INDIAN AIRLINES AND ITS MISCHIEF.

These days many Goans go to Goa on vacation flying by Indian Airlines. Somehow or the other IA is not having very good opinion of its service and punctuality. Yet having no choice Goans travel by IA twice a week even though the fare for Kuwait to Goa is higher than the fare for Malyalis and Tamilians traveling in the same flight from Kuwait to Kerala and Madras. Goans feel they are discriminated by charging them more fare. I hope Eduardo Faleiro the NRI Commissioner will read my lines. He was the first person to travel in this direct inaugural flight when he came to inaugurate this flight. Along with him Dr.Wilfred Desouza and one MP Mr. Aslam who was former Indian Hockey Olympian. A big party was held at Hotel Meridien where Faleiro spoke highly of IA and told Goans IA will serve Goans well. But in reality does IA serve Goans well? If it is so then why more charges for the passengers from Dabolim to Kuwait and vice versa? If it is so then why no proper service and appropriate facilities even on board at times?

The major problem for the travelers in this flight is baggage allowance. Many of our people are unaware of the exact number of kilos IA allows per ticket. During peak season it is 30 while during the lean season it can reach up to 40 and + but there is no exact confirmation from the authorities concerned. By not making its policy very clear, IA keeps everyone guessing. Many times passengers traveling by this flight bring more than 30 kilos but suddenly they get a rude shock at the weight in counter when the counter clerk tells them to pay for the excess luggage. Last week I went to reach one passenger who was traveling to Goa with an accompanied luggage of 32 kilos. The counterman allowed 30 kilos free as luggage allowance but charged for the 31st and 32nd kilos. When questioned why you are charging for 2 kilos, he replied “I cannot allow more then 30 kilos” and hence he wrote the “chalan” for KD 7.000. That means for every extra kilo above 30 kilos IA charges KD 3.500. But when the same passenger brought to the notice of the counter clerk that at the next counter the passenger flying to Kerala was allowed 38 kilos without charging any extra. What sort of equality IA performing by discriminating against Goans? It was not the question of KD 7.000 or charges for 2 kilos extra but it was a question of partiality IA shows to certain passengers and harasses others unnecessarily. It was a question why IA is not making its intention very clear so that passengers in advance know their weight allowance. It is a disgrace on IA and its management to practice such injustice.

I cannot understand what is the exact policy of IA at their counters in Kuwait. It looks to me every counterman is applying his own rule and there is nobody to supervise their decisions. In view of this faulty policy of IA, I advise my Goan brothers and sisters traveling to Dabolim by IA not to carry more than 30 kilos thinking they will escape from paying for the excess baggage. It is better to stick to 30 kilos unless one is ready to pay KD 3.500 per every extra kilo. There is no justice and no compassion at the IA counter unless you have some “wasta” which means influence in Arabic. Goans who are unaware of the policy of IA should be very careful.

Yet another instance of luggage harassment IA does was brought to my notice recently by one passenger flying by this flight from Kuwait to Goa. According to this passenger from Navelim he purchased some items at Duty Free shop at Kuwait Airport but before entering the flight, to his disappointment and shock, all his purchased items at Duty Free shop were weighed and accordingly he was charged. It was not he alone who faced this harassment but other passengers too. Weight charging for such items is something news to many of us but with IA anything can happen because IA flying from Kuwait to Goa and vice versa is the most unreliable flight not only in maintaining its flight schedule but in all respects. This is the history of IA direct flight. The NRI Commissioner who is paid by tax payers’ money for his salary and other allowances must take note of this. All the “chamchas” of NRI Commissioner in Kuwait some of them enjoying complimentary from IA must also know this.

A.Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.

‘Bekar Louddi’ a lively Comedy Video

-Daniel F. de Souza, Goa

Comedian Selvy has virtually scored an ace with the release of his first comedy film ‘Bekar Louddi’. This fast paced comedy video is marketed under the banner of Cat Video and is available at all the leading music stores in Goa. Those who have been closely following the performance of comedian Selvy over the period must have surely noticed that he has moulded into a fine comedy artist in recent times. The richness of his acting talents has now surfaced in full flow. This comedy video is a confirmation of his creativity with writing comedy script.

‘Bekar Louddi’ is a comedy highlighting the pursuits of an unemployed youth (comedian Selvy) eager to get married an lead his life, unmindful of the consequences that may follow. But, the problem is, he does not have a steady job and lives with a care a damn attitude. He is very playful like a school going kid and has a deadly liking for any kind of sports. Sports and games take a first precedent in his life over any other things. The youth is mired with problems from day one of his marriage. While he is on his way to the church for his nuptials his attention is drawn to the young boys on the road side playing marbles and he is automatically drawn to the game. Later on he is called upon to take part in a penalty shoot out, crazy for football that he is, he obliges. It is fun watching a young man dressed in his wedding suit manning the goal post in a penalty shot out. The bride (comedian Janet) in the meantime is left high and dry at the church waiting for her groom to arrive. The events that follow next are even more hilarious. The bride riding a cycle along the village roads dressed in her wedding gown and searching for her groom is not only funny but very well captured on frame.

Comedian Janet ably supports comedian Selvy as his unfortunate wife in this video and is part of all his pursuits and adventures in a laugh a minute riot. The comedy in this video is further enhanced with the presence of comedian Agostinho Temudo who plays the character of a beggar and is the President of the All Goa beggars Union.He leads a large group of beggars who go around in an organized manner. This is an entirely new breed of beggars who go about their job at strategic locations in a dignified and hi-fi manner begging for alms totally suited and booted. Some of the comedy sequences shown with respect to begging and the tactics they employ to earn their daily bread are well depicted. Comedian Agostinho with his natural flair for sleek comedy ably supported by the other comedians is a treat to watch.

A couple of comedy sequences involving comedian Selvy and comedian Agostinho evokes natural laughter like the one when Selvy sharpens the daggers and Agostinho misunderstands the purpose behind such an action. Then there is the incidence of the simple comedy sequence connected to a supposedly mobile conversation. But the final outcome is good and is a proof of Selvy’s fertile mind in creating comedy. Comedian Janet has given her best in her role as a young bride and wife and is natural in every sequence. So is comedian Selvy, who has taken good care to depict the character in all its finer aspects. The day to day adventures of this young couple and the manner in which they go about their married life is what provides the basis for comedy.

The videography and editing is done by Joywin Fernades and Lenoy Gomendes has provided the music and background music.
_______________________________________________

Manfa’s Golden Hits audio album released

Manfa Music has recently compiled a audio CD ‘ Manfa’s Golden Hits’ Vol 1. The audio album has 16 selected tracks comprising of 12 solos, one trio and three duets which are all hits. Some of the popular singers compiled in this audio album are Trio Kings (Joaquim-Jr.Rod-Anthony), Goa’s nightingale Lorna, M.Boyer, Antonette Mendes, Mohana and Alex, Jr. Rod, Sucorina, Ophelia & Romeo, H. Briton, Sharon, Osvi Viegas, Bab Peter, Babli, Betty Naz and Nephie Rod.

‘Master plan’ a trio by the trio kings is the first track on the album followed by a sentimental solo ‘Nimanno Adeus’ (lyrics Sylvester) sung by Lorna in which she pays rich tributes to her mentor the late Chris Perry. M. Boyer’s ‘Gulfakarancho Power’ a comedy solo adds glamour while ‘Kantteachi Vatt’ (lyrics H. Briton) sung by Antonette Mendes brings out her sweet sentimental voice. Bab Peter’s all time hit ‘Magnnem’ finds a place in this album followed by a very old duet ‘Ghovachem Ghor’ by Mohana & Alex.

‘Satvo Sacrament’ a very popular track by versatile Jr. Rod makes good listening with meaningful lyrics and good music backup. Comedian Sucorina adds luster to the album with her voice singing a comedy solo ‘Dil Mera Thoda na’ (lyrics H.Britona) to a famous Hindi melody. Versatile solo singer Jose Rod’s presence is strongly felt in his solo ‘Magnnem’ (lyrics Katty de Navelim). Tragedy Queen Ophelia sings a sensational duet ‘Besanv Zaem’ (lyrics Bab Peter) together with late Romeo Mendes. Foot-taping music follows next with H.Briton belting out a comedy solo ‘ Love-aria’ (own lyrics) . Highlighting the dangers of AIDS in her sentimental solo with the same name is silky voiced Sharon (lyrics Osvi Viegas).

‘Divors by Osvi Viegas, Jivitachi Chavi (lyrics Bab Peter) sung by Babli, Isabela a duet by Betty Naz & H. Briton (lyrics H.Briton) and as solo Ghorkar by Nephie Rod’ are the final tracks on the audio album which are all worth listening and adding to the collection. The last track on the CD album is once again focused on the dangers of AIDS and has some thought provoking lyrics, rendered beautifully by the Mumbai based singer Nephie Rod.

The musical score provided for the various tracks on the album is by Maestro Josinho, Tony Dias, Babush, and Agostinho Da Cruz. The album is priced at Rs. 150/- and is available at all leading music stores across the state. Go for it and add it to your collection of Konkani music.

GOEM ATAM UTTLAM

GOEM ATAM UTTLAM

Gone were the days when Goans were called “susegad”. In 1973 in my locality when Sinquerim Taj ignored the locals in getting the job at Taj Hotel, I and my colleague Alex Pinto revolted against the lop sided policy of Taj and challenged the entry of GRD Tata at Sinquerim when he was first time visiting Goa, demanding from him jobs for the locals and Goans only at his Taj Hotel. All the local “chamchas” of Taj showed their opposition to me but as usual I did not care for their opposition. Thru this revolt of mine the local people and Goans got preferential treatment in the jobs at the Taj. Then I came to Kuwait by cutting short my education at the Post Graduate Centre in Panaji. Since then our locality is not having a dedicated leader to fight for our rights. If I were in Goa permanently the Ship “River Princess” at Candolim Beach would not remain there till now. With the help of like minded people who are plenty in my locality and in Goa now, I would do something because “Goem Uttlam”.

Dayananda Bandodkar once told me that Konkani has no value in Goa, hence support Marathi as per the manifesto of MGP. Bandodkar died, his daughter came with the same slogan against Konkani. I came to Kuwait, started Konkani movement, liaised with our Konkani supporters in Goa, from Kuwait collected funds for the cause of Konkani, gave an assurance to our people in Goa that financially we will stand by you in your physical fight for the cause of Goa. Our brothers and sisters in eighties started a movement first under Novem Goem Pratishthan and later under KPA for the victory of Konkani. “Goem Uttlem”, public rallies and public meetings were organized in a big scale in Panjim, I went to Goa on vacation and participated in the rallies and meetings, received lathis from Prataphsingh Rauji Rane’s Ghantti police, hunger strike was conducted and there again I took part in it at Azad Maidan. “Goem Uttlem”. Final showdown was when our 6 Agxikar brothers laid down their precious lives for the cause of Konkani headed by youthful Floriano Vaz from Margao, Cogol who being the first Konkani martyr was shot dead from close range by the Ghantti Hawaldar of Rane for raising the voice of Konkani. “Goem Uttlem”. “Goem Bandh” movement was started and finally Konkani was recognized and because Konkani was recognized Goa got statehood. Why this victory happened? Because “Goa Atam Uttlem”.

In between anti-Nylon 6.6 Factory movement started in Kerim Goa. People joined together, faced the brutalities of police, one youth was killed in the firing by the Goa police. But people of Goa did not care. They were prepared to face more deaths to close this Factory. Finally the Nylon Factory project was shelved. Why? Because of people’s movement against it. Why this happened? Because “Goa Atam Uttlem”.

Two years back Town and Country Planning (TCP) Ordinance of Babush Monsurate was vehemently opposed by the people of Goa under the leadership of Mummy Victoria Fernandes. Public Rallies and public meetings were organized all over Goa. I was in Goa on my annual vacation. I took part in it, volunteered for arrest in Panjim near Customs House. Then on request from the movement makers I adressed the public meetings in 3 places including at Mapusa Bus Stand and received lot of support and encouragement from the public. Finally Monsurate and Goa Government surrendered and shelved this anti Goan plan TCP Ordinance. Why it happened? Because people of Goa opposed it. Why people opposed it? Because “Goem Atam Uttlem”.

Then under the leadership of Dr. Rebello another heavy movement was organized to oppose the big Master Plan for Goa initiated by Goa Government to degoanise Goa and to sell it to non-Goans. Again public meetings and rallies were organized. Patricia Pinto a young lady from Panjim took a very leading role. Finally this Plan too was shelved. Why? Because Goan masses opposed it. Why they opposed it? Because “Goa Atam Uttlem”.

SEZ movement is the latest movement in Goa against the interest of Goans. Everybody in Goa is opposing it because it is not good for Goa. There are committees and organizations formed all over Goa to oppose this SEZ. People in Goa are organizing meetings and rallies in Goa. It is gaining a momentum to convert it into a mass movement. Why people in big number opposing it? Because it is against the interest of Goans. Who are supporting this anti-SEZ movement? All Goans. Why they are supporting it? Because “Goem Atam Uttlam”. The Goans who are fighting against this SEZ will never remain silent till SEZ is totally scrapped as they resolved on 14th of this month in the big public meeting held at Lohia Maidan Margao. “Goem Atam Uttlam”. Unlike earlier days, Goem Atam Susegad Nidonk Na. Goem Atam Uttlam.

A few days back at Dona Paula under the leadership of local MLA Babush Monsurate work for the construction of IT Habitat initiated by Dayananda Narvenkar with the blessing of Goa Government was stopped. Police force was called and there were some clashes. Monsurate remained firm, so too his supporters. Narvenkar said in this IT Habitat lot of jobs will be created for Goans. But I doubt Narvenkar’s assertion. Narvenkar in his true colours will surely implement the sin of Narvenkarism which also means selling the jobs to the highest bidder whether he is from Goa or outside Goa. Nothing works in Goa without bribes. People must ask Narvenkar now only the sale price of every job and every segmet of the place there. How many jobs in this IT Habitat will be created and what will be the criteria of selection. How many jobs will be allocated to Goans and what guarantee is there Goans will be given preferential treatment in the jobs? I have no doubt in Narvenkar doing justice for Goans. He will do justice only for his personal monetary gains. Do not trust him. It is better to put an end to this Project under Narvenkar because it will give jobs to outsiders only thereby increasing number of non-Goans in Goa thus further helping the degoanisation process of Goa Men like Rane, Narvenkar and others have more love for non-Goans for this reason they got married to non-Goans. I have no trust in such people to show their love for Goans. I have a strong hope that people in Taleigao will teach a very good lesson to Narvenkar and to teach this lesson to Narvenkar I hope the like minded people from other parts of Goa must be ready to join Taleigaokars in their struggle. Let this anti-IT Habitat movement be the movement of entire Goa. I am sure people’s movement will succeed in stopping this Narvenkar Habitat because ‘GOEM ATAM UTTLAM”.

Secondly I have very little hope in Babush Monsurate that he will remain faithful to this good cause. History tells us that Babush Monsurate is the most selfish politician, he is more interested in his personal gains than in Goa and Goans. People rallying behind him must ask him whether he will remain dedicated to this cause or in between he will change his mind for the greed of ministerial berth or any other monetary gains and leave the sinking ship in the deep sea with all the passengers on board the ship afloat on the surface of the sea? People around Babush Monsurate must get a firm assurance from him that he will not change his mind otherwise people around him must not back Babush. He will surely have some ulterior motive behind leading this movement. Ulterior motive is the modus operandi of him and also of any of the corrupt politicians. Otherwise people must themselves lead this agitation to shelve this Narvenkar Habitat. People are capable of doing this because ‘GOEM ATAM UTTLAM”. Babush Monsurate said that to stop this IT Habitat, he will even shed his blood. Very deadly slogan indeed!! I feel we all Goans must prevent Babush Monsurate from shedding his blood especially because we need Goan blood for our protection. We want Goan blood to remain intact to support us and Goans. Pakleanchem Rogot, Mistissanchem Rogot ani Ghanttiamchem Rogot Goyant kobar zalear zata pun Niz Goenkaramchem Rogot Kobar Zalolem Amkam Nakam kiteak “GOEM ANI GOYKAR ATAM UTTLEAT”. We need their blood to save Goa and Goans. GOEM ATAM UTTLAM.

A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.