MATHANY SALDANHA LAID TO REST WITH FULL STATE HONOURS

The body of Minister for Tourism, Environment and Shri Mathany Saldanha who expired on March 21 was laid to rest with full State honours at his native Cansaulim Village in South Goa on March 24, 2012.
His body was brought to Cansaulim Village on March 23 and was kept for public homage. Chief Minister, Shri Manohar Parrikar, Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Shri Arun Jetley, Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly, Shri Rajendra Arlekar, MPs Shri Shripad Naik, Shri Shantaram Naik, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, Chief Secretary and senior Government officers and large number of people from all walks of life, besides political leaders cutting across party line attended the solemn ceremony presided over by His Grace Arch Bishop patriarch Rev. Filipe Neri Ferrao at the St. Thomas Church, Cansaulim and paid their homage to the departed leader. Draped in national tri-colour, his body was taken in a procession from the house to the church where the body was laid to rest with full State honours.
Speaking on the occasion Shri Arun Jetley said Shri Mathany Saldanha worked for weaker section of the society and was firm in his conviction and values.
Chief Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar said Shri Mathany always honoured his work and devoted himself for the welfare of the common man. He said that the efforts will be to continue his legacy for the welfare of the state.
Smt. Alina Saldanha wife of Mathany Saldanha and niece Ms. Melica Simoes also spoke on the occasion.
A 21 gun salute was accorded by the police contingent before the body was laid to rest at the church cemetery as the Chief Minister, close family members including wife Smt. Alina watched. Earlier reverse arms were presented in honour of the departed soul followed by the ‘salami shastra’ as the buglers played the last post.
Earlier a wreath was laid on behalf of Governor of Goa . Shri K. Sankaranarayan by Secretary and ADC to the Governor.

WRITERS RAISE CONCERNS OVER DEGRADATION OF NATURE

CAPTION:
John Aguiar is seen reading his poetry at the Writers Meet organized by Institute Menezes Braganza at Keri, Sattari on March 18, 2012. Also seen are President of Gomantak Marathi Akademi Shri Narendara Azgaonkar, Vice President of Institute Menezes Braganza Shri Mohandas Surlakar President of Goa Konkani Akademi Shri Dilip Borkar, Shri Rajendra Kerkar and Shri Ashok Parab.


Literature plays a very important role in preserving nature and therefore there is need for Goan writers to make awareness on environment and nature said Mr. Narendra Azgaonkar, President of Gomantak Marathi Akademi.

He was speaking at the one-day writers meet for Goan writers organized by the Institute Menezes Braganza at Keri village in the lap of nature on March 18, 2012. Environmentalist and writer Shri Rajendra Kerkar presided over the meet. Speaking on the occasion Shri Karkar said that great responsibility lies in the writers in preserving nature and there is time that they should show the might of the pen. President of Goa Konkani Akademi said that Nature bring gentleness. Literature grows and blooms in the lap of nature and therefore it is the bounden duty of the writers to preserve and protect nature. Shri Mohandas Surlakar, Vice President of Institute Menezes Braganza expressed happiness about the good response from the writers for the one day meet.

The writers and poets attending the meet through their poems and literature expressed concern about the degradation of nature in the state in the name of development, the common concern being that jungles are being cut, trees felled to construct concrete jungles, while water bodies and rivers were being polluted. The writers felt that they were the eyes of the society and therefore could create awareness on these issues.

Shri Uday Mahambre in his poem “Ganv” highlighted the woes of the village. Sanjeev Verekar ‘s poem ‘Mor’ was well appreciated and applauded, Gazal by Radha Bhava , Nayna Adarkar in her poem ‘Ithas Zama’ said that the nature and the natural beauty are becoming the thing of the past, John Aguiar in his poetry “Kupam” expressed concern about the nature, Shri Laximan Pitre regaled the poetry lovers, Mahableshwar Sail highlighted the strong bond between the literature and nature, Kashmiri Pawaskar narrated nuisance of plastic bags, Maghana Kuruvadkar recited a beautiful poem on rain.

The writers who participated were Avdoot Kudtarkar, Maghana Kuruvadkar, John Aguiar, Aparna Garudi, Laximan Bandekar, Sanjeev Verekar, Arun Nayak, Shoba Fulkar, Sangam Bhosle, Jyoti Kunkolienkar, Sarojani Gaonkar, Rupa, Kosambe, Radha Bhave, Chandrakant Gawas, Sujata Bhatkar, N. D. Borkar, Rekha Paudwal, Mahableshwar Sail, Dr. Pandurang, Sunil Palkar, Laximan Pitre, Daya Mitragotri, Manish Zore, Avinash Jadhav, Nayana Adarkar, Kalika Bapat, Uday Mahambre, Pournima Kerkar, Kashmiri Pawaskar, Smitha Kamat Bhandare and others.

Prof Rajendra Kerkar was the moderator.


The Member Secretary of IMB, Mr Ashok Parab, introduced the moderators and explained the aim behind such a meet. The vice chairman of IMB, Mr Mohandas Surlakar welcomed the gathering. Mr A. K. Lotlikar programme officer of Institute Menezes Braganza was also present.

INTER-RELEGIOUS MARRIAGE- A SUCCESS STORY

-John Aguiar

All rivers run to the sea when speaking of religion. That it does not matter what religion you are; that you can get to God by way of any religion. So why are you so worried about what religion your spouse or your children are?

I am a Roman Catholic by birth and my wife is a Hindu. She has a deep faith in Hinduism and very religious. I am not that religious but respect all religions. We love each other very much but neither of us doesn’t want to convert. She feels that her family should be in one belief for her children to be brought up in one faith. But I believe that we can compromise in this by not converting me as a Hindu and she as a Christian and still can bring up our children as good citizens.


Let the children grow. Let them go in School. When matured, let them adapt a religion "of their choice". Let them be good citizens of a State and let him enjoy the adult franchise. Let them select a partner of life. Respect the "Human rights & rights of children".

Even my parents had an Inter-religious marriage. My mother Motubai Rau Valaulikar a Gaud Saraswat Brahman married my father who was a Roman Catholic during the Portuguese regime. My maternal grandmother was from Bhobe (Vaishnav sampradaya) family of Mapusa and my maternal grandmother belongs to Smarth Sampradaya. However these type of marriages too were rare during those times.

My parents too did not convert themselves and practiced their own religion separately though they stayed together. Both my parents have left for heavenly abode. When my father died, he was buried as per the Christian rites while my mother was cremated as per the Hindu rites.

As for me, I read gospel in the church as well as sit for Shree Satyanarayan mahapooja with my wife Savita. We celebrate Christmas as well as diwali. There is Akash Kandil on our house during the Diwali and Star during the Christmas, children also prepare a crib. And during guddi padwa, a guddi outside the house. My wife also celebrated haldi kum kum every year.



With the changing of times, we are getting more and more open and accepting our fellow human beings precisely on their personal qualities. It’s not any more a Hindu, Christian or a Muslim or a White or a Black so to say… well to some extent. Inter-religious and Inter-racial marriages are getting equally acceptable and common. However, to be a success, any marriage requires two people who are respecting, responsible, honest and sincere. When two people meet in matrimony, they should respect each other, especially so if it’s an inter-religion marriage. It is very important to remember that all the religions teach the same basic goodness.

With the changing social scenario, a change in the mindset of the people can be seen, but mostly among the city people. Though people in cities have learned the nuances of caste system and the positives of inter-caste and inter religious marriages.

We are sometimes unnecessarily wasting our precious time in proving that a certain religion is better. In the process, there are instances, when things have gotten very ugly. We actually do not attain anything by proving our religion better than the others. Do we ever create big fights over proving our spouse better than the others, or our children better than the others? Don’t we all know or believe that our children are the best yet we never try to prove it to others. I personally believe we only want to prove something, which we are not very sure of. If one is sure that his religion is better then there is no need for him to feel inferior about it. That’s the way religion should be we know our religion is better – that’s the reason we have adopted it. It is personal – to each its own.

Religion is a way of life. We by the virtue of being born in a certain religious backdrop learn to follow a way of praying or accepting God as Christ or Krishna and so forth. Thus following the teachings. I don’t see the teachings of Krishna any different than that of Christ. How does it matter then which religion is ancient?

The second most important factor in an inter-religious marriage is the religion followed by the children. There is a constant hustle in the parents that the child follows his/her religion. Isn’t it more important that a child becomes a good human being? This can be taught to him by adopting the goodness of both the religions. Here, it’s very important for parents not to be selfish. We should focus on teaching the child good values which everyone would agree is the basis of every single religion. There have been instances, when adults abandon the religion given to them by their parents and adopt some other religion that they are convinced is better. I think we should let our children decide what religion they would like to adopt when they are capable of deciding for themselves.

It is very unfortunate, that the religion has become a business and source of power for some and a reason for conflict among people of different beliefs. It is sad but in the past 22 years of our marriage, most of our Hindu acquaintances have looked down upon Christianity and most of our Hindu acquaintances have suggested ideas as to how I can convert my wife.

Unperturbed, we both have learnt to respect each others' individuality, each others religious beliefs, faith and preferences, thereby making our inter-religious marriage a successful one and this world a little more happier and a harmonious place to live.

True, If we learn to respect others religion and leave them alone with their preferences, this world will be a happier place.

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).