Vol. IV Issue 11 (i)

Since December 2010

BandraBuzz creating community connect

November 2013 | Vol. IV Issue 11 (i) | To Advertise: 9820783686 | 9920299787

E-paper: www.issuu.com/bandrabuzz | 16 pages | Price: ` 2

IN THE NOSE OF THE STORM

Javed Khan aged 2 (real name withheld) and his friends were happily playing with his toys at his home in Bandra. Among his toys was a small torch that drew his attention. He tried to press and slide any button that he felt would move. While doing so, the small button battery slipped out net to him. Innocently, he picked it up and pushed it into his nose. .... Turn to Pg 4

Javed Khan with his parents at Holy Family Hospital, Bandra - post-operation

02 November 2013

Bandra Buzz

NEWS

BMC (H-Ward) apologizes for pasting notices on crosses “I defy the BMC to put notices on other illegal encroachments” - Dereyk Talker It was morning on Friday, 18th October 2013 – and there was tension in the air. The religious sentiments of Catholics in & around Bandra were hurt because the BMC had pasted notices on their crosses. This was done in spite of this being a recently settled matter. The public mood demanded justice.

More than 120 angry people gathered in front of the BMC Office at St. Martins Road.

At first, BMC authorities tried to suppress any reporting by stopping the press cameras. However, with public pressure - the press was allowed to cover this protest. To watch the complete coverage please visit: www.bandrabuzz.com/crossissue.html This was a wise decision, as other people who could not come; can now see what exactly happened – and the real issues involved.

Adv. Godfrey Pimenta explained the legal aspects at various stages of the protest – even pointing out to Supreme Court orders. The young & handsome BMC Asst.

Commissioner Prashant Sapkale, flanked by his team & security tried to explain his view point in Marathi, but the protesters booed him on various issues. Emotions were increasing – and anger over injustice were apparent on the faces of the protesters.

Something needed to be done – and decisions taken “right now”. By now, the traitors (Judases) within the community were very evident, mingling in the crowd.

The burning embers were soon being fanned to become flames.

There was a move to divide the protesters & have a meeting of around 10 ‘leaders’ inside closed doors – on the pretext that the people had asked for a hearing.

Dereyk Talker instantly opposed this, saying that this should be addressed as a community – and got the support of the angry crowd. He demanded a revocation in writing, and openly challenging & defying the BMC to put notices on other illegal encroachments. Anil Joseph claimed this is an election stunt – asking, “Why was an agreed & settled matter brought out just before an election”. BCS President Gordon D’Souza explained the Sabha stand on this delicate issue, urging the BMC to contact them, instead of pasting notices on crosses.

Nicholas Almeida asked, “How can a cross respond to a notice?” Warren Fernandes said that names and contact nos. were submitted – and why were notices not sent to the persons concerned? Neil Pereira demanded that the ward officer do his

homework in a proper way & then take action, if necessary. Bernie Tellis pointed out, “We cannot forgive them, because they KNOW what they are doing. We will not take this lying down”.

BMC Asst. Commissioner P. Sapkale then apologized in public for pasting the notices on the crosses, stating that he had no intention of hurting the religious sentiments of the community.

The peaceful protesters continued to demand justice, even as the ward officer returned to his office. The H(West) Ward is the most sensitive & important ward in Suburban Mumbai – and what happened brought out a lot of skeletons from the BMC cupboard. After watching the BMC Protest, we urge our readers to react as to what is really the fact of the matter, from your view point.

You can e-mail your reactions to: bandrabuzz@gmail.com

More than 120 angry people gathered in front of the BMC Office at St. Martins Road

Bandra Buzz Team

HAVE YOUR SAY Do you have a comment about a community issue, a story - or something on your mind?

Write to us : news.bandrabuzz@gmail.com Bandra Buzz - your perfect platform

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Bandra Buzz

November 2013

03

An idea that changed his life The era of high speed communication has dawned upon us; from e-mail to high speed internet. We have come a long way since the days of the telegraph and postal mail.

At the heart of this communication revolution is the cellphone; probably the single most important invention of our time.

Today the cellphone has become an integral part of our lives and we take it for granted. It maybe hard to believe that even the basic cellphones that we use today have more computing power than the computer which was used in the Apollo 11 mission which took man to the moon.

Gini Dassan is a local entrepreneur who made it big by capitalizing on the mobile revolution. While still studying law at government law college, he came up with the idea of starting his own mobile retail store in 1998.

Initially he faced many challenges and difficulties but with a lot of hard work, innovation and determination he crossed every hurdle. Today he has a chain of 6 mobile retail stores in Mumbai, 3 of them located in Bandra. He also has the credit of starting the first ever Blackberry store in Mumbai. H.K. Mobiles is a well known brand and caters to everyone from gadget freaks to celebrities.

The stores are a unique one stop destination for all your mobile related issues. Complete with amazing ambience and equipped with an experienced and helpful staff, it hits a bulls eye with customer satisfaction. The store boasts a wide range of high-end cellphones and a number of subsidiary services such as backups, data transfer, anti-virus, etc. at very reasonable prices.

Technology changes, mends and molds our lives in ways we can't imagine. As technology advances it transforms everything around us but we always fail to notice.

40 years ago no one could have foreseen that we would be using something called a smart phone and another 40 years from now who knows how the wonders of technology will change our world; guess we'll just have to wait and watch.

Sairaj Borkar Pic Courtesy: Nelvin John

Gini Dassan with his wife Rachita Dassan at their store located on S.V. Road

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04 October 2013

NEWS

Bandra Buzz

>> FROM PAGE 1 This was what started the stormy situation.

The doctor who eventually operated on Javed, briefed us about this case. He told us, “The two year old child was playing in his house with a torch. His curiosity got him to open it & remove the battery. He accidently put it into his nose. His mother was in another room & only noticed it when the child started crying & bleeding from the nose. She panicked & called her husband who is a garage mechanic. They immediately rushed the child to a hospital, where attempts were made to remove the foreign body from the nose. This resulted in the child bleeding profusely.

Finally, the child’s parents contacted me (Dr. J. Peter Rodrigues, ENT Surgeon & Consultant at Holy Family Hospital.

I advised an immediate x-ray. The xray showed a foreign body deeply embedded in the upper posterior aspect of the nose; which is seen on the x-ray (see pic). The child was taken the next day for surgery under general anesthesia at the Holy Family Hospital, where after clearing the nose & removing the blood clots, the foreign body was extracted. This was done using special forceps.

The importance of this case is that sometimes these foreign bodies get dislodged & go into the lungs. If this happens, it would be a life-threatening condition. The urgency of the matter is that the foreign body should always be removed as soon as possible.”

We visited Javed & met his parents post-operation. They were very pleased with the line of treatment at Holy Family Hospital & the personal care of Dr. J. Peter Rodrigues.

Children are naturally inquisitive &

often wonder how things work. Usually, they display this curiosity by asking questions, or by exploring the world around them. One of the dangers that can occur as a result of this curiosity is that your child

may place foreign objects into his or her mouth, nose, & ears. Therefore it is imperative that very young children should not be left unattended.

Bandra Buzz Team

MUMBAI MUSICIANS THANKSGIVING MASS 2013 The Annual Mumbai Musicians Thanksgiving Mass is being held at St. Anne’s Church, Pali Hill, Bandra, on Friday 22nd November 2013 at 5.30 pm.

This mass is held on the feast day of the patroness of musicians St. Cecilia.

Calling all musicians of Mumbai to please attend this mass in large numbers.

Guitarists, please bring along your acoustic guitars to accompany the choir in church.

For the first time ever we will have guitarists sitting in the congregation and accompanying the choir in the singing.

For further details, please contact : Felix Flor: 98201 49951 or Ernie Flannagan: 9820304040

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MEDICAL

Bandra Buzz

November 2013

05

Cataract Surgery with ‘eye-drop anaesthesia’ NO INJECTION | NO PAIN | NO EYE PAD ALL ABOUT CATARACT - PART 2 This is the second in a four part series of articles about cataract surgery What is cataract surgery with ‘eye-drop anaesthesia’?

Since the 1980’s, cataract surgery has required the injection of an anesthetic near the eye. Now advances in surgical techniques & technology have made it possible to perform the surgery using eyedropsalone to make the eye numb.

beats as the pain & anxiety of the injection can alter the heart rhythm in such patients.

We monitor the heart rate & ecg & oxygenation of the patient throughout the procedure & we find that there are very few changes during the surgery with eye drop anaesthesia.

Do the patient’s eyes move during the operation?

Yes, the patients can move their eyes during the operation. The surgeon however is operating with two instruments & can stabilize the eye during the operation.

Can I speak during the operation if I am uncomfortable?

Yes, you can tell us immediately if you have any problem. In fact your surgeon will talk to you throughout the surgery & tell you what you will feel next.

What are the main advantages of not injecting the anesthetic?

1. The pain of an injection near the eye is avoided.

2. Potential common complications associated with the injection such as injury to blood vessels around the eye, injury to eye muscles or lid muscles are avoided.

3. The rare but potentially serious complications such as perforation of the eye, injury to the optic nerve, misdirected injection into a blood vessel are also avoided.

Is it safe for patients with heart disease ?

Yes, it is safer for patients who have irregular heart-

Why is a pad not applied at the end of surgery with eye drop anaesthesia?

Since the eye muscles are not immobilised, the recovery from anaesthesia is immediate. So there is no need to apply a pad – on your way home, all you need is a pair of sun glasses. More importantly, you can start using anti-infectives & anti-inflammatory eyedrops early in the post-operative period. This helps prevent complications & improves surgical outcomes.

Are all Doctors operating by this method?

A survey of members of the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons revealed that the surgeons using eye-drop anaesthesia had increased from 45% in 1999 to 70% in 2008.

At Oculus eye hospital 99% cataract surgeries are done with eye drop anaesthesia.

Dr. Jagruti Desai, M.S. (Ophthalmology), Oculus Eye Hospital Tel. 26202369, 9819983158 Consultant at: Hinduja Healthcare, Khar (W), Thu - 11am to 1pm Ramakrishna M Hospital, Khar (W), Thu - 11am to 1pm SMC Medical Centre Link Corner Mall, Off. Linking Road, Behind KFC, Bandra (W) Mon to Sat - 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm 26482424 / 26058986

06 November 2013

NEWS

Bandra Buzz

One Man’s Waste.... is another Man’s Wealth Bandra is not what she used to be......a refrain you often hear these days. Stories tell of a once quaint little suburb, sprawled around tiled cottages, sitting in chirping gardens dotted with sweet water wells. A place soaked in tranquil, warm, sunny afternoons and abundant with courteous, simple people. But today, this much sought after suburb is slowly losing its charm to a faster-paced, noisier and increasingly dirtier locale; a far cry from its former self. And yet, among all of the factors contributing to a general decline, you find instances of rare and unusual events quietly unfolding among hercosy lanes. One such inspiring tale of hope is the sort of story you find only in the rarest of places, and in this case, the kachhra dabba!

But that’s not how it all started out.

Denzil Rego, a self confessed Bandra boy, speaks of how the HELM initiative was only the first step towards finding him elbow deep in kacchhra or kitchen waste.

HELM came about as an association of ALMs of the local neighbourhood interested and willing to work together on common civic issues.

Over the years, it has grown to become more inclusive, attempting to address problems affecting not only civic but environmental issues as well.

Together with Christopher Pereira, a classmate and partner-in-crime, Rego started experimenting with composting kitchen waste, beginning with their Alma Mater, St. Stanislaus School. “We just asked the Principal if we could implement a waste management solution like a composter and that’s how it all began” Today the two have set up waste composting units in a number of housing societies around Bandra as well as some schools and even a local Bank! Explaining the process of composting, Rego says a correct balance of wet waste from the kitchen and dry waste such as leaves or saw dust is required for a complete transformation into compost across a one

Composting station at St. Stanislaus School Grounds month cycle. Two sizes of composters have been fitted out by them to conveniently manage the waste from the kitchens of a group of families or a larger institution, like a school. As part of the product, they also provide a service of training in the use of the composter along with provision of dry materials as well as hands on support for the initial days of starting up. “Bones and fish from non vegetarian waste take longer to breakdown and extend the cycle”; says Rego, “but it works just as well in converting into humus, a highly nutritive soil for growing vegetables and herbs.”

Pereira, an avid exponent of innovative techniques to save the

Demonstrating the shredder to convert the waste paper into manageable bits before composting

environment, shows us around his garden or ‘lab’ as he calls it, for where he tests stuff out! Currently under construction, is a seemingly simple network of pipes running along the wall of his building, connecting the waste water from all the bathrooms into a filtration pit. The idea is to conserve fresh, potable water by reusing the grey water from the bathrooms, collecting and filtering it at first and then using it for purposes like watering the garden.

“My next project will be a vertical garden” says Pereira, as he points out to the flat surface of an unhindered wall of his building.

I grin broadly at his plans and feel a

strong sense of hope that all is not lost.

Perhaps a quiet revolution is slowly clearing our homes of waste and may bringing new techniques to help improve our surroundings. Maybe Bandra will regain her lost crown as Queen of the suburbs. And perhaps this time the crown might be a vertical garden?

No small thanks due to the efforts of men like Rego and Periera or should I say Bandra Boys with a thing for waste? Join them in their quest to create wealth from waste, read more at http://www.helm.org.in/index.htm

Co-founders of PCD Nature Machines Denzil Rego & Christopher Pereira

Sonal Alvares

NEWS

October 2013

Bandra Buzz

07

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08 November 2013

FASHION

Bandra Buzz

SHWA - handbags with a secret Season 1- Inspired from Grey's Anatomy: The first collection is titled ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. The secrets in each bag from this collection are little things, which will enhance your bag experience! So you could be Meredith, a revolutionary 3-in -1 bag, portraying the multi-functionality of a working woman, Christina is a perfect blend of fashion and function, or Callie,with her strong and bold character SHWA has added such secret elements in the handbags, which will facilitate a woman’s daily battle against time. Find the list at the end!

Season 2 – Theme: Handbags with Secret Powers SHWA Season 2 theme is inspired by the book ‘The Secret’ by Rhonda Byrne, which explains how we can control our destiny with the Law of Attraction and the power of positive thinking.

Each handbag comes with a Tarot Card inside, which is meant to

attract a certain form of energy into our lives.

Carry a ‘Lovers Tarot Card’ inside your bag, to let the universe know that you are ready to attract a soul mate into your life.

When carrying a SHWA bag, you are subconsciously sending a positive message to the universe, that you are ready to attract Love/Luck/Money/ Hope into your life.

It is also inspired by the TV series Gossip Girl thatis youthful, vibrant and trendy with bags being named after the show’s characters.

Nate is a color-blocked tote bag that can make a sophisticated addition to your casual or work wardrobe. Carry to bring you luck and come closer to your destiny.

Blair is a color blocked cylindrical bag with a

pop of blue or neon orange. Carry to attract a balanced and loving relationship in your life. Serena is an oversized sling to carry all your essentials while staying glam. Carry to bring you happiness, fun, warmth and positivity.

What sets SHWA apart from other handbags?

Each bag comes with essentials for ladies such as lip gloss, key finder, portable charges, pepper spray, etc and is also accompanied by a Tarot card picked specially for you in store.

Online orders come with cards as well, just send us your details when placing it. Also, you can choose the character you want from your favorite show!

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Vol. IV Issue 10(i) > R.N.I. No. : MAHENG/8-10-2010/12646 Editor: Merck D’Silva > Printed & Published by Creative Concepts, 401 Anica, 28 St. Paul Road, Near Bandra Gymkhana, Bandra (W), Mumbai - 400 050.

Printed at Marwah Estate, Saki Vihar Road, Mumbai - 400 072 DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in this paper, are of the authors - and do not reflect the opinion of the publishers and editors, unless otherwise stated.

Readers should act on the information provided, only after consulting with their own independent advisors.

The publishers and editors of this paper shall be in no way be held responsible for any such action, or consequences thereof.

ENTERTAINMENT

Bandra Buzz

November 2013

09

Shiamaks makes dance SELCOUTH! Four packed shows witnessed something truly rare and unusual, Shiamak Style left the audiences stunned!

Guru of Contemporary Dance, Shiamak Davar wowed audiences with his latest production Selcouth. The show was true to its name, rare, unusual and marvellous. With choreography that was trademark Shiamak, it involved indo contemporary and modern movement with ballet technique.

From start to the end the audiences were at the edge of their seats, with moments that took their breath away.

Watching the show were Bollywood biggies Abhishek Kapoor, Ronnie Srewvala, Masaba, Shekhar Ravjiani, Arshad Warsi, Maria Goretti, Milind Soman, Sharman Joshi, Shekhar Suman, Amol Gupte, Jay Bhanushali, Ruslan Mumtaaz, Madhu, Queenie Dhody, Sophie Chaudhary, Manjari Phadnis, Parizad Kolah, Yukta Mookhey, Sharon Prabhakar and Marzi.

Performed by The Shiamak Davar Dance Company and graduates from Shiamak’s One Year Dance Certification Program, the performances were flawless displaying technique, training, lifts and dance with concepts that were fresh and showed the way for the direction that dance is ready to take.

‘This show is extremely special for me.

I have always been doing this work only for my students and parents to watch. They kept saying Shiamak, the public must watch this. And so I decided to open this show for everyone. I am just so over whelmed by the response. This is just the beginning, many more to come!! Extremely humbled by all everyone who came to watch the show and gave such respect and regard to all the performers and me. This show shows the good side, the dark side and the spiritual side of my journey in the last twenty five to thirty years.’ said Shiamak.

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The Shiamak Davar Dance Company & graduates performing at St. Andrew’s Auditorium, Bandra Ronnie Screwvala found a lot of passion in the show. He said ‘to see this discipline is sensational! It was phenomenal; you do not see this is in this country’. Fashion Designer Masaba who used to dance with Shiamak said ‘Shiamak is my guru, dance teacher, my everything... I’m very attached to him and love him to death. I’ve done some of his shows and they have been a huge surprise as a dancer and as an audience’. Singer, song write Shekhar Ravjiani (from the VishalShekhar duo) said’ it is the most unbelievable show I have seen. Shiamak should take this show internationally. He is a very dear friend of mine and I’m very proud of him’.

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thinks out of the box - and is such a unique performer, he looks at choreography very differently’. ‘I’m so proud of him, it is the most fantastic show I have seen’, said theatre actor Dolly Thakore.

With such a fabulous response, Shiamak promises to bring the show back. So those who missed it this time, you will have a chance very soon to catch this marvel.

Bharat Gupta

10 November 2013

ISSUES

Bandra Buzz

Govt. ignores other notified minority communities Is it that their numbers do not make up for their vote bank?

Recommendations made

by The Institute for Human Development for the development of Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, including Neo Buddhists and Parsis, not adhered by the present government since 2008.

The Institute for Human Development on 25th March 2008, had submitted a project on ‘SocioEconomic Status of the Notified Minority Communities (Other than Muslims)’ to Shri Mohamed Shafi Qureshi Chairperson, National Commission for Minorities (NCM).

The study was conducted on the four Notified Minority Communities i.e. Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, including Neo Buddhists and Parsis.

(NMCs). The report had six recommendations on Health, Education, Higher Education, Skill Development, Entrepreneurial Support and Development and Social Security.

There has been no development or implementation of the six recommendations made by the Institute for Human Development.

The present government since 25th March 2008 has done nothing in specific for the NMCs with respect to the six recommendations. Is it that the above NMCs i.e. Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, including Neo Buddhists and Parsis are of no importance to the current government? Or their numbers do not matter for their vote bank?

Why have the government not adhered to the six recommendations made by the Institute for Human Development on 25th March 2008, when it can implement the recommendation made by the Justice Sachar committee on the Muslim Community, much later in 2010?

In these premises, I appeal to the government to be fair to all the minorities in this country. Don’t work for a single minority - and create differences between the minorities. This is bad politics.

If Justice Sachar committee recommendation can be implemented for the Muslims, then why are recommendations made by The Institute for Human Development for the other Notified Minorities not implemented.

I also request that the current government should also include in its list of minorities, the Jewish Community in India. The Jewish Community has been left out by every committee in their study. The Jewish synagogues in India are very old - and need to be uplifted.

It is high time that the present government looks into the development of these synagogues and the Jewish people of India.

A project was submitted on “Socio-Economic Status of the Notified Minority Communities (other than Muslims)” by Preet Rustagi, Abhay Kumar, Balwant Singh Mehta, Sunil Kumar Mishra, Payel Dutta Mazumdar of INSTITUTE FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT, NIDM Building, 3rd Floor, IIPA Campus, I.P Estate, New Delhi - 110002, on 25th March 2008 to Shri Mohamed Shafi Qureshi Chairperson, National Commission for Minorities (NCM), Lok Nayak Bhavan (Fifth Floor), Khan Market New Delhi – 110003 and copy was made to 1. Smt. Deepa Jain Singh, Secretary, NCM, 2. Shri S.K. Swami, Joint Secretary, NCM. The following are the recommendations of the Institute For Human Development: 1. The need for making data available across NMCs, enhancing the legal basis for ensuring equitable access as well as providing equal opportunities also enlisted in the Sachar Committee report, may be overarching recommendations for this report also.

detrimental health impacts on women and children is required; e) Overall nutritional, child care and health awareness is essential. This improves with higher female literacy levels; f ) The Sikh community records the lowest child sex-ratios among the 0-9 years category, which is extremely worrisome. ii. Education a) The literacy rate is the lowest among Scheduled Caste Sikhs, followed by OBC Sikhs across all communities. The latter have in fact registered a decline in literacy rate over time. The Sikhs have the highest proportion of out of school children.

Education that is sought to be universalised at least at the elementary level, must address this community in a targeted fashion to include the SC and OBC Sikhs specially.

iii. Higher Education a) The country as a whole requires attention 2. The emphasis laid on inclusive growth in in this area, given the low proportion of Details about the the Eleventh Five Year Plan cannot be higher-educated persons. The NMCs too report along with the require support through reservations, attained unless issues of inequity and discrimination affecting the NMCs are scholarships and special tutorials to recommendation on also addressed. increase their share in higher education ‘Socio-Economic Status levels. The Buddhists, who are 3. Universal coverage of education and of the Notified Minority predominantly SCs, have lower shares of health, at least up to the basic levels, is literates among the tertiary levels of Communities’ (other education than the all-India figures. critical.

4. Community and social group-specific factors affect enrolment into schools and educational attainment.

than Muslims)

5. Class and gender dimensions also influence perceptions, attitudes and behaviour.

6. By undertaking a separate analysis of the NMCs, some of these aspects are highlighted, which can be given due attention by planners and policymakers. i. Health a) Children’s nutrition levels require special attention from the view of addressing food security levels among the poor and backward sections of the population. The Buddhist children report the worst stunting, washing and child mortality indicators; b) Improving the anaemia status of mothers is critical for reduction of child anaemia levels as well as for improving nutritional status. Efforts through existing ICDS programmes to provide iron supplementation need to be strengthened further to improve access of the minorities, especially the socially and economically deprived sections among them; c) Outreach of immunization with children receiving all vaccinations must be given special attention for the NMCs; d) Awareness regarding early marriages & childbirths for their

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iv. Skill Development a) Special support is required for improving access to technical degrees and diplomas, especially for the poor and backward segments of the NMCs.

v. Entrepreneurial Support and Development a) Social barriers influence participation in the labour markets and act as deterrents for entrepreneurial endeavours. This is further compounded by inaccessibility to credit channels.

Mere policies to develop entrepreneurship or provide training and credit may not be adequate for elimination of such barriers. Positive interventions through direct policies such as reservations for the socio-economically poorer segments are required. b) Improving access to credit and initiatives such as Self Help Groups (SHGs) , especially for women who are not in a position to participate in labour activities outside the household given their domestic responsibilities, can help enhance female work participation. c) Given the high dependence on self employment by most NMCs, improving access to credit can the scale of their activities. vi. Social Security a) Improving social security measures for the NMCs, especially the poor, informal sector workers among them is extremely critical.

NEWS

Bandra Buzz

November 2013

11

Children’s Day at St. Joseph’s Convent On the 31st of October 2013, St. Joseph’s Convent High School Bandra had a great celebration planned by the staff of SJC for the students. This celebration was an “advanced” Children’s Day Celebration!

SJC has the tradition of beginning every day and every celebration too with prayer and that was followed even for this celebration. The prayer service and dance were followed by a dance that was a fusion of 3 such dances that can’t even be imagined together-Salsa, Bharta Natyam and Jive! The drama grabbed everyone’s attention towards it because of it’s humour and the wonderful acting of the teachers! All of us, students had a hearty laugh! The Drama was a Musical Spoof of ” Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”. It had the typical “bollywood tadka” in it! The students demanded the drama to be put once more because they enjoyed it so much! The programme ended with the teachers singing songs like “Nani Teri Morni” and “Lakdi ki Kathi” that reminded all us of our childhood!

The teachers of SJC showed how much they cared for us by putting up this wonderful programme that touched our hearts and made us realize that what we do for our teachers is nothing in comparison of what they do for us!

All that students could say was a BIG THANK YOU! We all are very lucky to have such energetic, loving and kind teachers!

Akanksha Panday

Top: Sing along. Remake of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs SJC Style. Dance Dance Bottom Left: Teachers performing a skit Bottom Right: Teachers performing a song

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12 November 2013

Bandra Buzz hold us responsible for our laxity. So, let's always come out in large numbers, with full force and support the cause of our community. Let's nip this crookedness in the bud!!

Geoffrey Machado Extortion…

Blackmail… and hurting minorities is the game plan to divert attention from potholed roads, falling buildings, inept handling of garbage and other dereliction of civic duties. I am ashamed and hurt... for this attitude against the most peaceful community the Christians.

Firoze Shakir It is so wonderful to see all communities & religions coming together to help their brethren.... FANTASTIC... this is TRULY Bandra at its BEST... Thanks everyone...

God Bless you all !

Neil Pereira

ALL NIGHT LONG ?

CROSSES & BMC The BMC has been troubling the Christian Community every now & then with the issue of demolition of The Sacred Catholic symbol "The CROSS". It is an inexplicable act which these BMC people should not put their hands into.

I condemn this action & urge more and more Bandraites to pledge support for the Christians who are the original inhabitants of Bandra. I, being a Muslim will do my bit in writing a letter to BMC along with the signature of may NonChristians showing support against this ugly act by the BMC. The BMC are just trying to divert attention from other more important duties that they failed to carry out like repair of potholed roads, falling buildings, bad handling of garbage etc. … which the common man will complain about. This is a very sad but true state of affairs in Bandra - at the moment.

Shameless BMC - like always.

Zafar Shaikh It seems very clear that there is lack of coordination between the authorized body (Mumbai Municipal Corp. Committee for regularization of religious structures) and the H West Ward. Calling us for a hearing without studying the papers submitted for the Carter Road crosses, creates doubts in peoples mind about their intentions.

I was the Secretary of the Rajan Cross, when we submitted the documents on 23.01.2013, for the cross near Prithi Kunj, which was built in the year 1898, today 114 years old. We have an association called the "Rajan Student Cross Fund", which built and looks after this cross. We submitted true copies, attested by advocates, of documents like the Souvenir of Golden Jubilee function held on 15th May 1948. We have minutes in our records of meetings held way back in 1941, and hence submitted the minutes of the meeting of 20th July 1941 at 11 am.

Having submitted these documents, the MCGM should not have pasted the notice on the cross, but should have contacted me - as they have the name, address, mobile no. By pasting the notice, which they claim they have pasted under section 485, it clearly shows that they have not read the documents submitted.

I voiced my opinion of having a hearing in public, when a crowd was gathered outside the MCGM office, at 11 am, the time of the hearing. But the Asst.

Commissioner (H-West ward), Mr. Prashant Sapkale, decided after the protest to call off the hearing. I also met the Asst.

Commissioner after the protest rally - and he stated that he had called off the hearing.

I showed him the minutes of the meeting of 1941 and the Golden Jubilee Souvenir of 1948 - and again informed him that it was wrong for the BMC to paste notices on the cross, when there is a contactable person.

The Asst Commissioner stated that he had apologized to the crowd 3 times for sending the notice. However I intend to send a letter for the record that I visited the MCGM for the hearing, which he called off.

Warren Fernandes This cross issue is just a ploy by our crafty elected representatives to divert the minds of the public to sentimental issues, so that they buy time to do all their sponsored illegal activities.

It is sad but true, how they have continued the British India policy of divide and rule – to achieve their election goals.

They are making a mockery of the democratic process, by misusing the loop holes.

These politicians should be avoided like the plague – and VOTED out of power.

Hemant Tambe I would like to know if the Asst.

Commissioner H-West Ward has given in writing what he has publicly apologized.

This is important for the record, as no politician can misuse this issue again for political mileage.

Anyway, it was wonderful to see how Bandra Buzz has captured the BMC protest against all odds. This is courageous free press at its best.

Leela Malkani Why is the BMC targeting H-West ward crosses and NOT other religious structures from other denominations???

This appears to be a politically engineered move to floor the Christians down, humiliate and hurt their sentiments ... None are so blind like those with eyes and cannot see this move.

Ivan R. Lemos We Catholics have been a soft target of all and sundry. We need to show our strength more forcefully, or whatever little is left of our ancestral legacy, will also be taken away from us, and our future generations, will

It has been observed that some of the world's greatest cities are defined by their night life. People feel safe while travelling and there is a sense of community, which has been proved in New York, London and Paris - where the world's business hubs and the its residents have the fun.

But in Mumbai to have fun is a crime.

I strongly feel that Mumbai must be made 24x7 working by allowing entertainment outlets to work day and night with proper license, to redeem some of the bad name the city have received. The current law is nothing but to seek rent, raids, and harassment to the people, to show that business and entertainment should not prosper. This must be changed, as Mumbai has always encouraged entrepreneurship. The city has given rise to some of the biggest industrial houses in the

EDITORIAL country and some of them went on to conquer the world.

Therefore the clampdown on the city's nightlife - and the associated corruption by allowing the nightlife to continue illegally is deeply saddening.

Bhagwan Thadani

TRAFFIC TRAUMA It is very sad that our traffic police at Bandra are not doing their real work. Instead, they move in a group of four or six and stand next to the florist at St. Andrew’s Church or at Lilavati Hospital, just to catch defaulters.

Let us remind them, that their real job is to control traffic.

On Saturday I was moving from 16th road Khar towards Mount Mary Church. It was very difficult to make my way up till there I met up with heavy traffic jams at Pali Naka, Hill Road, St. Stanislaus school, A1 bakery, Mehboob Studio. Where is the traffic police? Nowhere in sight !

They manage traffic for Mr. Satyapal Singh at early hours - and keep the roads free - but as soon as his car goes away, the traffic police also go away? Can't they keep the roads ‘traffic-free’ like they do it for Mr. Singh, as we also need to reach our jobs on time?

We are public tax payers too - so why are we being deprived of our rights? All restaurants and shopping malls right from Hill Road, Globus till Patels at Mehboob Studio have customers coming at peak hours - and parking double - even parking in no parking zones like Nature’s Basket at Hill Road, which has the most disturbing parking.

I request the traffic police to show some humanity towards people and work for the people - not just to show their higher official ‘a good picture of Bandra traffic’, which is completely wrong .

Dinesh Shelar

Games People Play Dear Readers, Mid October in Bandra is a time when people are in a transition mode. The weather is changing – and with upcoming festivities, the mood is upswing.

Planning, preparing, contacting… is high priority.

This can be seen everywhere. On Hill Road, Linking Road, Carter Road, Bandstand… and the little lanes and bylanes that make Bandra so unique. In offices and homes, event deadlines are discussed in details. Everyone seems to be in the event management business – in their own little way. Take-A-Break seems to be the current mantra. Picnics and short holidays around Mumbai are imperative to maintaining your health and getting the right balance in an otherwise hectic lifestyle. The green surroundings and pollution-free air works wonders to our body, mind & spirit – more than any ‘wonder’ drug’.

Meanwhile, focused on the upcoming 2014 elections, people are playing games with an agenda that is easily recognized by informed citizens. Religious sentiments are aroused. Divide and rule is the name of the game. Carrots are offered to ‘modernday Judases’. Rumours are spread to spoil the name of opposing groups. Claims are made, even though the job done should have been done anyway – and in any case is done using tax-payers money. Plans are

plenty to create confusion – trying to portray to the common man, that we are your saviour – ‘you just need to cast your vote in our favour’. Imagine, all this is miles away from the heart of the matter.

Yes, the games people play in Bandra are not taken lightly. We have one of the best activists who monitor every move and do not hesitate to react when needed.

With better co-operation amongst activist groups in recent months – our authorities policy of divide and rule is not making a dent. People’s Power is at a peak – and as of now, there is a ‘no-nonsense policy’.

Bandra Buzz hasn’t hesitated to deliver. With an un-biased view, our reporting has let people see what’s happening – and have their own viewpoint to the burning issues, caused when people play games. To report any news, upcoming event or send your reactions, do email me: editor@bandrabuzz.com.

Do enjoy yourself during the upcoming festivals.

Bandra and her surrounding suburbs have a lot to offer. Wishing you a Happy Diwali & a Prosperous New Year ahead. Till next time, take care.

Warm Regards, Merck N. D’Silva Editor 9820783616

EDITORIAL

Bandra Buzz

November 2013

13

In Defence of the Truth I refer to the article in the 'Mumbai Mirror' dated 15 October 2013 that appeared on Page 6 published by one Yogesh Sadhwani. It certainly emanates from political opponents thus dragging and misleading the Christian community at large. More so, I am dismayed with the Letters to the Editor in the October issue of the Bandra Buzz, Page 13 by a few people whose preference to political parties is well known, except for the article written by Advocate Shane Cardoz which clearly states that at no point did Rev. Fr. William Athaide ever ask the parishioners to vote for a particular candidate or party.

One of the parishioners interviewed seems to have a lapse of memory including the journalist. Since with a little investigation, they would have found that The TOI in September 2012 had clearly mentioned that there was a problem in getting the required permissions for the September Garden and the Parish Priest and September Garden committee had sought assistance from the local MLA . Hence, I presume, in gratitude invited him for the opening of the September Garden but the way the article is twisted to suit their convince is appalling .

The September issue of the Bandra Buzz prominently displays a photograph of Rajnath Singh, Ashish Shelar, a so-called eminent Builder and the person referred to in the reference article in 'Mumbai Mirror' posing in front of the altar at the Mount Mary's Basilica. Why did he not raise a hue and cry on this 'photo-hop'? From the above it is undoubtedly proved that the press article has been engineered by a few to defame the Parish Priest without any rhyme or reason, only for their selfish interest. How can we forget the O.P. Tyagi's Freedom of Religion Bill of 1978 when lakhs of us protested at the Azad Maidan?

During the recently concluded Municipal elections this person was sending SMSs to vote for a particular candidate which speaks volumes on his double standards adopted and we respect that since an individual has his preference.

The Bandra Constituency consists of a large educated population, and we certainly do not need the press or others to guide us on who we should vote for.

I only hope that these people do not approach the Vatican to complain to the Pope on the article that appeared on Page 11 of HT dated 22 October 2013.

I know Rev. Father William Athaide in his earlier days as Principal of St. Andrew's High School, have interacted with him on a number of occasions and know him as an impartial, unbiased priest.

Cornel K Gonsalves

Please do not see our respect for the clergy as a weakness, we will fight as a community and we will not let Bandra become another Byculla, Mazgaon or Bhendi Bazar.”

These points are my reaction to Fr. Warner Brendon D’Souza’s Letter posted on the doors of Mount Carmel Church and printed in the Examiner which parishioners were urged to read. To read this letter, please visit: www.bandrabuzz.com/fr-warner.html.

This is a Clarification not a Contradiction as I was quoted in the article I would like to state my views on the points, as per his letter: Point 1 Are we a bunch of non achievers, that we have to call a local politician to inaugurate the ‘September Garden’? Do we not have anybody in our community good enough to inaugurate the same? When Fr D’Souza talks about his Eminence Valerian Cardinal Gracias calling the President, Vice President and Prime Minister to a religious function in 1964, let us be informed that all those events were pertaining to the 38th INTERNATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS held in Bombay which was a world event - and the then Pope Paul VI was in attendance, and also had an approximate 20,000 foreign visitors. Being the state head of the Vatican, it was also protocol that they be invited.

Is he comparing the 38th International Eucharistic Congress a huge world event to the ‘September Garden’??& the local MLA to the PM of India, interesting.

How can he say it’s a non-religious fair? The ‘September Garden’ is part of a religious event. If a fair is being organized by the church, on the church premises, funds collected by the church and used by the church - how can it be a nonreligions fair?

Point 5 It is a dictate of the supreme court that no religious place be used for political propaganda, so the more politically correct thing to do from the pulpit would be to urge people to enrol and make sure they come out to vote come election day and leave the rest to the people to make an educated choice, unless Fr William feels we are not capable of doing that.

The homilies of his Eminence Valerian Cardinal Gracias have said to talk about political issues, about the involvement of Catholics in the political process and the clergy to get involved in the issues yes but not prompt people and get involved in politics, today people are more educated than 1964 - and can make their own decisions.

Point 6 I am glad the journo chose to awaken the conscience of the congregation towards immoral politicians, because we in

Bandra face the scorpions day in and day out Point 7 It was the undersigned who was called. The article may hurt but definitely not mislead the community. I am sure we are done with sweeping things under the rug. I’m glad he highlights the fact there is a real issue - and the people of Bandra only know how REAL it is.

We are not doubting Fr Athaide’s personality - and I’m sure people who deal or interact with him have created their own opinion.

My last comment is to Fr D’Souza himself - if he feels so strongly about the article, why not take it up with the paper itself, they should be replying to his questions, instead of readers of The Examiner.

Finally, I want to say, “Please do not see our respect for the clergy as a weakness, we will fight as a community and we will not let Bandra become another Byculla , Mazgaon or Bhendi Bazar.”

The above too is in defence of the truth - and nothing but the truth for my community, so help me God. Dereyk Talker

14 November 2013

Bandra Buzz

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Wishing all Residents of Bandra,BKC a very

Baba Siddique, M.L.A

Khar,Santacruz Happy Diwali

Priya Dutt, M.P.

Zeeshan Siddique