Conduct survey of old, dangerous trees
The heavy rains that lashed Goa after a prolonged spell of monsoon-deficient weather have once again exposed a recurring danger that surfaces every monsoon season, which is falling trees. One particular incident quickly became the talk of social media when a large tree collapsed near the Chief Minister’s official residence, severely damaging two parked vehicles. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported. This should serve as a warning of the risks that lie ahead as the monsoon has only just begun. The rainwater weakens the hold of the roots of the tree to the ground. Coupled with strong winds it can result in trees falling down. The government and local authorities must adopt a proactive approach instead of reacting after disasters occur. A comprehensive survey of old and potentially dangerous trees across the state should be undertaken immediately. Regular pruning and trimming of overgrown branches should become a routine exercise.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
AIFF’s symbolism triumphs
This refers to the decision of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to approve a proposal renaming itself the Football Federation of Bharat and to mandate playing of national anthem and Vande Mataram at official matches. This reflects a deeper frustration with the state of Indian football. For years, the federation has often focused on cosmetic changes — rebranding leagues, changing tournament names, and administrative reshuffles, while the structural crisis remains unresolved. Football administration in India often appears event-driven rather than system-driven. Before competing to qualify for future FIFA World Cup editions, AIFF must first make the India national football team a stable force in Asia. In fact, India struggles even in continental competition, be it in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers or against mid-tier Asian nations. For decades, countries like Japan, South Korea, Uzbekistan and even smaller nations like Jordan have built football systems with long-term vision. India has struggled to do the same.
Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai
Essence of yoga
Over the past few days there has been a lot of talk on how yoga helps keep one both physically and mentally fit and agile. A lot of photographs have appeared in the print media of public events held in various parts of the country showing mass gatherings of people performing ‘asanas’ in a coordinated way, under the guidance of a guru on International Yoga Day, June 21. The question therefore, is whether people are practising yoga in its true essence or just physical exercises. Yoga in essence means yoking with the Supreme Being or ‘Atman’ through meditation and contemplation. Only when this is done in conjunction with prescribed asanas can one reap the full benefits of yoga. Otherwise it is plain exercise. I hope this clear to our organisers and politicians.
AF Nazareth, Alto Porvorim
Telegram’s journey
On April 27, 1854, India’s postal department had telegram service when the first telegram was sent from Mumbai to Pune. Telegraph service was one of the major reasons why the British could suppress the 1857 revolt. With the advent of emails, internet and smartphones, after 163 years of uninterrupted service telegram service ended on July 14, 2013. A cloud-based instant messaging platform called ‘Telegram’, founded by Russian brothers Pavel and Nikolai Durov, was launched in India and globally on August 14, 2013 for iOS and for Android in October 2013. Last week, prior to the re-exam of NEET-UG 2026, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology directed Google and Apple to pull out Telegram from their India’s app stores. Alleged cheating rackets and suspected leakage of several exam papers operated from the platform. In the Delhi High Court, the Attorney-General of India called the Telegram as a Frankenstein monster and the Solicitor-General stated that a single Telegram user could create 40 bots, that rapidly multiply and transmit information through channels. The electronic avatar of telegram has been used, misused and abused in different ways and for various reasons.
Sridhar D Iyer, Caranzalem
Uddhav’s challenges
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Election results early this year dealt a body blow to Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray as the BJP-Shiv Sena (Shinde) alliance (Mahayuti) gained the voters’ trust to rule Mumbai. Now, the Shiv Sena (UBT) is in the doldrums after its six MPs ditched the party to join the official Shiv Sena of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Shinde seems to be in the good books of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. There are no fresh issues for Uddhav Thackeray to tackle. The only weapon left in Uddhav’s armoury is clear: Balasaheb Thackeray. However, it has been more than 13 years since the charismatic Shiv Sena founder, who struck a chord with the average Maharashtrian during his time, passed away. Another option, of course, lies in Uddhav joining hands with the BJP again although it looks highly unlikely in the near foreseeable future.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
