INTERVIEW: Subhash Velingkar, founder of Goa Suraksha Manch, talks about his politics RNI No. goaeng/2015/60455
MyGoa `10
4 february 2017
the complete goan newsweekly
vol 3 | issue 1 | panaji - goa | 16 pages
goa votes As the state goes to vote for Assembly Elections today, we look at the campaigns run by various political parties
editorial
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vote you must
Harshvardhan Bhatkuly
I
was always led to believe that it is better to be a first class citizen in a third world country rather than being a second class citizen in a first world country. With no offence to my friends, who are enjoying the comforts of the developed world, it is the comfort of Goa and India which has shaped me and my opinions. The fact that I am born and brought up in Goa, gives me tremendous pride and joy. For a nation that is seven decades into its republican character, we have one of the best electoral systems in the world. While the voting pattern of the ‘electoral college’ in the US elections baffled all and sundry, elections in India are that way quite simple – the first past the post system, derived from the Westminster model still bodes well in the popular elections of this country. Now, with the electronic voting machine, the simplicity and speed of tabulating votes works wonderfully. We must, spare a moment to acknowledge the efforts of the Election Commission of India. This constitutional body has seen to it that free and fair elections are held across the length and breadth of this huge and complex nation. Although I have an axe to grind with the hyper governance and often times asinine rules that were put in place in Goa – like the nakabandis at the same spot for days on end – assuming that people trafficking illegal objects and cash would open the boots of their cars to the police waiting for them – was stretching things a bit too far. But hampering of personal comforts aside, there was by and large no cause for complain in the way the EC conducted the pre-election state of affairs
in Goa. I must also add that the various frenzied technical rules about banners and their sizes baffled the free thinker in me. I heard one of the election officers mention on local television that the EC wanted to afford a ‘level playing field’ to all candidates. But getting into how big or small the banner and its dimensions should be, was really getting too finicky with election management. This, in my opinion, is transgression on your freedom of expression. My other cause of concern was the pre-censorship of election material. Every political party had to obtain an approval from the chief electoral officer to release their advertising material in newspapers. The Supreme Court, in many of its judgements, has held all sorts of pre-censorship to be unconstitutional, and devoid of the principles of free speech. Political parties fell in line and did not challenge the vires of this executive action, perhaps because the paucity of time for elections and campaigning left them with no energy to challenge this rule. Elections are festivals of democracy, said the Honourable Governor in her speech at the National Voter’s Day event. I could not agree more with Her Excellency. But just like all festivals, this one too, has certain traditions that go with it – like the canvassing and campaigning; mudslinging on opponents, and breaking news. However, barring a couple of incidents, this election has not thrown any great controversy for the public to feast on. Coming back to the fact that we enjoy the fruits of being part of the world’s biggest and most complex democracy, it was
Saturday, 4 February 2017
INSV Tarini to circumnavigate the earth Tarini, a replica of the iconic Mhadei, built by Aquarius Shipyard in 2009, is set to circumnavigate the Earth marking yet another historic milestone. Tarini will be the Indian Navy’s second sail training boat, capable of blue water and all-weather sailing. The boat will be sailed around the Earth by all women team of Indian Navy officers, led by Lt Cdr Vartika Joshi. This will be the maiden circumnavigation under sail by an Indian allwomen crew. The team has been trained by Capt Dilip Donde (Retd). Tarini’s keel was laid by Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on 27 March 2016, at the Aquarius Shipyard on Divar Island. The construction was diligently overseen by the Warship Overseeing Team, Goa, idea of and the sea trials were successfully the week completed on 30 January 2017, with the wholehearted support of the Captain of Ports, Panaji. Tarini’s journey will soon add to historic path breaking voyages like the first Solo Circumnavigation by an Indian, by Capt Dilip Donde (Retd) in 2009-10, and the first NonStop Solo Circumnavigation by an Indian, by Cdr Abhilash Tomy in 2012-13
in the news Captain Sanjay D’Cunha The Commanding Officer of INS Mandovi and son of the soil Captain Sanjay D’Cunha was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal on the eve of Republic Day. D’Cunha is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla, and was commissioned into the Indian Navy in July 1991. Coming from a military family, his father Maj Gen Ivan D’Cunha retired from the Indian Army after 40 years of distinguished service. Hailing from Curtorim, Salcete, Captain D’Cunha has served in various ships including the missile corbet Kuthar, heartening to see a sustained campaign by the Election Commission and icons for the election go all out to inspire eligible voters to cast their vote. We are told that we get the government that we deserve. Of course, we do. And the fact that
D’Cunha is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla, and was commissioned into the Indian Navy in July 1991 our polity believes in the larger good of the larger numbers, there is hardly any room for complaint. On this day of the ‘festival of democracy’, it is my privilege to wish you all a very happy election day. Get up. Rise and
guided Missile Destroyer Delhi and Frigates Trishul and Brahmaputra. He was selected for the Electro Magnetic Spectrum Management Course at the Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, USA in 2000 where he graduated with Honours. He also completed the SSTR course at APCSS Hawaii, USA in 2007. The Officer is a post graduate in Defence and Strategic Studies from the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. D’Cunha also holds an MSc in Telecommunications from CUSAT, Kochi and an MPhil in Defence and Strategic Studies from the Mumbai University. Prior to taking over as Commanding Officer, INS Mandovi, he was Command Communication Officer of the Western Naval Command. shine. And get inked. Celebrate your right as voter! Editorial, Advertising and Administrative Office MY GOA 409, Citicentre, EDC Patto Plaza, Panaji, 403001 Goa Tel.: 0832-6456555, 2437822 Email: mygoa.mag@gmail.com www.mygoanews.com
Printed, published and owned by Harshvardhan V. Bhatkuly and printed at Elegant Offset Printers, Karaswada, Mapusa Goa and Published at 409, Citicentre, EDC Patto Plaza, Panaji - Goa 403001. Editor: Harshvardhan V. Bhatkuly Unsolicited material may not be returned. The opinions in columns and other stories expressed in My Goa are not necessarily that of the publishers and the Publisher/Editor shall not be held liable for any inaccuracy or otherwise. While great care is being taken to ensure accuracy of information, the publishers are not responsible for omissions or incorrect information. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the publishers.
Saturday, 4 February 2017
The Campaign Trail
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COVERSTORY
As Goa goes to vote for the Assembly Elections today, we take a look at the hectic month-long campaign run by political parties in the state
My Goa news desk
R
ight from 1963, Goa has fought elections on issues that have been burning in the land. If the earlier elections were fought on the issues of merger into Maharashtra and the fight for the Goan identity, later on, the narrative moved to official language status for Konkani. Still others were fought on the moral character of certain candidates and corruption; while in the elections of 2012, the buzzwords were illegal mining and allegations of corruption against the Congress party. This election, in that sense, is a lot different. We don’t see a single issue corner the headlines – rather, there are various issues entwined into the public storyline of Goa that clamour for attention, and jostle up the voter for her indulgence. BJP’s Campaign For 25 years, the BJP has hovered around its main pinch hitter, Manohar Parrikar. This year has been no different. It has been Parrikar all the way despite his personal image and charisma taking a major beating. It is evident that the BJP in the state cannot do without its Bhai. Parrikar’s election promise has been development; and the various infrastructural projects taken up and completed by the BJP government in the last five years. The party is also canvassing for votes on the basis of the various welfare schemes and doles
For 25 years, the BJP has hovered around its main pinch hitter, Manohar Parrikar. This year has been no different. It is evident that the BJP in the state cannot do without its Bhai given to citizens like the Laadli Laxmi and Griha Aadhar Yojana Accused of taking several U-turns over the last five years, the former Chief Minister has not come out in categorical defense against any of the allegations; rather choosing to flog the already dead horse of the Congress rule prior to taking over the reins in 2012. There were questions raised on mining and the recovery of illegal mining money, which he had promised the electorate in 2012. He has gone on to reiterate that he will bring the wrongdoers to the books. Parrikar has also skirted the issue of casino banning, which he had advocated strongly in the run-up to the 2012 elections. In 2012, when receiving a national award from the media channel CNN IBN, the Defence Minister had corrected the anchor Rajdeep Sardesai and said that it was not the Supreme Court which banned mining in Goa, it was he (Parrikar himself) who had done it. In this election, he
has been consistently blaming the Supreme Court for the mining ban, which the BJP claimed had taken a toll on the state’s finances – and stopped many of their projects. The BJP’s electoral strategy was well maneuvered, considering that it had given a tacit nod for many of its new candidates to ‘start work’ in their respective constituencies. In that regard, the party was hardly taken by surprise when elections were called in the state, giving only a month for the candidates for their entire campaign. There were a few mutinies here and there, which were quelled by Parrikar, as he has always done. The only big ticket rebel was former Sports Minister and senior Scheduled Tribes leader, Ramesh Tawadkar, who was denied his candidature from Canacona, and who chose to run for office as an independent candidate. However, mid-stream the BJP realized that its campaign did not connect with the constituents, and chose to go for the jugular by pulling its trump card – Bhai, again. National leaders like Nitin Gadkari came and set the cat among pigeons by hinting that Parrikar would be back in Goa as chief minister if BJP was voted back in power. The other strategy was of availing central funds – a veiled threat with a sugar coated message from no less than the Prime Minister himself to give BJP a comfortable majority, and he would make life comfortable for Goa! The other failure of the BJP was ignoring the promise of a special status for Goa – a promise which Narendra
Modi had made in no uncertain terms – when he addressed Goa before the parliamentary elections of 2014. Campaigners of the special status movement seemed dejected after they were told that Goa could not be afforded special status under the Constitution of India. To add insult to injury, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar made a ludicrous comment that the new Zuari bridge, would actually be the ‘special status’ – and had the activists fuming. Congress’ Call In sharp contrast, but not unpredictably, was the campaign of the Congress party. A divided house to begin with, the grand old party came to a ‘working relationship’ with many of its factions – to put a united face as the campaign for the polls raced ahead. Starting off with GPCC President Luizinho Faleiro, there were obvious blunders while giving out tickets, leaving out faithfuls like Trajano D’Mello, Tulio de Sousa and Sunil Kauthankar. The campaign then changed hands, with senior central leader Digvijay Singh taking control along with other trusted Congressman from the Rahul Gandhi camp, Girish Chodankar. The campaign was built on an even keel, with consistent statements against the U-turns of the BJP government. However, many believe that they squandered a golden opportunity of taking Parrikar head on and putting the BJP on the mat. Although Congress talked about the failures of the BJP, there seemed to be lack of communication about its concrete plans for the future and action. They say that one week in politics is a long time – a couple of weeks of a dithering Congress, allowed the BJP to recharge its ammunition and go from a defending position to attack on the Congress policies of over five years back. The BJP also blamed the Congress for the introduction of casinos, notwithstanding the fact that its own government had added to the tally and worse, betrayed a
COVERSTORY poll promise to wipe them out of the seas. However, what may come to haunt the Congress is the fact that it failed to stitch a formal alliance with the NCP, Goa Forward Party and Babush Monseratte’s United Goans.
Jhadu Sweep The most impressive campaign in the state was run by the Aam Aadmi Party. Even hardcore detractors of AAP, were left impressed by the sheer orchestration of the state-wide campaigning, by one of the youngest political parties in India. Right from the time it declared its candidates, and there were no fewer mistakes here, too – AAP ran a consistent campaign, taking on the BJP and the Congress. Attacking the established parties, their central leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Kumar Vishwas got the equations right with state campaigners like Oscar Rebello and Elvis Gomes. The fact that Gomes was declared the chief ministerial candidate of the AAP worked well with the minority, that has gravitated towards the AAP. Candidates like Valmiki Naik (Panaji) and Cecille Rodrigues (Taleigao) took the ante up in their own constituencies and have created a space for the AAP by engaging on social media, and have made fence sitters rethink their ballot options. Despite being accused of ‘importing outsiders’ to campaign in the state, the AAP campaign went ahead full steam. Its on-ground management of candidates, as they went house to house, as also, its volunteer force will remain a huge worry for the established parties, . Another factor that worked in favour of the AAP campaign was the kind of publicity it did by taking up billboards and banners across Goa, well before the dates of elections were declared. Although, the election code of conduct stripped down most outdoor
visibility options and reduced them to a small percentage of its existing footprint, the Aam Aadmi Party had expressed its intent to play a big role in this election in Goa.
Taking Goa Forward When Goa Forward realized that it could not be part of the Congress led coalition, it may have been a trifle bit too late for Vijai Sardesai’s newly formed political unit. After tasting blood in the Margao municipal elections two years ago, Vijai went a notch higher to form Goa Forward and challenged the state ordinance that had denotified the coconut tree as a ‘tree’ and made it ‘grass’, in order to facilitate its felling without much legal scruples. Vijai understood the fact that he was taking on the might of Congress, as well as the BJP, by providing a local political alternative. A couple of strategic things did not go as per plan. One, his independent MLA buddies, Rohan Khaunte and Naresh Sawal did not join the political party. Khaunte ran as an independent. Sawal, rooting for Marathi, jumped on the MG Party bandwagon, understanding the limitations of his constituency (Bicholim), in so far as snuggling up to Konkani is concerened. Secondly, the fact that it could not keep the Congress out of the fray in all the four constituencies that it is
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Saturday, 4 February 2017 My Goa
contesting in, would upset Vijai. That notwithstanding, Goa Forward has shown an impressive political maturity by contesting in constituencies that it has a fairly good chance of winning. Saligao, where it has fielded a young former Zilla Parishad chief Jayesh Salgaonkar; Siolim with Vinod Palyekar, Anthony (Babush) Rodrigues fom Velim; and in Fatorda, where Vijai is taking on BJP’s Damu Naik. However, the party takes comfort in the fact that it has been the only flagbearer of the Goan identity in this election, while everyone else has been talking only politics.
The Lion Roars At the time when it snapped ties with the BJP, the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party, made its intention known to all that it was looking very bullish at this election. It
Attacking the BJP and Congress, AAP’s central leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Kumar Vishwas got the equations right with state campaigners like Oscar Rebello and Elvis Gomes
Elvis Gomes
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Goa Forward Party takes comfort in the fact that it has been the only flagbearer of the Goan identity in this election, while everyone else has been talking only politics Vijai Sardesai batting for ‘Goenkarponn’
appeared that this election was about Sudin Dhavlikar’s chief ministerial ambition. For many, who believe that the BJP is ultra rightwinged, they will blush at the brand of politics that the MG party is playing in Goa. Sudin Dhavlikar’s proximity to the Sanatan Saunstha, a hardline Hindu outfit is well known. Close on its heels, the MG Party also allied with the Goa Suraksha Manch, led by the breakaway RSS Goa Chief Subhash Velingkar and the Shiv Sena. Dhavlikar, whose MG party won 3 seats in 2012 as an alliance partner of the BJP, is looking to double its tally, say political insiders. The BJP, on its side, has not taken it kindly and have sworn to inflict damage to at least one Dhavlikar brother. Party President Dipak Dhavlikar, who is contesting for reelection from Priol, has a tough fight on his hand against BJPbacked independent Govind Gaude. Addressing joint meetings with Shiv Sena head honcho Uddhav Thackerey and Subhash Velingkar, the MG party meetings have been laced with invective and an all out attack against the BJP. MGP’s alliance partner, Goa Suraksha Manch has made no bones about the fact that it wishes to play spoilers for the BJP, for going back on the promise of Medium of
Instructions. Once the political guru of Parrikar, Velingkar has spewed venom on the BJP – especially against Parrikar and Parsekar throughout their 2017 campaign. Although, known to be political hustlers and part of all political equations in the state since 2002, the Dhavlikar brothers have been kept a window, if not a door, open by BJP’s Nitin Gadkari, who is known to share a strong bond with the MG Party leaders. Migrant Vote There are astounding figures of the migrant or the nonGoan voter, this time around. Political parties like the BJP and AAP were quick to address them by bringing speakers like former Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeduriappa to address the Kannadigas in the state. The BJP also got former Olympic medalist and Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore to canvas for the party before a growing population of Rajasthani voters in Goa. The Aam Aadmi Party’s Kumar Vishwas held forth with the slum-dwellers of Indira Nagar at Chimbel, where the AAP is eyeing for considerable votes. With elections today, it will be a long and cold wait till 11th of March, which will tell us how Goa has voted and who will rule the roost in the days to come.
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Saturday, 4 February 2017
politics
Number of candidates with criminal record increases EC sends notice to Defence Minister Parrikar in this election Rs 500 for moving around Any violations in the election In a shocking finding to the run up to the state polls, out of 251 candidates, 38 are known to have a criminal record. While 19 candidates have a serious criminal charges against them. Any constituency which has more than 3 candidates with criminal background has been declared as a red alert constituency. In St Andre constituency there are three candidates Dhaku Madkaikar, Sunil Kerkar, Simon Caido who have several criminal charges against their name. In terms of assets, 156 candidates have declared assets more than Rs. 1 crore. The Association of Democratic Reforms has
revealed this information, based on inputs from election commission and other sources. Candidates having serious criminal charges against them are Babush Monseratte, Vinod Phadke, Ramesh Tawadkar, Jenifer Monseratte, Ramakant Borker, Prakash Velip, Michael Lobo, Jose Philip, Vinod Palyekar, Dhaku Madkaikar, Digambar Kamat, Govind Gaude, among others. Babush and Jenifer were charged for an alleged attack on the Panaji Police Station. Vinod Phadke is accused in Goa Cricket Association scam. Digambar Kamat and Churchill Alemao are involved in multi crore JICA scam.
Keen contest expected in 17 constituencies
Political pundits are keenly watching the action at around 17 constituencies, where they expect a close fight. Certainly this election won’t be easier for some incumbent MLAs. Desperate attempts have been made by incumbent as well as the prospective candidates to secure the seat ahead of the elections. A total of 251 candidates are participating in the 2017 election battle in Goa. 11.1 lakh voters in the state will decide the fate of these candidates. At some places, there’s a multicornered battle; while on some there’s a clear one-to-one fight. Some campaigns picked up at the last minute. 17 constituencies have been zeroed in, where its difficult to predict the result. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has conducted more than 200 corner meetings. At the same time, ruling party president Vinay Tendulkar and General Secretary Sadanand Shet Tanawade were on a nonstop campaigning mode. For Congress Digamber Kamat, Pratapsingh Singh Rane and Luizinho Faleiro have handled the campaign. For MGP and
GSM Sudin Dhavlikar and Subash Velingkar were the face of the campaign. Door-to door campaign is a popular practice amongst most of the candidates. The Election Commission has tightened its screw this time around, in order to ensure a clean and fair campaign. Flying squads were keeping a keen eye on all the constituencies. At some places police checking process was conducted vigorously. Over 100 vehicles were taken into custody, raids were conducted on distribution of alcohol and money. Heavyweight candidates of those 17 constituencies were uncertain of the poll victory. Former Chief Minister Luizinho Faleiro, CM Parsekar, Deepak Dhavlikar, Mahadev Naik, Sidharth Kuncalienkar, Rajendra Arlekar, Avertano Furtado, Dilip Parulekar, Dayanand Sopte, Babu Azgaonkar, Alina Saldhana, Babush Monseratte, Mauvin Gudhino, Rajan Naik, Elvis Gomes, Ganesh Gaonkar, Subash Phaldessai, and other big names are battling it out on ground for voters in those constituencies.
processes are handled carefully by the Election Commision. Even top politicians breaking the norms are not spared at any cost. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has been issued a notice by EC and asked to explain his controversial bribery remarks allegedly made during his corner meeting at Chimbel. The Defence Minister who is the face of the BJP campaign in Goa, during his address to a relatively small audience at
Chimbel, had allegedly said that, “I understand if someone organises a rally and you take
with (the candidate), that is not a problem. But when you vote, choose the lotus (BJP’s poll symbol). This you must remember.” Earlier the Election Commision had directed Goa Police to file an FIR against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for making similar remarks at a Banaulim rally. The Goa Forward Party had filed a written complain to the Election Commision that same action should be taken in case of Manohar Parrikar.
Rahul Gandhi criticises the ‘Remote Control Government of Goa’ Rahul Gandhi recently addressed a huge rally at Mapusa ahead of the state elections. In the same address, Gandhi criticised the state BJP Government of being controlled by central government. Rahul Gandhi had also criticised the Modi government. The Congress party was left feeling energised with the massive turnout at the rally. Rahul Gandhi has also promised “a corruption free government” for Goa if elected to power. Gandhi touched many topics to attack the central government. Also taking a
potshot at the BJP, Rahul Gandhi said that the BJP government in Goa is run from Delhi. “It is remote controlled from Delhi. We will not give such a dictatorial government;
but a government which will take collective decisions by listening to people.” Further he stated that, “BJP had promised 50,000 jobs in five years but it failed to deliver. So is the case with corruption. Goan beaches have remained dirty because of corruption in (beach cleaning) contracts,” he said and added, “We will give Goa a government with new faces and corruption free and employment generation will be our focus.” After failing to secure a Bihar like Mahaghatbandhan in Goa, this election looks to be a make or break for Congress in the state.
Union Budget will benefit BJP in Goa says South Goa MP Narendra Sawaiker
South Goa MP Narendra Sawaiker has indicated that the Union Budget session
will encourage voters to vote for Bhartiya Janata Party. Earlier the opposition parties including the ruling party in UP had asked to postpone the Union Budget session after the election were held in 5 states. Responding to pressmen, South Goa Member of Parliament (MP) Narendra Sawaikar said, “Budget and elections are two different things and the budget is the statement of the government and it will help the public.” Opposition parties had written to Government that a
Budget session might have an influence over the poll results in India. However central government responded with rejecting the plea. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley was reported saying, “Even in 2014, the budget was presented before the polls. These are the same parties which say there has been no positive effect of demonetisation so why are they worried about date of budget?” Email us your responses at mygoanews@gmail.com
POLITICS
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Saturday, 4 February 2017 My Goa
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Fatorda, Faleiro and Forward
Ashwin Tombat The writer is former editor of Gomantak Times, Herald and The Navhind Times Online Edition
T
he Congress party is supposed to be run by an
all-powerful ‘High Command’. But recent events in Goa have shown that though it may still be ‘High’, the party’s top leadership does not ‘Command’ much obedience, at least in the far flung outposts of its empire like India’s smallest state. Party General Secretary in charge of Goa Digvijay Singh has discovered this to his cost. His ‘firman’ just failed to work in Fatorda. Singh was looking
The writer feels that the political intrigues within the Grand Old Party may cost it an advantage in the coming elections
Digvijay Singh and Luizinho Faleiro
‘Forward’ to a Bihar-style ‘Maha-Gathbandhan’ to lay the BJP low in Goa. ‘Maha’ may be the wrong adjective to describe his attempt at a modest alliance, but he did bring together Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate’s brand new party – United Goans – the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Fatorda Independent MLA Vijai Sardessai’s Goa Forward. Babush quickly agreed that his candidates would contest on the Congress symbol, so the party declared a list of 36 candidates, leaving three for Vijai’s Goa Forward (they were demanding four) and one for the NCP (which wanted three seats). This was Digvijay Singh’s grand ‘minigathbandhan’ plan. But Goa state chief Luizinho Faleiro had different ideas. And it all unfolded around Fatorda. Congress Fatorda block President Joseph Silva filed his nomination and, to everyone’s astonishment, presented the mandatory Form B duly signed by Luizinho Faleiro. This made him the official Congress party candidate from a constituency held and claimed by Vijai Sardessai, the supreme leader of Congress ally Goa Forward. Vijai had spent months lobbying in the national capital to clinch this deal. A justifiably annoyed Vijai dashed off an SOS to Digvijay Singh. Singh pulled all the right strings in the ‘High Command’
to produce a ‘firman’ directing Faleiro to withdraw the Form B issued to Joseph Silva. Now Luizinho Faleiro says that he was, is, and always will be a loyal soldier of the Congress. And we all know that the first and last duty of such soldiers is to obey, instantly and without question, any directive from the party’s High Command. That is exactly what Faleiro did. He sent an emissary with the required documentation to the Returning Officer. But it appears that for some reason – maybe because his wife asked him to do some shopping first, or he decided to make the journey by the state’s notoriously slow private buses, or he got stuck in a traffic jam – unfortunately and entirely by bad luck, the emissary reached the returning officer’s office shortly after the process of filing of nominations got over... Singh then demanded that the state unit withdraw Silva’s candidature. Loyal soldier Faleiro once more agreed, but said Silva would withdraw from the fray only after Goa Forward withdrew its candidates from Saligao and Velim. This would have left it with only two seats instead of three. Vijai refused. Faleiro would not budge. Silva remained in the fray when the time for withdrawal ended on Saturday... The ‘Gathbandhan’ was gone. Whether the coterie around Sonia Gandhi (which Luizinho Faleiro is supposed to be part of) won against the coterie around Rahul Gandhi (which Digvijay Singh heads) we don’t know. But the Congress lost. Just how this factional fighting and undermining of the authority of the High Command will affect the Congress’s poll prospects on 4 February we cannot say, but it seems very unlikely to be good for a 130-year-old party that is in desperate need of regaining a respectable foothold in the Indian political firmament.
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“BJP has cheated us on the Medium of Instructions issue” Goa Suraksha Manch founder Subhash Velingkar speaks out on his politics Before this election, you have been the guiding force for the BJP’s campaign. How different was it this time as head of Goa Suraksha Manch. What are your predictions? We have got an extremely overwhelming support from all over the state. From every corner of Goa, there is an extreme anger against the BJP. Also anti incumbency is at an all-time high. The Government has cheated us by not living up to several promises. Hence people have given us (GSM) great support. There are many people who are doing poll predictions what are your numbers? We have done our calculations. There is an independent team which is moving across the state on the ground and gauging public sentiment. According to that, we feel that 22 seats will be won by MGPGSM-Shiv Sena alliance. BJP supporters are accusing you of running a negative campaign and you are here only to split their votes. They are also saying that GSM was born only to malign BJP… During the 2012 polls, the BJP had given us a promise that they will stop grants to English medium primary schools. They had given clear assurance of that. They had cheated us on that promise, so now just defeating them will not suffice. Because even the Congress party will not fulfill our demands. While being an opposition leader Mr Parrikar was accusing the Congress government of ruining the state. Our campaign stand of saving Goa, are all those things Parrikar said as an opposition leader. All those promises won’t be fulfilled by running a negative c a mp a i g n even though defeating BJP
is one of our objectives, while it is not the only one. You have joined hands with MGP who had started speaking against Parsekar government as soon as the code of conduct was imposed. BJP is accusing them of hypocrisy. What do you feel? It depends on how we look at it. When the BJP government couldn’t stop the grants to English medium schools, Sudin Dhavlikar had opposed the government’s decision despite being in the same cabinet. Time and again they have reiterated on these issues. They had also directed their party workers to give support to our language issue. That was clearly seen from the MGP’s stand on the MoI issue. When the MGP had released their manifesto they had taken a softer stance on the MoI issue? Do you feel the same trust in them? We have to trust them because this is an experiment, we will know the result of it later on. They couldn’t mention the language issue because as per the Supreme Court guidelines nobody can make a language as a Poll issue. They didn’t want to get disqualified. Because of that fact, t h e y refrained f r o m referring to the MoI in their manifesto.
MGP ministers and their workers have given us a complete assurance that they will resolve our issue. At the same time they are facing the pressure from their supporters. The MGP has also not taken a firm stand on the Casino issue. Do you somewhere feel doubts about that? Sometimes the government even does changes to the things which are not mentioned in the manifesto. Common minimum programme has not yet been finalised and I feel that as soon as they come to power they will take a call on those issues. I also feel that they will give complete justice to us. You have been accused that sometimes your speeches were extremely personal and making sharp remarks on Manohar Parrikar. Do you feel that it was the right way to go about things? From 2012, the BJP has gone downhill and I hold Manohar Parrikar entirely responsible for this. Running a party is a
interview
combined effort; but in Goa, only one person is running the BJP. Party members in the legislative assembly have themselves shown their support to me on withdrawing the grants; however Manohar Parrikar doesn’t want it. BJP ministers have thanked us for agitating against the MoI bill as otherwise they would have had to pass the bill. Since the BJP are going to polls without Parsekar as their CM candidate. How do you see Laxmikant Parsekar and his capabilities? Whatever decisions are taken on any issues, are first consulted with Manohar Parrikar. Parsekar is much lower in the pecking order as compared to Parrikar. Since Parrikar is at the centre, he has become extremely powerful and no one among the BJP MLAs in Goa dare to speak against him. How do you rate Parsekar’s performance? Whatever he could do, he did it. Many made attempts to prevent his image as a Chief Minister to come up. Also attempts were made to show the government’s incompetence. Therefore his image as a chief minister got damaged. I know many examples in that directions like when FORCE organisation blocked public roads at four places, the same day I had met Parsekar and we had asked that they shouldn’t come under any pressure from religious bodies, and that the government should give strict punishment to the protesters. The same night I met him and he said that he has directed police officials to take action against the protesters. However, the next day, when Parrikar returned to Goa, Parsekar made it clear in the Assembly that he won’t file any charges against the protesters. Secondly, the Church had asked for 13 illegal demands from the government which Parsekar had clearly denied as they were violating the laws;
however a report in a local newspaper said that Parrikar had signed on those demands as ‘may be considered.’ Such appeasement was done by Parrikar. BJP is saying that RSS is with them and that the RSS is not associated with you… The credibility of the RSS in the state was held intact during my leadership; and they have accepted me so far. The RSS believes in the same principles as we do. The RSS in Goa is with us; therefore Parrikar says that he believes in the RSS of Nagpur (headquarters) and doesn’t know any other RSS. We are part of the RSS in spirit. And we will return back to the parent organization after the elections. Raju Sukerkar filed for his candidature in Panaji and then withdrew it. How was the setback? Initially we faced a bit of a setback; but not much after that. It was not because he withdrew due to Parrikar’s pressure. He is equally a good friend of mine as of Parrikar. Since BJP’s inception in Goa, the entire BJP campaign strategies were finalised in Sukerkar’s home. However due to health reasons Sukerkar had to withdraw. Some accuse the GSM that you did not find any candidate in Panaji to fight this election, you had to bring a candidate from Ponda… If a person like Parrikar can win election from Uttar Pradesh, then what is the big issue about us fielding a candidate from Ponda. Goa is a small state. A person from Canacona works in Pednem. When we got Parrikar from Mapusa and got him elected in Panjim even that time there were same accusations. The core committee is from here which was same during Parrikar’s time. That is what will ensure Ketan Bhatikar’s victory from Panaji. Most of his family is also from Panaji.
weekdiary
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Saturday, 4 February 2017 My Goa
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Difficult dialogues summit brings together experts for a vital conversation on India’s health
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Manisha Koirala
his February will see leading experts, policy makers and world famous stars and personalities gather in Goa for the much-anticipated return of the Difficult Dialogues forum. The annual conference will be held from February 10 to 12, 2017 at the International Centre Goa, Dona Paula. The second edition in the series will focus on the question: “Is India’s Health a Grand Challenge?” This year, the forum will be held in partnership with UCL (University College London) a world-leading university that combines its research excellence across all disciplines to tackle the most pressing global challenges of the 21st century. India spends less than one and a half per cent of its GDP on public health. This is a fraction of the amount that other developing countries allocate in their budgets. With this in mind, a top priority of Difficult Dialogues 2017 will be to firmly position Health on the political agenda of the Indian government.
Dr. Vikram Patel
Kabir Bedi
Monica Lakhanpaul
In pressing this agenda, attendees can expect to see top government officials discuss new policy directions with a number of leading minds from the professional world, academia, development experts, media; and a host of celebrities with vivid experiences of the issues at hand. Renowned health policy experts and anthropologists from UCL such as Professor Marie Lall, Professor Monica Lakhanpaul and Dr. Sushrut Jadhav will be amongst the speakers at the conference. Through engaging panel discussions, the speakers will grapple with crucial issues of public health budgets, cancer, disease, mental health, and health technology. Amongst the highlights will be Health Secretary CK Mishra discussing the options open to the country in terms of healthcare funding; actress Manisha Koirala – prominent women’s rights activist and cancer survivor – discussing treatment in India and abroad; commentator Pavan
Dr. Naresh Trehan
Dr Abhay Bang
Kumar Varma voicing his thoughts on contemporary socio-economic issues in the Health of the Nation panel debate; and leading journalist Siddharth Varadarajan plus acclaimed actor Kabir Bedi who will be on hand to chair a number of panel discussions. To capture the voice of students, the forum is also opening up the debate to India’s universities by sponsoring Daring Debates, an intensive college debate series about the ‘Medical Oath – A Moral Compass No More,’ which runs parallel to Difficult Dialogues. This year, medical students from Delhi, Goa, Pondicherry, Lucknow and Guwahati – are invited to compete with the winning teams from each city being given the chance to battle it out at the grand finale. Difficult Dialogues was created by philanthropist Surina Narula, a veteran NGO founder – responsible, amongst other achievements, for establishing the internationally lauded Consortium for Street Children – with the intent
Rani Bang
Siddharth Varadarajan
C.K.Mishra
to bring together leaders from across the spectrum of international society to meet and find equitable solutions to South Asia’s most pressing priorities. Commenting on Difficult Dialogues 2017, Anil Gupta, Chairman of its Steering Committee said: “Difficult Dialogues aims at providing a forum for individuals, organizations, thinktanks, media, government and policy makers to get together and debate themes of contemporary relevance in South Asia. This year the vision is to explore the challenges that India faces in creating conditions for good health and access to healthcare for all citizens. I look forward to three days of purposeful and incisive debates leading to the highlighting of key issues and bringing meaningful change and benefit for the people in the South Asian region.” It fosters interaction between diverse stakeholders from academia, public policy, politics, media, young leadership and civil society.
Subodh Kerkar
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Goa, Get Set Run!
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iming to raise awareness of the need to lessen the distress of the homeless and street children, ‘the Goa Marathon 2017’ organised by El Shaddai Charitable Trust will be held on 5th February 2017. The theme for the marathon is going to be
Funds raised through this event will be used to bring happiness and hope to the underprivileged children in Goa under the care of El Shaddai Charitable Trust
Fifth Edition of ‘Lights in Goa’ to commence in Panaji Sacheen Pai Raikar, Joachim Ritter, Kapil Surlakar, and James Andrade
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he fifth edition of the International Architectural Lighting Seminar ‘Lights in Goa’ is being held at Goa Marriott Resort & Spa in the capital city Panaji. The two-day intensive seminar attended by 250 delegates from across 12 countries hosted speakers from Croatia, UK, Switzerland, France, Italy and Germany to be part of the symposium. Spearheaded by architects Kapil Surlakar and Sacheen Pai Raikar, and James Andrade, Directors at KJS Events, the international lighting seminar was built around the theme ‘Spread & Share Knowledge on Lighting’. The seminar was supported by Joachim Ritter, Managing Director, VIA Verlag and Editor-in-chief, Professional Lighting Design magazine Sessions at the seminar include expert talks on
lighting cultural heritage, new technologies in lighting solutions, dynamic lighting solutions in shopping malls, lighting in office environments, lighting in the public realm and more. Professional lighting designers, together with key speakers from the specialist field of lighting, will be addressing issues of interest and importance to lighting designers, architects, town planners and landscape designers. The first day of Lights in Goa saw intriguing discussions on designing personal spaces and working with creativity. In depth workshops on heritage lighting, office lighting solutions and communicating through light will be held by international experts. Lights in Goa will conclude with a panel discussion and interactive session where audiences can interact and share knowledge.
Lace up your boots for one of Goa’s biggest causes this weekend
‘homes for the homeless and hope for the hopeless children. The sixth edition of the marathon will witness runners from all skill levels including first time marathoners to veteran runners. Funds raised through this event will be used to bring happiness and hope to
the underprivileged children in Goa under the care of El Shaddai Charitable Trust. The raised fund will also be used to provide food, shelter and education to the poor children in Goa. The Marathon is further classified into race categories;
half marathon, 10k run, dream run and school run. The half marathon and 10k Run groups will be provided with timing chips and water and energy stations along the route. Last year, the marathon drew participation from 3600 runners from all over India; and the organizers hope to cross 5000 participants this year. The winner of the men’s half marathon will earn `25,000 while the runner-up and third place holder will collect `15,000 and `10,000 respectively. Since the last four years, Goa Marathon has grown to become the largest philanthropic sporting event in Goa.
Campus
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Saturday, 4 February 2017 My Goa
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G.R. Kare College of Law Presents Juris Open 2017 Law students get ready for the battle of wits at the Juris Open 2017
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he National Level Intercollegiate Event Juris Open 2017 by G.R. Kare College of Law brings forth various activities like moot court competitions, legal aid camps, law festivals, seminars and symposia on areas of national importance. “The main objective of starting this college was to provide quality legal education with excellent infrastructural facilities which would contribute to all round development of the students. The National Inter-Collegiate Competition of events seeks to provide a platform that showcases skills of advocacy, research, art of drafting and legal counseling amongst Law students from different parts of the country,” says Saba D’Silva, Principal. As a part of this vision, this year, the institution is organizing a National Inter-law collegiate event, Juris Open. This event will have participation from Law Colleges/Schools from all over the country and will be in the areas of Moot Court, Legal Quiz, Legal Drafting and
Conflict Management in law. Juris Open will provide a platform for institutions across the country to participate and showcase their talent in these areas. “Such a festival is a regular feature at the institution and is known to develop a competitive spirit and identify what is at times, an extraordinary talent in some. Every event strengthens the clinical legal
adds D’Silva. Juris Open 2017 has received a good response and has given the host institution an occasion to meet various challenges involved. It is a memorable event and adds to the milestones of this institution, which is shortly entering into its Ruby Jubilee year. Organised by
“Such a festival is a regular feature at the institution and is known to develop a competitive spirit and identify what is at times, an extraordinary talent in some. Every event strengthens the clinical legal aspects of the Law curriculum under the mandate of the Bar Council of India and provides to the budding lawyers who participate and other students alike, an opportunity to learn” SABA D’SILVA Principal aspects of the Law curriculum under the mandate of the Bar Council of India and provides to the budding lawyers, who participate and other students alike, an opportunity to learn,”
G. R. Kare College of Law in Margao, pioneer of Legal Education in South Goa, not only contributes to society through its proud alumni, who occupy high positions in
the judiciary, academics, the Bar, the bureaucracy and the corporate sector, but it also believes in catering to the diverse talents of law students. G. R. Kare College of Law, was established in 1979 under the umbrella of VidyaVikas Mandal, Margao-Goa, a society in the field of education. G. R. Kare College of Law has a distinguished and excellent record for four decades. Today, the institution offers both the 3-year LL.B. and the 5-year integrated B.A.LL.B. programmes as well as a 2 year LL.M. and the Ph.D. programmes, all affiliated to the Goa University. This Centre brings sufficient opportunities to students to enroll for addon programmes to the door step of every student and is open to several other learners who may also enroll for such programmes. Sitting judges of the Bombay High Court, Justice Anuja Prabhudessai and Justice Nutan Sardesai are famous alumnas of the College.
St. Xavier’s College hosts National Seminar on “New Media: Issues and Impact on Society” Initiating dialogue with young minds on issues of New Media and its impact on society
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he Department of Mass Communication and Department of Journalism, St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa, is organising a National Seminar on “New Media: Issues and Impact on Society” on 7th and 8th February, 2017. The seminar draws focus to bring together representatives, researchers, academicians, students and representatives from other elements of civil society under one roof to discuss topics related to “New Media: Issues and Impact on
Sevanti Ninan columnist for The Hindu, The Hindustan and founder-editor of The Hoot.org, a South Asian media watch website will be the keynote speaker and Chief Guest for the Seminar
Sevanti Ninan
Society. Sevanti Ninan, columnist for The Hindu, The Hindustan and founder-editor of The Hoot.org, a South Asian media watch website will be the
keynote speaker and Chief Guest for Seminar. Her books include Through the Magic Window: Television and Change in India (Penguin India, 1995); Plain Speaking with Chandrababu Naidu (Viking, 2000), Rajasthan (Roli Books, 1980) and Headlines from the Heartland: Reinventing the Hindi Public Sphere (2007). The two-day seminar will be a platform for 16 paper presentations from Chennai, Madurai, Mangalore, Mumbai, Kolhapur and Goa. The
seminar will also host a series of technical session on various topics related to New Media such as Digital India and EGovernance, Online privacy and transparency Digital divide and learning, Cyber crimes in India, New Media as a marketing tool, Social media conflicts, net neutrality, media ownership in digital age, social media conflicts and media ownership in digital age and more. The seminar is open to students and general public with prior registration.
SOcial
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Goa all set to Vote
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he state election icons, district icons and youth brand ambassadors gathered at a press meet on Thursday at ESG to make one last appeal to the people of Goa to exercise their right to vote, as Goa gears up for the assembly elections on 4th of February. Among the panel of icons were Prasad Pankar, Aryan Khedekar, Sonia Shirsat, youth icon Mukesh Ghatwal, Marianela Dias, Madhav Borkar. In their addresses, they spoke to people about voting being a fundamental right and the importance of each and every citizen’s vote in choosing an effective government. The Chief Electoral Office has been taking a number of initiatives for campaigning through the election icons, rallies, and road shows to increase the state’s voting
W W W. COT TO N COT TA G EI ND I A.C O M
capacity to 90%. “In a democracy, majority of people are silent and they express their voice through ballot at EVMs. We the people ,represent the voice of democracy. We want more number of people to come out and vote,” said Prasad Pankar. Sonia Shirsat said “Voting is an important right in our society. Every eligible individual should vote because it gives you a choice to elect a person who will represent you, but do not get disheartened if the candidate of your choice is nor elected.” “You should vote because voting is a fundamental process and right of yours to decide who can represent you the best. We have been motivating youth on ethical voting in colleges through talks or musical videos running on social media,” said youth icon Mukesh Ghatwal.
THEARTS
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Saturday, 4 February 2017 My Goa
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Art
Shantii: group exhibition at Carpe Diem
Carpe Diem Art Gallery presents Shantii, a group exhibition by artists Manjunaath Naik, Osborne Carvalho, Aditi Pande and Gail Gelburd on February 5th 2017. The exhibition is centred
around the various meanings, usages and interpretations of the very versatile word ‘Shanti’ and will include work in paint, photography and installations by the artists. T h e exhibition will remain open till 19th of February. A. G. Krishna Menon, architect and heritage conservation consultant will be the chief guest at the grand opening on 5th February. Expect humour, seriousness, lightness and more through the paintings, photography and installations. Osborne Carvalho Osborne’s degree in Fine Arts
took him to Mumbai where he worked in the advertising field, but eventually got weary of it. In Goa, he worked at an arts academy before moving on to creating murals and installation art. Osborne’s enthusiasm about the arts and the stories they tell is seen in his artwork which demands that the viewer not just looks at art but interacts with it, questions and reacts to it. In his, work ‘Shanti’ is ageless, joyful, sinful, kinky and fun. Aditi Pande The meaning of Shantii takes on these newer perspectives through Aditi’s works. Though relationships are a beautiful experience, the artist’s soul is often torn between its dual existences – that of her artistic self and the other as a social/family being. The works attempt
to raise questions like the premium placed by society on motherhood and simultaneously bring forth the anxiety of an artist juggling the multiple demands on her time and senses. Though not overtly brooding in nature, the series also poignantly captures the loss of contemplative space integral to the artistic existence, in the drive to effortlessly essay the various other roles that life brings along. Gail Gelburd Shantii with its more literal m e a n i n g suggests peace and calmness within. The photography by U.S. artist Gail Gelburd aims to capture the unique qualities of an object or place and yet the universality of its sentiment. Images are often clearly visible and yet hidden as they unveil the power and wrath of the sublime. The Shanti series includes images of Buddhist figures from all over the world (Japan, India, US, Korea, Nepal,
China, Tibet) who rise above or break through the debris, or mist or veils of ignorance, for a single moment of meditation or contemplation for a chance to find peace in the turmoil. Manjunaath Naik Manjunaath currently lives and works in Goa. Though his work reflects inspiration from a range of ideas, he is more attracted to human forms, curves and dimensions. His works are all about life and its fantasies and believes in working from inside out. The core of his work is expressing love in its different moods. For him, art has always been a strong platform to let himself go to explore his inner self and see this world with different eyes of his soul and feel pleasure of love. Shantii appears in the form of an animal friend, aesthetic plant life, the family and through the pleasures and comforts of the male and female forms.
Workshop on Persian Illumination Renowned Iranian artist, Negin Fallah, brought to Goa the art of creating ancient patterns that illuminated manuscripts and sacred texts; motifs that continue to be woven into worldrenowned carpets, and much more. Negin Fallah, spent several years working in Beirut, Lebanon before venturing to Goa on a sabbatical. Her expert hands carry forward a tradition that has evolved and prospered for over 4000 years. Persian Illuminators thrived under patronage of the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire, they carried their astutely intricate craft across land and sea.
Much of their skill is visible in Mughal architecture and art found in India. In elaborate sessions, Fallah introduced participants to the history of this rich tradition as well as its theoretical principles. Designed to accommodate
the most inexperienced beginner, the workshop focused on basic drawing and motif outlines for the first two weekends (four sessions) before plunging into colour theory and advanced application methods in the final two weeks. At the end of the course, participants will receive an exercise booklet that is especially designed by the artist for those who wish to expand their skills beyond the course curriculum. The exercise book will engage extended practice of the art form and introduce new techniques that are structured to suit self-teaching.
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Merging the magic of western and Indian classical forms
Matching the strings of music and binding different cultures together on one platform is what Monte Music Festival is all about. Envisaging the western classical and Indian classical forms of music, the 3rd edition of the Monte music festival will be held from the 3rd to the 5th of February 2017. The festival will be organized by Fundacao Oriente and Cidade de Goa
in association with Kala Academy. The event will be held at the courtyard of Capela da Nossa Senhora do Monte (Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount) located on a hillock near the Old Goa church complex. By bringing together the classical traditions of India and the West, the festival focuses on creating a link between heritage and culture. The festival provides the perfect
opportunity for music lovers to enjoy and collaborate in promoting Goa as a cultural destination. The festival will feature a wide range of artistes displaying their musical talent to complete perfection. Besides baroque music, the festival will also include sitar, sarod, harmonium and vocal recitals. The Festival is thus a treat from the music enthusiasts in a truly fabulous setting.
Sur Jahan: World Peace Music Festival
Sur Jahan, earlier known as Sufi Sutra, is a world peace music festival celebrating cultural plurality. The Directorate of Art and Culture, Govt. of Goa, in collaboration with Kala Academy and Banglanatak dot com will host the 7th edition of the Sur Jahan at the Kala Academy from February 8th10th, 2017. The festival aims at creating a platform for cultural exchange and dialogue, to create awareness and understanding of culture and its diversity. The festival is conceptualized, designed and
The festival aims at creating a platform for cultural exchange and dialogue, to create awareness and understanding of culture and its diversity implemented by Banglanatak dot com, a 16 year old Kolkata based UN recognized social enterprise specializing in culture and development. Since its inception in 2011, Sufi Sutra has had participation from 21 countries and 12 Indian states. The festival has
created future opportunities of collaboration among the groups and artists, leading to an integration of cultures, enriching connections and leading to a wider, more vibrant assimilation of their art. It is a non commercial, non ticketed festival with a motto of ‘Music for All and Music for Peace.’ In addition to the music concerts, the festival will also have workshops where participants can interact with musicians. Some of the international performers expected are Swedish folk music artist Ale Moller; world and medieval music band BraAgas from Czech Republic; musical trio Ellika, Solo and Rafeal, from Sweden, Senegal and Mexico; Russian Folk Band Otava Yo; Nordic folk band Virelai from Denmark. The lineup of Indian artists includes, Punjab Qawwali, East West Local and Tarak Khyapa.
whatsup
Datta Naik to present talk on ‘The Interconnection of Literature & Art’
Datta Damodar organizations Naik, CEO including Goa of the KDN Andhashradha Industries and Nirmulan an enthusiastic Samiti, Lok philanthropist Shakti, Lok will be offering Andolan, Lok a talk on the Samiti among topic titled ‘The others. Interconnection He was of Literature i n s t r u m e nt a l & Art’ on the in forming a 5th of February Group called 2017 at the ‘Margao First’ Museum of which would Datta Damodar Naik Goa. A staunch take up various rationalist, atheist and civic issues for the betterment secularist by conviction, of Margao city. Naik has recently started the He is currently a Trustee of Fountainhead Foundation the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre Datta Naik’s interests lies in started by Marg, Raia and various markets ranging from has previously served as the horticulture to food processing President of the Gomant Vidya and real estate companies. He Niketan, CREDAI, Goa and is a graduate in Economics Samaj Seva Sangh. and Statistics and completed He was also a working a number of Management President for Samatha courses including condensed Andolan, a chapter formed to course at IIM, Ahmedabad. eradicate the caste system and As a social activist, Naik prevalence of superstition in was associated with various the Goan society.
Bookworm Jumble Sale 2017
Campaigning to support literacy in Goa, Bookworm’s Jumble Sale 2017 is here. The organization’s biggest fundraising activity will collect funds to support library program for over 2000 children in schools and various community sites. People were encouraged to donate new or almost new items by dropping them off at the Bookwork Library. The sale will include a range of donated
items like toys; games, music and movies CDs; clothes, shoes and accessories; a range of kitchen and household items; stationery; plants, furniture, books and magazines; electrical appliance; home furnishings. The sale will also include food stalls selling dishes prepared by volunteers. The jumble sale will be held on Sunday, 12th February, 2017 at Indoor Stadium Campal - 9 AM.
greengoa
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Carpet of Joy to be rolled out at Saligao
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useum of Goa launches its first collaborative art installation, Carpet of Joy, to campaign against littering in Goa. 1,50,000 plastic bottles will stretch 100 meters into a field near Saligao Circle, rising 12 meters into the sky at one end and circumventing a tree
to compare the organic with the toxic. Around 2,000 local students will collaboratively create and install this work, which will remain on display for three months as a cultural emblem for environmental care and an educational campaign against littering.
Although Goa is best known for its pristine coastlines, rolling hills and exemplary species of marine, plant and animal life – this ecological haven is steadily eroding. Carpet of Joy is a land art installation created out of painted plastic bottles
An artistic step towards preserving the Goa that we know
called Plastiflora crafted to resemble flowers. Plastiflora, an amalgamation of the words plastic and flora, include floral variations like flowers, trees, shrubs and climbers. In addition to the artistic aesthetic aspect there are a number of significant advantages of Plastiflora. It allows percolation of rain, thus saving water. The installation requires minimal maintenance and stands as an intriguing, friendly and educating act of recycling. The idea was originally
conceived by Israeli artist Uri De Beer, who had these installations of Plastiflora created all over the world including outside the Israeli Parliament in Tel Aviv. Uri de Beer is an award winning, multi-disciplinary artist and architect, whose works range between the pragmatic and spiritual and has been showcased in countries around the world. Learn more and join the movement - mail@ museumofgoa.com.
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sports
Goa’s greatest football legends: Brahmanand Shankhwalkar and Bruno Coutinho The writer shares the sporting journey of two of Goa’s legendary footballers, both Arjuna Awardees Sports Club and Anderson Mariners. Brahmanand also captained the Indian senior team in Nehru Gold Cup and Pre-Olympics tournaments; and represented the country
even completed the AFC A, B and C license exams to qualify as a coach and infact was the goalkeeping coach of the Indian team from 1997 to 2005. He then went on to Bruno Coutinho
Brahmanand Shankhwalkar rohit bhandiye
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r a h m a n a n d Shankhwalkar and Bruno Coutinho represent two of Goa’s greatest sporting icons. Not only both of them have been former captains of the Indian football team, infact, they are the only two Arjuna Awardees from this tiny state. In a state where football remains by far the most popular sport, both these sporting legends remain as ‘idols’ for every single aspiring Goan footballer who look up to them as their role model. Having started playing premier division football at the age of 15, Brahmanand rose
to become one of the finest goalkeepers in Indian football and represented his home state for 17 long years. Under his leadership, Goa won the prestigious Santosh Trophy in 1983 and 1984. In the 1984 Santosh Trophy tournament, he did not concede even a single goal, which is an Indian record till date. As a goalkeeper of Salgaocar Sports Club for 17 years till 1991, Brahmanand won several football tournaments for them such as Federation Cup and Rovers Cup. Apart from Salgaocar, he also played for other clubs as well such as Churchill Brothers, Panvel
Writers read on... My Goa is looking for young and enthusiastic writers to contribute to our pages on a regular basis. If you have a flair with the pen, and you can write about Goa and issues relating to the state, email us: mygoanews@gmail.com
Brahmanand Shankhwalkar and Bruno Coutinho represent two of Goa’s greatest sporting icons. Not only both of them have been former captains of Indian football team, infact, they are the only two Arjuna Awardees from this tiny state in more than 50 international games. Following his career as a player, Brahmanand
coach the India under-23 side. For his outstanding contribution to Indian football, Brahmanand was awarded the “Player of the Decade 1985-1995” by All India Football Federation (AIFF). The Goa Government has even dedicated a lesson in school textbook on the life and personality of Brahmanand in order to encourage and motivate children to take up sports. He retired from professional football in 1995 after a 25-year old long and illustrious career. For his outstanding contribution to
Indian football, in 1998, he became first recipient of the prestigious Arjuna Award from the state of Goa. On the other hand, Bruno Coutinho was one of the finest strikers of Indian football team in the 90s; and was an inspirational figure for many young footballers. In a career spanning around 14 years, the explosive striker created fear in the minds of his rival defenders with his skill and pace. Bruno was a consistent goal scorer in domestic, as well as the international circuit, having scored several goals and single handedly won matches for Goa and India. Bruno is also credited with helping Salgaocar win the Federation Cup in 1987 and Rovers Cup in 1989 and 1996. Bruno captained the India under-23 side in the preOlympics qualifiers in 1991 and then went on to become captain of the senior team for 1995 SAF Games and 1999 SAFF Cup. Under his leadership, India went on to win both these tournaments. He played in almost every position for India – back, midfield and striker. But his role as a lethal striker made him the darling of soccer fans not just in Goa but in India as well. For his valuable contribution to Indian football, he was awarded the Arjuna Award in 2001 and was also named AIFF player of the year in 1996. He represented the state of Goa more than ten times in the prestigious Santosh Trophy. Brahmanand and Bruno may have retired long time back, but the state is still struggling to produce players of their calibre. There are some new generation Goan footballers who are coming up, but, the void created by the exit of Brahmanand and Bruno is certainly becoming difficult, if not, impossible to fill. Email us mygoanews@gmail.com
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DECEIVED, CHEATED, BETRAYED. BUT WE, THE GOEMKARS WILL NOT BE SILENCED. On the 4th of February, vote for a party that puts the interests of Goa and its people ďŹ rst.
Vote Coconut. Vote Goa Forward.
Saligao Jayesh Salgaonkar
Siolim
Vinod Palyekar
Velim
Anthony Rodrigues (Babush)
Fatorda
Vijai Sardesai
THE FIGHT FOR GOEM, GOEMKAR, GOEMKARPONN.