COMMUNITY NEWS

Selma Carvalho in conversation with Emma Gama Pinto

Selma Carvalho

10 Nov. Emma Gama Pinto gives us a rare and intimate glimpse into the endearing relationship she shared with Pio Gama Pinto, against a backdrop of politics in Kenya at the time. Pio was posthumously accorded the honour of a postage stamp in October 2008. Scroll down to the end of the article for a picture of the stamp. 1905 words. Click here.

UK: Alex Dos Santos’ Goa Sausages on BBC 2
11 Nov: Good To Know. If you love Indian Food make sure you tune in to BBC 2 every Monday at 8.30pm, for the new series of Indian Food Made Easy. In the next six weeks Anjum will be cooking authentic regional dishes like Goan fish curry… For text click here.
[Scheduled for 8 Dec is Goan food. Alex Dos Santos [ex-Mombasa] appears in the programme – check out his website at www.goanfood.co.uk/

Linsey Fernandes Receives Freshman Honors
31 Oct. American International College (AIC). Linsey Fernandes (Ajax, Ont.) has received honors by being selected to the AIC Field Hockey All-Rookie Team…Fernandes appeared in 16 of AIC’s 20 games played in her first season with the team. She was third on the team in scoring with three goals for six points on the season… Click here.
Linsey is the daughter of Patricia (ex-Nairobi) and Rick (ex Dar es Salaam); sister of Rachele (13). Linsey played field hockey for the Toronto Titans in Scarborough (Ont). She is on an athletic (field hockey) scholarship at AIC in Springfield. For a photo of her click here.

UK: Sandeep D'Souza could be deported for sex assault
13 Nov: Hemel Today. Sandeep D'Souza been jailed for 33 moths and risks deportation for a sex assault on a woman leaving a Hemel Hempstead nightclub…D'Souza was due to return home to India after studying in the UK on a student visa… He claimed his victim had accosted him for sex and when he had refused it was she who struck him. 292 words. Click here.

Minister urges Indian expats to invest in Goa
15 Nov: Gulf Times (Qatar). A visiting minister from the Indian state of Goa has urged the Indian expatriates to consider investing their money in the state for better returns. “Goa is a peaceful, trouble-free and investment friendly state, which is frequented by visitors from all over the world throughout the year,” said Joaquim Alemao, who is the state's urban development minister. 157 words. Click here.

Fiona Dias: Clicks and Tricks
16 Nov. IT News Online. "As a result of the current economic conditions, there are even better deals being offered online this year that can help consumers save money this holiday season," said Fiona Dias, executive vice president, Partner Strategy and Marketing for GSI… Click here.

Australia: Oscar C. Lobo
16 Nov: Indian Voice (Australia) . Oscar C. Lobo of Goan origin, will be contesting as an independent candidate for Glen Eira City Council elections, in Bentleigh, Australia. Oscar was raised in Goa, and moved to Bombay shortly following liberation. 475 words. Click here.

Gracias Saldanha makes it to Forbes List
17 Nov: Gomantak Times. Gracias Saldanha, a native of Saligao, Goa, is the first Goan to feature in Forbes Business magazine and ranks 785th among the World’s richest people… He is the founder of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals. He is married to Blanche and father of Glen, Mark, Cheryl Pinto and Blossom Pinto...
For a profile of him and the Company, see www.glenmarkpharma.com/

Portuguese nationality still open to Goans
18 Deccan Herald. By Devika Sequeira. Nearly half a century after it was forced to concede Goa back to India, Portugal says it has no plans to change the policy that allows Goans to still apply for Portuguese nationality… over 70,000 Indians live in Portugal and bilateral trade between the two countries had grown by 200 per cent over the last two years…Under Portuguese law, those born in Goa, Daman and Diu before Dec. 19, 1961, and their children up to a third generation, are entitled to Portuguese nationality… 243 words. Click here.

Unwrapping Goan Identity
18 Nov: GoaNet. Dr Teotonio de Sousa, in an essay entitled “Unwrapping Goan Identity”, recently published in the “Semana de Cultura Goa 2008” souvenir, expounds on the Portuguese cultural influence on Goa. He writes, “post-liberation generations, and most visitors and recent settlers in Goa are not sufficiently clear about what precisely makes up the Portuguese cultural legacy”. 1090 words. Click here.

Savia Viegas: “Tales from the Attic”.
18 Nov: GoaNet. Savia Viegas, is a writer and academic based in Goa. This Fulbright Fellow, has recently released her debut novel, “Tales from the Attic”. The protagonist of the novel, Marri, sees her past in flashback during a delayed return to consciousness following an operation. Her journey in a state of unconscious limbo, takes her through Carmona, the village of her youth. For more on the book and reviews. Click here.

Fr Agnelo's Day celebrated in France
20 Nov. Times of India. Faraway from home, in Paris, France, the Goan community gathered under the aegis of the association "Les Amis du Père Agnelo" (The Friends of Fr Agnelo) to commemorate the death anniversary of Venerable Fr Agnelo. Click here.

Restricted Service Ahead
From Eddie Fernandes: I will be in Goa. to 6 Dec. During this period I will be connecting with my usual email address but there will be a restricted news service. If you need urgent attention please copy your message to Selma Carvalho at elisabeth_car@yahoo.com. My grateful thanks to Selma who has been responsible for the majority of items in this issue.

DEATHS

17 Nov: Caranzalem, Goa. JOAQUIM VAZ. Husband of Joaquina. Father of Francisco/Sharon, Bela/Menino, Meena/Jose, Pedro/Celia, Antonette/Seby, Magdeline Eliza/Gabriel (Paris).

15 Nov: Richmond, B.C. Canada. ESTHER DA SILVA. (aged 92). She was predeceased by her husband Julius in 1995. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Rita (Peter Paul), Reina (Armando); sons Joe (Marina), Cris (Evelyn)… Funeral on Thursday November 20th at 11:00 am. Click here.

15 Nov: Morjim, Goa. OLAVO ANTAO. Son of late Dr. Jose Alfredo Antao and late Angela Drago Antao, Brother/brother-in-law of Silvina/late Angelo Martins (Bombay), Hugo/Doris (Portugal), Gilda/late Raul Nobre de Menezes (Brazil) and Eurico/Elizabeth.

12 Nov: London, UK. CAETANO ROSARIO RODRIGUES (Alias - Captain Ex-Nairobi, Kenya). Beloved husband of Virginia Rodrigues. Loving father of Cleta, Florence, Sara and Francisco. Father-in-law of Carlos and Flavia. Loving Grand Papa of Stefan, Chevonne, Aaron, Amanda and David.
The funeral service will be held on Wed. 19 Nov. Mass at 9.30am, St Gabriel Church, Northolt Road Middlesex HA2 8EX followed by burial at Carpenders Park Cemetery, Oxhey Lane, Watford, WD19 5RL. Condolences to Carlos.Fernandes@arup.com

SELMA CARVALHO: WHO THE BLEEP CARES?
Selma Carvalho’s weekly column.
Do leave your feedback at carvalho_sel@yahoo.com

Who the Bleep cares about Barack Obama? Quite a few people in the world it seems. You have to remember the US was denying the Rosa Parks of its citizens, bus seats just fifty years ago. This arduous path to victory was paved by the likes of Martin Luther King, Mohammed Ali, Sidney Poitier, Halle Barry and every other African-American who fought battles large and small. It’s a celebration of the past but at the same time it is a break from the past. When Barack Obama renounced Rev. Wright’s vision of America, he in effect told Americans the way to move forward was to accord history its rightful, in its textbooks. That it was time to stop clinging to the hurt of slavery and segregation and look to a future where everyone enjoys the opportunities presented by this nation, as equals

And while America marched into the future, Goa took a slide into the past. Last week, a group of freedom fights opposed the Portuguese Cultural week in Goa. It seems Goa’s freedom fighters come out of the woodworks only when they want to change the Portuguese names of roads or oppose a cultural week. For a link to a press report click here.

Are we really incapable of breaking from the past? Must we pretend to harbour hurts which by now have been assigned to history by both Portugal and Goa? Are we as a society incapable of according history its rightful place? Who decides what a nation has to be ashamed off and what it celebrates? Is it a national shame to host a week of Portuguese culture?

What is a national shame is to run amuck, damaging private property and spreading fear in the peaceful and quiet locality of Panjim’s Fontainhas. What is a national shame is the way Christians in India are being made to feel responsible for the Portuguese Inquisition, in which they played no part and of which they themselves were victims. This constant questioning of loyalties, this nursing of imagined injury which took place years ago, is nothing but a guise to divide along communal lines. I wonder what the voices of Alvarez and P.Gaitonde, who fought vociferously and valiantly for Goa’s freedom, would have to say to the shenanigans exhibited today in the name of “freedom”.

We can never be afraid to dialogue with the Portuguese. They formed a part of our history and our history is part of our identity. If we want to know more about ourselves then we must engage in conversation with our past not it censor recklessly.

TRAVEL & TOURISM NEWS:

Charter Flights to Goa
13 Nov: Charter Flights. Manchester/Goa, 6 Dec. 14 nights, £242 return. 13 December, 14 nights, £351 return (Xmas special!). Gatwick/Goa, 12 December, 14 nights (returns 27 December), £391.50 return (Xmas special!) www.charterflights.co.uk or call 0845 045 0237.

Calls grow for Indian real estate market aid
13 Nov: OPPE News. Indian real estate market associations are petitioning for new measures to make it easier for foreign property investment firms to buy in India… Foreign investment in Indian property remains a contentious issue in some areas, with the government recently warning against illegal sales to outside buyers, particularly in the Goa region. 259 words. Click here.

Anjuna flea market loses the usual hustle and bustle
14 Nov: Times of India. This year has been difficult for vendors at the Anjuna flea market…. There are hardly any foreign tourists in Anjuna this season. It is completely dead… 579 words. Click here.

Goa: A Paradise Lost?
15 Nov: NDTV.com. Goa’s beaches have always had a bohemian appeal. However Goa’s reputation is becoming increasingly tarnished by scandals that have rocked the state. Fashion designer Wendell Rodricks says, “I am amazed and angered that there is this very small community of goons sponsored by politicians who are giving Goa a bad name.” 305 words. Click here.

Ban on smoking in Goa only after tourist season
15 Nov: Times of India. Smokers in Goa can puff away till the end of the year – despite the law against smoking in public places in the rest of the country. As the ban came into effect right in the middle of Goa’s tourist season, possible the state wants to avert any negative financial impact to the tourism sector. Also, the state says it wants to create more awareness about the ban before enforcing it. 263 words. Click here.

A paradise lost for the Goan people
15 Nov: DNA. Goa means different things to different people. To tourists, it's one of India's happening places and a hot destination for New Year bashes. Companies that have their conferences here apparently get the highest numbers of sign-ins. Click here.

Tourist may flock to Goa as tariffs tumble
15 Nov: The Financial Express. The economic slow-down might be pinching the pocket of the common man, but an affordable vacation is still possible in Goa. The tourist paradise has seen a 15-18% drop in room rental across the board this season. The drop in room rentals has consequently put the destination within the reach of many domestic tourists. 348 words. Click here.

Russian and UK planes collide at Goa airport
16 Nov: Times of India. Congestion at Dabolim airport led to charter planes from Russia and Britain colliding at a parking bay on Sunday afternoon, leaving flight operations hampered and 300 Russian tourists stranded... The incident occurred when a Transaero Boeing 747 from Moscow brushed against the tail of a stationary Thomas Cook Airlines Airbus …Both planes being unoccupied at the time, there were no injuries… 409 words. Click here.

Dubai World finds new business opportunities amid global crisis
17 Nov: Gulf News (Dubai). Speaking in Miami, Sultan Ahmad Bin Sulayem of Dubai World Company said, "Goa is going to be an important area. It is the holiday place in India.” He sees India as a good investment area for hotel development and Goa is going to be central to the country's tourism industry in the future he feels … 332 words. . Click here.

Christmas Cracker in Goa and Kerala
19 Nov: Easier.com. Indian specialist, Goaway, is currently offering a great deal on Christmas packages with three weeks in the sun up for grabs for just £899 per person departing on 05 December, including flights from Gatwick to Kerala and then home again from Goa to Gatwick on 26 December (or Manchester on 27 December), transfers and 20 nights bed and breakfast accommodation, plus an overnight train journey between Kerala and Goa. 407 words. Click here.

Whopping 25% cut in charter rates from UK
20 Nov: Times of India. Discounted rates, which includes a return ticket and stay, being offered by charter operators range between £214 (Rs 15,836) and £400 (Rs 29,600) for travel up to December 20 for flights originating in Manchester, East Midlands and Gatwick. Click here.

GOA NEWS HEADLINES

Police to record further statements of German girl
14 Nov: Navhind Times. Further statements of the minor girl, whose mother had accused the kin of some cabinet ministers of sexually using her, would be recorded, and the hard disk of the computer would be attached too, said police sources and expressed confidence that the mother would extend her cooperation to the investigation. 343 words. Click here.

Abandoned elderly fight back against neglectful offspring
14 Nov: South China Morning Post (Hong Kong). Nawse Sawal spent the last three months of her life in a public toilet. Her elder son left their rented home at Panjim Mala in the tropical state of Goa, abandoning his infirm, 75-year-old widowed mother and his younger brother, even though he knew they could not run the house without his income... 1100 words. Click here.

NGO to provide laptops to school-children
14 Nov: Times of India. Forty laptops have been made available by the Mumbai-based NGO, Digital Bridge Foundation, as part of the One Laptop per child project. Our Lady of Merces High School, has been selected for the pilot project. 355 words. Click here.

Students to Observe 2009 as Year of the Road
15 Nov: Herald. Given the high incidence of accidents in Goa, a group of students have decided to observe Year 2009 as the Year of the Road. As a first step in this direction the students, under the leadership of Sunita Sawant Desai, will meet at the Lohia Maidan and declare their commitment to keeping road cleans and following traffic rule among other things. 348 words. Click here.

Goa Cops suspended for accepting bribes
15 Nov: Times of India. A police sub-inspector and a head constable, who were caught accepting bribes inside a police station, were suspended from service. The Superintendent of Police, Bosco George, told the press that both have been placed under suspension pending an inquiry into the matter. 167 words. Click here.

Keri villagers resolve to oppose SEZ
16 Nov: Times of India. In a show of solidarity, the villagers of Keri resolved to oppose the SEZ at Bhutkham-Keri, if the government tried to impose it on them. The opposition to the SEZs stems mostly from a perceived lack of benefit to the village. Ramkrishna Jalmi of Keri said the village had been fighting against hazardous plants since 1995 when they opposed the setting up of a nylon plant. 315 words. Click here.

Video + text: Goans take to local protests to fight ills
16 Nov: NDTV. Goa has angry voices that one wouldn't associate with Goa's 'sussegad' or laid-back image. A case in point is Cheryl Marina De Souza. Cheryl and her family were barred entry to the mine near her property and she paid for it by being thrown in jail for 24 hours. After further threats from the mining lobby, Cheryl hired a private bodyguard for her daughter Aki's protection. 341 words. Click here.

Take Goa Uni off the Bill, CM to tell Centre
16 Nov: Times of India. The State government will ask the Centre to delete Goa University’s name from the Bill pending in parliament to upgrade it to Central status. Rajya Sabha, member of Shantaram Nail and part of the HRD’s standing committee, said that the State government had “realised its mistake,” although initially Goa government had agreed to the upgrade. 430 words. Click here.

Recipe: Coconut delight: rosachi kodi. By Melinda Pereira Kamat
16 Nov: Times of India. The undiluted thick milky extract from coconut is called aap ros (coconut milk extracted without the addition of water) used for certain Goan fish curry preparations… This curry is generally thick and yellowish in colour. Rich landlords who own large orchards of coconut plantations prepare this curry specially for their small kids who do not savour pungent curries. .. 768 words. Click here.

Goan sailors onboard hi-jacked ship released
16 Nov: Herald. The release of 18 hi-jacked Indian sailors came as welcome relief to the families, two of whom were Goan. The families had taken up the matter with the government and sought the assistance of the National Union of seafarers of India (NUSI) in resolving the matter. 442 words. Click here.

Governor and CM to attend IFFI 2008
17 Nov: MeriNews. The upcoming International Film Festival of India, held in Goa, might turn out to be a star-studded affair for Goa. Apart from well-known actors such as Kamal Hassan and Rekha participating in the opening and closing ceremonies, political attendees will include the Governor of Goa, S. S Siddhu and CM Digamber Kamat. 391 words. Click here.

Profs, docs turn musicians by night
17 Nov: The Times of India. People like Goan real estate developer Armando Gonsalves was trained in music from the age of five, he started performing in his home verandah with a bunch of friends…property developer and pharmacist. Orlando Noronha, who plays mandolin, guitar and violin, has a Portuguese decorative tile business. Jude Mascarenhas is a professor but plays for various bands in Goa… 735 words. Click here.

Media, Fourth Pillar of Democracy
17 Nov: Navhind Times. Goa is abundant with newspapers and news channels but despite the success of the medias business model, can the media report issues that matter to a majority of young Goans? A majority of the mainstream newspapers only serve the business houses. 432 words. Click here.

IFFI does not provide platform for Goa’s film-makers
17 Nov: Thaindian.com. Although IFFI brings films from around the world to Goa, local film-makers of the state feel it does not provide a platform for them to showcase their work. IFFI’s short-film center does not feature a single Goan film despite several entries. The Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) has promised to start a Goan panorama section to showcase Goan work. 355 words. Click here.

Inquiry begins into accident at Goa Airport
17 Nov: The Hindu Business line. A day after two chartered aircrafts brushed each other at Goa Airport, the Civil Aviation’s Safety Directorate has started an inquiry into the accident. The two-member team of the Safety Directorate had arrived and were taking statements of various personnel including flight engineers. 473 words. Click here.

Goa: Fr Ferrao murder accused acquitted
18 Nov: Herald. The additional sessions judge, Margao, acquitted Manish Dhubey and Amit Sukla charged with the murder of Macazana parish priest Fr Eusebio Ferrao who died in March 2006. The acquittal came as the prosecution could not prove the motive behind the murder… 680 words. Click here.

Goa ranks 20th on National Education Index
18 Nov: Times of India. Goa ranks at a lowly 20th position on the national education development index, at the elementary level. The ranks granted under a survey of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) drew the positions after an evaluation of numerous factors including access to education, performance of students and infrastructure provided by the state. 517 words. Click here.

Panjim Hotels threaten to boycott IFFI
18 Nov: Times of India. Hotel owners in Panjim have threatened to down shutters in a bid to protest against the civic authorities’ decision of not picking up garbage generated by city hotels. The garbage committee of the Corporation of the City of Panjim (CCP) in a meeting held late on Monday, decided against picking up garbage from 60 odd hotels in the Panjim jurisdiction as an additional dump-site had not been provided for by the government. 354 words. Click here.

Tight security during IFFI
18 Nov: Hindustan Times. Venues of IFFI 2008, commencing on November 22, will be completely under CCTV surveillance with more than 50 cameras planned at strategic locations. A Police control room will monitor the footage captured through these cameras, round the clock. 210 words. Click here.

Rare books on display at Directorate of Archives
18 Nov: Herald. Historie Der Inquisite Tot Goa by Pieter Mortier is amongst the oldest books at the exhibition of rare books by Directorate of Archives and Archaeology, as part of the National Book week being held in Goa and which ends on November 20. The books on display are from the reference library, the majority of them being in Portuguese, English, Hindi, Marathi and Konkani. 281 words. Click here.

Panjim Hotels threaten to boycott IFFI
18 Nov: Times of India. Hotel owners in Panjim have threatened to down shutters in a bid to protest against the civic authorities’ decision of not picking up garbage generated by city hotels. The garbage committee of the Corporation of the City of Panjim (CCP) in a meeting held late on Monday, decided against picking up garbage from 60 odd hotels in the Pajim jurisdiction as an additional dump-site had not been provided for by the government. 354 words. Click here.

Rekha and Kamal - Chief guests at IFFI 2008
19 Nov. Rekha and Kamal Haasan will be the chief guest of the opening and closing ceremonies, respectively, at IFFI 2008, besides the presence of the governor of Goa, S.S Siddhu, Chief Minister Digamber Kamath and the minister of state for Information and Broadcasting Anand Sharma. Click here.

Actress Sushmita Sen to celebrate her birthday in Goa
19 Nov: Times of India. Sushmita Sen who turns 33 today, will celebrate her birthday in Goa. The still single superstar says she is not looking for romance despite a string of failed affairs. When quizzed as to why she tires of her relationships, she said, marriage hasn’t happened as yet and that she leaves it upto fate. 391 words. Click here.

Green sense in a land run Red
19 Nov: Goanet Reader. In an essay entitled, “Green sense in a land run Red,” Goa-based journalist and writer, Rahul Goswami examines the role of the mining industry in Goa and the grass-root efforts made by locals to combat the ecological ills of this industry. 2520 words. Click here.

IFFI will open with “Warlords”
19 Nov: The Hindu. The 39th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will open on Saturday with the film, “The Warlords,” directed by renowned Hong-Kong Film-maker, Peter Chan. The festival is making every effort to maximize its focus on Asian film-making and the idea that India is fast developing into a hub for film-makers. 188 words. Click here.

Micky Pacheco demands probe into German minor’s rape case
19 Nov: Zee News. Micky Pacheco, the Tourism Minister and political rival of Alemao, demanded in a letter to Goa Chief Minister Digamber Kamat, that the State should “get to the bottom of the case and find out if the German woman and her daughter were really victimised.” He added that in the interest of the State it would be pertinent to know the truth. 215 words. Click here.

Child abuse on the rise in Goa
19 Nov: Times of India. The State has witnessed an increasing number of child abuse cases being reported to NGOs working for children’s rights. Children’s Rights of Goa (CRG) has had 85 cases being reported this year as against 82 reported last year and only 54 reported in 2006. 374 words. Click here.

“1st German Cultural Days” Goa: 12 to 14 Dec. 2008
The Indo-German Friendship Society, Goa is organizing the "1st German Cultural Days" in Goa. The events will be held in Panjim and Margao on 12, 13 and 14 December 2008 and will include a presentation on Information about opportunities of Study & Research in Germany and a "German Alumni Meeting". A Traditional German home pastry class will also be held as well as music events and a roundtable discussion. For programme and more information click here.

ALLEGED GERMAN RAPE:

Goa’s Advocate-General accused of counselling Rohit Monserrate
17 Nov: Sindhtoday.net. The “German Girl’s” mother accused Goa’s State Advocate-General, Subodh Kantak, of providing legal counsel to the accused Rohit Monserrate. This being a State rape case of a minor, where the accused is the son of Goa Education Minister, Babush Monserrate, such an act would be unethical. 473 words. Click here.

German rape: Aires Rodrigues says he is being targeted
18 Nov: PTI. Aires Rodrigues has said that he was being "targeted" by a local mine owner… 268 words. Click here.

IN THE NEWS:

NRI group ask Sonal Shah to clarify VHP 'links'
11 Nov: Sify news. A group of NRIs have launched a campaign against Sonal Shah, the only Indian-American in the Obama transition team, for her alleged links with the VHP in India. This is the same group of NRI organisations which had successfully lobbied against the issue of a US visa for Gujarat CM Narendra Modi. 523 words Click here.

Happy cheap eating
13 Nov: Time Out (London) … Mango & Silk. Sheen is lucky to have a chef of Udit Sarkhel's standing working locally. We particularly rate the Goan squid balchao (a hot and sour dish) and the crisp, lemony samosas. The Sunday buffet features a different Indian region each week and is an attractive £12.95 per adult … 199 Upper Richmond Rd West, SW14 8QT (mangoandsilk.co.uk).

Laughs help Goa kids
13 Nov: Tasmanian Mercury (Australia). …A gala night of stand-up comedy, Laugh-Aid is being held to raise funds for the Hobart-based Global Vaddo Charity (www. gvc.org.au), which was established by Evelyn and Nigel Robertson last year to support disadvantaged children in Goa, India… all profits from the show going towards the establishment of a learning centre and volunteer accommodation in Goa… 326 words. Click here.

Father Raymond J. de Souza: Getting it right on contraception
13 Nov. National Post (Canada). This Saturday, there will be an important conference on sexual morality and contraception, featuring both the Archbishops of Toronto and Ottawa, Ho-hum. The general view is that contraception is not worth getting excited about because no one pays attention anyway… 715 words. Click here.

Qatar: Goa minister to attend expat forum’s function
14 Oct: Gulf Times (Qatar). Joaquim Alemao, will attend a function being organised today as part of the one-day seven-a-side football tournament for Goan community members at the Doha Stadium. 233 words. Click here.

Church attacked in Mumbai
16 Nov. NDTV. A Christian prayer meeting in Mumbai was attacked on Saturday by members of the Shiv Sena and Bajrang Dal. “What is happening around the country has finally affected us here,” said Pastor Loveson Kurien. The police have arrested eight people from the Shiv Sena and Bajrang Dal. 266 words. Click here.

India to lure NRI funds
17 Nov: MSN News. In a bid to lure more foreign exchange into the country, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), increased the ceiling on interest rates for foreign currency non-resident deposits. For pound deposits, NRIs would earn an annual interest of 5.75 per cent, which is around the same as what deposits in UK would earn. 341 words. Click here.

Bar-hopping in Mumbai
18 Nov: National Post (Canada). Mango caprioscas, masala mojitos and kiwi margaritas can be found in many of Mumbai's slick and stylish five-star bars, but why not also try other establishments … Click here.

Pietas D’Souza
18 Nov: Daijiworld. Well-known Konkani writer and columnist for over 6 decades, Pietas D”Souza, popularly known as P. D'Souza passed away in the early hours of Sunday November 16, in Mumbai after a brief period of illness. A crusader of the Konkani movement, both in his native Mangalore and in Mumbai, P D'Souza had carved a niche for himself in the Konkani world. 344 words. Click here.

British “Sex-on-the-beach” couple to appeal in Dubai
18 Nov: Telegraph UK. Two Britons convicted of having sexual intercourse on a Dubai beach are due to appear before the courts to appeal against their prison sentence. Michell Palmer, 36 and Vince Acors, 34 who were convicted and sentenced by a judge at the Dubai Court of Misdemeanors, last month, face three months of prison followed by deportation of their appeal is unsuccessful. 311 words. Click here.

Rupee falls to all-time low against Dollar
20 Nov: Times of India. The rupee fell sharply against the dollar to close at an all-time low of Rs 50.02 on Tuesday. The 35-paise fall from its previous closing was prompted by heavy dollar demand from FIIs exiting Indian stocks and oil companies.815 words. Click here.

GOANET HIGHLIGHTS
BY CORNEL DACOSTA

Amidst the general 'small talk' on parochial issues on Goanet, this week we have several in-depth issues to report below:

An article by Venita Coelho, asks "Why is activism heating up in Goa? I answered in one word: Frustration. What we are seeing are decent law-abiding people being driven by sheer frustration to protest. These are people who have tried every official and legal avenue---and been left with no recourse." She describes in vivid detail, for instance, how buildings arise in Goa with scant attention to planning details, the interests of the environment and the effects on local people. To read it click here.

The two men tried for the murder of Fr Eusabio Ferrao at Macasana Church have just been acquitted. This news has generated a lot of anger in some quarters and also led to a demand for an appeal against the court decision. A key article to this effect, by Col.Cyril P. D'Souza, appeared in the Herald Newspaper. Further, a good summary of the issue, (including photographs) is to be found in the article 'Who Killed Fr Eusabio Ferrao'. Click here.

'Unwrapping Goan Identity' by Teotonio R. de Souza is an introspective article contributing to the ongoing Goanet discussion on Goan identity. A point in his conclusion is well worth quoting..."caste remains a challenge for Goans for yet another millennium. It is what the Portuguese would call a pedra nosapato, a cultural irritant that we need to learn to freely detach from the requisites of our personal and collective identity. Until we can eradicate it, we we can hardly call ourselves global Goans. We will remain puny caste bound Goans doing relatively well globally." Teotonio also draws our attention to the substantial discussion about caste over the years on Goanet.

Constantino H Xavier provides an interesting article titled 'Portugal and Goa in the 21st Century: Towards an Alliance of the Small'. A flavour of his substantial article is contained in the following: "Portugal, on the western flank of the flourishing European Union, and Goa, on the Western flank of powerhouse India share a parallel, peripheral situation. Both neighbour booming world cities such as London, Paris, Frankfurt, and New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. Both are small but not insignificant units within their larger geostrategic contexts. And both face an infinite emptiness of vast oceans." He concludes that, " a new relationship between Goa and India and Portugal and Europe is not only possible, but a great opportunity for the 21st Century".

Finally, on a lighter note, Cecil Pinto directs us to fascinating details about unwitting typos to be found in editions of the Bible. These are quite amusing and to be found buy clicking here.

Please visit the Goanet archives at http://lists.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet-goanet.org/
To subscribe to Goanet send an email to subscribe@goanet.org

FILM: The Party. TCM
Sunday 23rd Nov: 15:00 to 17:00. Fun and laughter in this classic comedy with Peter Sellers as an unknown Indian actor who wreaks havoc when he is accidentally invited to a Hollywood major party. (1968, PG, 3 Star)

DOCUMENTARY: Louis Theroux's Weird Weekends. Dave
Sunday 23rd Nov. Time: 23:00 to 00:00. India: Enlightenment. In search of enlightenment, Louis travels to India. He tries meditation, talks to guru Swami G and finally meets a genuine spiritual phenomenon

DOCUMENTARY: Angry Planet. Travel Channel
Sun 23rd Nov. 23:30 to 00:00. Indian Monsoon. We intercept the Monsoon as it hits southern India and makes its way north along the western shore past Goa and Mumbai up to Delhi.

COOKERY: Indian Food Made Easy.BBC 2
Mon 24th Nov.20:30 to 21:00. Food writer and chef Anjum Anand is on a mission to show novice cooks how to cook simple yet delicious Indian food.

COOKERY: Coconut Coast.UKTV Food
Tuesday 25th Nov. 05:30 to 06:00. The Colonials. Food and travel series shot in India. Presenter Reza Mahammad admires the colonial architecture around Cochin, and cooks lamb stew and prawn moilee.

TRAVEL: Working Holiday. Travel Channel
Thursday 27th Nov. 08:00 to 09:00. Wellington DJ, Sandon James, works in Goa, India, at a Motorbike tour company which is run by English expatriate Susie. Sandon also gets to work at a rafting tour company in the jungle run by another English expatriate John

FORTHCOMING

See http://www.lanfranc.com/lanfranc_location_2000.pdf for help in locating Archbishop Lanfranc School, Croydon

Sun: 23 Nov. 1.30 pm. The 81st Commemoration Mass of the death of the Venerable Fr. Agnelo will be held at St. Boniface Church, 185 Mitcham Rd. Tooting, London, SW17 9P. Thereafter at the Parish Hall. Principal Celebrant: Bishop Patrick Lynch. Kindly note change of venue.

Sun. 30 Nov. G.O.A. Feast Of St Francis Xavier at St. Boniface Church, Tooting Broadway, London SW17. Contact: Alfred Rebello 020 – 8337 8022

Wed: 3 Dec. S.E.GOANS will be celebrating the FEAST OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER at St Stephens Church, Deepdene Road, Welling, DA16 3QL. Mass will commence at 7pm. Mass will be celebrated by his lordship Bishop Patrick Lynch along with local clergy. Following the mass their will be a celebration and refreshments, we look forward to seeing you there!

Wed. 3 Dec: London: Goan Community Centre, Keston Road, Tottenham, London N17 6PW. Celebrating the Feast of St Francis Xavier. Begins at 6pm. Mass at 6.30pm. Followed by Fellowship. Food to Share. Nearest tube Turnpike Lane/Seven Sisters). All Welcome. Enquiries to Grace Coutinho, gfcoutinho@btinternet.com

Sat. 6 Dec. G.O.A. Xmas Pantomime – Peter Pan at Fairfield Halls, Croydon – 2pm. Contact: Norma Menezes-Rahim 020 – 8771 4457, Bernie Gracias 020 – 8723 1322

Sun. 7 Dec. North London Goans invite you to celebrate the Feast of St. Francis Xavier at Woodside High School Hall (Formerly White Hart Lane School, Opp. New River Sports Centre), White Hart Lane, Wood Green, London, N22 5QJ. Holy Mass at 12:45pm.Followed by a social gathering. Music by LEVEL 4
For tickets contact any of the following: - Tony Gomes 020 8245 1364, Seby D'Silva 020 8245 5463, Joe Telles 020 8443 1014, Oboe Noronha 020 8340 0439, Cos Fernandes 020 8888 8659, Meredith Soares 020 8803 4173, John Fernandes 020 8881 4579, Frank Mendes 020 8888 1400 or Bernadette Dias 020 8361 9417

Sun. 14 Dec: 1-5pm. S.E.GOANS KIDS XMAS PARTY. A great FAMILY party for children & parents to enjoy. St Stephens Church Hall, Deepdene Road, Welling DA16 3QL. Music, Buffet, crafts, games, kids entertainer & Santa Claus. (Please provide kids costumes for Nativity play & have a present clearly labelled with their name). Contact Sharon 01322 400732, Tatayana 0208 316 1473 for tickets. £2 members, £3 non members.

Mon 26 Dec. 7pm till 1am. Slough Goans Christmas Dance at the Polish Association Club, Stoke Poges Lane. Music by “Say One Do One”. Adult Tickets £12 before 8th December. Tony/Suzy Rodrigues 01753 675072, Paul 07956 496 190. Sold out every year so please buy your tickets early to avoid disappointment

FOR LATER EVENTS SEE http://www.goanvoice.org.uk/