Volume 20 | Issue 1 | JULY 2017
Rtn. Ian H. S. Riseley RI President
Rtn. Aanand Kulkarni DG 3170
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dear Rotarian Friends, At the outset, compliments to the outgoing President Manohar and Secretary Santosh for the wonderful work they have done in the Rotary year gone by. Friends, I am humbled to take over as President of RC Panaji Midtown, a club with leaders in their respective businesses and professions who together make a fantastic bunch of Rotarians. Dr Vinaykumar introduced me in the Club. But let me share with you that The Rotary has played a important role in my life. At the age of 17, I was selected to be a part of the Rotary's International Youth Exchange (IYE) programme to USA where i spent close to one year in a place which you will never probably visit if you go to the US. Standpoint town in the state of Idaho, close to the Canadian border with winter temperatures as low as minus 30°Celsius. I had to attend school, learn skiing, give talks in Rotary clubs where questions like “why are India and Pakistan always at loggerheads” and this was in 1991 ..nothing much seems to have changed there…to questions in school …do Indians live on trees with tigers around. I had to stay with American families. I had to call my hosts “mom and pop” and they continued to be an integral part of my life long after I returned.
RTN. ASHISH PRABHU VERLEKAR Club President
There was no internet in those days and the only means of communication was letters and the monthly call I used to get from my parents. But it was a life changing experience. My next journey in Rotary began when I joined Rotaract, the youth wing of rotary. Rtn Atul Kane's faith in me and prodding and Dr Shekhar Kelkar by my side as Secretary throughout my Rotaract journey, I became the President of the Rotaract Club of Mapusa. This path took me to become equivalent of the Rotaract District Governor incharge of over 60 clubs in our rotary district and 750 rotaractors. That year I got a Rotary International Citation. It was a path which changed me positively. This leg of the Rotary journey as The Club Secretary when Dr Deep was the President to now being the President myself was a special journey that changed my outlook. Rotary movement, as you know, brings together leaders in diverse vocations to exchange ideas and take action to improve their communities. You must have heard how Rotary and Rotarians have been instrumental in the eradication of polio from India thus benefitting children across the Country & the Globe. The subject of Children is very close to my heart. Talking of children reminds me of the famous Goan Kokni Poet Manoharai Sardesai kokni chutkule..he wrote..'Parat mhojem bhurgeponn naka, mhojya bhurgeanchem bhurgeponn puro mhaka.' I am sure every parent feels the same about their child. At RCPMT 'CHILDREN' is the core around which our 3 permanent projects Sudharta, Saksharta and Sahayta are based. 5-year-old Alexandar had dislocated hip joints & could not bend his knees. He had to be carried around or used to drag himself around. His dream to
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walk to the local school was delivered by 'Sudharta' – our disability corrective surgery programme through which more than 450 disabled children have been operated by Dr. Deep and his team have been given a new lease of life. Rotarians dared & delivered. Raja had a dream to be an engineer. A son of a waiter. Fees were the hurdle inspite of his good success at XII exams. Through 'Saksharta' a programme through which we give educational grants for higher studies, his 4 year engineering course fees were taken care of. Rotarians Dared & Delivered for Raja. Raja is now an Engineer working in London. Infact he has contributed Rs. 1 Lakh to this Rotary Programme of ours. Pranita from Dodamarg, daughter of a labourer couple, had to leave schooling, worked as a maid by day and watchman at night. Home nursing gave her a dream. Rotarians of Midtown helped her learn the skills through Sahayta our home nursing school which we run in association with Matruchaya. Today she is financially independent & helps senior citizens in need. Alexandra, Raja, Pranita… just a few names but a legacy of how our Rotarians 'Dare' to 'Deliver' a 'Dream'. Our next focus area for children is WINS which is our signature project for this year. WINS stand for Wash in schools and is targeted at school going children. WASH initiative includes Water, Sanitation and Hygiene. This is a focus project for RI in India which aligns with Hon. PRIME MINISTER'S initiative of Swachh Bharat. We will undertake this project to start with across 20 needy schools in rural and urban areas of Goa reaching out to over 5000 students. Through WASH project in schools we will comprehensively cover 5 aspects; provision of safe drinking water, construction/ renovation/ repair of gender segregated toilets, provision of multiple hand wash stations with soap, menstrual hygiene management by way of vending machines and incinerators and the last but also a very important component involving behaviourial change by way of training of teachers and orientation of students towards the WASH aspects. Our objective through provision of sustainable wash services is to reduce water borne diseases thus improving school attendance and education outcome as also reducing cost of healthcare. As the great Nelson Mandela remarked “There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its Children.” We at RCPMT are doing our small bit towards this endeavour imbibing the spirit of the RI theme for 17-18 by Making a difference in the lives of CHILDREN. Thank you.
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IPDG’S MESSAGE My dear Star Voyagers, It had been quite a journey from 1 July 2016 till I signed off on 30 June 2017. I am extremely thankful to God for giving me this opportunity to lead such a wonderful district of Rotary International. It must be every Rotarian's dream to lead his district one day or the other and as far as I was concerned, I could lead the district after a relatively short stint in Rotary. Having been invited to join Rotary Club of Panaji Mid-Town, thanks to my dear friend and Rtn Babuli Kamat Ghanekar on the 13th day of November 1999 (13th is supposed to be unlucky for a majority), I was wholeheartedly accepted by my club. Later, I went on to be the 10th president of the club in 2007-08. Prior to that, in the month of January 2007, tragedy struck when my dear wife Madhavi passed away to the heavenly abode. Taking the president ship of the club was a blessing in disguise for me as I was left alone at home with my children studying outside Goa. Here I must make a special mention of my club members who stood like rock behind me to have a very successful year. I was told at that time that I have the makings of a District Governor. I was offered the important posts in the district where I made full justice with my performance.
RTN. DR. VINAYKUMAR PAI RAIKAR IPDG, RID 3170
Subsequently, I got nominated as DGN in the 13th year of my joining Rotary. My great love for Rotary Foundation culminated in my leading the district in the Centennial year of Rotary Foundation. All of you may not be aware that Rotary Foundation started with contribution of US$ 26.50 from Rotary Club of Kansas City (Club no: 13). So no: 13 for me and Rotary Foundation had been very lucky. I thank you all for carrying out great humanitarian projects. Your performance as regards providing improved facilities in schools by furnishing their libraries, building toilet blocks and creating group washing stations, giving water filters to supply clean and safe drinking water will go a long way in improving basic education and literacy and improving the attendance in schools and reducing school dropouts. It is worth mentioning that you have provided sanitary pad dispensers and incinerators to schools to improve menstrual hygiene in girls. Improving maternal and child health by vising rural areas to treat high risk mothers defines your commitment to the society. The reduction in the mortality and morbidity sums it up all. Rotary clubs working for the welfare of the preterm new-borns exemplify the fact that they are the messengers of God on this earth. Setting up vocational training centres to empower women by teaching them various skills will help to boost their economy. Your untiring efforts to work on NIDs have led us to conquer Polio almost to Point of NO Return. This year, being Centennial year of Rotary Foundation, I was lucky enough
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to be at Atlanta, USA to witness the celebrations. 20 Rotarians from our district registered and attended the event. I was also the co-chair for the South Asia Reception at Atlanta and had an all-time high registrations of over 450. It was a great opportunity to interact with the world leaders from close quarters. On the Foundation front, our district set a record 5 Endowment Funds in a single year. One of this fund was set as District 3170 TRF Centennial AG Endowment Fund, a unique fund of its kind. All District Simplified Grants were disbursed during this year itself. We submitted 8 Global Grants and almost all are approved. The Global Grant worth Rs 66 lakhs for providing E-learning equipment to 66 schools by RC Sirsi was initiated and completed in this tear itself. The Centennial Celebrations in the district continued throughout the year gone by. The success of the Centennial Silver Coins as Foundation Fund raiser was noteworthy. The total number of Major Donors, Level 1, 2, and 3 was 36. The total collection from our district is US 8.16 Lakhs. The credit for this phenomenal contributions goes to District TRF Chair Rtn Siddharth Zantye, AGs (with special mention of Amit Patil, Sharad Pai and Baban Deshpande), the Rotarians from the district who contributed diretly to Rotary Foundation or supported the Centennial Silver Coins fund raiser. We had aimed at US$ one million, but probably due to change in the economic scenario of India, we failed to achieve that. I hope, DG Anand Kulkarni will try to achieve the goal set by him of USD 1.1 million. We have added a great number of Rotarians during the year, but I must confess that many clubs don't report the new members to RI office. The exact figure is not known as many members will leave by 1st July and we may have a drop in the total membership. Two new clubs were chartered during the year namely Rotary Club of Smart City Kolhapur and Rotary Club of Vasco Port Town. All existing clubs were retained, thus taking the number of clubs to 130. This year we had for the first time electronic voting for the selection pf COL member which went on very smoothly. I thank RID Dr Manoj Desai for his great guidance and support during the last 2 years. The guidance from Council of Governors throughout the year is worth appreciating. Once again, as I sign off, I wish incoming DG Anand and his team a very great year 2017-18.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2017-18 DESIGNATION
NAME OF THE PERSON
DESIGNATION
NAME OF THE PERSON
President
Rtn Ashish Prabhu
New Generation
Prakash Kapadia
International Service
Yatin Parekh
Club Trainer
Rtn Dr Deep Bhandare
Verlekar Secretary
Rtn Mahesh Patil
Treasurer
Rtn Kedar Kenkre
President Elect
Rtn Sunil Mone
Jt. Secretary
Rtn Sanjiv Desai
VP & President Nominee
Rtn Haroon Ibrahim
CHAIRMAN Fellowship
Rtn Tanmay Kholkar
Polio Plus
Gaurish Shirodkar
Immediate Past President Rtn Manohar Kamat
CLP CHAIRPERSON
Sergeant-at-Arms
Rtn Amit Sukhtankar
Club Administration
Rtn Manoj Caculo
Bulletin Editor
Rtn Vijay Hede
TRF
Rtn Gauresh Nayak
DIRECTORS Community Service
Rtn Milind Shankhwalkar
Vocational Service
Rtn Bhupesh Shah
Club Service
Rtn Santosh Shetye
Membership Development Rtn Ashok Menon Public Relations
Rtn Kedar Dhume
Literacy
Rtn M G Chandrashekhar
Service Projects
Rtn Dinar Tarcar
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THE MONTH GONE BY Installation Ceremony, 1st July 2017 The Board of Directors was installed at the hands-of Shri Manohar Parrikar, The honorable Chief Minister of Goa at the installation ceremony held at Hotel Mandovi in Panaji.
RTN. MAHESH PATIL Secretary
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Weekly Meetings Mr Aston Godinho, CEO Investment Promotion and facilitation Board, Government of Goa, delivered talk on Recent developments in Goa Investment Promotion Board (IPB), Policies and way forward'.
Mr Parag Rangneker, Eminent Environmentalist, was guest speker on 18 th July. He made photographic presentation on “Monsoon Escapades in Goa- “ This was attended by large number of Anns and Annettes.
The Club held tree plantation drive along the Panaji-Ponda bypass road on the 8th of July.
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Interact club installation at Hedgewar School, Cujira Bambolim on 22nd July.
The Installation of Interact club at Our Lady of Rosary High School, Dona Paula, on the 28th of July.
Wheel Chair donation jointly with RC Mapusa, for a needy patient from Devgad, Maharshtra, at Goa Medical college, Bambolim on 31 st July 2017.
Rotarians and Annes during the weekly meeting.
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23rd July Family outing at Valpoi for white water rafting. More than 30 RCPMT family members enjoyed the adventure.
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UPDATE ON ‘WinS’ Signature Project of Rotary Club of Panaji Midtown for 2017-18 The WinS Project was launched at the hands of Honourable Chief Minister of Goa Shri. Manohar Parrikar at the Installation function of our Club on 1st July, 2017 at Hotel Mandovi.
and sanitation. Infact this also forms an integral part of Prime Ministers initiative for Swachh Bharat.
Shri Parrikar complimented Rotarians of Rotary Club of Panaji Midtown for taking up the Swachh Bharat initiative through WINS and expressed willingness of the Goa Govt. to associate with Rotary Club of Panaji Midtown to scale up with the number of schools to be covered under this project.
Objective: Waterborne diseases cause children to be sick resulting in high absentee rate in schools thus creating education and literacy issues. It is estimated that worldwide 272 million school days are lost each year due to WASH related issues.
Background:
It is also a serious health issue since water borne diseases specially worm infection, impair, physical development and reduce cognitive development among school going children. Infect diarrhoea is a leading cause of mortality among children.
WinS stands for Wash in Schools. WASH refers to Water, Sanitation, Hygiene. This is a Rotary International(RI) focus project for India which Rotary Club of Panaji Midtown intends to execute in rural and urban schools in the State of Goa. Out of 6 areas of focus for Rotary International, 2 of them viz Basic education & literacy and Water & sanitation are covered under WinS project. The WinS project is not just a focus area for RI but also for UNICEF and Government of India through the HRD Ministry for Panchayati Raj, drinking water
The above factors also increase the cost of health care and education thus having economic implications. Thus, our aim through the WinS project is to improve school attendance and education outcome through provisions of sustainable WASH services and education initiative in identified rural and urban school in Goa.
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WASH aspects that will be identified and implemented
Cost Benefit analysis of each school will be undertaken.
Our club will identify schools for this project based on 'Need assessment'. Don Bosco College; Department of Social welfare affiliated to Goa University has carried out the Need assessment for the shortlisted schools based on the Baseline Survey Format issued by UNICEF along with RI.
Implementation process:
After doing a Gap analysis based on the survey our Rotary Club will identify the schools to undertake the WinS project which will cover the following aspects:I. P r ov i d i n g s a f e drinking water. II. C o n s t r u c t i n g / renovating/repairing t o i l e t s separately for boys & girls of the school. III.Hand wash stations. IV. M e n s t r u a l H y g i e n e management by way of vending machines and incinerators. V. B e h a v i o u r a l change by way of training of teachers and orientation and supervision of s t u d e n t s during hand washing. Post implementation of the project, operation and maintenance plan along with the school management will be created to ensure that schools maintain/repair the installed infrastructure on a regular basis.
1. Selection of schools based on need assessment through survey. 2. Gap Analysis. 3. Process mapping- executable plan along with budget to bridge the gap. 4. Execution. Project numbers:
in
P r o p o s number schools to adopted for project schools.
e d of be the 20
Approximate cost per school for WASH project - Rs. 5 to Rs. 6 lakhs per school. Total
project costRs. 1 crore to Rs. 1.25 crores.
Implementation period –1 to 2 years. Funding for the Project: Our Club has managed to get commitments towards the entire project cost from Corporate and Individual donors, whom we recognised at the Installation Function on 1st July, 2017 at the hands of Honourable Chief Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar with 'Appreciation Certificate'. Shri Shrinivas Dempo who has also committed for this Project couldn't be present on the occasion.
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Following Donors were recognised: Club received excellent support from Corporate donors. All the donors and implanting Partners were felicitated at the hands of CM.
á Mr. Anand Bose
á Goa Shipyard Limited - Mr. B.B. Nagpal
á Rosenberger Electronics India Pvt Ltd- Mr. Jaideep Redkar & Mr. Deepak Gaonkar
á ACGL- Mr. O'Ajay á Mormugao Port Trust Mr. G P Rai & Mr. J B Dhawle
á Kineco Group – Mr. Shekhar Sardesai
á Pentair - Shri Narayan Mitra & Mr. Anil Mehata
á Mr. Sohan Juwarker & Mr. Jones Jorge
á Tata Housing Development Co. Ltd. Mr. Sanjeeva Kumar Singh
á Mr. Nalin Sachdeva
á Umiya Builders & Developers – Mr. Surendra Naik
á Implementing Partner CDPR – Mr. Yeshwant Thakkar
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KNOW YOUR CITY PLANNING & ARCHITECTURE ….. A way forward framework for PANAJI CITY & Beyond Transformations in built forms: Transformations in our built forms in Panaji city and beyond always reflects the various architectural expressions over the chronological historic times. As part of progressive nature of multifaceted planning processes, a growth is seen on both the scales horizontal growth and vertical growth, in terms of forms, density and the infrastructure linked to it. This incremental developmental scale is influenced by either new concept based interventions or they evolve from the site & context based potential. In this methodology connecting history is very vital that can emerge a framework for our holistic master plans. Indentify and architectural language of the historic past:
ARCHITECT MANGUESH R. PRABHUGAONKER
Indentity of the historic past, always provides opportunities that establish a character to the development. Identity and exclusive context based architectural expression dictates our planning approaches especially towards town planning concepts and its overall operational strategies. When such established development reaches a saturation point changes are felt through growth. During such transformations, its the history and its socio cultural aspect that provides guidelines to re draft new planning areas. In this journey the history w r t the nature of building typologies dictates a direction to our building history.
Author
Heritage Conservation:
Practicing Architect in Goa.
Conservation, restoration and proposing re-adaptive usage of structures within panaji city is one of the concepts of any master plan. On the other hand its the exploration of new planning areas in the outer fringe areas that show a way forward solution to our towns and cities.
Visiting faculty/ Ex-Adjunct Professor @ Goa College of Architecture Chairman – Indian Institute of Architects (Goa Chapter) Member – Indian Society of Landscape Architects
It is at this juncture that Architects and planners have a role to understand the demands of the building industry. Rich and historic past during the pre independence times is a perfect example for Panaji, wherein one sees Diaspora of architectural expressions in various styles. The Portuguese rule set a character for our buildings and the city at large. Looking back while planning today's date, the contemporary architectural language has to respect what existed and what needs to be preserved and conserved. The transformed aesthetical solutions must speak of the parameters and the principle of the historic past. Emerging trends: The new emerging cityscape cannot afford to ignore or disrespect the historical connections. The contextual references in terms of materials
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scale, color, spatial organizations and more so symbolic value of the place is always carried forward and need to be handled sensitively. During these changes, architects have to deliver a final product to our building industry that is in tune with the sustainable model that is in a position to face the challenges of the planning process. Planning processes and the techniques for evolving Architecture through Master Plans are a form of local structure planning undertaken to provide guidance and flexibility for the future development of a particular area. Master plans are developed in conjunction with the community, landowners, the City and relevant Government Agencies, providing an 'agreed' approach to the development of an area. A Comprehensive Town Master plan…. A FRAMEWORK: A Comprehensive Town Master plan for Panaji city should consists of a plan with a COMPREHENSIVE DOCUMENT in place which brings about clarity to the varied stake holders on the VISION, DIRECTION AND GROWTH OF DEVELOPMENT IN THE TOWN AND ALSO A LOOK ON THE STRATEGIES, OPTIONS AND TRADEOFFS, Addressing the present situation, the various growth trends at work and future issues. It should integrate key influencing factors including the town's natural environment, its heritage, and issues of economic efficiency and social equity. We as Architects feel that the master plan for Panaji city should include a HOLISTIC MAP showing all the overlays including that of INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTILITIES. It is only once this INFRASTRUCTURE is brought in place that extensive development can be supported. Along with A TEAM OF VARIOUS RESOURCE PEOPLE such as planners, environmentalists, designers, sociologists, conservationists the approach to planning of Panaji city could be made much better which would in turn yield better results for all the varied stake holders. Community participation in planning: A COMMUNITY ACTION PLANNING APPROACH should be brought into place whereby this kind of practice whose purpose is to inform policy from the
grassroots, where goals emerge in action and whose implementation relies on strategic progressive interventions from Government and planners. Development plans for the current urban areas within Panaji city in question, are all facing challenges of urbanisation posing threats to the planning areas with reference to existing built environment and infrastructural facilities. Master plan, as part of a continuous planning process, it is bound to have requests for localised zone changes or asking for increase i density (FAR) in bits and parts by certain stake holders in isolation. Impacts of such isolated insertions in the planning process proposals has to be reviewed and analysed in context with the larger holistic scenario of the towns. or else our city will have several deteriorating growth pockets affecting other good planned areas of the towns. Design and planning Parameters: Design and planning Parameters for this guidelines needed to be drafted and debated so that all planning areas of all forms are covered in the city plan. Primary concerns can have an analytical look at the following vital points. 1. RESIDENTIAL – already saturated areas and pockets for new growths in terms of decentralization. This can be taken forward by: • Identifying elements of residential fabric that we need to conserve • Identifying pockets than require a relook through mechanism of reorganization and realignment and renewal like area development through Town planning schemes. This is pertinent to note since there is a huge stock of dilapidated and unplanned areas in our urban domain that we have inheritated. 2. DENSITY & LANDUSE –can be looked at with reference to the current times and its future growth before popping up FAR in isolation pockets. One should talk of hierarchy of network
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Panjim outline development plan map
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and gradation of densities and a logical sequence to the same. Nonetheless this should also be supported on plan with services, infrastructure and amenities located in a thought out and structured manner.
character of our urban areas. Today's date concerns on conservation areas and their want to grow and upgrade their properties to suit current day needs a complete relook in the plan and its policies.
3. COMMERCIAL areas in CBD and its increasing demands of traffic and mobility networks and basic infrastructure for the futuristic times should also be a concern. The commercial areas in peripherals fringe sectors should also help the towns to reduce traffic chaos in our towns.
8. ANCILIARY facilities for the community need a relook at considering its current status and provision of upgraded facilities for the future generations making our towns comfortable and more vibrant to experience.
• Directions here are to improve the situations in CBD by inserting the much needed parking, mobility and legibility elements to give a new lease. • Neighborhood level infrastructure and amenities should be inserted in the plan to avoid running to a central location. 4. INSTITUTIONAL AREAS – existing and proposed need a comprehensive look so that they provide appropriate hubs for educational activities. Pressures from other fast growing real estates and commercial sectors on such institutional zones which be looked at closely. 5. BASIC provision and creation of appropriate physical environment with complete “holistic approach “and improving quality of life is always a vital design tool in planning process. We utterly ignored our natural heritage and elements of outdoor living in the plan. Cycling tracks, pedestrian tracks, parks, promenades and play fields of all scales need to be included. 6. MOBILITY PLAN – can depend on creation of parking infrastructure for the congested city pockets and at the same time and decentralisation of certain landuses that can reduce traffic volumes form our towns. Modes of transportation and networks required for its infrastructure as an alternative has to be superimposed over the zones of planning areas. Mass rapid transit systems can enable to connect the cities growth areas to developing fringe areas. Provide to discourage use of private modes should be the underlying principle. 7. HERITAGE & CONSERVATION AREAS need a plan and a visionary policy without affecting the
9. N AT U R A L R E S O U R C E S - l i k e l a n d f o r m , vegetation and water as part of environmental improvement strategies also need a focussed approach as part of planning process of ODP so that the resources get restored and conserved for the future maintaining the identity of the place. SUMMATION: a. Parameters and guidelines streamlined as per comprehensive planning techniques and the process for the context of the place. b. Upgradation, restoration & conservation of existing grey areas of the towns in a urbanized fabric covering all issues of town planningUrban, social, environmental transport, housing, regional and so on. c. Current-Intensity/density plan along with building regulations vis a vis facts of growing urbanization have to be overlaid over the geographical aspects of the process d. Short term revenue localized generating models should not be entertained in the planning process instead looked at with a holistic approach. e. Visionary plan for growth with decentralization for adequate quality of life and creation of appropriate physical & social infrastructure. f. Generate investment friendly opportunities thereby creating employment avenues to the respective towns. g. Creating self-sustainable town models in comprehensive holistic patterns without affecting the existing character and identity of towns, of course with futuristic vision.
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BOOK REVIEW Harari's Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind. I have just finished the book and I am dying to talk to about it. It's so provocative and raises so many questions about human history that would spark great conversations around the dinner table. Harari, the author an Israeli historian, takes on a daunting challenge: to tell the entire history of us, the human race, in a mere 400 pages. I've always been a fan of writers who try to connect the dots and make sense of the sweep of history. 100,000 years ago, at least six human species inhabited the earth. Today there is just one. Us. Homo sapiens. Most humans assume that we were always the ones in charge, lording over the rest of the animals. But Harari reminds us that long before we built the pyramids, wrote symphonies, or walked on the moon, there was nothing special about us. “The most important thing to know about prehistoric humans,” Harari writes, “is that they were insignificant animals with no more impact on their environment than gorillas, fireflies or jellyfish.” How did our species succeed in the battle for dominance? Why did our foraging ancestors come together to create cities and kingdoms? How did we come to believe in gods, nations and human rights; to trust money, books and laws; and to be enslaved by bureaucracy, timetables and consumerism? And what will our world be like in the millennia to come? In Sapiens, Dr Yuval Noah Harari spans the whole of human history, from the very first humans to walk the earth to the radical – and sometimes devastating – breakthroughs of the Cognitive, Agricultural and Scientific Revolutions. Drawing on insights from biology, anthropology, paleontology and economics, he explores how the currents of history have shaped our human societies, the animals and plants around us, and even our personalities. Have we become happier
- By Rtn. Vijay Hede
as history has unfolded? Can we ever free our behaviour from the heritage of our ancestors? And what, if anything, can we do to influence the course of the centuries to come? As much as I enjoyed Sapiens, there was plenty to disagree with in the book. For example, Harari sets out to prove that the agricultural revolution was one of the biggest mistakes in human history. Yes, it allowed civilizations to thrive, but on an individual level, he writes, we were much better off as hunter-gatherers. As farmers, people had to work a lot harder and in exchange they had a worse diet than they had as foragers. Agricultural societies also created social hierarchies in which the majority toiled as peasants and a minority of elites ruled over them. That's certainly a provocative argument, but I wasn't convinced. First, arguing that we were happier as hunter-gatherers than as farmers creates a choice when there isn't one. It's not as if we can turn back the clock and restart as hunter-gatherers or we can run an experiment to prove one way of life is better than the other. Second, I think Harari underestimates the hardships of being a hunter-gatherer. He suggests that death and violence rates were much lower in hunter-gatherer societies than after the agricultural revolution. But it's more likely the violence was higher because of competition over resources. A farming society can support many more people per square mile than a hunter-gathering society. In order to keep population densities low, conflict was inevitable among groups of hunter- gatherers. Finally, calling the shift to agriculture a “mistake” overlooks the fact that farming societies were able to specialize, leading to written languages, new technologies, and art—all things we value today. Bill Gates recommends the reading of this book as a must read for families particularly the young adults. I have added multiple copies of this book in the Central Library selection through Panaji First. Enjoy the reading........
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HOME THOUGHTS FROM ABROAD Greg was born in Boston, England and arrived in India to work in the insurance industry just over 20 years ago. He was introduced to I.S.T. almost immediately as the local consultants insisted the company would be operational within 3 months; 5 years later the licence was finally awarded. He has worked in Delhi, Mumbai and Goa for a major international insurer, a Lloyds's Broker, an International Insurance Broker (and sponsor of Manchester United) and as an independent trainer/technical consultant. When asked whether he likes India, he simply replies "Well I'm still here aren't I?"
MR. GREG Johnson Author
Now I've been living and working in India for the best part of 20 years so I reckon I am as well established as most firangi but the quirkiness in the differences between my adopted country and my birth country can still sometimes surprise me and, indeed, the difference within India. I remember being in a friendly argument with an Indian colleague that was slowly getting hotter until he threw at me “You just don't understand India”. He had to acknowledge defeat when I turned to him to say “Do you ?”. Move forward 2 decades and we were in our local shop last week asking for some diet soft drinks. “Sorry sir, none have arrived from wholesaler, be in tomorrow, by 11.00”. Now I should know that it's dangerous to take pronouncements of time literally but being British we cleverly thought if we leave it a little later then all will be ready. Going in the next day we enquired as to the cans? “Sorry sir, not arrived yet, will be here by 11.30 100%, what's the time now?” …..”It's 12.30” I replied, smiled knowingly and said “Yes problem is I.S.T.” to which he looked bemused and replied “No sir you mean G.S.T. “ They did however take our number and promise to ring us as soon as they arrived….. we left it for a week this time before we went back in… the cans had arrived a few days earlier (our number still displayed on top of the pad on the counter) Talking of drinks, last week we decided to try out a new restaurant that had just opened 2/3 kilometres away along the coast. There was heavy, heavy rain and it was early so not surprised that no-one else there but a very extensive looking menu - the evening went like this....... "They've Black Jewel (good quality gin)" Waiter comes "We'll have one gin and tonic, one vodka tonic" "Sorry sir, no tonic"
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"OK one feni, limca, soda and one Old Monk and diet coke" Those took 20 mins to get sorted so think they had to go and fetch the Old Monk from somewhere "We're ready to order... we'll have crostini and pate and veg tacos" "No tacos, sir" "OK, just the crostini then and we'll have the burgers" "No burgers, sir" (apparently only steaks and the like so no pastas or pizzas despite being on the menu "Just bring the check for the drinks then" “No crostini?" “NO" We do love the country and dining out often has little quirky surprises. The week earlier we were lucky enough to be invited to one of the local 5 star hotels with a highly recommended Goan restaurant. The meal was excellent, the Goan chef extremely experienced, then a well-dressed Indian couple came in, hotel residents so presume not sure of a rupee or two and probably well-travelled. They sat down in this quality Goan restaurant and ordered..... a pizza ! We have recently returned from a Punjabi wedding in Delhi. Not a cheap wedding you will agree as the ceremony itself was held at Taj Palace and the room rates (even with concessions) were sufficient to encourage us to book in at a well-known 4 star boutique hotel in Chanakyapuri. …. And this was a good example of the quirkiness I mentioned above. It's an established hotel in an excellent part of the city so tell me why does the soap dish in the shower rest at 45 degrees? why is the shower head suitably bunged up so that water sprays all over the bathroom apart from on yourself, why do you have to bang the toilet flush once to flush and then again to stop the water, why is there only one coat hanger and no tea bags. All quite minor things in any ways but why not have the room in proper order? The room service menu was brief; fish and chips,
chicken and chips, chicken tikka masala, paneer tikka masala, pizza, pasta, club sandwich and one Indian dish, Rajastahani lal maas (chicken/paneer tikka masala being, of course, British). We went down to the restaurant to find the menu was identical but with the addition of “Dish For The Day”. Enquiring what the dish for the day was, the waiter responded with “Veg or non-veg?”. “Either” we replied at which he confirmed he would check with the kitchens and returned within a minute or two to proudly proclaim “It's yellow dhal, Sir” After a fish and chip dinner which, it is fair to say, was very good we retired to the bar to be handed a drinks menu of two pages. One side soft drinks, mocktails and the other just two columns of Indian and imported single malt and blended whiskies. “Don't you have any other spirits or beers?”, the waiter looked at us a bit bemused saying “Of course sir” and reeled off a number of IMFL and imported spirits plus similar in the beers rang. We were told later a bulk of the guests come from the Punjab where choice of drinks is restricted to ” which whisky” (or soft drink if a lady) The following day was the wedding and that was as classy as an Indian wedding can be although the bride was not so impressed when the groom illustrated one of the more wellknown cultural differences (I.S.T.) by turning up at 10.15 p.m. for the ceremony timed to start at 8.00 India will remain home (subject to Govt being friendly on visas etc) - one big plus is I got my Aadhar card. Being an Indian Govt thing I knew getting it would be tough so I rang first to see when best time to go was.... "Come Collectorate, 10.00 Saturday" I went 10 mins early with books, tab and ipod knowing I'd be ages then found myself leaving the place at 9.59 with my appointment booked for 10 days time post lunch. In 10 days time I duly turned up again at 2.30 knowing I'd be ages but finished up walking out at 2.59 having had the eye scan, fingerprints done and photo taken. 6 days later its downloadable off the net - this is a very contradictory country!
JULY 2017 | PG 22
MONSOON ESCAPADES IN GOA
Monsoon Mountains Dudhsagar Cascade
Ghungurdyancho Vazor, Surla Hivrem Waterfall
Bamanbudo, Canacona
Tambdi-surla Waterfall
Vazrasakala, Chorla Ladkecho Vazor, Surla
Don-Nhaicho Vazor, Netravali
Sada Waterfall, Sada
Savri Waterfall, Netravali
JULY 2017 | PG 23
CLUB DIARY Four Way Test of the things we think, say or do • Is it the truth? • Is it fair to all concerned? • Will it build Goodwill and better Friendship? • Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
BIRTHDAY 07th Aug
Jacob
Rtn. Jacob John
07th Aug
Krishnadev
s/o Rtn. Dinar & Manisha
08th Aug
Supriya
w/o Rtn. Milind Shankhwalker
10th Aug
Simran
d/o Rtn. Yogesh & Gauri
15th Aug
Babuli
Rtn. Babuli Ghanekar
15th Aug
Rehana
w/o Rtn. Haroon Ebrahim
15th Aug
Shilpa
d/o Rtn. Ramkrishna & Malini
17th Aug
Ben
Rtn. Ben Saldanha
18th Aug
Mohit
s/o Rtn. Manoj & Meghna
18th Aug
Shweta
d/o Rtn. Deep & Dalia
21st Aug
PK
Rtn. Prakash Kapadia
22nd Aug Sneha
w/o. Rtn. Keshav Kamat
22nd Aug Samah
d/o. Rtn. Siddha & Sweta
24th Aug
Ananya
d/o. Rtn. Ashish & Priya
25th Aug
Shalma
w/o Rtn. Gaurish Shirodkar
27th Aug
Priya
w/o Rtn. Ashish Verlekar
29th Aug
Christine
d/o Rtn. Joe & Mariola
31st Aug
Shweta
w/o Rtn. Sumit Sethia
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY 03rd Aug
Rtn. Nilesh Dawda & Khushi
14th Aug
Rtn. Haroon Ebrahim & Rehana
23rd Aug
Rtn. Ashok Menon & Anitha
Club Information: Rotary Club of Panaji Mid-Town Club No: 51217 R.I District: 3170 Founded on: 14-04-1998 Chartered on: 20-05-1998 Charter presented on: 02-08-1998 Meets every Tuesday Time: 19.00 hrs Venue: Clube Tennis De Gasper Dias
Sunshine Box Collections
` 3100/100 PERCENTERS Kamat Manohar Kapadia Prakash Kenkre Kedar Kholkar Tanmay M. G. Chandrashekar Nayak Gauresh Pai Raikar Vinaykumar Patil Mahesh Ashish Verlekar Shah Bhupesh Shankhwalker Milind Shetye Santosh Shirodkar Gaurish Sukhtankar Ameet
JULY 2017 | PG 24
EDITOR’S MESSAGE
A Warm Welcome to all the Fellow Rotarians and Felicitations for a great Rotary year ahead. It is such a pleasant feeling to be at this desk after a gap of 19 years. I have had the pleasure and the privilege of being the editor of the maiden issue of “The Dream” in the Rotary Year 1998-99. I still vividly remember the spirit of fellowship of the initial 25 members and the zeal of the charter president late Rtn. Surendra Salgaocar as we worked to get the first issue of The Dream released. The Dream was conceptualised from the Rotary Theme for that year 'FOLLOW YOUR ROTARY DREAM' and the magazine has been doing just that in the last 18 years. This year The Dream goes online. No more hard prints to be mailed.
RTN. VIJAY HEDE Bulletin Editor
One tree gets consumed for every eight thousand sheets. By that yardsticks the decision of the BOD and the president saves about 12 trees this rotary year. They deserve kudos for this progressive step of doing their mite for environment protection. By going online We extend the depth and the breadth of our reach and message to the Rotarians and non Rotarians around the globe. Balkrishna of Navnirmiti will help us out on this front. We have continued the general format for this year, however we are creating a standardised template for the magazine under the following heads – Message from the President, The Month Gone By, Update on WINS, Service Projects Updates, Rotary Information, Know you City, Book Review, Interesting Destinations in Goa, Recipes in addition to other standard communication. This step will help deliver the communication in a standardised format. Do provide your feedback so we can improve the delivery on a continued basis. We will selectively publish the feedback received from the readers. I personally urge all the Rotarians, Annes and the Annettes to share articles for this magazine and make this effort a success. Happy reading........".
For your feedback please send your comments and opinions on vijaykumar.hede@gmail.com DISCLAIMER: Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the editor, the club, or Rotary International. Every effort is made to ensure that the magzine’s contents are accurate. Information is published in good faith, but no liability can be accepted for loss or inconvenience arising from errors or omission. Advertisements are accepted at face value and no liability can be accepted for the action of the advertisers. The editors welcome contribution of articles, news items, photographs and letters but are under no obligation to publish unsolicited material. The editor reserves the right to edit for clarity or length. Contributors must ensure that all materials submitted is not in breach of copyright or that if such material is submitted they have obtained necessary permission, in writing for its reproduction.