`LIVING IN THE WILD’ DESK CALENDAR!
IN the month of January come our small cache of new calendars and diaries. But the one we look forward to the most is the `Living in the Wild’ desk calendar which hospitality baron Dattaraj `Raj’ Salgaocar sends us every year, it is the most loved. The calendar as usual features his very own collection of photographs taken while adventuring in the world’s grandest wildlife parks of Africa, like Masai Mara and Laikipia in Kenya, Sabi Sands in South Africa, Lower Zambezi in Zambia, N Serengeti in Tanzania…here are some awesome wild cats to take one’s breath away, it’s worth getting hold of this desk calendar to draw inspiration from for the rest of 2024! Thank-you once again.)
RAM MANDIR IS SITA’S CURSE!
THE latest social media gossip vine has it that Ram Mandir is the site in ancient Ayodhya which is really a “funerary temple” built on the grave of Sita who seeks death (or suicide), given how Lord Ram treated her to some insults after her sojourn with King Ravan. It seems he even asked her if Luv and Kush were his children! Our narrative has it that an angry, grieving Sita “goes to the centre of earth cursing Ram and people of Aryavart through Bhoodevei and Valmiki that Ram’s one thousand year old Ikshvaku or Raghuvansh Dynasty will come to end after Luv and Kush…In fact Ram once again insulted Sita in the open court asking of proof that Luv and Kush are his sons that angered Sita….” So we hear that Ram was not worshipped in the north and there are no temples dedicated to him. Anyway, after the aforesaid episode Ram goes crazy with guilty conscience and destroys Ayodhya. It’s divided between his sons Luv and Kush and he himself ends his life in Saryu river…all this and much more, the long and short of being is that the obsessive BJP has got into their head to turn an ancient Sita memorial (on which the Babri Masjid was allegedly built) into a grand Ram Temple! A ploy like no other to feed modern Hindus with political corn or so to speak. Believe or not, we’re inclined to believe what we like to believe and after all what are we interpreting here but 5,000 years of mythology with mirch masala adding on as time flew by doubtless! For more titbits we suggest you follow the life and times of Pradip Thakurta on Facebook. Nowadays we live only social media.
THALLASA RAIDED
THE Income-Tax Department has now started focussing on the hospitality industry. Restaurants and night clubs are the new targets. Thalassa at Siolim, the Night Club Hammer at Baga and Romeo Lane in Vagator have also been raided. They are charged with tax evasion. The Thalassa chain has been raided in three states. Goa accounts for 11 of the 15 premises raided. Nightclubs in Goa are doing a roaring business. They play EDM trance music all the year around. Titos is the only night club which is sound proof.
POST-FACTO APPROVAL
THE Supreme Court has ruled that environment clearance from structures which are already up is not valid. It has struck down a circular by the Environment Ministry granting approval to illegal constructions. This includes major hotels in Goa. The SC has pointed out that prior approval is needed for construction of any building. Hotels are banned within 250 metres of the high tide line.
MERCES DEVELOPMENT
THE Goa bench of the Bombay High Court has declared that the structures built in Merces and Santa Cruz are illegal. Many commercial buildings have come up within 250 metres of the high tide line. These are built on khazan lands. The CRZ rules apply to khazan lands too. There has been a spate of illegal construction in Merces.
ADANI PROBE
THE Supreme Court has virtually given a clean chit to Gujarat’s favourite industrialist Gautam Adani. The court has held that reports in the foreign media about Adani are not reliable. “The New York Times” had published a report about the illegal deals of Adani. The probe conducted by SEBI has been approved. Thus, the Adani shares have seen a sharp increase in value.
PURPLE FEST MITRAS!
At a special meeting in Porvorim Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant said that the Purple Fest coming up will serve as a crucial platform to raise awareness about government schemes. The International Purple Fest is scheduled from January 8 to 13 and will be attended by the CM along with Minister for Social Welfare Subhash Phal Dessai, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Guruprasad Pawaskar, MLA-Curtorim Aleixo Reginald Lourenco, MLA- Cortalim Antonio Vas and Assistant Collector North Goa Ayushi Kumari (IAS).
The meeting was held to brief the Swayampurna Mitras about the International Purple Fest in Goa and how it would provide a platform for disabled individuals to showcase their abilities and talents. The event will encompass sessions focusing on different types of disabilities, guiding participants on effectively facing and managing challenges. There will be sessions for parents of the disabled individuals too to offer them guidance on caregiving.
Sharing his thoughts, Dr Pramod Sawant said, “Last year’s Purple Fest was a revelation. Discussions about this event spread not only in Goa, but across the country.” He encouraged the Swayampurna Mitras to actively engage in their communities, identifying disabled individuals and assisting them in obtaining a UDID card. The card would facilitate access to necessary equipment, aligning with Goa’s commitment to supporting the disability community.
Minister for Social Welfare, Subhash Phal Dessai expressed gratitude for the commendation and abilities of those involved in the initiative. He said this movement would provide a revolutionary step in the lives of individuals with disabilities because it will serve as a crucial platform to raise awareness about various government schemes, enlightening people about the diverse facilities and support services offered. Present were Goa State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Guruprasad Pawaskar who noted that this year’s festival would have excursions, cruises, movie screenings and the introduction of numerous engaging games and activities; MLA Curtorim Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco elaborated on the ADIP scheme (Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase / Fitting of Aids and Appliances), he said the government would be providing necessary equipment to individuals with a 40% disability certificate and a minimum monthly income of Rs22,500.
FUN DAY FOR KATHKARI CHILDREN
The Kathkari tribal children and their families at Virnoda experienced a day filled with sports, fun and cultural activities at an event organized by the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Chotanagpur Youth Group and Human Touch Foundation on January 2, 2024. The event kicked off with an inaugural speech by chairperson, Goa SCPCR, Peter F Borges. He emphasized the importance of such initiatives for the holistic development of tribal children and stated, “This event is not just about sports and fun, it’s a celebration of the vibrant culture and spirit of the Kathkari Children. The Goa SCPCR is committed to ensuring that these bright young minds receive the opportunities and support they need to thrive.” Highlights included various competitions, fun activities and several traditional tribal games, showcasing the athletic talents of the Kathkari children, facilitated by youth from Chotanagpur Youth Group. The children also took part in cultural performances, which were a vibrant display of their heritage and traditions.
Fr. Michael Periera of SVD said that the children’s enthusiasm and joy reaffirmed commitment to community-driven initiatives because, “We believe in nurturing these young minds with opportunities for fun and learning.” There was a prize distribution ceremony graced by Prof Vanessa Colaco, Governing Body Member, Goa Engineering College and Dr Cliford Castelino, Parish Priest of Korgao. The children were awarded for their participation and achievements in the sports events. Smiles and laughter all around testified to the event’s success.