CARMO SANTOS ON "LIBERATION OF KUWAIT & GOAN MOVEMENT>

SUB:LIBERATION OF KUWAIT & GOAN MOVEMENT.‏

From: Santos Carmo (carmosan50@hotmail.com)

Sent:Saturday, February 28, 2009 8:04:59 AM

To: averonicaf806@hotmail.com

ALL THE GOANS ARE BRAVE AND HEROS WHO STUDUP WITH LIBERATION OF KUWAIT AND GOAN MOVEMENT

LIBERATION OF kUWAIT & GOAN MOVEMENT.Date: Wed, 25 Feb 2009 13:07:40 +0000
G O A

--No plans in this revolution are written for retreat--
February 25, 2009


LIBERATION OF KUWAIT & GOAN MOVEMENT.

26th February 2009, we in Kuwait mark the 19th anniversary of the liberation of Kuwait. Thru the liberation of Kuwait, freedom prevailed over suppression, democracy over dictatorship, justice over injustice and truth over a lie. How it happened and with whose support? In the beginning it looked the liberation of Kuwait would not come soon or not come at all.

NORMAN NORONHA FROM NAVELIM ON "LIBERATION OF KUWAIT & GOAN MOVEMENT.

RE: LIBERATION OF KUWAIT & GOAN MOVEMENT.‏
From:Norman Noronha (norman_noronha@hotmail.com)
Sent:Wednesday, February 25, 2009 5:02:26 PM
To: averonicaf806@hotmail.com

Dear Veronica,

I first came to Kuwait in the year 1987, and in 1990 was all set to go for my first vacation from Kuwait, that fateful year, the invasion took place and my dreams were shattered. Instead of flying by Air directly to Goa and being received joyfully by family members we had to go through all that painful journey partly by Road and partly by Air from Kuwait to Jordan via Iraq and finally reached our motherland and were welcomed with tears of joys and happiness by not only the near and dear ones but by so many other concerned people. These days can never be forgotten.

After reaching Goa, I alongwith my fellow Navelkars (under the banner of Navelim Youth Center, Kuwait) had attended the rally at Panjim on 12th November 1990 thus showing our solidarity to Kuwait.

I returned back to Kuwait in the year 1991, which gave me a second chance to earn a living in Kuwait, a few years later got married and in 1995 when Kuwait made visas open for families my wife also joined me. Before invasion there were not so many families in Kuwait like we see today enjoying a family life in togetherness.

Along with my family, I am very grateful to the country of Kuwait for giving me the chance to work in this country and earn my livelihood, enjoy a better standard of living and also support my family members back in Goa.

Wishing Kuwaitis, Government of Kuwait and the ruling family of Kuwait all the best on the liberation day of Kuwait. May God Bless Kuwait for many more years to come.

Jai Goa !!!! Jai India !!!! Jai Kuwait.
Norman Noronha
Navelim/Kuwait


From: averonicaf806@hotmail.com.
LIBERATION OF KUWAIT & GOAN MOVEMENT.
Date: Wed, 25 Feb 2009 13:17:36 +0000

G O A
No plans in this revolution are written for retreat--
February 25, 2009


LIBERATION OF KUWAIT & GOAN MOVEMENT.

26th February 2009, we in Kuwait mark the 19th anniversary of the liberation of Kuwait. Thru the liberation of Kuwait, freedom prevailed over suppression, democracy over dictatorship, justice over injustice and truth over a lie. How it happened and with whose support? In the beginning it looked the liberation of Kuwait would not come soon or not come at all.

A. Veronica Fernandes addressing the rally
Ministry of Interior, Col. Juma Al Kholifi kissing the Kuwaiti flag

LIBERATION OF KUWAIT & GOAN MOVEMENT.

26th February 2009, we in Kuwait mark the 19th anniversary of the liberation of Kuwait. Thru the liberation of Kuwait, freedom prevailed over suppression, democracy over dictatorship, justice over injustice and truth over a lie. How it happened and with whose support? In the beginning it looked the liberation of Kuwait would not come soon or not come at all.

A. Veronica Fernandes addressing the rally

Ministry of Interior, Col. Juma Al Kholifi kissing the Kuwaiti flag

During the invasion time of Kuwait, I was in my place Goa, India, busy in organising meetings and rallies in Goa in support of Kuwait. Suddenly opposite to Azad Maidan in Panaji the capital city of Goa, I met Eduaro Faleiro who was at that time a Congress Member of Parliament. A short while before, he was the Minister in Central Government Delhi holding the prestigious post of Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. By virtue of being a minister of that high rank, he should be expert in foreign affairs. But no! According to his statement he made to me on that day which I reproduce herebelow as I still remembered after a long period, it goes like this:

He wished me saying “Veronica, how are you?

I said, fine. How about you?

He said ok and asked me: what are you doing?

I said, presently very busy in organising a movement on behalf of GOA-KUWAIT SOLIDARITY CENTER in support of the liberation of Kuwait.

He sarcastically smiled and said: Veronica, forget about Kuwait’s liberation, forget about Kuwait. KUWAIT IS GONE.
When I immediately retorted asking him “why”?

He replied thus: Kuwait’s case will be like that of Palestinian case. It will drag on for years and years like Palestinian case for another 25 to 50 years. Veronica, you forget about Kuwait’s liberation. A COUNTRY THAT IS ALREADY INVADED WILL NOT COME BACK.

From the above statement of India’s foreign affairs stalwart one could make out that only a miracle was required to liberate Kuwait.

Immediately after the invasion of Kuwait, Arab Leaders met to discuss this issue of invasion of Kuwait and as if it was an easy matter to solve, issued a statement saying “it was an Arab issue and it would be solved under Arab umbrella”. What was that Arab umbrella? It was an Arab League that binds the Arab race together. In fact Arab League failed Kuwait miserably. It turned out to be an impotent body to force Saddam Hussein to vacate Kuwait. Why Arab League only? What about Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) which binds the Muslim member nations thru religious affinity and strictly prohibits use of force to settle bilateral disputes between the member nations? Though Kuwait and Iraq both being members of OIC as both are Muslim countries, yet Iraq rejected the principle of Organisation of Islamic Conference and used force to invade Kuwait. Saddam Hussein proved to be a fake Muslim otherwise he would respect the religious values of OIC.

Non Align Movement (NAM) was yet another organization that failed to withstand the fury of Saddam Hussein. NAM also prescribes use of peaceful methods to solve bilateral issues between the member nations. Both Kuwait and Iraq are the members of NAM yet Saddam Hussein made a fool of NAM. Once a few years back, Libyan Leader Gaddafi dubbed NAM as a big JOKE. It is a romantic figment of romantic Nehru supported by Nasser and Tito, all toothless leaders who established NAM as a toothless body.

Finally, the ultimate solution for Kuwait rested on the shoulders of UN which proved its worth. With the strong mandate given by the UN to liberate Kuwait, a coalition of innumerable countries headed by US waged a deadly war against Iraq and on this date 19 years back, finally liberated Kuwait from where we earn our sustenance, the country which is a home for many of us away from our own homes back in our countries. Thanks to Margaret Thatcher for creating an awakening in support of Kuwait immediately after its invasion by Saddam’s Iraq. She at that particular time was visiting US and when she got this news, her first broadcast early in the morning relayed by BBC was this “In no way this brutal and illegal invasion should be allowed. Saddam Hussein is a brute, a dictator, a barbarian, a despot worst than Hitler. This invasion of tiny peace loving country Kuwait must be reversed by all means”. Then she disrupted her itinerary in US and directly went to Baba Bush (Sr.) and asked him to give a lead to organize the world to liberate Kuwait. Being a super power, she said US is in position to do so and finally US under Bush Sr. gave a strong lead in this direction.

It was very nice at that time Gorbachev was ruling Soviet Russia. Gorbachev was a democratic and decent leader who would use his rationale to judge the situation in its true perspective. He judged the Kuwait situation rightly even though he was not an Arab or a Muslim. It was ironic to know that the liberation movement of Kuwait was opposed by some of the Arab and Muslim countries while non-Muslim and Non-Arab countries openly supported Kuwait’s liberation though US and West were blamed as anti-Arab and Anti-Muslim without any basis. For this reason, during his last summit in the Mediterranean Sea with Gorbachev before the start of the Gulf War for the liberation of Kuwait, the president of US, Bush Sr. said “This war is not a war between Arabs and West. It is a war between Arab and Arabs. This war is not a war between Muslim and Christians. It is a war between Muslims and Muslims. Christian US and Christian West are only supporting the weak Arab and weak Muslim country to gain its liberation”.

One of the major reasons for Kuwait to get strong support for its liberation war was the excellent foreign policy conducted by Kuwait under its long time Foreign Minister who is currently the Amir of Kuwait. His dealings with all nations with fair manner earned him and Kuwait an excellent goodwill all around the globe that finally paid dividends for Kuwait.

That Kuwait will be liberated one day was certain to me but when? That was the question mark. But I knew that one day is not very far unlike my compatriot Eduardo Faleiro. I feel my knowledge of foreign affairs is far better than that of Eduardo Faleiro the Foreign Affairs stalwart of India. I said to myself, either today or tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, liberation will come and surely it will come but till such time, let us fly the flag of Kuwait high in Goa. All my colleagues in our movement supported me. Accordingly, soon after our first rally in Panjim on 12th November 1990 in support of Kuwait, we took the decision to organize a big meeting in Panjim to mark the National Day of Kuwait on 25th February 1991. When Kuwait’s Ambassador Zakaria got this news, on my advice he sent us one box containing Leaflets, Kuwaiti Flag, Audio Cassette of National Anthem of Kuwait, Free Kuwait Badges etc. When we marked this day, I could see nothing but joy on the faces of Goans who gathered there to mark this day. When the National Anthem of Kuwait was played, I could see nothing but tears of joy in the eyes of so many Goans who listened to the Kuwaiti National Anthem after so many months. It was nothing but joy and joy on the faces of everyone gathered there on that auspicious day making us aware of the following day’s good tidings that Kuwait was on the verge of liberation which surely and as predicted came on 26th February 1991.

The movement we Goans organised in Goa - India continuously for so many months in support of Kuwait was done purely out of love and gratitude for Kuwait from where we earned our sustenance. It was done in such a big and vociferous scale that its voice was heard not only in Goa but also in New Delhi thus forcing the Government of India to change its stand openly and support Kuwait clearly and strongly. Not only this, our voice we raised from Goa was heard in Taif - Saudi Arabia by the Government of Kuwait in exile, other governments in the world thru their Embassies in New Delhi and to all over the world thru Radio, TV and Press News. Our voice we raised from Goa under the umbrella of Goa-Kuwait Solidarity Center was a direct slap on the face of Saddam Hussein, his Bath Party, his Iraq and all his supporters and admirers. By organising our movement in Goa we wanted to show our affiliation to Kuwait. This movement we organised on our own wish and on our own initiative and no external power or external elements involved in it. It was purely an indegenous Goan movement financed by none other than by us, Kuwait returnee Goans only. Its credit should go to none other than all who associated in it physically and financially. By organising this movement I am happy that we got an opportunity to show our gratitude to Kuwait from where we gained so much.

To wage the war against Iraq to liberate Kuwait, I cannot ignore the enormous efforts made by US, UK and France and the great sacrifices of their soldiers who lost their precious lives for the cause of Kuwait. The liberation of Kuwait was realized only with the active involvement of these nations and their soldiers and of course with the stellar initiative of UN.

On behalf of GOA-KUWAIT SOLIDARITY CENTER, I, A. Veronica Fernandes, Convener of Goa-Kuwait Solidarity Centre wish Kuwaitis, Government of Kuwait and the ruling family of Kuwait all the best on the liberation day of Kuwait. May God Bless Kuwait.

A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.

Visa trading, rising food prices, rents major challenges

the Aljenfawi files
By Khaled Aljenfawi

According to the Arab Times, “the Investigation Section of the General Immigration Department Thursday arrested a Kuwaiti man for trading in visas.

According to reliable sources the man had 16 bogus companies registered in his name and have reportedly sold 265 work permits to people of various nationalities.”

Whether the allegations prove true or not, “trading in visas” is only one of the challenges facing our expatriates friends and partners. Among other important issues that constitute real challenges for expatriate workers in Kuwait are rising food prices, rents, and the increase in general living expenses. As our most important national goals continue to be the transformation of Kuwait into a regional financial and commercial center, it is better to focus on providing a more hospitable environment for our expatriates.

Certainly, in addition to being exploited by visa traders, many hard working expatriates find it difficult to keep their families in Kuwait due to the rise in food prices, the irrational increase in rents and skyrocketing living expenses. We have already stressed the need for these individuals, expatriates, who are the real flesh and bones of our local economy, to feel at home. They are the ones who run the daily business in almost all private companies in Kuwait; they also continue to contribute in their government jobs, facilitating our national luxurious way of life.

Therefore, they deserve to live in a more hospitable environment equal to the amount of efforts they are excreting. Reducing the impacts of already existing bureaucratic complications in different government departments, moderating rents or issuing a government decree, which can freeze rents, and above all trying our best to make our expatriate friends and partners feel at home, are real steps in the right direct.

The government’s crackdown on visa traders will ultimately remove one menace from our local environment. However, we also need to focus on how many of these expatriate workers and employees are dealing with artificial rises in food prices and rents. In an earlier published article in the Arab Times, I emphasized the need to create some kind of government program through which subsidized food coupons can be offered to expatriates. This subsidized food program does not necessarily have to be part of what ordinary Kuwaitis receive at the end of each month (subsidized food or “Tamween”...etc), but it should be at least a similar program which offer a much needed help. Many expatriates for example purchase their food and other necessary commodities from public cooperative societies, but they already know they will receive no profit in doing so! In other words, why not set up a different kind of cooperative society for expatriates, where they can purchase whatever they need and get something in return.

They are certainly similar avid consumers like many Kuwaiti citizens and they should enjoy the benefits of feeling at home.

One other important challenge facing many expatriates is what amounts to an artificial and arbitrary rise in rents. In Dubai for example, the government there started tackling the rise in rents by issuing some kind of freeze on already signed contracts. We can do better in Kuwait by starting to regulate rents through the establishment of a government department that can monitor irrational rise in rents, especially for expatriates. It is becoming more difficult for many expatriates to keep their families in Kuwait because of the rise in rents and other living expenses. It is certainly better to create a new scenario where expatriates and their loved ones can really feel at home in Kuwait.

Trying to provide a more hospitable local environment for our expatriate friends and partners requires some efforts from the government and civil societies. These honest and hard working people continue to contribute in maintaining our local economy and they are facing harder challenges in a global financial crisis. It would be better to provide expatriates working in Kuwait with other options than continuously being victimized by visa traders or opting for sending their families back home instead of enjoying a stable, prosperous and happy family life in Kuwait.

khaledaljenfawi@yahoo.com
Aljenfawi

The above article is reproduced from Arab Times (Page 3), Monday, Febraury 9, 2009

GOA'S RESTING PLACES -2. By Valmiki Faleiro.

GOA’S RESTING PLACES-2.

By Valmiki Faleiro.

Dust you are, and unto dust you shall return. “Aiz mhaka, faleam tuka” (my turn today,yours tomorrow.) Yes, I am on ‘final’ resting places, three days before Ash Wednesday.Unpleasant as the thought of our own death may be, we could, when alive, spare athought about where the dead go from this temporal world – in Goa. Cremation grounds, cemeteries and Kabrastans are not the brightest of places. But eachhas its curiosities.

Let’s consider some from my hometown. Margao’s Hindu ‘Smashan Bhoomi’ is a story by itself. For starters, this crematorium wasnot founded nor run by the municipality, as done the world over, but by a praiseworthyprivate trust. It’s not strictly Hindu, but open to all. The person who works on its everydaycremations is not even a male, but a woman. And she is not Hindu – she’s a practicing Muslim!

Margao’s Catholic cemetery, per prevailing practice, was within the church. Before 1830,when churches in Goa were directed to construct cemeteries outside the church butwithin the church grounds, a new cemetery was built in the backyard, around where theHoly Spirit school stands today. Due to insalubrities, it was shifted to a less inhabitedarea, where it exists to this day. From the oldest to the latest. St. Sebastian Church’s cemetery at Aquem-Margao isrefreshingly different. Far from a cold-marble, gloomy ambience, it’s the most beautiful cemetery I’ve seen anywhere between Mumbai and Mangalore. From the public road,one could actually mistake it for a garden!

Catholics of St. Sebastian chapel (Pandava Copel) previously turned to dust in the Navelim cemetery. When chapel became church, the parishioners decided to have theirown cemetery. (Their new church building, coincidentally, is being inaugurated today.)Like Benaulim-kars who built Livramento Church with their own money, they built their cemetery likewise, albeit on a plot gifted by the Barreto Xavier family – in record time,and in style! Neatly laid out grave-places, small black-granite markers, a simple, openchapel and pleasing landscaping, sets this final resting place apart.

Muslims in Margao have their burial ground. But Miyanbhais from all over India nowabound Margao/suburbs. The town’s once lone Masjid now has close to 20 for company.The Kabrastan is grossly insufficient. Though ready to buy land for another burial site,every potential location – in Ambajim, Aquem Baixo, Colmorod, Curtorim, Davondem,Davorlim, Fatorda, Guirdolim, Macasana, Navelim, Raia and St. Jose de Areal – has met with local protests. It would not be as if Saxttikars are morbidly pleased to deny Muslims decent burials.Could the Salcete sentiment, now fanning across Goa, be that Saxttikars want migrants to return to where they came from?

Burial, practiced by the world’s two leading faiths, is not the ideal way to be despatched.Personally, I’d any day prefer cremation, not over wood fires, but in an electric chamber.My only regret when I was Margao’s municipal president (1985-87) was that my dreamto build an electric crematorium in Margao, open to all faiths, remained unfulfilled. Dr. Attarwala, the man who set up Mumbai’s Chandanwadi electric crematorium, agreedto provide technical details, while I decided to appeal to the Margao Comunidade forland. Before either could happen, my great friend Churchill, now Goa’s PWD Minister,staged the “Flag Incident” that ensured the end of my public office.

I’m almost resigned to the fact that when my own “Faleam Tuka” day dawns, there would still be no electric crematorium in Goa. Dr. Joseph Pinto, a psychiatrist since 1973 in New York, where electric cremations arecheap and burials cost a bomb, tells about one of his early patients, Anthony Franchino.As advance “Thank-you” for agreeing to get him buried rather than cremated, Anthonygifted Dr. Pinto a limo. The latter promptly sold the car and sent the money to an Asilo inGoa. “In the 300-acre Cemetery Park of Morristown, NJ, where Anthony was buried,”says Dr. Pinto, “today deer eat flowers placed by visitors.” (ENDS.)

The Valmiki Faleiro weekly column.

CUNCOLKARS IN GOA & KUWAIT RISE UP IN UNISON

from Jasper Dias
togoa.kranti@gmail.com

date Sun, Feb 22, 2009 at 5:46 PM
subject[G O A] New comment on Re: FUNKOT" PASS FOR TIATRO.

Jasper Dias has left a new comment on your post "Re: FUNKOT" PASS FOR TIATRO":

Bab Veronica,

Thanks for publishing my comments in your Blog.

I am a avid reader of your Write Ups and here I salute your UPRIGHTNESS. People like you are Born one in 100 years. May god give you good health.

You are the voice of the Oppressed and downtrodden. GOD BLESS YOU AND DONT EVER BOW DOWN TO THE COWARDS.

Going back sometime you wrote an article on CUNCOLIM Sports Acadamy???. Here below is the fruit of your vision which appeared in OHERALDO of 22-2-2009 on line.

Cuncolkars heard your voice from Kuwait, Bab Veronica you need to be in GOA not in Kuwait. Cuncolkars that I m aware of are the TRUE FIGHTERS OF JUSTICE, IF YOU'LL FEEL THE ACADEMY IS NOT OF ANY USE THAN TELL YOUR MLA TO TAKE THE ACADEMY TO VARCA IN HIS PLOT OR TO OTHER PLOTS WHICH HE AQUIRED LEGALLY OR UNLEGALLY.

PLS SEE THE ARTICLE BELOW:

Cuncolkars threaten to intensify stir over football academy
HERALD REPORTER

MARGAO, FEB 21
Citizens of Cuncolim on Saturday warned Union Civil Aviation Minister and acting AIFF President, Praful Patel that they will be compelled to intensify the ongoing agitation if the government goes ahead with the proposed football academy against the wishes of the people.

A delegation of citizens handed over a petition to the Union Minister making it very clear that what the people of Cuncolim want will be decided by the people and in no uncertain terms by Praful Patel. “If you wish to have the football academy, then you may as well have it in your own constituency. Let us not play the football academy on a political turf, but on a natural turf”, the petition said.

The citizens expressed their surprise that the Union Minister has stopped so low to ask Housing Minister, Mickky Pacheco to hand over the file of the land at Panzorcone. “What is your interest in the Academy”, the citizens asked Patel.
The citizens have demanded for a micro level planning of the project so that the locals know the exact number of vacancies and positions that would be allotted to the people, especially the family members of land losers. “Till date after the first ever presentation, we have nothing in writing from Bharthi Foundation and our local MLA is speaking about laying the foundation stone bypassing the AIFF officials”, the petition stated, adding “this is his trade mark of getting things done his way and bull dozing projects down the throat of the people of Cuncolim against their wishes and then use the police force to arrest innocent citizens, who fight against him”.
The petition has been signed by Dr Oscar Fernandes, former CMC President Ramesh Dessai, Jose Antonio Mascarenhas and others.

Jose Mascarenhas said that only the Cuncolim people will decide for Cuncolim and not Joaquim Alemao, nor Bharti Airtel or Praful Patel. “Only Kuncolkars will decide for Cuncolim. We will defend our land at any cost”, Mascarenhas warned in another letter to the Union Civil Aviation Minister.

It is learnt that the citizens are planning to call on the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and other leaders before launching a sustained agitation against the academy, including a chain hunger strike near the Taddean Khuris.


Posted by Jasper Dias.

Re: FUNKOT" PASS FOR TIATRO

Great Article, shows the class of KONKANI TIATRISTS. You have exposed LATE JACINT VAZ, why don't you name NAMES of the FUNKOT PASS BIKARIS so that we Tiatr polenar get some rotten TOMATOES / EGGS and Shower them as their REWARDS.

EXPOSE THEM AS IT WILL ERADICATE THE FATTED SALARIED BIKARIS ASKING FOR PASSSES"
ALL THE TIATRIST WHO ASK FOR FUNKOT PASSES BE AWARE YOU HAVE YOUR MASTER IN VERONICA TO EXPOSE YOU.

Sometime back i also read your article on some Tiartist who came to Kuwait / stayed in your house and while going back home also took BANANAS and APPLE from the dining table. SICK PEOPLE.

Bab Veronica keep it up and EXPOSE the wrong doings probably you are the only one who can change the mind SET of tiatrists.

J. Dias

FUNKOT PASS FOR TIATRO. Reply ...2.

Veronica,

Well done and excellently written. I appreciate it very much.

Felix

FUNKOT PASS FOR TIATRO - Reply - 1.

Hi Veronica,

You are right, we dont actually know whom to give the funkot passes but we give this to influential people only.

Hats of to you.

rdgs
manuel

"FUNKOT" PASS FOR TIATRO.

"FUNKOT" PASS FOR TIATRO.

It was somewhere in 1959 during the second time show of Tiatro “Doea” written and directed by the late great playwright Airistedes Dias. My father was involved in organising this Tiatro in our village. Suddenly before the start of the Tiatro, as late comer Jacinto Vaz came on his BMW Motorbike and immediately entered the dressing area and demanded from the director 10 Complimentary Passes. Airestedes Dias felt very bad because 10 Complimentaries were too big a number and it was hard for the organizers to give so many Passes to one single actor. During those days first class ticket charges were 2.5 rupees in Portuguese Escudos, Rs. 1.5 for second class and for standing third class Re.1.0. Inspite of the pleading by Airestedes to reduce this number, Jacinto Vaz did not relent and maintained his position firmly. Then Airestedes Dias humbly came to my father pleading for 10 “Funkot Passes” saying if “you do not give then Jacinto Vaz will make his face black and may even make disaster of this Tiatro” and being a professional he was capable of doing the disaster. Professionals are only after financial gains. Having no option, the illicit and arrogant demand of Jacinto Vaz was accepted with 10 Funkot Passes in addition to his that time heavy share. Incidentally all the Funkot Passes Jacinto Vaz gave not to the poor people but to all the financially affluent persons from our locality who shamelessly seen seated on the privileged chairs. Besides, these recipients of Funkot Passes were the daily Church goers and regular Holy Communion recipients and also flirts in the Church premises because Church many times provide you with a very good opportunity for doing illicit deeds in the name of religious activities. This we can easily notice with our own naked eyes below our own noses.

Asking Funkot Passes for Tiatro is become a very bad habit for some Tiatro enthusiasts. To ask and to demand these Funkot Passes some of the people are not even ashamed, incidentally they call themselves affluent and elite in society. Asking Funkot Passes by those who cannot afford due to their poverty is understandable but asking Funkot Passes by those who can afford to buy the tickets is a crime. Many times I was in the past a victim of this habit of those who are in habit of demanding Funkot Passes. Some of those who demanded Funkot Passes from me were high salaried people, they not only demanded Funkot Passes for them but also extra Funkot Passes for their Sri Lankan and non Goan/non-Konkani maids. When I asked them why you are asking Funkot Passes for their maids who do not understand Konkani, they said that they need their maids with them to accompany their children who unfortunately do not follow anything in Konkani. Then I realized that these people want their maids with them only as status symbol to show to others that they are having maids at their homes. This was due to the fact that these people are suffering from ancestral inferiority complex since they themselves are the children or grand children of the maids back at home. Because they have this background and history back at home they know the pleasure and humiliation of falling into that category.

Kuwait Konknni Kendr has got unique distinction of organising Konkani function in the 5 Star Hotel in Kuwait about 24 years back, free of charge. One of the items that day was a Mando with Dulpod. For every guest KKK paid to the Hotel KD 7/- One of the Mando singers at the last minute demanded extra Funkot Pass for her Sri Lankan maid to take care of her 4 year old child. When I showed my reluctance for issuing complimentary for the Sri Lankan maid, the Goan Mando singer lady told me “I need my child with me and for this I need the help of my maid. I cannot leave her at home and come for singing Mando for your function”. When casually I asked her “even when you go to work, do you take your child along with your maid?” She had no answer but she wanted only to make show of herself by displaying her maid in the midst of elite audience. Then I was told by someone that the Mando singer Goan lady was the daughter of a maid, she was suffering from inferiority complex and to eradicate this complexity she was displaying her maid as if she was doing something extra ordinary.

Funkot Passes topic is the talk of the town these days. Asking Funkot Passes can be considered all right but surely not in addition to heavy demand for fat acting charges. Fat or thin, those who receive their acting fees have got no right either to demand or to ask for Funkot Passes and utilize these Funkot Passes for their equally affluent friends. This is like a saying in Konkani “Mezailem Kellem kaddlem ani saguad zoddli”. This type of attitude is very much prevalent in some of our Tiatrists. They want everything Funkot but when they organize their own Tiatros at that time they become stingy. By demanding Funkot Passes in addition to their Shares is like committing a “Chori” and this type of “Chori” does not suit the so called elite Tiatrists. But, by the way, how many in Tiatro fraternity you find persons of upright character? Some of them are so hard that in addition to your body they will even take away your soul. And yet many of them call themselves educated, highly literate, pious, regular Church goers and advanced. They must pray to the souls of Lucazinho Ribeiro and Joao Agostinho Fernandes for initiating the art of Tiatro otherwise these Tiatrists would remain nonentities on this planet. Tiatro is the only forum for them to get some identity in life.

To organize a Tiatro in Kuwait is not an easy task. If you get good audience then it is o.k, otherwise you have to bear heavy losses. I have experienced the “Sunami” of losses. I cannot understand how some of the people are so hungry for Funkot Passes. They don’t even feel shy to occupy the chairs meant for Funkot Passes when they could easily buy the tickets and in a “honrad” manner see the Tiatro. Asking for Funkot Passes especially by those who can easily afford is like doing the job of a beggar and such beggars are plenty in our midst. They can easily spend fat amount after Whiskey Bottles, illicit Sex and other luxuries but when the time of supporting Konkani cause comes thru Tiatro patronizing, their purses becomes empty. These people are the enemies of Konkani. They spend money for everything and anything but not for purchasing Tickets for Tiatros though they love to see Tiatros but only with FUNKOT PASSES.
Also, one must know that receiving Funkot Passes without any contribution is a robbery and those who commit such robberies are really disgraceful people.

A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.

TWO SWORDS AND A SHIELD by Valmiki Faleiro.

TWO SWORDS AND A SHIELD

By Valmiki Faleiro.

Goans never fancied swords and shields. They hardly were a martial people. Their best display of belligerence was between themselves, seldom against a common enemy. Down history. Save two or three brief exceptions, Goa never produced a homegrown ruler in her 2,500 years of recorded history. The ‘Goa Kadambas,’ were not Goan in the truest sense. When defeated in their seat near today’s Sirsi in north coastal Karnataka, a family branch moved to Goa, settled in Chandor and ruled some four centuries, mostly as feudatories of neighbouring kings.

Two crossed swords and a shield was the banner emblem of the Marathi daily,‘Gomantak.’ It was launched in the post-Liberation years to espouse the cause of merging Goa into Maharashtra. To counter this, a far more influential Portuguese-time Goan family launched an English daily, ‘The Navhind Times,’ to support the cause of Goa’s independent identity. The rest is history.

Goa became an independent state of the Indian Union in May-1987. Months later, February-1988, ‘Gomantak’ launched the ‘Gomantak Times’ (GT)– a daily newspaper in the English language. An addition to the existing two, with a combined circulation of fewer than 50,000 readers! Many wondered, at the time, if Goa’s newspaper market (the English segment) could sustain a third daily newspaper amid such a tiny readership. And one with two crossed swords and a shield as the emblem on its mast head … reminiscent of the Opinion Poll’s merger battle cry, ‘Zalaach Pahijhe!’

The then Editor of one of the two English dailies actually went overboard, with an editorial on the supposed re-entry of two swords and a shield. I won’t talk about manners. It was the man’s wont … he could go overboard with or without reason. Personally, I was glad Goa was having a third voice in English – an axis of balance, if you will.

In its 21 years, GT has witnessed patches of the good and the indifferent. At least two of its past Editors, both young in age, came off among the then best newspaper writers in the English language in Goa – to my mind. They particularly enriched my Sundays … with their columns. More than that, a third voice is always desirable. Call it a third opinion. Thanks to GT, a host of gifted Goan writers found a voice.

Between the four options,I usually spend most time on GT’s editorial page. Young people were taken through the steps of the mill. And this, I think, ranks among the major contributions of GT to journalism in Goa. Twenty-one is the age of adulthood. Between humans, we wish a young person attaining adulthood a long and fruitful life. Regards a newspaper, I’d wish an eternity.

Unfortunately, newspapers are owned by business interests. When one is in business, one is in to make profits – not for charity. In the face of the current economic worldwide reality, several newspapers/editions face the prospect of an abrupt closure. I wish the GT many more years – if not an eternity! (ENDS.)

The Valmiki Faleiro weekly column.

GOA'S RESTING PLACES by Valmiki Faleiro.

GOA’S RESTING PLACES

By Valmiki Faleiro.

Hours after I filed last Sunday’s column early Feb 3 morning, came the news thatGoa had lost Chandrakant Keni. When persons one considers role models move on,one gets stumped by a strange sense of emptiness. Invisible tears. I felt this when I was 16, when I lost my father. I had felt it a year before when anotherwise good swimmer, Taumaturgo Sales Andrade, married to my dad’s secondcousin Helena Borges Vas, was carried to after life by undercurrents off Colva, saving his drowning son. Felt the same when one of Goa’s great sons, Manoharrai Sardesai, departed.

Much has been written about the many facets of Chandrakant Keni. May I only share why I considered him a great human being as well. The year must have been 1965. I was a single-digit age, short pants-clad, rascal. My eldest sister Neva and her younger sibling, ahead by a year at school, awaited their SSC results, then of the Pune Sub-Divisional Board. Neva was not expected todo well. So I was deputed by my dad to fetch the possibly bad tidings. Results those days arrived on teleprinter links at newspaper offices. The Marathi daily ‘Rashtramat’was a few houses away on the street by which I was born (and live.) ChandrakantKeni was its Editor. There already were jostling crowds of adults outside the newspaper’s office. I joined in, with severe physical disadvantage, the slip of paper with Seat Numbers securely in my fisted palm. I could achieve, despite sweat, no much progress towards thenewspaper’s front door. Just then arrived the editor, driving his light-green PremierPadmini. As he parked behind the crowd, he must have noticed tiny me in the crowd.I’d known him as some ‘biggie’ in the newspaper… He came straight for me. “Give me the seat number,” he said. I handed him my slip.I ran up to the higher ground across the narrow street. I was anxious I had not committed another of my home-errand blunders. The editor went up to the desk justinside the main door and, without interrupting the man checking the teleprinter sheets to give out people’s results, quietly traced a sheaf, noted something on my slip, andturned towards the door. I raced back, down the stone steps, to the street, in trepidation. “Whose numbers are these?” he asked rather nonchalantly. “My sisters,” my voice must have quivered.“Give them my congratulations,” he broke into a smile, handing me back the slip.That day, in my mind, Chandrakant Keni registered as a good man. 1978.

Morarji Dessai, on a maiden visit to Goa as India’s Prime Minister, was slatedto inaugurate the upgraded Health Centre at Balli, adjoining Chandrakant Keni’snative village of Cuncolim in Salcete. I was with the then ‘West Coast Times.’ In the press enclosure, I found myself seated besides Chandrakant Keni. I took copious notes as the PM spoke. On conclusion, he quietly asked me, “so what leadyou are going to take?” I was almost raw to political speeches. The bluffs mouthed so many fantastic thingsthat one was bamboozled deciding on the most important point to start the report.“No to alcohol, yes to piss first thing in the morning,” I said. Chandrakant Keni smiled, benevolently. And, in a few minutes, analyzed the issues Morarji raised, reasoning why he thought what must make the lead. He was a one-man School of Journalism, the B. Sadanand of Goa. (Sadanand was aBritish-time editor of Mumbai’s ‘Free Press Journal,’ who trained an entire generationof Indian journos.)

When men like Chandrakant Keni depart, something within snaps. If you think today’s column is uncharacteristic, I could not be in disagreement.(Scheduled for today was something, under this title, that we’ll come to next Sunday.) Because Chandrakant Keni was not characteristic or typical. He was especial. Peace be unto him, and courage to his family, including my friend – and his son-in-law –Harshvardhan Bhatkuly. (ENDS.)

The Valmiki Faleiro weekly column.

In Response to "UNAUTHORISED CUSTODIANS OF MORALITY"

Bijoy Joseph T has left a new comment on your post

"UNAUTHORISED CUSTODIANS OF MORALITY.":

Hi friend,

It’s remarkable!

To the extent you have portrayed the crime path inbuilt to the source of all these ‘unethical and brutal fellowships’ working under the stamp of religious / basically political background.

You really touched the sense of responsibility of parents / authentic religious units / more over rights of culture too.

Thanks, and I have no words to account for your contribution towards ‘the illicit act.

Regards,
BIJOY
bijoyjt@hotmail.com

UNAUTHORISED CUSTODIANS OF MORALITY.

UNAUTHORISED CUSTODIANS OF MORALITY.

Exactly 3 weeks back, some goons in the name of violent Nazi type Hindu group, Sri Ram Sena or Lord Ram’s Army at one of the pubs in Mangalore violently attacked the youngsters in their teens socializing there with the cups of drinks on their tables. The Sena’s Army men objected not only the youths having soft and hard drinks in the pub but also objected to a great extent the boys and girls mixing together. It is not nice as a discipline for youth especially for young girls to go for drinks and it is also not nice for the young girls to spend their much precious time in the pubs in the company of young boys. There should be some discipline in our youth to form their disciplined character. Too much of westernization is not good for our eastern character which is really great. Strong family values are the hallmark of our eastern character but day by day by recklessly imbibing western habits we are killing our original character which has got highest value. Many of the western habits are vulgar, indecent and inhuman leading to animalism in human beings.

But who will discipline our youths? Is it the duty of the moral policemen like the self appointed Sri Ram Sena’s Army or is the duty of the parents to discipline their children? Parents carry the first responsibility to discipline their children and secondly our religious gurus from the platforms of our religious places. Parents by virtue of being parents can make use of the sticks to discipline their children and even in the Bible it is mentioned under the topic “Proverbs” how parents can make use of the stick to discipline their children so that these children are prevented from committing sins and thereby falling into the hands of Devil. But no authority is given to any other person or group of persons or organization to mete out corporal punishment unconstitutionally and that too violently, ruthlessly and mercilessly against our youth for committing breach of discipline which is construed as immoral. We must know one thing that wherever there is youth there is mischief and indiscipline. Youth and indiscipline/mischief go together and they cannot be separated but the degree of it can be minimized according to many factors.

The incident of mercilessly without authority assaulting the youths in the Mangalore pub must be condemned by all the sane persons in our country. For Sri Ram Sena Army to take law into their own hands is an offence to the very same God in whose name they assaulted the youth in the Pub. Did Lord Ram prescribe such a violent method of disciplining our youths? If yes, then I don’t want to follow the teachings of this Lord and for that matter no Indian with a sense of upright mind should follow the teachings of Lord Ram. These Hindu fanatics in the name of Lord Ram are doing injustice for the peace loving citizens of India and defaming the image of Lord Ram. These Hindu zealots say that Pub culture and Valentine Day celebrations are anti-Indian. But let me ask one simple question to these Hindu fanatics “Which Indian culture they are referring to?” They also say these cultures are against Hinduism. Which Hinduism they are referring to? The Hinduism of Brahmins or Hinduism of the oppressed Hindus by their own so called Hindu brothers? And by the way, is Hinduism a religion or a way of life?

As a matter of fact India does not belong to Hindus only and Indians from one particular place and one particular culture. India is a big ocean comprising a sea of cultures and a sea of religions. Indian culture cannot be one culture of one particular area. I am from Goa and for 450 years Goa being under Portuguese rule my culture is totally different from the culture of rest of India. I have my uniqueness which is not derived from Bharati culture. And as a matter of fact, for all Indians to have the same culture is impossible because India was never one for centuries and for thousands of years. India as we see it now is come into being just 60 years back cutting it from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Burmah. To tell you the truth India is come into being as one entity not because all Indians want to be under one India but it was brought under one entity by force and kept under one umbrella by force only till today. If given freedom tomorrow, most of the Indian States will secede from the union and may go for genuine Federation or Confederation or outright independence. Every State in India has its own characteristics unique from the others. Every Indian State has its own culture based mainly on languages. Language is much responsible for framing one’s culture. And since this is the case we cannot have one same culture for the whole of India and for all Indians.

I being a Christian, my culture is not a Hindu culture as harped by the Hindu zealots under BJP supported Sri Ram Sena’s Army. I will maintain and follow my own Goan culture based on my language, history, tradition and religion. Nobody and no Indian have got authority to impose his own culture on me. India being the home of innumerable cultures and religions let everyone follow his or her own culture, though I agree that some sort of discipline is required to avoid animalism to creep into our bodies and destroy our human attributes. God has created man with unique attributes and these attributes must be maintained but not by using violence against the law. Those moral guardians if they feel that there is some mischief going on in the name of vulgarity which is against the social norms, then it is their duty to inform the authorities concerned but never to take law into their own hands and mercilessly assault the teenagers. These Sri Ram Sena men not only assaulted young boys and girls but according to the available reports they have even molested the young girls in the pub in the name of moral policing. This is the real disgraceful act committed in the name of Hinduism and in the name of Lord Ram. I don’t want this type of Hinduism and I don’t want either this type of Lord Ram. I don’t want to support the religion that prescribes violence and I hate the God that permits violence and molestation of young girls. Those who molested the young girls in Mangalore Pubs must be having a habit of molesting their mothers, sisters and sisters-in-law in their homes.

Tomorrow 14th February is going to be the Valentine Day. The Hindu fanatics in the name of their fanatic religion will try to create confusion and they may even repeat the Mangalore Pub show again. It is my advice to the youth who are involved in this type of activities to equip themselves with small pocket Revolvers to face the Hindu fanatic goons and in case there is any attack on them, in self defense they must make use of their Revolvers. Most of the MLA’s, Montris and even ordinary citizens are carrying Revolvers with them as a means of self defense, either legally or illegally. These Revolvers are very handy in India and also according to reliable sources available cheaply in India. This is the only solution for our youth and especially young girls to protect themselves from the violence of fanatic Hindus who in the name of their brand of Hinduism try to control others and that too without proper authority. India is not their fathers’ property. India belongs legally to all Indians. Every Indian has got right to live in India and follow his own cultural and religious habits and not to follow the dictats of few Hindu fanatics who try to impose their will on others.

A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.

Kuwait's dust storm of 11th Feb; tips to fight the next!

-by gasper crasto gaspersWorld

Dust storms are capable of causing property damage, injuries and deaths. So I think, it's a good idea to know what to do in extreme 'dusty' conditions.

I searched online some tips on what to do during dust storms and these are what I found, I just wanted to share it with you dear readers.

Be prepared: If you are in a storm-prone area, carry a mask designed to filter out small particulates, and bring airtight goggles to protect your eyes.

Visibility cut in seconds, pull over: If you're in transit and visibility drops to less than 300 feet, pull off the road (exit the freeway if possible).

Take cover and stay put: Do not attempt to move about in a blinding storm, as you will not be able to see potential hazards in your path.

Wear a mask: If you have a respirator or mask designed to filter out small particulates, put it on immediately. If you don't have a mask, wrap a bandanna or some other piece of cloth around your nose and mouth. Moisten it a bit with water. Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the inside of your nostrils to prevent drying of your mucous membranes.

Protect your eyes: Eyeglasses offer minimal protection from blowing dust or sand, but airtight goggles are better. If you don't have goggles, wrap a piece of cloth tightly around your head to protect your eyes and ears.

Shield yourself from flying objects: Cover as much of your body as possible to protect yourself from flying sand. In addition, while wind-propelled sand can hurt, a dust storm's high winds can also carry heavier (and hence more dangerous) objects (as I myself saw in the Kubd desert 50 kms from Kuwait city on 11th February).

WARNING:
Dust storms can be particularly dangerous to those with impaired respiratory function or weakened immune systems. Inhalation of even small amounts of dust can cause potentially lethal complications for people who already have difficulty in breathing.

---

ONE MORE RESPONSE TO "Late Chandrakant Keni"

Very good tribute to the renowned writer .

DANTAS---

On Tue, 10/2/09, A. Veronica Fernandes wrote:

From: A. Veronica Fernandes.

Subject: The Late Chandrakant Keni.

G O A

--No plans in this revolution are written for retreat--
February 10, 2009


THE LATE CHANDRAKANT KENI.
THE LATE CHANDRAKANT KENI.

IN RESPONSE TO "LATE CHANDRAKANT KENI"

Re: Late Chandrakant Keni

Posted by: "Bernado Colaco" ole_xac@yahoo.co.uk ole_xac

Wed Feb 11, 2009 6:35 am (PST)

Keni called Goans holding Portuguese citizenship as traitors.

BC

THE LATE CHANDRAKANT KENI.

THE LATE CHANDRAKANT KENI.

It was with deep sorrow and chagrin I received the news of the death of Bab Chandrakant Keni on 03rd of this month in Goa. Bab Keni and me we both started our honeymoon in mid eighties during the height of Konkani agitation in Goa at Panaji. Earlier he knew me by reading me here and there. When he saw me actively taking part in the Konkani agitation thru public rallies, public meetings and even hunger strike at Azad Maidan in Panaji during my vacation in Goa at that time, he was deeply impressed. When I was on hunger strike along with 3 others namely Eng. Datta Naik, Prof. Dilip Borker and Dioniz Deniz, he especially came to meet me and patted me for being so bold and patriotic towards Goa and Konkani inspite of being an expatriate Goan. He never expected an expatriate Goan to take so much of interest in Konkani cause.

Then we many times met at Margao where we discussed many issues concerning Goa, Konkani and Kuwait Goans. Though he was highly appreciating my efforts to garner support for Konkani cause from Kuwait thru collecting funds for Konkani yet he was very prophetic in his advice to me and to other Kuwaitkars not to be mad after this issue by sending money. He used to tell me very often “Veronica, first you take care of your future, first you strengthen your financial position. Konkani will survive and get victory even if you don’t send money but by concentrating too much on sending money for Konkani cause in Goa you should not hamper your financial progress”. He always used to stress saying, “we will surely in Goa take care of Konkani thru our financial resources but you should financially take care of your future first. In case you lose your jobs in Kuwait what will be your fate?”, he used to ask.

By listening to this philosophy of Keni Bab I used to get negative feelings of him but later on his prophetic words proved to be extremely correct. Came the invasion of Kuwait on 2nd August 1990 and we or at least many of us especially Konknnivadis like me who worked so hard for Konkani cause from Kuwait were stranded in Goa. We became rudderless boats, nobody cared us and worst part of the whole episode was that the very Konknnivadis and Konknni stalwarts who were earlier flirting with me like “pamprelam” didn’t even wish me. Men like Gurunath Kelekar, Dr. Rebello and their gang who destroyed Novem Goem Pratishtan didn’t even brother to enquire whereabout and howabout of us inspite of receiving around 5 lakhs of rupees as donation from Kuwait Goans. Goa Cancer Hospital Society that received from us Kuwaitkars over 15 lakhs of rupees never even bothered to support the cause of Kuwaitkars. All the “Madris” and “Padris” who received so much of donations from us Kuwaitkars for their Churches, Schools and Convents never associated with us Kuwaitkars in our movement for the cause of Kuwait. The Tiatrists who made so much of money by staging their Tiatros and acting in Kuwait never lent their support to us; on the contrary some of them rendered insulting “Zupattis” for us from the stage and shamelessly took pleasure in doing so.

Bab Chandrakant Keni was a great writer in Nagri Konknni and English too. His writings I used to read in Goa Today and he read me in Goa Today as well. When Salgaocars took over Goa Today Magazine from Lambert Mascharenhas, due to his closeness with Salgaocars family, during one trip of mine in Goa, Chandrakant Keni requested me to have a meeting with Dattaraj Salgaocar at Vasco in connection with the promotion of Goa Today in the Gulf and even to arrange a special issue of GT on Kuwait Goans. During this meeting of mine with Dattarj Salgaokar, Keni Bab was also present where I highly appreciated his power of discussion as we discussed many other topics of concerning Goa, Konkani and Kuwait Goans. After discussing the point mentioned in the agenda, we dispersed off amicably but without any agreement.

Earlier once we both met at one of the meetings of Konkani Lekokh Songh at TB Cunha Hall, Panajim where he used his tact very shrewdly to pacify my temper which reached to the zenith when Shivdas Naik as chairman of the meeting questioned my credentials as Konkani promoter without knowing head or tail of my activities in Kuwait for Konkani. Gurunath Kelekar took me for this meeting and introduced me to the gathering in superlative terms. Shivdas Naik as if he was the Shakesphere of Konkani Literature asked sarcastically to Gurunath Kelekar whether I know Konkani in Nagri script giving an impression that those who do not know Nagri Konknni are idiots. For this, I immediately jumped from my chair rather boldly and asked the chair “is it a must to know Nagri Konknni only to involve in Konkani movement?” Gurunath and Chandrakant Bab sensed my mood and apologized on behalf of the chair. Purshottam Kakodkar (MP) was also present who just came from Delhi and in front of everyone I told him that “Konkani movement and Konkani language will never reach to the top unless these bloody semi literate Nagrivadis give up their fake pride as custodians of Konkani. They think they only are intellectuals and Romivaids are ignortant. This sort of Nazism these Nagrivadis are suffering and thru this Nazism they are discriminating against Romivadis. There will never be unity of Konknnivadis in Goa unless these Nazi type Nagrivadis change their stand.

Chandrakant Keni won lot of literary awards in Konkani, I am happy about it but if he and others have won these awards it is not because their works are excellent. Because others from Romi circle are denied the privileges of these awards. Amongst Romi writers, there are giants who can easily swallow all the awards instituted by Sahitya Academy and other literary circles but since these awards are given only for the works written in Nagri script, Nagri writers cheaply enjoy the benefit of these awards. When George Bernad Shaw was asked “why Shakespeare became great?”, retorted Shaw “because I was not born then” to compete with and challenge Shakespeare. My discord with Chandrakant Keni started when I found him pro Nagrivadi doing nothing for the benefits of Romi Konknni. A few years back he came to Kuwait but I refused to meet him and told all my like minded Goykars to boycott his meeting on the ground that he is anti-Romi. Otherwise we in Kuwait are strong supporters and promoters of Konkani but when these Nagrivadis try to discard us we hate them and will go on hating them till we gain the final victory for Romi.

There is a Roman saying which says “never talk ill of the dead”. I don’t speak ill of Chandrakant Keni but only offer my regret that he did not support Romi cause. He became a member of the gang that opposed Romi Konkani. This aside, I admire him as a Konkani protagonist and a great lover of Goa. Such Goa lover Goans are required now. May the soul of Chandrakant Keni rest in peace.

A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.

Navelim people pray the rosary to seek protection of fields

Navelim-Goa:
People of Navelim gather in the fields opposite the Konkan Railway Station, Margao on 9th February 2009 to pray the rosary and consecrate themselves and their fields at the behest of Immaculate Heart of Mary, the Mother of God, inorder to protect their fertile fields, land and houses from forcible land acquisition by the Government.

Photo sent by Joseph L.R. Vaz - joe@vaz.in (Navelim)

UG'S THANKSGIVING MASS IN KUWAIT.

UNITED GOANS CENTER - KUWAIT will offer its 33rd Annual Thanksgiving Mass at Holy Family Cathedral - Kuwait City, on Friday, 13th of this month, at 6.00 pm.

All members and well wishers are kindly requested to take note of this announcement.

Inserted by: UNITED GOANS CENTER - KUWAIT.

On Tiatro Kuwait Soddun Vetana.

Dear Mr.Veronica,

Just a small note regarding about Kuwait Soddun Vetanna, just inform Bab Rosary Fdes next time to be careful in selecting the actor/actresses in future as he is very good Director & not to select unprofessional actresses specially. Just Remind him that they should be professional in talking, acting & singing too, not just the looks.

Regarding his Drama the story was nice but if there were professional actresses it would have been nice the show would have gone still a hit as the professional actresses would have done so good with their action. 1 "sun" was real good but the other sun not so. Buska's absence though at the last minute as announced in goa.kranti was also felt. And you know LOKACHI TONDA DORI ETA.

Ek Tiatro Mogui.

Name supplied to goa.kranti.

GOAN POLICEMEN by Valmiki Faleiro.

GOAN POLICEMEN.

By Valmiki Faleiro.

Almost a year to the Feb 19, 2008 incident. When a mob from Taleigao, led by a mannow a Goa Government minister, stoned Panjim’s police station. The man responsiblefor the police retaliation, Neeraj Thakur, was a North Indian IPS officer. That episodestirred memories. Of how Goan policemen at times were. Like Vishwanath Varik (VV)and Santoba Desai (SK): daring, yet tactful. VV, an Indian Air Force officer who joined the Goa Police after liberation, hailed from Canacona, where he was said to have bare-handedly killed a tiger. I’m not sure of thatstory, but I personally know VV was an excellent shot – with a gun.

There was a protracted workers strike at a mine at Costi, near Curchorem. As now,mineowners were holy cows then, whom the State protected. Several workers died inpolice firing. Their anguished comrades decided to stage a morcha in the mining town. Almost the entire police force, including Goa’s then tiny Reserve, was mobilized intoCurchorem. Among the officers detailed on duty was VV. Able-bodied mine workers (as against the archetypal pot-bellied Goan constables),clogged the streets leading to the Curchorem police station. Riot police lining the roadfrontage to the police premises would have been outnumbered several dozens to one.That’s when VV emerged to talk to a delegation led by George Vaz and NarayanPalekar, the labour leaders, outside the police station.

I was at a vantage point inside the police premises with my press photographer (eitherManikrao Shirodkar or Lui Godinho). I could clearly see VV in discussion, amid the teeming crowds. Suddenly, some hot-blooded young strikers who had quietly surged towards the epicentre, pounced on VV’s holstered service revolver. Not another police firing, I must have barely thought, when VV, in a split, secured hisholster and sprang vertically – with a deafening shriek. His assailants scampered just as instantly. The crowds dispersed in a melee. No firing, no teargas, no lathis.

Generally, though, under-trained policemen are the worst offenders in crowd control.They don’t wear their buckle numbers when on riot duty – making identification difficult,and their intent clear. I have seen officers like VV and SK restraining lathi-wielding copsfrom chasing fleeing crowds. SK once hit his men to disengage them from beating aprotestor fallen to the ground in another turbulence in Margao. SK was Panjim police in-charge in the mid-1970s. Goa was beset with agitations …ramponkars, toddy tappers, anti-prohibition. There was an Opposition-sponsored publicrally at Azad Maidan, bang across the Panjim police station.

Curiously, the then CM’shusband, Gurudatt, took a prominent place in the audience. Everything went well untilBabu Naik, the Opposition Leader, took to the mike. A born tease, Babu let go a verbalfusillade on the CM. This got Gurudatt storm up the dais, wanting to reply. Babu shoutedinto the microphone, “Police, police!” Sensing a major problem, SK rushed onstage. He tried convincing his ultimate boss, theChief Minister’s husband that he could speak after the Opposition rally was over.Gurudatt began shouting back at SK in chaste Marathi. In full public view, SK suddenlylifted the diminutive CM’s hubby, carried him in his arms across the road to his chamber,deposited him into a chair, served chai and biscuits and engaged him in conversation,until the yonder rally was over.

Not all Goan officers were hunky-dory. During the Meta Strips agitation, protestors werepeacefully demonstrating outside the factory, oblivious of a Court order forbidding demoswithin some distance from the premises. When police enlightened them of the injunction,the protestors quietly began walking towards the non-ban line. Suddenly, a (now retired)senior officer whacked the buxom activist Auda Viegas from behind. “Why are you hittingme,” Auda demanded, “when I am walking away.” “I know you are walking,” he replied, “I would like to see you running.” Neeraj Thakur, ha,may as well be beatified! (ENDS.)

The Valmiki Faleiro weekly column.

ON "ALERT FOR CUNCOLKARS"

cuncolkar Sun, Feb 8, 2009 at 12:53 PM

cuncolkar Sun, Feb 8, 2009 at 9:14 PM

To: goa.kranti@gmail.com

cuncolkar has left a new comment on your post "ALERT FOR CUNCOLKARS.":

Cuncolim is not a panchayat area but a municipal council, you are factually wrong in that regard.

MONTH'S MIND (AGNELO M. RODRIGUES)

There will be an Eucharistic Celebration

for the soul of

Agnelo Manuel Rodrigues

(Kuwait / Siolim - Goa)

(Born: 17/11/1974 - Died: 03/02/2009)

Son of Alex & Rosaria,

Husband of Carmen,

Father of Joshua & Jemina,

On Saturday, 28 February 2009, 7.30 pm, at Holy Family Cathedral, Kuwait City.

May his soul Rest In Peace.

DEATH OF GREAT GOAN FOOTBALLER ANDRE MACHADO.

St. Joseph’s High School Arpora, Bardez, Goa was the first English High School of Goa. This school used to cater to the needs of daily and boarder students. Daily students used to come from distant places on foot while boarders were from all over Goa. In this way I could rightly say that this school was the home for Goan students from all over Goa. Among these students were scholars in academic careers and experts in sporting fields. During those days if you are best at Arpora school in any field either in education or in sports, you were considered the best in Goa. For this reason Arpora school was considered as the cradle for best students in studies and best sportsmen in sporting activities. This tradition was maintained by me till my completing of my academic career there as till my last day in school I was considered as the best athlete of Goa.

Candolim was considered as one of the nurseries of producing best of sportsmen of Goa. Candolim is on record to produce best of athletes of Goa. My uncle – Mama – my mother’s brother Mac Franklin Vaz during his younger days was considered the best athlete of Goa excelling extremely well in Long Jump. In this area he used to destroy and defeat miserably even the great Portuguese Pakles and Khapris. During those days even the Portuguese Governador once came to see him taking long jump in a challenge bout where he performed something unimaginable feat about 60 years back. His younger brother and my other uncle Dioginho Vaz was the best footballer in whole of Bardez during those days. According to elders he was much better than the legendary Abu from Vasco and as per Dr. Gustavo Monteiro and his brother Pe. Chico, Candolim is yet to produce such a dynamic footballer. During my time after Bharati Raj in Goa, we the three brothers had a unique distinction of playing for one All Goa Inter-Village winning soccer team, Candolim Sports Club. I was the youngest player playing as right half while my late brother Jose Marie was centre half and my eldest brother Cheddo was a forward. Besides, Candolim produced many other great soccer stalwarts who donned the colours of best of teams in Goa and in Bombay.

Machado brothers from Candolim were very prominent sportsmen in Goa. Both the youngest Babazinho and the eldest Andre were the great stalwarts of Arpora School in mid fifties taking part in number of sporting items besides soccer. Both of them were the members of Bardez XI among the Portuguese Pakles, during those days the selection was very stiff because of best of Portuguese talent available in plenty. Both the Machado brothers were the regular players of Arpora School team and Candolim team too. Babazinho was an ace dribbler and such an expert dribbler till today I haven't seen anywhere. Later on Domnick Soares from Saligao playing for Vasco Sports Club proved to be a very talented dribbler but he was nowhere near Babazinho. Even the best of Portuguese Pakle defenders used to get annoyed at Babazinho for his prowess in dribbling.

Andre was the captain of Candolim team when Candolim was promoted to Primeiro Divisao somewhere in 1957. During those days there were only two divisions, one Primeiro and the other Secundo Divisao. For a small village Candolim to send its village level team in first division was not a joke when there were so many top club level teams fielding top Portuguese players. Andre as a skipper of the team was like a giant manning the whole defence of Candolim against the mighty teams fielding some of the top Portuguese Pakles. The late Kuwait based Goan Tiatrist Tony Cal was an excellent goalkeeper of Candolim team then and doing his job extremely well under Candolim bar. With the exception of my eldest brother all those great footballers of that era from Candolim and surrounding areas have died and gone. May the Heavenly God give their souls eternal peace and still surviving one long healthy life.

Andre was a very disciplined and decent player not only on the field but also outside the playing field. He enjoyed good respect even from the opponents. He was exceptionally talented in both the legs and very good in aerial duels. His marking of the opponent forwards was very good and his judgement was exceptionally fine. Fr. Mendonca of Arpora School and Dr. Gustavo Monteiro the then President of Goa Foot-ball Association always appreciated Andre’s game. He along with my brother Jose Marie was instrumental in pushing Sesa’s management to form its soccer team somewhere in 1964. When Sesa Goa formally started its soccer team in 1965 in second division at Mapusa, Andre Machado was the captain of the team and also the major pillar of Sesa. He gave his best to develop and to promote SESA and if later on SESA became what it was, I can rightly say that it was mainly due to the strong base put by Andre Machado, my late brother Jose Marie who after Andre’s retirement became the skipper of SESA Goa and many others of that team. Many of the seniors in our community and mainly ex Arporites will surely remember the contribution of Andre Machado in the development and promotion of soccer.

Andre played last for Candolim as captain in 1965 the year Candolim became Goa Champion at All Goa Inter-village soccer tournament conducted by Goa Football Association at Mapusa I was the youngest member of that winning team starting my career two years earlier under the guidance of seniors including Andre who used to support me a lot while playing. He was putting extra efforts to guide me and to cover my area as we both were playing on the right flank. Since he was working for Sesa Goa at Sircaim, he got married to his beautiful wife Veronica and settled in Tivim only for rest of his life. One of his daughters got married to Casmiro Palha from Candolim, currently working in Dubai. Palha was an international goalkeeper playing for India and was the best goalkeeper of Goa some years back.

In Andre’s death on 28th of last month, Candolim lost a great soccer player of yesteryears. His death was a great loss to Goan soccer as well. May his soul rest in peace.

A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.

EXCELLENT ARTICLES OF VERONICA.

Dear Anthony Veronica,

Well, it was a dream come true for Mr Obama to become the president of USA, Obama is liked and loved by everyone around the globe, from different religions, and certainly god heard their prayers and made Obama the president of USA, thus fullfilling his dreams. I hope god will give success for him in his presidency as he looks after gods creations in one eye.

This reminds the words of Dr Martin Luther King' 'Dream to see that blacks and whites integrating with one another, walking hand in hand together as one entity''.May god bless Obama.

Anthony Veronica, my friend and colleague at Arpora School for many years till we finish our SSC together, I am very proud of you because you are the only ex Arporite from Goan diaspora flying the flag of Lions higher and higher. Fr. Mendonca, his brother Fr. William, Fr. Peter and other great teachers of ours at Arpora should have been alive now to take pleasure in great articles and other writings of high calibre you are writing. They would have been very proud to read your exceptioannly high level articles. None from ex Arporites can write the way you write. I have a dream is surely the best article so far you wrote. In this article you show indepth knowledge you have of world affairs. It also proves how much you read to acquire knowledge.

Previous to this, your one more article on Maids Harassment in Kuwait was also excellent. Through your writings you made goa.kranti the most powerful Goan forum. I dont see such qualitative and such high calibre articles in any other Goan fora. Keep up the good work. Not only me but many of our ex Arporites are proud of you. If possible, publish a book of your writings and for this venture I will surely support you. Other ex Arporites whom I meet are also of the same view. Try, dont delay. Your articles are like diamond. They have to be preserved for future generation.
Mog assundi.

Jerry cal
Abu Dhabi.

From: A. Veronica Fernandes averonicaf806@hotmail.com
Wednesday, January 28, 2009 8:17:35

PMSubject: I Have A Dream.

G O A
--No plans in this revolution are written for retreat--
January 28, 2009

I HAVE A DREAM.

I Have A Dream.
It was a wonderful swearing–in ceremony of the 44th President of the USA, Mr. Barack Hussein Obama. Thanks to TV facility, I am happy that once again I got an opportunity to witness yet one more US president taking oath of his office. From the interest shown by the people from all around the globe, I can rightly say that Obama’s election to American presidency is loved by most of the people all around the world and not just only in the USA. Though he was elected to rule USA yet people around the globe considered him as dearest to them as well. No president in the history of USA received so much of sympathy, love and affection as Obama did. Not only he was loved but people all around the globe from different religions fervently prayed for his elevation to the presidency and for his success. Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jews, Sikhs, Jains and others without any hitch asked God for his success. And I am certain God will surely accept their prayers and make Obama the most successful president of USA not only to guide and rule USA but also to guide the world in the right direction.

CITIZENS' OF GOA INITIATIVE FOR GSPEF & GSAEF.

CITIZENS' [OF GOA] INITIATIVE FOR GSPEF & GSAEF ???‏

From: floriano (floriano.lobo@gmail.com)

Sent:Thursday, February 05, 2009 10:44:46 AM

To: A. Veronica Fernandes (averonicaf806@hotmail.com)

It is a fact that Goans have come to terms with our existing 'political system' having put us to deep shame and where 'enough is enough' seems to be the order of the thinking on everybody's mind with respect to the performances of our National as well as our State Regional political parties. They have jointly taken Goa nowhere but down, down and more deeper down into the rut of uncontrolled self-centered opportunism, thereby draining the well-being of our dear Goa and us Goans along with our state coffers. And at times such as these, if we, the stake-holders, remain unconcerned and complacent, we shall be lending a helping hand for the annihilation of the bright future of our up-coming generations.

We need no expert of international repute to tell us that we have been 'taken' by the very same political parties and politicians connected to these political parties. One glance to look backwards is more than sufficient for us to start an agonizing spate of throwing-up. We see the weakened skeletal frame of our much acclaimed 'regional plan-2021 and the skeletons of our previous RP-2011; The malignant tumors of our garbage management; our 'SEZs' ; 'Mega Project'; 'Mining' ; Industrial and/or the otherwise down to earth simple but chronic pollution of our main-stays such as air and water; the ulcers of mal-administration; sanitation & market hygiene; our Panchayati-Raj system; so on and so forth. And if, all through this, we, the literate and erudite citizens of GOA still want to remain unconcerned and complacent, then it would be most unfortunate. If we have any concern at all, we must come up with an imaginative initiative to do something about it, collectively. Because, if we did not, then we shall not be using our 'God given' brains but make do with the half-selfish-brains of our elected representatives selected for us by our equally selfish political parties and end-up suffering indignities in succession, never to have a clear end in sight.

Goa did have the first 'Citizens' Initiative' where we debated if the National Status was good or bad for our Goa University. Apparently this debate had laid a strong foundation for discussions and interactions, and, from all this we Goans have been able to take a mature decision that National Status for Goa University would harm this vital Institution.

Likewise, the stage is ripe for us CITIZENS OF GOA to take up the issue of refining Goa's political system with the 'challenge' being right in front of us by way of the '15th. Lok Sabha (Parliamentary) Elections due in April, 2009.

What is GSPEF & GSAEF?

GSPEF is nothing but 'GOA STATE PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION FRONT' and GSAEF being its sister, "GOA STATE ASSEMBLY ELECTION FRONT.

Since the Parliamentary elections are practically at our door, we the citizens of Goa could send a strong signal to all political parties, that we intend challenging them as a "UNITED FRONT" in these elections by fielding independent candidates both from the South and the North Parliamentary constituencies.

Let us start by coming together for GSPEF .... all Social, Cultural, Educational, Environmental forums, groups, associations, institutions etc. under one roof.

Let us brainstorm on the basis of 'SWAT' the potential for sending the right signal to all political parties and politicians..... to beware...... here we are coming.... unitedly... to castigate you for taking us for granted for far too long.

Let us trash-out the ROAD MAP on which our Parliamentarians will jointly walk to take us forward.

Let us identify and select the most important issues that our Parliamentarians must present in the National Parliament for its consideration and action, to improve our lot at the National and State levels.

Let us draft and set the 'accountability track' that our Parliamentarians will take to keep us in good stead.

Then,
Let us nominate, short list, select among ourselves, democratically, the best two erudite and distinguished independent persons suitable for the job, one from the South and one from the North, who will agree to abide by the above instruments to make us Goans proud in the face in the National Parliament.

And finally,
Let us work together from North to South, from East to West in a blitzkrieg election campaign that Goa has not seen before to get them elected to the National Parliament believing that we are interested to make our fortunes for ourselves and for our children and not for the BJP, the Congress, the NCP as political planks and for its politicians or whoever.

AND,
Our two privileged future parliamentarians need not worry whether they will 'win' or 'lose'. For, the winning or losing will be left to us citizens of Goa. If they LOSE, then we will have LOST and if they WIN, then we have surely WON.

AND also,
Our two future parliamentarians need not worry about putting their hands deep into their pockets. We shall remember that they will be doing this great service for our Goa and us Goans. And for that we shall replicate the 'OBAMA' effect, where every American saw the change they wanted and wished to have, real and in front of their eyes by contributing $5 and $10 towards Obama's MEGA WIN in the American history. We Goans can surely come up with Re.5 and Re.10 to be able to jump up in joy to claim our VICTORY, likewise.

Dear Goans,

Shall we not do it???

If you decide 'Yes', then let us get on with it fast and pronto.

And you are absolutely 'RIGHT'
We can repeat the same exercise during the next Goa's Legislative Assembly Elections with GSAEF.

As for me and the organizations I represent or belong to, I am ready.

How about you and yours???

This could be the (French) 'Revolution' that Goa has been waiting for.


floriano
Goa Enviromental Action Group,
Mapusa Nagrikancho Ekvott,
Clean Moira Active Citizen's Association,
Convenor, Ist. Citizens' [of Goa] Initiative
Goa's only Green Party
(m) 9890470896
(r) (0832) 2470223

VALMIKI FALEIRO THANKS RICHARD.

From: valmikif@gmail.comTo: averonicaf806@hotmail.com

Subject: Re: In Praise of Valmiki Faleiro's Articles.

Date: Tue, 3 Feb 2009 18:29:08 +0530


Dear Veronica bab,

Please convey my thanks to Mr. Richard de Sousa for
his kind words. I'm glad my pieces on Goan names stirred
some thought on our unique heritage. Incidentally, the
name 'Ismael' is not an exclusive Muslim name, even if
bulk of its instances will be found among our Muslim
brothers. Its most famous incidence among Catholics --
and that too Goan Catholics -- was Ismael Gracias,
the famous thinker, writer, journalist of the late 19th/20th
century period, who hailed from Loutolim but spent most
of his professional life in Panjim. The street outside the
editorial offices and press of 'The Navhind Times' in
Panjim is named after him.

Regards, v

G O A
--No plans in this revolution are written for retreat--
February 1, 2009


IN PRAISE OF VALMIKI FALEIRO'S ARTICLES.

From: Richard de Sousa noreply-comment@blogger.com

Fri, Jan 30, 2009 at 11:19 PM
To: goa.kranti@gmail.com
Richard de Sousa has left a new comment on your post "GOAN NAMES by Valmiki Faleiro.":

Very interesting article Valmiki! This "litany of names" given to many Goans is such a fascinating matter. I have been looking at the naming patterns through families of Moira, discussed on the Moira-net Googlegroup, and we found even the incorporation of the Muslim name Ismail/Ismael/Ishmael quite common.Richard

Posted by KRANTI at Sunday, February 01, 2009.

FUNKOTT PASSES FOR KUWAIT TIATRISTS.

Once again Veronica has proved how upright he is in his writings. His commentary on Rosary Ferns drama Kuwait Soddun Vetana in goa.kranti was absolutely appropriate. This is the first time in my experience I saw such a messageful drama. During the entire show crowd remained glued to their chairs. I hope Rosary Ferns will make a Video Film of this drama for Kuwait Goans to get educated. Such educative dramas are very essential for the development of our community. Most of the people who saw this drama have agreed that this was the best drama ever staged in Kuwait.

All the cast played their roles well, I need not elaborate more on this. Bushka’s absence at the last minute went unnoticed by the presence of appropriate replacement in Atia. She played an extremely well role. So also Cajetan de Sanvordem and Marcus Vaz. Shahu played very good music. Stage setting of Thomas Lenkiston had lot of defects. mIKE SYSTEM BY fURTADO WAS GOOD. Lawry Travasso was superb while Francis de Tuem failed badly. Comedians Selvy and John Desilva were excellent. Rosary Ferns' solo on Sanny de Quepem was extremely bright in LYRICS and in singing.

Most encouraging part of this drama was the joining together of members of Kuwait Goan Tiatristanchi Sonvstha with Rosary. Till recently Cajetan de Sanvordem current president of KGTS, Katty de Ribandar ex president of KGTS, Sylvester Vas & Joseph and even Marcus Vaz were opposing Rosary Ferns and blindly supporting Jose Rod against Rosary Ferns when Rosary Ferns has not done anything for them. KGTS wanted to finish Rosary Ferns from the Konkani stage but God was with Rosary Ferns and the very members and leaders of KGTS who were on forefront to finish Rosary Ferns finally joined with Rosary Ferns. In fact Rosary Ferns is on record to give a strong push for the stage talent of these artistes. These artistes simply and blindly followed Jose Rod and created divisions in the tiatrists community in Kuwait. History has recorded this Sunami among Kuwait Goan Tiatrists. It was only Rosary Ferns who can tap the talent of these tiatrists and not Jose Rod who used the above named tiatrists and others too as tools for his benefits. He thought he will dictate his terms to boss over Kuwait Goan tiatrists. Poor guy mistakenly fallen down and shamelessly all the shameless tiatrists from KGTS who were earlier opposing Rosary Ferns came to the feet of Rosary Ferns in Kuwait Soddun Vetana. At least now they must repent for the mistake they made earlier in simply opposing Rosary Ferns.

Veronica has done well by showing his real caliber by writing what is true even on his otherwise opponents who used to talk ill of him and his writings. Many times they never understood what Veronica wrote because most of them are illiterate and ignorant. In Kuwait they are one eyed persons among the blinds. Now all these persons are silent. Who else in Kuwait and on this earth can write so well of these tiatrists besides Veronica? And according to the latest news, Querobina Carvalho refused to act in Kuwait Soddun Vetana only because of Veronica saying ”if Veronica is associated with Rosary’s show, I will not act”. Poor Queru, I pity you if what is said is right.

According to stories circulated in Maliya, some tiatrists in addition to their hefty shares also through heavy demand got hefty complimentary Entry Passes from the director. Two of them were senior tiatrists from Church activities to distribute free of charge or may be to sell to the members of the Choir Group who shamelessly propagated that “we got passes free of charge and others said we got these tickets for 3 KD only. Good tactic of making money illegally in the name of Church activities. This is the quality of people involved in the Church and in Choir. They like everything “funkot” and Church activities are nice place to get everything funkott.

Thanks.
A "Kuwaitcho"Tiatr Mogui

(Name witheld on request.)