Aamir Khan’s plain speak
It is regrettable that Aamir Khan, one of the few Bollywood stars who has the courage to lay bare his heart, is being pilloried for his remark that India has become intolerant. Sadly, he was forced to exit as brand ambassador of “Incredible India” something that is incredible. Those who instantly showed him the door argue that “the ambassador has to promote the brand and not destroy it”. Whatever may be the compulsions, a man/woman cannot be treated as a parrot who only repeats what he is told to say. While promoting India as “Incredible” people from all over the world also have a right to know the truth. By showing him instantly the door the present rulers of India have only lent justification to Aamir’s utterances and committed a shameful act. Hats off to Aamir who has luckily taken the snub with a rarely seen sporting spirit.
Dr Francisco Colaco, Margao
Primitive mindset
In another setback to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence day promise to build toilets in rural India, comes the shocking news that around 90 families in UP have demolished their new family toilet constructed under the Central government’s ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ scheme. While the reason given by some families is that they felt uncomfortable and unable to relieve themselves in the new toilet and therefore preferred to defecate in the open, a few others complained of being deprived of living space. It is unfortunate that such a primitive mindset still prevails in the rural areas, even after the various educational schemes undertaken by the government to educate the villagers. It is also unfortunate that the people in these villages have yet to appreciate what the government is doing to ameliorate their living conditions and spending crores for their welfare. The only alternative now is for government to impose stringent fines and punishment for those defecating in the open so that the government’s well- intentioned scheme is not reduced to a waste of public money.
A F Nazareth, Porvorim
Scrap RP2021
The builder friendly regional plan 2021 in its present form should be sent to the paper shredder as most of the gram sabhas have rejected it. This government is in a hurry to notify it after sleeping over it for four years and asking for suggestions and rectifications. As the elections are just a year away to make people believe they are keeping their pre- election promise as per their manifesto.
This is nothing but rubbing wool over our eyes. This government should realise that the Goans are no longer gullible and sending suggestions is of no use as they will never be incorporated. The anger and disgust will be known to this ruling dispensation only at the next elections
Lucas D’Souza, Verna
