NARENDRA Modi and the BJP are using the 50th anniversary of the Emergency of June 25, 1975 to attack the Congress and particularly the Sonia Gandhi dynasty. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi claim that the Congress placed democracy under arrest, Home Minister Amit Shah insists that Indira Gandhi declared Emergency to perpetuate dynasty rule. It is widely accepted that it was younger son Sanjay Gandhi who persuaded Indira Gandhi to declared the Emergency. The provocation was the disqualification of Indira Gandhi by the Supreme Court for corrupt electoral practices. The BJP however, did not seem to accept that it was the Emergency that led to the revival of the BJP. The original form of the BJP was the Jana Sangh which merged with the Janta Party to fight the post-Emergency election. The BJP in its present form was born after the Janta Party broke up. The Congress president Kharge has retorted by pointing out that Narendra Modi has imposed an undeclared emergency for the last 11 years.
THE IRAN-ISRAEL CEASEFIRE
UNDER pressure from the US President Donald Trump, Israel and Iran have declared a ceasefire. During the last 48-hours, there have been no attacks either by Israel or Iran on each other. Iran has also stopped its attack on American bases in the Middle East. It may be recalled that Iran had attacked American bases in Qatar and in Iraq.
However, there is no ceasefire in Gaza which continues to be targeted by Israel. So much so it is actually a ceasefire between the United States in Iran. The United States has not continued attacks on Iran after its massive bombing of nuclear facilities in Iran. The US and Donald Trump do not seems to have any objections to nuclear weapons in Israel, Pakistan and other countries.
MUSLIM MAY BECOME NEW YORK MAYOR
ZOHRAN Kwame Mamdani, a 33-year-old Muslim born in Uganda, is the favourite to win the elections for the post of Mayor in America’s biggest commercial hub New York City. Mamdani is the son of the national award-winning filmmaker Mira Nair who made the film “Salaam Bombay.” Mamdani, unlike most Muslim leaders, belongs to the left wing and is totally opposed to the ultra-right wing policies of Donald Trump. Mamdani has got the highest number of votes in the early rounds of the election to the post of mayor of New York City.
In the United States, governors and mayors are directly elected. Ironically, the Indian community which supports Modi in the United States have launched a hate campaign against Mamdani on the grounds that he is a Muslim. The growing influence of Muslims in the western world is dramatized by the fact that Mamdani is the second Muslim to be running for mayor’s post. Earlier, a Muslim whose parents lived in Vasco da Gama in Goa was the mayor of the City of London.
INDIAN SPACE TRAVELLER
THE first Indian space traveller Shubhanshu Shukla, who will join the team at the International Space Centre, undertook his journey into space on Falcon 9 which was part of the Axiom-4 space machine. Besides Shukla who was the pilot of the mission, three other astronauts including Peggy Whitson of the United States and Slawosz Uznanshi of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary, are part of the latest space mission which used the Elon Musk-owned Space X facilities to undertake their 4-day space mission. It would appear that the Indian government had to pay for sending the Indian astronaut into space. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is not the first Indian to undertake a space mission. The credit of being the first Indian in space goes to Rakesh Sharma, who made the trip of the soviet spaceship more than two decades ago. The take-off of Axiom was repeatedly delayed due to bad weather and starting problems.
BONDLA ZOO RE-OPENS
THE Bondla Zoo, which was close for three months due to an H5N1 infection, has re-opened to the public. The infection has claimed the lives of the two big cats among the other animals. The official order of the re-opening of the zoo was issued on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. This followed two consecutive negative test results for avian flu, which is the major threat to animals in the zoo.
MY FATHER SUFFERED, PRAMOD
CHIEF Minister Pramod Sawant claims that his father was a victim Indira Gandhi’s Emergency. At the public meeting to highlight the excesses of the Emergency, the Goa CM revealed that his father was a member of the Janta party which had fought against the Emergency. Sawant also disclosed that his father had contested the assembly election from Pale constituency for the Janta party candidate but apparently he got only 400 votes. Sawant claims that people made fun of his father for 40 years till his son Pramod was elected as an MLA. It is not widely known that the then chief minister, Sashikala Kakodkar, supported the Emergency declared by Indira Gandhi.
VARSHA TO ACT ON TIATR
BOLLYWOOD actor Varsha Usgaokar is all set to act in a Konkani tiatr called “Devachem Nanv, Jitam Hanv.” The tiatr touches on the themes of family, marriage and mental health. The tiatr is reproduced and directed by Mariano Fernandes. Varsha reveals that she started her acting career in the tiatr when she was only a 14-year-old. Varsha is the daughter of Achyut Kashinath Sinai Usgaonkar, the first speaker of the Goa assembly when Dayanand Bandodkar was chief minister. Varsha Usgaokar is also the brand ambassador for the Eliminate TB program in Goa.
CM: NATION FIRST, NO ONE ABOVE CONSTITUTION
NATION is first and no one is above the Constitution. Many families suffered because of the Emergency. The days during Emergency time were so difficult that many said the British time was good rather than Emergency. Emergency was a forced sterilization drive in the name of population control, said Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant.
He was speaking at a State level function on June 25 to observe Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas 2025 organised in association with Vidya Vikas Mandals, Govind Ramnath Kare College of Law at Margao.
Dr Sawant added that during the Emergency, fundamental rights were breached, the press was silenced under strict censorship and thousands of political leaders, journalists and members of civil society were imprisoned. The imposition of the Emergency from June 25, 1975 stands as a stark reminder of one of the darkest chapters in the history of independent India.
And some more. Dr Sawant shared that the Constitution of India has the same importance as the Gita, Bible and Quran. The Constitution gave cooperative federalism. Government is promoting citizen-friendly governance and empowering the constitutional bodies. Government is working for freedom through development, he added.
MLA Digamber Kamat said it is the 50th anniversary of Black Day of Indian democracy. Any challenges may come but democracy shall always live in India he remarked. Chief Secretary Dr V Candavelou, IAS said June 25 is a very important day in the constitutional history of India.
Chairperson-Margao Municipal Council Damodar Shirodkar; Secretary-Art and Culture, Sunil Anchepaka, IAS; director- Directorate of Art and Culture, Sagun Velip also graced the event. Director-Directorate of Higher Education, Bhushan Sawaikar, gave the welcome address while chairperson-Vidya Vikas Mandal, Nitin Kunkolikar, proposed the vote of thanks. An informative documentary on the Emergency was also screened on the occasion.
11 YEARS OF MODI GOVT
CHIEF Minister Dr Pramod Sawant inaugurated an exhibition at the Ravindra Bhavan in Margao on June 20, 2025 The exhibition has been set up by Department of Information & Publicity to showcase the impactful execution of work and key achievements accomplished under the leadership of the Narendra Modi government over the past 11 years.
Speaking informally the CM highlighted the various measures of infrastructure and schemes being undertaken by the Central goverment for the betterment and welfare of the people. Stressing the need to take the welfare schemes at the doorsteps of the people, he urged people to make the maximum use of government schemes meant for them.
Member of Parliament-Rajya Sabha Sadanand Tanavade; MLAs Digamber Kamat, Ulhas Tuyekar, Daji Salkar; chairperson-Margao Municipal Council, Damodar Shirodkar; Ex-MLA Damodar Naik, and others were present on the occasion. The exhibition was open for general public till Sunday, June 22, 2025.
CHILD SAFETY IN SCHOOLS
A MEETING on School Safety Clubs and child security was held on June 21, 2025 at the Cyberabad CP office auditorium under the supervision of Madhapur L&O DCP Dr Vineeth G, IPS. Cyberabad Police has initiated the formation of Safety Clubs in schools to create a structured safety environment for children. These clubs will focus on physical safety, cyber safety, anti-drug abuse, and mental health. Each vertical will be led by a trained faculty member and supported by designated Balamitra teachers. Schools have been directed to conduct regular safety-related activities and collectively pledge to uphold child protection.
Addressing school principals and management representatives from the Madhapur Zone, DCP Dr Vineeth G, IPS emphasized the importance of adopting a child-centric approach in all safety protocols. He stressed the need to listen to students, involve them in safety decisions, and provide secure channels to report any incidents.
The DCP highlighted growing concerns over child suicides, bullying, drug abuse, and sexual harassment in schools. Offenders may include staff, fellow students, transport personnel, outsiders, or even family members. These issues severely impact children’s physical and mental well-being, underscoring the urgent need for preventive measures and greater awareness.
He instructed schools to implement a zero-tolerance policy against ragging and bullying — whether physical, verbal or online. Schools must establish Anti-Ragging Committees, monitor vulnerable areas like hostels and transport facilities, and install anonymous complaint systems such as drop boxes and helplines to encourage students to report problems without fear.
Drug abuse among students is also an increasing concern. As per the NDPS Act, possession or use of narcotics is a punishable offense. Schools and hostels can be held accountable if such substances are found on campus. When minors are involved, action will be taken under the Juvenile Justice Act, focusing on rehabilitation and counselling to help them recover.
Cases of sexual harassment, whether verbal, physical, or online, must be dealt with strictly. Under the POCSO Act, staff must report any suspected or disclosed abuse, failing which legal action will be taken. Schools are mandated to set up POCSO Committees, conduct awareness programs, and verify all staff backgrounds to ensure a safe environment.
Parents, teachers, and staff must be alert to warning signs such as sudden academic decline, emotional withdrawal, or unexplained injuries, which may indicate deeper issues. Early recognition and timely intervention are crucial.
Schools are legally obligated to implement safety protocols in line with national guidelines. They must prepare School Safety Plans, regularly meet with PTAs and safety committees, train staff, and integrate safety education into the curriculum.
W&CSW DCP Srujana Karnam said that Cyberabad Police is committed to child protection through proactive efforts like awareness campaigns, anti-drug drives, cyber safety education, and the Suraksha Kavach program. With the launch of Safety Clubs, the department aims to empower schools to build a culture of safety, equipping students and staff to address issues such as abuse, bullying, and online threats. In emergencies, the public is urged to contact CHILDLINE 1098, a 24×7 toll-free helpline for children in distress.
Madhapur Traffic DCP Sai Manohar pointed out that many schools face traffic safety issues during drop-off and pick-up hours. He emphasized the need for school zone signage, speed breakers, zebra crossings, and traffic personnel to ensure safe movement. He also stressed the importance of surveillance, proper staff verification, working CCTV systems, and controlled entry to prevent security breaches.
“Safe Children, Strong Future” – Cyberabad Police remains dedicated to ensuring every child’s right to a safe, abuse-free, and supportive school environment.
The meeting was attended by W&CSW DCP Srujana Karnam, Traffic DCP Sai Manohar, ADCPs Hanumanth Rao and Uday Reddy, ACPs Srinivas and Sreekanth, SCSC CEO Naved, and representatives from government and private schools.
SHAMIKA RAVI: HOME-MAKERS MUST BE VALUED AND RESPECTED
SHAMIKA Ravi, economist and member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India, said that Indian society must value and respect the immense contribution of Indian homemakers in nation building.
Shamika, who delivered a lecture on the topic, “Work, Women and Viksit Bharat @2047” at the International Centre Goa on Friday June 20 evening quoted several research documents and said, “We need not blindly ape the advanced countries. We must start quantifying the invaluable contribution of home-makers in Indian society. They are bringing up our children and holding the family together.”
Expressing concern at the drop in number of women in the workforce in urban India from 29 per cent to just 16 per cent in recent years, Shamika attributed it to the lack of robust child care and elder care facilities. “This forces many highly educated women to stay at home, where nuclear families are a norm.”
She also expressed concern at the fast deteriorating levels of mental health among working women. “Urban working women are getting only about 30 minutes of leisure time every day, resulting in adverse mental health issues. A mental health pandemic is waiting to happen,” she said.
Shamika also expressed concern over the drop in fertility rates in double income, urban families. “This is greatly shrinking our work force and increasing the number of dependant people such as senior citizens in India,” Shamika said.
Keeping her focus on women, Shamika also pointed out how 25 per cent of all death by suicide in India was among women. “This number is larger than the more publicized farmer suicides.”
Other key points from Shamika Ravi’s lecture
- Percentage of “below the poverty line” people in India dropped from 29 per cent in 2012 to 3.9 per cent in 2024.
- India has 35 % educated unemployed and only 6% illiterate unemployed people.
- Rapid industrialization is need of the hour.
- Several states in India have moved away from traditional agriculture to fisheries and horticulture
Interestingly, a new skills ministry has been formed at the centre to focus on skill building.
RAJ BHAVAN CELEBRATES IYD
GOVERNOR of Goa PS Sreedharan Pillai on Saturday led a yoga session at the Old Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan to mark 11th International Yoga Day on June 21, 2025. The officials and staff members of Raj Bhavan Goa performed yogasana. Secretary to Governor Sanjeev Gauns Desai also participated in yoga session.
International Yoga Day is being celebrated every year across the globe on June 21 since last 11 years to create awareness about its vast potential in improving overall health and wellbeing. It also promotes the practice of yoga for physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing worldwide. The participants were guided by Dhananjay Patil, an experienced yoga instructor attached to Tapobhumi, Kundaim.
YOGA FOR ONE EARTH, ONE HEALTH
THE Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services, government of Goa, in collaboration with the Goa Chapter of the Art of Living Foundation, founded by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, organised a special program to commemorate 11th International Day of Yoga 2025, under the global theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.” The event took place on June 21, 2025 at 7am at the Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services, St-Inez, Panaji.
The session was formally inaugurated by Rajendra A Haldankar, Deputy Director (Fire)-South & Central Zone, who lit the traditional lamp and addressed the gathering. In his address Haldankar emphasised the vital role that yoga can play in the lives of fire service personnel, saying, stating: “Our profession demands exceptional levels of physical fitness, mental alertness, and emotional resilience. Firefighters often face unpredictable, high-stress situations where quick thinking, calm decision-making, and stamina are crucial. The regular practice of yoga improves flexibility, enhances respiratory efficiency, builds core strength, and fosters greater mental clarity. It is also a powerful tool for stress management, helping to reduce fatigue and prevent burnout. I encourage all our officers and personnel to embrace yoga as an essential part of their daily regimen, to support their health and overall well-being.”
A total of 110 fire & emergency service personnel from the directorate participated in the session with great enthusiasm. The yoga and meditation practices were expertly conducted by Vaishnavi Parab, senior yoga instructor and Vinod G, meditation instructor from the Art of Living Foundation. The instructors led the participants through an integrated sequence of yoga asanas, pranayama (breathing techniques), and guided meditation. These practices were specifically chosen to:
- Improve muscular strength and flexibility — critical for physically demanding rescue operations;
- Enhance cardiovascular and respiratory function — vital for endurance and stamina;
- Promote emotional stability and stress resilience — helping personnel remain calm and composed during emergencies;
- Foster mental focus and clarity — essential for making quick, sound decisions under pressure.
The Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services remains firmly committed to initiatives that strengthen the holistic well-being of its personnel. Such efforts align with the department’s goal of maintaining a fit, focused and emotionally balanced workforce capable of delivering the highest standards of emergency response and public safety. A total of 25 fire personnel from the Directorate also participated for the Yoga Day at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, Bambolim with great
enthusiasm. The event was compered by Ravi Naik, Station Fire Officer and Shripad Gawas, Divisional Officer gave the vote of thanks.