GOA SWAYS … TO A PRINCE.
By Valmiki Faleiro.
Four state governments led by India’s major political parties: BJP and Congress. ThreeTourism Ministers, from a tailor-turned-politician, to a teacher-turned-politician, to even a surgeon-turned-politician: Mickky Pacheco, Mathany Saldanha, Dr. Wilfred de Souza. The combined strength of national parties, state governments and tourism ministers proved impotent before a Goan puppeteer twiddling the strings, for almost a decade. The puppeteer purchased a discarded freighter in London. For converting it into a trans-shipper, a ‘dumb’ (engineless) vessel tugged alongside ocean-going carriers anchored mid-sea. Trans-shippers mechanically reload mineral ore from river barges into carrier. His own experts were against the deal. The puppeteer must have liked the scrap ship’s rather bewitching name, ‘River Princess.’
A vessel that had outlived her utility. He had it docked in the Mormugao harbour area, violating every rule in the book. On a gusty June 6 in the last year of the last millennium – year 2000 – the ‘Princess’ tore off her anchors and rooted tantalizingly bang on Goa’s prime touristy beach district, at Candolim. BJP’s Manohar Parrikar was the Chief Minister. Parrikar is a politician, and an intelligent one at that, unlike the nincompoops in theCongress. He enacted smokescreens. Like a new law to handle such contingencies, as if the maritime laws of the world’s largest democracy were inadequate. His advocate publicly defended the State in legal battles initiated by the transgressor by day, and privately dictated court responses for the opponent by night.
Worse, the dreary ‘Princess’ was allowed to be shorn off her vitals of any immediate value, as Parrikar & party watched. Not even a namesake police enquiry to identify the criminals who also cut huge holes in her sides. The intent was clear: make re-floating and towing away the vessel prohibitively expensive, and let the South-West monsoons break the vessel at site, so that the scrap can be salvaged inexpensively. Scattered underwater shrapnel be damned – let the foolish tourists who venture near where the ‘Princess’ once was, be quartered. And Goa be damned!
Those who sustain themselves on the Bardez beach belt must bless the builders of the ship that that didn’thappen – yet. Who would give a damn if the dowdy distress drowned or disintegrated? Those in power might have only uttered those colourful but unprintable Konknni phrases, with acronyms like ST, SMP (in English, trichotillomania, here, about blowing whistles on pubic hair.) Pretty close to SMIPL, acronym of the Princess’ owner. The ‘Princess’ was the middle of three of his renegade vessels in love with Goan coasts.
When the Captain of the first vessel radioed a Ready-to-Load note, our hero was worried– he had no ready ore shipment. Demurrages were steep. That June 5, a cyclone hit the Goa coast and beached the vessel off Sinquerim. The ‘Prince’ sued the importer instead– his export consignment was ‘ready’ but no vessel was in sight! The mighty insurer, Lloyds of London, ought to know him well. What’s Goa’s feckless government to him?
The tailor-turned-Tourism Minister, at a media meet the day he first took office, vowed to have the ship “towed away” within seven days. His ready-witted mentor and my friend, Radharao Gracias, quickly prompted him to amend the bloomer to mean that he would “initiate action” within seven days (to tow the ship.)
Deadlines came and went. The teacher-turned-Tourism Minister set a new deadline and vowed he would go if the ship didn’t. He went anyway, the ‘Princess’ did not. The surgeon-turned-Tourism Minister bellowed as many deadlines as he should bellow hot air. The ‘Princess’ was not charmed. She stayed put, even if reduced to a mere metal carcass. Good heavens have waited nine monsoons for Goa’s morons to move the marooned disaster away. What does failure to remove a dangerously grounded vessel, in this age of modern technology, signify? Smartness of the prince, incompetence of officialdom, or corruption among ministers?
PS: A Goa PWD engineer friend, after discussing last week's column, suggested, "Instead of raking up scandals in specific Govt Depts, search for a Dept where such daylight dacoities do not occur. The conclusion would be quicker – such a Dept does note xist in Goa!" (ENDS.)
The Valmiki Faleiro weekly column.
March 22, 2009
March 21, 2009
BJP VARUN GANDHI'S HATE SPEECH.
BJP VARUN GANDHI'S HATE SPEECH.
There is a saying in Konkani “Bim toxem bhath” ani “Pai tosso put”. This is what has happened to Varun Gandhi, the only son of Maneka and the late Sanjay Gandhi, the younger son of Indira Gandhi. Varun Gandhi recently while addressing a rally in Uttar Pradesh as a candidate of BJP told the audience as reported in the media that “when we win the election, we will liquidate the Muslims from India”. Siddartha Shanker Ray from Calcutta as a top leader of Indira Congress in 1975 election rally in Calcutta told the opposition that “let us get the power back in this Lokh Sabah Election, we will shoot you dead”. Unfortunately for him and for his Congress Party, Janata Party won that election and Indira’s Congress lost miserably. Later on like a coward Shiddartha Shanker Ray denied his earlier statement out of fear for his well being and for the prospect of Congress Party.
Varun Gandhi vomited his anger on Muslims as if Muslims are non-Indians. Indian Muslims are as Indians as any other Indian. Just because a few Muslim terrorists are creating disorder in India that does not mean the entire Muslim community in India should be dubbed as bad and given a threat to liquidate them. Varun Gandhi’s father during the emergency time liquidated so many unborn babies in the wombs of their mothers only by force abortions. Forced birth control on Indian women was introduced by that monster Sanjay Gandhi the rascal son of rascal Indira Gandhi who on the advice of her cruel son Sanjay Gandhi introduced draconian Emergency Rule in India keeping civil liberties under hostage for 19 long months. Like his father Sanjay, Varun Gandhi is also very stubborn and arrogant, still unapologetic for the unIndian speech he delivered in Uttar Pradesh against our Muslim brothers who are victimized just as Christians by the hard core fanatic Hindus like the 29 year old kid Varun Gandhi.
Varun Gandhi denies his statement saying some tricks have been done by his opponents to change the original text of his speech. It is not easy to doctor the tape like that. He claims to be a genuine Indian Hindu. As a matter of fact, for being non-genuine Indian Hindu, he along with his mother Maneka was thrown out of Indira Gandhi’s house after the death of Sanjay Gandhi. Varun Gandhi claims to be the true Gandhi but by being untrue to Gandhi family he was thrown out of Indira Gandhi’s house along with his mother Maneka by his own grandmother Indira Gandhi, uncle Rajiv Gandhi and Unty Sonia Gandhi. These Gandhis are like a curse on the sacred and immaculate name of Gandhiji. Though there is no relationship between Mahatma Gandhi and Indira Gandhi as far as the name Gandhi is concerned yet Indian idiots are still equating them with the family of Mahatma Gandhi. Indira Gandhi got married to one Feroze Gandhi who was a Parsi by religion while Mahatma Gandhi is a pure Hindu. The name of Gandhi is become a very lucrative for Indira Gandhi’s dependents to catch the votes of ignorant Indians. For this very reason Indira Gandhi’s family members are still embracing Hinduism and not following the religion of the Parsi Feroz Gandhi. Indian system is patriarchal and according to this system Indira Gandhi should have brought up both her sons and grand children on the pattern of Parsi religion. But politicians and prostitutes do not care for their religion. For them material benefits are more important.
While watching Varun Gandhi on TV delivering his speeches and statements I can still see a lot of similarities between him and his father Sanjay. Both are hard hearted and adamant. Sanjay Gandhi was so hard hearted that to force his mother to introduce Emergency in India in 1975 he even slapped her, slapped the then Prime Minister of India, according to Kuldip Nayar in his masterpiece “The Judgment” published after the end of Emergency. These Gandhis think India is their fathers’ property and they alone have the right to think what is good and what is bad for India. If Varun Gandhi is elected tomorrow he would vomit more anger on Muslims and other minority communities. He said we must send all the Muslims to Pakistan. Varun Gandhi should know that because of their faithfulness to India, following the partition of India all the Indian Muslims opted for India and still nobody wants to go to Pakistan but in Pakistan there are many Muslims who are still willing to come and settle in India if facilities are given to them. Varun Gandhi should know that the hatred for India from Pakistan was emanated from the anti-Pakistani actions taken by the Congress Party of his grand mother Indira Gandhi and great grand father Nehru.
If immediately after the partition of India Nehru and his Congress Party had to agree with Gandhiji’s advice to pacify Pakistan, Kashmir issue would never come to such an ugly level for India to control. If Congress Party under Indira Gandhi had not to wage a war for the liberation of Bangladesh, India would never have acquired such a hatred for India from Pakistan. In fact, Pakistan feels India has hurt her too much and this hatred will never die, it may diminish. Varun Gandhi’s family members are responsible for Pakistan’s hatred towards India. And as a matter of interest, Pakistan due to its hurt feelings will never give peace to India. See what has happened in Mumbai in 26/11 terrorists attack and still with the only one captured alive terrorist Khasab, Indian security apparatus are lighting midnight lamps to keep a vigil on him to prevent him from falling into the hands of Pakistani terrorists. Is India an Atomic Power? Where is India’s might gone? Is India afraid of “chuttecho sorop”?. India fought direct wars against Pakistan and won but Pakistanis are fighting wars against India thru remote control and yet India cannot win these wars and will never win unless Indian hard core fanatic Hindus show some soft corner for Indian Muslims and to Pakistan as per the wishes of the father of our nation Mahatma Gandhi.
Meantime, people in India especially the true Indians and also secular Indians should not fall prey to the fiery and anti-Indian speeches of Varun Gandhi. He is the member of communal BJP. Also, Goan voters in the coming Lokh Sabah election should be very careful of BJP that is supporting anti-Indian communal forces. Parrikar’s BJP and Varun Gandhi’s BJP are the same. Varun Gandhi’s BJP emits open hatred for Indian Muslims while Parrikar’s BJP releases total and open hatred for Goan Christians even by abolishing Good Friday Holiday. Goan Christians and Goan secular Hindus should not forget it.
A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.
There is a saying in Konkani “Bim toxem bhath” ani “Pai tosso put”. This is what has happened to Varun Gandhi, the only son of Maneka and the late Sanjay Gandhi, the younger son of Indira Gandhi. Varun Gandhi recently while addressing a rally in Uttar Pradesh as a candidate of BJP told the audience as reported in the media that “when we win the election, we will liquidate the Muslims from India”. Siddartha Shanker Ray from Calcutta as a top leader of Indira Congress in 1975 election rally in Calcutta told the opposition that “let us get the power back in this Lokh Sabah Election, we will shoot you dead”. Unfortunately for him and for his Congress Party, Janata Party won that election and Indira’s Congress lost miserably. Later on like a coward Shiddartha Shanker Ray denied his earlier statement out of fear for his well being and for the prospect of Congress Party.
Varun Gandhi vomited his anger on Muslims as if Muslims are non-Indians. Indian Muslims are as Indians as any other Indian. Just because a few Muslim terrorists are creating disorder in India that does not mean the entire Muslim community in India should be dubbed as bad and given a threat to liquidate them. Varun Gandhi’s father during the emergency time liquidated so many unborn babies in the wombs of their mothers only by force abortions. Forced birth control on Indian women was introduced by that monster Sanjay Gandhi the rascal son of rascal Indira Gandhi who on the advice of her cruel son Sanjay Gandhi introduced draconian Emergency Rule in India keeping civil liberties under hostage for 19 long months. Like his father Sanjay, Varun Gandhi is also very stubborn and arrogant, still unapologetic for the unIndian speech he delivered in Uttar Pradesh against our Muslim brothers who are victimized just as Christians by the hard core fanatic Hindus like the 29 year old kid Varun Gandhi.
Varun Gandhi denies his statement saying some tricks have been done by his opponents to change the original text of his speech. It is not easy to doctor the tape like that. He claims to be a genuine Indian Hindu. As a matter of fact, for being non-genuine Indian Hindu, he along with his mother Maneka was thrown out of Indira Gandhi’s house after the death of Sanjay Gandhi. Varun Gandhi claims to be the true Gandhi but by being untrue to Gandhi family he was thrown out of Indira Gandhi’s house along with his mother Maneka by his own grandmother Indira Gandhi, uncle Rajiv Gandhi and Unty Sonia Gandhi. These Gandhis are like a curse on the sacred and immaculate name of Gandhiji. Though there is no relationship between Mahatma Gandhi and Indira Gandhi as far as the name Gandhi is concerned yet Indian idiots are still equating them with the family of Mahatma Gandhi. Indira Gandhi got married to one Feroze Gandhi who was a Parsi by religion while Mahatma Gandhi is a pure Hindu. The name of Gandhi is become a very lucrative for Indira Gandhi’s dependents to catch the votes of ignorant Indians. For this very reason Indira Gandhi’s family members are still embracing Hinduism and not following the religion of the Parsi Feroz Gandhi. Indian system is patriarchal and according to this system Indira Gandhi should have brought up both her sons and grand children on the pattern of Parsi religion. But politicians and prostitutes do not care for their religion. For them material benefits are more important.
While watching Varun Gandhi on TV delivering his speeches and statements I can still see a lot of similarities between him and his father Sanjay. Both are hard hearted and adamant. Sanjay Gandhi was so hard hearted that to force his mother to introduce Emergency in India in 1975 he even slapped her, slapped the then Prime Minister of India, according to Kuldip Nayar in his masterpiece “The Judgment” published after the end of Emergency. These Gandhis think India is their fathers’ property and they alone have the right to think what is good and what is bad for India. If Varun Gandhi is elected tomorrow he would vomit more anger on Muslims and other minority communities. He said we must send all the Muslims to Pakistan. Varun Gandhi should know that because of their faithfulness to India, following the partition of India all the Indian Muslims opted for India and still nobody wants to go to Pakistan but in Pakistan there are many Muslims who are still willing to come and settle in India if facilities are given to them. Varun Gandhi should know that the hatred for India from Pakistan was emanated from the anti-Pakistani actions taken by the Congress Party of his grand mother Indira Gandhi and great grand father Nehru.
If immediately after the partition of India Nehru and his Congress Party had to agree with Gandhiji’s advice to pacify Pakistan, Kashmir issue would never come to such an ugly level for India to control. If Congress Party under Indira Gandhi had not to wage a war for the liberation of Bangladesh, India would never have acquired such a hatred for India from Pakistan. In fact, Pakistan feels India has hurt her too much and this hatred will never die, it may diminish. Varun Gandhi’s family members are responsible for Pakistan’s hatred towards India. And as a matter of interest, Pakistan due to its hurt feelings will never give peace to India. See what has happened in Mumbai in 26/11 terrorists attack and still with the only one captured alive terrorist Khasab, Indian security apparatus are lighting midnight lamps to keep a vigil on him to prevent him from falling into the hands of Pakistani terrorists. Is India an Atomic Power? Where is India’s might gone? Is India afraid of “chuttecho sorop”?. India fought direct wars against Pakistan and won but Pakistanis are fighting wars against India thru remote control and yet India cannot win these wars and will never win unless Indian hard core fanatic Hindus show some soft corner for Indian Muslims and to Pakistan as per the wishes of the father of our nation Mahatma Gandhi.
Meantime, people in India especially the true Indians and also secular Indians should not fall prey to the fiery and anti-Indian speeches of Varun Gandhi. He is the member of communal BJP. Also, Goan voters in the coming Lokh Sabah election should be very careful of BJP that is supporting anti-Indian communal forces. Parrikar’s BJP and Varun Gandhi’s BJP are the same. Varun Gandhi’s BJP emits open hatred for Indian Muslims while Parrikar’s BJP releases total and open hatred for Goan Christians even by abolishing Good Friday Holiday. Goan Christians and Goan secular Hindus should not forget it.
A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.
March 20, 2009
EX KIFF PRESIDENT MANUEL D'COSTA COMMENTS.
RE: On Great Goan Footballers of Past.
From:manuel d'costa (manueldcosta13@hotmail.com)
Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2009 6:18:42 PM
To: Veronica Fernandes (averonicaf806@hotmail.com)
Veronica hats off to u big boss.
U are truly a great and good man.
rdgs
manuel
Subject: On Great Goan Footballers of Past.Date: Thu, 19 Mar 2009 17:44:54 +0000
REPLY TO "great goan footballers of the past"
Dear Anthony Veronica,
I have read your excellent article of "Great Goan Footballers Of The Past". You also reminded me of my younger days when I was between 10 - 15 when I used to go to see the football matches of those great Goan footballers at DULER GROUND MAPUSA. I espically mention the greatest Goan footballer Ainsao nick named GOBRO. When he was coming on the ground , all the spectators used to get excited and used to give big "XEBASKHI" for him saying "Come on GOBRO, Come on GOBRO". When he was playing he was using both his legs and both strong shoulders at the same time to keep away the oposiing players. When he used to get the ball in opponents backyard he was targeting 100% to shoot the goal and when he was taking the ball in penalty area he was making all "DULLHO".
I have not seen any player like GOBRO so energetic and so anthuhasitic that he played his game by giving all his energy and never used to care about his life. SALGAONCARS should not forget to organise in his name one sponsorship to entertain the ex players and players playing at present.When i heard AINSAO in one outstation tournament suffered a severe leg injury I was very sad that day as I used to like him too much, later on BOWMICK a MOHUN BHAGAN player used to follow the same style like GOBRO. I salute AINSAO COUTINHO and pray to god that his soul may rest in peace.
Also VASSU RAITURKAR was a SALGAONCAR player, I have seen him playing, he was very good speedy right outer, also K. ANTONY and JOS ROSEMOND, they were very experinced and proffesional players, they used to attract all the spectators and their style like JOSEMARIE who was playing for SESA GOA your late handsome brother who was expert in the heading especially to head goals from the corner kick. When he was schooling at Arpora, he was best in Cycle Race, he got double first in one year including in Cross Country. He was a thorough gentleman on and off the field. I salute him for his genorosity in employing so many boys in Sesa Goa and recruiting innumerables of them to Saudi Arabia for employment when he got the agency to recruit manpower from Goa.
Anthony Veronica, what you and me we have seen during those days vey few have seen. We both together seen best of soccer and best of footballers in Goa and Bombay. And what I saw of you I think none has seen. You were from the very early age a jewel of Arpora School. When you won the individual championship at All Goa level for the All Goa Interschool Athletics Meet at Anjuna Tembi ground I was present there to share in your joy. People from all over Goa who flooded the Tembi ground were just hugging and embracing you not only for winning the indivudal championship but also for creating a sensational record for Goa in 100 metres dash. Young and pretty girls were pulling you by your shirts, others were hugging you and kissing you. And if I am not mistaken included in that group must be your beautiful wife Fatima who was then schooling at Little Flower Convent at Calangute.
Anthony again I was present to see you in action for Sesa against Vasco when that match was abandoned. It all started when you beautifully and legally shoulder dashed Vasco's speedy forward Bernardo. There was chaos on and off the field. Spectators from Candolim, Calangute, Arpora, Parra, Gyrim, Mapusa consisting in thousands were totally with you. Besides, our total "loskor" from Calangute headed by your "Kumpar" Pedro was supporting you. Otherwise there would be riots on the ground because Bernardo also had strong following but your following outnumbered them all.
Anthony during those days you were adored like anything. I am proud of you for being your colleague and classmate till our SSC at Arpora. You are the only Goan now who remembers all the great personalities and player of past. Your have indepth knowledge of all and as rightly said by Valmiki Faleiro once, you are a walking encyclopadeia on any topic, on tiatro, politics, football etc. I dont think now Arpora School can produce persons like you. Your great writings on great subjects speka volumes of you.
There is none in cyber who can challenge your knowledge on Goa and Goans. I was always reading your writings in all the papers you used to write in English and in Konkani. konkani needs your writings again to elevate its standard. See if you can do something.Best of luck.
Through your excellent writings you made goa.kranti the best cyber forum among all the Goan fora. Kranti is the best.
Yours Best regards,
JERRY CAL
Abu Dhabi
Posted by KRANTI at Thursday, March 19, 2009.
From:manuel d'costa (manueldcosta13@hotmail.com)
Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2009 6:18:42 PM
To: Veronica Fernandes (averonicaf806@hotmail.com)
Veronica hats off to u big boss.
U are truly a great and good man.
rdgs
manuel
Subject: On Great Goan Footballers of Past.Date: Thu, 19 Mar 2009 17:44:54 +0000
REPLY TO "great goan footballers of the past"
Dear Anthony Veronica,
I have read your excellent article of "Great Goan Footballers Of The Past". You also reminded me of my younger days when I was between 10 - 15 when I used to go to see the football matches of those great Goan footballers at DULER GROUND MAPUSA. I espically mention the greatest Goan footballer Ainsao nick named GOBRO. When he was coming on the ground , all the spectators used to get excited and used to give big "XEBASKHI" for him saying "Come on GOBRO, Come on GOBRO". When he was playing he was using both his legs and both strong shoulders at the same time to keep away the oposiing players. When he used to get the ball in opponents backyard he was targeting 100% to shoot the goal and when he was taking the ball in penalty area he was making all "DULLHO".
I have not seen any player like GOBRO so energetic and so anthuhasitic that he played his game by giving all his energy and never used to care about his life. SALGAONCARS should not forget to organise in his name one sponsorship to entertain the ex players and players playing at present.When i heard AINSAO in one outstation tournament suffered a severe leg injury I was very sad that day as I used to like him too much, later on BOWMICK a MOHUN BHAGAN player used to follow the same style like GOBRO. I salute AINSAO COUTINHO and pray to god that his soul may rest in peace.
Also VASSU RAITURKAR was a SALGAONCAR player, I have seen him playing, he was very good speedy right outer, also K. ANTONY and JOS ROSEMOND, they were very experinced and proffesional players, they used to attract all the spectators and their style like JOSEMARIE who was playing for SESA GOA your late handsome brother who was expert in the heading especially to head goals from the corner kick. When he was schooling at Arpora, he was best in Cycle Race, he got double first in one year including in Cross Country. He was a thorough gentleman on and off the field. I salute him for his genorosity in employing so many boys in Sesa Goa and recruiting innumerables of them to Saudi Arabia for employment when he got the agency to recruit manpower from Goa.
Anthony Veronica, what you and me we have seen during those days vey few have seen. We both together seen best of soccer and best of footballers in Goa and Bombay. And what I saw of you I think none has seen. You were from the very early age a jewel of Arpora School. When you won the individual championship at All Goa level for the All Goa Interschool Athletics Meet at Anjuna Tembi ground I was present there to share in your joy. People from all over Goa who flooded the Tembi ground were just hugging and embracing you not only for winning the indivudal championship but also for creating a sensational record for Goa in 100 metres dash. Young and pretty girls were pulling you by your shirts, others were hugging you and kissing you. And if I am not mistaken included in that group must be your beautiful wife Fatima who was then schooling at Little Flower Convent at Calangute.
Anthony again I was present to see you in action for Sesa against Vasco when that match was abandoned. It all started when you beautifully and legally shoulder dashed Vasco's speedy forward Bernardo. There was chaos on and off the field. Spectators from Candolim, Calangute, Arpora, Parra, Gyrim, Mapusa consisting in thousands were totally with you. Besides, our total "loskor" from Calangute headed by your "Kumpar" Pedro was supporting you. Otherwise there would be riots on the ground because Bernardo also had strong following but your following outnumbered them all.
Anthony during those days you were adored like anything. I am proud of you for being your colleague and classmate till our SSC at Arpora. You are the only Goan now who remembers all the great personalities and player of past. Your have indepth knowledge of all and as rightly said by Valmiki Faleiro once, you are a walking encyclopadeia on any topic, on tiatro, politics, football etc. I dont think now Arpora School can produce persons like you. Your great writings on great subjects speka volumes of you.
There is none in cyber who can challenge your knowledge on Goa and Goans. I was always reading your writings in all the papers you used to write in English and in Konkani. konkani needs your writings again to elevate its standard. See if you can do something.Best of luck.
Through your excellent writings you made goa.kranti the best cyber forum among all the Goan fora. Kranti is the best.
Yours Best regards,
JERRY CAL
Abu Dhabi
Posted by KRANTI at Thursday, March 19, 2009.
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