THE MAKERS OF GOA'S "SONTENAS". Part: III.

The last factor responsible for the “SONTENAS” of Goa was the formation of PDF Government in Goa with the disgraceful defection of the disgraceful Congress MLA’s namely Churchill Alemao, Mauwin Godinho, J.B. Gonsalves and Dr. Proto Barbosa. According to the information gathered during that time, the brain behind the toppling of the Congress government under Prataphsingh Rane was Churchill Alemao because Rane has denied him any portfolio in his Cabinet, Churchill was having his eye on the Sports Ministry.

The worst of happenings in Goa happened and initiated during the reign of PDF government. During that period Government jobs and services were kept on sale openly to the highest bidders by the “Chor Montris” to make fast and illicit money for them. These defectors were allotted with lucrative portfolios each to allow them to rob the Goans. While robbing the Goans they did not show pity on them but butchered them like cattle of their purses.

Without bribing nothing started moving and this bribing was in lakhs of rupees. No government services given without paying bribes. That was the disgrace of PDF government where Churchill Alemao played a pivotal role even Swearing in the Hindu Temple and on a Coconut purely in Hindu religious tradition when he claimed to be a devout Christian and a devotee of Vailankani Saibinn.

Churchill Alemao will be remembered in the history of Goa as the most corrupt politician under whose leadership worst of corruptions took place in Goa. In the history of Goa his name will be kept written in bold black capital letters as the destroyer of political life of Goa. He is a destructive politician and not constructive.

As a human being, he is a nice man and personally I noticed this positive attribute in him when I fully supported him during his first ever visit to Kuwait in late eighties.

What bad was initiated during that period of PDF government later on carried forward by others as a precedent and unfortunately it is still going on. It was a pity to see openly that all the defectors were the followers of Christianity which does not teach cheating and to accept bribe and rob people. By trampling the Christian principles under their sinful feet they committed not only ordinary sins but extra ordinary Sacrileges for which punishment for them will be very harsh. Two of them have already died miserable deaths; others will die more miserably at an appropriate time as per the God’s commandment. Let us wait and see. For such people God’s punishment goes not only to them but also for their generations.

Also, for such persons punishment comes Lame Footed but it surely comes, either today or tomorrow and that tomorrow is not very far. When I got the news of the formation of PDF government I was shocked to know that Churchill Alemao who till recently raising the banner of Konkani and who fought so strongly for the cause of Konkani has merged himself bodily and soully without any shame with Marathi protagonist and anti-Konknni MGP under Khalap who was instrumental as alleged in provoking the killing of Agacaim martyrs.

A short period before the formation of PDF government in Goa, Churchill Alemao was in Kuwait where I myself in particular was on forefront to introduce him to Kuwait Goans as the pillar of Konkani movement and supporter of Goan causes. Later on I had to eat my own words of course shamelessly. People in Kuwait later on started accusing me for projecting Churchill Alemao as a great Goan. For me it was a big shame but for politicians like Churchill Alemao anything "chalta hai" as it is said in one Konkani proverb "Khapurleak khuim kulei sarke ani thanaim sarkim".

Earlier during his long years of Chief Ministership Pratapsing Rane used his power, position and influence to silently work against the interest of Goa, Goans and Christians. In a disguise manner he worked heavily against Goans to degoanise Goa. As a baby politician, he was brought up in the MGP cradle under the heavy influence of Dayananda Bandodcar. Those politicians and those people who gained their baptism in the water of MGP they will silently or openly work against Goa, Goans, Konkani and Christians.

All the troubles for the cause of Konkani happened during the time of Ranes’s Chief Ministership. All the big rallies and demonstrations for the cause of Konkani were organised when he was CM of Goa. The lengthy hunger strike at Azad Maidan Panaji for the cause of Konkani was organised when he was CM of Goa. By going from Kuwait I also took part in all these rallies, meetings and even Open Hunger Strike at Azad Maidan Panaji on behalf of Kuwait Konknni Kendr. While in the demonstration at Azad Maidan Panjim, I also received Lathis on my back from Ghantti Hawaldar of Rane government. Rane was and still is anti-Goan and anti-Konkani. Thanks to Rajiv Gandhi’s support and the Martyrdom of Seven Konkani Martyrs otherwise Rane will never allow recognition to Konkani and from there to Statehood.

We from Kuwait heaved a sigh of relief when these two historic issues "KONKANI & STATEHOOD" were settled otherwise we in Kuwait would still be sending money to fight for the Konkani cause emptying our own purses. As a matter of fact, no expatriates have done more than what we Kuwaitkars did for the cause of Konkani in particular and for Goa in general. Many among expatriate Goans are barking now in the name of Goa and Konkani but when needed they remained silent leaving Kuwait Goans to shoulder the major responsibility for the cause of Goa.

It is a challenge to the new generation of Goans, the real Goans who are the sons of real Goan parents, to fight for the protection of Goa from the hands of rogue politicians. Inspite of the “SONTENAS” done of Goa as indicated above, let us not keep silent. The present generation of Goans have to gather courage to fight against those who were and who are still responsible for making “Sontenas” of Goa. Though “Sontenas” has been done of Goa yet what is still left untouched must be at least protected. And this job must be undertaken by the new generation that is largely responsible to destroy Congress rogues in the last election and stop the family raj system.

Patriotic Goans like me who have done so much for the cause of Goa from Kuwait are ageing now and I don’t see anyone among the freshers in Kuwait to follow our lead. The base that we oldies put in Kuwait to fight for the cause of Goa is getting eroded and no replacements for us are visible. We showed more patriotism for Goan causes while the latest comers in Kuwait are not showing much of this patriotism. Many of them lack intellectual capacity to rise to the occasion; they are more interested in cheap activities where they get cheap prominence and cheap publicity and they all love this thereby showing the cheap anchestry. From the current leaders of their respective Goan organisations there is according to my assessment not a single Goan who is capable of swimming in the ocean but only like frogs in the pond. For this reason I don’t expect anything worthwhile from them.

At least in Goa the new generation must shoulder its responsibility and save the little what is left of our golden Goa.

CONCLUDED.


A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait

THE MAKERS OF "GOA'S" SONTENAS. Part: II.

Formation of Maharastrawadi Gomantak Party is the other factor that gave a further push for the “SONTENAS” of Goa. MGP was formed to merge Goa with Maharastra with the main intention of liquidating Christianity and Christians from Goa. MGP supporters and promoters dubbed Goan Christians as pro-Portuguese when history proved otherwise. Dayananda Bandodkar was anti-Christian and to punish Goan Christians he worked for the liquidation or marginalisation of Goan Christians in Goa by merging Goa with Maharastra and imposing Marathi as official language of Goa thereby introducing Marathi culture in Goa. Even in the Goa Legislative Assembly MGP under his leadership passed a resolution to make Marathi as an official language of Goa inspite of the stiff resistance from the powerful opposition benches of UG.

It was a pity that in the first Goa Legislative Assembly Election UG under Dr. Jack Sequeira failed to get the majority. If UG then had to form the government under the leadership of Dr. Sequeira Goa would see glorious days for all Goans without partiality based on Caste and Creed. UG then under its umbrella had very competent and patriotic to Goan causes MLA’s and because of these attributes in them they kept Bandodkar and his MGP’s anti-Goan activities on check.

The great and gigantic stalwarts of UG during that time as MLA’s such as Dr. Jack Sequeira, Orlando Lobo Sequeira, Sarmalkar, Pimenta, Furtado, J.M. D’Souza and others would rule Goa extremely well in a true secular manner and to the satisfaction of all Goans because they were pro-Goa and pro-Goans unlike MGP’s biased MLA’s. Formation of MGP government under the communal and illiterate Dayananda Bandodkar following the first general election brought real “MALDISAUM” on Goa and Goans as a whole.

Bandodkar and his MGP ruled Goa with partiality. MGP government showed total bias against Christians and even government jobs were given more to Hindus. The Hindus were shown preferential treatment as if they are more Goans and others are less. This MGP government created a very bad feeling among Christians making them to believe that they are pro-Portuguese and anti-Indian. MGP’s “dadageri” against Christians made them to admit that they are second class citizens.

Worst part of this whole scenario was the total silence on this of the Church under Bishop Rebello and also of gigantic Christian Freedom Fighters. They failed in totality to protect the interest of Goan Christians when they had strong evidence that Christians have worked wonders for the cause of Goa since time immemorial. They failed to say openly and loudly that their fight against Portuguese colonialism was far greater than the fight of Hindus many of whom joined freedom movement to make Goa a “Hindu Raj”, a Theocratic State. They failed miserably to say loudly that the Goan Christians are as equal to any other Goan citizen as far as their patriotism is concerned towards Goa.

By keeping their silence on the humiliation MGP showered on Christians, directly or indirectly, they gave psychological booster to MGP followers to admit that they are more Indians and Christians are less Indians. Our Church leaders acted like “PONCH LEADERS”. If Christians are backward in Goa in many aspects it is only because of the weakness of our Church leaders to guide Christians properly in the right direction.

A. Veronica Fernandes,

Kuwait.

THE MAKERS OF GOA’S “SONTENAS”. Part:I.

 That my Goa was under the domination of Portugal for 451 years was a true fact and that one day this Portuguese domination will come to an end was also a fact. If it was not for a forced annexation of Goa by the crook Bharati regime under the crook Congressman Nehru in 1961 it would be surely in 1974 when Salazarist regime ended in Portugal and thus brought an end to the Portuguese rule in Portuguese African colonies like Angola and Mozambique.

The first known cry not only for Goa’s freedom but also for India’s freedom came not from Ghandis, Nehrus, Tagores and Patels but from our own Goan son Dr. Francisco Luis Gomes from Navelim and this cry came from right inside the citadel of our colonial masters in their own homeland Portugal. Dr. Gomes was the first Goan parliamentarian to represent Estado de India in Portuguese Parliament from where he raised the issue of Goa’s freedom. For him asking freedom for Goa means handing over Goa’s reins into the hands of genuine sons and genuine daughters of Goa and NOT into the hands of Ghantti Bharatis.

The biggest and the most powerful Goan freedom fighters were Goan Christians who showed greatest love and highest patriotism for Goa and its freedom from Portuguese rule. The love for Goan causes was better displayed by the Goan Christians because they are genuine Goans fathered by genuine Goan fathers, they are not settlers in Goa from the Ghantti lands. If you carefully analyse the movements carried in Goa in post 19th December 1961 period, be it Opinion Poll, Konkani Language Movement, Ramponkar Movement, Statehood Movement, Medium of Instruction Movement, Regional Plan Movement, in all these movements participation of Goan Christians was the most. Somehow or the other the love for Goa and Goan causes shown by Goan Christians was supreme.

Goa was never a part of British India nor of Independent India and yet Indian government at Delhi put its claim on Goa. Even some Freedom Fighters told me that they only wanted support from Bharati regime to drive away Portuguese government from Goa and not to annex Goa to Bharat. Nehru’s Congress Government has done greatest injustice on Goans by invading Goa without taking Goans into confidence properly. If Opinion Poll was taken in Goa after 19th December 1961 or earlier, overwhelming majority of Goans would opt for an independent Goa and not to be a colony of Portugal or of corrupt Bharat.

One major factor responsible for the ”SONTENAS” of Goa was the forcible annexation of it by Bharat. Among all Indians genuine Goans are the most disciplined ones with good moral character while their counterparts elsewhere in India are most corrupt. Indianness is synonym with corruption which Bharati rule implanted in Goa thru the dirty influx of Bharatis from all over Bharat. The late Dr. Jack Sequeira called the deputitionists came to Goa after 19th December 1961 as Dogs and went further by saying that “we do not want these Dogs sent by Delhi to Goa; we Goans can conduct the administration of Goa better than these Dogs”. The overwhelming Bharatis that descended on Goa following the ouster of Portuguese rule in Goa were of third grade category who were responsible to induct third grade characteristics in my first grade Goa. The first criminal who committed triple murders in Goa and later on hanged at Aguada was a third class Bharati Malyali, Kumar by name.

Bribery, corruption, chicanery, robbery, cold blooded murders, prostitution, dishonesty, insincerity, lies and cheating that we see now in Goa was the result of the influx of corrupt Bharatis in Goa from all parts of corrupted Bharat. During Portuguese rule in Goa such characteristics did not exist in Goa and even if existed it was in lesser degree. Overwhelming majority of Non-Goans settled down in Goa is corrupt and they are responsible for spreading corruption in Goa because they are born with corruption which is in their blood. During Portuguese era Goans were not corrupt as we see them now because they learnt this lesson of corruption from third class Non-Goans who are rampantly coming and settling down in Goa and spreading and increasing corruption in Goa like AIDS.

As a true and genuine Goan I feel ashamed to be an Indian a country of corruption. I feel ashamed to carry Indian Passport but I have no choice because Indian citizenship was forced on me by Bharat Serkar in 1961. I travelled to many parts of the world and while submitting my Indian Passport for Entry Stamp at the Immigration counter I noticed so many times the Officers there at the Counters looking at this Passport of corrupt country with disdain while Portuguese Passport holders and others are welcomed with broad smile. My Indian citizenship is not voluntarily acquired citizenship but forcibly imposed citizenship on me. If there is a choice I would reject this citizenship outright for Goan citizenship but I have no choice either.

India is a vast land of  “Chor”, India is a land of corrupt leaders, I don’t want to bow down my head before these corrupt leaders but I am forced to do. I hate to be a colleague in citizenship of such people, it lowers my Goan dignity. It is a shame for me to accept the leaderships of Legislators and Ministers who are known to be rapists, murderers, robbers, bribe takers and such other rascals. Nowhere else in the world rascals are allowed to contest election as it is done in India and what good governance these rascals will give?

From 19th December till now Indian government treat Goa as non-Indian because in the National Anthem of India “JANA GANA MANA…” there is no mention of Goa. It even adores British Monarch but ignores Goa. Unfortunately nobody bothers to amend this National Anthem to include Goa’s name in it. When the Constitution of India can be amended a number of times then why not the National Anthem?

I told my son and daughter never to accept that Bharat has done a favour on Goans by driving out Portuguese from Goa. By driving out Portuguese from Goa, Bharat has robbed us of our golden Goa and extremely decent Goanness. Goa is immersed in big oceanic Bharat. Bharat is swallowing my Goa slowly till it is going to be liquidated of its existence, of its great history, great tradition, great culture, great language, great folklore and of all its best attributes. The changing demographic structure of Goa is converting my Goa from the “Sant Franciscachem Goem to Devcharanchem, Cheddianchem, Krimidoranchem ani Choranchem Goem”, leading to the complete “SONTENAS” of Goa.

TO BE CONCLUDED.......
 
A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.

KIFF SOCCER LEAGUE FINAL IN KUWAIT.

KIFF LEAGUE

DON BOSCO ORATORY ARE CHAMPIONS


Inspired with a sublime performance by Man of the Match Loyed Mascarenhas, Don Bosco Oratory (DBO) trashed DHL FC 4-1 in a one sided season finale of the grand KIFF League Championship for the J.P. D’Mello Memorial Trophy organized by the Kuwait Indian Football Federation at the Al-Qadsia Sporting Club stadium (Hawally) last Friday.


The final was watched by a large crowd including H.E. the Ambassador of India to Kuwait Shri Satish Mehta who was the chief guest, Indian soccer icon and guest of honor Bruno Coutinho and Nasser Omran Kanan, the Regional Admin and PR manager of Gulf Cable who was the other special invitee. The final of the grueling league cum knock out tournament featuring 19 teams was played under floodlights and the occasion brought out the best of the youthful Don Bosco Oratory team, who forced the game right from kick off. Loyed whose inclusion in the Oratory team has given them the extra boost in midfield scored the first goal when in typical fashion he cut through two defenders from the right flank and struck ferociously past the outstretched arms of DHL keeper Manoj, 1-0.


Moments later Loyed could have scored again but his excellent free kick from just outside the box was well parried away by the DHL keeper. Alexandro Gomes who had been the backbone of DBO’s surge for the title with his accurate passes and all-round performance than got his name on the score sheet when he easily tapped in from a defense splitting pass from Loyed to make it 2-0. A few sporadic forays in the DBO half by DHL FC forwards Cruz and Jai John were easily dealt with by Godfrey, Michael, Salman and strongman Roshan in the Bosco defense.


DHL FC briefly threatened to add a twist to the game when Terrence’s long range try a few minutes into the second half, surprised Alido Gomes in the DBO goal who was caught off his line to make it 1-2. DBO however were not to be denied their day of glory and cheered on by their supporters, captain Peter Fernandes dipped one over the DHL goalkeeper and hard working Roshan Dias added the fourth in the dying minutes of the game to finish 4-1. It was a strangely subdued performance by DHL FC who in spite of fielding the likes of Vico, Terence, Roland, John Furtado and Binoj could not find the form that got them to the final.


Earlier before the start of the final, the emcee Julio Cardoso introduced ‘Jovas XLNC for Dance’ a local dance troupe led by Joythi and Sunil who entertained the spectators with their soccer themed dance performance. Fidelis Fernandes the President of Kuwait Indian Football Federation thanked the Ambassador for gracing the occasion and the sponsors Gulf Cable for their support. He also paid glowing tributes to the guest of honor and Arjuna Awardee Bruno Continuo who was flown is especially for the final. In his brief speech, H.E. the ambassador of India to Kuwait, Shri Satish Mehta congratulated the Federation and said he was amazed to see that Indians could organize a football tournament of such caliber in Kuwait. Bruno Coutinho and Nasser Omarn Kanan too spoke on the occasion and complimented both the finalists and the federation. The VIP guests along with all 19 presidents of affiliate clubs of the federation were than introduced to the players and doves were released in a symbolic gesture to commemorate the occasion.


During the break and end of the match, Mementos were presented to the chief guest: Shri Satish Mehta, Guest of Honor: Bruno Coutinho, special invitee: Nasser Omran Kanan, Performers of Jovas XLNC for Dance, Derick Gomindes and Julio Cardoso for their contribution and support to KIFF. Loyed Mascarenhas deservedly was declared ‘Man of the Match’ and presented with an award by Hugh Fernandes on behalf of Al-Muzaini Exchange Company, Best goalkeeper was begged by Alido Gomes, Best Defender Godfrey Aguiar, best midfielder Loyed Mascarenhas and best forward Roshan Dias , all of Don Bosco Oratory. The fair play award for the season went to DHL FC and the KIFF Regular Season championship was won by Malabar United.


The highest scorer of the season was shared by Michael Dias of DBO and Cruzedio of Navelim YC, and both players received trophies from KIFF and individual gold coins sponsored by V. K. Vohra. The final was very well officiated by Derick Gomindes assisted by Jerry Mello and Pascoal Fernandes on the lines. Victor Andrade, Romeo and Arnold Bothelo were the extra officials.


The Kuwait Indian Football Federation which came into existence in 1983 is run by nine elected committee members from the 19 affiliate members with Fidelis Fernandes as President, Clifford Pinto – V. President, Michael Fernandes – Gen. Secretary, Zico Fernandes – Treasurer, Mario Carneiro – Sports Secretary, Praveen Kumar – Registrar, Adley D’Lima – Asst. Sports Secretary, Venancio Pereira – Public Relations and William Stranauch – Reliever. KIFF also has an in-house Referees Body to officiate all matches.

ONE OF CHIEF MINISTER MANOHAR PARRIKAR’S FOUL MOVES.

 By Aires Rodrigues

The now failed attempt to appoint Educationist and Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch (BBSM) leader Pandurang Nadkarni as the State Information Commissioner was one of the many flawed and autocratic moves by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar in his first 100 days in office.


The Government had tried to project a fair and transparent selection process but it was very clear that the Chief Minister had cleverly lined up his man for the top post carrying a monthly salary of over Rs 1,20,000. The law requires that the Information Commissioner should have wide knowledge and experience of law besides having no connection with any political party. Mr. Pandurang Nadkarni failed both these fundamental requisites. The law also required that the person should be of ‘eminence’. One would have presumed that a sound and solid academic record would be the foundation to any claim to eminence. But even despite Pandurang Nadkarni’s struggle to clear SSC, the Chief Minister opined that his man had the eminence required. The Political agenda of the ruling party should not be subversive of the rule of law.


In his apparent anxiety to accommodate members of the BJP and Sangh Parivar, the Chief Minister Mr. Manohar Parrikar could have placed Pandurang Nadkarni in some other position. Constitutional positions like the Information Commissioner and the proposed Lokayukta should under all circumstances be kept beyond any reach of political control, interference and manipulation. We should be vigilant to ensure that these positions remain free from all parasites.

DONKEY MANAGERS.

In the history of Kuwait, the English Daily Arab Times is the third daily newspaper but first after the invasion and liberation of Kuwait. According to the available information it is read by the greater number of English readers in Kuwait which fact proves that it is more popular English Newspaper in Kuwait. On every Thursday it publishes a special column under the heading “Overheard in the Souk” which is a very interesting column. On 15th of this month the writer of this column wrote that in Kuwait the number of Hospitals and Clinics has increased thereby proving that people are falling sick in more number. One of the reasons the writer asked “is it due to the working atmosphere?” which means tension on the job?


According to me the expatriates are too much suffering from tension on their jobs, this happens when one’s superior or manager is over strict for nothing at all with the staff working under him. Every expatriate working in Kuwait is fearful of his job, afraid of losing his job. The job here is not permanent, you can be fired at any moment and there is no Trade Union to fight for you if you are sacked without any proper excuse or if you lose your job for any other reason. The Sword of Damocles is continuously hanging over your head as far as your job security is concerned knowing not when your services will be axed. And if your manager or superior is a Hitler or a Saddam Hussein as I had earlier then your uncertainty on the job is more leading to more tension.

Generally speaking Kuwait is a place to work for the poor expatriates and only poor expatriates come to Kuwait, he may be Easterner or Westerner, he may be a cleaner or a top manager but he is poor in his own country and because of this home poverty he comes to Kuwait to enhance his financial status. He may have high social, educational, professional and financial status in his own country but all these high qualities become null and void when he steps into the soil of Kuwait where if you watch minutely he is treated as sub human being in a non-egalitarian set-up.

A financially rich expatriate will never come to Kuwait to work under unfavourable conditions where there are so many restrictions as per the local traditions and as per the system of this country where you have to curtail even some of your human freedoms and natural tendencies. A sensible expatriate having enough of financial resources at his disposal in his home country will never come to work in Kuwait by restricting his own personal freedom and many times to live like a donkey.

Kuwait is not a holiday spot to enjoy, here you work and work to accumulate wealth and the wealth thru salary one acquires in Kuwait is not much but a little more than what you can get in your own country. Here good money and fast money are acquired only by the expatriates holding top positions. It is these expatriates who eat the flesh of Kuwait and throw the bones to the lower grade expatriate workers and that too without any shame for their conscience. In order to protect your regular flow of income, however tiny it may be, thru your employment you undergo maximum of sacrifices, humiliation and suppression on the job from your superiors and managers. Because of this you undergo total mental depression leading you to get afflicted with different types of sicknesses.

The managers who threaten the staff working under them with dire consequences even on flimsy ground are the weak managers to conduct their affairs, this threat they issue to protect their regular flow of income smoothly. To protect their interest and gain maximum benefits for them on their jobs, financial and others, they squeeze their staff to the extreme leading the poor staff to undergo depression and mental tension ultimately filling the hospitals and medical clinics. When expatriates come to Kuwait to work they come with a purpose to make little or more money by leaving their closest and nearest back at home thus depriving them of so many privileges at home. And in the bargain if they lose their jobs in Kuwait they get heart attack. In order to avoid this type of attack they suffer not only mental tension and depression but also physical abuses from their superiors.

When threatened by your superior or manager with the harsh and threatening words like “you are useless, you bloody, I will stop your increment, I will throw you out, I will deport you, get out from here, don’t enter in my office again and such other humiliating words”, you are bound to get terribly afraid leading a very ill effect on you physically and mentally. When you get such threats you are bound to get your blood pressure high leading you to suffer from tension forcing you to go to the medical practitioner which means filling the hospitals and medical clinics.

The Human Rights Activists in Kuwait must monitor each and every move of the managers to keep a tab on their arrogance towards their staff who face human rights abuses from the arrogant and abusive managers. Why a manager should raise his voice and shout and insult his staff? A shouting manager is not a good manager but a good Donkey because at the time of selecting and recruiting his staff he must do the correct selection in which case the need of shouting does not come. Like himself a Donkey he is selecting Donkeys only and later on shouting at them means the manager himself is a big Donkey and such Donkey managers are plenty in Kuwait among the expatriates. A good and efficient manager will pay good salary and recruit good staff and not “sacrap” to insult and to shout at them. Paying beggars salary and expecting genius’ output from the staff is the job of third class Donkey managers.

Two of my earlier managers – one a Nazi German and the other a Madrasi Indian Maharaja – were expert in shouting and insulting their staff as the company is their fathers’ property. By their shouting they were uprooting human dignity from the dignified hearts of their staff thus making their staff believe that they are sub-human beings. Even the owner of the company was so nice, kind and humane. It is these two managers who tarnished the fair image of the company and finally both were thrown out like dirt from the company. I will give good publicity later on for their arrogance and pride by identifying them in open forum. This is the preliminary punishment for them and gradually they will receive more severe punishment from God for destroying the peace of the staff working under them. It is said in the Holy Bible that “SWORD BEGET SWORD” which means those who fight with sword will die with sword only. God’s punishment will surely come however slow it may be but surely it will come.

Referring to the domestic sector, many maids in Kuwait are suffering from mental and physical abuses leading to suffer from tension where they are working. Because of this tension they run to the Medical Clinics and Hospitals for curative medical help. When I asked once a Goan maid whom I met in the Hospital the reason for her being there, she replied saying “my boss is making sexual approaches on me and because I am resisting it he threatened me to deport. Because of this I have tension of thinking what will happen to my three growing up children. If I am deported who will support my young three kids whom I left under the custody of my aged mother in the absence of my dead husband? I am in a dilemma now knowing not what to do. I neither want to surrender bodily to my boss nor I want to return back”.

Is there anyone in this world to help eradicate these work tensions of expatriates working in Kuwait? Or will they have to rely on God’s mercy?

A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.

PANDURANG NADKARNI WITHDRAWS FROM RACE FOR STATE INFORMATION COMMISSIONER.

 By Aires Rodrigues

Educationist and Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch (BBSM) leader Pandurang Nadkarni today informed the Goa Government that he was not interested in the post of State Information Commissioner.


In a letter addressed to the Director of Information today Mr. Pandurang Nadkarni stated that he now at the age of 60 would like to have a peaceful retired life.


The name of Mr. Pandurang Nadkarni for the post of State Information Commissioner has been recommended by a committee headed by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar but the same had been strongly objected with a complain to Goa Governor B.V.Wanchoo that Mr. Nadkarni did not have the required knowledge and experience of law as required by Section 15 of the Right to Information Act.


Section 15(5) of the Right to Information Act requires that the Information Commissioner should have wide knowledge and experience of law. Mr. Nadkarni had no knowledge and experience of law whatsoever.


The Goa Government should squarely be blamed for selecting a person who did not have the fundamental requirement by way of knowledge of law to be the State Information Commissioner. Every allegation made about the educational and other qualifications of Mr. Pandurang Nadkarni is all based on documentary proof obtained under the Right to Information Act.There should be no political interference whatsoever in the selection and working of the State Information Commission and the Lokayukta which is proposed to be set up

ARJUNA AWARDEE BRUNO COUTINHO FELICITATED IN KUWAIT.

KIFF FELICITATES BRUNO COUTINHO

    Indian Soccer Icon attends League final in Kuwai

Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) laid out the red carpet for Indian soccer icon Bruno Coutinho in a classy function organized on 14th June 2012 at the Royal Terrasse Restaurant to felicitate the Arjuna Awardee and former captain of the Indian soccer team.


Introducing Bruno Coutinho to the 19 affiliate member clubs of the federation and other dignitaries, KIFF president Fidelis Fernandes welcomed Coutinho who is now the Jt. Director of coaching for the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) and spoke at length of his many achievements in soccer. Fernandes also paid glowing tributes to Bruno and amid showers of glittering confetti, presented him with an exquisite memento on behalf of the Federation.


The evening got off to a wonderful start with a welcome song by renowned Konkani stage artiste Mario Carneiro highlighting the history of Indian soccer in Kuwait, followed by a soccer quiz competition testing the knowledge of the guests who were divided into teams. DJ Marlon was on hand to provide the music for those who wanted to shake a leg and popular Goan musician Shahu Almeida transported everyone to the sunshine state, swinging to the Goan Masalla. In between guests participated in a game which was won by youngsters Dwane Almeida and Leann D’Souza, and were also entertained with a dance performance by a troupe of teenagers, led by Kevin Vaz.


Accepting his award, Bruno Coutinho thanked the Federation for making him feel special and said he was amazed to see such a strong Indian Football Federation with 19 affiliates, unlike anywhere else in the gulf. Responding to a few questions from the emcee on behalf of the audience, Bruno who studied in the famous Monte De Guirim High School in Goa felt that sports in India needed to be developed at village level and in Goa with the new Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar declaring soccer as a state sport, the future for soccer seemed bright at least in his home state. Asked who his role model was, Bruno immediately responded “I owe everything to my father and my family” who have been my strength and support in achieving my goals. On a question if SAG would be able to organize a mini world cup in Goa for NRI teams, the soccer icon felt that it could be done and he would look into the possibility upon his return to India.


Rev. Fr. Franco Pereira Sdb, spoke briefly about playing the game in the right spirit before leading the guests in a small prayer just before dinner. The splendid and memorable evening was hosted by Julio Cardoso and ended well past midnight with all the 19 affiliate member clubs being introduced to Bruno Coutinho and KIFF Vice President Clifford Pinto proposing the vote of thanks.


Julio Cardoso,
Kuwait

RTI REVEALS PANDURANG NADKARNI HAD FAILED SSC IN 1970 AND WAS ALSO REJECTED FOR POST OF DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION IN 1995.

By Aires Rodrigues
Educationist Pandurang Nadkarni who has been recommended by the Goa Government for the post of State Information Commissioner had failed the SSC exam in 1970 while a student of A..J. de Almeida School at Ponda. This has been revealed from documents obtained from the Personnel department at the Secretariat under the Right to Information Act. These documents had been submitted by Mr. Nadkarni while applying for the post of Director of Education in 1994. Mr. Pandurang Nadkarni failed SSC in April 1970 and cleared it in October that year in pass class at the age of 18. Ironically Mr. Manohar Parrikar while Chief Minister in 2001 had appointed Mr. Pandurang Nadkarni as Chairman of Goa SSC Board. As per the documents now obtained Mr. Nadkarni passed his BA in pass class and MA in second class both by correspondence from Shivaji University, Kolhapur


The documents obtained under RTI also reveals that Goa Government had in 1995 rejected the name of Mr. Pandurang Nadkarni for the post of Director of Education. The Goa Public Service Commission had recommended the name of Mr. Nadkarni for the post of Director of Education. However, the Goa cabinet headed by then Chief Minister Mr. Pratapsingh Rane by a decision taken on 2nd March 1995 rejected the recommendation on the ground that Mr. Nadkarni was not experienced in the administration of education. Noting that Mr. Nadkarni lacked the requisite administrative experience, the cabinet felt that appointment of such a person would hamper the efficiency of the department.


Meanwhile, the Crime Branch has sought comments from the Director of Information on the complaint against the discrepancies in the bio-data submitted by Mr. Pandurang Nadkarni while applying for the post of State Information Commissioner.


The name of Mr. Pandurang Nadkarni for the post of State Information Commissioner has been recommended by a committee headed by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar but the same has been strongly objected with a complaint to Goa Governor B.V.Wanchoo that Mr. Nadkarni did not have the required knowledge and experience of law as required by Section 15 of the Right to Information Act.


Governor’s attention has been drawn that Section 15(5) of the Right to Information Act requires that the Information Commissioner should have wide knowledge and experience of law and that Mr. Nadkarni had no knowledge and experience of law whatsoever.


Mr. Nadkarni had resigned from his current job as Director of Manipal Academy of Health & Education before applying for the post of State Information Commissioner. Governor Wanchoo’s attention has also been drawn that this plumb posting carrying a monthly salary of over Rs. 1, 20, 000 was sought to be given to Mr. Pandurang Nadkarni by the Chief Minister as a trade off on the Medium of Instruction issue. Mr. Nadkarni who is a prominent leader of Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch (BBSM) was the petitioner in the MOI petition before the Bombay High Court.


After Governor Wanchoo sent the complaint filed against Mr. Nadkarni to Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, the Director of Information issued a notice to Mr. Pandurang Nadkarni seeking an explanation from him on the objections raised to his selection as State Information Commissioner. The Crime Branch is also separately investigating a complaint filed about the false claims made by Mr. Pandurang Nadkarni in his bio-data.

TIATRO "APLEAM BHURGEAM SANGATAK" IN KUWAIT.

This Tiatro  "APLEAM BHURGEAM SANGATAK" written and directed by Sammy Tavares will be staged in Kuwait on 28th September 2012.

More details will follow.

A. Veronica Fernandes,

Kuwait.

ALINA SALDANHA NEEDS TO LEARN THE BASICS OF DEMOCRACY

By Aires Rodrigues


While reacting to her unopposed election from Cortalim Mrs. Alina Saldanha has in an interview with the local magazine “Goa Today” claimed that her unopposed victory had saved the State exchequer a lot of money and that this money would have been unnecessarily spent on conducting the Cortalim by-election.


This statement by the former Headmistress and now the Forest Minister is presumptuous while revealing her political naiveté and sheer ignorance of the basics of democracy and the Indian Constitutional framework. Her line of thinking that money was saved by not holding the elections is a matter of great concern as it runs contrary to the very fundamentals of electoral democracy.


Free, fair and transparent elections hold the key to a good functioning democracy. There is no substitute to a political process through elections conducted in a democratic manner. Making the democracy really representative, calls for strong institutions, headed by honest and knowledgeable people. It requires a leadership with vision and integrity, which has become a rarity in today’s political system.


The only way to improve democracy and politics is through a more effective and better political democracy in which Mrs. Alina Saldanha needs a lesson or two if not an intensive refresher course. How much it had cost the BJP to clear the Cortalim turf of other contestants and potential players only God knows. All we know was that the damage done to democracy was irreparable and unpardonable.

BELLINO FROM USA ON KUWAIT SOCCER.

Exmo Sr. Veronic !


Thank you very much for keeping the memories of GOAN SOCCER ALIVE ! ! ! There is nobody, I mean NOBODY is alive today to fulfil our Goan Soccer Spirit the way you are expressing yourself. Because once upon a time that was your profession playing for SESA GOA, am I right? But now a days all altu-faltu without any knowledge and big empty   "petrolache dhobeancho awaz kortat".


After I read your article yesterday, I was overjoyed. You know why? When I was young say about 9 or 10 my father used to go for the soccer games, he used to take me with him to watch the games, specially when A.V.C. Soccer Tornaments used to begin in April/ May in our village Assolna during Portuguese era and the big teams like Salgaocar, Clubo Vasco, Dempo, Seza Goa, Shantilal etc. all these teams used to be on AVC football grounds in Assolna, Velim and Cuncolim.

Once I remember, you also will know, Pinho (paklo) used to shoot into the net from one end of the ground to the other end straight into the net,  he was the ace scorer for Salgaocar. As I remember, there was one fantastic player from Chinchinim playing during those days named Catao, you may remember him, likewise brothers Afonso Goes and Ernesto Goes, all playing for Salgaocar, but later on one by one they left to play for huge India teams like Mafatlal, Tata etc. etc.

Thank you, you made my day and brought back memories of those good old yesteryears. This job beautifuly you alone can do and none else either in Kuwait or in Goa because you belong to that yesteryears crop of talented Goans.

I cannot wait for the world cup to begin. On July 27, Olympics will start. Before you leave Kuwait, at least go to London for Olympics, all your expenses I will bear but I would like you to go so that you will gain more knowlege which you can impart to oothers.

THE narration you narrated of KIFF and Kuwait Goan football in Kuwait is very informative.  When I was in Kuwait I used to come to Sour ground to watch matches where you used to play fantastically well.  Your heading, running and defending was class by itself.  I dont think there is any one whom I can compare with you.  You were the best among all. It is you more than others who popularised Goan soccer in Kuwait.  You deserve highest Award from Goan community more than JP D'Mello and UG.

Well, all the best.

Bellino.
USA.

SOCCER AND KIFF LEAGUE FINAL IN KUWAIT.

The late J. P. D’Mello was a great son of India from Sucurro, Porvorim, Bardez, Goa. As a Goan he had great love for Goa and Goan causes. He was a scholar in soccer laws and known to be the first Goan international Referee. While in India he was stationed in Bombay from where he came into limelight. After his retirement from Bombay in early eighties he came to Kuwait and got employed at KREMENCO, in Ahmadi.


When he came to Kuwait we Goans along with other Indians were on the peak of our soccer activities conducted at Sour ground. Anton Lawrence Fernades from Siolim Goa also known as Tony was the president of United Goans Football Center in Kuwait (UG) and was working at Albert Abela, Ahmadi Oil Center where JP was also working. One fine morning they both met each other and exchanged views and pleasantries and became good friends.


Anton Lawrence once during Portuguese rule in Goa was an ace foot-baller of Goa playing for the then famous Goan team of LUBE. He due to his friendship with JP, one fine morning brought JP to Sour ground and introduced him to our soccer. Then immediately JP became a part of UG advising them and helping them also in the matter of soccer activities.


After about 10 years working in Kuwait J.P. bade adieu to Kuwait and gone back to Bombay where he was settled permanently with his family and there only he died. As a mark of respect for his contribution in the promotion of soccer among Kuwait Indians, Kuwait Indian Football Federation established JP Memorial Tournament known as KIFF League which is running now since some years back. JP was instrumental in establishing KIFF besides Indian Football Referees Association, Kuwait (IFRA) as well.


The credit for initiating our competitive soccer activities must surely go to United Goans Football Center popularly known as UG and their memory should be kept alive on priority basis for posterity to know what they have done in the history of soccer in Kuwait. Because of their initiative till today we are having our soccer activities that have immensely helped us in innumerable ways.


KIFF League is not the only league tournament we have. Earlier when UG started it was started with League cum knock-out basis and this league system lasted till the invasion of Kuwait.


Somebody asked me the other day why I am not writing beautiful reviews of our games the way I was writing earlier in the local English Newspapers? My reply was this that earlier our soccer was beautifully played by the beautiful players who knew how to play beautiful soccer prior to their coming to Kuwait, most of them were seasoned and smart players in Goa and elsewhere in India before coming to Kuwait.


Can we see again the likes of Gajendra Pillay the deep defender of Maroons? Can we see again the likes of forwards Tony Correia, Gilbert and the late Cosme of Maroons again? Can we see again the likes of midfielder Cajetan Godinho of Goan Sporting? Can we see another deep defender like Alcantro Barreto of UG? Likewise, there were so many artistically excellent players who brought more excellence and beauty for our soccer during the earlier days especially till the invasion of Kuwait. It was they who put a strong base for our football in Kuwait and because of that strong base our football in Kuwait is still surviving.


The current crop of footballers are not footballers of our type, of course exceptions are there. Yesterday’s final was the lousy final because the players were lacking in excellence. Even physically they lacked the normal physical grandeur the players are having. During our time we did not have facilities as the current players are having to make their improvement and inspite of this sadly the current players are not playing beautiful game. From what I saw in the final between DHL and Dom Bosco on Friday, yesterday, the standard of our soccer is very low compared to what it was before during our time.


The guest of honour and Arjuna Awardee Bruno Coutinho was a great footballer of India and as a Goan I am proud of him but with due respect to his excellence I can say that even during his time the standard of Indian soccer was very low compared to what it was earlier in Goa and India. Mind you India is yet to produce another Neville D’Souza who scored a magnificent hat-trick in Melbourne Olympics in 1956.


Again mind you Calangute Goa is yet to produce another excellent player like Bruno’s father Alex Coutinho who was a bustling and bombastic forward. The standard of soccer in Bruno’s own village Calangute was very high once when his father was one of the best forwards. His father was the star of the then mighty Calangute soccer team known as Eutrapelia. It was a dream team then during the Portuguese time admired even by the mighty Portuguese Pakles.


Quality football is not existing now anywhere because quality footballers are not coming. If you watch carefully, up to now we cannot see another Maradona even after so many years of his retirement. Today football is played with money power and not with skill power. The current soccer coaches kill the skills of the skilful players for the sake of big money.


Once in a friendly game at Calangute, this dream team made mockery of the then mighty Salgaocars having in its fold 5 excellent Pakle players who were exceptionally talented. Bruno Coutinho’s father was irresistible along with Eustaquio in the forward line while midfield was orchestrated like a maestro by Bhaskar, deep defence was manned by the mighty Joshe and in the goal Peter Gomes was unbeatable. If it was not for his migration to the Gulf, Bruno Coutinho’s father would be easily absorbed by any of the top Goan Clubs though he and others as I have named above would easily walk into any of the top Indian teams.


The Chief Guest yesterday for the final the Ambassador of India remained seated for few minutes and then left with an excuse that he has other engagement elsewhere while some Kuwaiti dignitaries remained till the end.

A few weeks before the invasion of Kuwait we organised a friendly soccer match at Fahaeel Stadium between Goa XI and Kerala XI, the Chief Guest was the then Indian Ambassador. Maintaining the etiquette of the chief guest, the Ambassador remained seated on his seat till the end of the match and left the stadium after distributing the prizes for the participants.


Coming back to  yesterday’s final, the organisers the KIFF deserves compliments for doing the good job while kudos to Don Bosco for defeating their rivals DHL by 4-1 goals.


A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.

F.I.R TO BE FILED AGAINST PANDURANG NADKARNI FOR FALSIFYING HIS BIO-DATA.

   
By Aires Rodrigues



A First Information report is being filed against Mr. Pandurang Rauji Nadkarni for falsifying the biodata submitted for the post of State Information Commissioner (SIC). Mr. .P.R.Nadkarni had intentionally misrepresented his biodata while concealing vital information that would establish that he did not possess the high eminence required as per the RTI Act for the post of SIC.



Mr. P.R.Nadkarni in his bio data had falsely stated that he was a member on the Local Managing committee of S.S.Dempo College of Commerce and Economics from 1996 to date and that he also currently was a Member of the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Board. Mr. Nadkarni has however intentionally not disclosed the number of attempts it took him to clear his SSC from Holy Cross Institute, Quepem where he had done his schooling.



Section 15 (6) of the Right to Information Act requires that the State Information Commissioner shall not be connected with any political party. Mr. P.R. Nadkarni had in his application not disclosed his close association with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party though it is required that the person appointed as SIC be intrinsically unbiased in all ways.



Mr. P.R.Nadkarni had also resigned from his current job as Director of Manipal Academy of Health & Education before applying for the post of State Information Commissioner, This plumb posting carrying a salary of over Rs1, 20, 00 a month is sought to be given to Mr. Pandurang Nadkarni by the Chief Minister as a trade off on the MOI issue Mr. Pandurang Nadkarni who is a prominent leader of Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch (BBSM) was the petitioner in the MOI petition before the Bombay High Court.



It is now abundantly clear that the recommendation of Mr. P.R. Nadkarni’s name for the post of Information Commissioner was politically motivated and based on nepotism rather than merit. As required by law, only a highly competent person with knowledge and experience of law should be appointed as the Information Commissioner. The State Information Commissioner being a quasi-judicial authority, it would be impossible for a person without knowledge and experience of law to function in the position.



The file recommending Mr. P.R.Nadkarni’s name for the post of State Information Commissioner has been sent by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar to Goa Raj Bhavan for Governor V.B Wanchoo’s approval. The Governor is the appointing authority and administers the oath to the Information Commissioner. The Governor can accept or reject the name proposed by the Government for the post of State Information Commissioner. Objections have already been submitted to the Goa Governor in writing to the high handed move to appoint Mr. P.R. Nadkarni as the State Information Commissioner.

DOES GOA NOT NEED ITS OWN HIGH COURT?

By Aires Rodrigues


Besides being a very small State and for other logistical reasons it may not be desirable for Goa to have its own High Court. Sikkim also a small state, in different circumstances has its own High Court since 1975 but all other small states Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, and Mizoram have benches of the Gauhati High Court.


The current arrangement of the Bombay High Court at Goa is working reasonably well. However there is need for urgent steps to be taken to expedite the huge backlog of cases. If the government also takes just, proper and judicious decisions the High Court would be freed of a lot of unnecessary litigation.


Once the current pendency of cases is dealt with, two or three judges at the High Court would be able to cope and do justice to the work load. With good and competent judges the wheels of Justice will move efficiently. In 2009 a couple of extra court rooms were hurriedly readied at the High Court and we were told we would be having half a dozen Bombay High Court judges deployed in Goa. These Court rooms remain unused while the backlog of cases has just piled up.


What should have been ensured was that the Bombay High Court at Goa selected office staff only from Goa. Sadly this has not happened. Even the peons and sweepers are being brought from Maharashtra. It would be nice if reciprocally Goans could have found jobs at the Bombay High Court offices at Nagpur, Aurangabad and Mumbai.

BRUNO COUTINHO COMING TO KUWAIT FOR KIFF FINAL.

Seen in the picture is Bruno Coutinho receiving Arjuna Award from the hands of Indian President Dr. Kalam.



The Kuwait Indian Football Federation  (KIFF) League Chanoinship final will be played between Don Bosco Oratory and DHL FC at the Al-Qadsiya Sports Club Stadiun, Hawally on Friday 15th June 2012 at 7.00 PM.

The Chief Guest for the final will be Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, His Excellency Satish C. Metha. 

Indian soccer icon and Arjuna Awardee Bruno Coutinho who is also a Jt. Director of Sports Authority of Goa will be the Guest of Honour.

Mr. Naser Omran Kanan of the Gulf Cables is the special invitee.

Before the final at 6.45 PM there will be a Dance performance by the dance troupe "Jovas XLNC for Dance".


A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.

RTI REVEALS PANDURANG NADKARNI’S BIO-DATA FOR SIC FALSIFIED.

By Aires Rodrigues


Mr. Pandurang Rauji Nadkarni in his application for the post of Goa State Information Commissioner has falsely inflated his biodata. This has been revealed in the information obtained from the Information Department under the Right to Information Act.


Mr. P.R.Nadkarni in his bio data had stated that he was a member on the Local Managing committee of S.S.Dempo College of Commerce and Economics from 1996 to date and that he also is a Member of the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Board.

It has been now verified that Mr. Nadkarni is neither a member of the Local Managing Committee of S.S. Dempo College of Commerce nor a member of the Goa Board. Infact, Mr. Nadkarni’s entire biodata should now be examined by an independent authority to check the authenticity of its contents. Inquiries have been made in Mr. P.R. Nadkarni’s hometown of Dharbandoda about his academic proficiency and the initial reports are very disturbing.


The documents obtained under the RTI Act has also revealed that the advertisement calling for applications for the post of Information Commissioner was issued on 17th April and that Mr. Pandurang Nadkarni submitted his application only on 30th April which was the last day for submitting applications. The documents also reveal that Mr. P.R.Nadkarni had resigned from his current job as Director of Manipal Academy of Health & Education before applying for the post of State Information Commissioner.


Has the Chief Minister guaranteed the job of Information Commissioner to Mr. Pandurang Nadkarni as a trade off on the Meduim of Instruction issue. Mr. Pandurang Nadkarni who is a prominent leader of Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch (BBSM) was the petitioner in the MOI petition before the Bombay High Court recently.

Section 15 (6) of the Right to Information Act requires that the State Information Commissioner shall not be connected with any political party. Mr. P.R. Nadkarni has in his application not disclosed his close association with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.


Interestingly the minutes of the meeting of the pre-selection Committee headed by Chief Secretary held on 17th May 2012 states that the committee considered 28 applications. However the records show that only 26 had applied for the post. The identity of the other two candidates is not known

The file recommending Mr. P.R Nadkarni’s name as State Information Commissioner is being sent to the Goa Raj Bhavan for Governor B.V.Wanchoo’s approval. The Governor is the appointing authority and administers the oath to the Information Commissioner. The Governor can accept or reject the name proposed by the Government for the post of State Information Commissioner.


It is now abundantly clear that the recommendation of Mr. P.R. Nadkarni’s name for the post of Information Commissioner was politically motivated and based on nepotism rather than merit. Governor Wanchoo in public interest should direct the Goa Government to re-examine the entire selection process so that, as required by law, only a highly competent person is appointed as the Information Commissioner.

The State Information Commissioner being a quasi-judicial authority, it would be impossible for a person without wide knowledge and experience of law to function in the position. Mr. Pandurang Nadkarni has no knowledge or experience of law whatsoever

THE LATE PUNAJI ACHREKAR.

In the recent death in Goa of Punaji Achrekar, yet one more hardcore remnant of Maharastrawadi Gomantak Party was finished from this planet. MGP was formed in Goa immediately following the illegal annexation of Goa by Bharat not more to merge Goa with Marathi oriented Maharastra but more to marginalize and liquidate systematically the Christians and its influence from Goa. It was wrongly given to understand that during Portuguese era Goan Christians enjoyed better facilities but in reality it was not so.

Men like Dayananda Bandodkar himself a beneficiary of Portuguese Government largesse was instrumental in creating this anti-Christian opinion into the minds of lower cadre Hindus who later on supported the Zalach Payije Movement during Opinion Poll. This Zalalch Payije movement supporters thought Goan Christians enjoyed better facilities during Portuguese time and for this they have to punish Goan Christians by merging Goa with Maharastra thereby liquidating the identity of Goa and making Marathi as official language of Goa which is the weakness of Christians.


Christians in Goa were not conversant in Marathi, only Hindus know this language and if it is made as an official language of Goa, then Christians will lose all the opportunities and thus they become slaves of Hindus in Goa.

That Christians enjoyed better facilities in Goa during the Portuguese rule was a wrong opinion. Only Christian Brahmins and Bhattkars enjoyed better facilities in Goa during Portuguese time while others not. The entire commercial sector of Goa was into the hands of Goan Hindus during the Portuguese era; the entire mining industry was into the hands of Hindus; best of job opportunities in the government sector were into the hands of Hindus. The Hindus especially the upper level Hindus played a dominant role in Goa during the Portuguese era being very close to Portuguese government.

Punaji Achrekar was one of the members of MGP working very hard to implement MGP’s manifesto. He was very close to Bandodkar who was listening to Punaji’s advices very easily. Bandodkar used him to counter the Catholic’s influence in Calangute constituency since Punaji’s village Saligao was in Calangute constituency. He was acting as informer to Bandodkar. Bandodkar was not afraid of 12 gigantic members of UG in the Assembly but was afraid of Konkani Tiatro Trio of Conception-Nelson-Anthony because their trio songs could easily shake Bandodkar and MGP influence in Goa.

Punaji Acrekar and my late brother Josemarie were very good friends. During Portuguese time they both were working together in Sanvordem in mining industry. In order to woo more members from our side towards MGP, he tried to influence my brother towards MGP even once proposing an Electrion ticket of MGP to my brother for Calangute constituency. But true to his principle, my brother flatly refused all the anti-UG approaches of Punaji but remained a good friend of Punaji and Punaji also maintained the same keeping aside his political leanings.

"DOLOROSA" was the new Tiatro of Nelson and the first show was at Mapusa. Bandodkar told Punaji to go for this Triatro and watch carefully what trio songs the trio kings will sing against MGP and feed me back. As a good friend Punaji called my brother to accompany him for this tiatro and fortunately for me my brother took me also along with them to watch this tiatro Dolorosa staged first time in the history on Moving Stage. The point of citing this incident was to know how close he was to Bandodkar and how much Bandodkar was careful and afraid of the Trio Kings ‘Zupattis’.

Punaji Acrekar was terribly afraid of Bandodkar. It was not he only but all the MLA’s and Ministers in his cabinet were terribly afraid of Bandodkar who was acting like Salazar. Bandodkar was treating his MLA’s as dirt even insulting and humiliating them openly with derogatory remarks. One day I was playing in the final at Candolim soccer ground, the final was between Saligao and Candolim. As a Law Minister Prataphtsingh Rane was the Chief Guest. Punaji Achrekar an MLA that time and as a Saligaokar was seated next to Rane.

Suddenly there was a fight on the ground between one Candolim Player and one Saligao player, both started kicking each other leading to fist fight. Then the crowd descended on the ground leading to free for all. There was total chaos on the ground. Supporters of Saligao were irresistible. Rane the chief guest left from his seat and entered the ground to pacify the crowd especially the supporters of Saligao.

When Rane found it difficult to stop the chaos, from one side of the ground with anger he screamed to Saligao supporters on the other side of the ground saying loudly at the top of his voice thus: ‘Aum tumkam biena re, aunvui zogoddpi, aum adim Khusti khelpi, aum tumkam biena re’. Listening this threat of Rane, Saligao supporters started to boo Rane for which Rane got humiliated and turned towards Punaji who was close to him on the ground. Then Rane asked Punaji thus: ‘Achrekar, he sogle lokh tumche, tujean tankam somzaunk zaina? Aum hem soglem vochun Bahuk sangtolom’.

When Rane issued this threat to Punaji Achrekar by taking the name of Bahu (Bandodkar), Puaji was totally shattered with fear of Bahu. I was next to Punaji and from close angle I noticed Punaji was trembling and with his trembling lips he asked Rane thus: ‘Anvem kitem kelam, anvem kitem kelam?’ That was the fear of Bandodkar to his MLA’s whom he treated like slaves including Punaji Achrekar.

Though he was a MLA yet he had humility in him by living a simple life. During those days MLA’s of MG and UG were not on looting spree as they are doing now. Those days MLA’s were strict to their parties principles. UG MLA’s were fighting to save Goa from the clutches of MG and MG MLA’s in turn were fighting to liquidate the identity of Goa, Punaji was one of them. Looting Goa was not much in their minds. They did not mint illegal money for them and for their families by looting Goa and Goans as the current politicians are doing.

After the Assembly Sessions in Punaji Achrekar was coming from Secretariat Building by walking right up the Ferryboat and from Betim he was taking the last Bus at 8.00 PM going to Calangute via Saligao. Many times when I was coming in the same Bus after finishing the football match when I was playing for SESA, I used to meet him, sometimes we both occupying the same seat. That was the simplicity of MLA Punaji Acrekar even though he was an MLA.

With the death of Punaji Achrekar, yet another stalwart of anti-Goan and anti-Christian party MGP is gone forever.

A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.

BJP’S PANDURANG NADKARNI SELECTED AS STATE INFORMATION COMMISISONER

 By Aires Rodrigues


The three member high level committee comprising of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, Leader of Opposition Pratapsingh Rane and Urban Development Minister Francis D’ Souza today selected a staunch BJP supporter Mr. Pandurang Nadkarni as the next State Information Commissioner. During Mr. Parrikar’s earlier tenure as Chief Minister Mr. Pandurang Nadkarni was appointed as Chairman of Goa SSC Board.

The selection of Mr. Pandurang Nadkarni for the post of State Information Commissioner would now go to the Goa Governor B V Wanchoo for his approval he being the appointing authority.

27 had applied for the post of State Information Commissioner which draws a salary equivalent to the Chief Secretary of around Rs 1, 20,000 a month and has a term of five years.

A committee headed by Chief Secretary Sanjay Srivastava had short listed three names from the 27 who applied. The candidates short listed were an IAS officer Mr. D.C.Sahoo who has retired on 31st May, Dr Pradip Padwal former Director of Goa AIDS Society and Mr. Pandurang Nadkarni. It may be recalled that Mr. Sahoo in 2001 while Managing Director of Industrial Development Corporation was allegedly caught red handed accepting a bribe by the then Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.

It is a sad day for the RTI movement in the State as the selection of the State Information Commissioner was not on merit but a political choice. The Lokayukta and Information Commission needs to be totally free from political control. The unjust and unfair manner in which the Information Commissioner has been handpicked by the Chief Minister is a matter of concern.

The recently retired Principal of Salgaoncar College of Law Dr. Marian Pinheiro, has been deliberately sidelined though evidently being the most qualified and suitable for the post from amongst the list of 27 applicants.

Section 15(5) of the RTI Act requires that the State Information Commissioner should be a person of eminence in public life with wide knowledge and experience in law, science and technology, social service, management, journalism, mass media or administration and governance.

The selection process for such an important position could not have been a mere cosmetic exercise. The Right to Information Act being a vital evolving law it is imperative that the State Information Commissioner should be a person with a sound legal background.

In view of the lack of transparency and accountability in such appointments, the Supreme Court has recently expressed the need to select the Information Commissioner in a very transparent manner.
Amongst the 27 who had applied for the post of Goa State Information Commissioner were former Principal of Sanjay School Anyssia Viegas, former government servants N.P Varde, K.B Surjuse, Narayan Narvekar, Vishwanth Sawant, former Judge Sudin Sangodkar, a teacher Sarvanand Sawant Desai and a Chartered Accountant Surendra Kerkar. Former State Consumer Commission member Sandra Correia and a current member Dhananjay Jog also applied along with Suresh Raikar, R.B.Shirwaikar, Vijay Gaonkar, Vinita Harlankar besides social activists John Filipe Pereira and Juino de Souza. Six advocates who had thrown their hat in the ring are Julius Gomes, Sanjiv Sardesai, M.S.Joshi, Cynthia Pereira, Krutika Kande and Gynasham Poi. Applications for the State Information Commissioner’s post had to be submitted to the Director of Information and incidentally the current Information Director Mr. Menino Peres who is due to retire later this year had himself also applied for the coveted post.

IAS OFFICER SHUNTED FOR NOT BOWING DOWN TO GOA CM’S ORDERS

By Aires Rodrigues


The recently appointed Excise Commissioner of Goa Dr. Jayadev Sarangi has been shunted from the post for having transferred Excise Inspectors without the approval of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar. Dr Sarangi, a senior IAS officer who was posted in Goa last month by the Union Home Ministry had taken charge as Excise Commissioner just two weeks ago on 21st May. Dr. Jayadev Sarangi known to be no-nonsense officer was Deputy Inspector General of Prisons at the Tihar Jail before being posted in Goa.

On 1st June, Dr. Jayadev Sarangi issued orders transferring 24 Excise Inspectors and Sub-Inspectors who had completed a year at the same excise station. Incidentally Mr. Sarangi left the same evening to Delhi on a week’s leave to bring his family down to Goa.

After the transfer orders were faxed the same evening to the Excise stations, the transferred officials moved their political contacts the same night to get their orders cancelled. Sources reveal that Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar was annoyed that the transfers were effected without his consent and tried to get them cancelled that same night. It is learnt that the OSD to the Chief Minister Mr. Michael D’Souza who was officiating as Excise commissioner during Dr. Sarangi’s leave period tried to contact officers late that night to cancel the orders. On Monday 4th June, Michael D’Souza, issued an order keeping in abeyance the transfer orders issued by Dr. Sarangi.

Interestingly in the transfer orders issued by Dr Sarangi, four lady officials for the first time were posted at the Excise stations. In the past ladies were reportedly always sidelined and denied posting at the excise stations.

Ironically Dr Sarangi who is scheduled to return back to Goa tomorrow accompanied by his family to resume as Excise Commissioner on June 11th finds himself suddenly shunted out on the orders of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar. Dr. Sarangi has been directed to report to personnel department to await his next posting.

The transfer of staff within the department was the prerogative of the Excise Commissioner and did not require any approval or consent of the Chief Minister or any other politician. Chief Minister Manohar Parikar is high handedly interfering in the day to day administration. This behavior is neither permissible nor acceptable.

The bureaucracy should be be allowed to function independent and free of political interference. The rule of law requires government officials to solely comply with the law at all times. Every government official should vow not to succumb to illegal political orders and to always do what is right while functioning strictly in accordance with law. Government officials who bow and bend to the politicians in power have no right to be in public service being paid by the State exchequer.

MINISTER DESIGNATE ALINA SALDANHA.

 By Aires Rodrigues


On 8th June she will be Minister Alina Saldanha. The long wait for the red beacon may have been a blessing in disguise enabling her to be groomed for the position. The Chief Minister has reportedly planned to give her some "lighter portfolios". One imagines there were only lucrative portfolios! If merit and experience was a criteria Avertano Furtado would have been the Sports Minister and Vishnu Wagh would have bagged the Art & Culture portfolio. Regardless of what portfolio Alina gets she will have to learn to stand on her own feet. Depending on family and friends to run and manage the show by proxy would be improper. Besides, she will also not be able to ride the Matanhy sympathy wave for too long.


For Alina though, being a novice in politics will not be strenuous as long as she keeps in tune with her Master’s voice. The current government being a one-man show by the CM Mr. Manohar Parrikar, most Ministers have been reduced to mere figure heads with no role or powers, merely enjoying the perks and privileges that come with cabinet status. Irrespective of the portfolio assigned to her, Alina could carry on with that garbage eradication drive she had commenced in her constituency. If she can ensure that Cortalim is the first constituency to be garbage free, she will have achieved a lot. As she had claimed she would be fulfilling Matanhy’s dream of seeing Cortalim without a shred of rubbish. Manohar Parrikar may even carve out a portfolio for garbage management.

MASSACRE IN SYRIA.

On the day of the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq on 2nd August 1990, BBC in its early morning news bulletin asked very loudly and of course sarcastically thus: “where is Arab League gone? Where is OIC gone? Where is GCC gone??” These organisations are formed to protect the member nations but when Saddam Hussein’s Iraq invaded Kuwait the strength of all these Arab and Islamic organisations came to Zero value, all these organisations turned out to be impotent to avoid and to stop the invasion of Kuwait which is the member like Iraq of Arab League and OIC. It gave an impression that Saddam Hussein said “go to hell with all these organisations, I will do what I want to do” and he did it by invading Kuwait against the principles of all these organisations.



In Arab and Islamic Syria what is happening now is really sickening. The official Syrian forces and Syrian militias owing allegiance to Syrian president Bashar Al-Assad with full liberty are killing innocent unarmed Syrians including children, aged and pregnants. Assad and his government are become immune to the saner voices coming from all around the globe including that of Kofi Anan who is so tirelessly trying to bring about peace there. Kofi Anan’s mission is backed by the UN and other Arabs but up to now no solution is visible. Assad is acting as hard as rock, he is hell bent to eradicate any opposition to his regime from his opponents.


In view of this brutality going on in Syria I feel like asking the way BBC asked earlier: “Where is Arab League gone? Where is OIC gone now? What these organisations are doing to avert and stop the massacre going on in Syria? These two organisations are formed to solve the problems in Arab countries and OIC members. It looks like the imperative need is come for the involvement of Western Christian powers to enter directly in Syria to stop Al-Assad from killing his own people.


There was a time when Arabs were mercilessly killed by the Jewish Israelites. Now in Syria you don’t need Jews to kill Arabs but Arabs themselves are killing their own Arab brothers and sisters. Assad must know that for everything has got a point of saturation and this point of saturation for Assad’s might will surely come either today or tomorrow. How long Assad will kill his own people and how many numbers? Will he survive to eradicate by liquidating the entire opposition from Syria? Assad will have to surrender to the mighty will of the mighty opposition of Syrians who are all out to dethrone him.


We saw recently how Husni Mubarak in Egypt surrendered and now sentenced by the official Egyptian judiciary for life. We saw how in Libya Ghaddafi’s end came so miserably. We saw how in Tunisia people’s power revolted against its own arrogant president. In Syria I am sure Assad will face the same fate as that of Ghaddafi and Mubarak. Or worst still he may face the fate of Marie Antoinette. It is only the question of time.


While the entire world in unison raised its voice against the barbarity of Assad’s regime against his own people, regretfully it is only the two powers Russia and China that are siding with brute Syrian regime under Assad. Russia and China are both communists countries that have no sympathy for the massacred Syrians because both these countries like Syria are also blood thirsty of their own citizens. Both these two atomic powers always side with the brute leaders.


Even during the time of invasion of Kuwait both Russia and China like deaf and blind abstained from voting in the UN in support of Kuwait’s liberation. No doubt they both refused to support invasion of Kuwait but they abstained from voting in the UN to punish Iraq. It is a pity that such powerful nations refrained from expressing their opinions openly against Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and condemning it.


By siding with Syria, both Russia and China are siding with the criminals of Assad regime. Russia in particular has got a very dirty habit of supporting the wrong doers. During the decisive motion in the UN at the time of Goa’s invasion by Bharat of Nehru, Russia sided with the invaders of Goa though Russia barked like dog saying they are supporting the liberation movement.


In Goa’s case Russia supported Bharat that unlawfully invaded Goa in the name of liberation. Goa in December 1961 was not liberated but recolonized by Bharat and turned it into a worst place for Goans to live a peaceful life. If Russia was the real supporter of the liberation movement then it would not support invasion of Goa by Bharat against the wishes of Goans. I can rightly say Russia like China is the promoter and supporter of arrogant regimes that suppress freedom of the people just as what Syria is doing under its president Bashar Al–Assad..


A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.