What ails Goa?

Can Goa go the Bihar way?

Recently I had the privilege of visiting Patna. Many would wonder why I would call such a visit a privilege. Bihar, and its capital Patna, have not been spoken about too kindly by people in general. Yet, I would vouch and say that I particularly enjoyed by three-day stay in Patna.

In the days the people of Bihar would like to put beyond their memory, someone buying even a Maruti 800 would receive a ‘love-letter’. The letter would ‘lovingly’ demand some money from the proud owner of the new vehicle (probably his first car). If the matter was brought before the police, the men in khaki would take the role of ‘negotiators’ and would bring about an ‘amicable settlement’ with the proud owner of the new car shelling out much less than the initial demand. Of course the ‘negotiators’ did not provide their services for free. They needed to be well looked-after for their ‘good negotiation skills’.

The Bihar, and more particularly, the Patna of today has changed drastically. The taxi driver who drove us from the airport to the hotel, the cobbler (whose services I had to avail of in an emergency), the shop owners, the hawkers and even some prominent doctors and law professionals in Patna are all praise for the change. In the last few years, special attention has been paid to decrease the crime rate, provide education for all, improve infrastructure and develop health-related facilities as well.

The results are there for all to see. I was roaming the streets of Patna at 11pm; a walk, which considering one’s own safety, was impossible around five years ago, I was told. The roads are a treat to drive on or walk on. There is so much that has been done to improve the conditions of roads and other facilities, as regards travel. The city of Patna is being developed in a very organized manner. I was surprised to see the number of malls that seem to be converging on the place. Of course, if you consider cleanliness and the airport, then there is much left to be desired.

The former Advocate General of the State is now the Education Minister of the State. This is an example of the firm commitment the government has made to keep the Education Ministry alive with a highly educated individual who knows the intricacies and the importance of education. Also, people of integrity are holding top positions in various government corporations and commissions. A retired high court judge of Patna judge heads the Law Commission. There are many professionals involved in the process of developing Bihar. The state is pretty big, but the development is moving at a steady pace, ensuring overall sustainable development.

In contrast, I look with great concern over my state, my beloved Goa. Every minster has been appointed with ‘political compulsion’ as the only criteria. The Law Commission is headed by a politician. Politicians, though qualified, are known to be biased. The trend of giving experts ministerial posts started with our present Prime Minister Manmohan Singh being given the Finance Portfolio that triggered off economic reforms in the early 1990s. These reforms, though some would differ strongly, I feel keep benefiting us in a big way.

In Goa, unfortunately, no importance is given to professionalism. Every minister is appointed to ensure that the Chief Minster does not lose his ‘Kodel’. The few MLAs who have not much vocal power and/or cannot pull strings strongly enough, are left in the lurch. We have the only woman legislator in Goa who is vociferous and yet cannot find a cabinet berth even now, though some first time MLAs with ‘God Fathers and Fathers’ at the top, find berths so easy to come by. Also, these first-timers are there because they can so easily pull the ‘Kodel’ away from behind when the Chief Minister while he is not looking and has turned his attention away from what is happening behind him. He does not want to be surprised by these stunts lest he finds himself tottering on the floor! They have not got over playing those childish games! This forces the Chief Minister to play to the ‘Kodel’ removers. And these childish games lead to an ineffective government, as we are witnessing at the present time.

Does Goa need a ‘benevolent Dictator-cum-Chief Minister’;? one like Bihar probably has at the moment? I would say we need to put aside those so called party affiliations; it is the person and his deeds that matter. When a person understands the needs of the people who have put him there, development can take place much quicker and with the faith of the people.

In Goa we have the habit of working by the ‘fits-and-starts’ method. It is so sad to know that nothing goes by any planning. A plan is made and implemented not really taking into consideration the near future or even worse the distant future. There are clear signs that ‘other considerations’ go into these developmental works. While we see the tar being put on the road, another stretch with newly laid tower is already falling victim to some digging activity. Basically, there seems to be no coordination. This surely comes from the lack of leadership.

Well, we can conclude: None of those who are in power are really interested in the development of the state. Their motto is self-development. It is obvious, but most of the time nobody cares. Have we in Goa become so blind that we cannot see?

I recently received an SMS that spoke of leadership. It says and I agree: “A group of sheep led by lions will always defeat a group of lions led by a sheep.” The truth is there for all to see. A mild leader does not get anywhere, but he can survive his ‘Kodel’ even without doing anything for his people. He does not require our votes, he has publicly proclaimed. What will our stand be?

With Goa being just a fraction of the size Bihar is, can development at a sustainable pace be planned and implemented here. Maybe it is time for us, citizens, to bring about the answers. Our elected representatives seem to have lost their thinking power while they are being led by an ineffective leader.

Some Bright Spot Finally, But for How Long???

New Insights, New Realizations

Gosh, would you believe it! Our CM has finally realized the root problem that plagues Goa. No, it is not corruption, it is not bad roads, it is not inefficient ministers and officers. Lo and behold, it is our LAND!

We must congratulate our CM who has finally decided to introspect a little. Land is our problem and the misuse of our precious land is not the solution. How are we going to go about preserving our land Mr CM? This is a question we are all asking you and we hope you are not still ‘examining the matter’! What we need to say is that peoples’ participation in this process is of utmost importance. We have trusted you and your ministers with our land and so far you have made a mess of it all. We cannot afford this trend to become a dangerous fad. We need to step in and ask you what exactly you have in mind. Do we really need golf courses and do we need to use our precious land to satisfy tourists? Remember Mr CM you now need to be part of the solution or else you are going to be part of the problem. Also remember that the solution must be with the consent of the people. Nobody has given you and your ministers and the MLAs the right to act alone as far as our land goes.

There has been more news from the lips of the CM. He has resolved to achieve cent percent literacy and electrification by Liberation Day next year. Well, those are surely setting high standards and let us hope he can get even half-way there. That would be an achievement in itself. And if the ideal is reached, then we must say that that would be the first positive achievement of the chief minister. I am sure many would join me in wishing him all the best in this endeavor.

But analyzing the facts on paper, electrification in this sense would mean just having electrical connections in every household or would it mean having continuous power supply in every household? This would be a million dollar question. Right now most households are surviving with invertors and I do not comprehend how the poor families could accommodate to this phenomenon.

Literacy is always the bone of contention. We have had Goemkars excelling in various fields, but not many from Goa. Most of them went out of this paradise to shine. Why can’t the education system in Goa improve? Would it not be advisable in this age and time to consider English medium as the medium of instruction at the primary level? Konkani should be made a compulsory subject in this case. I have personally experienced how difficult it was for my children to jump from Konkani medium to English medium in Std V. There will be many political compulsions and also many pressures from private institutions who charge those exorbitant fees. But does the CM have the guts to at least ‘examine the matter’?

What has happened over the years is that the MLAs, both ruling and opposition, have built a lot of distrust amongst their constituents and Goans in general. It is but natural that every project would now be opposed and every move watched with suspicion. In fact it would be best to oppose these projects and wait until they can be shown to be good projects before reconsidering the opposition. For us we have only our mankulem Goem and not much more. We need to be very careful about how we utilize this precious space.

With the call for other Konkani speaking areas to be merged with Goa coming out strongly from some quarters, it would surely ruffle some feathers. But could it be that our CM would be a happy man inside? My ‘little birdie’ has again informed me that he does have his roots in Karwar. So, it could be that he is silent because of political compulsions but he must be really happy within! But as far as this move goes, what does the aam admi Goemkar think of it? This has been rejected once before with the call for Vishal Gomantak finding no favor with Goans. I remember how our famous Tiatr comedians late Jacinto Vaz and Late M Boyer, in those good old days, took up this issue at their shows and convinced us it was a wagh coming to destroy Goa. First it was the merger with Maharashtra that was conclusively rejected at the opinion poll. Now this talk of merger… This should not have come up again.

Recently, the prolific writer Valmiki Faleiro released a very precious book. It is one that could inspire many a youngster and it also conclusively ensures that the legacy of Goans in the armed forces is engraved in history, forever. 'Patriotism in Action', a book about Goans in India's defence services, brings out the best of the Goan contribution to the country. For me, this is one of the best literary works ever written in Goa in recent times. But there is one point in the book that is worth noting and which our dear CM and his cabinet colleagues should also note down and maybe highlight with a highlighting pen, as one to be acted upon post-haste. “The defence forces are much safer than the Goan roads…!”

Goan roads are not about four-lane highways. How can those highways happen when the internal roads are a mess? With the drastic increase in traffic, the roads are a death-trap. The government has done precious little to right this menace. We have lost many a precious life on the road and we will continue to do so unnecessarily. I suppose we will see some change when a minister’s kin becomes victim of some tragedy on the roads of Goa. Until then, my dear fellow Goemkar, we will have to wait patiently. About corruption, the lesser said the better!

Besides people in the government, this is something we really need to ponder over too. As parents, we must also be open to the idea of our children joining the forces. I think the Goans listed in the book are enough inspiration to our youngsters who have any such aspirations.

Goa is a paradise on earth, so they say. I don’t believe in the talk that makes the rounds, “Goa is gone.” Goa is ours and will always be ours. What we need is to decide what we want for our Goa and let those in power know what it is we really want. We do have some NGOs who are sincerely trying to do something for Goa but we also have some groups who are in this for some personal or political gain. We need to decipher one from the other and keep miles away from the latter. I have heard that some NGOs take up causes, take them to a feverish level and then they and the cause just disappear into thin air.

Every coalition government will have political compulsions. But every citizen of the Goan society does have social, economical and traditional compulsions as well. Land is involved in all three aspects. We need to preserve our land and ensure that our generations to come have a healthy atmosphere to grow up in. We need to dictate terms and not really be dictated by the powers that be in the government.

Government Double Standards

Of Inaction, Double Standards and Luxury

With the advent of the rule, nay misrule, of our laissez-faire chief minister Mr Digamber Kamat; we have faced numerous double standards and ineffective governance. While he does not seem to know, or pretends not to know, what exactly is the factual position of any administrative matter, there seems to be a conceited emphasis on non-action on his part.

This is very sad considering the high expectations we had when he took over as Chief Minister in June 2007. He has been bitten by the ‘appeasement’ bug. In fact all the information and my subsequent views are coming forth because of the information provided by a ‘little birdie’ with knowledgeable antecedents!

I remember about three years ago, when a group of musicians and entertainers approached the CM with the issue of the sound restrictions, he was quick to defend the governments unrealistic stance, “We now have the Police Reforms Commission. Police officers are not ready to go against the rules because they can fall into trouble.” But this double speak is very common with our now ‘double-edged’ chief minister.

What baffles me, though, is how could Goa reach a level where even the chief minister needs to be questioned and does this new trend need to grow into a die-hard habit!

The authorities have decided to stop all entertainment around the IFFI venue by 10 pm. This is fair enough considering the law of the land and the directives for its strict implementation by the Supreme Court. We as Goans may have a different view to this restriction holds no water because we are bound by the rules of the land, unless someone finds a way to convince the SC about our views. But until such a time, we are bound by the laws on sound. But is the law applicable only to places on the shores of Goa? What happens ‘off-shore’? While Panjim is silenced at 10 pm, as far as entertainment on the land goes, the ‘Casino Pride’ offshore was reveling in festivities well past 10.30 pm even…

What was most interesting is that the loud music could be heard right at the Collectorate, in Panjim. But each of the authorities were ‘blissfully’ unaware of this. The upper deck of the ‘Off-shore Casino’ was ‘rocking’ as the new entertainment jargon would describe. The upper deck was the most ‘happening’ place just off the shores of Panjim while the authorities put Panjim to sleep! Again, this has been the double standards that have been encouraged by the government of the day.

It would do the government good to ensure that every citizen is treated with the same yardstick. The casinos included. There is always an elaborate hint thrown with almost every action of the government, that they do want to favor some group of citizens or the other. Is this part of the game: “You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” that they seem to be playing at a personal level?

I was recently in New Delhi and had the opportunity of visiting the three-day Goa Festival organized by the Goenkarancho Ekvott at the national capital. I would say, it was indeed a lucky moment for the organizers to have the CM grace the occasion. Kumari Shelja, the union tourism minister inaugurated the event, but Mr Kamat was prominently absent for the most part of the inaugural function. He does not seem to have learnt from the lesson taught to him by Zakir Hussain at Margao some time ago. He arrived late as usual! But his wife Asha was there well in time and, in fact, it was announced that she was ‘representing’ him until his arrival.

But what was most interesting is that the president of Goenkarancho Ekvott, Mrs Suman Kurade, a lady who is dynamic and young at heart even at her respectable age, handles a lot of the Ekvott’s activities almost singlehandedly, got up to tell the CM that the regional plan must be notified quickly. But the CM was not present to listen. Was this planned or was it a coincidence? The echoes of issues plaguing Goa seems to be finding a voice all over the country. But is the CM listening? But then we all know that: “A man listens to what he wants to listen.”

Don’t get carried away by propaganda, Mr Kamat warns us. But what is the real propaganda here, is it the issues plaguing Goa or the hollow assurances given by the government? Are we really heading towards ‘sustainable development’ or are we going to continue to call issues related to that topic ‘propaganda’ and the ‘haphazard development’ that suit the CM and some of his cabinet colleagues as the true way to develop Goa? Mr Kamat, can you introspect and ask yourself this question? I am sure you will think as a Goan first and not a minister or a chief minister or even MLA when you look for the answers!

And one more thought, while I was at the national capital, I also noticed one more attention-grabbing fact. Goa Sadan, the place where many Goans find rest while in Delhi, is a beautiful place with nice lawns and a good number of vehicles parked behind the edifice. All the cars, mostly luxury sedans, have ‘Govt of Goa’ written prominently on their number plates. But speaking of the interesting fact I mentioned, there was something that met my curious eye. A white Merc (Mercedes Benz) majestically decorated the otherwise humble campus where even the toilets are not clean enough to visit. And things got even more interesting… The car wore a Goa registration number (GA 07 G 0001). Well, while in Goa the ministers and bureaucrats live in comparative austerity, and we must congratulate them for this, in Delhi they want to flaunt their lavish superiority. Maybe that is why so many of them would like to go to New Delhi so often. Surely all of them would be entitled to a jolly ride in the Merc! But mind you, they do it at our cost!!!

Woes as an SBI Customer

The SBI, Margao Saga

Frankly, the mission, the vision and the values are meant to set standards that need to be admired, nay adored and replicated. But then complacency is the order of the day. Ask State Bank of India, Margao Branch and they will tell you this in no uncertain terms.

I recently went to deposit a minuscule amount, compared to the standards of the Branch concerned. I stood in the queue labeled ‘Single Window No 7’. And the wait was long… The only consolation was that the token system was out of order. I say ‘consolation’ because the last time I did take a token, I pulled out a number as far down as 174. When I looked up at the token board it read just 63 and it was 12 noon. A Good Samaritan advised me that I could come back at around 3.30pm rather than waste my time waiting. I took this wise advice and it paid off. When I came back at 3.20 pm, I just had to wait for 10 minutes before the magic number 174 was actually displayed on the screen signaling my turn!!!

What happened on October 29 , 2010 was an entirely different experience. As I approached the top of the queue in ‘Single Window Number 7’, I was in for a rude shock. The lady at the counter told a group of us, very rudely and in a very uncouth tone, that this was a queue for ‘Government Challans’. There was no board or any sign to indicate this. Yet she stuck to her guns and refused to relent.

I have personally seen that the functioning of the SBI branch at Margao, barring a few exceptions, has almost been paralyzed after it has been computerized. Even the Chief Manager, PBD or the other managers seem to be least bothered. They don’t seem to understand the gravity of the customers’ grievance. It is one of the richest branches in the country, I am told. Also, every employee has their job secured. So who cares!!!

I went to try and meet the managers personally, but either they were unavailable or too busy. It is surprising that India’s premier bank's employees need to behave this way. Whither our banking system???

But, given the slightest opportunity, the whole staff of the State Bank of India will join a nationwide strike, be it to demand an increase in their salary or to enhance their benefits. Is this really fair when they provide no customer satisfaction to clients, even those of almost 40 years? If one asks for an account closing form, though, they make all kinds of excuses and completely evade the request!

When really can we get this service back on track? Is it only going to be complacency on the part of the management and staff of SBI, Margao? Is it left only to a few individuals working in the bank and who respect the vision of the bank to actually give service to the customers? I really wish we could find solutions to this really fast. Many customers, who have depended on the service of the bank for years, are actually at the receiving end and are treated poorly. The bank officials simply don't seem to be not bothered. Someone will come in, make a noise and go. But there is no one to rectify the mistake. Even in this extremely competitive world of banking, the SBI, Margao staff don’t seem to be in the least afraid.

The higher-ups in the SBI have set a vision and a mission for the bank. It seems to be a lofty vision and mission,all complete with values too, that surely defines the customer as king in its own subtle way. But as far as SBI, Margao goes; the customer seems to be a burden. The impression most of the staff give is that the customer cannot really be the purpose of the business. He seems to be a rude interruption. He must be treated with disdain.

So when we look at the Mission Statement and the Vision Statement of the State Bank of India, nothing seems to tally with the actually ground zero reality. Is this all a hallucination!

Mission Statement

Develop into a top rate, nimble footed banking institution committed to excellence in services to its customers, enhancing stakeholder’s value though care and competence and fulfilling obligations to the community at large.

And there is also the very inspiring vision statement that reads:

Vision Statement

• Attain high standards of efficiency and professionalism and core institutional values comparable to the best in the field.
• Possess world-class standards of efficiency and professionalism rooted in the core institutional values of the State Bank Group.
• To be a committed, caring and responsible corporate citizen
• To provide a satisfying work environment with opportunities for learning, self-development and self-actualization.

And finally a set of ‘values’ that read:

Values

• Excellence in customer service
• Integrity and confidentiality

Well, are we living in a fairy-land; SBI, Margao?

I personally feel that every bank should give their customers some special service. It is indeed heartening to note that some private banks do this. Even most of the nationalized banks have understood the importance of having a customer, even if he will deposit only a Rupee. It is high time banks like the SBI, Margao branch realize this necessity. Banking today is a necessity for the banker and a luxury for the customer. I do hope the officers of the concerned bank realize this or they would do well to stock a good number of account closing forms.

Siolim Lad Wins Kingfisher Voice of Goa 2010

Siolim Lad Wins Kingfisher Voice of Goa 2010

The village is famous for the ‘Sangodd’. The boating spectacle has caught the eyes of many. This village has also gifted Goa with personalities like Remo Fernandes, who now needs no introduction, and the famed cartoonist Alexyz. Now something unique has happened to the village in the last two years.

Kingisher Voice of Goa this year has produced an undisputed winner. Melvyn Noronha has an exceptional voice, an enthusing sense of dressing and a marvelous smile. Add to this the prominent vibrato in his voice, and notably something not achieved through training, all this added up to giving him the title this year. Last year there was a young lass in Tavia Machado, who was the winner of the Kingfisher Voice of Goa title and she hails from Siolim. This year the village can claim a back-to-back victory. Siolim emerged triumphant once again with Melvyn claiming the honors and this time right under the nose of Remo Fernandes, who performed for the finals.

The Konkani round was won by Gladrin Fernandes from Nagoa, Verna. Her performance was one that was both trilling and entertaining. The judges were of the unanimous opinion that if there was a voice that could match that of the nightingale Lorna, it could be Gladrin’s. What is also most appreciable about her is when Gladrin introduced her songs; she always made it a point to emphasize on the name of the singer and also of the composer and lyricist. Mostly the latter two are forgotten.

Tremendous talent, superlative enthusiasm and even a whole bundle of nerves gave us a thrill of a lifetime at the Kingfisher Voice of Goa final this year. The Konkani category finals were held on October 15 and the English category finals on October 16. Both drew a large audience who were there to see the best talent chosen from around Goa. The finalists, mostly young talent as well as enthusiastic young-hearted individuals, put forth a performance that were several notches better than their previous performances, that could also be described as excellent. There were 10 contestants in the English round and 12 in the Konkani round.

To be at the jury desk would be a tough job. The contestants went on to ensure that exactly that happened. As each contestant came up and sang, the job for Sigmund de Souza (music composer, performer and journalist), Edwin Braganza (guitarist and vocalist) and Belinda Fernandes (guitarist and vocalist) became more and more complex in the Konkani round while Belinda and Sigmund were joined by Ravindra (Ravi) Faria Coutinho (guitarist and vocalist) in the English round in the now byzantine task. Overall, there must be a word of praise going in favor of the judges, they came up with what could be considered, a much unbiased decision, one which must be applauded and hailed.

The final four in the Konkani category were Ulfa Kwaja, Clint Furtado, Priyag Salmalkar and Gladrin Fernandes while in the English round the last four chosen were Anais Gonsalves, Salisha Ferandes, Nikita Fernandes and Melvyn Noronha. A word of praise must also go out to Norman Cardozo who accompanied most of the contestants with some superb backing on the keyboard. Sachin Chatte kept the mood and the participants upbeat on both the days.

On the day of the Konkani final, there was a great entertaining performance by Anselmo Fernandes. This young lad kept the crowd in splits with a duet that he performed all by himself. He could sing the high pitch and the male pitches with ease. Showing great energy on stage were the band Forefront with the upbeat and mellifluous Agatha on vocals. At the finals of the English category, we also witnessed a scintillating tribute to Michael Jackson by Kingfisher Voice of Goa 2006, Joanne Fernandes. There was also a commendable performance by Kingfisher Voice of Goa 2009, Tavia Machado.

There were original compositions in plenty sung during the competition. Caetano Agonda was praised for his Konkani comedy song, he composed himself. But there was Salisha Fernandes who sang her original compositions right from the auditions to the finals. She also was among the last four to be chosen in the English round. She won the prize instituted by Remo. She will have her composition orchestrated, mixed and recorded by the legend himself and she can then use this to play on the radio stations, on an album or wherever she chooses.

The entertainment for the evening began with Goa’s ambassador to the musical world singing three songs he has specially composed for Rajendra Talak’s new movie ‘O Maria’. This was the first time ever the songs have been sung on stage. This included a song on the nature and beauty of Goa, more on the lines of a ballad. The other was based on Goan folk music and was a duet he sang with Queeny, a young lady with a pleasant voice. The last one was what he thought is probably Goa’s first hard-rock Konkani number.

Lorna began her performance with a song that described all she has done for Konkani music. She praised God for helping her take Goa and Konkani to the world. The emotion of the song spoke for itself “This voice cannot be bought with.” It also included a tribute to Chris Perry.

Remo then came back to thrill the audience with his Microwave Papadums. He got the crowds rocking to mostly his own compositions. In the end, he had the crowd grooving next to the stage as he ended the night with ‘O Meri Munni’, a song he kept going for over 20 minutes.

The prizes were given away by the Chief Guest Rear Admiral Pillai, Flag-Officer-Commanding, Goa Area, Indian Navy in the presence of Mr Govind Tiwari, Divisional Vice-President of UB Group, Roussel de Miranda of Hype Entertainment, and the jury of the day.

Kingfisher Voice of Goa 2010

Great performances by the participants. Great performances by the judges too. It could not have been tougher for Sigmund de Souza (journalist and composer), Belinda Fernandes (guitarist and vocalist) and Ravindra (Ravi) Faria Coutinho (Lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of Pure Magic).

The Konkani category added a lot of punch and we had the best performances overall. One of the best Kingfisher Voice of Goa finals I ever witnessed.

Remo and Lorna also put up great performances to light up the evening.

THE WINNERS

KONKANI:
GLADRYN FERNADES FROM NUVEM

(I hope I have got that name right or I will correct it very soon)

KINGFISHER VOICE OF GOA 2010:
MELVYN NORONHA FROM SIOLIM

Remo seems to have inspired the village. We have the second winner from Siolim in as many years. The first was Tavia Machado last year.

The prize for the best original composition, instituted by Remo, went to Salisha Fernandes, who sang her original compositions at the auditions, semi-final and final of Kingfisher Voice of Goa 2010.

To read more about what the prize brings to Salisha, read my interview with Remo on Herald dated 16.10.2010 on Goa's Heartbeat Page 1.

More on this, along with photographs soon.

FB and our CM

Are you serious about the ban on networking sites Mr CM?

By Colin Savio Coelho

I read with great amusement the comment made by our CM regarding networking sites like Facebook, Orkut, etc. Well, we must all remind him that we are in the 21^st century, a century where networking is going to rule the roost!

While there is a total breakdown of networking in government departments and works, why does the CM have to bother how people wish to communicate in a democracy? Just because networking sites have created problems for a few ministers, does it mean that they are a problem for anyone and everyone? Relevant questions have to be posed to, what could be considered as, the unnecessary outburst of the CM.

I would like to begin with giving my first-hand experiences with network sites, especially FB. I have around 547 friends, all genuine ones mind you, at the time I am writing this. They are bound to increase at the rate of one a day at least. But never have I been a victim of pornography or any unwanted material from FB. My friends are all active and none of them have ever complained either. This seems to be a defensive statement on the part of the CM. if you and your government had been good to people and acted with merit, I don’t think anyone would even dare create false FB profiles in your name. I always believe: “You have to garner respect with your deeds. You cannot demand respect.” Conversely you can create situations for people to disrespect you when you do not respect others.

If you really want to ban something, please ban corruption. Please ban everything that causes corruption. We are given to understand that corruption in the government is blatant and has reached unimaginable proportions. I suppose the corrupt ways would would include and involve all those that matter in government as well. We hear that every government job is now up for a price. If this does not go to the personal pocket of the person that matters, it finds its way into the ‘party fund’. Can this be banned totally? Or can every minister make an effort to stop this forthwith?

FB, Orkut and others have been a great boon. I spoke to my friend Sergio Dias after many years as I suddenly hit upon him. I met my classmate Ameet Sardessai after almost 25 years on chat on FB. I have almost got in touch with Claude Distefano from Malta, a friend I made in France in 1993. Probably I have got in touch with at least two more such friends from South Africa whom I met in France. We have received great responses to events that we promoted through FB. The good that these sites have done far surpass the ‘bad’ they could probably do! I am sure many Goans and even others would share this viewpoint with me because of their experiences with networking sites.

We need you to check your conscious Mr CM. We don’t need a ban on FB. We need a ban on corruption, on the evils that plague your government and on all the evils that mar our democracy. I don’t see the reason why FB and others should be banned in a democracy like ours. Our maturity should speak Mr CM. Are we not a mature populace who can decipher between right and wrong?

But I would be questioned about the false profiles being created. Well that is a negative that we may have to contend with till decisive action can be taken by the authorities. I know Goa now has a well-trained unit of the police to detect cyber crime. Please make use of this and ensure that action is taken forthwith. It is not difficult to trace the culprits using technology. Make an example out of these rascals.

Another way I would suggest is that every minister should create profiles on their names. Once their genuine profiles are already online, no one can duplicate them. It will also give them an opportunity to chat with a few people and get the views of what they think of them and their works. Maybe explain to them also how the work of the minister is done for good. Use this to promote some good work.

I would tell every minster: This will keep you busy and maybe psych you into doing only something good. It is said that when you keep talking – now we can extend that to chatting - about something, you already believe you are doing it. This will also encourage you and ensure that you do some good work.

Eventually, Mr CM and all the Ministers, I sure hope you end up actually doing this ‘good’. Well, you could follow a simple principle: if you keep talking about ‘good’ to many of your friends on the networking sites, you will begin to feel you are actually doing ‘good’ and finally end up actually doing ‘good’!

Oh, would we all love that!!!