Was this supposed to be a joke?

It is common practice here in Goa to splash local newspapers with advertisment on the occassion of a birthday of a public figure. I am sure it is not because the advertiser is not able to wish the birthday boy in person. Just that it is seen as a sign of goodwill to be seen as spending money to publicly wish the person.

However, what go me to post this story is the ad I noticed in today's edition of O Heraldo. An obituary in fact. I refer to this ad only as an example.

Why is it that the name of the deceased itself is in small fonts while that of the advertiser is even more prominent. Moreover, Joaquim Alemao even has his qualifications mentioned.

Just a few guesses:

• The deceased himself is trivial and not the main reason for the ad itself
• This is a good opportunity to promote Joaquim and Yuri in the eyes of the Goan public
• People need to know that Yuri Alemao is a social worker (how?)

Tick one

The medium of instruction issue

Have we just let the politicians distract us from the more important things and taken us for a ride? I am referring to the MOI issue that seems to have taken everyone's attention lately.

Not for a minute do I want to trivialize the importance of the subject itself. However, the way the topic has manifested itself and the direction it has taken are something we need to closely introspect.

Coming back to the topic itself, I am a big supporter of the MOI being in the local language until middle school with English as a subject. One of the key element of local identify is our language which is unfortunately losing out. The number of Goans who use Konkani as a language of communication is dwindling at a rapid pace. What recourse do we have before we lose our language itself?

I am aware of the argument that English is an extremely important language and very important in the workplace. But should this argument impact the current risk we face of losing our identity? I believe the current generation is exposed to English in many forms and hence masters the language through many other means.

Are we forsaking our identify and future by promoting English as a MOI?

Tehelka Tapes India Pak match fixing conversations

The derogatory ad

Refer to my earlier post.

Someone managed to send me a link to the ad posted on Flickr.

Read the ad. It's nauseating.

Click on the picture to enlarge.

Picture courtesy joegoaukextra2

Dr. Hubert Gomes

"Bad politicians are sent to Washington by good people who don't vote."

William E. Simon

I bowed my head in shame as I read the the recent advertisement in O Heraldo (5th February 2011) put up by some supporters of Churchill Alemao. Unfortunately I am not able to download the ad itself hence I am providing a link here.

I am angry. I am ashamed.

But then, it's time we looked inwards. Are we partly responsible for the result? In the words of William E Simon, it is our good Goans who continue to vote such incompetent representatives to the assembly. As the next assembly elections draw near, its time to come out in large numbers and vote judiciously. Vote for candidates who have a vision and commitment for Goa. A candidate who can influence and develop policies that strengthen Goa and the niz goenkar.

Today, as I read the tirade against Dr. Hubert Gomes in O Herald, I am even more determined to vote. And vote for people like Dr. Hubert Gomes who I believe has accomplished so much in his career and can genuinely contribute to the betterment of Goa.

Please pass on this message to your friends and relatives.

The time has come.

Goan Houses 4

The World Cup fever in Goa

The World Cup has reached mid way after a series of upsets that saw a few of the European giants bite the dust. The football fever seems to be reaching a crescendo in Goa as everyone is looking forward to Portugal's next match against Spain.

Did you say Portugal?

So what is it that excites Goans about Portuguese football? After having been 'colonized' by the Portuguese for over 400 years, what is it that draws Goans to cheer for the Portuguese so passionately?

It puzzles me to see the Portuguese colors don the imagination of Goans so strongly. Is it a reflection of the Goan's love in general for the Portuguese? Is it something only restricted to the Portuguese speaking elite? Is it because the players' names sound a lot more familiar than Drogbas and Rooneys? Or is it plain hangover?

Spotted this car painted in the Portuguese colors during one of my trips to the south to attend an old friends funeral.