Pursuit of greener pastures
This is with reference to the news report ‘Many Salcete youth seeking Portuguese passport’ (NT, January 27, 2025). This is indeed a disturbing piece of news. However, this trend of Indian citizens from Goa wishing to migrate to the West through Portuguese passport has been picking up for quite some time; now probably it seems to be on the rise. Of course, in the rest of the country, migration has been taking place on a bigger scale. This is definitely not a good thing; why do people want to move out of a country which fought a long struggle for independence from the British. There are several factors of course which have led to this situation like unemployment, disgusting political scenario, better quality of life, etc. The government ought to take necessary measures to tackle the burning issues in the country and reverse the present trend of migration.
Melville X D’Souza, Mumbai
Unconvincing proposal
A proposal in the draft report released by the Universities Grant Commission permits non-academicians to become vice-chancellors (VC). The non-academicians could be from industries, public policy and public administration. Academicians have raised objections because deserving faculty would lose an opportunity to become VC, frustrations could set in, and chances of promotions would be blocked. Universities need to be helmed by academicians as they are well-versed with the educational systems, implementation of rules and regulations, and sensitively handle issues concerning teaching and non-teaching staff and students. Even a non-science faculty would be able to understand the problems faced by science departments and vice-versa. A non-academician would have practical knowledge while academicians have both theory and practical knowledge since they teach and guide students for dissertations, take them to the field, industrial visits etc. Most importantly, a VC from outside the educational system could cause heartburn and lead to problems of ‘outsiders’ and ‘insiders’ in the campus. The best way is to have a synergy and collaborations between educational institutions and industries in the form of lectures, apprenticeship programmes etc. instead of posting a non-academician as VC.
Sridhar D Iyer, Caranzalem
Murmu’s partisan stance
While President of India Droupadi Murmu spoke about the need to uphold the values enshrined in our Constitution and praised its drafting committee headed by Dr BR Ambedkar for giving us such a brilliant document, it is unfortunate that she exceeded her brief by pitching for ‘one nation, one election’ proposal of the central government. She touted the proposal despite knowing the fact the draft bill on simultaneous elections is under review by a joint committee of Parliament. The first citizen of the country has allowed herself to be drawn into a partisan political debate. When the President herself has acted in such a partisan manner in favour of the BJP-led government at the Centre, it is not a surprise that the governors appointed by her to non -BJP ruled states also vie with other in showing their loyalty to the Modi regime with their partisan acts against duly-elected governments in the respective states.
Tharcius S Fernando, Chennai
Fighting beach erosion
Geobags technology has been adopted at the world famous Colva beach so as to check sea erosion and to facilitate augmentation of sand dunes. Beach erosion occurs when the waves wash over the shore, carrying sand and sediment with them. Erosion can be mild but in some cases, it can worsen when influenced by factors such as winds, tidal currents, and wave currents. It can have significant environmental and economic impacts. Another way to prevent beach erosion is by using tetrapod. A tetrapod is a concrete block designed with a four-pronged shape that is used to protect coastlines from erosion by dissipating the force of waves by essentially acting as a wave breaker. However, the best way to prevent beach erosion is by using natural ways. Strategic planting of coastal plants helps prevent erosion. This is because the roots of these plants help anchor the sand and ensure that it is not washed off. Sand dunes can help prevent beach erosion by protecting the coastline from high waves and storms. They are a natural buffer that can adapt to shoreline movement.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Sinner the winner
Jannik Sinner (23), the first Italian tennis player to ascend to the world number one ranking, has proved his mettle once again by lifting his second Australian Open title. After coming up trumps at the US Open in September last year, Sinner seems destined for bigger things as he is virtually on a roll from early 2024. Notwithstanding a tennis player’s famous Achilles heel – injury – Sinner has come back every time he was considered down and out.
Currently, Sinner has two top players to contend with for glories at big tournaments apart from Novak Djokovic: Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz and Russian Daniil Medvedev, both at the prime of their careers.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
