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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR FOR THE ISSUE DATED JANUARY 03, 2026
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR FOR THE ISSUE DATED JANUARY 03, 2026

Jan 03- Jan 09, 2026 January 2, 2026 , by

MAY 2026 USHER IN PEACE!
 As another year comes to an end, it is time for reflection. 2025 was for me a year of tough decisions on various fronts. One must never procrastinate but must confront head on challenging situations one encounters in life. Now, while shuttling between Goa, London, and Lisbon with no visa requirement hassles, it enables Liz and me to travel with ease to various countries and interact with our fellow Goans in particular. Blessed to now be a global Goan.
Let us also hope that in 2026, peace finally prevails in those countries that are currently embroiled in war and so sadly witnessing a heart-breaking massacre of innocent lives and for our own country to respect diversity and inclusion and live in harmony. Also, for concerted efforts to ensure that we do not lose in totality whatever is left after the destruction of our Goa and pray that each one conscientiously takes the ownership of ensuring responsibility towards mother nature.
May the New Year be the canvas upon which you pain your dreams and a truly awesome masterpiece. Wishing a great 2026, that of joy, peace, and happiness to you all and your loved ones.
— Aires Rodrigues, London

BIRCH DEFAMED BIRCH TREE!
 THE word “Birch” primarily means “Bhojpatra” (birch bark). According to scientific information, is has several detailed meanings. Birch is a special tree, a delicate tree. Decorative items are made from this tree. But the artistry of this sacred tree and its name, “Birch,”claimed the lives of 25 people in Arpora, Bardez, Goa.
Birch is an important tree found in the Himalayas up to an altitude of 4,500 meters. Its scientific name is Betula utilis. The bark of the birch tree is thin and white, like paper. In ancient times, this bark was used as “paper” for writing manuscripts and mantras.
It is a deciduous tree belonging to the Belulaceae family. Its bark peels off in layers. In the Arpora incident it was used for decorative items! Here the name of the birch tree is defamed. This birch tree has historical significance. In Sanskrit literature, it is called “Bhurja.” Ancient writers like Kalidasa and Sushruta have mentioned birch bark in their works. Even today, it is used in some places for writing mantras in religious ceremonies.
But this same “Birch” claimed the lives of 25 people in Arpora, Goa. This is an extreme tragic event of the ending year 2025!
— Rajesh Banaulikar, Arpora, Goa.

NATIVITY STORIES THROUGH BHARATNATYAM

Presented at Sadbhav Christmas

By Elvis Fernandes

THE story of Christmas, told through Bharatanatyam and titled “Cradle of Light” depicted the Nativity stories surrounding the birth of Jesus at Sadbhav Christmas. The celebration was organized by the Society of Pilar at the Horta De Maria, Pilar Pilgrim Centre, Pilar, Goa on December 21, 2025.

There was a performance by the quartet of dancers — Impana Kulkarni, Parijat Naik, Srushti Prabhudesai and Sakshi Borkar — along with meaningful commentary by Swara Prabhudesai from Vyomi Arts Centre, Porvorim, which captivated the audience with stellar performance. It was a unique idea to bring the Nativity stories, based on the Gospels according to Matthew and Luke, to life through Bharatanatyam (which is a classical dance from of Tamil Nadu).

“Through our dance, we aimed to bring the Nativity story to life, showcasing not just the birth of Jesus but the essence of love and hope it represents,” shared choreographer and presentation director  Impana Kulkarni. Interestingly, Sadbhav Christmas, is an interfaith gathering embodying goodwill and harmony, bringing together people of different faiths to celebrate Christmas. It showcases unity, peace, communal harmony through cultural programs. It’s an annual event which receives positive response and is well-appreciated by whoever comes for it.

Music director, composer, singer, and actor of the film Claudia, Mukesh Ghatwal, was the chief guest this year, and he regaled the audience with a soulful melodies about which he said, “Music transcends barriers and speaks to our shared humanity. ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ — the whole world is one family — is a message we all need to embrace.”

Guests of honour included Taha Haaziq (Secretary of the Goa State Commission for Disabilities) and Dr Ida Mukherjee (a mental health professional). While Haaziq spoke about the importance of fostering cordial relations between various faith communities in his Christmas message, Dr Ida offered a presentation that effectively highlighted the universal and inclusive nature of Christmas and its celebrations.

Earlier, after lighting the traditional lamp, Director of the Pilar Pilgrim Centre Fr Lawrence Fernandes welcomed the gathering. Students from Fr Agnel College of Arts & Commerce (Pilar) sang the Christmas carol “Mari Matek Ballok Zala” penned by the renowned poet Manohar Rai Sardesai and set to music by Michael Martins. This was followed by students from Fr Agnel Higher Secondary School-Pilar rendering a Christmas folk song. A spellbound audience applauded enthusiastically and one person in the audience reflected, “I feel uplifted today; this event truly showcases the spirit of Christmas.”

The program concluded with the presentation of mementos to dignitaries and participants. Sahil Awasthi and Siya Almeida, students of Fr Agnel College, compered the program, while Fr Joseph Caji Barreto proposed the vote of thanks.

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