20/04/2015 …. The Goa Food and Cultural Festival 2015, Goa’s most prominent food festival recently got underway in the capital city of Panjim.

In keeping with the true spirit of Goa, the event got off to a flying start with music performances that set the tone for the days to come.

The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Shri. Laxmikant Parsekar inaugurated the five day event in the distinguished presence of Tourism Minister, Shri . Dilip Parulekar, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) Chairman, Shri. Nilesh Cabral, Panjim MLA Shri. Sidharth Kuncalienkar , Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) Mayor, Shri. Shubham Chodankar , Chief Secretary and Secretary Tourism , Govt. of Goa Shri. R. K. Shrivastava and Director of Tourism Shri. Ameya Abhyankar.

The Goa Food and Cultural Festival 2015 is conceptualized and designed to be the best ever in terms of attendance, operations, flow and offerings.

Over 1.5 to 2 lakh tourists will experience a blend of cuisine and entertainment over five days. The festival revived three years ago has come to be known as one of the biggest food festival in India.Apart from being the only festival of its kind in Goa, the Food and Cultural Festival is also touted to be one of the most popular gourmet festivals till date.

Organized from 17th to the 21st April 2015 at the D. B. Bandodkar Grounds, Campal, Panaji-Goa, the festival will bring together restaurateurs, hoteliers, food guilds, eateries serving Goan cuisine and more all under one roof.

More than 50 stalls will offer a range of gourmet food classics of Goa, including barbecues, pasta, oriental cuisine and other delicacies. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine options will also be available, as will a bevy of luscious sweet treats.

On the inaugural day (April 17) the program comprised of DJ music , classical dance performances, entertainment by Sonia Shirsat and Status 4.Indus Creed, India’s front running rock band also performed.

On April 18, the program comprises of DJ music, Bollywood dance performances and and music by Goan band Valentinho’s. Well-known Bollywood playback singer Sudesh Bhonsle will also perform.

On day 3 (April 19) the entertainment comprises of DJ music followed by musical performances by Goa’s well-known Siddhanath Buyao & troupe and Goan Band Crimson Tide. Prince Dance group, winner of the reality-talent show, ‘India’s Got Talent’ will perform for the first time in Goa.

On Monday, April 20, the entertainment comprises of D J music, African acrobats, dance performances by Gipa and music by Goan band RAAGAS2RICHES. . The highlight of the evening is the live performance by PARIKRAMA, India’s legendary rock band known for Classic Rock based music fused with Indian instruments.

The last day’s program includes DJ music, dance performances, and performance by Goan band Archies. A fashion show by Verma D’Mello will be the main highlight. Harshita Saxena, Femina Miss India International 2009 would be the show-stopper. Leading band from North East, Colours, will also perform.

Panjim, April 20: Cruise liners, e-Tourist Visas (e-TVs) bring cheer to Goa tourism as foreign tourist footfalls surge during the last two months from these two segments.
The Goa airport at Dabolim has issued as many as 15,337 e-Tourist Visas as on April 14, 2015. Likewise, as on April 11, 2015 as many as 21,801 foreign tourists arrived in Goa on cruise liners which docked at MPT.

According to reports from the MPT, between November 14, 2014 to April 11, 2015, a total of 23 cruise liners have docked at MPT cruise terminal.

A total of 21,801 foreign passengers have visited Goa via cruise liners alongwith 9,169 crew on board respectively.

• 15,337 e-Tourist Visas issued till April 14
• 21,801 foreign tourists arrive in Goa on cruise liners till April 11.
• Govt. hails MPT, Goa Airport for providing adequate facilities at port and airport

Most of the cruise liners have had on board tourists from Germany, UK, Australia, USA, Switzerland, Belgium and Argentina. Interestingly, Russian tourists dominate the e-Tourist Visa list with as many as 10, 135 e-tourist visas issued till April 14.

Foreign nationals from 27 countries have availed of this e-TV facility. These include foreign tourists from USA (292), Germany (477), Ukraine (3,907), Oman (6), Israel (11), Finland (157), Norway (71), Palestine (5), American Samoa (1), Mexico (4), Fiji (1), Indonesia (3), Kenya (3), UAE (48), Thailand (4), Australia (79), Singapore (4), Philippines (50), Brazil (8), Luxemburg (7), Jordan (52), New Zealand (33), Burma (1), Republic of Korea (1), Japan (5) and Mauritius (1).

Tourism minister Shri. Dilip Parulekar said, “While there were several apprehensions over the current season and decline in foreign footfalls, the scenario is better than expected. A lot of tourists are availing of the e-tourist visas and cruise liners to visit Goa. This year alone we have done well, and we can expect a better season 2015-16.”

Shri. Parulekar hailed the efforts made by MPT and Goa Airport in providing facilities for tourists on arrival at the port and airport and added that Goa Tourism is extending full support to all agencies co-operating with the government in promotion of tourism. He also said that the Konkan Railway Corporation (KRC) is adding additional trains to meet the demands from tourists to travel to Goa during the summer vacations and all this are positive signs that tourists think of Goa for holidays, weekend holidays and events.

18/04/2015 …. After the local villagers from Bambolim had opposed the setting up of a marina at nauxi Bambolim st andre mla Vishnu surya wagh has now also joined the movement of opposing the marina stating that the concerned activity would severely affect traditional fishing activities in Zuari bay leading to ecological problems and has even taught of launching a public movement along with minister for forest alina saldanha.

It may be noted that the local villagers had recently alleged that the marina project was like a declaration of war against indigenous people and a threat to food security due to which mr wagh has now decided to join the villagers and also create an awareness among st andre constituency in opposing the marina coming up in bamboilm village ….

Speaking to goanreporter st andre mla vishun surya wagh said that it was shocking to know that the mpt chairman had gone on record saying that mpt wants to develop marinas in coastal belts of Bambolim along with sancoale too when the land was belong to the state government and since all the land was eaten up by the five star hotels it was difficult to understand as what would the local fisherman community do if a marina was set up in Bambolim village which would also put a lot of effect on bio-diversity

Wagh said that he had raised the issue in his party meet and had raised his apprehensions and fears on which cm had informed him that the proposals were only cleared in principle but the agencies had been told to get clearances from the concerned government agencies

Wagh also stated that he would create public awareness over the marina issue in his constituency and would also meet social functionaries and non government organizations also and asked for their support against the agitation on this marinas and he along with the minister for forest alina saldanha could come together to launch a public movement on it …

17/04/2014 ……… Speaker of goa legislative assembly rajendra arlekar has said that the state bjp led government had taken the right decision of demolishing the baina hutments as certain illegal activities were found to be going on in the vicinity

Speaking to goanreporter mr arlekar said that as a citizen his view was that the state government had taken the right decision of getting the hutments demolished as through some of the concerned hutments various other illegal activities were going on in and around the baina vicinity and therefore it was the right decision which the state government had taken though certain steps were needed to protect houses of certain residents …

Arlekar also stated that certain politicians have now come in public to create politics of social issues which shouldn’t take place from such issues and if there are some issues with the demolishing of baina hutments then government has already informed of sitting round the table and solving it through rehabilitation but not by an outsider who would come to goa and tries to instigate people is totally wrong as if they feel that something was going wrong then why those concerned politicians did not take steps to rehabilitate the concerned residents from baina hutments

Panaji, April 16, 2015 …. The Governor of Goa, Mrs. Mridulla Sinha presented Dalit Mitra Puraskar at an impressive ceremony held at Institute Menezes Braganza Hall in city recently.

The award is an initiative of the Dalit Sanghatana which was conferred on former Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly, Prof.  Surendra Sirsat for his contribution for the social cause on the occasion of 124^th Birth Anniversary of  Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.

Addressing the gathering after the presentation ceremony, the Governor Mrs. Mridulla Sinha said, Dr. Ambedkar’s learning, wisdom and deep concern for human dignity gave a new dimension to equality.  Further she said, inequality is a blot on our society and our civilization. While the Government is most concerned about it and is making constant endeavors to give a rightful place to the poor and backward classes in the society. Speaking further the Governor emphasized that voluntary sector should also make efforts to give a further impetus to these efforts with their willing co-operation.

The Governor said great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Ambedkar paved the  way for us  to eradicate the social evils that impeded our progress. We are fortunate that this country has produced such great leaders who made lasting contribution to bring about social reforms.

 Smt. Sinha said, when we think of the life of great leader like  Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, we are inspired by the supreme dedication with which he served the country and for the cause of emancipating the poor and the down trodden millions. She said that  he is remembered for the great ideals of knowledge, equality and compassion and human freedom. He was indeed one of the greatest reformers and educationist of our country she added.

The Governor stressed on the work done by Dr. Ambedkar towards up liftment of society and said, he fought fearlessly against social evils of casteism and untouchability which had undermined the very unity of the Indian society.

Elaborating on “Sachchi Dosti” programe that was recently organized at Raj Bhavan, the Governor said, the idea behind organizing the programme is to remove inequality among the children studying in private and public schools. Total 40 students had participated in said programme and  the Governor advised them to maintain their friendship throughout their life and meet once in 15 days and exchange pleasantries.

The function was presided by former Union Law Minister Shri Ramakant Khalap, who also spoke on the occasion.

A Souvenir by name “Watchal” was released on the occasion at the hands of the Governor.

Smt. Ashu Mochemadkar read out the messages sent by the Chief Minister Shri Laxmikant Parsekar and Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly, Shri Rajendra Arlekar.

Earlier Shri Subhash Halarnkar welcomed the guest and proposed vote of thanks. The function was compered by Shri Shambhu  Bandekar.

Panaji, April 15, 2015 …. A special training sessions has been organized at Conference Hall, PWD at Altinho by Public Work Department in association with Indian Water Works Association Goa Centre to impart quality training to the Meter readers

The training Session was inaugurated by Principal Chief Engineer of PWD,  Shri D.J. Borkar by lighting a traditional lamp. Chairman, W.W.A. Shri V. S. Sawant, Project Director of JICA Shri A. M. Wachasunder, Chief Engineer –II, Shri S. R. Paranjape, Ex. Chairman of IWWA, Shri R. G. Deo, Superintending Engineer Shri A. S. Panchamukhi and Secretary, IWWA, Shri G. N. Naik Parrikar were also present on the occasion.

 Speaking on the occasion Shri Borkar said, imparting of training to meter readers is very essential; it will help to build a good image of Public Work Department in the society. Lots of such adequate training sessions will be arranged in future to enhance the skill and to build up self confidence among such workers. He said public, expects better services from PWD for which the Department is committed.

 The Indian Water Works Association (IWWA) is a voluntary body of professionals concerned and connected with water supply for municipal, industrial, agricultural uses and treatment and disposal of wastewater. IWWA focuses basically on the entire “Water Cycle” encompassing the environmental, social, institutional and financing issues. Goa Center was established in September 2002, having eminent water professionals and multinational water corporations as members

 Earlier Shri Deo welcomed the guest. Shri John Marcello compered while Shri Naik Parrikar proposed vote of thanks.

14/04/2015 ….. Stating that he had no interest in taking up any post or of contesting any elections uphold president of the state nationalist congress party adv suhas walawaikar has said that he would work tiredly for the ncp party lifelong …

It may be noted that some of the Members of the goa state nationalist congress party led by its senior vice president jose Philip dsouza had decided to uphold their resignation from the ncp party after the appointment of suhas walwaikar as the new state ncp president was stayed by its party state observer praful patel on Monday

The concerned ncp leaders had stated that the party high command has not taken anyone in confidence before deciding on the president’s appointment and that too to someone who is not even a primary member of NCP and therefore there was no need for them as such to continue in the party.

Addressing media persons at the party head office in panjim ncp Adv suhas walawaikar whose post as ncp president had been presently uphold by the central ncp leaders said that even though the presidentship of ncp party was uphold presently he was very thankful to his central ncp leaders for selecting him for the state ncp president post

Meanwhile senior vp president of ncp jose Philip dsouza said that though he had earlier said no to the ncp president-ship post but due to the recent development and after having talks with his ncp members he was ready to take up the ncp party president-ship post in goa …

Panaji: April 13, 2015 …. Deputy Chief Minister  Shri Francisco D’Souza who is also the President of Bharat Scouts and Guides-Goa State  has said that discipline is a major key to success. It is the ability to do what needs to  be done at the appropriate time in order to accomplish  the desired goals and therefore he said that the foremost duty of the schools and teachers is to teach discipline to their students.

He was speaking as the Chief Guest at the awards distribution ceremony organized by the Bharat Scouts and Guides, Goa State at Institute Menezes Braganza hall in Panjim today. 

Speaking further he lauded the Scouts and Guides for their dedicated services of rendering assistance to the old and handicapped devotees during the recently concluded Exposition. The deputy Chief Minister also urged upon the scouts and Guides to play a role in cleanliness of the surrounding in response to the call given by the Prime Minister on Swaech Bharat. He said that the students  not only can effectively work towards this drive but also educated the society on cleanliness.

The awards presented on the occasion comprised of Bob-a-Job Highest Earnings Awards for Scouts and Guides for highest earnings at the district and state level. Outstanding Unit awards, Adult leader awards who have put in long and dedicated service in the movement were presented.

State Treasurer Shri Rodney D’Souza was presented Silver star  National award for his dedicated services for the origination. Replying to the felicitations Shri Rodney thanked all those who have supported him in his endeavours.

Outstanding Unit Award 2015 were presented to Our Lady of Snow H/S-Raia, Salcete District; Adarsha V.V.H/S-Margao, Salcete District; Infant Jesus H/S-Colva, Salcete District; Basilite Open Unit Scouts & Guides-Majorda, Salcete District; Shree Bhagwati H/S-Pedne, Pedne District; Mahalaxmi H/S-Kudne-Bicholim District; Murgaon H/S-Headland Sada-Mourgaon, Marmagao District; Airway Public School-Vidyanagar, Sancoale, Marmagoa District; Regina Mundi H/S-Chicalim, Marmagoa District; St. Michael’s Convent H/S-Vagator-Anjuna, Bardez District; The Rosary H/S-Miramar-Panaji, Tiswadi District; Bal Bharati Vidyamandir-Raibandar, Tiswadi District; Dayanand H/S-Chorao-Tiswadi District and for Primary Section they were presented to Young Achievers Primary School-Alto Porvorim, Bardez District; St. Michael’s Convent Primary School-Vagator, Anjuna-Bardez District and Babyland Primary School-Candolim-Bardez District.

        The Adult Leader felicitated on the occasion were Tiswadi District: S. M. Mr. Krishna Naguesh Alavai and G.C.Deepali A. Savant, Bal Bharati Vidyamandir, Raibandar.  Salcette District: G.C. Sr. Fatima Fernandes-Maria Bambina Convent H/S-Cuncolim, Salcete District, Bardez District: S.M.Cajitan Vaz and G.C. Pushpa Ankalgi, Chubby Cheeks Spring Valley H/S-Pilerne.  Quepem/Sanguem District: S.M.Vilas Vithal Raut Desai and G.C.Ashwini A. Naik, Smt. Chandrabhaga Tukoba Naik H/S-Curchorem.  Pedne District: S.M. Suhas Prakash Achrekar, Peter Alvares Memorial H/S-Morjim, Pedne.  Ponda District: J.S.M. Tulsidas Verrekar-Barabhumi H/S-Tambdi Surla, Ponda District and G.C. Minal Hasabanis- Dr. Sakharam Gude H/S Vazangal, Shiroda.

 Smt. Elizabeth Mascarenhas welcomed and introduced the Chief Guest, Senior Vice President  Dr Sydney Pinto Do Rosario and Vice President Dr. Meenacsi Martins were present on the occasion, STC(S) Shri Diogo Fernandes, STC (G) Elizabeth Mascarenhas , ASOC Shri Yeshwant Sinari, Joint Secretary, Smt. Shoba Mhadgut and others were also present. Earlier State Commissioner (S) Adv. Vinayak Narvenkar introduced the state treasurer Shri Rodney D’ Souza. State Secretary, Shri   James Fernandes gave a brief report of activities.

 The  Cubs and Bulbuls of Babylan Primary School —– presented welcome song.

Panaji: April 12, 2015 … The Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs is organizing an Orientation Course cum clinic in Hockey Game in collaboration with Goan’s  Hockey for the benefit of Physical Education Teachers from Secondary and Higher Secondary Schools from Goa State on April 16 and 17, 2015.

 The course shall be conducted District wise first day on April 16, 2015 for the P.E. Teachers of North District at Peddem Sports Complex, Mapusa and April 17, 2015 for the P.E. Teachers from South District at P.J.N. Stadium Fatorda, Margao.  This Course is Organized to promote Hockey Game in Schools from this state and in order to enhance the knowledge of the P.E. Teachers and in turn for the benefit the students by imparting latest knowledge of IHF rules and regulations, Skills and Techniques and Strategies Associated with the Game of Hockey.

 Heads of the Secondary and Higher Secondary Schools are requested to depute their school Phy. Edu. Teachers to attend the said orientation Course in Hockey accordingly to their District venue.