Reservation of Seats Destroys Equality

Reservation of Seats Destroys Equality

Reservation in India is designed to improve the well-being of backward and under-privileged groups defined primarily by their caste.This reservation is seen almost everywhere, may it be for admissions, jobs or what so ever. The main objective of the Indian reservation system is to increase the opportunities for enhanced social and educational status of the underprivileged communities and, thus, enable them to take their rightful place in the mainstream of Indian society. We say we live in a secular world, wherein all religions are equal, then why this caste hierarchy? We speak of equality among people. But how are the scheduled Tribe and Scheduled caste or the out-castes considered equal to us when they are been given reserved seats and we are been denied a deserved post? Is this the equality we talk of?

Recently I came across a girl who had obtained a bachelor degree with quiet a high percentage but was denied admission for higher studies because the seats were reserved for the ‘reserved classes’. Many a times it happens to us too… we work hard so that we can easily get admissions into the institution we like or get a job in a government office but because of these reserved seats we cannot get through. It will be nice to see the government think about this issue from the perspective of general caste too.

      Veda Pai Kane

Deteriorating State of the Rachol Seminary

In 2010, the Seminary of Rachol celebrated its 400 years of existence. It has largely been known for its rich historical and cultural background in the history of Goa. But this structure is deteriorating and so is in great need for restoration. From the crumbling walls, to the peeling paintings, everything in the 400 –year –old heritage institution is screaming for attention.

I’ve personally been to the Rachol Seminary, and the numerous fresco paintings and artifacts inside the seminary walls are magnificent. Almost everything is of grand importance from the past. A Historian or an Art lover would not mind spending days in the peaceful environment of the seminary and learning more about the history of the structure and marvel of the paintings. The more one gets to know, the more interesting it gets. But some of the paintings and artifacts are in a very sorry state. Even hand written manuscripts on songs written in the form of musical notes that are of enormous importance are just left to decay in the stacks of store rooms in the Seminary.

When the rector of the Seminary, Denis Fernandes was asked about the restoration plan for the Seminary, he commented saying,” The application was also for the restoration of the paintings. But when the ASI director and superintendent came for an inspection, they passed the project only for the laterite footpath in front of the church”. The priceless paintings, some of which seem already beyond recovery, are not part of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) funded project. While their importance is understood, the funds are not available.

The Seminary has its own expenditure to look after which it does with the donations they get from people, and so are left helpless to the worsening of the structure. One hopes that the government will soon take interest into the matter in order to save the historical site that contributes to our Goan history.

By Ovia Xavier

Letter to the Editor

Sofia D’costa

Vasco-da-gama

Goa

27 February 2013

To

The Editor

Oheraldo

Panaji Goa

Sub: Corrupt issues

Dear Sir

One should deeply analyze the main reason for corruption and suggest ways and means to curb this menace instead of only crying hoarse about it. Now-a-days corruption is increasing and good people fall prey to it. This may be due to their financial problems or to fill their pockets with more money. The issue of mining had brought many such scams to limelight. Although it is a business for the people but a money making issue for the corrupt ministers. Even though the mining activity has come to standby, there is huge loss in the revenue of the state. The government should ensure to start “legal” mining again and help the needy people rather than the corrupt ministers.

The youth of today should do something on this issue because only the power of youth can put things in place.

Yours faithfully

Sofia D’costa

MUSIC IS ALL THAT WE NEED…

Most of us love listening to music… don’t we??? Well, I suppose most of us do…

Music is one of the most used techniques to reduce stress or any work load. It is the soul of life and the real joy giver.

We, as youths, go through a number of things in life. For instance, family problems, poor relationships with our loved ones, betrayal by friends, personal problems, etc. all this leads to a very stressful life and most of us tend to loose hope in ourselves and nearly go into depression.

Well, then what you feel we must do huh??? Give up easily??? Nah!!! I feel that every problem has a solution and in this case, music is the best solution.

Listening to music not only reduces stress but also keeps us calm and this helps us to move on in life. It also helps the brain by improving learning and memory skills which is very useful when we are under stress.

When one listens to music, it takes on a life of its own. It becomes the friend, the comforter, the ally, the healer and the constant companion. Music also understands, motivates and energizes us.

So the next time you feel low or stressful about your life, well you know what to do… grab your head phones and your phone or tune in to the radio that will make you forget all the stressful things of your life and also make you feel all the more at ease.

Without music… life would be a mistake!!!

-Luella Fernandes

Now a Carnival for Pets!!!

There is a good news for all animal lovers for Goa will soon be a host to Asia’s biggest pet show, ‘The Indiyaah Pets Carnival 2013’ – a national exhibition and Pet show that will be held between March 9 and 10. About 2,000 pets including about 100 very rare breeds and 50,000 pet lovers are expected to participate in the two day event. Vets and Pet specialists from the US and UK have also been invited for the event. So that there can be an interactive session with the animal lovers. Some well known celebrities from Bollywood are also rumored to be guests for the event to attract crowd for the event.

‘The Indiyaah Pets Carnival 2013’ will include a fashion show on both days on different pet related themes and various contests will be held on these two days. About 20 pet products and pet food brands have confirmed their participation in the exhibition which is part of the event. A food court and a Jam Session for pet lovers will also be one of the attractions at the event.

This is a great opportunity for us busy people to take time out for our pets, who in spite of all the hatred, abuses and lack of attention, always reward us with their abundant love and affection. It is now time to acknowledge their presence in our lives, and show them we deserve them more then they deserve us. 

By Ovia Xavier

Cellular networking companies on a mission to loot us…

In the past, cellular networks had the best rates for calling, texting and surfing. It was so reasonable, that many youngsters had the craze to buy a new phone and get the preferred network to stay connected with their companions. This reasonable scheme had helped the network companies to catch the attention of many customers.

In recent times, there are many changes that have taken place which has left the customers very upset. Some years back the Vodafone networking group was offering 15,000 messages for Rs. 66, but now they offer only 900 messages for the same price. The data plans and call rates have reduced to a large extent thereby making youngsters pay more from their pockets then what they paid before.

The restricted messaging rule has also bought less interaction and communication between the people. But other applications such as Wassap, Facebook Messenger, BBM has still kept the communication and connection between the youngsters going. The youngsters were known to be texting experts before but now they have to opt for such applications to be in contact with their friends.

No doubt development has been taking place at a rapid level, but, this shouldn’t make the networking companies to fleece people’s pockets and make it expensive for them. The networking groups have also become very good experts in activating some schemes without the knowledge of the user by charging us for things that we haven’t taken. This money making scheme of theirs is increasing day by day and ignorant people are the ones that get cheated the most through this. I think it is high time that we do something on this issue before we are left helpless.

By Sofia D'costa