SEVERAL stretches of road were blocked from Wednesday, May 21 to Friday, May 23 during the visit of Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar and his wife Dr Sudesh visiting Goa. The primary reason for the controversial vice-president’s visit appears to be unveiling the statues of sage Sushruta and archarya Charaka.
Both these sages are believed to be pioneers of the traditional Indian systems of medicine. Never mind they have nothing to do with Goa. The vice-president has been a controversial figure and has been running the Rajya Sabha like a school headmaster. Traditionally, the VP has been the chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
It may be recalled that Jaya Bhaduri Bachchan who is a Rajya Sabha member, had strongly objected to the dictatorial behaviour of the vice-president in the Rajya Sabha. The VP also attacked the chief justice for interfering with the functioning of the Lok Sabha and the government.
This was in the context of the Supreme Court stay order on the implementation of the WAQF bill. Vice-President Dhankar visited IND Hansa, which is the largest naval aviation base in the country. He also dedicated new projects, including a coal handling facility set up by Adani group. Restrictions were placed on movement of traffic on routes to various venues.
CHIEF JUSTICE INSULTED
THE newly appointed Chief Justice of India B R Gavai was insulted on his first visit to his home state Maharashtra after being sworn in as the Chief Justice. Gavai was in Mumbai to attend a felicitation function by the Maharashtra BAR association. Chief Justice Gavai is the first dalit and Buddhist to be appointed the chief justice of India. Neither the Maharashtra chief secretary or the DIG was at the airport to receive the chief justice on his first visit to his home state.
GOA MILES TO ADD PILOTS
GOA Miles, which runs the taxi service, has extended its app-based service to auto-rickshaw and even motorcycle pilots. Goa Miles founder Utkarsh Dabhade claims that autos and motor cycle pilots have been brought under the scheme at the request of senior citizens.
However, the service has not yet started and is expected to be introduced first in capital city Panaji, Mapusa and Margao. Goa Miles, which started with 40 vehicles in 2018, now has 4,000 taxis. Goa Miles claims its drivers earn an average of Rs50,000 per month. The company, however, has admitted that the majority of its drivers are migrants. The only contribution to the company in Goa is providing 210 vehicles under the Goencho Taxi scheme to local youth. Goa Miles recorded profits for the second year in a row.
LEAKAGE IN PANAJI MARKET
THERE was heavy leakage in the Panaji market on Tuesday, May 20 after the heavy showers. Many shopkeepers complain that water sweeps from the roof and despite repeated complaints, no action has been taken by the Corporation of City of Panaji. The shopkeepers say that they are forced to put buckets all over the market to collect dripping water. Visiting the market has become very risky for senior citizens and children. Several roofing sheets were also damaged because Tuesday’s heavy rainfall, May 20.
STITCHED SHIP LAUNCHED
THE stitched ship which was made in the Goa Shipyard was launched in Karwar on Wednesday, May 20 at the Naval base. The ship has been built buy Hodi Inovations at Colvale in Goa by expert artisans from Kerala. No nails have been used in the construction of the ship, all the joints have been hand-stitched. The ship is expected to sale to Dubai on its maiden journey.
NARLIKAR GOA CONNECTION
DR JAYANT Narlikar, who developed an alternative theory to the bid bank origin of the universe, has a deep affection for Goa. Dr Narlikar was committed to rational thinking and popularising science was a close friend of a pioneer of astronomy in Goa, the late Percival Noronha. It was Percival who set up the Goa Astronomy Centre at Junta House. Narlikar selected Goa for the first international conference on gravitation. Narlikar was a student of Sir Fred Hoyle, the Nobel prize-winning British astronomer. Narlikar was committed to science education and used to hold lectures for schoolchildren. Narlikar passed away in Pune at the age of 89 on May 20, 2025.
SARANG SATHAYE TO PERFORM IN PANAJI ON MAY 30.
SARANG Sathaye, the popular leading Marathi stand-up comedian, will be performing his highly acclaimed show of “Jagatbhaari” at the Kala Academy, Panaji on Friday, May 30 at 7.30pm.
Known for his sharp wit, observational humour and infectious stage presence, Sarang is set to take Goan audiences on a 90-minute joyride with his unique brand of comedy. Following a series of successful shows across Maharashtra and international venues, Sarang returns to the spotlight with a performance that promises to be equal parts entertaining and experimental.
With relatable storytelling and clever punchlines, this show offers a fresh take on everyday life, relationships and the quirks of our world – all delivered in Sarang’s signature Marathi flair. Whether you are a long-time fan or a first-time attendee, this is one golden opportunity to experience one of Marathi comedy’s most celebrated voices live on stage.
SWAYAMPURNA GOA PROGRAM
THE government of Goa has launched the Swayampurna Goa Program with the aim to make the state self-reliant and self-sustainable in all aspects of human development.
Under this initiative, which includes programs like Prashasan Tumchya Dari, Sarkar Tumchya Dari and various other camps and webinars, the government is reaching out to persons from various segments of population such as SC, ST, divyangs (handicapped children in need of special education), women and youth who have availed of the benefits in large numbers.
Earlier, under the Swayampurna Goa Program, a “Vision for All” program was conducted, providing eye-examination to 2.37 lakh students from classes Std 1 to 5 in all government and government-aided schools. Another drive, namely, “Bright Smiles, Bright Futures” Colgate Program, promoting oral health awareness and practices, has been carried out covering 1.80 lakh children from 907 schools in Goa.
These drives are being conducted for spreading awareness and making available services relating to more than 40 government schemes. Schemes such as Smart Transit Cards, Senior Citizens Cards, Griha Aadhaar, Ladli Laxmi, Packers Registration Certificate, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Registration, Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA) cards, Bima Sakhi Yojana, Learners License, etc, of departments namely KTCL, Legal Metrology, Food & Drugs Administration, Animal Husbandry, Transport, Water Resources, Social Welfare, Fisheries, EDC Ltd, Goa Waste Management Corporation, Health Services and Woman & Child Development are being addressed.
AUTHOR’S SINDHI-GOAN TALE OF BELONGING
NEGOTIATING the dual identities of a Sindhi-born but ocean-loving Goan, Mrinalini Harchandrai, author of “Rescuing a River Breeze,” which was shortlisted for the prestigious Asian Prize for fiction, delved into the complexities of multiple cultural identities, during her recent talk at a MOG Sunday event in Pilerne.
As part of the MOG Sundays lecture series held weekly at the Museum of Goa, Harchandrai, during the course of her book reading and interaction with the audience, explored the layers of multiple cultural and linguistic identities and the challenges of coming of age in a land where belonging can be an act of resistance rather than just residence.
Set against the backdrop of pre-liberated Goa that was on the brink of India’s liberation of Portuguese-ruled Goa, Harchandrai’s novel blends historical fiction with tender reminiscence.
“Even though I am 100 per cent ethnically Sindhi, my mother’s side of the family put down roots in this part of the Konkan coastline in the early 1900s. As we can see even today, the waters around Konkan have always been brisk with trade for centuries before us,” Harchandrai said, while making a case for a person of Sindhi origin choosing to write a historical novel set in Goa.
In fact, in 1919, her great-grandfather Nathurman Devwani moved with his older brother from the seaport of Karachi in Sindh, which at the time was part of the Bombay Presidency, to set up his business interests in Goa.
Almost drawing fictional parallels to her lineage, the novel’s protagonist, Shirly Quarrachim, born in Panjim to Sindhi immigrant parents, finds herself caught at the bewildering crossroads of adolescence and annexation. In a powerful live reading, Harchandrai recalled the formative incidents that inspired the novel, like memories passed down from her mother, who watched the Portuguese flag being replaced with a white one, a symbol of the defeat of Portuguese rule, and the disappearance of her best friend, never to be seen again.
“The protagonist in the novel, young Shirly, who is 12 going on 13, on the cusp of her teenage years, has been introduced to books like Adobo’s Travels and Sherlock Holmes. So she is quite aware of places that exist outside of her small hometown, and the idea of adventure. And like most young people, with a soaring imagination, she wants adventure that is as good as the fiction that she has read,” she said.
The novel has been gaining recognition for its skilful portrayal of layered identities – Goan, Indian, Portuguese and immigrant – all coexisting and clashing during a time of emotional and political upheaval.
When asked about the merger of fictional and non-fictional tropes in her book, she mentioned, “I wanted to deliberately retain certain aspects – like the watching of the flag and some specific events and experiences. But the rest – thoughts, feelings and many other moments, are definitely fictional, added more for the sake of drama than anything else.”
Bringing depth to a land of Goa, so often reduced to a beachside resort destination, “Rescuing a River Breeze” invites audiences to re-invent the narrative and pave the way for more stories that truly emulate the ancient rhythm of Goa, according to the author.
NSS-Vedanta Sesa Goa PROMOTE SUSTAINABILITY
AS PART of its ongoing #IronWill4GreenerPlanet campaign, Vedanta Sesa Goa organized an educational visit to the Sanquelim Reclaimed Mines (SRM) for students of the National Service Scheme (NSS) from Government College of Arts, Science & Commerce (GCASC), Khandola, along with employees of the company. This visit aimed to promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices, providing a valuable learning experience for all participants.
During the visit, the group explored the expanse of the SRM and discovered how an erstwhile while mine cluster has been sustainably reclaimed and converted into a verdant and lush “green-scape” supporting endemic flora and fauna. The SRM today comprises the Nakshatra Van, a medicinal garden that combines the beauty of nature with the healing power of plants, and the “Charak Vatika,” another garden focused on traditional medicinal plants.
The visiting group also familiarised itself with the Pisciculture Pond, which promotes water conservation and sustainable fish farming, demonstrating Vedanta Sesa Goa’s commitment to eco-friendly agricultural practices. The students were particularly impressed by the Bamboo Pavilion, an eco-friendly structure built using sustainable materials, which highlights the company’s innovative approach to creating green, sustainable spaces.
The students were introduced to the Sesa Football Academy and Sesa Technical School, both established on the reclaimed land utilising the one time workshop and other built up area at the erstwhile mine cluster. As part of this initiative, the NSS students from GCASC have volunteered to become #SesaGreenWarriors, and will play an active role in spreading awareness about eco-conscious behaviour and sustainable practices within their communities.
The SRM was developed by Sesa Goa in the late 90s when no regulatory or statutory requirements existed for mine closure, today the SRM has emerged as a mode mine closure project having earned accolades at national and international level. Recently, G Kishan Reddy, Minister for Coal & Mines, Govt of India, had visited the SRM and praised the effort having gone into the project, terming it as a role model for all mining companies.
Dr Sapna, NSS In-Charge at GCASC, shared, “The visit to the Sanquelim Reclaimed Mines was an eye-opening experience for our students. It demonstrated how industry can contribute to environmental conservation and biodiversity restoration. By empowering our NSS students as #SesaGreenWarriors, we are equipping them with the knowledge and passion to drive positive change in their communities and inspire others to adopt sustainable practices.”
Rajesh Kumar, Head ESG, VedantaSesa Goa,said, “The #IronWill4GreenerPlanet campaign is about more than just corporate responsibility; it’s about empowering the community to actively engage in the protection of our environment. By partnering with the GCASC NSS students and involving them in this transformative experience, we’re creating future leaders who will champion sustainability. The Sanquelim Reclaimed Mines is a testament to how industry and nature can work in harmony, and through initiatives like these, we reaffirm our commitment to environmental stewardship.”
Through such initiatives, Vedanta Sesa Goa continues to reinforce its commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation. The company’s efforts are part of a larger vision to contribute to Swayampurna Goa and #ViksitBharat, ensuring ecologically sustainable businesses are also economically viable. Vedanta Sesa Goa’s commitment to innovative mining practices, renewable energy, and community engagement highlights the company’s role in driving a greener future for Goa, India, and the world.
| STOP CHILD ABUSE NOW |
THE Corporation of the City of Panaji had its official launch of the second phase of the Campaign “Safety First: Empowering Women and Protecting Children” at the hands of Minister for Transport Mauvin Godinho along with Rohit Monserrate — Mayor, CCP. Also present were Sanjeev Naik-Deputy Mayor, Mahendra Pednekar-General Manager, KTC, Vithal Chopdekar- former Mayor, Vijaykumar Chodankar- PI Panjim Police Station, Rupali Govekar-LPSI Women Police Station, Audrey Pinto-Director SCAN-Goa, along with Team SCAN, and student volunteers from Don Bosco College.
This CCP campaignis in partnership with the Goa Police and SCAN-Goa, a voluntary organization. It is focused on educating, empowering, and engaging the public to foster a safer environment for women and children in Goa. The campaign is more than just raising awareness; it aims to cultivate a sense of community where everyone contributes to the safety of one another. Other offices who have partnered are departments such as Transport Department, Kadamba Transport Corporation Ltd, private bus associations and the auto-rickshaw and taxi driver associations.
Visually striking posters and stickers were placed on KTC buses, private buses, taxis, autorickshaws and pilot motorbikes to raise awareness and provide vital safety information, laws, and helpline numbers. The posters focus on issues such as stalking, cybercrime, eve teasing, sexual harassment, child sexual abuse, domestic violence, begging and child marriage and child labour. The stickers highlight helpline numbers for the public to reach out in case of emergency or any assistance. These visuals will serve as continuous reminders that community safety begins with awareness.
The first phase of the campaign commenced with hoardings installed on electricity poles at the Panjim bus stand, Miramar, market entrances, Casino Road, and 18 June Road. The campaign will also feature a series of events such as street plays, workshops, trainings, and outreach programs designed to raise awareness about critical safety issues throughout the state of Goa.
Residents and the public are encouraged to be part of this campaign by sharing photos of the hoardings and stickers on social media using the hashtags #SafetyFirst, #CCP, and #GoaPolice, #SCAN-Goa. This will help amplify the message and foster a collective commitment to safety in our neighborhoods.
We at SCAN-Goa believe that every individual deserves to feel safe and secure, and we are committed to working tirelessly to make this vision a reality. We urge everyone to join us in this effort and to spread the word about the helpline numbers for women and children and promote safety and respect within the community.
NC REVIEWS VARIOUS SCHEMES
CHAIRPERSON of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) Antar Singh Arya chaired a series of meetings in the city on May 21 to discuss various issues related to the welfare of tribal communities in Goa.
The meetings were organized by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) in association with the Directorate of Tribal Welfare. Antar Singh Arya along with the members of the Commission, Dr Asha Lakra, Nirupam Chakma and Jatothu Hussain took stock of the measures and schemes being implemented by various departments in Goa.
The members interacted with Chief Secretary Dr V Candavelou, IAS, and heads of various departments at the State level meeting to review the implementation of various safeguards and programs run for the welfare and development of scheduled tribes. Various government schemes were assessed regarding their outreach to the members of the ST community in Goa.
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes is a constitutional body and its focus is to ensure what’s enshrined in the Constitution of India, statutory law and government orders are implemented in letter and spirit for the welfare of the tribal community. The Commission is visiting the entire country and issues raised and their observations regarding it will be placed before the President and Parliament. Authorities should sort out tribal related issues on a mission mode and gave suggestions for a Tribal Bhavan in Goa.
Land ownership was a very pertinent issue raised by tribal representatives in Goa and considering that tribal people are ardent protectors of the environment through their worship of nature, they should be given ownership to their ancestral land.
Shri Arya stressed on the Commission’s focus of engaging with the youth of the ST community stating that the youth are the future of tomorrow. Present on the occasion was Puneet Kumar Goel, IAS, Secretary, NCST, Amit Nirmal, Joint Secretary, NCST among others. Earlier, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes held a meeting with tribal delegation and social organizations working for tribal welfare in Goa. Present were Chairperson, Goa State Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation Ltd, Vasudev M Gaonkar, Chairperson, Goa Commission for SC/ST, Deepak Karmalkar.
The delegates spoke of their grievances and gave suggestions regarding land-related issues faced by ST community, reservations, Tribal Research Institute, tribal atrocities, facilities for tribal women and students, placements for students, among other issues.
BANU MUSHTAQ WINS INTERNATIONAL BOOKER PRIZE
INDIAN author Banu Mushtaq and translator Deepa Bhasthi won the International Booker Prize for fiction on Tuesday, May 20 — “Heart Lamp,” a collection of 12 short stories written over a period of more than 30 years. The novel chronicle the everyday lives and struggles of women in southern India.
The award was announced by bestselling Booker Prize-longlisted author Max Porter in his role as chair of the five-member voting panel, at a ceremony at London’s Tate Modern. It is the first time the award has been given to a collection of short stories. Bhasthi is the first Indian translator — and ninth female translator — to win the prize since it took on its current form in 2016. Mushtaq is the sixth female author to be awarded the prize since then.
Written in Kannada, which is spoken by around 65 million people, primarily in southern India, Porter praised the “radical” nature of the translation, adding that “It’s been a joy” to listen to the evolving appreciation of the stories by members of the jury.
“These beautiful, busy, life-affirming stories rise from Kannada, interspersed with the extraordinary socio-political richness of other languages and dialects,” said Porter. ”It speaks of women’s lives, reproductive rights, faith, caste, power and oppression.”
The book, which beat five other finalists, comprises stories written from 1990 to 2023. They were selected and curated by Bhasthi, who is keen to preserve the multilingual nature of southern India in her translation.
Mushtaq, who is a lawyer and activist as well as writer, told a short list reading event on Sunday that the stories “are about women – how religion, society and politics demand unquestioning obedience from them, and in doing so, inflict inhumane cruelty upon them, turning them into mere subordinates.”
The 50,000-pound ($66,000) prize money is to be divided equally between author and translator. Each is presented with a trophy too. The International Booker Prize is awarded every year. It is run alongside the Booker Prize for English-language fiction, which will be handed out in the fall.
(Courtesy: CNN)
VICE-PRESIDENT JAGDEEP DHANKHAR AT RAJ BHAVAN HAVE WE HEARD THIS BEFORE?
THIS is worth thinking about. Singapore has become the first country in the world to perform an autopsy (post-mortem) of a COVID-19 body. After a thorough investigation, it was discovered that Covid-19 does not exist as a virus, but rather as a bacteria that has been exposed to radiation and causes human death by clotting in the blood.
It was found that COVID-19 disease causes blood clots, which leads to blood clotting in humans, and causes blood to clot in the veins, making it difficult for a person to breathe; because the brain, heart and lungs cannot receive oxygen causing people to die quickly.
To find the cause of the shortage of respiratory power, doctors in Singapore did not listen to WHO protocol and performed an autopsy on COVID-19. After doctors opened and carefully examined the arms, legs and other parts of the body, they noticed that the blood vessels were dilated and filled with blood clots, which impeded blood flow and also reduced the flow of oxygen in the body causing the death of the patient.
After learning about this research, Singapore’s Ministry of Health immediately changed the COVID-19 treatment protocol and gave aspirin to its positive patients. I started taking 100mg and Imromac. As a result, patients began to recover and their health began to improve. Singapore’s Ministry of Health evacuated more than 14,000 patients in one day and sent them home.
After a period of scientific discovery doctors in Singapore explained the method of treatment by saying that the disease was a global hoax, “It is nothing but intravascular coagulation (blood clots) and a method of treatment. Antibiotic tablets, anti-inflammatory and take anti-coagulants (aspirin),\this indicates that the disease can be cured.
According to other Singapore scientists, ventilators and an intensive care unit (ICU) were never needed. Protocols for this purpose have already been published in Singapore. China already knows this, but has never released its report.
Share this information with your family neighbours, acquaintances, friends and colleagues so that they can shake off the fear of COVID-19 and realize that this is not a virus, but bacteria that has only been exposed to radiation. Only people with very low immunity should be careful. This radiation also causes inflammation and hypoxia. Victims should take Asprin-100mg and Apronik or Paracetamol 650mg.
(Source: Singapore Ministry of Health, being circulated over social media, cross check for confirmation! What is true is that nobody has yet really cracked the mystery of the COVID-19 pandemic.)
SMT MITA DEY SOCIAL GOODNESS AWARD 2025…
THE Smt Mita Dey Social Goodness Award of the Goa-based Ganga Zuari Academy will be awarded to Street Providence social service organisation at the GZA 19th Foundation Day celebration event to be held on May 25, 2025 at International Centre Goa.
It may be remembered that the Goa- based Ganga Zauri Academy (GZA) is a non-profit, duly registered social and cultural organization with a membership comprising of members from various professions including those from the Bengali community settled in Goa. It was formed to encourage social harmony through inclusive cultural growth and its membership draws from a wide cross-section of society including intellectuals, scientists, engineers, academicians, company managing directors, writers, artistes, teachers, top civil servants and more. The GZA was formally inaugurated by the then Governor of Goa SC Jamir on May 24, 2007.
The academy gives its Smt Mita Dey Social Goodness Award annually and the awardees are individuals or groups doing any kind of social work for society’s welfare. In 2021 the award was given to an organization helping Covid patients at the GMC; in 2022 an organisation distributing school kits to schools in Goa’s rural areas was the winner. The 2023 winner was Mrs Ana Gracias for her selfless works for the downtrodden without any discrimination of any kind. The 2024 winner was Vitor Vaz for his dedicated services in preparing mentally challenged persons for the special Olympics held at domestic as well as international level.
This year too nominations were invited as usual for the 5th year of the award and entries scrutinized by GZA committee headed by president Bimalendu Dey, vice president Dr Rajiv Nigam, Saurav Roy and others. The Smt Mita Dey Social Goodness Award carries a cash award Rs10,000 with citation and memento.