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OPINION
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O HERALD O
Up ... Up... Into the Yonder!
Vol No CX No: 100 Goa, Friday 16 April, 2010
More than a tiatr
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or long now, if anything was likened to a ‘tiatr’, it was taken to be an insult. Now, we’re waking up to the reality of how this vibrant form of the Konkani stage — despite attempts to look down on it — is something that strongly reflects Goan cultural traditions since the late 19th century and earlier. Politics in recent years, shifting equations in Goa, and probably the Romi-Devanagari rift in Konkani too, all lead to the hitherto neglected tiatr finally getting an academy of its own. While it is yet to be seen whether fairly lavish State funding can take this stage form forward, having an official body finally supporting it suggests the tiatr has come a long way indeed. Old-timers remember with surprise how Statefunded bodies once shunned tiatrs. All sorts of arguments were used then, including claims that tiatr audiences could not be trusted to maintain cleanliness in the plush auditoria! Bygones will be bygones. Now, it’s left to be seen if the tiatr in Goa gets the impetus it badly needs. Saturday, April 17, marks yet another tiatr day, since the first modern Konkani tiatr was staged in Bombay in 1892. It makes sense to see where our tradition and culture forms are headed. More so, with all kinds of challenges and competition emerging on the cultural front. Goa University’s Andre Rafael Fernandes’ PhD research on the subject reminds us that the tiatr is actually connected with older Goan cultural and drama forms, such as the zagors and khels. This means that the cultural roots of the tiatr go further back than 1892 itself, as is widely thought. Tiatr is intricately linked with Konkani, and Goan, music and song. Many prominent tiatrists have also acted in the Konkani films, particular those emerging during the cinematic renaissance of Konkani in around the 1960s. All this means the elite tendency of looking down on the tiatr — primarily because it is not seen as a form of “elite” entertainment — is both misplaced and unfair. Dr Fernandes’ work digs up a good deal of information about past tiatrs. In a small society like Goa, we never know whether such information exists, and how to access it. There is a crying need to do more intense research on local issues, which should have happened more consistently since Goa University was set up in the mid-1980s. Tiatr proponents point out that written records of the tiatr are scattered around in diverse places, or difficult to access. This is true even of early Goan music, cut on LP records. Unless these are preserved carefully, this is a treasure likely to be lost. All India Radio needs to help preserve and make available early Konkani music too. Obviously, like many others in Goa, tiatrists too are lost when it comes to dealing with the new digital media, and that whole ocean called cyberspace. Is it something that could hurt them, or help them, or both? Should they be sharing their content via cyberspace? Will audiences grow, or sales shrink, if their work is also visible on the Net? A small culture like that of Goa has a lot to gain by sharing and tapping new audiences, in whichever part of the globe. But unless there are a few pioneers taking the lead in this field, fear will rule and the old pay-before-you-watch logic will continue. For some time now, tiatr supporters have been stressing on the need to preserve scripts of drama shows. There is also need to perhaps translate tiatrs, find wider audiences for them (beyond just the traditional Catholic audience) and build effective links between tiatrs and diaspora communities. How this will be done is to be seen, since it obviously costs a lot and resources are finite. For Goa, the tiatr is not just a successful form of entertainment. It is a grassroots initiative that has survived, and thrived, over time. It is a reminder about so many aspects of Goa which have worked in the past, and continue to work today. To make these vibrant once more will need more than just funding, but innovative and bold ideas that latch on to the challenges and opportunities of our times. We owe it to past generations who innovated, persisted and build up the media that allowed them to voice their issues in a manner that made sense to the wider Goan community.
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funny thing happened to me sometime ago, or rather after the Union Budget was presented in the Parliament by the Finance Minister Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, when I was travelling, as customary, with the usual “Evel Knevels” or the so called motorbike “Pilots” who are synonymous to Goan roads, to purchase a few of my own necessities. After doing all the errands, as I knew the tariff of my vagabonding, when I went to pay for my travelling he said that the rates were not as usual as the new budget has deemed it necessary to increase the fare, which flummoxed me out of my wits for I reasoned that although his bike must have been older than Methuselah and was in urgent need of total overhauling, the end did not justify the means, as such I refused to pay that exorbitant sum which was demanded. When I arrived home I cogitated about futility of living in this world which we might call it our own where the gravitational sense expresses that whatever goes up must come down which is practically non-existent and the new upgraded terminology should be whatever goes up should stay up and proceed further into that blue yonder and leave us in abject misery. One may think that the subject of my disgust is the price rise over my vagabonding with “Pilots”, which I partly beg to differ, as the crux matter is the high cost of living which we are entangled with, and seemingly the real culprits the Vendors and the Politicians are roaming scot-free to carry on with their nefarious acts and are least repentant about the malfeasances imposed upon the people who have elected them. I read somewhere that in this growing crisis of food inflation, the Government is feeling the heat, as in global warming, with the Opposition waiting to pull the rug from under their feet to enable them to assume the reins of power once again. This move will not assuage the plight of aam aadmi, for I certainly know that if the prevalent trend continues our ordeals are here to stay. It is reported that in the ambit of the common man, the price of rice as on January 2010 is touching Rs. 23 from Rs. 10 as of March 1998; that of wheat Rs. 14.5 from 8 which was reported in 2004; Sugar have gone up to Rs. 47 from Rs. 17 which people used to buy in 2004; Edible oil
Augustus Alphonso, Vasco-da-Gama
I was excited to read the news that the internationally acclaimed Christian vocalist and musician Don Moen would be performing in India for the very first time. But then my excitement was short-lived because the Gospel singer would not be performing in Goa but in Mumbai, Chennai and Shillong. After watching the show by the gospel group “Hillsongs” recently at Kala Academy Goans I would have loved to watch a live show by Don Moen. If possible “Heritage Jazz”, a supporter of the Don Moen concert, could impress on ‘The Friendship Circle’ who reportedly are the organizers of the Don Moen India Tour, to include a show in Goa in its’ itinerary.
The State government has delayed the removal of the grounded ‘River Princess’ near Sinquerim beach and there’s a lot of confusion and cheap gossip regarding the issue. Newspapers keep reporting about this man-made disaster and only blamegame has become a hot topic. Now, it is known to the public via newspapers that an experienced mariner — Virendra Jagannath Mehta, who believes that this vessel can be easily refloated without cutting it. I sincerely and personally feel that he should be given a chance as his ‘idea’ seems to be the most effective one till date.
All agree in unison that Peace walks in gigantic strides against the pathways of dissolution which is in reference to Portugal’s political imbroglio. It is reported from the pages of history that today in 1516 the beatification of Dona Isabel, Queen of Portugal, wife of D. Diniz, took place at the hands of Pope Leo X. Russia retracts before the Korean Government its request for better understanding in regards to Massampo. An individual called Sebastiao who is reported to belong to the now extinct Cavalry Battalion expired due to . submersion after falling into a well. The Agra Police apprehended a nefarious gang of robbers, who following the pattern of “Condottieri” from Italy, were terrorizing the entire suburbs of that City.
Obscene hoarding S Kamat, Alto Betim There is a huge hoarding opposite the Hotel Neo Majestic on the NH17 to Panjim advertising the Amul Macho brand of men’s underwear with two models showing off the company product and much more. If I recall correctly there was a stricture sometime back that hoardings abutting the national highways should be at least 40 metres away from the edge of the road and that the display should not be obscene and/or distract motorists. On both counts the Amul Macho hoarding infringes the rules and should be removed forthwith. I also wonder why our women’s organisations in Goa who are generally quite active and were in the forefront when women’s lingerie hoardings were put up and on their initiative were removed are not saying anything about the Amul Macho hoarding.
Is Fire Dept No 1? Stephen Dias, Dona Paula It has become a habit to rate anything or everything as number one, earlier Chief Minister Digambar Kamat rated the state as number one among all other States of India, at least at certain counts. This has been going on and on, for most of our ministers expressing it during their speeches. In a speech, we understand the Home Minister Mr Ravi Naik, declared the Fire Services as number one department in the
which is despicable. There is always the bad news. However, the aam aadmi is braving truculently the imposed circumstances with the knowledge that prices will not fall according to their whims and fancies, as the fundamental malaise is with the agriculture which has been neglected for far too long with modernity ruling our lives with everything at our finger tips least realizing that we the ,4am aadmi are encouraging this factor of satirical circumstances, so how can we blame the price rise? Although the cost of food has gone up tremendously, the arithmetic is equitable which means that the demand for food is greater than the production, and when there is less productivity where will the food be? It is reported that the Government is always at the mercy of the farmers, who are demanding higher procurement prices without making the least of efforts to enhance productivity and improvise the public distribution system by better
supply chain management at the consumer level, which is deplorable as the aam aadmi is paying the price for that foolhardiness. Nevertheless, there is always a silver lining amongst the dark clouds, as I can discern that there is a great endeavour amongst the private farmers to give impetus to their earnings and simultaneously ease the ordeals of the aam aadmi, which might be said as going back to the roots. The community-managed sustainable agriculture (CMSA) programme of Andhra Pradesh is low in cost, high on returns, and is billed as the second Green Revolution. The methodology is simplistic as it replaces the usage of chemical pesticides with a combination of physical and biological measures to include eco-friendly biopesticides, which are locally available organic materials that does not harm the farmers, do not affect the yield, and do not pollute the environment It is to be noted that amongst the biopesticides in use, are extracts of chilies and garlic, neem seeds, cow’s dung and cow’s urine, milk, ghee, fish, jiggery, yoghurt, lime, eggs, custard apples etc. At the outset, the CMSA encourages the tapering of the use of pesticides, however once that it done they do without fertilizers and go completely organic, which is showing grand results. Some of the crops grown under the CMSA are paddy, red gram, groundnut, cotton, jowar, bajra, sunflower, castor, turmeric, chillies, and locally grown vegetables, and has nothing to do with being genetically enhanced. It can be said that in Brinjal the pesticides tend to be ineffective as the borer pest enters the fruit at an early stage and subsequent spraying is only for the outer rim with the pest being smug within. Although there is a great controversy over the Bt., I say let the scientists and Mr. Jairam Ramesh decide about what is good or bad for the human consumption, or rather nothing less and nothing more. As for me, the bone of my contention is the spiralling price rise and we, with our “Derepente” (On a spur of the moment) knowledge are seemingly making no efforts at all to assuage our own plight, so what is left for us in the long run with farmers throughout India creating a resurgence of some sorts and while we, are still grappling in the dark?
The Morning Raga
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Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
16 April, 1910
to Rs. 113 from 86; Pulses to Rs. 88 from 31; Fruits and Vegetables depending from where or from whom you buy, which is nothing cheap, as the price quoted on the spur of the moment is what counts; and as for the fish and other edibles, the sky is the limit with no ceiling implemented to curtail the exorbitant price rise. With the price rise choking the consumers and with the Opposition crying foul, there has been a poor perception management ranging from fool-hardy statements to still lesser efforts, which are unfathomable when the Indian soil and subsoil is fertile and all that is required is, consolidated hard-work to overcome the prevailing crisis. Nevertheless, the prevailing circumstances have left the consumers in a dilemma, the profiteers overjoyed, and the intentions of the Agriculture Minister questionable. Further, the states besides giving lip-service to the wary have done absolutely nothing to prevent hoarding, control panic, nor has it encouraged any farm activities,
s twilight gives way to the amber glow of the sky, the bright red-ball gradually making its majestic ascend to mark the break of dawn, many would have roused from their sleep; some going about attending to their morning ablutions, others greeting the day with thoughts of tackling the onerous tasks ahead. Milk-booths opening … and closing; bakers pedalling around announcing their presence to colonies yet in slumber; newspaperboys throwing, or looping, papers and magazines onto doorsteps and into balconies with geometrical precision; ladies with fresh vegetables making a beeline for the first bus to town, already packed with office-goers, students and others. In this tumult, it is not unusual to spot the roads dotted with people, young and old, ambling about. An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but there’s nothing like a brisk early morning walk to rejuvenate one for the whole day! For some the enjoyment comes from having this habit firmly ingrained as part of their morning routine. Gyms and health clubs may have caught the fancy of the younger generation, but an hour’s stint in the open, filling one’s lungs with fresh air, feeling the tarmac slide below the legs, is an experience by itself. The animated chirpings of the birds, the changing hues of the sky, the greenery or the withering vegetation, as the season
River Princess - rise up!
PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS
View from my panvddo
Inspirational chimes
Excitement short-lived!
100 Years Ago
If the prevalent trend of price rise continues, our ordeals are here to stay writes CAETANO DE ABREU
varies, presenting a panorama of sorts, keeps one spellbound. For some though such appreciation is a forced expression, an indication of their insensitivity. Generations of medicos and fitness experts have waxed eloquent about the virtues and merits of the morning stroll and inculcating this practice – and continue to do so. I feel an arcane pleasure in watching people, observing them trying their best to shed those layers of blubber adorning their anatomical larders, aiming to stay fighting fit. The wave of a hand in recognition, an occasional nod of the head and the recurrent exchange of pleasantries with passersby, mark some as regulars in the ‘circuit’. There some couples who love carrying their ‘pillow talk’ further from ‘last night’, animated discussions on family matters keeping them engrossed the whole distance. Evidently, they want to savour the much needed privacy afforded on these lonely trots. Corpulent figures huffing-and puffing their way around looking for a niche to ease their tiring bodies onto is another common feature on these stretches. It would appear that these people are more concerned about others appreciating their efforts at containing their obesity. Fitness-freaks jogging and engaged in callisthenics, some using
By Pachu Menon the bulwarks of bridges to exercise, do make heads turn around. Then, there are those who can only be seen out during holidays and vacations. No harm in that, considering that there are many who love to ‘enforce’ the office culture into their morning jaunt schedule as well – every holiday is compulsorily a rest day from the rigours of the fitness regime! Flaunting track-suits in various shades, there is a special ‘species’ that can be seen doing everything but moving about and exerting themselves. Moving in groups of twos or threes, they appear more intent on idle gossips. The strange dress-sense that makes one substitute night-suits for the trekking ensemble and the penchant for wearing ill-fitting attire that causes suffocation more than anything else, makes it necessary to remind people that they aren’t participating in a fancy-dress parade, but are working out, to tone their muscles and burn off those extra calories. At times it becomes apparent that these ‘footslogging affairs at dawn’ is best restricted to the confines our homes. The Caninefamily i.e, the stray breed, looking to extend their boundaries beyond acceptable limits is seemingly adamant on denying the human race the right to thoroughfare. How alarming it is to have the fear of an imminent attack from packs of these hounds forcing one permanently indoors!
Letters to the Editor Letter of the Day Concrete Tourism Policy needed Savio Pinto, Nagoa
“The buzz is around that the Russians have fallen in love with Goa.” And besides the facts that they indulge in illegal activities by running businesses instead of just enjoying Goan hospitality, the locals have been hosting them with delight. Everyone dealing with them would definitely argue that they too have every right to do their business. But the game of love has gone sour and somewhere and somehow all the “corridors of power” have been found napping. So, should we blame it on Goans who meekly surrender themselves to the lust and greed of making some quick bucks or should we blame the Russians who are opening the illegal business ventures in Goa at will in connivance of the locals? Whatever reasons may be the State government seems to have lost its senses to protect and safeguard the interest of Goa and Goans. The government is to be blamed for the current mess due to the invasion of Russians in our coastal belts. Goa has been lacking basic tourism policy for a long time, which has been going on a trial basis every year. So the ‘crooks’ have taken every advantage of the loopholes in our system. And even after two decades of flourishing tourism trade in Goa, we still lack the basic tourism policy, and thus have invited innumerable problems. The open arms policy of the government has backfired and it will be very difficult to get away with these foreigners. Many will argue that due to Russians, the tourism industry has survived until date, but the million dollar question is that the Russians have driven away most of the other Europeans from Goa, some of whom have been predicting that Goa will be finished by the Russians. As Goa is already feeling the pinch, another bad season, (God forbid) will have devastating effects. It’s a different question as to why most of the Europeans dislike Russians, but the fact is that they don’t like mere presence of them. And this is a hard fact which will be hard to digest in the corridors of powers. The police nexus with the drug peddlers has been long flourishing in the State and rest of the tales are best told by the coastal villagers who stumble upon all such characters. We urgently need a concrete Tourism Policy which should be the guiding force on a long term strategy and not mere lip service, which only serves the interests of the individuals to “grab and loot” as much as possible within stipulated time. Why can’t the Government rope in some professional consultants to draw up a futuristic Tourism Policy for Goa? Today, Goans are crying for good governance and it’s unbelievable to see how the sons of the soil masquerade as the saviours of Goa, are merely trampling upon the rights and needs of the niz Goenkars. Instead of working overtime on drawing board to pen the future course of action to protect tourism industry, the Government is busy running helter skelter to protect their chairs. Never in the history of Goa had we witnessed the stupidity of our “dishonorable” elected representatives who have shown their true colours of just “looting and plundering” Goa at the cost of development. State, that means it comes after all other departments from his Government including his own Home Dept. Now praising it, as number one has become a style of functioning of the Government.
Director of Fire Emergency Services Mr Ashok Menon said on Fire Service Day celebrations that there is a necessity in near future to acquire the latest gadgets to fight the fire fighting in quick manner since their
present vehicles are of larger size and outdated, and cannot reach the site quickly and he expresses the need to have sophisticated latest equipments and technology which is already existing in other parts of India and the world. When such type of drawback exists in the Fire Services, I wonder how the rating could be number one?
Arundhati must be tried for sedition SND Poojary, Miramar Arundhati Roy’s is reported to have said, “India has never hesitated to use her military might to annex land and put down popular movements — Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Hyderabad and Goa are examples.’ Ms Roy is questioning the very existence of India as a sovereign nation, while residing and enjoying the fruits of the nation state. Her statements tantamount to declaring war against the Indian Nation and she must be tried for sedition. Thousands of freedom fighters and security personnel had sacrificed their lives to preserve the unity and integrity of the nation. By her above statements she has insulted all the freedom fighters and men in uniform. She has been uttering such preposterous statements in the past; she had just escaped being jailed by the Supreme Court for her “malicious” remarks on Supreme Court. If she is so aggrieved by India as a nation, she could seek asylum to some other country, and live happily in the adopted country.
Speed breakers Aureo Cunha Gomes, Mapusa The speed breakers, rumblers installed at various sites in Bardez taluka need to be given a coating of oil paint, either white or yellow with phosphorescence that can be seen at nights. The absence of this poses great risks to two-wheelers especially who many at times, speed without gauging speed limits. The accidents could be fatal due to self-inflicted injuries. It is my earnest appeal to the authorities concerned to take up this issue on a priority basis to avoid occurrence of such accidents
Paths of Wisdom It’s Better and More Enduring By Samir Khan “Do not turn your eyes covetously towards the embellishments of worldly life that We have bestowed upon various kinds of people to test them. But the clean provision bestowed upon you by your Lord is better and more enduring. Enjoin Prayer to your household, and do keep observing it. We do not ask you for any worldly provision; rather, it is We Who provide you. The ultimate end is for piety.” (Al-Qur’ân – 20:131-32) These verses are meant to impress upon the Holy Messenger (may Allah bless and greet him) and his Companions, and of course his followers, that they should not feel envious of the iniquitous who hoarded their unlawful wealth. There is no reason why the artificial sheen of wealth and power should lure the believers. The little they earn as a result of their sweat and toil, is much better for honest and righteous people since it conduces to their good in both worlds – the present and the Next. The believers are told to enjoin upon their children not to feel heart-broken at the fact that their miserable state is in sharp contrast to the pomp and luxury of unbelieving swindlers. Instead, they should be urged to pray regularly. This is likely to change their perspective on life, their values, and the focus of their attentions; a change that will help them be satisfied with their lawfully earned livelihood, even if it be meagre. All this will lead them to prefer a virtuous life ensuing from faith and godliness to a life of luxury and self-indulgence arising out of sin, disobedience and excessive worldliness. God does not ask Man for any worldly provision. He simply wants Man to turn righteous, and it is in the interest of Man himself. When Man observes Prayers, it does not benefit God. It is only he who prays tht derives any benefit from it. This benefit consists of piety which will be a means to his success both in this world and in the Next.
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