TUEM FOR MORE LIFE!

SIGNIFICANT MOMENT: The Electronics Manufacturing Cluster Tuemis in full swing now.In what is seen as a landmark achievement the government of Goa under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant and Minister for Tourism, Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Printing and Stationary Rohan A Khaunte handed over allotment letters for plots at the Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) Tuem on November 24, 2023. This is one of the  significant activities in the on-going project that commenced seven years ago with the inauguration of the EMC Park by Prime Minister Narendra Modiji in 2016. The implementing authority of EMC is Infotech Corporation Goa headed by Dr Chandrakant Shetye (MLA-Bicholim). The EMC Tuem project spans 5,97,125 sq mts and is a testimony to the commitment of the Goan government to fostering growth in the IT and Electronic System Design & Manufacturing (ESDM) sectors. With an approved project cost of Rs161,32,35,501 and a grant-in-aid of Rs73,77,50,000 from the government of India, this initiative is poised to meet the future demands of the rapidly evolving industry. Said the CM on the occasion: “This is a momentous occasion for Goa, a significant step towards realizing our vision of a technologically advanced and economically vibrant state.I applaud the concerted efforts of all stakeholders involved in making this dream a reality.” IT Minister Rohan Khaunte added that the project exemplifies the synergy between government and industry and will strengthen the foundation of Goa as a hub for electronic manufacturing and setting a benchmark for other states. Under the Land Allotment Policy – 2021, the government is set to allocate plots to leading industrialists at competitive rates. The industrial plots, available at Rs540.00 per sq mts, and Micro Industrial Zone (MIZ) Plots at Rs1,200.00 per sq mts and they will be leased for a term of 30 years with the option of renewal for subsequent terms. The rates are amongst the lowest in the country.

PILGRIMS OF HOPE

AS THE Catholic Church celebrated Mission Sunday October 22, 2023 on the theme of Pilgrims of Hope everyone is invited to reconcile with each other and build hearts of love and ensure to be “pilgrims of hope and agents of peace and justice” to build a peaceful world in a war-stricken society. As pilgrims of hope we must help people who are insecure due to unemployment, poverty, and those living in dangerous situations of violence and disharmony.

 There are many people who are starving and are struggling to live and have become victims of insecurity. There are many people  separated from their loved ones and waiting to be reunited. AS pilgrims of hope we have ensure peace and justice to those people who have become victims of suffering and are desperately searching for help to live. We have to become agents of peace in troubled areas of our neighbourhood and society around us, and help people understand to live in peace and unity. We have to protest and raise our voice against those creating disunity around us.

— Cajetan Peter D’Souza, Goa

ST. CECILIA’S FEAST, MERCES

ST CECILIA  is the patron saint of musicians, and so it it most appropriate that the people of the quaint and verdant village of Merces located close to the city of Panjim observe this widely adored beacon of joy in the lives of everyone by providing a musical extravaganza with the participation of hundreds of musicians, young and old playing assorted musical instruments especially brass instruments and acoustics as a commemoration of this beloved saint.

After the morning mass, musicians from many parts of the village as well as other villages converge in front of the church in a human chain to wow the crowds with a treasure trove of wonderful musical renditions that has now become an yearly event on the 22nd of November. People form far and wide converge at this place to bask in the gala musical atmosphere that resonates the air. This feast should be promoted as a tourist attraction so that the rich musical heritage of Goa is showcased. St. Cecilia is one of the most beloved saints of Christianity.

–Elvidio Miranda, Panaji

MISCONSTRUE IS TO MISUNDERSTAND! 

 IT is very disturbing to see some people commenting adversely about me wishing a long-standing friend, Loutolim MLA Alexio Sequeira, on being sworn in as a cabinet minister. A personal greeting to a dear friend must not be misconstrued for something else. Alexio has been a dear friend for many decades, and I don’t recollect having ever visited his office while he was a minister earlier. He will vouch that I have never requested him for favours.

Over the last five decades I have been privileged to deal with every government office across the length and breadth of Goa and in doing so, I am so very humbled that God gave me all that strength to respect sweeper, peon and right up to the director.  I have been blessed to have caring and concerned friends in all political parties including the ones that have mushroomed in the last few years. I have always risen above politics and have never been afraid of speaking my mind on what is right and wrong without favour or fear. All through these years, I took a conscientious decision not to join any political party and possibly that was the right step.

Coming to my personal greetings to Alexio Sequeira for being sworn in as Cabinet minister friends and well-wishers realise on the need to look beyond petty politics and put our personal friendships and the person above all else.

–Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar

 SC CAUTIONS PATANJALI AYURVED

PATANJALI Ayurved (a company co-founded by yoga guru Baba Ramdev and dealing in herbal products) recently issued a statement claiming that it was not making any “false advertisements or propaganda” regarding its products and has further said that it has no objection if the Supreme Court imposes a fine or even gives a death sentence to those associated with the company! 

It may be noted that the Supreme Court has cautioned Patanjali Ayurved against making false and misleading claims about its medicines curing several diseases. If proved false it may cost the companies of Baba Ramdev severe fines of Rs1 crore. This was while the SC was hearing a plea of the Indian Medical Association (IMA). The top court during the brief hearing also asked the counsel appearing for the Centre to find a remedy to the issue of misleading medical advertisements where claims are being made about medicines that offer perfect cure of certain diseases. 

The Supreme Court needs to come down heavily on Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali Ayurved  not just for playing with the health/lives of millions of people in our country/abroad by making false/misleading claims in advertisements about its medicines, but also for making fun of Allopathy.

–Jerry Fernandes, Saligao