Serving citizens
The effort to draft the Governor of Goa, Mridula Sinha, to write the editorial on the 100th day of the existence of The Goan, has produced a welcome focus on the long-felt need to shift the public understanding of the role of voluntary organizations. Governor Sinha rightly expresses her 'distaste' for the nomenclature of NGO to describe the voluntary sector in our society. It is good that she has thrown her weight behind the need to stop calling the voluntary organizations Non-Government Organizations. This unfortunate practice began in the UN when all non-government players were called N.G.Os. The assumption behind this thinking is that only governments can, and do, perform important social functions. The citizens are only passive recipients of government beneficience. This is horribly untrue, as the UN itself has repeatedly acknowledged.
The primary responsibility for promoting development is that of the citizens. Whether it is health care, education, disease prevention or social solidarity, it is the citizens who are the primary and indispensable players. Governments should shed the presumption that nothing happens without their intervention. Incidentally, it is our hope that the media, and specially The Goan, will also see themselves as being at the service of the citizens rather than act on the behest of commercial or industrial interests.
Averthanus L. D'Souza, Dona Paula
Beautiful endeavour
It was pleasant surprise to open The Goan Everyday and find a beautiful booklet consisting of a picture of Lord Ganesh and filled with mantras and artis, as well as well-wishers for Ganesh Chaturthi. It was worth paying even Rs 10 for the paper that day. The Goan Varta’s editor and his team deserve a pat on the back for their efforts. This sends an important message to the old and young alike, to develop and increase the devotion and love of Goans. Hope showers of his blessings fall on all of us.
Luis Roncon, St Cruz
Dhirio ban will stay
Bull fights have been going on in Goa even though there are proscribed by the law. The Chief Minister of Goa has spoken of his wish to legalise dhirios, but bull-fight lovers have no need to celebrate, as the legalising of dhirios is not an easy task.
It may be noted that the Jallikattu was banned by the Supreme Court of India. Even if the Goa Government passes an unwise legislation in the Assembly, animal rights' activists will certainly petition the courts over it. The activists from all over India may gather and challenge such legislation in the court. In all probability, the law legalising dhirio will be struck down by the courts.
Before Parsekar, Sardinha (former MP) has assured of legalising bull-fights but he was not successful. Bull fights have no place in a civilised world where the rights of animals are respected. Our Chief Minister may be having archaic thoughts about bull-fights and many may be even sharing his view. But any attempt to legalise bull-fights will invite severe criticism and public outcry. Hence, bull-fight lovers should not be swayed by Parsekar's words.
K B Dessai, Margao
