to Madkaikar’s entry. They are of the opinion that, Naik’s son Sidhesh had been working in the constituency for years now and they were certain of winning the seat against the incumbent MLA Madkaikar. SIDHESH UPSET: Upset over Madkaikar’s BJP entry, Sidhesh Naik in a media address called Madkaikar an ‘outsider’ and strongly condemned his induction. Sidhesh said, “Our demand is clear that the party should consider any of our karyakarta (party worker) for the candidature, not an outsider. It could be anybody but not an outsider. It need not be even me, but it should be based on the wishes of the karyakartas, and it cannot be an outsider.”

COVERSTORY Further, he informed that party cadre had communicated their stand and were waiting for the top leadership to take into their consideration. “We are loyal workers of the party. We are waiting for the party to take the decision. Once the party takes its decision we will decide our future course of action because we cannot work for Madkaikar,” Sidhesh added. Local cadre have further asked for the Party leadership to give permission to Sidhesh to fight independently against Pandurang Madkaikar. PARSEKAR to the rescue of BJP CM Parsekar met the distressed Shripad Naik to ease the differences and since then Naik’s stand has weakened. In contrast to his earlier claims, Naik said, “I had just expressed my discontent when Madkaikar was inducted in the party. I had said I was not taken into confidence. I had never objected to his entry in the party.” When questioned about the current state of party affairs, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said, “In the view of long term interest of the party, decisions taken by the top leadership should be accepted by everyone in the party. Our party has grown

manifold over the years in Goa, the differences too have grown within the party over various issues.” Parsekar added that such things should be ironed out within the four walls rather speaking in public. The Cumbharjua cadre of BJP has warned of agitating further if the party declares Madkaikar as the party’s official candidature. On the other side, there are reports that MGP has secretly offered their official ticket to Sidhesh Naik. However Shripad Naik has gone on record rubbishing those outcomes saying, “Sidhesh won’t contest independently nor on any other party’s ticket.” Four time Lok Sabha MP Shripad Naik is not at the receiving end of this behaviour from the state unit of BJP for the first time. Back in 2012 polls, Shripad Naik was anticipating a green signal for the Porvorim ticket. A section of BJP supporters were also strongly backing Shripad ‘Bhau’ due to his popularity all over the state. Naik was kept on hold till the very end, when a face-saving compromise was worked out. The ticket was offered to him, but he refused it in favour of his supporter, Govind Parvatkar, who is another senior worker of the party in the state. Govind Parvatkar lost by 900 odd

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In 2007, Shripad Naik wanted to contest from Mayem. BJP decided to field Anant Shet, a rank newcomer, who managed to win. In 2012, Naik was ready to contest for the Assembly Elections from the newly carved out Porvorim constiuency. BJP dillydallied and offered ticket to Naik at the last minute. He refused to contest. The ticket then went to Govind Parvatkar. Rohan Khaunte defeated Parvatkar.

Shripad Naik

“In the view of long term interest of the party, decisions taken by the top leadership should be accepted by everyone in the party. Our party has grown manifold over the years in Goa, the differences too have grown within the party over various issues.” Laxmikant parsekar votes to independent Rohan Khaunte, who has today gone on to build a strong position for himself in the constituency, where even now BJP has a strong voter base. In 2007, Shripad Naik wanted to contest from Mayem. After continuous attempts by him, BJP dropped Naik stating his chances of

losing were high. Following which, the party decided to field the then lesser known Anant Shet – and Shet, a rank newcomer, managed to win. The BJP first made its mark in the 1994 Assembly Elections. Shripad Naik was one of the four BJP legislators who had won their seats in the 40 member house. He defeated

Congress strongman and former Chief Minister Ravi S. Naik by 2700 votes to wrest the Madkai constituency. Shripad Naik is a popular face of Bhandari Samaj, one of the largest vote bank in Goa. On such occasions in past, the community has shown strong discontent against the BJP leadership in Goa.

I am still hopeful to get the party ticket: Sidhesh Naik

JP’s Cumbharjua Constituency Mandal President Sidhesh Naik on Thursday said senior leaders, including party president, after assessing his work in the last five years in the constituency had assured him that he had a high chance to be a candidate for 2017 polls. However, with Madkaikar’s induction into BJP, his hopes may come crashing. Not losing all hope, Sidhesh, still not conceding the race for the ticket said, “Yes I am a ticket aspirant. Five

Sidhesh Naik

years back, I started my work in Cumbharjua. A year ago, when the new president was to be appointed, party leaders, including State BJP president, told me that I should take the responsibility of the constituency as its mandal president.” “They also told me that I was a potential candidate for 2017 polls and after this, I took up the responsibility of the mandal president and started work in Cumbharjua constituency with renewed vigour,” he added.

Further stating that there were initial discussions between the party and the mandal on whether Madkaikar should be inducted, most of the workers of the mandal had opposed this move. “Later, we were told that the constituency mandal would be taken into confidence before taking a final decision on inducting Madkaikar but it was not done. For the last five years, our mandal is working against him as he is part of the Congress and people know what he has done,” said

Siddesh. However, Naik said the entire party cadre as a mandal had opposed the decision of inducting Madkaikar but the resolution whether to campaign for him is yet to be decided. “My claim is still on the BJP ticket and I feel that the party should consider it and if denied I have not decided as yet whether I will be contesting as an Independent,” he added. Email us your feedback at mygoanews@gmail.com

Saturday, 31 December 2016

Bid to trap AAP’s Valmiki Naik with demonetised notes foiled Abhay Avasti, who allegedly approached Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Panaji candidate Valmiki Naik, with an offer to convert old demonetised notes to new currency was arrested by Panaji police. According to police, Avasti is working in a well-known restaurant in the city as a waiter. He was later released on bail. The accused had learnt that the income tax authorities would reward informers who provide information regarding black money. Police claim that Avasti was of the impression that the AAP candidate for Panaji was a wealthy person and would be having huge cash in denomination of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000. Police also said that the accused had approached Naik to ascertain how much cash (in denomination of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000) he had. Subsequently the information was to be passed on to the income tax authorities and gain a reward, police said referring to the modus operandi of the accused Avasti. Meanwhile, AAP has demanded thorough police probe into the incident. AAP has blamed the BJP

Valmiki Naik

attempt to implicate and defame its candidates. Speaking to the media, Naik said that the incident happened on Monday when he was approached by Avasti, who hails from Ghaziabad, who made an offer to him to convert old demonetised notes into new ones for election funding. “When enquired he said that he was sent by a broker by name Mathur from Ghaziabad and without wasting any time, I called police and filed a complaint against him,” said Naik. While demanding a fair and thorough police probe, Naik said that police officials should carry out detailed investigation and unravel deeper organised rackets operating in exchange of old currency.

BJP may drop 3 sitting MLAs The short listing exercise for the ensuing assembly election candidates is underway. State BJP with consultation from local party cadre, may deny tickets to 3 sitting MLAs. BJP state President Vinay Tendulkar in a media brief told that decision has been taken, as those 3 members (without naming them) are failing to meet the current selection criteria. It is speculated that Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar, Sanvordem legislator Ganesh Gaonkar and Speaker Anant Shet (Mayem) may face the axe, and would be dropped based on the “winnability factor.” Tendulkar informed pressmen that, 10 candidates

have been already finalised. “We will shortlist candidates for altogether 35 constituencies in the state,” he told. State BJP may again take a final call in the meeting that will be held in first week of January. Tendulkar added, “BJP will fight the 2017 polls under the leadership of Laxmikant Parsekar while Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar, Union Minister of State, AYUSH, Shripad Naik and Deputy CM Francis D’Souza will be guiding us in the election.” Tendulkar further clarified that BJP will go to polls without a CM candidate and all decisions will be taken after polls. He also stated that alliance talks are still on.

POLITICS

ST leaders appeal to BJP top brass to field Vijay Pai Khot in Canacona Senior BJP leader and former MLA from Canacona Vijay Pai Khot, has received a shot in his arm from leaders of the ST community in Canacona. Over a hundred plus ST leaders and opinion makers address the press where they reiterated their support for the BJP. They said that once elections are called, certain people try to do politics in the name of caste and tribes, and try to gain unfair political advantage. They informed that no tribe or social group can singularly influence the outcome of an election. Knowing this, there are some leaders, who they claimed, were trying to create

Vijay Pai Khot

an impression before the BJP high command. The gathering wholeheartedly expressed their support in favour of Vijay Pai Khot who was earlier elected twice for the assembly from

the Canacona constituency. Pai Khot’s contribution to BJP and increasing the parties vote share in Canacona and Poinguinim is well known, said Ulhas Velip, former panch member of Shristhal Panchayat. Kushta Gaonkar, another speaker, asked what did the minister do to support the ST over the last four and half years, what gives him the authority to speak for the whole ST community? He further said that Vijay Pai Khot has been instrumental in providing water supply to villages like Chapoli, Vaijawada, Nuvem, Asali Gule.

Arlekar rejects GSM proposal. Says that he is a BJP ‘karyakarta’ first Goa Suraksha Manch, a political party mentored by Subhash Velingkar had offered Minister for Forest and Environment Rajendra Arlekar the Goa Suraksha Manch ticket to contest the forthcoming assembly elections. Declining the offer from Velingkar, Rajendra Arlekar has stated that he’s 100 per cent with the BJP, and there’s no question to go anywhere else and deserting Bhartiya Janata Party. Arlekar told pressmen, “I am a karyakarta of BJP first and would remain so, despite

Rajendra Arlekar

having risen through ranks to the cabinet ministry.” Rajendra Arlekar had earlier shown

his displeasure over the split between Velingkar led BBSM and BJP due to Medium of Instruction issue, in which Arlekar had extended his support to BBSM. Following which CM Parsekar had warned the minister to not comment against the government policies. Several other parties are making attempts to woo BJP party workers. Previously MGP had offered the Cumbharjua ticket to Sidhesh Naik, after the induction of Pandurang Madkaikar into BJP.

interview

Saturday, 31 December 2016 My Goa

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“It is only when Parrikar left for Delhi as Defence Minister that problems began to mount between us and the BJP” MGP leader and former PWD and Transport Minister Ramakrisha ‘Sudin’ Dhavalikar spoke to Rupesh Samant at a special interview aired by radiobuyao.com (Excerpts of the Interview)

You did not have a problem with the BJP for 4 years… 4 and half years… How come you suddenly developed a problem with your alliance partner just short of 5 years? Over the past four years, the BJP workers resented the fact that despite the fact that they had 21 MLAs, our 2 members were given ministerial berths. That triggered us to assert our own position, because MG party is not a lame force. Our party has played a stellar role in Goan polity right from 1963. So if the mood among BJP’s grassroot workers is to wish us away or talk down to us, do you think we will take it lying down?! They made it impossible for us to continue in the government. If we can draw a parallel to what you are telling us, do you mean to say that if a few mice (party workers of the BJP) are creating a ruckus, does it mean that you have to bring the house down? Understand the fact that our symbol is the lion. We don’t even look at rats! We had serious issues with the BJP working. I brought this to the notice of the Chief Minister twice, I took the matter up to the Defence Minister (Parrikar) 7-8 times. I am not at liberty today to disclose these facts, more

so because we are bound to secrecy for certain official reasons. Of course, if the BJP accuses us, then it will be incumbent upon me to disclose these reasons to the public at the opportune moment. The Defence Minister had assured me since 2015 that he would solve the matter for us. But somehow the matter could not be solved. It is only when Parrikar left for Delhi as Defence Minister that problems began to mount between us and the BJP. When Parrikar was the Chief

The thoughts and ideology of MGP and GSM are in sync. I had alerted Parrikar to sort out the MoI issue way before it exploded Sudin Dhavalikar

Minister, we never had a problem. There was dialogue and bonhomie between us when Parrikar was the Chief Minister. There was always talk, that even though Parrikar had left for Delhi when he became Defence Minister, he was still the de facto Chief Minister of Goa. Do you mean to say that Laxmikant Parsekar enjoyed complete control of the cabinet as Chief Minister;

and there was no trace of Parrikar’s involvement in the same? I will not comment on this. But I can tell you that Parrikar was acting as a guide to the Goa government. Ministers would seek his guidance on various issues. I, myself would seek his opinion on many matters. There is no doubt about the fact that he is an intelligent man and he has a grip of many issues. But perhaps there was a gap in some financial matters, and that the Chief Minister (Parsekar) had no grasp on the same. Explain to us this situation – you go to Delhi and bring the parallel Zuari Bridge project… you go to Delhi and bring various infrastructural projects and road network projects approved by the centre. Then how do you explain your statement that ‘Goa has gone back 10 years in

time’? Understand one thing that whichever department I take charge of can never go back 10 years in time! Yes, I brought the new Zuari Bridge and many infrastructural projects to the state. Why even the highway project inaugurated by Union Minister Nitin Gadkariji was developed from scratch by me along with PWD associates – right from the project report stage to appointment of consultants. The consultant’s fees were borne by the state government. We had not received any funds from the centre for this project. The new national highway project that links Patradevi to the new Zuari Bridge is also created under my supervision. I know the exact details of the project, flyovers etc. No one else will have the same grip of the subject like I do – except for Nitin Gadkari and Manohar Parrikar. Let us hear from you that there will be no alliance between the BJP and MGP…. We are still in alliance with the BJP! So far as the future is concerned, I shall only be able to answer you after the code of conduct comes into play. Our party executive committee will assess the situation and take future action. You are not denying the

Saturday, 31 December 2016

possibility of an alliance… It is too early to comment. Let the code be announced. Our executive committee will decide on that day. Everyone knows that your personal equations with Nitin Gadkari are excellent; and that will perhaps bring the BJP and MGP together… Yes. I will not deny that my relations with Gadkariji are great. I am sure that will continue to remain that way. Politics is different from relations. During the MoI agitation led by Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch (BBSM) did you raise a protest in the cabinet to not continue grants to English medium schools? Let us go back in time to the 2012 elections. Did we all not pledge our support to education in Marathi and Konkani? Did we not wear black t-shirts and protest against grants being doled out to English schools in government-aided school? When we had such a clear cut agenda and promise, can we back out on the same? BJP MLAs like Vishnu Wagh went across the state to preach the virtues of MoI in Konkani and Marathi languages. Where are we headed today? If we do not support Konkani and Marathi, our future generation will have no link to our mother tongue. Goa’s art, culture and traditions will be at peril. Sadly our politicians have chosen to ignore this important fact that will adversely impact society, not now, but surely in 25 years, when our children will sever their links with either Konkani or Marathi. If Parrikar was the Chief Minister of the state today, would you have opted out of the alliance? Parrikar’s style of functioning was different. He would always discuss and dialogue before taking a decision. There are many instances that he had not heeded to my requests and plans. But I have no ill feelings about that, because he would always give me reasons for the same. Nowadays, forget giving reasons, the current CM sometimes does not even respond to a phone call.

We are still in alliance with the BJP. So far as the future is concerned, I shall only be able to answer you after the code of conduct comes into play. Our party executive committee will assess the situation and take future action There is a criticism against you that although MG party is a party of the Bahujan Samaj, you prefer a high caste Chief Minister (Parrikar) over a Bahujan Chief Minister (Parsekar)… I don’t know who defines Bahujan Samaj. According to Bhausaheb Bandodkar, a Bahujan is someone who has to toil for a living… be it a farmer, shop keeper, menial labourer, regardless of caste. Whoever lives in luxury is not a Bahujan. Do you feel Parsekar fits your definition of a Bahujan? If he has toiled for a living, yes. I am not equating bahujans to any caste structure. Then why do you not prefer him as a Chief Minister? I feel that he doesn’t work hard. Going for the elections with him as a Chief Ministerial candidate would have surely spelt doom for us. In the past, Bahujans have worked under Pratapsingh Rane effectively. BJP has been boasting that they will return 26 MLAs to the Assembly. Then why are they desperate to bring Congressmen into their fold? They should go ahead and also bring Churchill Alemao, Micky Pacheco, Dayanand Narvekar into their party. And face the people. Do you feel BJP is following the Congress path here? Without any doubt! The only difference is that they are picking one of two people from other parties. Congress would take away a chunk. Congress’ Digvijay Singh has claimed that the charges of corruption against the Congress Party is because they had to pander to the whims and demands of their alliance partners (MGP being one)… Why don’t you ask Digamber Kamat if he was allowed to work by his cabinet? I have

never labeled congressmen as corrupt. Their problem is inaction. They don’t like to work. I had raised this issue with Digambar Kamat. In fact, I had gone to Gadkari’s predecessor (Oscar Fernandes) when the Congress was in government. This was to bring projects worth 2500 crores to Goa. On three occasions, he asked to bring the MPs from Goa along. I spoke to Francisco Sardinha and Shripad Naik. Both agreed. But Congress’ Rajya Sabha MP (Shantaram Naik) did not accompany me to seek this project. Hence it appeared to me that certain leaders within the Congress were not keen on Goa’s bid for development. Who do you think was stopping the government from working? I will give you an example of the JAICA project. Then Chief Minister Pratpsinh Rane took interest to push the project in 2006… tendering process was to start in 2007… nothing was done till 2010. In 2010, tenders were called for and kept in cold storage till 2012. It is only when the Parrikar administration took over in 2012, along with him, I saw to it that the 100mlt project at Sanguem, that was to provide water supply to South Goa, was completed. For the last ten years, you have been part of both, the Congress as well as BJP led governments. Which government do you feel was better? Under Digamber Kamat, the Congress government would have performed much better, if only Kamat could have controlled certain ministers. There were lots of hurdles put before Kamat, which made it difficult for him to perform as Chief Minister. I will call a government good, only if it works for the people. Whereas, with Manohar

Parrikar led government, there is tremendous vision. He can lead the state to glory. Till the time he was at the helm of affairs (as CM), there was very good administration in the state. With central ministers like Nitin Gadkari taking over, Parrikar involved me with key decision making and we could see projects like JAICA, severage system etc become a reality. Whatever development you see in the state today, is a reflection of the works done by PWD. When I make a statement that Goa has gone back by ten years, let other departments show what progress they have done in the last two years. I brought 10000 crore development to the state. Let others show what they have brought. How come MGP plans to field Babu Azgaokar from Pernem? Babu is a dynamic leader. He represents and works with the grassroots. May it be Gandhi Market in Margao or Margao Municipal Council, his work speaks for itself. He comes across as brusque and sharp in his demeanour, but as a person he is really nice. As he is contesting on a reserved seat (Pernem), we (MGP) were looking for a strong candidate. He called me and assured me support, as I am making a bid to the CM’s post under the MG party banner. Our party executive felt that Babu is a candidate who can win in Pernem. Who do you rate as the best Chief Minister in Goa? I would not like to compare. Manohar Parrikar brought in a lot of people-centric policies. As administrators, I would rate both, Pratapsinh Rane and Manohar Parrikar very highly. In his first tenure, Rane provided very good administration; whereas in his first term, because he was heading a coalition government, Parrikar had various constrains. Rane led the state from 1980 along with ministers like Babu Naik, who provided excellent administration to the state. I remember the day when the Mandovi Bridge collapsed (1986). There was

complete chaos all over Goa. Rane handled the situation very well. He built the Nehru stadium at Fatorda in 6 months flat. When people like Churchill got inducted into the Congress Party, Rane’s grip weakened. There are talks that you provide doles to your constituents. Some say that you build houses for them, pay their electricity bills, pay college fees… what is the truth? A lot of people come with donations. I route those to the needy directly, without any inolvement from my side. I have worked tirelessly for the people of Madkai over the last two decades. A few days ago, the Chief Minister made a statement that how can a member whose salary is 1 lakh make a donation of 25 lakhs? I wish to respond by saying that I am proud, that from 1982, I have been Class 1 A PWD contractor with a successful enterprise. Some of Goa’s biggest infrastructural projects – the polytechnic complex etc have been constructed by my firm, way before I entered the political domain. I have not depended on politics to make a living. What about MGP’s Alliance with Goa Suraksha Manch? Goa Suraksha Manch is thinking right. The thoughts and ideology of MGP and GSM are in sync. I had alerted Parrikar to sort out the MoI issue way before it exploded. However, I do not know why he did not heed to my suggestion. As someone close to the MoI movement, I could see a wedge getting created in his party in Goa. GSM has some very good people working towards the cause of Marathi and Konkani. GSM is raising issues of Goan grassroots… just like MGP. It is natural that we work together. However, I am not talking about any formal alliance until the code of conduct is in place.

your WEEKLY fix of Goa

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Saturday, 31 December 2016 My Goa

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Decking up for New Year’s Eve B alexia fernandes

iding adieu to the bygone year, people in Goa gear up, making plans to welcome the year ahead. As always, this is the time to make plans – whether to stay in town or go to a new city for a different experience. If you’re looking for the place to experience the best, Goa should be in your itinerary. A tourist’s haven throughout the year; Goa takes it a notch higher for Christmas and New Years’. There are several ways to kick-start the year but few are as indulgent as the experiences offered in this little paradise. Goa offers two distinctive New Year experiences. Whether it’s vibrant exciting parties you’re looking for; or choosing to celebrate New Year the Goan Sussegado style – you won’t be disappointed. The local festive mood is befitting for a romantic rendezvous evening with venues across the state throwing exciting parties and

hosting the best bands to keep you dancing all night long. If you’re not amused by clichéd parties and looking to be impressed by something more whimsical and dramatic; the hotels and resorts in Goa put up a spectacular show. Like the New Year’s Eve Garden of Dreams celebration that transforms your evening into a larger than life wonderland with captivating performances by local and international artists, delectable food, and a spectrum of colorful cocktails. For a truly fancy experience hotels and resorts like The Grand Hyatt, Goa Marriott Resort, Cidade de Goa, Holiday Inn to name a few, always have something new up their sleeve every year. With extravagant cuisines from across seas, live music and sizzling barbeques and grills by the sea; a night of leisure and savoring flavours awaits. A wild New Year party is one of the best escapes you can plan to ring in 2017 with your bunch of crazy friends.

As the sun sets in on the 31st of December; Goa lights up to make sure you begin the year on the highest note

Christmas and New years’ have in the past always been a beat higher with the international EDM festivals making its way to Goa bringing you the

best DJ’s from around the world. This year however the Government’s decision to shift two major EDM festivals – Sunburn and Supersonic

– to Pune may hinder party plans but there surely enough options to fill those slots. Planet Hollywood brought to Goa the King of Rap Badshah to set the

Saturday, 31 December 2016

mood for Goa’s craziest bash 2017. Goa’s most popular pubs and beach shacks are swarmed with crowds grooving to the best line up of DJ’s. If you can manage to make your way to these pubs fighting against all odds like the traffic chocked lanes then you will experience some of the best and the one of kind memories. The one party that everyone seems to be talking about is the

(Russia), Laurent Black (Italy), Dmitry Varko (Russia), Belle Vista (Italy), Annabelle (Ukraine), Jack Mathews (UK), DJ Deep (India), DJ Rohit (India) and DJ Sid (Goa). The entertainment lineup will kick-off with fire led belly dancers. Of course, there will be midnight fireworks and all the jazz that will make this a New Years Eve to remember. There is no place that offers

after sunset. To end the bygone year with all its’ ups and downs on a smoother note, the beaches welcome you with toasty bonfires, a tantalizing whiff of mouth watering grills and live music and a breath taking display of fireworks to get the party started. For adventurists out there who enjoy action packed holiday’s as much as peaceful

The one party that everyone seems to be talking about is the one at Club LPK. Founded by party guru Nandan Kudchadkar, this year, the line up of DJs is a one to beat at what is pipped as ‘Asia’s biggest club party’ with a theme ‘Fifty Shades of Gold’ one at Club LPK. Founded by party guru Nandan Kudchadkar, this year, the line up of DJs is a one to beat at what is pipped as ‘Asia’s biggest club party’ with a theme ‘Fifty Shades of Gold’. International DJs and bands in performance are Draganuv

a gastronomical seafood affair like Goa. Goa’s coastal paradise draws coveting travelers from far and wide. The shacks and restaurants that the serene coast serves the daily catch just the way you like it- seasoned and fresh. The beaches on New Years’ eve stay brighter long

Nandan Kudchadkar

getaways; Goa has a range of water sports, beach games, hot air balloon safaris, duck boat rides, invigorating Indian and Western spa treatments to make sure the thrilling New Years Eve excitement continues well into the rest of the year ahead.

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Saturday, 31 December 2016 My Goa

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where are the ragpickers? Rohan Govekar

or many decades, an invisible labour force has served the city of Panjim. They took walks around town, a jute bag rested on their shoulders, their eyes constantly searching for stray bottles, cardboard boxes, paper bits that could be lying around on pavements and roads. No sooner had these anamolies been spotted, they would be swiftly shoved into those jute bags, only to be released and segregated at a regular meet-point, to be

traded to agents of recycling plants. The ragpickers were selfemployed and earned a healthy daily wage from this trade, and they worked tirelessly and efficiently with a smile of their faces. This whole mechanism has been functioning smoothly: shopkeepers who generate garbage from their packaging material were only too happy that someone collected their garbage at an astonishing hourly basis. In fact after the competition among individual ragpickers stepped in, the wait-time would be reduced to 15 minutes sometimes. Try to picture each of the city shops with cardboard piled up on the footpaths. Ugly sight. Huh? The ragpickers were not a blessing to the retailers and traders alone; they took a

flight of fury A

viation is a strange profession. I love it to death, but the strange part is that if I meet my end in my line of work, it’s most likely that I’ll be blamed. I’ll be blamed long before any proof is brought forward. I’ll be blamed by the media, by the people. I’ll be blamed by the passengers if they survive. In a week the data recorders will be analysed and then maybe they’ll find that it’s not my fault. That I fought for hope amidst hopelessness till my dying breath. Sadly that won’t make as good a headline as much as “pilot error”, or “pilot veers off runway when aligning for takeoff ”. In fact, it was nothing to do with aligning that brought this ill-fated crew to a halt just short the peripheral wall at Dabolim yesterday (December 27). How I wish I could explain

This Facebook post raises a valid human-interest question. The fact that the writer also happens to be a Panjim market trader makes it all the more relevant

load off the already burdened Municipality workers who were - am not kidding you not 1/100th as efficient. Strikes and holidays were not a part of these ragpickers’ lifestyle, too. So these guys were like an entire army of efficient, unpaid, dedicated garbage-collectors if you view them from the Municipality’s perspective. Now coming to the crucial part. Suddenly these ragpickers

have disappeared from the city for the last one month and I’ve been wondering where they left for during a time which happens to be peak business season for them too. And then it occurred to me that the CCP has suddenly brought about some fresh rule that the ragpickers are not authorised to collect trash and that all citizens/shopkeepers are instructed to hand over their

trash to CCP workers who will knock on their door only once in a day, in the morning. Hence it can’t be such a coincidence that the CCP makes some law changes and they happen to be enforced at a time where the poor ragpickers have suddenly migrated from Goa. I suspect insensitivity and foul play. I don’t intend to make any wild allegations against the powerful and crazy poeple controlling the CCP, but I wish to find out more about why the ragpickers have vanished at the exact time these new, impractical and inconvenient rules have been brought into play. Can we have the media to look into this seemingly inhuman manner in which an entire tribe of hardworking, underprivileged people have been compelled to leave?

In the middle of this week, a Jet Airways flight made news for veering off the runway, on its way to take off. Shrugging the brouhaha around, the pilot of the flight took to social media with this letter that’s worth a read

concepts of asymmetric thrust to the number of people passing silent judgment and being armchair jurors. How do I tell someone about how much thrust 27,000 odd pounds is? How do I reiterate what a reverser unlock is? How do I tell the person that the same 27,000 pounds is now in an opposite direction? Most of the crowd probably doesn’t even know what a moment arm or a couple is. They dropped physics in 8th grade as it was too complex. That said, they blame the human machine who earns his bread and butter, putting into

practice what they felt was too complicated. To be honest it’s disgusting - flying this kind of passenger and taking responsibility for his life for however long it may be. How do I explain not being able to see three taxiway lights in front of me to a crowd that says, “anyway you autoland in fog”? How? It’s at the brink of frustration that I’m writing this. Back in the day, an old grey instructor told me, “Son, in this world of civil aviation, its best to be a nameless faceless pilot who does his job

and goes home!” I probably didn’t understand it then but now, more than ever, I totally understand. The sad part is it doesn’t matter if it is a Cactus 1511 with Sully or the 9W aircraft. Sadly, with technology improving in the home and workplace, the human has become the weak link. Sometimes one must note that the human is the strongest link. Without them shutting down the malfunctioning engine, the plane might have gone into the terminal, increasing the statistics of loss of life As an appeal to the nonaviation public, believe that we as pilots love what we do and would never put anyone’s life in jeopardy. We are sons, daughters, wives, husbands, parents, just like you. We haven’t fallen from the realm of Asgard into the helm of these metal ships. It takes years

of hard work to achieve it. Media folk, this is an appeal to you: It’s you who have sensationalised our profession with scandals, malpractices, and so on. Paint the right picture of pilots worldwide. Tell people that we are there to save lives, not take them. Make an honest effort to redeem your name when you’re standing at heaven’s gates, or you’ll probably have the boatman remove you from the boat. Educate the masses - who you manipulate to get more views - to the actual facts of thrust, lift, weight and drag. Tell them, from start to finish, what happens from takeoff to touchdown. Do tell them that when they see the wind looping out of the window and the tip moving, there is a hand guiding this giant metal bird through the skies.

Saturday, 31 December 2016

THEARTS CINEMA

Saturday, 31 December 2016 My Goa

@MyGoa

Aamir scores again, with Dangal

It is a wonderful telling of a true story that is poignant and inspiring as well as a reflection of the state of sports in the country. A paint by numbers sports movie where the underdog wins, you are happy to be manipulated into watching the story unfold. Aamir Khan produces and acts in the movie directed marvelously by Nitesh Tiwari. It is the story of Mahavir Singh Phogat, an ex-wrestler who hopes his son will win the international medal in the sport. He has given up hopes because he only has daughters. But when he realises that his daughters have more spunk than he gave them credit, he trains them into becoming champions. Now it’s wholly predictable because the story is biographical. But Nitesh Tiwari has the rare talent to hold your attention throughout the telling of the tale, and has control of

the star who generally tends to outshine everyone and everything else in his movies. Aamir Khan actually plays Mahavir Singh Phogat and the director manages to keep the star in check, without allowing Aamir a single triumphant see-i’m-a-perfectionist smirk. Mahavir the father and Mahavir the coach are two roles Aamir plays beautifully. Sakshi Tanwar, the perfect TV Bhabi manages to get into the role of Mahavir’s wife. The little Haryana town

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A new blockbuster on the horizon

has been created wonderfully with all its eccentric characters and the story happens so naturally, you sit back and enjoy the popcorn. The training of Geeta and Babita, the townsfolk sniggering at Mahavir’s efforts, the two girls and their cousin fighting the training tooth and nail then finally agreeing, the local ‘dangals’(wrestling contests), the state championships, the national championships and so on...it follows a paint by numbers pattern. But the story BOOKSHELF

is told from the point of view of the young cousin, forced to train with the girls, who grows up as one of the best characters we have seen introduced on screen this year. Actor Aparshakti Khurrana deserves kudos for keeping us glued to the screen by telling us the story in an engaging anecdotal manner. The two girls Geeta and Babita are played by really sweet child stars Zaira Wasim and Suhani Bhatnagar and they grow up to be Fatima Sana Sheikh and Sanya Malhotra. The little girls are just adorable. They try everything they possibly can to not become ‘pehelwaans’ their father wants them to be. They want wear nail polish, dance at weddings and eat chaat and pickles with their food. The transformation of these kids into champion wrestlers is amazing. Indians tend to just look upon cricket as religion. This movie

Decoding The Raj An Era of Darkness: The British Empire in India originated from a speech made by Shashi Tharoor at the Oxford Union in 2015, that went viral across digital platforms clocking 3.5 million hits. In this explosive book, the author reveals with acuity, impeccable research, and trademark wit, just how disastrous British rule was for India. Besides examining the many ways in which the colonizers exploited India, ranging from the drain of national resources to Britain, the destruction of the Indian textile, steel-making and shipping industries, and the negative transformation of agriculture, he demolishes the arguments of Western and Indian apologists for Empire on the supposed benefits of British rule, including democracy and political freedom, the rule of law, and the railways. The few unarguable benefits—the

catapults and not so known sport of wrestling and bring it mainstream. Credit is hugely due to Aamir Khan for finding a cause for women’s sports and the movie really, really works in that regard. Thankfully the preaching is restricted only to one dialog and it does not jar your senses that much. Yes, the championship matches seem too long, but I suppose they are a necessary evil. They have been recreated brilliantly, and at one point in the semi-finals, the entire audience is holding its collective breath. And that’s a triumph, isn’t it? This film has tears, patriotic heart-swell, happiness, frustration, anger, pain and everything you expect from a sports film. But it is wrapped in gentle humor and that makes this film a must see. It is a great way to end the year and will get counted as one of the ten best films of 2016.

An Era of Darkness: The British Empire in India by Shashi Tharoor about the Author: Shashi Tharoor is the bestselling author of fifteen previous books, both fiction and non-fiction, besides being a noted critic and columnist. His books include the pathbreaking satire The Great Indian Novel (1989), the classic India: From Midnight to the Millennium (1997), and most recently, India Shastra: Reflections on the Nation in Our Time (2015). He was a former Under Secretary-General of the United Nations and a former Minister of State for Human Resource Development and Minister of State for External English language, tea, and Affairs in the Government cricket – were never actually of India. He is a two-time intended for the benefit of member of the Lok Sabha from the colonized but introduced Thiruvananthapuram and to serve the interests of the chairs Parliament’s External colonizers. Aleph Book Affairs Committee. He has Company will serve to correct won numerous literary awards, many misconceptions about including a Commonwealth one of the most contested Writers’ Prize periods of Indian history.

Saturday, 31 December 2016 MEDIA

Raju Nayak elected as Chairman of Press Accreditation Committee

(Left to Right) John Aguiar, Kailash, Ganesh Shetkar, Shreeram Ganpatrao Pachindre, Raju Nayak, Jayant Tari, Waman Prabhu, Sadguru Patil, Kanzil Rodrigues and Shyam Gaonkar. Editor of Lokmat Raju Nayak was unanimously elected as the Chairman of Press Accreditation Committee of Goa at the meeting of newly nominated members of the PAC at Department ART

of Information & Publicity, Udyog Bhavan, Panaji on December 28, 2016. Member Secretary and Director of Information & Publicity Jayant Tari, Editor of Gomantak Shriram Pachindre,

Editor of Goa Doot, Waman Prabhu, President of Goa Union of Journalist Sadguru Patil, Information Officer (Publicity) John Aguiar, Information Assistant Shyam Gaonkar were present.

Ashok Vajpeyi at Museum of Goa on 6th Jan Ashok Vajpeyi has spent a lifetime in service of Indian art and culture. Over the years he has worked tirelessly to enhance mutual awareness and interaction between Indian and foreign c u l t u r e s . A frequent presence at major conferences, seminars and poetry-festivals, he has raised his voice for the autonomy of literature and arts as against contemporary tyrannies of ideologies, markets and fundamentalism. As editor of many prestigious journals he has done much to promote critical awareness of contemporary and classical arts and young talent in poetry and criticism. He has been a writer inresidence at Jamia Millia Islamia University and a fellow

Ashok Vajpeyi

Chairman of Lalit Kala Akademi India’s National Academy of Arts (20082011), renowned poet, essayist and literary-cultural critic, Ashok Vajpeyi will speak at Museum of Goa of K K Birla Foundation. He lives in Delhi after retiring from civil service. He has been decorated by the President of Republic of Poland by the outstanding national award ‘The Officer’s Cross of Merit of

the Republic of Poland’ and the French Govt. by the award of ‘Officier De L’Ordre Des Arts Et Des Lettres’. He has written two large books on the Paris-based Indian master Sayed Haider Raza and presently serves as Managing Trustee of The Raza Foundation, New Delhi. Vajpeyi will sit in conversation with Fouding Director of Museum of Goa and contemporary artist, Dr. Subodh Kerkar. Their dialogue constitutes the debut session of an ongoing academic platform presented by The Raza Foundation in collaboration with Museum of Goa. The talks, entitled Kala Vichaar: Dialogues on Contemporary Art, will initiate discussions between artists and scholars of various disciplines encouraging an interaction between different forms of contemporary art. This deational exchange will be hosted at 6 PM on Friday 6 January at Museum of Goa, Pilerne.

whatsup

WORKSHOPS > CLASSES > HOBBIES North Goa

Chess Classes: Classes are conducted by Shravan Shrikant Barve, (FIDE rating 1825), at Barve’s Chess Academy, above Hotel Ruchi, Vrindavan Chambers, Patto Near Panaji bus stand, 3 pm to 7pm contact 9326132702 Ceramic Classes: By Helga Hofreiter and Deepa Rao, Open to both beginners and advanced artists; Fee – Rs 12,000(for 8 day course), Rs 1500 (individual classes), at Museum of Goa, Pilerne, Bardez, 930 am – 12.30 pm Fine Art Workshop Exhibition: A 12 – week programme that will bring out children’s imagination and creativity, for children aged 8 to14 years. Contact 9049020904. Homeopathic Kidney Stone Camp: By Dr Kaushik Jadhav, at Naik Hospital, Aquem Margao, on Tuesday and Thursday, between 12pm to 2 pm and 6.30 to 8 pm; For appointments contact 8408813062. Spanish Classes: Hosted by Clara Astarloa, at Communicare Trust, Dona Paula, at 4 pm. Entrance exam training: For Fine Arts, Fashion, Design, Animation, Architecture, and Creative Writing, at Pyde Pyper Art Academy, La Marvel Colony Dona Paula Contact: 7744094430/ 9850614430/ 8879076380 Pat-a-Cake, B a k e r y Wo r k s h o p : Children from 7 to 17 years of age are invited to join an amazing class of savouries and desserts, on Jan2, at 3 pm to 6 pm; Contact 9766015762 Self defense Classes: Krav Maga Global India presents Workshop on KMG solutions to knife attacks by Instructor

Elroy Vaz, on Jan 7 at Basilios, Panaji, at 9.30 to 1.00 pm; Contact +91 9820059070/ +91 9764598068 facebook / KravMagaGlobalIndia. Fun activity Classes: Conducted on Tuesdays and Thursdays, at Happy Hearts School Porvorim, from 4 pm – 5pm Contact 9604200737/ 881077069/ happyheartsgoa.com. Guitar Classes: With Tony Fernandes at Museum of Goa, Pilerne, at 4 pm. Foreign language Workshop: At Detroit Institute, near Immaculate Conception Church, behind George Bar N Restaurant, Jose Falcao Road Panaji from 9 am – 1 pm, and 2 pm – 7 pm Contact 9822131835/ detroitinstitute@ gmail.com South Goa Guitar Course: Introductory, advanced and one – on -one classes eight classes, from Wednesday and Saturday, at Carpe Diem, Majorda; Contact 0832 – 2881035/ 8888862462/ info@ carpediemgao.com Yoga classes at your residence: In and around Margao to help deal with problems like obesity, diabetes respiratory problems and to obtain fitness. Contact 9403273525 / 8408813062 Yoga sessions: Will benefit those with problems like obesity, back problems, asthma, migraine, diabetes and other chronic health problems, at Damodar Hall, Borda Margao thrice a week, 9 am – 5.30 pm contact : 9403273525/ 8408813062 Dance Sessions: Learn hiphop, freestyle and urban dance styles with Akshay, at Casa Dos Gamas, Verna, every Tuesday and Friday, 5pm – 6.30 pm. Ceramic Classes: Regular ceramic and hand built pottery classes (materials provide), at Carpe Diem, Majorda, at 3.30 pm Email your event listings to us at mygoa.mag@gmail.com

whatsup

Saturday, 31 December 2016

Apurva Kulkarni presents Ego: The Strange and Wonderful World of Self-Portraits at Gallery Gitanjali on 6th January

Aaron Lobo talks on the impact of our seafood choices on the marine ecosystem

hat is the cost of our seafood choices on the marine ecosystem and coastal communities that depend on it? A large proportion of the seafood caught is wasted, either by being discarded or reduced to fishmeal for the animal feed industry (to feed farmed chickens and fish). This is not just a threat to marine ecosystems, but also to livelihoods, food security and health. While there have been a large number of recommendations (and in some cases effort) made to reverse the current trends, little has changed. There is a need to move away from the current high volume (but destructive and wasteful) ‘industrial’

fishing to one that promotes quality with as little wastage as possible. Besides giving us a glimpse of how our seafood is produced, this talk will explore how we could improve our relationship with the sea and our seafood as a possible way to drive positive change. Aaron Lobo is a marine ecologist who has worked in South Asia and West Africa. He completed his PhD from the University of Cambridge. He is also member of the IUCN Sea Snake specialist group and a recipient of the Sanctuary Asia - ABN AMRO Award. 7 pm on 2nd January at People Tree, 6 Assagao, Cursino Villa, House 6 (Near Hotel Astoria) Saunto Vaddo, Assagao. Call: 0832-2268228.

magine, the fortnightly film club hosted by Apurva Kulkarni at Gallery Gitanjali in Fontainhas, Panjim invites you to the screening of Ego:The

Strange and Wonderful World of Self-Portraits on Friday, 06th January at 6 pm. Art critic Laura Cumming takes a journey through more

than five centuries of selfportraits and finds out how the greatest names in western art transformed themselves into their own masterpieces. The film argues that selfportraits are a unique form of art, one that always reveals the truth of how artists saw themselves and how they wanted to be known to the world. Examining the works of key self-portraitists including Durer, Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Warhol, Laura traces the development of the genre, uncovering the strange and various ways artists have managed to get their inner and outer selves to match up. Laura investigates the stories behind key selfportraits, interviews artists as they attempt a self-portrait, and shows how the history of the self-portrait is about more than how art and artists have changed; it also charts the evolution of the way we see ourselves and what it means to be human. Genre: Documentary, Visual Arts Directed by: Sebastian Barfield Runtime: 1 hour 30 minutes

Delson Roche

Aliston Dias

Delson Roche

Aliston Dias

QuizStock: Top-level quizzing in Goa on 14th & 15th January

At International Centre, Goa Aniruddha Sen Gupta

uizStock, the Sunday Evening Quiz Club (SEQC)’s ‘festival of quizzing’, will be held in Panjim on the weekend of January 1415, 2017. The event, which annually brings quizzers of the top levels to Goa with a promise of the highest standards of quizzing, will feature six quizzes over the

course of the two days. The line-up this time around differs from the standard quiz types, and ventures into some quirky territory. One standard, though, is the Goa Open, which is Goa’s premier open quiz of the year. Also part of the programme will be the final of SEQC’s ongoing competition, called ‘Master, Mind It!’. This is the full schedule:

Vidyadhar Gadgil

Saturday, January 14 10.30am-1.30pm: Social Media Quiz 2.30pm-4.30pm: Crime Quiz 5pm-8.30pm: The Goa Open Sunday, January 15 9.30am-1pm: Literature Quiz 2pm-4pm: Punishment Quiz 4.30pm-6pm: Master, Mind It! final 6pm-8.30pm: Endings Quiz The quizzes will be

Rajiv D’Silva

conducted by some of Goa’s top quizzers and quizmasters – Nitish Wagle, Vidyadhar Gadgil, Rajiv D’Silva and Aniruddha Sen Gupta. More details are available on the SEQC blog, http://seqc. blogspot.in Participation for all the quizzes is open to all, and entry is free. No registration is required. There will be minor

Nitish Wagle

prizes for all the competitive prizes, but not sufficient to be the major incentive (a love of quizzing is expected to fulfill that purpose). Offers for sponsorship or prizes in cash or kind are welcome, and can be made by calling Rajiv D’Silva (9890141715) or Anjali Sen Gupta (9860089733), or emailing seqcgoa@gmail.com

Saturday, 31 December 2016

With withdrawal of Goan clubs, I-League has lost its sheen I rohit bhandiye

ndia’s premier domesticlevel football tournament – I-League won’t be the same henceforth. The decision of top Goan clubs – Dempo, Salgaocar and Sporting Goa not to participate in the I-League for the 2016-17 season is a big jolt for the already suffering national league that has seen a lot of other clubs also choose not to participate over the last few seasons. Teams like Pune FC, Bharat FC, Royal Wahingdoh and some others have also quit the top division league in the last few seasons. Now, with the exit of Goan clubs, the league has lost much of its sheen. After all, Goan clubs have dominated the I-League like no other side with little or no challenge from elsewhere. In the last ten seasons, Goan clubs have won seven I-League titles among them – Dempo (4), Churchill Brothers (2) and Salgaocar (1). Such has been their dominance in the league. When AIFF came up with a plan of merger between

In the last ten seasons, Goan clubs have won seven I-League titles among them – Dempo (4), Churchill Brothers (2) and Salgaocar (1). Such has been their dominance in the league

I-League and ISL, Salgaocar and Dempo were among the main opposers of the merger. The issue being the norelegation rule and the limit put on the inclusion of I-League teams in ISL. The proposal stated that alongside the eight existing ISL teams, only two or three I-League teams could join the ISL and on top of it, there will be no relegation for the initial few years keeping in mind the clauses in the contracts between IMG-R, ISL and the AIFF. As a way of protest, Salgaocar was the first Goan club to opt out from the 201617 season of the I-League and now, Sporting Goa and Dempo too, have followed suit. The clubs also wrote to FIFA and

AFC regarding the issues but did not get a response that could solve them. Interestingly, Salgaocar and Dempo were the co-owners of the ISL franchise FC Goa before they quit in July 2016. Over the years, Goan clubs have not been able to attract audiences for their matches. Unlike FC Goa in t h e ISL, the

sports

I-League matches of the three clubs from Goa hardly witness good crowds. With the I-League struggling in every angle, low attendances also contribute to put it in bad light. Poor marketing of the league has been one of the reasons for the low attendance. D e m p o SC were relegated in the 2014-15 I-League and played in the second division league in the 2015-16 season. With a bolstered squad and determination to return to the top division, Dempo emerged 5 points clear on top ahead of Minerva and got the promotion. Now, all that effort seems to have gone down the drain. Sporting Goa too

Rosary College of Arts and Commerce too Anticipatory bail plea to be heard good for Indira College of Commerce (PUNE) on January 2nd in Goa Cricket

Association fraud case

Rosary College Goa (Purple) in action during their match against Indira College of Commerce (PUNE) on Day 1 of Reliance Foundation Youth Sports National Football

Championship in Mumbai. Rosary College of Arts and Commerce (GOA) : 2 (Sneddon Medeira 70’, Jasper Pereira 90’) beat Indira College of Commerce (PUNE): 0.

The anticipatory bail application of Goa Cricket Association (GCA) officials including its president Chetan Dessai, Secretary Vinod Phadke and former treasurer Akbar Mulla was placed before the additional district and session court judge P V Sawaikar at Mapusa. The anticipatory bail application will be heard on January 2 by the court. It may be recalled that the economic offences cell of Goa Police had registered first information report against GCA president Chetan Dessai, Secretary Vinod Phadke, former president Dayanand

Narvekar and former treasure Akbar Mulla in connection with alleged siphoning of Rs 1 crore. The EOC has alleged and booked all accused for hatching criminal conspiracy and for depositing a cheque of Rs 1 crore in a fraudulent bank account and thereby misappropriated funds for TV subsidy which was sent by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to Goa thus cheating the GCA to the tune of Rs 1 crore. The FIR has been registered under various sections of Indian Penal Code for cheating, forgery and for hatching criminal conspiracy.

showed little intention of withdrawing from the I-League and were recently granted the National License by the AIFF and even came close to getting an AFC Licence for the season. But, now with the withdrawal of these clubs, the future of many Indian players has been jeopardized who have been signed by these clubs. Players like Mandar Rao Desai, Romeo Fernandes, Rowllin Borges, Laxmikant Kattimani, Francis Fernandes, and many others would be left unemployed. Whether the clubs would hand out the players to other clubs on loan remains to be seen but it that isn’t done, the decision could be a big blow for many more players who are emerging. With three big names out of the I-League, the AIFF has no option but to include new teams in the top division to keep it viable. This season will see a return of representation from all four regions of the country – Mohun Bangan, East Bengal, Aizwal FC and Shillong Lajong from the East and North East; Mumbai FC, DSK Shivajians and Churchil Brothers from the West; Bengaluru FC and Chennai City FC from the South and debutants Minerva Punjab will bring the North back into top flight Indian football after a gap of five seasons. It is a difficult to say whether the withdrawal of the three Goan clubs is very much justified or not. But, one thing is sure though. It will surely affect the I-League and all the players involved. The future of Indian football remains as uncertain as ever.

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