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WEEKEND UPDATES

June 06- June 12, 2026, WEEKEND UPDATES June 5, 2026 , by

GOODBYE TO FOREIGN LANGUAGES

WITH the Central government imposing the 3-language formula in Goa there will be no scope for foreign languages. Traditionally, in Goa students were given a choice of local language Konkani, official language English and a foreign language. However, in the light of the 3-language policy now it will be national language Hindi, official language English and local language. So much so students studying Portuguese to get the Portuguese visa and other languages like French, will have to give up their foreign language studies. The Goa government has asked for exception from Hindi. In Tamil Nadu the 2-language formula of English and Tamil is followed by the local government. The south has been against the imposition of Hindi as a national language for they are very proud of the history and heritage of their own native languages which are well promoted in literature, cinema and public life.

GOA CELEBRATES STATEHOOD DAY

GOA celebrated its 40th Statehood Day on May 20, 2026. It was a day of grandeur and pride at the Kala Academy in Panaji in the presence of Vice President of India CP Radhakrishnan and other dignitaries. Speaking on the occasion Vice President Radhakrishnan said he was delighted to make his first official visit to Goa on such a momentous occasion. He praised Goa’s harmony of culture, heritage, education and civic consciousness and described the state as a beautiful blend of ancient temple, magnificent churches and vibrant traditions.

He also recalled the late Defense Minister Parikar and appreciated his leadership, lauded the State government’s  transparent recruitment process, inclusive governance and sustainable development approach.  Vice President Radhakrishnan said, “There is no Viksit Bharat without Viksit Goa,” while encouraging youth to use creativity as their greatest strength. He said Goa has so much potential that it can be blue economy in time to come.

Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant greeted the people of Goa on the occasion of 40th Statehood Day and thanked Vice Presdient Radhakrishnan for joining the celebration. The CM remembered the bravehearts who fought for Goa’s Liberation and recalled historic movements such as the Cuncolim Revolt and the contribution of revolutionary leaders like Deepaji Rane. He acknowledged Goa’s freedom struggle was strengthened not only by Goans but also by patriots from across the country;  and also mentioned Goa’s third district, Kushavati, as part of efforts to improve administration and governance.

A special documentary showcasing Goa’s transformation over the last four decades was screened, several key initiatives and recognitions marked the occasion including the release of Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan Awardee with legendry cartoonist Mario Miranda getting a commemorative stamp and special cover release, a coffee table book titled “Goa Engineering the Next Era” was released.

Among those present for the celebration were Union Minister for State of Power and renewable energy Shripad Naik, Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Minister for Tourism Rohan A Khaunte, Minister for Water Resource Department Subhash Shirodkar, Minister for Fisheries Nilkanth Halarnkar, Dr V Candavelou (IAS, Chief Secretary), government officials, awardees, representatives from society across the state.           

LAKEVIEW TO STINKVIEW

 CLOSELY in the wake of dead fish turning up in the Mala lake, now it is the turn of the Campal lake. This small water body is part of the St Inez creek or nallah and around it has come a whole colony of residential buildings —  this is the Lakeview colony, adjoining La Campala colony. Last week, following the concentration of sewage into the lake, there was mass mortality of fish surviving in the lake. When CCP officials got into a canoe to take a look and to remove the stinking dead fish, they found the lake full of Swiggy and Zomato wrappings, plastic bottles, other filth which probably created all the toxicity enough to kill of fish in the lake.  While both Goans and “bhaile” residents are obsessed with ocean view, river view and lake view none are concerned about the need to keep water bodies they enjoy clean and free from their litter. And perhaps more importantly the lake waters natural flushing system of old needs to be restored to keep the water moving, since these are water bodies mostly in the Panaji tidal areas. Who will do it!

SCHOOL VACATIONS RESTORED

FOLLOWING instructions from the Central government schools in Goa were forced to shift the academic year from June to April. This was supposed to be dictated by the new educational policy. So much so classes were held in April following a brief one-week vacation after the exams. The annual holidays were postponed to May. This wrecked havoc in the schedules of both children and parents. Finally, Goa had the guts to tell Delhi that each state must follow its own policies depending on climatic seasons and local needs. It has now been decided that schools will re-open in the first week of June as in the past in Goa. Kids of all ages are not deterred by the monsoon rains and in fact enjoy them.

MONSOON ON WAY

THE monsoon has hit the coast of Kerala. The Met department in Goa has confirmed that the full fledged monsoon will be here by the weekend we will soon know how well prepared for the monsoon we are.  PWD Minister Digambar Kamat has warned that anyone digging up roads during the monsoon months will be arrested. We strongly recommend that all our readers and Goans read the monsoon special book by Alexander Frater titled “Chasing the Monsoon.” This freelance writer from the UK followed the monsoon from the time it broke at Kanya Kumari in Tamil Nadu and all the way to Cheerapunjee in Meghalaya, which we think still holds the record for the highest rainfall in India. Among the states that Frater visited was Goa where he even reported on the Sao Joao festival and we have memories of him visiting us in our OHeraldo office then long ago.

LOWEST FERTILITY IN GOA

IT would appear that like the Parsees, Goans too as a race or people, may be heading for extinction. Former  Chief Justice Ferdino Rebello has defined Goans as the Konkani-speaking people of the world. Recent statistics revealed by the Union Health Ministry expresses concern over the sharp drop not only in the birth rate but in the fertility rate in Goa. Goa reportedly has the lowest fertility rate in the country. This is because Goans marry late in life and limit family to one child. Even migrants settled in Goa follow a similar pattern thanks to the free availability of education and healthcare, including maternity benefits. The Goa Medical College & Hospital is perhaps the only state-run institution which offers assisted birth in the country.

DATTA NAIK IS CONGRESS TREASURER

THE businessman, rationalist and social activist as he likes to call himself, Datta Naik,  has now formally joined the Congress party. In fact, we hear he has been appointed as the treasurer of the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee led by Girish Chodankar. Datta Naik is a great supporter of former chief minister Digambar Kamat. Datta Naik along with mining and hospitality baron Avadhut Timblo had persuaded Digambar Kamat to desert Manohar Parrikar and defect to the Congress just before the 2006 assembly elections. In the upcoming 2027 elections the Congress is likely to field Chirag Naik, the son of Datta Naik, for the Madgaon assembly seat.

SAN JOAO ON JUNE 24

SAO JOAO, the most distinctive and colorful monsoon festival of Goa, falls on June 24 this year. It is observed in honor of St John the Baptist. The legend goes that when St John the Baptist visited Mary when she was pregnant the baby Jesus in the womb gave a kick in recognition of the visitor…St John was the disciple who introduced the concept of baptism of babies in the Christian church. Initially, like the “Ganga snan”, the new Christians were ducked in river water but now it is only a token sprinkling of holy water and blessings by a a priest in a church ceremony. The highlight of Sao Joao is for married couples to jump into a  water body like a well or a 5-star hotel swimming pool wearing a kopel or crown of flowers and leafy greens and fruits (for which prize are awarded). Reportedly, Siolim is the headquarters of much Sao Joao revelry and celebration in Goa.

    

TAJ EXOTICS FOR PIPED NATURAL GAS

THE Taj Exotica Resort & Spa in Goa has taken a significant step forward in sustainable hospitality with the successful implementation of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) infrastructure across the resort’s operations. This initiative reflects IHCL Goa’s continued commitment towards responsible luxury, operational excellence, and environmentally conscious practices under Paathya, IHCL’s comprehensive framework for sustainability and social impact.

The transition to PNG marks an important evolution in the resort’s energy management systems, enabling cleaner and more efficient fuel usage across kitchens, staff dining facilities, and utility operations. Recognised as one of the cleanest-burning hydrocarbon fuels, PNG contributes towards lower carbon emissions, improved combustion efficiency, and enhanced operational safety, while supporting India’s larger clean energy ambitions.

In addition to environmental benefits, the shift to PNG streamlines day-to-day operations by eliminating the complexities associated with LPG cylinder handling, storage, transportation, and refilling logistics. With uninterrupted piped supply and reduced maintenance requirements, the initiative enhances operational continuity while contributing towards improved workplace efficiency and hygiene standards.

Speaking on the development, Ranjit Philipose, Senior Vice President – Operations, IHCL Goa, said, “At IHCL Goa, sustainability is deeply integrated into the way we operate, innovate, and grow. The introduction of PNG infrastructure at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa is a meaningful milestone in our Paathya journey and reaffirms our commitment to adopting cleaner, future-ready solutions across our hotels. Responsible hospitality today is about creating long-term impact through conscious choices that benefit both the environment and the communities we operate in.”

STRENGTHENING GOA POLICE FORCE

 THE Goa Police force is set to get 126 new PSI recruits as offer letters were issued to selected candidates under the Staff Selection Commission recruitment process. The selected batch comprises 121 male and 5 female candidates, who will undergo training in Delhi before formally joining service. The program witnessed the formal distribution of offer letters to the selected candidates as part of the recruitment drive aimed at strengthening the State police machinery. The newly selected PSI candidates will now proceed for structured training in Delhi before their induction into active service in Goa Police.

Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant congratulated the selected candidates and stated that the recruitment process has been conducted in a fully transparent and merit-based manner under the Staff Selection Commission. He emphasized that this process reflects the government’s commitment to fair opportunities for the youth of Goa. CM also reiterated that the establishment of the Staff Selection Commission was aimed at ensuring transparent and merit-based recruitment across sectors. He highlighted the importance of skill development and encouraged youth to prepare for competitive examinations such as the Goa Public Service Commission (GPSC) and Goa Staff Selection Commission (GSSC).

The program concluded with the formal handing over of offer letters to the selected candidates, marking an important step in their journey towards joining the Goa Police force. Present at the event were Dr V Candavelou, IAS, Chief Secretary; Alok Kumar, Director General of Police;  K R Chaurasia, IPS, Inspector General of Police along with senior police and government officials.

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