Panaji: September 22, 2014 … Encomiums were showered on retired Police Sub Inspector Shri Tukaram  Walke on Saturday at a felicitation programme held at Shree Tonyeshwar Mandap, Vithalapur, Sankhali.

The Felicitation Programme was organized by Karapur, Vithalapur Sarvan Nagrik Kriti Samiti, Karapur, Sankhali.

Deputy Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly Shri Anant Shet felicitated retired PSI Shri Walke by offering Shawl, Sriphal and a memento.

 Others present on the occasion were Smt. Aaryan Gaonkar, Sarpanch, V. P. Karapur Sarvan, Shri Gajanan Prabhudessai, Dy, Supdt. Of Police, Smt. Ankita Navelkar, Director, Balbhavan, Shri Dheeraj Sawant, Deputy Sarpanch, Shri Rajesh Naik, Mahesh Sawant, Sacchit Sawant, Mukund Vaigankar, Keshav Mayekar all Panchayat Members and Shri Santosh Menkurkar, President of Karapur, Vithalapur Sarvan Nagrik Kriti Samiti.

Earlier Shri Santosh Menkurkar welcomed the guest and expressed the idea of starting the new Samiti in jurisdiction of Karapur Sarvan.

Speaking on the occasion Shri Anant Shet said that, those joining the Police force should take the responsibility as a mission and not as a profession. He said police force is a law enforcing agency and therefore efficiency, competence and sincerity are of utmost importance.

Responding to the felicitation, Shri Walke expressed his gratitude to the people of the Karapur – Sarvan and recalled his past associations with the people of the Bicholim taluka which he said helped him to shape his life.

Shri Gajanan Prabhu Dessai, DYSP and Smt. Aaryan Gaonkar, Sarpanch also spoke on the occasion.

Shri Shyam Gaonkar compered the function and Shri Shailesh Fatarphekar proposed vote of thanks.

September 21, 2014 …. Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly  Shri Rajendra Arlekar said that the training imparted by the NCC instills character and virtues of dedication, discipline, commitment and team work. The NCC he said is going strong in the country. However, there is a need to broad-base it even further and more school and college students must be encouraged and motivated to join NCC.

Shri Arlekar was  delivering his presidential address  at The Navhind Times  Ex-NCC Achievers awards-2014  function organized by the State Ex-Cadets NCC Association at International Centre Goa  yesterday.

Shri Arlekar recalled his days as a NCC cadet in the NCC infantry wing and said that  NCC is a pathway to achieve something and also  to the Armed Forces as a good number of NCC cadets join the Armed Forces. A trained NCC cadet becomes not only physically fit, but can also fight against social evils and make a positive contribution to the society. he congratulated the State Ex-Cadets NCC Association for such an initiative. He lauded the work of the jawans in Jammu and Kashmir. Despite facing danger to personal safety, the Army personnel are out there to provide relief to the civilian population of Kashmir, he said.

The achievers awards were presented by the Speaker and the Deputy Chief Minister  to Shri Keshav Prabhu (Politics) in abstention,  Dr. Dr. Vinaykumar pai Raikar (Medicine), Lt. Co. Austin Collaco, Retd. (Army) , Smt. Sushila Mendes (Teaching), Shri Levinson martins (Goa Civil Services), Shri Manoj Patil (Leadership), Shri Lourenco Fernandes (Media/Photogprahy), Shri Louis D’Consta (Security).

Also State Best NCC  Cadets who were chosen by their respective NCC units were presented trophies and certificates on the occasion. The cadets who were honoured were Mithilesh Kumar Singh, Narendra Kanoba Parab, Ashwini Kumar and Gayatri Wadkar.

 Deputy Chief Minister Shri Francis D’Souza  said also recalled his days as a NCC cadet and said that there is need  to inculcate a feeling of Patriotism and the  spirit of defending the homeland among the young generation. The NCC he saidy plays this role very well.

Executive Director of The Navhind Times Smt. Pallavi Dempo congratulated the awardees and said that it was a proud moment. She said that her organization strives towards addressing social causes and celebrating lives of great Goans.

Dr. Vinaykumar Pai Raikar and Under Officer Ashwini Kumar spoke on behalf of the awardees.

Project Manager Shri Pradip sawant in his speech gave a brief idea about the project. 

President of the State Ex-Cadets NCC Association, Shri Mangirish Pai Raikar  in his welcome address highlighted the activities and aim behind the association.

Secretary of the Association Shri John Aguiar  proposed a vote of thanks. RJ Miss Pari Priyanka Chodnekar  compered the function. Students of Bhagwadi High School Pernem presented the welcome song.

Commanding Officer of 1 Goa Girls Battalion NCC Col. D.K. Chaturvedi, Secretary, Department of Sainik Welfare, Maj. Venugopal Nair, Associate NCC Officers Present and past NCC cadets and prominent citizens were present.

19/09/2014 … The Chairman of Dempo Group of Companies Shri Shrinivas Dempo today inaugurated 12^th day national conference on Occupational Safety Health and Environment (OSHE) at a function held at Campal.

The function was organized by the Inspectorate of Factories and Boilers in association with Green Triangle Society, Ministry of Labour Government of India. The theme for the conference was Improve, Innovate and Implement.

            Shri Dempo who was the chief guest for the function, speaking on the occasion said the stakeholders of the industrial  sector has to work with responsibility and apply the required measures to ensure the safety of worker. He said less accident more profit. Happy workforce is asset of any company. Happy worker can contribute in enhancing the productivity and profit therefore it is vital to pay more attention towards the safety of the worker.

            Shri Dempo further speaking also said that the stakeholders from industrial sector should not ignore their corporate social responsibility as we all have to pay back to society. He complemented the Inspectorate of Factories and Boilers and their other partners for their efforts to work for the cause of safety of workers. He hoped that the daylong conference will deliberate on various aspects of safety of worker at workplaces  

            Shri H. Vishvanathan Director In charge of FAS Division DGFASLI Mumbai, Special invitee for the conference while speaking said that the productivity depends upon the health and safety of the worker therefore the entrepreneurs of private or public sector need to work to maintain safe and healthy atmosphere in their factories. The worker who works for a company should have safety which is considered as his fundamental right. The theme of the conference itself indicates the purpose of the conference which aims at   inculcating new ideas, methods, and processes in improving safety standards at work places he added   

            Shri Manguirish Pai Raikar Chairman GTS welcomed the guests. In his introductory remark he mentioned that good safety standard are required  to enhance productivity. Efforts are needed to inculcate latest norms of safety, health and environment especially at hazards   industries.      

The function was compered by Shri Sarvesh Parab whereas Shri S.M. Paranjape Chief Inspector of Inspectorate of Factories and Boilers proposed the vote of thanks.

18/09/2014 …. Shri Prakash Javdekar, Union Minister of State for Information &Broadcasting(Ind. Charge) announced Goa to be the permanent venue for International Film Festival of India and assured all possible help and financial assistance from the centre to successfully host the festival in Goa.

 Shri Javdekar announced this while addressing the media today.  Earlier he chaired the 2^nd Steering Committee of IFFI, 2014 meeting held at the Secretariat, Porvorim today.

 The MoU for IFFI, 2014 was also signed and exchanged by Shri Bimal Jutka, Secretary(I&B), New Delhi and Shri B. Vijayan, Chief Secretary, Goa in the presence of Shri Prakash Javdekar,Union Minister of State for I&B; Shri Manohar Parrikar, Chief Minister; Shri Milind Naik, Minister for Information & Publicity, Goa and Damodar Naik, Chairman, ESG.

 Shri Javdekar underscoring the need for all officials connected with the festival to sit and sort out all issues directed that the Art Director may be taken on board for designing the look and feel of the festival within two days.

 Shri Parrikar said film lounge with air condition will be set up within the precinct of the Inox courtyard for film makers to assess the films screened during the festival.

 He also urged to undertake wide publicity of the festival along with decennial exposition of the relics of Patron Saint of Goa – St. Francis Xavier through various publicity means to promote tourism and the brand image Goa.

 The Steering Committee also decided that the inaugural ceremony of IFFI, 2014 be held at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukerjee Stadium, Bambolim and the inaugural film be screened at Kala Academy, Panaji.

 Shri Parrikar assured that the delegates and other VIP’s wanting to watch the inaugural film will be transported to the venue of screening of the inaugural film at Kala Academy within 30 minutes by arranging the necessary transport.

 The suggestions of the members to bring in cohesion and uniformity in various aspects of the festival were accepted to give the look and feel of the brand Goa.

 Shri A. K. Bir, Chairman Technical Committee through a presentation gave a brief overview of logistics and technical aspects related to the infrastructure  by setting the time table for completion for some of the in-progress tasks.

 Shri Rajan Satardekar, CEO, ESG also briefed the members of the status of progress made on various activities like logistics, setting of IFFI secretariat, accommodation, transportation, registration of delegates, setting up of help desk, setting of media centre & ticketing counters, etc.  befitting the international stature of the event.

 Shri Raghvendra Singh, Addl. Secretary(I&B); Smt. Nirupama Kotru, Director(Films); Shri Shankar Mohan, Director of Film Festival; Shri P. Krishnamurthy, Secretary to CM & Finance; Shri Pawan Kumar Sain, Secretary(I&P), Goa; Shri Arvind Bugde, Director, Information & Publicity, Goa renowned film fraternity members of the screening committee attended the meeting.

18/09/2014 … The Chief Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar on behalf of people of Goa conferred the prestigious and highest civilian award “Gomant Vibhushan 2013-14 on the living legend and son of the soil Shri Lambert Mascrenhas at a function held at Goa Kala Academy Campal yesterday.

The function was organized by the Directorate of Art and Culture. The Award which comprises of a cash of Rs. 5 lakhs a citation and a memento was presented to Shri  Mascarenhas  on the occasion.

The function was graced by Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition   Shri Pratapsing Rane, Chief Secretary,  Shri B.Vijayan,  Shri Faizi O Hashmi Secretary Art and Culture and others.

Shri Parrikar while speaking in praise of Shri Mascarenhas said Shri Mascarenhas is a great nationalist who strived to create sense of patriotism through his writings. Being a journalists of great caliber he used his pen as a weapon for the purpose during the post liberation period. He cherished a goal of liberation of motherland and soon after the liberation endeavoured to establish Indian identity among the Goans.

Shri Parrikar further speaking also said Shri Mascarenhas, a man with good character, brave journalists and man of principle strived to bring Goans in the mainstream of nation, he congratulated him and wished him on  his 100^th birthday.

Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly Shri  Rajendra Arlekar  said Shri Mascarenhas  as a freedom fighter  had fought for the  cause of liberation of Goa. He was exiled from Goa for twelve years due to his involvement in freedom activities. The sacrifice yielded a dream of liberation of this land and thereafter he worked on well defining   the Goan identity. He conveyed his best wishes on his 100^th birthday.

The Leader of Opposition Shri Pratapsing R. Rane while addressing the gathering said Shri Mascarenhas was a brave journalist, a renowned writer and a true nationalist. He said Shri Mascarenhas through writings has  inspired the  people to fight for the freedom and uphold the cause Goan identity. He congratulated him on the occasion.

The Minister for Art and Culture Shri Dayanand Mandrekar said Government is happy to confer the award on deserved person a courageous write, journalist, freedom fighter and nationalist to the Shri Mascarenhas. He also conveyed his best wishes to him for completing 100 years of his life.

Shri Arlekar on this occasion released a brochure titled Gomant Vibhushan.

The Chief Secretary Shri B.Vijayan welcomed the gathering, while Shri Faizi O Hashmi Secretary Art and Culture proposed the vote of thanks.

September 18, 2014: In an effort to highlight the beauty and grandeur of Sai Baba temple at Boca-da-Vaca, Panjim, Goa Tourism had undertaken the task of re-illuminating the temple which was recently completed.

Mr. Sanjay Chodnekar, General Manager, GTDC, said, “The Sai Baba temple is one of the most important tourist spots located in the heart of Panjim. The re-illumination of this temple will help in increasing the tourism value of the temple, with lots of tourists enjoying the spectacle.”
The illumination offers the best view of the temple at night giving it a majestic look. Keeping this in mind, Goa Tourism is also in the process of illuminating the surrounding areas which includes a spring tunnel which will be tendered soon. Goa Tourism will also undertake several such illumination projects for various temples and churches across Goa.

17/09/2014 …. Goa Tourism bags ‘Best Decorated Stand National’ at IITM once again, this time in Mumbai

Goa Tourism has been awarded the “Best Decorated Stand National” once again at the India International Travel Mart (IITM), held in Mumbai, from September 12- 14, 2014.

The award was received by Mr. Deepak Narvekar (PRO, GTDC), Praveenkumar Faldesai (Marketing Manager, SPV, GTDC), Lodovina Rodrigues and Rubina Shaikh (Department of Tourism). The award was presented by Rohit Hangal (Director, Sphere Media).

16/09/2014 … The Union Minister of State for Tourism and Culture Shri Shripad Naik has said that, In order to promote and develop tourism the Government has initiated steps to improve tourism infrastructure in a holistic way in coordination with the state Governments and the private sector in the first 100 days of the Government.

Shri Naik was speaking at a meeting organized by The Confederation of Indian Industry. CII National Committee on Tourism at Arossim in  South Goa today. The meeting deliberated on Establishing an Effective Tourism Strategy.

Shri Naik speaking further informed that the Ministry of Tourism has identified 50 circuits for development. The project for construction of new passenger terminal terminal at Mormugao Port Trust Goa to promote Cruise tourism, Strategies have been finalized for integrated development of core Buddhists Circuits. The mega project for development of Varanasi Ghats is ready for launch.

Shri Naik further also said that Government has recognized the key role of tourism in socio-economic development through jobs, enterprise, infrastructure development and foreign exchange earnings therefore Government endeavors to make India as the preferred tourist destination by making positive changes strengthening, diversifying the tourism economy.

The meeting was also attended by Shri Aman Nath, Chairman Neemrana Hotels Rajasthan, Shri Raj Rana Chief Executive officer South Asia Carison Rezidoa Hoyel GroupNCR Area, , Shri Sanjay Wadhawan Jt. Managing Director Mapple Hotels and others   

Shri Arjun Sharma Co-Chairman CII National Committee on Tourism and Managing Director welcomed the guests.

Shri Parag Joshi Vice- Chairman Goa State Council proposed the vote of thanks.