Safety must take centre stage this Sao Joao
Goa comes alive today June 24, as people across the state celebrate the vibrant and much-loved Sao Joao festival. A highlight of the festivities is the age-old tradition of young people leaping into wells, ponds, streams, and other water bodies to mark the feast of St John the Baptist. While the festive spirit is an integral part of Sao Joao, it is equally important to remember that safety must remain a priority. Over the years, Goa has witnessed several unfortunate incidents of drowning during Sao Joao celebrations. In recent times, the state has also recorded a number of drowning deaths in rivers, lakes, and along its coastline. These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with water bodies, particularly during the monsoon season when water levels rise, currents become stronger, and visibility is poor. Even experienced swimmers can find themselves in difficulty when faced with strong currents, submerged obstacles, or unexpected depths. Those who do not know how to swim should resist the temptation to jump into wells, rivers, or other water bodies during the celebrations. The desire to participate in a popular tradition should never outweigh personal safety. Organisers of Sao Joao events can contribute to safer celebrations by identifying secure locations for traditional jumps, ensuring the water depth is adequate, removing hazards where possible, and arranging for lifeguards or trained rescuers to be present. Emergency contact numbers should be readily available, and participants should be encouraged to look out for one another. We need to enjoy the festivities, honour the customs, but safety should always come first.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Justice without favour
Road accidents involving young drivers have become a matter of serious concern. Every day, newspapers carry reports of youths driving cars and motorcycles at excessive speeds, performing dangerous stunts, violating traffic rules, and putting innocent lives at risk. Unfortunately, in many such cases, the first reaction after being caught is not remorse or acceptance of responsibility, but a hurried call: “Hello Papa, please help me. This “Hello Papa” syndrome reflects a growing belief among some young people that family influence, wealth, or political connections can protect them from the consequences of their actions. While many law-abiding families teach their children discipline and respect for the law, a section of privileged youth appears to believe that rules are meant for others, not for them. The situation becomes even more troubling when equal treatment is perceived. A poor or ordinary young person caught violating traffic laws may face fines, legal proceedings, or even imprisonment. However, when influential families use their connections with powerful individuals, there is often a public perception that justice can be delayed, diluted, or avoided altogether. Such perceptions weaken public trust in the rule of law. This issue is not merely about reckless driving, it is about values. Families play a vital role in shaping the character of their children. Parents who excuse irresponsible behaviour instead of correcting it may unintentionally encourage a sense of entitlement. True parental support does not mean shielding children from every consequence, it means teaching them to accept responsibility for their mistakes. The law should protect the innocent and punish wrongdoings without fear or favour. Equally important, parents must ensure that their children understand that privilege is not a license for irresponsibility. The future of our nation depends not only on educated youth but also on responsible youth. The greatest legacy a parent can give is not influence, but values. When young people learn that actions have consequences, roads become safer, and institutions becomes stronger, and society becomes fairer for all.
Evaristo Fernandes, St Cruz
Mandovi chokes further
A report by the Goa State Pollution Control Board has revealed alarming levels of faecal coliform contamination in the Mandovi River, with pollution consistently exceeding prescribed limits at several monitoring locations over the past decade. According to the study, contamination levels remained above 81 per cent in most years and soared to 96 per cent in 2026 across eight monitoring stations. The report attributes the pollution to untreated or partially treated sewage, industrial effluents, waste discharged from casino vessels, inflow from polluted tributaries and leakages from septic tanks. The Mandovi’s water quality and environmental health have perhaps never been in such a deplorable state in its history. Yet, little appears to have been done to reverse this alarming trend, even as the Chief Minister often refers to the Mhadei as his mother. On the contrary, the government seems intent on aggravating the situation by pursuing the introduction of a mega floating casino in the Mandovi. One can only imagine the additional sewage burden a vessel with a capacity of 2,000 passengers would place on an already stressed river ecosystem. The Mandovi is fast turning into a stinking sewer. But in Amrit Kaal, apparently, all is well.
Rekha Sarin, Benaulim
Westminster in turmoil
Britain’s political instability has become an increasingly worrying trend. With Keir Starmer stepping down, the United Kingdom is set to witness yet another change in leadership, marking the seventh prime ministerial exit in just over a decade. Starmer, however, upheld the high moral and democratic standards associated with Westminster by voluntarily making way for his successor. Having succeeded Jeremy Corbyn as Leader of the Opposition, Starmer steered the Labour Party to power in 2024 with a historic parliamentary majority. Britain had been a member of the European Union (EU) since 1973. However, Brexit, which formally took effect on January 31, 2020, fractured both major political parties and fundamentally reshaped voter loyalties. Since then, successive prime ministers have struggled to deal with its far-reaching economic and political consequences. From David Cameron to Starmer, every leader has grappled with the aftershocks of Brexit. British voters today appear far less patient with governments than in the past. Economic stagnation, immigration pressures, mounting strains on the National Health Service (NHS), and the rise of political challengers such as Nigel Farage has made governance increasingly difficult. The larger question is whether Britain is facing merely a crisis of leadership or a deeper structural crisis within its democratic system. Frequent changes at 10 Downing Street risk undermining policy continuity, eroding investor confidence, and weakening public trust in political institutions.
Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai
