GOA BANDH WAS DEFEATED BY THE PARENTS.

By Nisser Dias
9th June 2011

Parents defeated the bandh by accompanying children to school.

The all Goa bandh called by the Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch (BBSM) to coincide with the re-opening of the academic year 2011-2012 to protest the government’s decision to extend grant-in-aid to government and aided schools who adopt English as one of the medium of instruction (MOI) was defeated by the parents as they defiantly refused to boycott school. The parents unitedly took their children to schools all over the state to mark high percentage of attendance and also to convey a message to the protestors that they do not have the support of the parents.

Members of BBSM, BJP, MGP, Shiv Sena and all those who actively supported the bandh might shout from roof tops that it was successful but what should be the parameters to decide its success. Should it be blocking of highways, forcibly shutting down business establishments, stoning and damaging government property, threatening motorists or should it be the attendance in schools. If the latter is taken as the sole parameter to decide the success then all those supporting the bandh have failed miserably. If the attendance in schools is taken as the parameter to decide the success of the bandh then the parents have outright rejected BBSM and embraced the decision of the government giving a choice to parents to educate their children.
Furthermore businessmen and entrepreneurs have not downed shutters willingly or to show solidarity with the protestors. They have done so out of fear of hooligans and goons who have entrenched themselves in communal political parties like the BJP, MGP and Shiv Sena. For example BJP’s candidate in Margao Sharmad Raiturkar was shown on local channels threatening and coercing shop owners who defied the bandh call to close down or face the consequences. And police instead of giving protection to the businessmen looked as if they were personal body guards of Raiturkar. Another personality of the saffron party who was leading BJP vagabonds and hooligans was Rupesh Mahatme who has loads of experience in vandalism and is alleged to have been a member of the Goan team that had taken part in the demolition of Babri Masjid.

Another aspect of the bandh is that, the BBSM have been successful in using force and violent means to close business establishments in the state to the extent that many of the goons barged into various banks and manhandled staff and forced them to close. However though most of the entrepreneurs and banking staff saw to it that they dropped their children to school. I expected Opposition leader Manohar Parrikar one of the most qualified person in the state to display some dignity and maturity but he himself was part of the hooligans and protestors roaming the streets to forcibly closed down establishments and paralyze the state.

Infact Manohar Parrikar has no moral right to participate in the bandh as in 2009 All Goa Unaided Schools Parents Association (AGUSPA) had brought to his notice about the exploitation of parents by managements of private unaided school and also the lack of opportunity for the lower section of the society to study English. He promised a discussion but never got round to doing it for almost two years.
His attitude brings a question to my mind, does education in Marathi of which he is strong believer, inculcates intolerance, violence and hooliganism. Otherwise why did Parrikar and BBSM fail to demand a special assembly session to debate the matter before resorting to bandh? Why did they not approach the High Court through writ petition before causing hardship to the general public and loss to the state. This would have an educated approach rather than using force to close down business establishment, paralyzing movement and indulging in vandalism.

Ultimately, the protestors has achieved nothing by resorting to bandh on the contrary they have lost their credibility and also sympathy from the general public.
Shashikala Kakodkar a staunch supporter of Marathi who was by her father’s side to merge Goa with Maharashtra has allegedly made some communal statements like the government’s decision to give a choice to the parents is an appeasement to the minority community. I simply cannot understand why the minority is being targeted, if a demand is made for Romi script, the minorities are blamed, demand for English as one of the mediums of instruction fingers are pointed at minorities. Has this protaganist of Marathi and lover of Maharashtra ever stopped to think or rather check the percentage of students from the majority community attending English medium private schools, has she the answers to the high percentage of students from majority community attending schools run by minorities who are dedicatedly imparting education to students irrespective of caste, creed and religion. It would better for septuagenarian Shashikala to check the fact and figures before trying to communalize the issue and bring about a divide in the peaceful co-existence of communities in the state.

Secondly her MGP party legislator Transport minister Sudin Dhavlikar is on record stating that he would quit the cabinet if the government extends grant-in-aid to government and aided schools adopting English as MOI even though his children are being educated through English medium. Parents who fought for the inclusion of English as MOI are waiting for his resignation.

Conclusively, the purpose of all Goa bandh resorted to by BBSM and actively supported by BJP, MGP and Shiv Sena was defeated by the people and the parents by sending them to school on the opening day of the academic year 2011-2012.

Send your comments/reactions to nisserdias@gmail.com Or SMS 9422437029)
(Nisser Dias writes a regular column in GT on Thursday).

Goan teams to fight for top honors at Kuwait’s Kazma Stadium: J P D’Mello Memorial Trophy (K.I.F.F) League‏

By Gasper Crasto

Kuwait: Best teams in the world are always judged by their supremacy in their respective leagues. In a just concluded season, the champions in England are Manchester United, Barcelona FC in Spain, AC Milan in Italy, Qadsiya SC in Kuwait, and Salgaocar FC in India. In a lesser world of Indian expatriates in Kuwait, two Goan clubs will compete for top honors in the final of Kuwait Indian Football Federation (K.I.F.F) League 2010-11 for the prestigious J.P. D’Mello Trophy.

The Goan outfits – popular Goa Maroons, and Kuwait Goan Association (KGA) reached the final after beating their rivals in ‘neck-and-neck’ semifinal battles reminiscent of any grueling and ferocious sport in the world.

While KGA came from behind a 0-2 deficit to maraud defending champions United Friends Club 5-2, Goa Maroons scored a 2-1 victory over Rising Stars in a match marred by controversy and chaos. Both the games played in soaring temperatures nearing 50˚C kept the spectators on tenterhooks and made hot news over the weekend among die-hard Indian football followers in Kuwait as well as back home.

United Friends v/s Kuwait Goan Association

United Friends Club (UFC) will rue themselves for squandering a 2-0 lead taken off the boots of Alexandro Gomes and Denzil Jadhav early into the match. But then, amateur teams are no Barcelonas to play ball possession and finish off such a wonderful advantage of 2 goals. The joy of UFC, champions of the league in 1999, 2003 and 2010, was short lived as they saw their fort crumbling, mainly due to a non-existing midfield. Medio Remedio Fernandes, Edwin Dias and Darwin looked drained out in the second half, and the efforts of hardworking striker Godwin Fernandes and Hemanth Kumar to fall back in aid of central defenders Teotonio and Mauricio Simoes was not just enough.

KGA, who played a ‘foxy, wait and grab’ game, made the best of all opportunities scoring the goals in quick succession within a space of 20 minutes to turn the tables over UFC (5-2). The goalscorers for KGA were Vitorino Menezes (2 goals), Anil Thakuri (1 goal) and substitute Josse Fernandes (2 goals).

The ‘livewire’ in KGA ranks was former East Bengal and Salgaocar player Bernard Pires who controlled the entire game. The untiring Vitorino Menezes, who was later declared man of the match, was also amazing. However, the mastermind of the KGA team this season has been their captain Tiago Fernandes. The hardened warrior who started his football in the late 80s playing for Goa and later Salgaocars and Dempos still rules the roost (more than 20 years later) with precision, goal-scoring passes and long range shots. KGA will depend much on this iconic player to beat Kuwait’s most popular team Goa Maroons in the grand final of the league.
GOA Maroons v/s Rising Stars

Winning over tough rivals is great but winning with discipline is a greater than the sweetest of victories. Goa Maroons and Rising Stars, perhaps the oldest existing clubs under KIFF, had everything at stake in the match. Both teams wanted to prove their superiority and beat the other for a place in the final which is equivalent of a Champions League appearance for most players and fans.

It was Maroons who took the lead midway into the first session. The goal was probably the result of a move planned in training, which saw medio Terrence Carvalho passing the ball down the line to Bonny, who crossed at the top of box. Elvis D’Souza, one of Maroons’ swiftest players, who had raced from the centre line met the pass and placed it past Rising keeper Lusiano Fernandes (1-0).

Maroons were in total control for most part of the game. Carlos D’Sa, Gabriel Fernandes, Regi Rodrigues, Sandy Fernandes and captain Ian D’Souza were excellent throughout the match. Prolific scorer John Kennedy scored the other goal for Maroons (2-0). Rising Star’s main striker Maveli Fajilu pulled one back which brought excitement to the match and charged up the footballers.

With 8 minutes left for the final whistle and Maroons leading 2-1, the match went into bad weathers when Rising Stars defender Vadakath Balagopal rushed to the assistant referee on the far touchline questioning an offside decision which he alleged was not pulled off. His altercation and misconduct with the official warranted him a straight red card which was however not accepted sportingly by the Rising players. Some players argued while others walked off the field prompting the official to flash a yellow card to Rising’s star player Fajilu who had taken off his jersey. The card turned out to be Fajilu’s second yellow of the match. As a rule, it was followed by a red. Rising players protested vehemently and did not continue the game thereafter. The match was abandoned; Maroons were later declared winners by a 2-1 margin.

Finals on 10th June 2011 at Peace & Friendship Kazma Stadium

While the entire league, that started last September consisting of 14 affiliated clubs was played at MOH ground Shuwaikh, the grand final of the league will be moved at the famous ‘Peace and Friendship, Kazma Stadium’ and will be played on 10th June 2011 under floodlights. The grand finale will spark off at 6pm sharp with a hardline final for the 3rd and 4th place between United Friends Club and Rising Stars.

The final promises great entertainment as usual in a League finish and it’s an enormous occasion for Maroons president Raymond D’Sa as well as KGA president Salvador Dias. While Maroons has a history of winning top finals, KGA will look to reclaim the J.P.D’Mello Trophy they won in 2007. Navelim Youth Centre have won the trophy for a record number of times since its inception.

Maroons who won trophy in 2009, are sure to stick to the semifinal lineup. Once again, they will be without the services of the indomitable James Figuera, Kuwait’s best known footballer who is out injured; while KGA are still nursing on the fitness of Jimmy Goveia, their super sub.

Shri Shri Vidhu P. Nair - Charge D'Affaires, Indian Embassy of Kuwait has consented to be the chief guest at the finals. Mr. A. C. Roy, Chief Operating Officer - Gulf Cable and Electrical Industries Co. will be the Guest of Honor.

In a message sent to all affiliates of the federation, KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes has welcomed Indian football lovers and the expatriate communities to come and witness the grand finals.

A dance program by Ballerine's school of dance will be a special attraction at the event.

KIFF and J.P. D’Mello Memorial Trophy

Apart from the League, the Kuwait Indian Football Federation (K.I.F.F.) established in 1984 conducts other 11-aside and 7-aside tournaments organized by clubs affiliated to KIFF. All matches under KIFF are officiated by KIFF referees.

J.P. D’Mello Memorial Rolling Trophy - KIFF League is named after late Jerome Pascoal D’Mello (popularly known in India and Kuwait as J.P). Hailing from Bombay, D’Mello lived and worked in Kuwait and was the prime architect in conceiving the idea of forming KIFF. Ex-FIFA referee and Member of Asian Football Confederation Referees Committee and Ex-Hon. Secretary and Member of Bombay Referees' Association, D’Mello left for his heavenly abode in the year 1994.

Probable team line-up for the finals:

Goa Maroons: Guilerme Gomes, Carlos D’Sa, Ian D’ Souza, Gabriel Fernandes, Regi Rodrigues, Sandy Fernandes, Terence Carvalho, Patrick Pinho, Bonny Niasso, John Ferrao, Elvis D’Souza, Joe Rebello, Joseph Correia, Albert Pereira, Everest Rodrigues, Valentine Gonsalves, Jerry Mello, Julio Cardoso, Steven Rodrigues and James Figueira.
Coach: Julio Cardoso
Team Manager: Assumption D’Sa

Kuwait Goan Association: Luis Dias, Jacob Dias, Eduardo Dias, Francis Fernandes, Vitorino Menezes, Tiago Fernandes, John Costa, Ismyil Kayungal, Valentino Fernandes, Anil Thakuri, Bernard Pires, Christovam Colaco, Josse Fernandes, Zelito Cardozo, Blesson D’Souza, Concessao Rodrigues, Godwin Fernandes and Jimmy Goveia.
Coach: Tiago Fernandes; Asst Coach: Pascoal Fernandes
Team Manager: Concessao (Connie) Rodrigues

BAN ON FOREIGNERS IN TEMPLES IN GOA.

According to the latest news appearing in Kuwait's media, prominent Hindu Temples in Goa have restricted entry of foreigners with scantily dress mode and one of the temples at Mardol prohibited entry of foreigners into this temple. I support this restriction and ban on all the tourists who visit our temples and churches thinking that these temples of God are places of joke. They don’t even maintain decency and reverence of these worship places. Instead of boards appearing at the entrance of the temples saying ‘Entry Restricted to Foreigners’, I was expecting in Tata’s style in retaliation to Foreigners’ insult to Indians, a Board appearing at the entrance of Mardol Temple saying ‘Dogs and Foreigners are NOT allowed.’.


The Hippy culture erupted in Goa in early sixties with the advent of Hippies in Candolim first and then spreading to Calangute and other coastal areas, has destroyed dress code decency in Goa. These foreign tourists coming to Goa spoiled the decency and discipline of Goa. These cheap foreign tourists don’t care for the local culture, tradition and sanctity of our religious places. Many times I noticed at Old Goa, tourists visiting Bom Jesus Basilica to have glimpses of the relics of Saint Francis Xavier come there as if they come to the beaches at Colva and Calangute with swimwear. Entering Temples of God with indecent dress is not proper. In this context, I cite one Konkani song we sing in the Church during Holy Communion saying: ‘Angostram ghalun novim, Razamcheam Jevnna sorim, Vochumya barachborim’. The rich dress code mentioned in this song notify the mode of reverence when we go to the Temple of God.


Many times the foreign tourists especially females visit the temples of God with revealing dress exposing the inside part of their bodies and thereby putting other worshippers in the temple into sin. This type of dress code leads others falling into temptation. Precisely because of this, in 1959 the ace comedian Tiatrist of Goa, the late Jacinto Vaz composed and beautifully rendered his solo song ‘NYLON’ which was a direct hit on those females wearing revealing Nylon cloth Sarees and dresses and coming to the Churches and thereby putting others in the Chruches into sin, especially the males. Here Jacinto Vaz sings thus: ‘Nylonachem lugott, konnen babdean kaddlem gai, Nylon nestoguch, khuim pavlea ti dista sai’. I was present to the ‘Doia’ Tiatro of Aristedes Dias to listen to this song when he sang it in Candolim. During the repeat entry he was while singing this song, showing in action what part of females’ body attracting males’ attention and thereby tempting them into sin.


At Bom Jesus Basilica the sanctity of this holy place is spoiled more by the ‘Panpotti’ chewing Indian tourists who do not know to maintain the decorum there nor the sanctity of the place and St. Francis Xavier’s relics. When they watch the relics of St. Francis they pass all nonsensical comments as if Goycho Saib is a film star. For them this place and area is like a market place. They don’t know to give due reverence to Catholic Holy places at Old Goa. They should be barred from entering Bom Jesus Basilica and other Churches all around there. By their coming there they not only disrespect our Churches but more than that they hurt our religious feelings and create dent into our faith. They are acting like anti-Christians and anti-Catholics. We should not care for Archaeological Dept. of India to take such a decision. Archaeological Dept.’s job is to maintain and repair these Churches and not to dictate terms to us on matters related to our faith. We must not mortgage our rights to Archaeological Dept. of India. We must be bold enough to take similar action as management of Mardol Temple took.


Once I noticed one Indian tourist chewing Panpotti and spitting on the wall of Bom Jesus Basilica. Such Panpotti spitting was foreign to Goa, it was introduced in Goa in larger scale by the Bharatis immediately following the invasion of Goa by Nehru’s Bharat. Our Goans know the decency of eating Panpotti and spitting at right place but not the Bharatis who descended on Goa after the end of Portuguese rule in Goa. Precisely because of this the legendary political singer Tiatrist, the late Kid Boxer after noticing Mapusa Bus Stand full red with the spitting of Panpottis by the unwanted Bharati arrivals in Goa, rendered a very piercing ‘Zupatti’ against these dirty Bharatis, saying: ‘Tum Panpotti Khatai ani poch’chu korun thuktai, lozui kaim dissona’. Immediately after finishing singing this solo, at Mapusa, Kid Boxer was arrested for being Anti-National.


A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.