Ensure bus seat reservation
Bus conductors need to be more responsible, not only in issuing tickets but also in ensuring that reserved seats for senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PwD), and women are used appropriately. Recently, while travelling from Sankhali, I was shocked to see cargo placed on a seat reserved for senior citizens in a Kadamba bus. It was unclear whether any fare was collected for this. In another instance, on a Panaji-Valpoi KTC bus, two women with monthly passes refused to vacate a seat reserved for PwD passengers. When the man sought help from the conductor, he was dismissed simply because the women had valid passes. Fortunately, a fellow passenger gave up his seat, preventing the situation from escalating. Disturbingly, the women then accused the man of harassment, which raises concerns about how genuine issues are being overshadowed by false claims of gender-based abuse. Another worrying trend is that some women do not sit on the seats reserved for them until a man occupies one—then it becomes an issue. Reserved seats are meant to promote inclusivity, not serve as tools for entitlement or false victimhood.
Praxy Fernandes, Sankhali
On Sao Joao festival
Today June 24, Goans celebrate the festival of Sao Joao. The festival is rooted in Catholic traditions, celebrating St John the Baptist, who is believed to have leapt for joy in his mother’s (Elizabeth) womb when Mary, the mother of Jesus, visited her. According to tradition, after attending mass, young Goan Catholics leap into and swim in local wells, streams, and ponds as a tribute to Saint John the Baptist. However, just like Carnival Sao Joao festival is experiencing increased commercialisation in Goa. The cultural and religious essence of Sao Joao is being diluted by the focus on entertainment and profit. While the festival retains its core traditions like leaping into wells and enjoying local delicacies, the influx of tourists and commercial events is growing. The festival has become part of monsoon tourism with resorts and event organisers promoting the festival. The focus on commercial aspects overshadows its cultural and spiritual significance. There needs to be a balance between tradition and commercialisation. Encouraging tourists to participate in traditional activities and respect local customs can help preserve the festival’s cultural heritage.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Playing victimhood
Priol MLA and former minister Govind Gaude, in his first public meeting at Khandola-Marcel on Sunday since being dropped from the cabinet, appeared to indulge in theatrics, weaving grand tales about himself while attempting to display unwavering loyalty towards the BJP. However, if Gaude truly stood by strong principles, he would have resigned voluntarily from his ministerial post long ago, following his anti-government remarks on corruption, rather than waiting for Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to unceremoniously remove him from the cabinet on the Revolution Day. Gaude’s focus should shift from playing the victim and staging public drama to addressing some serious questions: What tangible efforts has he made for the upliftment of the ST community in the state? How many ST members were employed in government roles under his watch as a minister? Instead of holding rallies to revive his political career, perhaps Gaude should focus on genuine contributions to his community.
Jerry Fernandes, Saligao
Catastrophic move
This refers to the news report ‘US bombs three Iranian nuclear sites’ (NT, June 23, 2025). US President Donald Trump’s decision to join Israel’s war against Iran with the bombing of three major nuclear facilities at Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz, could either force the Iranian regime to surrender or move decisively towards a wider war in the region. He has warned of additional strikes if Iran retaliates. This is a moment of grave danger for the entire international community. When it comes to wars, the US hardly learns from its mistakes. It invaded Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya under one pretext or another. During the election campaign, Trump repeatedly said he was opposed to America engaging in any conflicts overseas. Even after Israel began its bombing campaign, he gave indications of his willingness to pursue diplomacy with Iran. The conflict has shaken the global oil market and with the closure of Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which one-fifth of the worlds’ seaborne oil flows, many countries, including India, will face oil crisis. All eyes are on how and when Iran retaliates. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s unchecked militarism and his aim to hold on power at home, has plunged the region into a deep security abyss. Additionally, Trump has made it catastrophically worse by turning Israel’s war into America’s war. Darker days lie ahead for West Asia.
Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai
