Remembering sacrifices
There is no greater sacrifice known to man than to lay down one’s life for the nation. The country observes the ‘Police Commemoration Day’ every October 21 to honour the bravery and sacrifice of policemen, who have made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. Also known as ‘Police Shaheed Diwas’, the day in particular, is observed to remember the ten policemen, led by DSP Karam Singh, who laid down their lives for the country in 1959 after being attacked by Chinese troops at Ladakh’s Aksai Chin. At the national level, tributes are paid to all policemen, who were martyred since independence and, at the state-level, the roll of honour is read in the memory of the policemen, who lost their lives during the previous year. The supreme sacrifice of martyrs is an inspiration to every khaki-clad policeman. Their courage will always be remembered.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Right to protest
The recent administrative clampdown on peaceful assemblies and the marginalisation of designated protest sites in the national capital strike at the very heart of Indian democracy. For over three decades, Jantar Mantar has stood as the quintessential public amphitheatre where the collective voice of the citizenry meets the seat of power. Relocating protests to remote, out-of-sight peripheries is not merely a logistical shift; it is a systematic dismantling of the constitutional right to dissent. Article 19(1)(b) of the Constitution guarantees all citizens the right to assemble peaceably and without arms. Public spaces in capital cities are designed to be accessible to the seats of governance so that petitions and grievances reach the administration directly. Shunting protests to distant corners strips this fundamental right of its practical efficacy. History testifies that landmark movements – from farmers pressing for agricultural reforms and minimum support prices to anti-corruption campaigns and labour rights agitations – rely on central visibility. Protests must be seen and heard by the legislature and policymakers to catalyse meaningful legislative and executive accountability.
Everette Assis Telles, Margao
Serving football
For football lovers in Goa, a referee is more than someone with a whistle – he ensures fair play, discipline and respect. For Menino Supriano Fernandes, refereeing has been a lifelong passion spanning 44 years since he began in 1982. Driven by his love for the sport, Menino devoted decades to football while balancing a banking career and a passion for music. As a Class 1 state-level referee, he became a familiar face across Goa. He officiated at every level, including youth tournaments (Under-15 and Under-19), local clubs, professional leagues, Division I and II matches and popular inter-village competitions like the Seamen Trophy. Officiating demands physical fitness, deep knowledge of the rules, intense concentration and calm decision-making under pressure. Menino maintained peak fitness to referee in all weather, from scorching heat to heavy monsoon rain. Preferring to control matches as the main referee rather than an assistant, he treated teams equally and applied strict discipline when necessary, including issuing yellow and red cards. In 2004, Menino took on the role of match commissioner, drawing on his refereeing experience to evaluate, guide and support officials during challenging matches. The respect he earned across Goan football remains the greatest reward of his dedicated service.
Joseph Lewis D’Silva, Quepem
Colour code
for water tankers
The accident on the Western Bypass at Mungul, near Fatorda, in which one person reportedly lost his life and seven others sustained injuries after a mini bus rammed into the rear of a water tanker on Monday, highlights the need for greater road safety measures. As per reports, the water tanker was moving at a slow speed while watering plants along the highway’s central divider when the passenger vehicle collided with it from behind. Water tankers are regularly deployed across Goa to water plants growing on road dividers. While maintaining greenery along highways is important, the safety of motorists cannot be overlooked. These tankers often move at a snail’s pace, creating a significant speed difference between them and other vehicles travelling on busy highways. When approaching at high speed, motorists may not always be able to anticipate such slow-moving vehicles. The danger becomes even greater when these tankers operate near blind turns, curves or stretches. A vehicle approaching from behind may get little time to react, potentially resulting in serious or fatal accidents. It is, therefore, imperative that the authorities introduce a distinct colour code for these water tankers which will help motorists identify these slow-moving vehicles from a distance. Reflective strips, warning signs indicating slow movement and flashing amber lights could further improve their visibility especially during heavy rains. The authorities should also consider scheduling watering activities during off-peak hours to minimise disruption to the highway traffic.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
