Unnecessary expenses
Once the tourist season sets in then the officials from the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) get their acts together. For example, of the seven expected chartered flights from Iran two landed at Dabolim last week. The 280 passengers were welcomed with garlands, roses, given a gift and a cake-cutting ceremony was held. This welcoming gesture is a recurring feature with some variations, whenever a chartered flight from abroad touches Goa. It is understandable that Goa is dependent on tourists and they need to be flattered in the hope that they might spend liberally during their stay. In contrast, domestic tourists like to splurge but are not welcomed in the same style as the foreigners. But is there a need to go overboard and have a recurring expenditure on flowers, gifts, taxis for the officials? The money spent on these could be better utilised by providing basic amenities at the tourist spots and keep these clean and free from stray animals and vendors. Also, it would be interesting to know if Indian tourists are given a royal welcome when they go abroad, either in groups in normal or chartered flights. Lastly, is it necessary for the central/state government to conduct roadshows and put up exhibits, within the country or abroad, to lure foreign and domestic tourists?
Sridhar D Iyer, Caranzalem
Plight of governance
The state government always tries to show that it acts against illegalities. But the key point is: why does it act only after court orders? It appears that if Goans want any matters or illegalities dealt with by the government then they have to move courts seeking directions to the government. Oftentimes the government tries to find loopholes in laws and norms and adopts delaying tactics or brings in new legislations so as to get around the court orders. This is the plight of governance in Goa!
Arwin Mesquita, Colva
Protect mother tongues
Kudos to Sujit De for the letter titled ‘Raw deal for mother tongue’ (NT, April 3, 2025). Rightly has he taken up the cudgel on behalf of the languages like Gondi of Maharashtra or Sora/Paraj in Odisha and mother tongues of the marginalised communities in the whole country whose linguistic interests have not been taken into consideration in the national education policy (NEP). Whatever be the thought of the Centre or promoters of Hindi, yet the fact remains that in this multilingual country of diversities, no language can be treated as superior or inferior to each other; else it poses a direct and fatal assault upon all norms of democracy. The NEP must include the mother tongue of the student (irrespective of the number of speakers in that tongue or his/her geographical residence), official language of the concerned state and English. This linguistic policy will not only enlighten the students of their own cultural roots and tradition, it will also help them to prosper and flourish in life on the strength of the command garnered over the main language of the state concerned and English – the only link between the multilingual Indians, pathway to meet the world and doorway to access modern education.
Kajal Chatterjee, Kolkata
Leadership role for women
While many women face challenges due to patriarchal structures, there are regions and communities in India where women have been empowered and continue to hold leadership roles. Kerala and the Northeast serve as examples where women are often at the forefront of decision-making in both familial and social matters. It is important to shift from seeing daughters solely through the lens of marriage and instead focus on their capabilities and aspirations. Education plays a pivotal role in this transformation. When both boys and girls are given equal opportunities to grow intellectually and professionally, it can challenge long-held patriarchal norms. Female personalities who have made remarkable contributions—whether in politics, law, sports, or other fields—serve as a reminder of the potential that lies in empowering women. These women, often overcoming significant obstacles, demonstrate that success is not limited by gender.
Diomedes R Pereira, Corlim
On niches in cemeteries
After the loss of a loved one, families often seek ways to honour their memory, driven by a sense of gratitude, a desire to preserve their legacy, or even feelings of guilt. However, the most meaningful expressions of love and respect are those made while they are still alive. Memorial inscriptions, for example, are seldom seen, read, or appreciated by those for whom they are intended. As the saying goes, “A tribute to the dead is not grief but gratitude.” The Church provides niches in cemeteries for the interment of remains, and with its permission, some families choose to entomb the remains in specially designed structures. However, human remains are not sacred objects to be venerated, worshipped, or adorned with candles. Families may visit these niches on significant occasions like All Souls’ Day, death anniversaries, or funerals. Over time, however, such visits become less frequent, and eventually, no one feels compelled to stop at the niche.
Nelson Lopes, Chinchinim
