Push for Ro-Ro ferries
A ferryboat stationed at the Chorao island ramp partially submerged early Monday after water flooded one of its air tanks which helps keep the vessel afloat. No casualties were reported. However, if the incident had to take place when the ferry was midstream with passengers and vehicles it would have resulted in a tragedy. Whether it is an operational fault or maintenance issue, the lives of the commuters cannot be put at risk. It is pertinent to note that after much delay the first Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferry recently did a trial run on the Chorao-Ribandar route. These ferries are larger than traditional ones and can carry cars and scooters along with passengers. It reduces travel time and hence offers a faster transport alternative. The outdated ferries on all the routes in the state need to be replaced by Ro-Ro ferries. The Ro-Ro ferry will be a game-changer for river commuting, offering a more efficient and convenient way to travel across the waterways. The government needs to promote the state’s river routes as alternate means of transportation to reduce the growing traffic on roads.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
History in repeat mode
The imposition of Emergency in India by the then prime minister Indira Gandhi on June 25, 1975 remains the darkest hour for its democracy. The 50th anniversary of the event should serve as a stark reminder of the perils of authoritarian rule. Mass arrests were made, and the press was muzzled, political opponents jailed, civil liberties curtailed, and mass sterilisations carried out even as forcible evictions were ordered of the poorest people to make way for redevelopment. JP Narayan emerged as the moral conscience of the nation during the Emergency, challenging authoritarian rule. However, today many draw parallels between those days and certain contemporary developments, raising concerns about democratic backsliding. Even now, civil liberties are not unconstrained, free speech is not so free, preventive detentions take place and law enforcement and investigative agencies are used to selectively target Opposition leaders and rights activists. Democratic institutions are under stress. Parliament’s position has been degraded and there is intolerance of dissent and a personality cult around a leader. These are all characteristics of authoritarianism.
Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai
Travesty of saint’s teachings
The annual feast of St John the Baptist, celebrated with great enthusiasm by Goan Catholics, has increasingly deviated from its true path. According to the Bible, St John was a holy man who preached repentance. Every year, his feast day is marked by behaviour that contradicts his teachings. In many villages, people hold small processions, often with beer cans in hand, wear Carnival-style costumes, and celebrate with loud music and drinking. Some even jump into wells or swimming pools in imitation of St John’s leap in his mother’s womb upon hearing Mary’s greeting. While the tradition of jumping into water may be linked to this biblical moment, the question remains: Why can’t people enjoy this day without alcohol, loud parties, and Carnival-like festivities? Why not attend Mass in the morning and celebrate the feast with reverence, reflecting St John’s true example of humility and holiness? It is high time the people of Goa reconsidered how they observe this feast. People should seek to celebrate in a more meaningful way, honouring the saint’s values and significance.
Jerry Fernandes, Saligao
Scourge of drug abuse
Drug abuse and illegal drug trade have grown into intractable societal menaces. Youngsters are grappling with the crippling physical and psychic effects of drugs. The United Nations observes the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26 to focus on the grave danger posed by drug abuse and illegal drug trafficking. Socioeconomic status of a society stands to be stymied by unhealthy and unproductive members of society, and diseases are hazardous companions of drugs. Cannabis, cocaine and heroin sell like ‘hot-cakes’ in many countries because of their easy access, and slack laws. About 6 per cent of the global population used drugs at least once a week and, of these, 0.5 per cent suffered from drug use disorders and drug dependence.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Women safety jeopardised
A shocking incident in Mumbai has once again highlighted the unsafe reality women face daily. A woman airline pilot was allegedly molested during a cab ride after the driver inexplicably stopped to let two men enter the vehicle. Despite their harassment, the driver did nothing, continuing the ride as though it were normal. This raises urgent questions: What kind of society are we becoming? Why does the objectification and mistreatment of women persist so openly? Have we lost sight of basic respect and empathy? It is alarming that such behaviour continues while justice system remains slow and ineffective. Women should not have to live in fear, nor should such acts be tolerated or ignored. It is high time we held people accountable — from perpetrators to those who stay silent.
Lynn Rodrigues, Merces
