Quality checks
As if to make amends for declassifying the coconut tree as a plant , the Goa government has lost no time in making known the medicinal properties of the local brew of feni and give it a heritage tag. This is both a welcome step and a boost to local production, though late in the day. However, a word of caution needs to be sounded as the commercial variety of some brands of either ‘madd’ or ‘caju’ sold in some shops is not genuine and often adulterated, and far from the home -made variety. Tourists in particular should desist from buying feni from hawkers at bus stops of outgoing buses. Some years back I had the misfortune of purchasing a bottle of ‘madd’ on my journey to Mumbai, only to find on opening the bottle that the stuff neither smelt nor tasted like feni and had to be thrown out. The Goa government should therefore take all preventive steps to ensure that such adulterated /spurious stuff is not circulated in the state, to safeguard the image of Goa as well as of feni as a heritage drink.
A F Nazareth, Porvorim
Failure not the end
Education is an essential need but it is certainly not everything in deciding the potential and destiny of talented individuals. All children have some hidden talent but most parents force their children to take up certain course. It is the will power in us that decides our goal in life and its accomplishment. Failures should not deter us from achieving extraordinary things in our life There are drop outs who have become scientists and successful citizens in their own way. Anything is possible if we work hard, dedication and perseverance are all that matters. We should not attach too much importance to academic degrees and certificates. There are people who have shown the world what it takes to be successful.
Diomedes Pereira, Ilhas
Bus stops
The halting of buses on different routes happens to be a common phenomenon. The ultimate sufferers in the process are innocent commuters who face great inconvenience and get delayed in reaching their respective destinations. It is absolutely necessary that hardships of commuters end on a permanent basis. The RTO authorities should take a serious note of above facts and deal firmly with bus operators who indulge in unauthorised halting in order to earn more money.
Pravin U Sardessai, Adpai
Logical cleaning
As part of the ‘Swachh Goa Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ a massive cleanliness drive will be held in front of the Mormugao Municipal building in Vasco on February 26. It has also been decided to make the city of Vasco garbage free by May 15. In the Port Town it would be more appropriate to start the cleanliness drive from the vegetable market and the fish market, the two places which produces the maximum amount of garbage. The fish market in Vasco emits an unbearable stench because of the rotting fish which needs to be disposed in a proper manner. To make matters worse there are several eateries and tea shops just across the road where the rotting garbage emits an unbearable stench. This can pose a health problem to the citizens. There are also residential flats in the building near the fish market. It is hence essential to clean this market on a priority basis. The ‘Swachh Goa, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ movement should be a continuous process if cleanliness in the cities is to be maintained. It should be a part of everyday activities of the citizens and the civic authorities.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
