YAMAL SCORES FOR SPAIN

THOUGH there is rising anger against Muslim migrants, the irony is that the hero of the victory of Spain over France in the ongoing FIFA tournament, is a Muslim migrant from Morocco in north Africa. The 16-year-old Yamal scored the winning goal, enabling Spain to defeat France and enter the final game.  The captain of the Portuguese team is Kylian Mbappe, who happens to be black. Mbappe is of Algerian descent. 

When it comes to excellence in sport the background of the players don’t matter.  Football and cricket players are professionals who will go to any country that recognises and rewards their talent. This was dramatized by the fact that the United States cricket team which reached the semi-finals in the World Cup, Saurabh Netravalkar, is of Indian origin.  

COMBATTING VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES!

ARUN Kumar Mishra, IAS, Secretary of Health, chaired a meeting of the State Level Committee for Vector Borne Diseases and the State Task Force for Malaria Elimination at Conference Hall of DHS July 10 in capital city Panaji. Present were Dr Kalpana Mahatme (state program officer and deputy director of NVBDCP) who presented an overview of the current situation, preparedness, various prevention and control activities for vector-borne diseases and malaria elimination, as well as data on filaria elimination.

According to the data Goa had 1,701 suspected cases of dengue as of June 2024, with 177 confirmed cases. For chikungunya, there were 195 suspected cases and 2 confirmed cases. Dr Mahatme briefed everyone about the various strategies implemented for preventing dengue and chikungunya, including source reduction drives, house-to-house visits, fever surveys, anti-larval measures, and fogging operations. 

Mishra invited suggestions from various departments on how to prevent and control vector-borne diseases and directed the concerned members to translate the  suggestions into action.  Also present were   Dr Rupa Naik (deputy director, DHS) and other government officials.

ALIMONY FOR MUSLIM WOMEN

THE Supreme Court has ruled that all married women, including Muslim women, are  entitled to maintenance in divorce cases. This will apply also for Muslim marriages under the Muslim personal law. Nikah contract marriage will not exempt the husband from liability of paying alimony to his divorced wife.

The SC was hearing an appeal by Mohammad Abdul Samad who was told to pay Rs20,000 per month as maintenance to his divorced wife.  The wife had moved the court and Section 125 of the criminal procedure in which Sayed Samad had given triple talaq. Samad had contested that under the Muslim personal law no alimony is payable.

The SC however ruled that even women who marry under the Muslim personal law were entitled to maintenance. The court went a step further and declared that all married women were entitled to financial independence even within marriage. All married women who register their marriages in Goa are bound by the Uniform Civil Code where women irrespective of religion are entitled to an equal share in property.

NO BAIL FOR POOJA

SESSION Judge Irshad Aga has turned down the demand for anticipatory bail by Pooja Sharma. The judge ruled that Pooja Sharma was the beneficiary of the attempt to demolish the Agarwadekar house in Assagao. The judge also pointed out that the agent of Pooja Sharma had gone to the site with bouncers and bulldozers. The judge noted that the Assagao demolition has shaken the people’s confidence. Though Pooja Sharma was not personally present she was the mastermind of the conspiracy.

NO ROAD ONLY POTHOLES!

THE almost fortnight long non-stop rains have exposed the extremely shoddy work done on roadways including on national highway. The Smart City projects are exposed with huge potholes appearing on even the main roads of capital city Panaji. Contrary to the claim of Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant even Lake View Colony and the main Dayanand Bandodkar Marg were under flooding this monsoon despite the much praised roadworks.

Consequent to the filling up of paddy fields, large parts of Guirim flooded and remained under water for prolonged periods with no drainage systems in place. Due to flooding of the Pernem tunnel all drains running on Konkan railway line like the Netravali Express the Mandovi Express and even the Vandhe Bharat superfast trains had to be cancelled.

The came out briefly on Thursday, July 11 but the forecast was to expect heavy rainfall. Goans have been experienced cold weather as if it is the winter season instead of the monsoon season with temperature dropping to 24 deg C with all the extended rainfall.   

OBSOLETE SOUND SYSTEM

THE renowned expert on sound Roger Drego inspected the Kala Academy on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. Drego, who is an expert on sound lights and acoustics, reveals that the sound system installed at Kala Academy is of  substandard quality. He noted that “the current set up includes an eight-year-old music console with only four monitors instead of the six required and lights of 154 voltage  instead of the required 500-600 voltage. The lighting board used had been discontinued by the manufacturers.”

WORLD CUP REWARDS

EACH member of the winning World cup team got Rs5 crore each from the Board of Control in Cricket India. In addition, various state governments awarded their home players with large purses. The Maharashtra government presented Rs11 crore to the winners.

This is in sharp contrast to the Rs20,000 that Kapil Dev and his team got for winning the World Cup in 1983. Melody queen Lata Mangeshkar, who was a great cricket fan, had organised a music concert to ensure that the members of the winning team got Rs1 lakh each.

In the 50s and 60s even Indian test players were paid only Rs250 per game. It is IPL which changed the face of Indian cricket, making the BCCI the richest sports body in the world. It is the live telecast of IPL and World Cup matches which are the major source of revenue. BCCI is reported to have earned over Rs25,000 crore from this year’s IPL alone.

CM INAUGURATES `WORLD SKILL DAY’

THE scenario of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) have changed vastly, said Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, while inaugurating World Youth Skill Day 2024, organised by Directorate of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship on July 11, 2024.   Present on the occasion were Director of Rural Development Agency, (RDA) Gopal Parsekar; director, Planning, Statistics & Evaluation Vijay Saxena; chairperson of ITI–Panaji Gaurish Dhond,  South India Head, Tata Technologies,  Prashant Handigund, Senior Vice-President, Operations–Taj, Ranjit Phillipose, and others. The CM gave the slogan “Kaushalya Goem, Khushal Goem” (Skilled Goa, Happy Goa) and added that the ITIs are constantly upgrading the courses offered; he cited the example of how some ITIs in Goa are offering courses like solar technician course, drone technician course, etc, to match with the changing job demand scenario.

          Dr Sawant stressed on how focussing on skills development Goa can be “Atma Nirbhar.” He further added that the ITIs have tied up with industry associations and corporates and this has immensely helped the growth of ITIs in Goa. He  applauded the ITIs for becoming ISO certified, a first for any state in India to have all of its ITIs ISO certified.   

          Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanawade said that the face of ITI is changing and by developing one’s skills one can earn better and  ensure employment for all.  He thanked the corporates and industries for partnering with ITIs in Goa and helping with providing training and placement to students. Centres of excellence were inaugurated at five centres, namely Bicholim, Cacora, Farmagudi, Mapusa and Vasco.   Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) were also signed between ITIs and industry partners.  Skilled artisans, student winners of various skill competitions were felicitated on the occasion.

    Earlier Secretary—Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Prasad Lolayekar (IAS) welcomed the gathering while Director (Directorate of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship SS Gaonkar proposed the vote of thanks.

MASTERCLASS WITH CHEF PATRICK ALBERT!

CALLING Francophiles in Goa. On the occasion of the French National Day the spotlight will be on lesser-known and classic methods of French cooking during an upcoming master class to be  conducted by Chef Patrick Albert at the Verna-based Kamaxi College of Culinary Arts on Saturday, July 13, 2024 from 3 pm to 5pm.

This culinary master is being held in collaboration with the Alliance Française Panjim, which is an international organisation that aims to promote the French language and francophone culture around the world. Interestingly, the French National Day is also known as Bastille Day, one of the most revolutionary days in the history of France. It’s now a national holiday in the country and celebrated with a blend of solemn military parades, lively dancing, and spectacular fireworks.

In honour of this day in Goa Chef Patrick will guide participants through the preparation of French cuisine, featuring dishes such as tarte tomate (tomato tart), les îles flottantes (floating islands), and poulet à la diable (devilled chicken). This master class is a unique opportunity for anyone interested in the finer aspects of classic techniques of French cooking, providing an enriching experience for lovers of the finest French cuisine.

“We are looking forward to the event with KCCA that is keeping with our July 14 celebrations. We also look forward to future collaborations where with KCCA and Chef Patrick, we can indulge the Goan palate with French delicacies,”  said Shamika Andrade, Chargée de développement (development manager), Alliance Française Panjim. Chef Patrick is  a distinguished member of the Academie Culinaire De France, the world’s oldest association of Culinary and Pastry Chefs, and  Maître Cuisinier de France. This honour places him among an elite class of chefs dedicated to fostering the French culinary arts and promoting professional development.

With an illustrious career that spans continents, Chef Patrick remains deeply connected to his French roots and is particularly passionate about celebrating Bastille Day, observed annually on July 14 in France. Says Chef Patrick, “I am dedicated to preserving and perpetuating the tradition of great French cuisine. Sharing these timeless techniques and flavours with young, aspiring professional as well as hobby cooks is not just my passion, but a deeply cherished responsibility.”

CEO of Kamaxi Group Siddharth Savkur, is enthusiastic about the event, “We are honoured to have Chef Patrick Albert share his expertise and passion for French cuisine with our students and the community. This event is a testament to our commitment to culinary excellence and our dedication to celebrating the rich traditions of French cuisine”. French cooking is widely regarded as the world’s most prestigious and respected cuisine. Known for its formal techniques, emphasis on fresh ingredients and simple flavours, pride in presentation, and rich and colourful history, French cuisine has set the foundation for many other culinary styles and specialities. Registrations for the Masterclass are open, click on the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdsFXPABRDx1sRbnHmZWMlnqBXVGaomfyfra3OBsU-swSiryQ/viewform?pli=1 

10^TH EDITION: ROTARY RAIN RUN MARATHON

~ Over 2,000 runners will test their endurance skills for the 10th edition of the Rotary Rain Run Marathon 2024 thus far.

~ Registrations for the event close on July 20.

~ Proceeds generated from the charity event will go towards the Rotary Club of Porvorim’s Prakash Cancer Aid Project, directed towards women for free breast and cervical cancer detection.

OVER 2,000 runners are set to test their endurance skills at the milestone 10th edition of the Rotary Rain Run Marathon to take place on Sunday, July 28, 2024.  This is one of India’s most popular endurance events. World-renowned runners like four-time IRONMAN Triathlon completionist Corina Van Dam from the Netherlands, IRONMAN Triathlon completionist and five-time Guinness world record holder Preeti Maske and double Guinness world record holder for fastest marathons in a sari and a traditional Welsh dress, Kranti Salvi, will be participating in the event this year.

The Rotary Rain Run Marathon has emerged as one of the most popular events in Goa’s calendar of endurance events and will feature a new segment in this year’s edition: the two km seniority walk. The marathon is supported by the Indian Army and Navy and is aimed at promoting the importance of physical fitness, wellness and overall well-being among individuals. “It’s also a platform of inspiration for community at large to embrace healthy habits, make informed choices and prioritise  health and fitness in their daily lives,” says  Archana Sawant (president, Rotary Club of Porvorim). The run is scheduled to take off at the Sports Authority of Goa Athletics Stadium Bambolim. Participants please register for all available categories, namely the two km fun walk, five km dream run and 10 km and 21 km timed runs, while senior citizens can participate in the new two km Seniority Walk category. 

The running route culminates with a turnaround at Miramar Circle for the 21 km timed walk, with markers to denote the finish lines for the various categories along the way. Registrations for the event will close on July 20.

“We are honoured to celebrate our 10th edition of this charity event. The Rotary Rain Run Marathon has stood as a symbol of not just keeping oneself healthy and active, but also running for raising awareness about women’s health, education and cancer awareness, for the overall betterment of society,” says Avinash Singh Parmar, chairperson of the marathon. Co-ordinator  renowned triathlete Guirish Sawant had this to say, “Running helps build strong bones, strengthens muscles, improves cardiovascular fitness and maintains a healthy weight. Our largely sedentary lifestyle is the cause of several ailments; hence, keeping mobile is vital.”

Amongst the eminent marathoners are Corina Van Dam, Preeti Maske and Kranti Salvi, according to Guirish Sawant. This year’s 10^th edition also supports women’s health and education, with a focus on women’s health, specifically regarding free breast and cervical cancer detection, through the Rotary Club of Porvorim (RCP)’s Prakash Cancer Aid Project (PCAP). To register and for more information, click here: rainrun.rcporvorim.org. 

PREMANAND LOTLIKAR TO BE FELICITATED

THE Dalgado Konknni Akademi will be felicitating Premanand Lotlikar on the occasion of his 70th birthday on July 14, 2024 at 5.30 pm at Daivadnya Bhavan, Calconda, Margao. Tomazinho Cardozo (former Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly and former President of DKA and N Shivdas will be the chief guest and guest of honour, respectively.

Premanand Lotlikar (born July 14, 1954) is a  is a social worker and tiatrist. He is the son of Anand and Premabai Lotlikar, the second child followed by four siblings. He did his initial schooling in Benaulim and graduated with BA from Smt Parvatibai Chowgule College, Margao, Goa. During his graduation he used to tutor high school students to support himself financially. He is married to Priti P Lotlikar, a stage artist, they have a daughter, Adv Pritam P Lotlikar, an advocate by profession. Professionally, Premanand Lotlikar is an insurance consultant for Life Insurance Corporation of India since 1977. He has also chairman’s club membership of LIC. He has been a lover of Konkani in Roman script from childhood and was attracted towards the Konkani khell-tiatr. He went on to be a topmost khell tiatr artiste as also writer and director in the 1980’s. His love for Konkani saw him publishing monthly magazine “Mog” in Konkani Roman script. Premanand Lotlikar is the recipient of several awards and felicitations. 

Dalgado Konknni Akademi invites Konkani writers and Konkani lovers to grace the function in large number.