40th International Film Festival to being with a bang from Nov. 23

By Navdeep Aguiar

The 40th International Film Festival of India gets underway from 23rd November 2009. This 11 day extravaganza is the biggest annual film event in South Asia. Goa's people are known for their taste, understanding and judgment of various aspects of dramas, teatros and films. Goa is also the home of some of the outstanding film personalities, who gained recognition both at home and abroad for their creativity, talent, sensitivity and insight into the human nature. It is therefore fitting that Goa be a permanent IFFI venue.




Last year the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) commenced with the period Chinese film ‘The Warlords’ set in the 1860s, during the Taiping Rebellion in the Qing Dynasty, as the opening film. The opening ceremony was simple and elegant and keeping with international standards. Noted Film Actress Rekha was the Chief Guest at the inaugural ceremony. The Governor of Goa Dr S. S. Sidhu, the Chief Minister, Mr. Digambar V. Kamat and the Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, Shri Anand Sharma graced the occasion besides several important film personalities. Telugu actress of Goan origin Illina D.Cruz was the special guest to assist the dignitaries in lightning the ceremonial lamp. Bollywood actress Amrita Rao hosted the inaugural ceremony as the master of ceremony.

The Indian Premiers section was handled by the ESG which included seven new feature films. ‘Saawariya.com’ a Konkani film along with others films like ‘Oye Lucky, Lucky Oye!’, ‘Thanks Maa’ ( both Hindi), ‘Tandala- Ek Mukhavata’ (Marathi), ‘One Day in Cochin’ (Malayalam/ French/ English). The prestigious film event felicitated Bengali Director, Mrinal Sen, evergreen Actor, Dev Anand, legendary South Indian Director, K Balchander and noted Film Editor from Goa, Waman Bhonsle.





International Film Festival of India (IFFI)-2009 will start in Kala Academy, Panaji, Goa on November 23, 2009. The Chinese historical drama “Wheat” has been chosen as the opening film. The film is set in 260 B.C when China was mired in a long and bloody war between the Qin and the Zhao that could not be settled for decades. Veteran Film Actress Waheeda Rehman will be the Chief Guest at the inaugural ceremony. The Governor of Goa Dr S. S. Sidhu, the Chief Minister, Shri Digambar V. Kamat and the Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Smt. Ambika Soni will also grace the occasion. Well-known actress Asin would be special guest for lighting the ceremonial lamp. Internationally renowned actor Kabir Bedi and artist Divya Dutta would be compeering the Opening Ceremony.

The 11-day extravaganza is divided into various sections: Film Programmes, Non Film Programmes, Film Bazaar, Short Film Center and Cultural Activities. The Film Programming is the core of the festival and screens nearly 300 films during the period of 11 days across 10 Auditoria and 3 preview rooms in the cities of Panaji and Margao in Goa. The most popular sections in the film programming include competitions for feature films from Asia, Africa, Latin America, Cinema of the World, Tributes, Homage’s, Retrospectives, Country Focus films, Indian Panorama and specially curated sections.

The Indian Premier Section will showcase a selection of eight films during the 40th International Film Festival of India, Goa 2009. The films selected include “And Once Again” by Director Shri Amol Palekar, “Red Alert: The War Within” by Director Shri Ananth Mahadevan, “God Lives in the Himalayas” by Director Shri Sanjay Srinivas, “Shahrukh Bola Khoobsoorat Hai” by Director Shri Makran Deshpande and “Zagor“ by Director Sangramsinh Gaikwad.

The Short Film Center is a business platform being created at the International Film Festival of India, Goa between November 24 to December 2, 2009. It is an effort to bring short film makers, buyers, festival organizers and funding agencies on to one single platform.

The IFFI also conducts a special festival fair on the sidelines at the Cornice between Old GMC and Kala Academy. This fair is organized by the picturesque River Mandovi between 23rd November to 3rd December 2009. The fair presents glimpses into the life and culture of Goa and an opportunity for festival delegates and local population to celebrate this festival of Cinema.

The Festival would conclude on December 03, 2009 with presentation of Golden and Silver Peacock Awards for Best Film and Best Director, the Special Jury Awards as also the Vasudha and Golden Lamp Tree Awards for the short films. Malayalam Star Mammootty will be the Chief Guest at the Closing Ceremony.



There are many famous Konkani films too which should get due recognition at the IFFI and the artistes of which definitely deserved to be honoured. January 31 is a memorable day in the little-noticed history of Konkani cinema, that comes from the region of Goa, but has been taken forward often by the expat communities in places

like Bombay (now Mumbai). It was on this date in 1950 that Al Jerry Braganza, influenced by the Konkani novel of Dioguinho D'Mello, decided to do a film based on it and did the 'muhurat' (inaugural shot) on this day. Soon, the film 'Mogacho Anvddo' was released on April 24, 1950 at Mapusa. In the 1960s and 1970s there were good films in Konkani. The second Konkani film 'Amchem Noxib' was released in 1963 under the banner of Frank Films. The film was a super-hit. The songs of this film continue to be popular even today. Film 'Nirmon' by Frank Fernandes was released in 1966. This film also was a super-hit. In 1967 it was again Al Jerry Braganza who released his second film 'Sukhachem Sopon', under the banner of Helen Productions. This film had melodious music and lyrics by Alfred Rose.

'Mhoji Ghorkarn' was released in 1969 under the banner of Movierama. In the year 1970, Britona Films came up with its new release 'Kortobancho Sounsar'. The dialogues of this film were written by Reginald Fernandes.

Soon Ambika Films came out with its 'Jivit Amchem Oxem' by Muthu Krishan Das. In 1975, Ambika Films, again, came out with another film 'Bogllant', which was based on the teatro 'No Vacancy' by Prem Kumar. In the year 1977, the United Youngsters of Mangalore brought out the first coloured Konkani film called 'Mog Ani Moipass'.

In the same year, Chris Perry and Tony Coutinho brought out another film called 'Buyarantlo Munis' in colour under the banner of Chripton Motion Pictures. The film had music by the musician with the golden trumpet, Chris Perry and playback singing by the famous Asha Bhosle. In 1978 Konkan Pictures of Mangalore came out with its film 'Tisri Chitt'. In 1981, another Konkani group brought out 'Jana Mana'. In 1982, Priya Productions brought our 'Suzane'. This film had lyrics by Alfred Rose and playback singing by Manna Dey and Bhupinder, also significant names.

In 1980 the GSB Mandal brought out 'Tapaswani' followed by 'Girastkai' by Muthu Krshnan Das. This film had cast of Christopher and Meena Leitao. 'Bhogsonne' produced by Richard Castelino bagged the best regional film award in the State of Karnataka. The film culture has come to stay in Goa and lot of good films like 'Shitu', 'Dekhni Durai', 'Aleesha', 'Kanteantlem Ful' and others have come.



There is lot of talent in Goa with upcoming actors and actresses and in direction and production. Today is one of those rare days --- a konkani film “Poltodcho Monis” has won an international award. Hats off to Lakshmikant, Prashanti and others.

Goa is thrilled to host yet another film festival and one can be sure the State will make a success of the event. The film festival held in Goa last years were highly appreciated by one and all. It left a deep imprint even in the minds of international film personalities, who were impressed by the hospitality of Goa and the quality of the festival, which maintained a reasonably good standard.

When cinema came into being, it was almost like another piece of magic -- as the 'magic lantern' name suggests. But in a short span, cinema matured into a great form of art. The seventh art. In one century it has surpassed all other forms of communications. Today the cinematic form of expression is the language through which people understand massive volumes of information stored and imparted. Film festivals, wherever they are conducted, hold people together and light the lamp of hope and brotherhood. The great works of cinema speak to us that the humanity had survived many a catastrophe in the past and will be able to do in the future also.

India is the biggest producer of films in the world. Nearly 800-900 films are made every year in our country, in many languages. At the same time, we cannot escape the fact that the culture of cinema in our country is facing a crisis of sorts. While this may partly be due to the wide reach of television, especially through satellite channels and cable operators, which has affected attendance in the theatres, it also cannot be denied that the

overall quality of films produced in the country leaves much to be desired. Many films made today are essentially weak in both form and content and make no lasting impression on viewers. While it may be true that films, like many other projects, are expected to give a return on the investments made, it is also necessary to recognize that box-office successes should not be the only consideration. Our films should be socially relevant, conveying a strong social message, which makes the viewers reflect seriously, and sets in motion their thought process. Our heritage, our culture, our civilization, our history, our literature, our democratic fabric, our development and our achievements on the one side and our shortcomings on the other can offer many themes for fascinating and wonderful films if they made with skill and sensitivity.



One can have no doubt that the medium of films, which is very powerful, can directly and indirectly help in the task of overall national development by motivating and inspiring people. Films have a universal appeal and are watched by the literate and illiterate, by adults and children, by the rural and urban population, by all castes and communities. It is, therefore, all the more necessary that films should be meaningful, wholesome and socially relevant. In short, they should be works of art, which can be treasured and enjoyed

for all times to come. IFFI-2009, the 40th in the series, will surely contribute towards the cause of good cinema by getting together a package of some of the best films made in India and in other countries. The Government of India is furthering the cause of good cinema and the international film festival is one of the means towards achieving this end.

Apart from the viewing of films, the festival also provides a forum for interaction between Indian and foreign film-makers, technicians, critics, students of cinema and film lovers. This, in a way, is one of the most important aspects of the festival. In the host state, the Entertainment Society of Goa(ESG) plays a supporting role in the organization of this

important event along with the Directorate of Film Festivals.

EMINENT JOURNALIST AND MAGSAYSAY AWARD WINNER, SHRI P. SAINATH IS SEEN RELEASING A BOOK ENTITLED “ANOTHER GOA” BY FREDRICK NORONHA AT THE NATIONAL PRESS DAY, CELEBRATED AT RAVINDRA BHAVAN, MARGAO ON NOVEMBER 16, 2009. ALSO SEEN ARE CHIEF MINISTER, SHRI DIGAMBAR KAMAT SECRETARY FOR INFORMATION, SHRI NARENDRA KUMAR, DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION AND PUBLICITY, SHRI MENINO PERES, PRESS AND MEDIA ADVISOR, SHRI VISHNU SURYA WAGH, GUJ PRESIDENT, SHRI PRAKASH KAMAT, PRESIDENT OF PJA, SHRI BERNABE SAPECO, SECRETARY OF GUJ, SHRI SUDESH ARLEKAR AND OTHERS.

35th Women national Sports Festival 2009 inograted by Chief Minister Digamber Kamat & Sports Minister Manohar Azgaokar

CHIEF MINISTER, SHRI DIGAMBAR KAMAT IS SEEN HANDING OVER TORCH TO THE PARTICIPANTS AT THE 35TH WOMEN NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL 2009., TO MARK THE OPENING OF SPORTS FESTIVAL AT FATORDA STADIUM MARGAO ON NOVEMBER 11, 2009. ALSO SEEN ARE SPORTS MINISTER, SHRI MANOHAR (BABU) AJGAONKAR, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SAG, SHRI V.M. PRABHUDESAI AND OTHERS.

Valley of Colorz, new Music CD of Sidhnath Buyao

Buyao's album Valley of Colorz, released in Goa

Releasing the album, PWD Minister Mr Churchill Alemao complimented Mr Buyao on his new music album and said that the songs in the album are lively and people, specially the youth, would like them. Mr Alemao said he is a great fan of Goem Shahir Ulhas Buyao whose songs like “Zayat zage” are forever embedded in the hearts of millions of Konkani lovers.

Mr Alemao said Mr Sidhanath Buyao has continued with the legacy of father’s dreams and mission of keeping the flag of mother tongue Konkani flying high and to reach the same to the millions by the ways of music and songs. Late Ulhas Buyao’s music, he said, was appreciated by Konkani lovers staying worldwide, as he could sense the nerves of music lovers and gave them the best they wanted.

President of Konkani Akademi Mr N. Shivdas said that Goem Shahir Ulhas Buyao has been one of the iconic figure of the Goan struggle of identity. His role during the epic struggle of Opinion Poll has been carved in the golden memories of the collective psyche of Goan mind.

One of the lyric writers, Mr Shridar Kamat, said that the Music CD comprises the presentation of late Ulhas Buyao “Zait Zage” prior to his death, however he could not sing the last verse of the song and his son Sidhnath had to sing the last part in the song.

Fatorda MLA Mr Damodar Naik who has penned the lyrics for five songs also spoke on the occasion. Poets Mr John Aguiar and Mr Gaurish Vernekar and singers Mr Santosh Lotlikar, Ms. Trisca Fernandes, Dr. Vinaykumar P. Raikar and Mr Saish Palondikar were also present. All the singers and lyric writers were presented with mementos and bouquets at the hands of Shri Churchill Alemao.

In his welcome address, Mr Sidhanath Buyao said that he is considering contributing to the flood affected victims of Canacona from the sale proceeds of the above album. He said, CDs are available all over, however orders will also be accepted on a simple SMS sent on his mobile No: 9823317995.

Lyrics to this album are fetched from the great poets like Bakibab Borkar and Manohar Rai Sardesai, also Shreedhar Kamat, Gaurish Vernekar, & MLA Damodar G.Naik have penned the lyrics for this album. Poet John Aguiar has penned 5 songs for this album. Mrs. Mandovi Sansguiri was also present.

The music is composed by Mr Buyao himself, and along with him singer Nephie Rod has sung in this album. With a view to give a plank to new singers, he has introduced two singers in this album.

On the occasion Buyao theatres felicitated some personalities in the field of music such as Mr Narottam Parvatkar (tabla player), Chote Rahmat Khan (sitar player), Mr Roque Lazarus (guitar player and leader of Mand Soban group from Mangalore).

THE SPELL OF SHANTADURGA OF KAWLEM

-John Aguiar
The Zatra festival of Shree Shantadurga of Kawlem is celebrated at the Shantatadurga devasthan Kawlem on Magh Shudh Panchami with Maha Pooja & Santarpan, Puran, Kirtan, Drama & Aarti and Procession of deity in ‘Suvarna Shibika' and Maha Rathotsav at 4.30 am. the next day. The Mahotsava is marked with religious ceremonies like kirtans, aartis, palkhi, lalkhi. Naukarohan is held on the Chowath, one day before the Mahapanchami.

The Mahapanchami is celebrated with great pomp and gaiety at the devasthan. Hundreds of devotees throng the devasthan for the darshan of the deity.

My mother, a Hindu Saraswat from Rau Valulikar family used to tell me stories of Shree Shantadurga right from the childhood which has unknowingly made me a, devotee of this deity. I also feel that she protects and guides me throughout. My mother has offered me at her feet when I was still young at the deity's request.

Shree Shantadurga Devasthan is the biggest devasthan and the biggest teerthshetra in the state. Mahamaya; Sateri and Durga are believed to be the different faces of goddess Shantadurga. Situated 33 kms from Panjim, Shree Shantadurga temple has an impressive idol of Goddess Shree Durga who mediated between Shree Vishnu and Shree Shiva and stopped the fierce full war going on between the two. She is flanked by Vishnu and Shiva on both the sides.
At the devasthan, the presiding godess is seated on the main seat in the Garbakuda in the kawlem temple with a shiva linga nearby. The temple is situated in a beautiful natural surroundings. Besides the main Shantadurga deity, there is a small attached temple of Shree Laximinarayan with a Ganesha idol and an idol of Godess Bhagwati nearby. In front of the temple there are idols of Satpurush grampurush. All these deities have been brought from Kutthali (Cortalim) during Portuguese regime. The temple has a rich garbakida, where the deity is kept.

The temples of Shree Shantadurga and Shree Mangesh, two of the most revered patron deities of the Hindu Goud Saraswat Brahmin community are located in Kavlem and Mangeshi respectively in the Ponda district of North Goa. Shree Shantadurga is avatar of Shree Jagdamba devi which had come to make peace [Shanti] between Shree Vishnu and Shree Shiva, came to be known as Shree Shantadurga devi.
Based in Kawlem, in Ponda taluka, Shree Shantadurga Prassana is considered to be the deity of peace and this has reflected in the temple area over which she presides. On entering the temple one feels relaxed in the temple area and often does not feel like leaving. This is the spell of Shantadurga, the "Zagrut' deity of the area.

Shantadurgas original abode was a Kelosim (Cavelossim) but during the Portuguese regime the deity was brought to Kawlem in Antruz taluka (Now Ponda taluka) by the Zuari river. Other deities like Manguesh were also brought to Ponda so that they could be protected from the Portuguese. During Raja Soundekar's time, the deities gained popularity.The current temple structure of Shree Shantadurga devi was built during the period from 1713 a.d to 1738 a.d. Many renovations have been done over the years to the main temple and to the temples of other deities besides the agarshala [guest house] which is built on three sides of the temple.

There is belief that if any one wishes for something and prays with devotion, the godess will never makes her devotee unhappy. In many cases, devotees say, she has answered many of their prayers. The temple itself is a stage of confidence.

One among the many faces of Durga is "Kali" an angry goddess. There is a story narrated from the epics as to how the angry 'Chandika' became'Shantadrga'.
Once, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, both powerful gods were fighting each other. Both were unbeatable and the war continued for days and months, ancient mythology tells us. All the Gods were worried. The most worried among them was 'Bhramadeva'. He felt that if this continued, the end of the world was eminent. Bhramadeva, with his power called for 'Jagdamba' (in another sense, a incarnation of Durga, who appeared in between Lord Shiva and separated them-thus avoiding the end of the world. He was successful in bringing about peace and thus she continues to be regarded as the deity of peace of 'Shantadurga' .

She has a large number of devotees who have much faith in her and who consider Kawlem as one of the important teerthshetra and visit the deity whenever there is a Utsava(Festival) there, or on every panchami.

Shantadurga, the godess who mediated between Vishnu and Shiva is an unique example of equality and oneness. While some of the country's bigger temples still prohibit the entry of lower cast. Harijans are honoured at this temple. A large number of catholics also visit the temple on the panchami days and offer prayers. The annual Zatra festival of the godess which falls in the magh month of the hindu calendar is very famous and attracts large devotees.

On the sixth day or "Saxtt", the day after the Mahapanchami, harijans accompany palkhi and they are honoured by the deity. This is unique and is not seen in any other temples.

The mahajans of the Shantadurga from Keloshim liked Kawlem, which was known as Maharwada then. Some raised objections over the installation of the deity there but the goddess it is believed to have given her consent to be installed there.
In 1961 after liberation a sahastrachandi was performed followed by a Navachandi in 1966. A gold palkhi was designed and later made for the deity.

LET’S TALK ABOUT DYSLEXIA IN GOA

BY JOHN AGUIAR

“Usually when people hear the word dyslexia they think only of reading, writing, spelling, and math problems a child is having in school. There is a positive side to dyslexia which not many are aware. Dyslexics don't all develop the same gifts, but they do have certain mental functions in common.

Here are the basic abilities all dyslexics share:

• They can utilize the brain's ability to alter and create perceptions (the primary ability).

• They are highly aware of the environment.

• They are more curious than average.

• They think mainly in pictures instead of words.

• They are highly intuitive and insightful.

• They think and perceive multi-dimensionally

(using all the senses).

• They can experience thought as reality.

• They have vivid imaginations.

These eight basic abilities, if not suppressed, invalidated or destroyed by parents or the educational process, will result in two characteristics: higher than normal intelligence, and extraordinary creative abilities”, says Remediana Dias who completed her M.Sc in Specific Learning Disabilities at the University of Southampton, UK and is an Advanced member of the British Dyslexia Association. She currently works as a Dyslexia Practitioner and provides therapy for pupils with learning disabilities and is also pursuing Post Graduate Diploma in managing Autism Spectrum Disorders using Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Therapy.

In a tete-a-tete with me, she explains the causes and symptoms of dyslexia, throws light on the positive side of dyslexia and highlights the urgent need for a Dyslexia learning centre in Goa.

What is Dyslexia?

No single definition currently exists to adequately define dyslexia. Simple definition of dyslexia is 'Intelligent, bright or even gifted individuals, that for no obvious reason, struggle to learn through the medium of written or spoken language'. Many people think whether dyslexia is related to intelligence. Dyslexia is not due to low intelligence'. Children with learning disabilities are smart. They can do well. Unfortunately one or more of their information processing systems does not work efficiently. This makes it more difficult to acquire academic skills. The myth that dyslexics are just stupid can most effectively be laid to rest by mentioning some of history’s famous dyslexics—all of them men of exceptional ability and intellect. I hope this will be reassuring if your child has recently been diagnosed. Albert Einstein is the name we most commonly associate with a genius. He did not begin to read until he was nine but by the age of 12 he was a brilliant mathematician and physicist despite having no gift for languages. Leonardo da Vinci the remarkable artist, architect, engineer and scientist was undoubtedly dyslexic. Examples of his mirror writing can still be seen in his notebooks at the British museum in London. Thomas Edison the American inventor of the telephone, the microphone, the phonograph and the electric bulb among many other things was thought to be a dunce at school. He could never learn the alphabet or arithmetic tables by heart and his spelling and grammar remained appalling throughout his life. Woodrow Wilson, President of the United States of America didn’t learn his letters until he was 9 and could not read till he was 11 but turned out to be a marvellous debater who never needed any notes.

Who has dyslexia? Is it related to social background?

I would say that a recognizable form and degrees of dyslexia are present in about 10% of children in the Goa and this may well be a conservative estimate. We do not have figures which show how many pupils in schools are likely to have dyslexia.

What causes dyslexia?

As far as we know there is no single simple cause of dyslexia. It is suspected that the root of the problem is thought to be an inefficient connection between the left and right halves of the brain. This might sound alarming stated in such medical terms. But to put it in perspective remember that I am talking about very subtle variations in the arrangement of cells, not the severe brain abnormalities that result in more serious conditions than dyslexia.

What are the signs and symptoms of dyslexia? How can you tell that a child could be dyslexic?

Some of the early signs in the preschool child are: difficulty in learning to talk, in listening and following directions, in remembering, in pronouncing words or in expressing ideas. Once the child starts school, other signs are: difficulty in learning the alphabet, in sequencing letters or numbers ("saw" for "was" or "no" for "on"), difficulty rhyming, difficulty with sequence and memory for words, and in learning to read, write and spell. In addition, the dyslexic child may have a short attention span and be easily distracted or seem to daydream. Or he or she may be hyperactive, in constant motion or restless, clumsy and awkward, or unable to coordinate several things at once. The only sure way to determine if a child is dyslexic is through professional assessment. Many parents are concerned at the prospect of their child being given an official label that proclaims his disability for the entire world to see. You may be worried about your child being made to feel different or about the unwarranted social stigma that some people attach to dyslexia, mistakenly believing it to be a type of mental deficiency.

What kinds of accommodations can be given to dyslexic students studying and taking exams?

Some common accommodations that can be given are oral testing, untimed tests, eliminate or reduce spelling tests, don’t force oral reading, accept dictated work, reduce homework load, grade on content, not spelling nor handwriting. Reduce copying tasks.

What ails our educational system?

Let's work on the solution and stop pointing fingers. The solution is not to blame teachers, parents or students, but to take all the resources we have and direct them into intensive teacher training. No one program works for all students with a learning disability. A teacher should be trained in two or three reading methods specific for students for dyslexia. Not all teachers want to be trained but for those who do, the school should fund the training. The schools should have testing facilities which can identify dyslexia and many multi-sensory reading programs that are effective in teaching students with symptoms of dyslexia. Many school children with dyslexia in Goa endure frustration and demoralization on a daily basis as they struggle to acquire skills that many of us take for granted.

If your child is struggling how do you know if dyslexia is the cause? Where can you go for help?

There is an urgent need in Goa for a Learning centre that provides one-to-one instruction goes that beyond traditional tutoring and develops the underlying sensory skills necessary for reading, spelling, comprehension, critical thinking, and math and is based on the individual's learning needs. The Education ministry in Goa should step in to set up a centre where students learn to integrate sensory information to become self-correcting and independent in all learning tasks. Many students need intensive instruction to rapidly close the gap between their potential and their performance. A Learning Center on a one-to-one with students in a positive, patient and caring environment in a structured, systematic, and cumulative approach could tap into each child’s individual learning style by incorporating touch, vision and auditory elements.

Can dyslexia be cured?

Dyslexia is not a disease. It has no cure. But it is no longer necessary to be distressed if your child is dyslexic because there are well-tried methods of teaching which greatly improve the condition in the vast majority of cases. There are innumerable ways in which dyslexics can be helped by teachers, psychologists, speech therapists, family doctors and of course by their parents. Before examining the techniques for coping with dyslexia, let us talk about the common problems that arise for dyslexics and their parents and teachers and how they might be avoided.Despite the bright prospects of a normal life for dyslexics offered by today’s teaching and other remedial methods, it cannot be denied that in reality dyslexics, their families and teachers often encounter daunting problems, most of which I believe are based largely on a lack of understanding.This lack of understanding begins with the child himself who cannot grasp why other children often less bright than him seem to be able to acquire skills in reading, writing, spelling and arithmetic which he finds so difficult or even totally incomprehensible. Being a dyslexic can cause a lot of pain. The pain is more mental than physical because you're aware that you are different from everyone. He may react to his failure to keep up in these subjects with temper tantrums, psychosomatic ailments such as headaches or tummy upsets or by wetting or soiling himself.Parents are often puzzled why their child is doing badly at school when he seems bright enough in every other way. They may begin to wonder whether he is indeed as dull or lazy as his teachers seem to suggest. Teachers may be totally baffled by the pupil who does not respond to teaching methods that are successful for most of other pupils especially as there is no obvious reason for his lack of progress. There is a strong need to create public and professional awareness about dyslexia. We need to work to improve the future for the dyslexics. Expert help needs to be provided so that the number of pupils with symptoms of dyslexia becomes fewer. They need not suffer unnecessary hardship as a result of lack of understanding from parents, teachers and other professionals. Dyslexics have many strengths: oral skills, comprehension, good visual spatial awareness/artistic abilities. More and more dyslexic children could become talented and gifted members of our society if we worked not only with their specific areas of difficulty, but also their specific areas of strengths from an early age. To do this we have to let go of outmoded viewpoints that a dyslexic child must first fail, in order to be identified. These are the children of our future and they have a right to help and support before they develop the dreadful sense of failure which is so insidious. Class teachers dealing with dyslexic children need to be flexible in their approach, so that they can, as far as possible, find a method that suits the pupil, rather than expecting that all pupils will learn in the same way. Above all, there must be an understanding from all who teach them, that they may have many talents and skills. Their abilities must not be measured purely on the basis of their difficulties in acquiring literacy skills. Dyslexic children, like all children, thrive on challenges and success. Sincere praise works wonders. They often excel at activities such as Legos, computer games, art or music. Any skill in which these young people experience success should be encouraged and nurtured. Their skills, interests and hobbies may lead to careers in adult life.In adulthood, these individuals excel in fields dependent upon their special abilities: art, architecture, physics, aeronautics, pure mathematical research, engineering, computer programming, and photography. Frequently, they develop their own businesses or become chief executive officers (CEOs) in major corporations because of their inventiveness and ability to see the relationships of large numbers of variables. We need individuals with highly developed visual-spatial abilities for advancement in the arts, technology and business. These are the creative leaders of society. We need to protect their differences in childhood and enable them to develop their unique talents in supportive environments at home and at school.

WOMEN IN THE HOME GUARD

By John Aguiar

Women have earned their place in the many fields including the Indian Armed Forces. They are serving with distinction in the Home Guards organisation. Whether under the auspices of the Traffic duties, Computer operator, Bandobast duties of VVIPs or during elections in the organisation. Women have contributed to and complimented the various missions of the service.

Mrs. Carolina Fernandes is humane and fearless who is currently Honorary Platoon Commander serving in the Panaji Division of the Home Guards. She was presented with the Chief Ministers’ Home Guards Gold Medal for Meritorious service at the hands of Chief Minister Shri Digambar Kamat on the occasion of the Goa’s 47th Liberation Day on December 19, 2008.
Mrs. Carolina has received many rewards, Good service certificates and appreciation letter from her superiors for her good work. She was happy to receive the CM's medal as it was a recognition of her selfless service to the Home Guards organization.
Now that women are being recognized in the Home Guard organization, it is hoped that it there would be less abusive language used. Respect for women would increase, among other things.
And how does she keep herself fit. Carolina says "the first hour and a half of my morning is my fitness time. I do a brisk 45-minute walk, followed by exercise on the stepper and then Yoga. Often during my walk, I listen to some audio books, listen to some news. So, my morning begins in a beautiful way.

Carolina lays extra stress on the importance of planning one’s career, self-introspection and always being aware of where you are headed. It is important to constantly update and upgrade yourself with personal and professional training, she says.
Me: How is your experience in the Home Guards.
Caroina: Well, I have been in this organization since and I have found it as a very good organization. I have been enjoying the work that is entrusted to me. I handle office work including correspondence and computer typing apart from attending parades and handling other organizational matters.

AROUND PANJIM

MOTORCYCLE TYRES ARE CARELESSLY THROWN INTO THE RIVULET LINK BEHIND HIRA PETROL PUMP NEAR KADAMBA BUS STAND IN PANJIM THUS ADDING TO ALREADY EXISTING MOSQUITO BREEDING GROUNDS. WILL THE CCP ACT INTO THIS MATTER?

PHOTO: NAVDEEP JOHN AGUIAR