TOURISTS FLOCK TO GOA LIKE BEFORE!
I hereby seek to allay fears of those who question the fact that tourist footfalls in Goa have decreased. A simple fact remains that since for the duration of the exposition of the secret relics of decenial St.Francis Xavier, 80 lakh pilgrims attended the solemn event, then no one should doubt that in 2024 one crore tourists did not make Goa their destination as is usually the case especially during the Christmas to New Year week. In fact reports in our dailies stated the fact that many tourists slept on the beaches, probably because they could not find accomodation. Since as is known the cost of living has dented the capacity of travellers to spend on holidays, despite this constraint, Goa received above average tourist footfalls which should be accepted by all as a fact. Issues regarding the flouting of noise levels is a cause for concern and a determined afford should be made to address this issue in a fair and equitable manner. The drawing of pilgrims to old Goa for the exposition was one of the highlights of the allure that Goa still holds for visiting from far and wide. Relentless efforts should be made to make Tourism more attractive in all respects.
–Stephen Dias, Dona Paula, Goa
MAKE OUR ROADS SAFE!
THE Tiswadi Muslim Welfare Society (TMWS) has launched a month-long road safety campaign from January 15, 2025 to raise awareness about preventable road accidents and to promote safer driving practices. The campaign aims to sensitize citizens on the importance of road safety.
The inaugural program was held at Nalanda Hall, EDC House, Panjim. The event was attended by various stakeholders including members of the TMWS, local authorities, and community representatives. TMWS member Shaikh Mohideen Hassan provided an overview of the society’s objectives and initiatives. He explained that TMWS works in various fields, including education, health, sports, communal harmony, economic empowerment, and counseling. The organization has previously conducted social programs like blood donation and health check-up camps, as well as parenting workshops focusing on drug awareness and teen pregnancies.
Due to the rising number of road accidents in Goa, TMWS has taken the initiative to launch this Road Safety Campaign with the goal of educating drivers and pedestrians on road safety rules, and promoting responsible and respectful behavior on the roads. He encouraged the citizens of Goa to actively participate in the campaign by attending workshops, community events, and awareness drives to create safer roads and happier communities.
Chief guest at the meet was Deputy Superintendent of Police Salim Shaikh of Goa Police, who commended TMWS for their efforts in promoting road safety and referred to the organization as a “safety hero.” He urged everyone to become safety heroes by adhering to traffic laws. Shaikh emphasized the importance of the “3 E’s” for achieving road safety:
- Road Engineering: Proper road infrastructure is essential to avoid accidents.
- Road Education: Citizens must be educated on how to use the roads safely.
- Road Enforcement: Law enforcement agencies, such as the RTO and traffic police, must ensure the strict enforcement of road safety laws.
He also stressed that a driving license should not be seen as a license to commit traffic violations, highlighting the dangers of underage driving, driving without a license, drinking and driving, and using mobile phones while driving. He also mentioned that there are currently 565 cameras installed across Panjim to monitor traffic, and that compliance with traffic laws would help save citizens from unnecessary fines. He further added that the Supreme Court is monitoring the traffic police, and they are required to submit regular reports on traffic enforcement.
Guest speaker, Tukaram RS Mandrekar, assistant sub-inspector, Goa Police, elaborated on various traffic laws and signals, offering valuable insights on how to avoid common mistakes while following traffic regulations. The program concluded with an oath for road safety, pledging to adhere to traffic rules and contribute to making the roads safer for everyone.
— Barkat Shaikh, President, TMWS, Panjim
Happy New Year 2025
IN the New Year 2025 as we journey as Pilgrims of Hope, we have to resolve to involve ourselves in building a Just and sustainable society by our active involvement and participation in various social and pastoral associations.We have to transform this grace filled Jubilee Year by reaching out to the downtrodden and poverty stricken and people affected by various situations like unemployment, hunger and disease and people who need our love and care & those people who need our help and support. There are many people who are heart broken by different situations of life, people who are separated from their loved ones either due to some misunderstanding or parental pressure and this has forced them go into some sort of addictions and developed suicidal tendencies. WE have also to consider helping those people who are jobless by providing them employment, education to the needy and those who need our care and concern.We have to build a society that will ensure that very human person live a life with dignity and none are left lonely and neglected. Thus we have all to live in unity and live hand-in-hand and side and side to enrich not just ourselves but also those around us.
–Cajetan Peter D’Souza, Goa
REVENGE & HARASSMENT?
I HAD been wondering over the years as to why people shy away from activism and are reluctant to pursue matters of public concern. It seems a deterrent to many. Only now it has struck me and sunk in that there couldn’t be any other reason as to why the government has so strongly been resisting the issuance of my Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, even to the extent of dragging the matter to the Supreme Court of India. Is this the price one pays for standing up against injustice and the wrongdoings of the government? Then so be it.
I do not regret taking up social issues over the last many decades, which I did only for the betterment of Goa and its people. Have been blessed with the opportunity to visit the entire state and make lifelong friendships all over.
Every day has to be well spent. Contributing something worthy to society however small it may be, even bringing a smile to someone or lightening someone’s pain. Unless we are ready to share and shoulder the anguish being endured by others, it would not be a life well lived.
–Aires Rodrigues, London