Quest for bridge
Shiroda is not only the home to a renowned Ayurvedic hospital and college, but also a religious destination, drawing thousands of devotees who visit every new moon day to offer prayers to the deity Kamakshi. However, there is currently no direct road connection between Rachol and Shiroda, forcing travellers to rely on a ferry and their own vehicles or take a longer detour. The long-awaited construction of a bridge to connect these two areas would reduce travel time by half an hour, shorten the distance, and provide significant benefits for those travelling from the southern side. It would also enhance the surrounding areas, giving them a much-needed facelift. Unfortunately, this crucial infrastructure project has not been pursued for political reasons. It is high time the government took proactive steps in supporting the development of this vital bridge, which would significantly benefit the community and address the long-standing gap between Rachol and Shiroda.
Bhalchandra VS Priolkar, Margao
Shameful road rage
A Goan car driver travelling from Porvorim to Saligao was brutally assaulted in broad daylight on the road at Sangolda by two tourists, who used helmets and fists to attack him after his four-wheeler slightly collided with one of their scooters. The shocking incident was captured on camera and went viral on social media. What’s even more disturbing is that, despite several Goans being on the same road at the time, most just watched silently, doing nothing to help. It is hard to fathom how people could stand by and watch such an assault unfold—wasn’t this deeply shameful? The Saligao police have apprehended the two tourists from Maharashtra, registered an FIR, and placed them under arrest. However, this incident raises an alarming question: why are some domestic tourists increasingly bold enough to attack Goans in different parts of the state? It is because they have studied our weaknesses. They know that many Goans are complacent, lack unity, and are often indifferent to what’s happening around them. When will Goans truly learn to stand up for their rights, dignity, and self-respect? As long as we continue to hold on to outdated habits and an indifferent attitude, we can expect more such unfortunate incidents in the future.
Jerry Fernandes, Saligao
Encourage women scientists
Women and girls lag behind their male counterparts in research in terms of participation and contribution. But in terms of research quality in science, women are second to none. Though engineering and manufacturing, mathematics and natural science have important statistics to boast about the involvement of women, they have to catch up with men in a big way. Studies on the STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) reveal that girls are underrepresented. A little less than 30 per cent of the technology researchers are women. The aptitude is there; but the sustainment seems to be missing. Not that men are inferior to women; one is afraid the recruitment policies and working conditions are not very favourable and flexible towards women. Sustainable development goals of the United Nations stand threatened when women-participation in STEM is low. The STEM subjects can be a distant dream for many young girls in Indian villages though village girls are increasingly finding themselves going urban in search of jobs in STEM.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Trump’s empty rhetoric
US President Donald Trump’s call for OPEC to lower oil prices as a means to end the Russia-Ukraine war and his assertion that the war would not have occurred under his leadership merit scrutiny. While his call for peace is laudable, his statements warrant critical analysis, particularly when viewed in the context of his presidency and America’s historical role in conflicts and wars. Trump’s acknowledgment of the need to end conflicts is commendable, but his actions during his last presidency often contradicted such intentions. For instance, Trump had the opportunity to address the Israel-Palestine conflict by advocating for a two-state solution. Instead, his administration recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, escalating tensions and undermining prospects for a lasting solution of restoring peace in the region. Furthermore, America’s role in global conflicts also raises questions about its credibility in promoting peace. For decades, the US has directly or indirectly fuelled wars, destabilised governments, and provided military aid to serve its strategic interests. The annual aid in billions to Israel has sustained its illegal occupation of Palestinian territories. Similarly, US military and financial support for NATO and Ukraine has prolonged the Russia-Ukraine war rather than facilitating peace. These actions illustrate a pattern of prioritising geopolitical dominance over genuine conflict resolution. If the US truly seeks to end wars, it must adopt a neutral and decisive approach. This includes halting military and financial aid to warring nations as such support often intensifies conflicts.
Samir Khan, Mapusa
