MOPA AND DABOLIM AIRPORTS.
In all probability Mopa Airport is coming, may be tomorrow or the day after tomorrow but certainly it is coming unless it is vehemently opposed by a mass movement. Churchill Alemao claimed that he saved Dabolim Airport and happy about it, so too his hired supporters. Is Dabolim Airport saved? And if yes, from whom? Dabolim Airport is as good as robbed by the Indian Navy after the exit of Portuguese from Goa and they will not surrender its claim over this beautiful and historical Airport. To retain its hold over Dabolim Airport, interested persons and authorities are pushing Mopa so that once Mopa is completed then Dabolim will have no need, as it is used now, for civilian air traffic. Those interested in having monopoly over Dabolim Airport are pushing the finalization of Mopa even, reportedly, by silencing of its opponents by bribing them to the extent of crores. For this reason, may be those who were earlier opposing Mopa are now singing hosannas of Mopa. Those who are now supporting Mopa say Dabolim Airport will be upgraded. Upgrading of Dabolim means not removing its hold from Navy. Once Mopa is finalized then Navy will be free to have full control over Dabolim. For a small place like Goa 2 Airports of international standard for civilian Aircrafts are not required. Mopa alone will succeed in doing justice for the entire Goa once it is commissioned.
Churchill Alemao claims that he did justice for Dabolim Aiport. Fine. But will Dabolim Aiport remain, as it is, always as per the thinking of Churchill Alemao? What is Churchill’s power over Government of India and Indian Navy? Is Churchill that powerful to shake the might of Indian Navy? What guarantee Churchill can give of tomorrow’s happenings? In India anything can happen and regarding this topic Dabolim will surely go into the hands of Navy exclusively. Challenging the might of Navy and that of Government of India is beyond Churchill. Hence, if anybody thinks Dabolim is saved forever by Churchill then that person is living in fools’ paradise. Dabolim will be saved for civilian aircrafts only if Mopa Airport project is dislodged from Goa and shelved it forever.
It is said that one can fool all the people some time, some people all the time but surely one cannot fool all the people at all the time. Our politicians must stop fooling the people. They have fooled us enough. I am happy that after the last Goa Assembly election and after the tamasha made by Churchill Alemao and his group of trying to form their own Government under Parrikar, people in Goa started thinking what is right and what is wrong, who is good and who is bad. Even in Kuwait, Goans have started to talk and express their views on Churchill, Parrikar, Babush and others who were trying to dislodge the Digambar Kamat Ministry. Now all are keeping silence except Churchill with regular “Thank you Churchill Alemao” paid announcements in Herald for saving Dabolim Airport. Once again I say as per my assessment that Dabolim is not saved by Churchill Alemao. On the contrary, by not opposing Mopa Airport, Dabolim for civilian aircrafts is brought to the cemetery for its silent burial.
R.I.P. Dabolim Airport for civilian aircrafts.
A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.
September 11, 2007
September 8, 2007
ZOR RODDTA PEZEK.
ZOR RODDTA PEZEK
I was always under the impression that Churchill Alemao is a great lover of Goa, Goans and Goan causes. But now I am convinced that he is only interested in his personal and family benefits in the name of Goa and Goans. I was his strong supporter in Kuwait and from Kuwait as well. He made such a hue and cry to dethrone Digambar Kamat’s Ministry as if he is doing this for the love of Goa, Goans and Goan causes. But finally I came to know that all this tamasha he was doing only to get ministerial portfolio for him. The moment he got a berth in the Congress Ministry under Digambar Kamat whom he was trying to dislodge, he is become satisfied now. His cry earlier was only for “PEZ” which he got now and hence his “ZOR” has been cured. What a shame it is that our politicians have stooped to such ebb.
As if his love for Goa and Goans is infinite he piloted the movement to scrap the Mopa Airport but now he is telling something different. Was he bribed by the Congress Government at the Centre and Mopa Airport lobby into silence on Mopa? Is this man, is this politician to be trusted anymore by the people? And by the way, is he capable of doing anything good for the cause of Goa and Goans? He thinks since he was elected by the Navelim voters he is duty bound to take care of his constituency by ignoring other places. Churchill Alemao must know that once he is the minister then his duty is to take care of entire Goa and not Navelim only. He may be the elected MLA of Navelim but Minister appointed to look for whole of Goa. Once he is a minister he should not look into sectarian way. Good that his Save Goa Party got only 2 Seats otherwise he would destroy whole of Goa because in his mind runs nothing but destructive ideas and negative feelings for Goa, Goans and Goan causes though he pretends to be a strong lover of Goa, Goans and Goan causes and fooling Goans. He is not what he was. Earlier he had great love for Goa, Goans and Goan causes for this reason people like me blindly supported him and now we are repenting. Navelkars will also repent for electing him from their constituency.
Is Churchill Alemao inevitable for us the real lovers of Goa and Goan causes to carry on with our activities in support of Goa, Goans and Goan causes? History tells us we can ignore him and yet we can attain total success as we attained in the past. For Opinion Poll movement he was nowhere into the picture yet we won our battle against merger. Hence he got nothing to take credit for the success of “DON PANA”.
For Konkani movement success it was not Churchill Alemao responsible but it was KPA that spearheaded this movement and with the blood of Konkani martyrs. Even I as an observer from Kuwait was allowed to attend KPA meetings but not Churchill Alemao. If Konkani movement attained success it was only because of KPA with the blood of Konkani martyrs and because Churchill Alemao was not a part of KPA otherwise he would destroy KPA also for his personal gains. Konkani got recognition and thru it Statehood for Goa because of the sacrifices of the precious lives of all the Konkani Martyrs. No doubt Churchill Alemao individually worked hard for Konkani but we Kuwaitkars too have worked very hard for Konkani like many of our brothers and sisters in Goa. Churchill Alemao was not an architect of Konkani movement success neither of Konkani recognition nor of getting Statehood for Goa.
Churchill Alemao was nowhere into the picture of Save Goa Front movement to force the Rane Government to scrap the Regional Plan. The campaign for this was carried under the sincere and unselfish leadership of young Goan doctor Rebello. One of the reasons for the success of this movement was exclusion into this move of politicians including Churchill Alemao.
In 1990 when Kuwait was under the occupation of Iraq we Kuwaitkars came to Goa and organized a big movement in support of the liberation of Kuwait under Goa-Kuwait Solidarity Center and organized public Rallies and Meetings in which thousands participated. PDF Government of Churchill Alemao was ruling Goa at that time. Inspite of receiving some feelers to associate with us in support of our movement, we Kuwaitkars did not allow any politician to mingle with us, leave aside Churchill Alemao. On the contrary PDF Government of which Churchill Alemao was a part was against our movement and against me in particular for refusing them entry into our movement. Dr. Barbosa, J.B. Gonsalves and Churchill Alemao were critical of my attitude of not allowing them any foothold into our movement. Many were under the impression that by bringing in Churchill Alemao in our movement we will succeed but minus him we attained maximum success the echo of which reverberated all around the globe.
Now, when Goans organizing any movement they must do it without any assistance of Churchill Alemao. His chicanery on Mopa will be his downfall from the hearts of the people. By doing the volte-face on Mopa he robbed the people of the trust they had in him. This has surely fortified the hands of his opponent Luizinho Faleiro who will surely gain maximum benefits of the follies of his "Kumpar" who will commit one blunder after another because to make one lie as truth Churchill will have to create 10 lies and by that time he will be finished. People in Goa should not invite him for any function. People who really love Goa must refrain from attending his functions where he is attending as a chief guest or guest of honour. He should be treated as anti-Goan. Navelim voters must repent for electing such an unrealiable person.
Meantime, I am writing separately to Congress High Command and to Sonia Gandhi as well to select the right and appropriate candidate for the parliamentary byelection for South Goa. As a citizen of Goa I cannot remain silent on what is happening in Goa. It is my duty to inform the Congress High command about the Congress affairs in Goa. I have no faith in Margareth Alva either. Genuine lovers of Goa must flood Sonia Gandhi with letters to make correct choice for the Congress candidate in the coming byelection. These letters will surely have some effect as I have proved how my selected letters to her has benefited in the past for the good cause.
A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.
I was always under the impression that Churchill Alemao is a great lover of Goa, Goans and Goan causes. But now I am convinced that he is only interested in his personal and family benefits in the name of Goa and Goans. I was his strong supporter in Kuwait and from Kuwait as well. He made such a hue and cry to dethrone Digambar Kamat’s Ministry as if he is doing this for the love of Goa, Goans and Goan causes. But finally I came to know that all this tamasha he was doing only to get ministerial portfolio for him. The moment he got a berth in the Congress Ministry under Digambar Kamat whom he was trying to dislodge, he is become satisfied now. His cry earlier was only for “PEZ” which he got now and hence his “ZOR” has been cured. What a shame it is that our politicians have stooped to such ebb.
As if his love for Goa and Goans is infinite he piloted the movement to scrap the Mopa Airport but now he is telling something different. Was he bribed by the Congress Government at the Centre and Mopa Airport lobby into silence on Mopa? Is this man, is this politician to be trusted anymore by the people? And by the way, is he capable of doing anything good for the cause of Goa and Goans? He thinks since he was elected by the Navelim voters he is duty bound to take care of his constituency by ignoring other places. Churchill Alemao must know that once he is the minister then his duty is to take care of entire Goa and not Navelim only. He may be the elected MLA of Navelim but Minister appointed to look for whole of Goa. Once he is a minister he should not look into sectarian way. Good that his Save Goa Party got only 2 Seats otherwise he would destroy whole of Goa because in his mind runs nothing but destructive ideas and negative feelings for Goa, Goans and Goan causes though he pretends to be a strong lover of Goa, Goans and Goan causes and fooling Goans. He is not what he was. Earlier he had great love for Goa, Goans and Goan causes for this reason people like me blindly supported him and now we are repenting. Navelkars will also repent for electing him from their constituency.
Is Churchill Alemao inevitable for us the real lovers of Goa and Goan causes to carry on with our activities in support of Goa, Goans and Goan causes? History tells us we can ignore him and yet we can attain total success as we attained in the past. For Opinion Poll movement he was nowhere into the picture yet we won our battle against merger. Hence he got nothing to take credit for the success of “DON PANA”.
For Konkani movement success it was not Churchill Alemao responsible but it was KPA that spearheaded this movement and with the blood of Konkani martyrs. Even I as an observer from Kuwait was allowed to attend KPA meetings but not Churchill Alemao. If Konkani movement attained success it was only because of KPA with the blood of Konkani martyrs and because Churchill Alemao was not a part of KPA otherwise he would destroy KPA also for his personal gains. Konkani got recognition and thru it Statehood for Goa because of the sacrifices of the precious lives of all the Konkani Martyrs. No doubt Churchill Alemao individually worked hard for Konkani but we Kuwaitkars too have worked very hard for Konkani like many of our brothers and sisters in Goa. Churchill Alemao was not an architect of Konkani movement success neither of Konkani recognition nor of getting Statehood for Goa.
Churchill Alemao was nowhere into the picture of Save Goa Front movement to force the Rane Government to scrap the Regional Plan. The campaign for this was carried under the sincere and unselfish leadership of young Goan doctor Rebello. One of the reasons for the success of this movement was exclusion into this move of politicians including Churchill Alemao.
In 1990 when Kuwait was under the occupation of Iraq we Kuwaitkars came to Goa and organized a big movement in support of the liberation of Kuwait under Goa-Kuwait Solidarity Center and organized public Rallies and Meetings in which thousands participated. PDF Government of Churchill Alemao was ruling Goa at that time. Inspite of receiving some feelers to associate with us in support of our movement, we Kuwaitkars did not allow any politician to mingle with us, leave aside Churchill Alemao. On the contrary PDF Government of which Churchill Alemao was a part was against our movement and against me in particular for refusing them entry into our movement. Dr. Barbosa, J.B. Gonsalves and Churchill Alemao were critical of my attitude of not allowing them any foothold into our movement. Many were under the impression that by bringing in Churchill Alemao in our movement we will succeed but minus him we attained maximum success the echo of which reverberated all around the globe.
Now, when Goans organizing any movement they must do it without any assistance of Churchill Alemao. His chicanery on Mopa will be his downfall from the hearts of the people. By doing the volte-face on Mopa he robbed the people of the trust they had in him. This has surely fortified the hands of his opponent Luizinho Faleiro who will surely gain maximum benefits of the follies of his "Kumpar" who will commit one blunder after another because to make one lie as truth Churchill will have to create 10 lies and by that time he will be finished. People in Goa should not invite him for any function. People who really love Goa must refrain from attending his functions where he is attending as a chief guest or guest of honour. He should be treated as anti-Goan. Navelim voters must repent for electing such an unrealiable person.
Meantime, I am writing separately to Congress High Command and to Sonia Gandhi as well to select the right and appropriate candidate for the parliamentary byelection for South Goa. As a citizen of Goa I cannot remain silent on what is happening in Goa. It is my duty to inform the Congress High command about the Congress affairs in Goa. I have no faith in Margareth Alva either. Genuine lovers of Goa must flood Sonia Gandhi with letters to make correct choice for the Congress candidate in the coming byelection. These letters will surely have some effect as I have proved how my selected letters to her has benefited in the past for the good cause.
A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.
September 4, 2007
Ordhi Bhakri - revisited
By Daniel F. de Souza
Anil Kumar and Candido Araujo have once again teamed together to bring forth yet another old tiatr on stage and this time around it is ‘Ordhi Bakhri’ of Prem Kumar. The pair has the distinction of earlier staging two old shows of M. Boyer in the past viz., ‘Sounsar Sudhorlo’ and ‘Ekuch Rosto’. ‘Ordhi Bakri’ earlier written and directed by Prem Kumar 30 years ago is this time presented by Anil Kumar with a totally new cast. Anil Kumar a talented stage artist has taken pains to put forth a quality presentation. Except for the audio visuals and special effects, which Prem Kumar was much known for in his plays, Anil Kumar seems to have done a fairly good job with the direction and presentation getting the best out his entire cast. The play is not only engrossing but is also thought provoking with the script of the play being lucid and appealing. The narration is also something that keeps one guessing and involved in the plot till the very end.
‘Ordhi Bakri’ is a story of a poor tenant Jose (Anthony San) his simple and God fearing wife Rosa (Angela) and over ambitious Paul their adopted son, whom Jose always refers to as his brother. The actual relationship between Paul and Jose is revealed gradually in the play. Paul is pursuing his studies in Engineering and is based in Mumbai. It is Jose and his ever supportive and cooperative wife Rosa who with their meager means of income from agriculture try to make both ends meet and educate Paul to a degree in engineering. To their good luck there is the landlord (Anil Kumar) who is so very compassionate, generous, kind and loving in every way. A rare breed of landlords though, Anil Kumar is totally supportive to this poor couple in all their endeavors.
On the other hand Paul who is supposed to be studying in Mumbai for his engineering degree turns out to be a cheat and takes undue advantage of his simpleton brother Jose. Paul makes unreasonable demands for money with his brother Jose and spends it all on his lady love Nora. To win her heart he plays all sorts of tricks and goes to the extent of even telling her that his brother is a rich man and philanthropist who frequently shuttles around the world from Canada to Europe on business trips. The girl swallows everything without any doubt or suspicion and falls madly in love with him.
Back home in Goa Jose and his wife Rosa are not aware of the exploits of Paul in Mumbai. And they spare no efforts to meet all his monetary demands, hoping that he will become an engineer. The sad part is, Paul marries his love Nora without even informing Jose. On the other hand Jose tries to play this down and never finds any fault with Paul while the landlord is a little suspicious about the whole thing. Jose makes a forced visit to Mumbai on learning about Paul’s marriage. But the reception that Paul receives from his brother Paul in the absence of his wife is most unexpected. This is where the story takes a different turn and finally comes to its logical conclusion with many upheavals.
Nora later learns about the treatment meted out to Jose by Paul and sees through the game of chicanery played by Paul. She wows to teach him a lesson in life, and hatches a plan with the help of her sister Vera to put Paul in his rightful place. What is the plan that Nora hatches? And how does she execute it? What is the actual blood relationship between Jose and Paul? Who is this landlord who goes out of his way to even financially support this poor farmer couple? And why does he do so without any reservations? What is the fate of Paul after Nora learns about his double role? The answer to all these questions lead to the logical conclusion of the plot of ‘Ordhi Bakri’ and are all seen as the story moves ahead.
Anil Kumar deserves praise for his direction which is really good and appropriate to the plot. Besides his character acting too is flawless together with Angela who is so very natural and does full justice to the role of a poor farmer’s wife. Her dialogues and actions coordinate so very well to make this role really memorable. It maybe recalled this role was earlier played by the late Philomena. Anthony San who has stepped into the shoes of Prem Kumar has also given his best to bring the role of Jose very much near to the original. Well done Anthony. Mathew Araujo, has a sober role of the brother of Nora and Vera and he comes out well. So is Yvonne as Nora and the versatile Fatima as Vera is very natural in her demanding role. One artist who made the difference in the comedy role was a new face Maria in the role of a native Maharastrian Kamala. Her chaste Marathi was not only natural but also sounded pleasant to the ears. A good talent to the stage. Godwin who plays Paul has given a promising performance in a role that demands a lot of action and emotion too.
The tiatr has a flood of solos and badly lacks in a good duet. There’s one nice comedy trio by Anil-Succor-Fatima and one wished there was another offering with a political theme though. Among the solos, Xavier Almeida stands tall with his solo on Jack de Sequeira, Godwin enthralls with his solo ‘Pack of cards’ a really nice composition with a creative imagination, Anthony San with his pleasing voice is delightful in his soulful tribute to late Ulhas Buyao, Joaquim Cabral, S. Lemos, Soccoro de St. Cruz, comprise the other singers who render solos on varied topics.
Norman on the key boards, Maestro Josinho D’Souza on the Saxaphone, Agnelo Dias on the trumpet and ‘Paklo’ on the drums combine very well with the musical score which is of a high standard. The background music specially with a light Indian classical touch is pleasant and takes the narration of the plot to a different level. Norman does a lot of improvisations on the keyboard and adds punch to the music.
n.b.: this tiatr review is published in this weeks Goan Observer.
**********************************************
Daniel F. de Souza
Konkani Writer & Freelance Journalist
C/3, IInd Floor, Elvira Apts.
Near St. Andrew's Church
Vasco - Goa 403 802
INDIA. Tel: + 91-832-2510714
Mob: 9822163329
e-mail : dannyboy04@rediffmail.com
: danielf@sancharnet.in
" GOD DID NOT MAKE MEN PERFECT, HE MADE THEM PILGRIMS AFTER PERFECTION."
***********************************************
Anil Kumar and Candido Araujo have once again teamed together to bring forth yet another old tiatr on stage and this time around it is ‘Ordhi Bakhri’ of Prem Kumar. The pair has the distinction of earlier staging two old shows of M. Boyer in the past viz., ‘Sounsar Sudhorlo’ and ‘Ekuch Rosto’. ‘Ordhi Bakri’ earlier written and directed by Prem Kumar 30 years ago is this time presented by Anil Kumar with a totally new cast. Anil Kumar a talented stage artist has taken pains to put forth a quality presentation. Except for the audio visuals and special effects, which Prem Kumar was much known for in his plays, Anil Kumar seems to have done a fairly good job with the direction and presentation getting the best out his entire cast. The play is not only engrossing but is also thought provoking with the script of the play being lucid and appealing. The narration is also something that keeps one guessing and involved in the plot till the very end.
‘Ordhi Bakri’ is a story of a poor tenant Jose (Anthony San) his simple and God fearing wife Rosa (Angela) and over ambitious Paul their adopted son, whom Jose always refers to as his brother. The actual relationship between Paul and Jose is revealed gradually in the play. Paul is pursuing his studies in Engineering and is based in Mumbai. It is Jose and his ever supportive and cooperative wife Rosa who with their meager means of income from agriculture try to make both ends meet and educate Paul to a degree in engineering. To their good luck there is the landlord (Anil Kumar) who is so very compassionate, generous, kind and loving in every way. A rare breed of landlords though, Anil Kumar is totally supportive to this poor couple in all their endeavors.
On the other hand Paul who is supposed to be studying in Mumbai for his engineering degree turns out to be a cheat and takes undue advantage of his simpleton brother Jose. Paul makes unreasonable demands for money with his brother Jose and spends it all on his lady love Nora. To win her heart he plays all sorts of tricks and goes to the extent of even telling her that his brother is a rich man and philanthropist who frequently shuttles around the world from Canada to Europe on business trips. The girl swallows everything without any doubt or suspicion and falls madly in love with him.
Back home in Goa Jose and his wife Rosa are not aware of the exploits of Paul in Mumbai. And they spare no efforts to meet all his monetary demands, hoping that he will become an engineer. The sad part is, Paul marries his love Nora without even informing Jose. On the other hand Jose tries to play this down and never finds any fault with Paul while the landlord is a little suspicious about the whole thing. Jose makes a forced visit to Mumbai on learning about Paul’s marriage. But the reception that Paul receives from his brother Paul in the absence of his wife is most unexpected. This is where the story takes a different turn and finally comes to its logical conclusion with many upheavals.
Nora later learns about the treatment meted out to Jose by Paul and sees through the game of chicanery played by Paul. She wows to teach him a lesson in life, and hatches a plan with the help of her sister Vera to put Paul in his rightful place. What is the plan that Nora hatches? And how does she execute it? What is the actual blood relationship between Jose and Paul? Who is this landlord who goes out of his way to even financially support this poor farmer couple? And why does he do so without any reservations? What is the fate of Paul after Nora learns about his double role? The answer to all these questions lead to the logical conclusion of the plot of ‘Ordhi Bakri’ and are all seen as the story moves ahead.
Anil Kumar deserves praise for his direction which is really good and appropriate to the plot. Besides his character acting too is flawless together with Angela who is so very natural and does full justice to the role of a poor farmer’s wife. Her dialogues and actions coordinate so very well to make this role really memorable. It maybe recalled this role was earlier played by the late Philomena. Anthony San who has stepped into the shoes of Prem Kumar has also given his best to bring the role of Jose very much near to the original. Well done Anthony. Mathew Araujo, has a sober role of the brother of Nora and Vera and he comes out well. So is Yvonne as Nora and the versatile Fatima as Vera is very natural in her demanding role. One artist who made the difference in the comedy role was a new face Maria in the role of a native Maharastrian Kamala. Her chaste Marathi was not only natural but also sounded pleasant to the ears. A good talent to the stage. Godwin who plays Paul has given a promising performance in a role that demands a lot of action and emotion too.
The tiatr has a flood of solos and badly lacks in a good duet. There’s one nice comedy trio by Anil-Succor-Fatima and one wished there was another offering with a political theme though. Among the solos, Xavier Almeida stands tall with his solo on Jack de Sequeira, Godwin enthralls with his solo ‘Pack of cards’ a really nice composition with a creative imagination, Anthony San with his pleasing voice is delightful in his soulful tribute to late Ulhas Buyao, Joaquim Cabral, S. Lemos, Soccoro de St. Cruz, comprise the other singers who render solos on varied topics.
Norman on the key boards, Maestro Josinho D’Souza on the Saxaphone, Agnelo Dias on the trumpet and ‘Paklo’ on the drums combine very well with the musical score which is of a high standard. The background music specially with a light Indian classical touch is pleasant and takes the narration of the plot to a different level. Norman does a lot of improvisations on the keyboard and adds punch to the music.
n.b.: this tiatr review is published in this weeks Goan Observer.
**********************************************
Daniel F. de Souza
Konkani Writer & Freelance Journalist
C/3, IInd Floor, Elvira Apts.
Near St. Andrew's Church
Vasco - Goa 403 802
INDIA. Tel: + 91-832-2510714
Mob: 9822163329
e-mail : dannyboy04@rediffmail.com
: danielf@sancharnet.in
" GOD DID NOT MAKE MEN PERFECT, HE MADE THEM PILGRIMS AFTER PERFECTION."
***********************************************
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