IT IS TAPOLOKA YOG KSHETRA

   CHIEF MINISTER Dr Pramod Sawant unveiled the Tapoloka Yog Kshetra or Yog Realm promenade from pedestrian arch bridge near ESG to Children Park to mark International Day of Yoga on June 21, 2023. This work was done under the restoration and protection of the Mandovi river project from Miramar Beach to the Youth Hostel, Kala Academy to the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) Panaji. The project is spearheaded by Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd and implemented by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. Only the first phase of the project has been inaugurated and this is dedicated to the goodness of yoga, the practice of which brings wellbeing. Speaking on the occasion the chief minister expressed his vision of Goa as “Yog Bhumi” in the years to come. He said Goa is committed to promoting the ancient disciplines of the country. Such projects will serve the purpose of promoting tourism as well as give the people a place to go to for rest and recreation as well as get educated. The Tapoloka Yog Kshetra features Sinha Dwar (lion gate), Yog Setu (bridge), Yog Stambh (pillar), Yog Dalan, Yog Mandal, Yog Path, Pranayam Kshetra, Astang Yog Kshetra, and the statue of Gomantbhumi Janak Parshuram. The total cost of the yet to be completed fully  ambitious Astang Yog Kshetra will add up to Rs 33,68,06,755. Present for the occasion were Panaji MLA Atanasio Monserrate, chairman of EDC Sadanand Shet Tanavade, CCP mayor Rohit Monserrate, Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel (IAS) and chairperson of Imagine Panaji Smart City Harish Adconkar (MD, Goa  State Infrastructure Development Corporation). Adhika Phaldesai compered the event while students of the  Jyotirmay Yoga and Gymnastics Academy and Shiv Sanskruti Pratishthan Dholtasha Pathak, Usgaon,  executed a performance.

NOBLE LEGACY OF DR JAIVANT SARDESAI

IN the passing away of the very distinguished Dr Jaivant Sardesai Goa loses a great Goan. He leaves behind a legacy of science-based activism and so much more. He was a noted scientist and veteran environmentalist who got moulded at the Instituto Superior Técnico in Lisbon, he went on to serve under the United Nations in many countries, mostly in South America. His contribution to the development activity in Argentina is singularly noteworthy.
Goa was always so dear to his heart. Very simple, modest and unassuming, Dr Jaivant was a source of knowledge on diverse matters, and it was always a pleasure interacting with him. May his contribution towards life in Goa continue to be a source of motivation for youth to work towards cherishing and preserving whatever remains of Goa.
His children — son Vijay Sardessai (agricultural scientist & MLA), daughters – the late Dr Madhavi Nayak (Konkani scholar/writer) and Dr Savita Kerkar (professor and scientist, Goa University)– have been carrying forward the best of his activism and intellectualism.
—Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar

SHIVAJI STATUE AT CALANGUTE!
WHY was no action taken on trouble-makers creating a ruckus outside the Calangute Panchayat Ghar and indulging in their favorite stone throwing over a statue at Calangute? A mob of “ShivPremis” were openly creating a ruckus outside the Calangute Panchayat Ghar on June 20 when the panchayat adopted a resolution (now in abeyance) to remove the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj installed near Calangute police station, main road, on June 3. The crowd demanded an apology from Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira.
Shockingly, the cops from the Goa police department (otherwise quick in arresting and beating up innocent Goans, activists, NGOs and even students) refused to deal with the rowdies even after they damaged the sarpanch’s car. The law keepers casually watched the fun like helpless spectators outside the Calangute Panchayat Ghar at Calangute. Why?
Couldn’t they advise the District Magistrate of North Goa to impose (like they frequently do in some places for no reason) Section 144 in and around of Calangute area in advance for a few days, to keep a strict check on the activities of trouble makers and especially after knowing that they would create a “humgama” sooner or later over the Calangute Panchayat’s resolution on the statue put up without any permission?
This is a most shameful incident because ait is the first time such a large group of politically connected persons (mostly from outside the village) were allowed to take over the Calangute Panchayat Ghar for almost a day threatening its members of dire consequences over an illegal statue. Some ruling politicians are sowing the seeds of communalism in the minds of the people living in Calangute. It’s a real shame.
—Jerry Fernandes, Saligao

WHERE IS WATER!
I WOULD bitterly like to ask here why huge residential projects are allowed to come up in Panaji everywhere and anywhere when there is such an acute shortage of water? What is the criteria for determining water availability and a question: How do five star hotels get water around the clock while residents are restricted only to four hours of water availability on tap in the Tonca area? Also, who are the people engaged in stealing and selling water for profits? When did the water department last do an investigation in the dirty tricks going on regarding a much needed resource like water? These days I find water is going more and more into bottles for sale – a ban should be enforced. No more water in bottles, please! This affecting ground level need for a basic element. Bottling water for commercial purposes should be banned ASAP but who will bell this cat of evil?
—Carl D’Souza, Panaji