It is disheartening to observe disruptions in the Indian parliament, particularly when we aspire to be a beacon of democracy for the world. The wealth creators and job providers of India should not become subject of political rhetoric. If there are discrepancies, that can be handled within the framework of law, but should not become political football. Most important that Indian businesses must thrive. It’s the only way Bharat will become Bhavya Bharat.
–Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, India (from social media)
OUTSTANDING EVENT
IT is a divine blessing to be in Goa and to be able to venerate the sacred relics of our patron Saint Francis Xavier in the Se Cathedral at Old Goa.
It was heartening to be able to witness first-hand the meticulous, detailed and well organised arrangements for the feast and the exposition of the relics of our Goencho Saib, a spectacular event set to run for just over seven weeks. The overall arrangements were flawless and a great moment for Goa and personally for the saint’s devotees who travelled from across the world to pray and be a part of this unique experience.
We need to commend every official, volunteer and members of the security staff who have been working tirelessly for the success of this SFX exposition. This entire event has been astounding and the overall kudos goes to the exposition commissioner Sandip Jacques and his entire team for having proved that where there is the will there is a way, proving that a great event like this could be achieved in record time despite the challenges and hurdles that had to be overcome.
Successful events like this gives our Goa a good name and we can all take pride in those that made it happen for such a noble, worthy and saintly cause that St Francis Xavier himself would have approved.
After all, St Francis Xavier often preached the following: “The mark of a true Christian is not in words but in deeds.” “It is not the actual physical exertion that counts towards one’s progress, nor the nature of the task, but the spirit of faith with which it is undertaken.”
“The only way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
We can all as organisers, volunteers and devotees in unison assert without a doubt that we all lived up to our saint’s teachings.
— Aires Rodrigues, London
BEWARE FRAUD CALLS
I RECEIVED a call on December 12 at 2.16 pm from a man named Anil Sharma who claimed to be a manager from Life Insurance policy from Pune. He claimed that my mother Saira Banu’s LIC amount of Rs12,000 is matured and he had spoken to my mom asking where the matured amount should be credited. He ask me whether to make the payment through Gpay or PhonePe. I said you can do either.
Then I received a SMS in my phone not from the bank but from the number from which this Anil Sharma was having a conversation with me, saying Rs10,000 credited in your account. Similarly, another message I got saying Rs20,000 has been credited in your account.
Then the person was claiming that by mistake instead of Rs2,000 he had credited Rs20,000. He requested me to pay him Rs 18,000 back! I caught on to the cheat then and threatened him for making fools of people, cheating many innocent people … I said I am going to lodge a complaint with the police and give them his number. He suddenly told me “You are very smart!” He hung up the phone.
This is to warm readers and especially seniors unfamiliar with the ways of their smart phones to be cautious about trusting any strangers if they call enquiring about accounts and transactions. Do not fall for the enquiries and reveal any date or numbers to such callers. Just say you are lodging a police complaint and stop talking to them.
–Heena Qazi, Panaji