OHERALDO
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iNDia
GOA, MONDAY, 22 NOVEMBER, 2010
opinionateD Erstwhile colonialism bludgeoned By STePhen DIaS
i
t must be realised that true freedom fighters have never accepted “public dole” from the Goa Government. Freedom fighters like Laura D’Sousa, and others suffered due beatings by police of the colonial regime and yet they respected the enrichment the Portuguese left behind in terms of culinary art, culture, heritage, public health and engineering. The blending of indo-Portuguese life-style has given Goa a distant edge over the rest of india in the field of tourism and made Goans acceptable as a “superior race”, all over the world. True freedom fighters loved everything about the integration of indo-Portuguese values, which we still adopt and proudly exhibit. Today, those who claim themselves as freedom fighters only seek publicity. it was the Salazar regime which true freedom fighters resisted, and so did the Portuguese people. Today Gandhiji stands tall in gardens of Lisbon and elsewhere in Portugal and in the world. We Goans must resist tooth and nail any attempt by timber-smugglers of the Portuguese era, who claim to be self styled freedom fighters from destroying any form of art handed to us down the generations. Portuguese have contributed and enriched our culture and Goan way of life. We, therefore, must thank them for bringing into Goa, the message and the teachings of Christ. Portuguese ship NRP Sagres, visited and berthed at Mormugao port of Goa recently on a goodwill visit. The bJP and RSS including few freedom fighters objected to the celebrations of completion of 500 years of the arrival of Portuguese explorer vasco-da-Gama in Goa. These agitations were held under the banner of “Deshpremi Nagrik Samiti” and slogans were shouted like “Sagres Go back”. Protestors said that the Portuguese rule was marked with oppression, harassment and torture and questioned how anyone celebrates the arrival of oppressors. The visit was a part of its circumnavigation of the world. This vessel was on goodwill visit to strengthen the relations and ties with india. The ship consisted of a 15 member crew, 35 cadets from the Portuguese naval academy, 15 foreign cadets and also our Goan crew. The celebrations were strongly objected to by the destructionists who earlier did not approve the name given to our existing Panjim Municipal garden now known as Jardim Garcia de orta. This was already inaugurated by Mayor of CCP, Carolina Po. Garcia de orta was not Portuguese but a Jewish physician, naturalist and pioneer of tropical medicine and one of the active botanists of india. He had some knowledge of Marathi, Konkani, Sanskrit and Kannada. He evidently kept a laboratory and botany garden in Panjim Municipal Garden which was known as Jardim Garcia de orta. He performed an autopsy on a cholera victim, the first recorded autopsy in india. He had settled in Goa in the year of 1538 and died in 1568 at Santa Fe. Let me asked a question to these freedom fighters, why did they wait to oppose the name given by the Mayor, until the Garden is inaugurated? Coming back to the NRP Sagres visit at Mormugao, i would like to know why there was an agitation by the bJP and RSS with the support of few freedom fighters and why did they warn the people of not joining in the celebration of the Portuguese arrival? Luckily, there was tight security at the venue where they were protesting. otherwise, the situation could have gone out of control. However the Consul General Dr antonio Sabido de Costa, said that everybody has the right to express objection. He also said that he respected the feeling of these protestors in their agitation and said that they were here only on a goodwill visit and for the love for their ex-colony of Goa known as “ Estado da india Portuguesa” and its people. This stop over at Goa, was part of its 2010 circumnavigation around the world and marked the arrival of the Portuguese to the orient and Extreme orient, 500 years ago. The agitation got a bad name on world stage and reflects an ugly image and immaturity on the part of the agitators, for rejecting the Sagres visit to Goa. it is, therefore, a shame that “the degenerates” amongst the so called freedom fighters –instead of taking on the corrupt Goan politicians, or the expansionist activities of the indian Defence forces which are marginalising Goans in their own homeland, or addressing the issues of mega housing and real estate scams – are sitting pretty and acquiring double pension at the cost of the public finances. it is a shame that in the name of freedom fighters these parasites are also taking benefit for their children and other family members. Goans must take on some timber smugglers and the cheats who pose as freedom fighters and are bent on undoing and undermining all the good things the Portuguese left for us in the field of public health, sanitation, art and culture, music besides genetic biodiversity. Come on you little spoilers, take on the ill-effects caused by alcoholism, gambling, casino menace and importantly corruption ills threatening Goan society instead of flogging the dead horse of erstwhile Portuguese colonialism.
IAF to provide aerial protection to major cities PTI NEW DELHi, Nov 21
aiming to prevent any 9/11 type attack in the country, the indian air Force is planning deploying detachments of fighter aircraft close to major cities to thwart any such attempts of terrorists by using the aerial route. under its plan, a small detachment of three to four dedicated aircraf t would be deployed close to major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, bangalore and Pune to provide cover against any threats from hijacked aircraft, low speed and high speed aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (uav), micro-light aircraft, paragliders, balloons and remote-controlled aeromodels. "at present also, the iaF provides aerial protection to these cities but under the new plan, it will have dedicated aircraft round-the-clock for carrying out these responsibilities," senior Defence Ministry officials told PTi here. The protection provided to these cities would be same as that provided to the national capital during the Commonwealth Games and the Republic Day parade, they added. During the Republic Day and the independence Day, the iaF deploys fighter aircraft at Hin-
"n At present also, the IAF provides aerial protection to these cities but under the new plan, it will have dedicated aircraft round-the-clock for carrying out these responsibilities. don air base and frontline fighters such as Su-30 MKi, MiG-21 'bison' and MiG-29 are kept on operational readiness mode at air bases in bareilly, uttar Pradesh, Sirsa and adampur in Haryana and Srinagar to tackle any possible intrusions. The plan to provide aerial cover to these cities was formulated by the iaF following the 26/11 attacks on Mumbai two years back after intelligence agencies suggested that nonstate actors might launch an aerial attack. officials said that to provide a robust aerial cover to these cities, the iaF will also go ahead with strengthening of its ground-based infrastructure and enhance capabilities for an early detection of incoming enemy aircraft.
Members of the Indian National Cadet Crops (NCC) perform a dance during the 62nd NCC day celebrations in Kolkata on Sunday. The NCC, a voluntary organisation which recruits cadets from secondary school and colleges, was formed in 1948 to develop social services and leadership skills among participating Indian youth under the auspices of the Ministry of Defence.
Adoption of person over 15 yrs 'valid' if customs permit: SC PTI NEW DELHi, Nov 21
adoption of a person even after the statutory maximum age of 15 years prescribed under the Hindu adoption and Maintenance act, 1956 is "valid" provided local cupermit it, the Supreme Court has ruled. a bench of Justices Mukundakam Sharma and anil R Dave passed the judgement while dismissing an appeal by legal heirs of atluri brahmanandam challenging the property title of anne Sai bapuji, adopted son of Late anne Seetharamaiah who died intestate (without a will) on august 7, 1981. it was the case of the appellants that bapuji was not entitled to any ownership title of the disputed property in andhra Pradesh's Krishna district as he was adopted at the age of 18 years, contrary to Section 10 (iv) and Section 16 of the act which mandated that only a person below 15 years can be adopted. The andhra Pradesh High Court had dismissed their plea on the ground that adoption even after the 15 years age limit was permissible
under the 'Kamma' caste's tradition and hence valid. Following the ruling of the high court, they appealed in the apex court. Dismissing the appeal, the apex court said it was true that the act provided for a statutory maximum age of 15 years for the purpose of adoption. "but there is also an exception provided therein to the aforesaid required qualification which provides that if there is a custom or usage applicable to the parties permitting persons who have completed the age of 15 years being taken in adoption, such a person could also be validly adopted. "on the other hand, the effect and the implication of Section 16 of the act is that if there is any document purporting to record an adoption made and is signed by the person giving as well the person taking the child in adoption is registered under any law for the time being in force and if it is produced in any court, the court would presume that the adoption has been made in compliance of the provisions of the act unless and until it is disproved," Justice
Sharma, writing the judgement, said. in the present case the apex court said bapuji had produced a bonafide adoption deed which clearly mentioned that the customs in the Kamma community permitted adoption of a person even after 15 years of age. "There is no denial of the fact in the present case that the respondent was more than 15 years of age at the time of his adoption. but the respondent (bapuji) has relied upon the exception provided in section 10 (iv) and has proved by leading cogent and reliable evidence like that there is a custom in the 'Kamma' community of andhra Pradesh for adoption of a boy even above the age of 15 years. Therefore, the aforesaid exception which is engrafted in the same part of the provision of Section 10 of the act was satisfied. Since the aforesaid custom and aforesaid adoption was also recorded in a registered deed of adoption, the court has to presume that the adoption has been made in compliance with the provisions of the act," the bench said.
Hospital here on May 2009 and was handed over to the Welfare Home for Children at Sarita vihar. after medical examinations, the minor's date of birth was assessed to be april 12, 2009 and she was declared as an abandoned child by the Child Welfare Committee. The court appointed the couple as guardians of the abandoned child after a Welfare Home for Children official Lata Nair deposed before the court that they had no objection to the couple adopting the child.
Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama has said he was contemplating retirement within months and a final decision on it will be taken after consultations with the political leadership and Parliament-in-exile. The 76-year-old leader, who has been living in india in exile since 1959, expressed hope that he could return to his homeland before his death. "i think within next six months," the Tibetan leader told Karan Thapar's Devil's advocate programme when asked whether he was retiring as was being speculated. He, however, promptly added that "i do not know. May be next few months. i think may be." The Dalai Lama said he will firm up his decision on retirement after discussions with the Tibetan Parliament-inexile. "i want to inform them about my intention although i briefly mentioned (about it) already," he said. Justifying his decision, he said the Tibetans in exile have already put in place a political set-
PTI PaTNa, Nov 21
PTI NEW DELHi, Nov 21
of the petitioners is allowed," said the court while permitting the adoption. The couple had pleaded that they already had two sons, but owing to Mahiba's operation they had no chance of becoming parents again. They also submitted that being of indian origin, they were in a better position to protect the interest of the child. The couple also produced 'no objection' certificate issued by Central adoption Resource agency (CaRa) for inter-country adoption of the child. The child was found abandoned by officials of Kalawati
PTI NEW DELHi, Nov 21
up in 2001 and since then major decisions are being taken by the political leadership. "Since then my position is something like semi-retired position. The major decisions are in the hands of political leadership. in order to utilise full democracy, i felt better i am not involved in any sort of these works," he said. asked whether the institution of Dalai Lama would continue even after his demise, he said if his death came within next few years, then most probably the people concerned including Mongolian and the Himalayan range of buddhists would like to keep it. on how the next Dalai Lama will be chosen as China is apparently not sympathetic to the institution, he said "i think they (China) are more concerned about the next Dalai Lama." hen asked whether he was reluctant to nominate his successor, he only suggested that if people really want, then a having a deputy Dalai Lama can be considered in the event of his death or being too old. "if people really want to keep this institution, then at the time
of my sort of death or too old, then if necessary some kind of deputy Dalai Lama or something, i do not know what kind of appropriate name (should be)..i do not know...someone carrying my sort of work," he said. asked whether his successor should be from Tibet or from the diaspora community, the spiritual leader said if his death occured while remaining "outside" then logically the next reincarnation should be from outside Tibet to carry forward his works. The Dalai Lama said, "Since many years ago, i made it very clear. if my death occurs while we remained outside, then logically the very purpose of the new reincarnation is to succeed the works started by previous life. "So, reincarnation should be something to carry continuously my sort of struggle. So, therefore logically reincarnation will be outside Tibet." The Tibetan leader was asked whether his recent comment on having a female Dalai Lama was serious and he replied in affirmative.
Lalu dismisses poll surveys, claims RJD-LDP victorious
Abandoned Delhi girl gets US-based parents n The couple had a uS-based couple has found pleaded that they a new member to complete already had two their family -- an abandoned sons, but owing to minor girl from Delhi. in its order, a Delhi court Mahiba's operation allowed the couple to become they had no chance guardians of the girl. "i allow the petition and ap- of becoming parents point Daniel Ratnasekar vin- again. They also cent and Mahiba Sweetlyn submitted that being vincent (resident of Texas in uSa) as guardians of the minor of Indian origin, they female child," district judge were in a better Rakesh Kapoor said. "it will be in the welfare of position to protect the minor child if the prayer the interest of the
Dalai Lama says he is contemplating retirement
Bollywood actors Dakssh Ajit Singh (L) and Gavie Chahal (2R) and actress Mannat Singh (C) pay their respects at the Golden temple Sikh shrine in Amritsar on Sunday. The stars visited the city as part pf a promotional tour of their upcoming Bollywood film "Tere Ishq Nachaya" directed by Ravinder Ravi and produced by Kesar Singh.
RJD supremo Lalu Prasad today rubbished the exit polls conducted by news channels that projected a landslide victory for the ruling NDa in bihar assembly elections and claimed the RJDLJP alliance would form the government with a two -third majority. "i have been in politics since 1977, and understand the pulse of the people better than anybody. according to my assessment, the RJD-LJP alliance will come to power as the electorate has rejected the NDa outright," the former chief minister told reporters. angry over the news channels broadcasting exit polls midway through the elections,
Prasad alleged the media was doing a "dirty work" to help its "benefactors". Prasad said contrary to the psephologists' claim that women voters favoured NDa, it was the RJD-LJP combine that had obtained support of the women as they belonged to the poor and downtrodden communities, which have been the core constituents of his alliance. if the surveyors were so sure of the outcome of the assembly polls, then why did not they specify which seat is going to which party? he asked. "i will meet the EC with a full delegation seeking a ban on the survey and exit polls after the conclusion of the assembly poll process," he said. Prasad also accused the print
media of "lop sided" coverage of the elections and said the reports were not news, but views. The leaders and workers of the RJD-LJP combine have suffered "mental torture" due to "paid news" in the newspapers apparently to benefit their benefactors, he alleged. Prasad appealed to the Election Commission to conduct the counting with transparency, by keeping a watch over the poll officials, including observers, and ensure that the results were announced only after proper verification. LJP general secretar y Satyanand Sharma and its media in-charge Lalan Chandravanshi also echoed Prasad's observations, saying the survey outcomes are "preposterous".
Genetic Infertility treated successfully at Mumbai hospital PTI MuMbai, Nov 21
a woman with a rare genetic disorder 'Robertsonian Translocation', resulting in infertility, has delivered a healthy baby girl at the Jaslok Hospital and Research Center. "With this first invitro Fertilisation (ivF) using pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), india joins a handful of countries that have accomplished successful management of this disorder," Dr Firuza Parikh, Director, assisted Reproduction and Genetics at Jaslok and former Professor at the Yale university School of Medicine, uSa, said. The baby girl was delivered yesterday at city's
Jaslok hospital, Parikh said adding that this case report was published as a cover article in the peer reviewed 'Journal of Prenatal Diagnosis and Therapy' (January- June 2010). attributing the success to her team of 40 individuals particularly Dr Prochi Madon, Dr arundhati athalye, Mr Nandkishor Naik and Dattatray Naik, Parikh explained, "We are born with 46 chromosomes which occur in pairs. Each chromosome of a pair is a mirror image of the other. although this harmony is maintained in nature, an occasional slip results in a translocation." "as the name suggests, a segment or an arm of one chromosome transports itself onto another
chromosome and one such rearrangement is called a Robertsonian Translocation after the american geneticist Dr W Robertson," she said. "The rearrangement can occur in males and females who do not manifest any clinical symptoms. The problem manifests when the couple tries to conceive," Parikh said. "an embryo derives half its chromosomes from the father and half from the mother. Hence if the chromosome with extra genetic material goes into the embryo, the amount of genetic material of that chromosome triples resulting in miscarriage or mental retardation," the in-vitro fertilization (ivF) expert said. The embryos were screened using Pre-implan-
tation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD). Eleven years ago, Parikh and Madon established PGD for genetic disorders for the first time in india at the Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre. Parikh who led this procedure, said, "PGD requires years of perfection, team work and a thorough knowledge of reproductive biology and genetics. The couple first undergoes iMSi (intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection). in this procedure the egg and the sperm are magnified 7000 times. With the help of a sharp pipette a single sperm is injected into the egg and the resulting embryo is ready for PGD when it reaches the eight cell stage."