INDIA DESERVED DISMISSAL FROM IOC.

With my head down in shame for being an Indian, not voluntarily but forcefully on December 19th 1961, I express my condemnation for Indian sports leaders for playing dirty games to the extent that forcing International Olympic Committee to throw out Indian Olympic Association from IOC. There are no more shameless sports administrators in the world as Indian. Just because he was close to Rajiv Ghandi because of the similar profession, Rajiv Ghandi gave political push to that rotten Sports Administrator Kalmadi who finally made mess of the last Commonwealth Games in India. Because of this mess India had to face humiliation at international level and had to spend enormous amount of money in excess of what originally was budgeted. It is tax payers’ money and they had to suffer losses because of such rogue Indian administrators. Because Kalmadi is a rogue he had to spend months in prison along with his colleague. Prison is the place meant only for bad people and Kalmadi was one such.

How a nation can trust such rogues to administer Indian sports activities is a big question mark but these rogues are still not tired of destroying nation’s pride. Nowhere in the world can one come across such shameless Sports administrators except in India. I regret that my golden Goa, my pure Goa was forcibly made a part of the rogue nation India where rogues are become leaders of the national wealth. These Kalmadis and their type have no love for the nation nor for the nation’s interest. They have no interest in promoting sports and sports persons in India for this reason they give priority for their own selfish interest of looting the nation’s wealth. If they had love for sports and development of sports in India they would have resigned voluntarily from their Chairs and allow the administration to run by the competent persons. By playing dirty politics they forced IOC rightly and deservingly to suspend Indian Olympic Association thereby putting India into shame and putting the future of Indian sports persons into disarray.

From mid-fifties to mid-sixties Dr. Gustavo Monteiro from Candolim was the President of Goa Football Association. Along with him another renowned doctor, Dr. Remizio was also doing excellent job in GFA in the promotion of Goan Soccer and Goan footballers. They were spending their own money to sustain their work under GFA. Money making was not their motto, as put it by Dr. Remizio when he said “because we are shameless we receive your insults to serve GFA but we do this because we love Goan soccer. If we are not wanted we would not remain a minute more but leave our chairs gracefully”. Gradually spearheaded by one Wagle the general secretary of GFA there appeared a coup in GFA against Dr. Monteiro. Dr. Monteiro if he wanted he could have played his card well by creating a counter coup with the help of his supporters to stick up to his Chair but instead of allowing dirty politics into GFA he for the sake of Goan soccer and Goan footballers made his exit without creating any chaos.

Why doctor Monteiro acted peacefully? It was because he was the man of peace having very good family background with character of superlative nature. He had his own decency to act decent. He had discipline of his own plus he inherited best of disciplines from his family. He was a reputed man for his good work in his locality. He was a God fearing man. Money was not his problem as he was a big landlord doing lot of charities.

Could not Kalmadi and his colleagues for the sake of Indian sports gracefully withdraw from IOA for the sake of Indian sports instead of fighting the losing battle there by bringing shame on India? Kalmadi and his colleagues lacked great character to do the great acts They acted like rowdies from the streets till nation’s pride was hurt. Who is great? The Nation or the Kalmadis? These Kalmadis have no regards for the nation’s pride. They said the nation and nation’s pride go to hell, what is important is their own interest. Shameless Indian administrators. They are not even ashamed that because of their selfishness the nation has been dismissed from International Olympic family. As a Goan I feel ashamed to be a part of this India which is governed by the rogues and anti-Indian leaders.  It is a shame to be a citizen of this corrupt India where only rogues and criminals are making money by looting the nation’s wealth which is meant for the upbringing of the poor in India.

This country India is in the hands of few selected rogues who are not at all interested in nation building. It is these few selected rascals who will fail the nation because they are not interested in the development of India but only on them. It is these rogues who are the enemies of India and not me for writing this way. My Goa is not liberated by India but my Goa was invaded by India and made it like a colony of India. My Goa is not the father’s property of India which is a rogue country. Again I say, I am ashamed to be an Indian because India is a filthy country manned by filthy Indians and Italian lady whom Indians under Congress banner adoring her like a Godess.  It is surprising that she being such a powerful lady still keeping her silence. May be she wants to suport her husband friend Kalmadi. And what about our Sardarji Premier? Why he is dumb now when nation's pride is devoured by Kalmadis? 

A. Veronica Fernandes,

Kuwait.

RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATIONS.

In his maiden speech following the independence of Pakistan whose architect he was, Mohd. Ali Jinha made one very great and important statement which reads as: “Henceforth every Pakistani in this country will be identified as a Pakistani citizen and not as Pakistani Muslim or Pakistaani Hindu or Pakistani Christian”. This means religious tag will not be affixed to any Pakistani citizen. This further means there will not be discrimination in Pakistan on the basis of one’s religion.

What is happening now in Pakistan is sickening. The latest news of demolition of a Hindu Temple in Karachi is not a good sign and it is just an antithesis of what Jinnah said. When Ayodhya Muslim Masjid was demolished by the Hindu zealots 20 years back, the secularism of India was also demolished and in Pakistan there were more vociferous voices against this demolition. But demolition of Hindu Temple in Karachi put Pakistan into shame just as Ayodhya Masjid demolition put India into shame.

In Pakistan minorities are not safe, Christians are also facing lot of persecution and unnecessarily made victims of blasphemy laws. For being Christians they are humiliated and denied certain privileges. In order to humiliate Christians Gen. Zia’s government selected one Christian hangman named Tara Mashie to tighten the noose around the neck of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto 33 years back.

According to Islam a Muslim is not a Muslim unless he believes in all the prophets including Moses, Abraham, Noah and Jesus Christ. Islam accepts Jesus Christ as one of the Prophets. If this is the case then according to the logic, Muslim should also accept Christians as the followers of the religion of Jesus Christ. Harassing Christians and discriminating against them is going against the teaching and belief of Islam. It is a sort of Apartheid practiced by the Jews in Israel against Arabs. Just as Jews feel they are superior to Arabs comprising Muslims and Christians in Israel the same way it is happening officially in Pakistan and clandestinely in India. Because of such discriminations Apartheid regimes in South Africa and Rhodesia failed and collapsed. Similarly India, Pakistan and Israel will also fail and collapse as nations because their structures as nations are collapsing due to religious strife there internally.

All the religious communities are having in its fold innumerable persons males and females, they are all children of ONE SAME  GOD. By practicing discrimination against them on the basis of their religious belief is wrong and offence to God. If we believe in one God then we should treat every human being as our brother and sister irrespective of his religious affiliation.

According to me no one can say only his religion is a right religion to attain Heavenly bliss. For this reasons we must have religious tolerance in our societies and not intolerance. Then only we can have peace in our midst. The countries that practices religious discriminations sooner or later will just disappear from this planet as God's punishment.  And that punishment is not very far.  Which are these countries?  Only time will tell.

A. Veronica Fernandes,

Kuwait.

Black-magic message by 'Aitar-Budhvar': Konkani drama held in Kuwait

Black-magic message by 'Aitar-Budhvar': Konkani drama held in Kuwait
By Gasper Crasto

Kuwait: ‘Aitar Budhvar’, a Konkani drama written and directed by Comedian Salu Faleiro, was staged to a near full-house at Kuwait Medical Hall on 16th November 2012 but did not reach up to people’s expectations as far as the storyline was concerned.

In a modern world, the script of ‘Aitar Budhvar’ took the audience years back into life with it’s voodoo and ancient theme of black-magic which is perhaps long forgotten or is hardly known to be existing. Most in the audience, or in today’s world, are either unaware of such sorcery or don’t believe in such practices anymore. ‘Aitar Budhvar’ would be a huge hit if it is staged in some of the remote, rural areas of Goa where black-magic or witchcraft maybe still popular; certainly not in this part of the world.

The title of ‘Aitar-Budhvar’ (Sunday-Wednesday), a tiatr in the making by Comedian Salu for nearly 3 years, was unveiled in the ‘First Pordho’ itself. The story depicts a rich lady inclined towards dual beliefs of the almighty (on a Sunday) and the devil (on a Wednesday). However, the script was pulled on for a variety of ‘dramatic’ twists and a ‘Hindi filmi’ suspense, just to highlight and defend the title’s meaning and message at the end.

Overall, the script was short of authentic ‘scene-sceneries’, ‘cantos’, emotions or top-class dialogues or any direct correlation to the Kuwait-Goan society, thereby reflecting sloppily on the imaginative intellectuality of the director. The entire presentation, however, was highly respectable and deserves full credit to the courage and passion of a young simpleton director like Comedian Salu for having gathered a mega cast together to stage the show against all odds. 

All the actors played their part with great enthusiasm and flow. 

‘Lighthouse of Konkani Stage’ Irene Vaz stole the limelight in the lead role with a fabulous performance and an aristocratic presence on stage. Her fluency in dialogues, elegant and graceful appearance, rich costumes and attractive attire, lighted up the show. Irene surely displayed a class of highest excellence seen on Konkani stage.

‘Hit-man’ of Konkani stage Sylvester Vaz and Braz de Parra had major roles in the drama. Both the actors did good justice with a strong demonstration -- Sylvester brought richness to the stage by his sheer image while Braz de Parra portrayed a role similar to the one that made him famous in T-Bush’s Konkani E-Cinema ‘Black’. Nevertheless, the roles were too simple and standard in script to be termed wonderful; the two stars are certainly made for much bigger performances.

Gennifer Marshall and Rita Mascarenhas, perhaps acting first time on Konkani stage in Kuwait, were perfect with their ‘entries’, acts and delivery of dialogues. The girls should surely be seen in much more challenging roles in future Kuwait dramas. Manuel D’Souza was dashing in his ‘actions’ and ‘looks’ too.

With the 3 talented comedians, director Salu Faleiro, comedian Simla, and Mangaloren star Lucy Aranha, the comedy could have been the toast of the show. However, the threesome failed to crack much desired laughter out of the audience. Although the actors put up their best efforts in all the acts, the comedy was just run of the mill and below par. Infact, Jeremiah Vaz, who played a short spell of a ‘European girl’ in the sideshows, amused the crowd more than the comedians, with his fantastic outfit and style, and delicacy of English. The audience craved to see more of the character (and even more so – the ‘beautiful’ Jeremiah facing the crowd) which regrettably was not to be. Roulland Fernandes in the role of ‘Parabens doctor’ too made everyone laugh with just a single, hilarious act.

Cajetan de Sanvordem enacted the role of the black-magician ‘Nagraj baba’ with precision brilliance. His physique resembled a well-bred sadhu, however his crumbling getup of the beard, which he kept adjusting throughout, was much to be desired. His deputy Luis de Sanguem too was a treat to watch with a perfect Hindu accent and an exact replica of ‘sadhus’ seen on Indian streets. 

Child artistes Evalon Rodrigues and Joshua Gonsalves made their presence felt without any nervousness or fear of stage while Lawry M and Clara Rodrigues delighted in their acts, playing noteworthy cameos with impeccable taste and gusto. 

None of the actors in the drama seemed to have had the penchant to exploit the mikes to full potential. Adrian Goes had a nice character of an ‘effeminate’ man, later revealing his true identity as a bold ‘CID’ which would have looked glowing had he spoken his dialogues a little louder or been closer to the mike.

Best parts of the tiatr were the ‘kantaram’. Outstation stars Rosario de Benaulim, Seby de Divar and the Dubai Trio were the most favourites of the audience. 

With a voice as powerful as thunder, and loud and clear as a train-whistle, Rosario de Benaulim rendered 2 memorable, spine-chilling solos which will remain in the hearts of Kuwait audience for the captivating lyrics, unique tunes, and the message conveyed. The blue-eyed star could be the singer on Goan stage for years and years to come if he continues to compose such rich songs, and maintains his image by steering clear of second-rate video albums.

Seby de Divar, another singing sensation from Goa, was an instant hit with the crowd for his appealing, rhythmic songs. The way he gelled with the audience in his 3 songs, and displayed a penchant to imitate (mimicry) different personalities in-between the songs, was well applauded. 

The Dubai Trio comprising of Edwin D’Costa, Anthony and Manuxin rocked the audience with 2 nicely composed trios. Fabulous stage presence, attractive lyrics, commanding singing style, and the way they sang something different each time they were encored, proves the Dubai Trio is as good as any professional trio on Goan stage. They could be standout ‘hits’ anywhere in the world of Konkani dramas.

Mini Mario, who was brought from Goa, sang 2 fluent songs. But his old, common tunes and themes were too average to make a mark on the knowledgeable Kuwait audience.

Among the local artistes, Cajetan-de-Sanvordem and Michael D’Silva sang on ‘Churches of the Gulf’ with effortless ease and confidence. Katty de Navelim-Joseph Rodrigues-Jose Anthony sang a trio in memory of Kuwait based artistes late Sunny de Quepem and Rosary Ferns. Songs by Michael Lopes and Agnes Rodrigues about an estranged sister, and the Lopes Brothers singing on the woes of ‘local immigrants in Goa’, Laurent Pereira, Bab Agnel, Sylvester Vaz (solo), and specially Michael D’Silva and Sylvester Vaz, the latter dressed up as a female emulating late Goan artiste Christopher Leitao, were very good.

Agnelo Fernandes de Panchwadi sang a very nice song too. Also, there were songs by Anthony D’Silva, and a trio by John-Sucorro-Joaquim. 

The opening chorus of ‘Aitar Budhvar’ was sung by Jeremiah Vaz – chic and flowing in style.

Music for the show was provided by Maestro Shahu Almeida supported by Tony on the drums, Rafio and Denis on guitars. Anand provided the sound system while the stage-sets were arranged by Thomas. Back-stage coordination for stage-setting was highly commendable which is attributed to the solitary efforts of Lawry M and Clara. 

A colourful souvenir was released to mark the presentation of the drama. In his message, director Salu Faleiro thanked the sponsors and everyone who helped in realizing his long awaited dream of staging ‘Aitar-Budhvar’.

The above review is based on the opinion of different individuals. It is rare that the public sentiment decides immorally or unwisely, and the individual who differs from it ought to distrust and examine well his own opinion.