Crossing rules
Traffic violations should also include the breaking of traffic rules at pedestrian crossings. At present, nothing is done to check these violations. The bitter irony of it all is that despite the well-painted zebra crossings at junctions, motorists do not care to either stop or slow down at these crossing, endangering the lives of pedestrians. At the O’Coqueiro circle at Porvorim for example, although there is a pedestrian crossing at the junction. Traffic comes to a halt on the pedestrian crossing itself, and sometimes beyond, before the traffic lights, making it almost impossible for pedestrians to cross. Traffic police have expressed their helplessness in the matter. Secondly, despite the newly installed traffic signals at the Holy Family church junction, pedestrians find it difficult to cross at the crossing because of the cross traffic proceeding to Mapusa when traffic on the NH17 comes to a halt. The situation gets worse during peak hours. Traffic police have also disappeared after the traffic signals were installed.
A F Nazareth, Porvorim
Arrogance in language
For a true blue blooded Goan, the mother tongue can only be Konkani alone and no other language can be on par with it, not even Marathi. But the hypocrisy of few individuals who demanded Marathi also be given equal status denied Konkani its due and rightful patronage and kept Goans divided in allotting funds and opportunities that were most required to impart quality education to our children.
Today even though Hindi is our national language, English is used in India till date in our day today administration. Even our parliamentary and judicial proceedings are recorded in English for the past 75 years was not discarded for being a language of the British. Topmost Indian educational institutions are using English as only medium of instruction so as to compete in the professional world. Right of choice is our constitutional right as Parents. We can notice that BBSM and the RSS has hidden agenda, that is the reason for unnecessarily attacking the government and the Archbishop and the DSE in the war of MOI to deny grants to Church run schools. Parents know much better what is good for their children for a better future.
Orlando Da Silva, Carmona
Experience and exuberance
The ongoing tussle between the ‘young brigade’ and the ‘senior citizens’ in the Congress party could form the question of whether there should be a retirement age for politicians debatable. The question faced would be how to define the concept of ‘young’ and ‘old’ as far as politics is concerned. It is true that young people should be given an opportunity to enter politics and even contest the elections. Any political party needs the exuberance of the youth coupled with the experience of the old. A person's ability to work and serve the nation cannot be judged by his age, as politicians are meant to take decision for the whole country. Hence experience is an asset. For proper growth we need innovative ideas and that enthusiasm which will come from the youth. The politicians of the older generation could well become advisors to the government or take up ceremonial posts as reward for their long service.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
