WEEKEND UPDATES

MIXING UP MYTHS

IN  the rest of the country Diwali celebrates the return to Ayodhya of Lord Ram with Sita after having defeated Lanka king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya lit up oil lamps to welcome the victorious Ram back after the end of his exile of 14 years. Indeed, in Ayodhya, a new record was set up with the lighting of over 25 lakh diya at the new Ram Mandir.

However, in Goa effigies of Narkasur, a demon king killed by lord Krishna, is celebrated before heralding Diwali day. This seems to be some kind of mixing up for the mythological story of Narkasur has nothing to do Lord Ram’s victory over Ravana and return to Ayodhya. Therefore, in Goa in fact Diwali is not as important as Tulsi Vivah. Symbolically, Tulsi Vivah is the celebration of the marriage of Lord Krishna to the sacred plant of the tulsi…Tulsi Vivah ushers in the marriage season for Hindu families in Goa and elsewhere too.  

KING CHARLES & QUEEN CAMILLA!

THE British king and queen are in Bengaluru to spend time at a holistic health resort managed by homeopath Dr Issac Mathai. Mathai who runs a very exclusive profile holistic health centre is consultant to the  royal British family. The health resort is run by Mathai, a favourite of Princess Diana, who was initially married to Prince Charles.

The wellness or rejuvenation resort called the Soukya Health & Wellness Centre is located at Whitefield on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The resort has its own helipad. King Charles, who has been there before, has praised the treatment models at Soukya. It is of course not for the common man as it is extremely expensive. Indeed, all the holistic health centres including the Jindal Natural Farm, charge a minimum of Rs10,000 per day on an average.

SUNBURN AT TALEIGAO

THE super noisy Sunburn EDM festival was celebrated early at all the Narkasur effigy sites in Taleigao, Caranzalem and all other parts of Goa. In Caranzalem the loud mind blowing music akin to Sunburn’s drilled everyone’s head in the vicinity and in the flat where I stay at San Antonio Apartments, Caranzalem, from 5pm onwards till midnight.

It was the loud repetitive throbbing sound of trance music which kept residents from their sleep. We hear at some of the Narkasur effigy burning places the music got louder and louder and did not stop till 4am in the morning after which the effigies were set alight. The revelry at many places consisted of  wild drunken dancing by the groups who created the effigies and even those who participated. Most of them were the youth population of downmarket areas in Panaji. Indeed, there was no limit on noise pollution from the Narkasur effigy burning celebrations.

Though the playing of amplified sound is strictly banned after 10pm, at most Nakarsur sites the loud throbbing electronic music continued through the night, disturbing senior citizens and domestic pets. Though there a ban on serving the alcohol after midnight was on, liquor flowed copiously courtesy storage cars and trucks on the spot. Nobody dared to lodge complaints as the police were more likely to arrest people who complained than any of those dancing around wildly to the high decibal music including familiar Hindi film songs.

Naturally, finances for both making the demon Narkasur effigies and alcohol was provided by local MLAs across urban Goa, wherever at every corner there were giant effigies of Narkasur towering over the area. We dare say in comparison the Sunburn EDM concern expected to be held in the final week of December in Goa will be tame stuff compared to the Narkasur frenzy in Goa.  

DIWALI PARTY TIME

IT is always party time in Goa whether it is Diwali, Christmas or the New Year. The 5-star St Regis Goa Resort, a member of the five-stars group has announced a Diwali BBQ soiree at Susegado, beach side restaurant at Cavelossim. The Diwali celebrations will be marked by live cocktail music and display of fireworks from 7pm to 10pm on November 1. There is also Diwali party at the Marriott Hotel in Miramar on Sunday, November 3. The nightclubs in Anjuna, Vagator and Baga also had special Diwali nights over the weekend of Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The offshore casinos witnessed a frenzy of gambling, a Diwali tradition in many Indian homes of the rich and beautiful, bold and powerful.

RECRUITMENT SCANDAL

THE government has decided to crack down on the cash-for-jobs scam in the government. This follows the arrest of Pooja Naik, who is reported to have taken large sums of money from even graduates, offering them jobs in the government. The police discovered that Pooja Naik, the main accused in the cash for government job scam, have several high end cars and properties in her name all over Goa.

It is claimed that she used contacts in the government to cheat young people under the pretence of providing jobs of excise inspectors and junior officers in the government.

However, bribes for government jobs is very common and dates back more than three decades. Every minister and MLA has been demanding money routinely for government jobs.

The tragedy is that Goans are willing to pay large sums of money for the luxury and comfort of government jobs. Salaries are much higher in government jobs. There is job security and lifelong economic and social security as all government employees get handsome pensions for life.

Now Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has decided all jobs including Class 4 jobs will only be available through Staff Selection Board.  

GOLD GLITTERS LESS

THOUGH many Hindu families visit a jeweller on Dhanteras day to buy a bit of gold, reportedly they bought less gold and silver this year because of the 30% of increase in the price of gold since last Diwali. In Goa even Catholics flock to jewellery shop to buy gold. It would appear that at least the middle class prefer to buy high value consumer items rather than gold.

This Diwali saw a huge increase in the sale of super luxury smart LED TVs, iphones, etc.  It’s been a good times for the real estate industry as well as many people like to buy new flats and villas on the occasion of Diwali. Among the real estate companies promoting themselves is the Godrej Group offering villas and flats across the country.  

HALLOWEEN AND DIWALI

THIS year the American Halloween festival coincided with Diwali. Halloween is an old Roman festival adopted by Christianity. The night of Halloween is also observed as All Saints Day when saints and the dead are honoured. The belief is that on Halloween Day the living may communicate with their forefathers or ancestors as their spirits freely roam the earth.

During Halloween young people dress up as ghosts and go from house to house on trick or treat adventures. It is an occasion for spooky fun and creativity. Hotels in India love to copy American traditions  and so hotels in Goa are also offering Halloween day and night parties with a touch of Diwali, sort of two-in-one party time. Call them double-engine celebrations if you like.

GOA SHIPYARD FINAL DIVIDEND

IN a significant demonstration of its strong financial performance, Goa Shipyard Ltd  CMD Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay presented the final dividend cheque of Rs11.89 crore (Eleven Crore Eighty Nine Lakh) to Raksha Mantri  Rajnath Singh for the financial year 2023-24, in a ceremony attended by Giridhar Aramane, Secretary (Defence); Rajesh Kumar Singh, Defence Secretary (Designated); Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production) and other senior officials of the ministry. The final dividend, paid at 40% of the paid-up share capital, in addition to an interim dividend of 100% declared earlier, culminated in a total dividend payout of 140% for the year.

This resulted into a total dividend payout of Rs41.63 crore to the government of India. This remarkable achievement marks a substantial increase from the 108% dividend paid for FY 2022-23, underscoring GSL’s robust financial trajectory and its commitment to delivering exceptional value to the nation and stakeholders.

As a premier shipbuilding organization under the Ministry of Defence, GSL remains steadfast in its mission to contribute to India’s maritime security by enhancing shipbuilding capabilities, promoting self-reliance, and exceeding performance benchmarks. CMD, GSL, expressed pride in the company’s achievements, attributing the success to a dedicated workforce and strategic initiatives that align with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

9TH AYURVEDA DAY CELEBRATED

THE government celebrated 9th Ayurveda Day at the Directorate of Health Services seminar hall on October 29, 2024. The was organized by the State Ayush Society, National Ayush Mission and DHS jointly. Addressing the function Deputy Director Public Health Dr Rupa Naik called for the need of innovation in Ayurveda as it kept pace with advancements, by adopting technology for better patient diagnostics and treatment personalisation. 

She said further said Ayurveda being an ancient system is gaining recognition worldwide and it is an important tool for addressing modern health challenges, including stress, lifestyle diseases and overall wellness. The objective of the government is to provide better health facilities to the people.

Regarding the theme — Ayurveda Innovation for Global   Health — Dr Naik this year’s event seeks to bring attention to how Ayurveda’s adaptability, combined with modern science, can offer sustainable solutions to health problems faced by people.

   In her welcome address Deputy Director- Directorate of Ayush Society Dr Minal Joshi said the purpose of celebrating Ayurveda Day is to bring awareness of Ayurveda among the people and to promote Ayurvedic medical practices. She added that one of the major goals of Ayurveda Day is to spotlight how Ayurveda, with its deep-rooted holistic approach, can be adapted to tackle modern health issues.

 Under Secretary GAD Shailesh D Silva stressed on the importance of Ayurvedic medical practice and called for the adoption of yoga practice, meditation, for better health. He congratulated the stakeholders of Ayurveda for their commendable work in this field.  Dr Anupa Naik, PHC-Khorli, Dr Gauri Prabhu, PHC-Shiroda, Dr Pushpraj Amonkar,  PHC-Siolim, Dr Supriya Prabhu, PHC- Margao, Dr Aditya Barve, Dr Swati Anve, PHC-Aldona were felicitated for promoting Ayurvedic medical treatments. Dr Rupali Vernekar, Sr Homeopathic consultant, PHC- Aldona, Community Health Officers, doctors of PHCs CHCs district hospitals were also in attendance at the function.

ANIL AGARWAL FOUNDATION FOR RABIES FREE GOA

WITH an aim to make Goa a rabies-free State, the Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF), the social impact arm of Vedanta, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Sankhali Municipal Council in presence of Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant at Mantralaya on October 28. This initiative will be realized through AAF’s flagship animal welfare project — The Animal Care Organization (TACO) — which will establish a state-of-the-art animal welfare centre in Bicholim taluka.

          Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant said Goa is committed to initiatives for stray cattle, this is a significant effort on behalf of the AAF. He added that this project will receive support and assistance as needed and highlighted expectations from the foundation, noting that this is a pioneering initiative for the government.

Currently, there are around six to seven projects focused on stray cattle with support extended to various NGOs. Goa is investing in these efforts and allocating Rs150 per stray cattle. It is also ready to collaborate with NGOs for future projects concerning stray dogs and cats, ensuring sustained support for animal welfare in Goa.

          The centre will be situated on two acres of land provided by the Sankhali Municipal Council and the CM hoped this significant step leads to eradication of rabies and enhancing animal welfare services. The centre will expand to include a fully equipped veterinary hospital with an Out-patient Department (OPD), Operating Theatres (OT) and advanced diagnostic services, ensuring that animals receive the best possible medical care.

          Priya Agarwal Hebbar, chairperson of Hindustan Zinc Ltd and non-executive director of Vedanta Ltd, echoed the CM’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of community involvement: “We are proud to partner Goa in establishing a comprehensive animal welfare centre. This initiative exemplifies our unwavering commitment to advancing animal healthcareand fostering community-led change across India. Together, we aspire to create a sustainable model that benefits both animals and the communities that support them. Our collective vision is to make Goa a rabies-free state, and we are determined to see this project through.”

          In the fiscal year 2023-24, TACO impacted over 148,200 animals through its various services and interventions across the Vedanta Group and beyond, underscoring Vedanta Group’s.   The Anil Agarwal Foundation is the umbrella entity for Vedanta’s community and social initiatives. The focus areas are healthcare, women and child development, animal welfare projects and sports initiatives. This will also empower communities, transform lives and facilitate nation building through sustainable and inclusive growth. Present on the occasion were Siddhi Porob, chairperson, Sankhali Municipal Council, councillors of SMC and officials of Anil Agarwal Foundation.

SEQUEIRA REVIEWS EXPOSITION OF SFX

MINISTER for Law & Judiciary Aleixo Sequeira reviewed preparatory work of the forthcoming event of the Solemn Exposition of Relics of St Francis Xavier at Old Goa which is scheduled from November 21 onwards. He directed the concerned authorities to put all things in place on time. He addressed all concerned authorities of various departments to put things in place well in advance and also discussed issues w.r.t infrastructure, logistical and security aspect and amenities for pilgrims and those on duty during the mega event. Present were MLA-Cumbharjua Rajesh Phal Desai, Sarpanch VP-Old Goa Medha Parvatkar, Sarpanch VP-Old Goa; Collector North, Dr Sneha Gite, IAS; Chief Engineer PWD Uttam Parsekar, Commissioner of Labour Levinson Martins; Superintendent of Police North Tikam Singh IPS; Director Department of IT Pravin Volvotkar, Police Inspector Filomena Costa; officials from Electricity Department, Archaeological Survey of India.  

INTEGRITY, ACCOUNTABILITY, TRANSPARENCY  ESSENTIAL: CM

CHIEF Minister Dr Pramod Sawant said that integrity, accountability, and transparency are essential for good governance. He was speaking after  inaugurating Vigilance Awareness Week 2024 (October 28 to November 3, 2024) organized by the Directorate of Vigilance, at the Secretariat in Porvorim on October 28.  The CM called for sincerity, honesty and dedication as key values for collaboration, stating that if we adhere to these principles, we can provide effective governance to the public.

         He pointed out that corruption often begins at lower levels, hindering good governance. In light of a recent government job scam, he confirmed that strict actions will be taken against those involved, including the individual at the center of the issue. He urged clerks, heads of departments, and secretaries to remain vigilant regarding any third-party involvement in government work. He drew an analogy to the local practice of defeating Narkasur before Diwali, suggesting that we should similarly strive to eliminate corruption this festive season. He reiterated the principle of “Na khaaonga, na khane doonga” to help make Goa free from corruption. He pointed out that delaying services to the public is also a form of corruption and urged everyone to ensure that services are delivered promptly and without unnecessary delays.

 Dr V Candavelou, IAS, Principal Secretary to Finance, also addressed the gathering, concluding by stating that Vigilance Week provides an opportunity to commit to ethical practices in administration, ensuring better governance and services without inconveniencing citizens. Others present included Yashasvi B, IAS, director of the Directorate of Vigilance who referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assertion that India will be free from corruption when every citizen believes their contributions help improve the nation. Also present:  Nelson BR Albuquerque, Superintendent of Police, ACB Vigilance, secretaries, HODs and senior officials.

OVERHAUL DRUG REGULATION POLICY

EXPERTS are demanding urgent overhaul of the drug regulation policy in India. Dinesh Thakur, pharma industry whistleblower, Prashant Reddy, lawyer and Ganadhish Kamat, pharma industry consultant who debated the topic, “Drug regulation in India, policies and prescriptions” at the International Centre Goa (ICG) on Saturday, October 26, 2024 lamented the deplorable state of drug regulation in the country.

It was pointed out that the Indian pharma industry is being governed by the archaic, Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940 and is in urgent need of overhaul to meet modern day demands. Reddy said, “Drug regulation is a state subject and we have 37 drug regulators in India. This is distorting drug regulation in the country. Drugs manufactured in one state are sold across India without any system of centralized quality control.”

According to Reddy, a drug like paracetamol is being manufactured in ten different states and there’s no method to check quality. He further  pointed out that the office of the Director Controller General of India (DCGI), the authority appointed to ensure that the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940,  was administered improperly and in a state of disarray. “When a parliament standing committee once inquired about something with the DCGI, the department said the records had been lost. This is how bad the situation is.”

Pointing out the dismal state of clinical trials, Thakur said, “Companies made huge profits by selling the antiviral drug, Fabiflu during Covid. But this was done without conducting adequate clinical trials for the same.” Kamat lamented the fact that drugs manufactured in India are being blacklisted in some countries. “An Indian cough syrup was banned in Uzbekistan, however there was no punitive action taken against the drug manufacturer in India. Manufacturers must be made to fear the law.”

Reddy also asked for an environment for free and frank dialogue on drug regulation matters. “Today, if you demand a change in policy, you are labeled anti-national!” All felt that an organisation like the Indian Medical Association (IMA) needed to become proactive and demand proper quality control of drugs.

SCHOLZ WITH BITS PILANI STUDENTS

INDIA and Germany are constantly working on their shared commitment to green and sustainable growth. After taking this partnership forward both countries have agreed on the second phase of the Green Urban Mobility Partnership. After launching the Green Hydrogen Roadmap in New Delhi His Excellency  Olaf Scholz, Chancellor, Federal Republic Of Germany interacted with the students of Bits Pilani in Sancaole in South Goa on October 28.

He was welcomed with flowers on the campus by Prof V Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor of BITS PILANI, Prof Suman Kundu, Director of BITS PILANI, K K BIRLA GOA campus and Prof Meenal Kowshik, Dean Administration of BITS PILANI, K K BIRLA GOA. While visiting Olaf Scholz conducted a Q&A session with students and  discussed current international political issues and the prospects for India-Germany cooperation.

The Chancellor said Germany can play a role in supporting India in its energy transition in days to come. Replying to the question about green and sustainable energy he said Germany and India will contribute for a better, healthier, and cleaner future for the citizens of India.  Before entering the Library Hall Mr Scholz looked upon the four unique projects prepared by the students of BITS PILANI and interacted with the students.

The Society of Automotive Engineers, automotive club of the campus, is one of the oldest technical clubs, established in 2013. The club depicted Formula Student Electric Vehicle, the first amongst the BITS campuses, at Team GigaWatt; and the All Terrain Vehicle project at Team Grease Monkeys. The students, namely Shardul Tomar, Nilay Wani and Kunal Warat briefed the Chancellor about the project. While  Vyomesh Bhatt, Akash Bhosale, Kaustubh Saoji  introduced Project Kratos, established in 2018. The team of 50+ students are divided into six subsystems: Mechanical, Controls, Electronics, Autonomous, Power and Life Detection. 

Students Ajinkya Deshpande, Vimarsh Shah, Ansh Parmeshwar, introduced their project on Electronics & Robotics founded in 2008. The Aerodynamics Club is a group of aviation enthusiasts who compete in both national and international competitions, currently ranking 26th in the world in planes and 3rd nationally in drones. Adarsh Pai, Raghav Mohan Kumar informed the Chancellor about the research projects to solve real-world problems, such as VTOL, solving urban mobility, Ornithopters, helping surveillance in agriculture, and various other fields.

About Astronomy — Space Tech Club, a part of international association SEDS. Avichal Verma briefed on the project,  Ms Verma said that  they built projects like Rocketry, CANSAT and HERC. Their activities include submitting observational scientific data to AAVSO, building relevant instrumentation and public outreach. Prof Suman Kundu proposed a vote of thanks.

‘WALKATHON 2024’ TO PROMOTE VOTER AWARENESS

THE Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Goa, in collaboration with Goa University, organised “Walkathon 2024” starting from the Goa University Library till Odxel Junction. The walkathon on October 29 was to raise awareness about the Special Summary Revision 2025 and the significance of voter registration. “Every vote matters,” emphasized  Ramesh Verma, IAS, Chief Electoral Officer, Goa.

He encouraged the participating students to engage with their communities, particularly targeting individuals without voter ID cards, and to motivate them to enrol for a brighter future. Triveni Velip, Joint Chief Electoral Officer and SVEEP Nodal Officer, underscored the vital role of the Voter ID Card and explained the process for obtaining one. Also in attendance were Gervasio Mendes, SVEEP Nodal Officer; Dr Shraddha Naik and Dr Vijay Gawas, ELC event coordinators,  along with faculty and students from Goa University.

Special voter registration camps will be held at polling stations on November 9, 10, 23, and 24, 2024. Individuals can register themselves as a voter from October 29 to November 11, 2024. For further information, download the Voter Helpline App or visit www.voters.eci.gov.in.

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