Swadeshi solutions
In a clarion call for digital self-reliance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged the citizens to embrace indigenous technology platforms as robust alternatives to global tech giants. This push for Swadeshi digital solutions comes amid rising geopolitical tensions and economic barriers, notably the steep H1-B visa fees and the heavy tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. Addressing the nation’s growing dependence on foreign digital services, PM Modi emphasised the importance of nurturing India’s own tech ecosystem. He encouraged users to migrate from widely used platforms like WhatsApp, Google Maps, Gmail and Microsoft Office to their Indian counterparts – Arattai for messaging, Mappls for navigation, Zoho Writer etc for e-commerce and digital signatures. Flipkart and Zoho Sign were spotlighted as capable replacements for Amazon and Adobe Sign. This strategic shift is not merely symbolic – it is a decisive move to empower Indian innovation, protect digital sovereignty and reduce vulnerability to external policy whims. “Let us build a Bharat that is digitally independent,” Modi declared, underscoring the need to support platforms that are made in India, for India. The Prime Minister’s appeal resonates with the broader Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, aiming to transform India into a global tech powerhouse while safeguarding national interests. As the world grapples with protectionist policies and shifting alliances, India’s digital awakening could well be its strongest shield and sharpest spear.
Everette Assis Telles, Margao
Healthy environment
Human health and environmental health are interlaced. The importance of potable water, unpolluted air, hygienic surroundings and clean sanitation in maintaining the health of an individual requires to be underscored. The theme ‘Clean air, healthy people’ is not out of place for the World Environmental Health Day (WEHD) observed on September 26. Sustainable policies and practices are critical to control air pollution and, thereby, promote a person’s overall well being. Climate change and disaster risks too require to be tackled on a war-footing. There has to be a drastic reduction in the use of fossil fuels if climate changes have to curtail the risk of disasters. It is everyone’s Earth, and it has to be secured and protected. As Mahatma Gandhi had said earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs but not every man’s greed. An initiative of the International Federation of Environmental Health, WEHD thrusts that additional responsibility on world bodies related to environment to walk the talk.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Preventing disaster
At many locations in Benaulim, we see open pill boxes and exposed power cables which are a danger to both, humans and animals. Many a time, the fuses, cables and the miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) are also stolen by miscreants. This carries a very real danger of electrocution too especially during monsoon. Will the authorities take action before a fatality occurs?
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
Saving Saligao
Saligao was once a beautiful, quiet village surrounded by vast agricultural fields, hills, and coconut trees, and the ‘Saligaokars’ lived peacefully in their ancestral Portuguese-styled mansions and houses. Unfortunately, the village is not the same anymore with all types of structures and scrapyards that have come up over the years even in some of the most interior areas. Mega projects too are seen slowly coming up in the village, which is already facing electricity and water issues. There is a need for the original inhabitants of the village to come together and stop those who are supporting destruction of the village.
Jerry Fernandes, Saligao
Passions live on
Having been blessed to be born in our once quaint little Ribandar on the outskirts of Panaji was my great fortune. Growing up as a student in Ribandar and with a then cinema hall ‘Gulmarg’ in our neighbourhood, entertainment was at hand. Nostalgic memories of those good old days watching a movie frequently at ‘Gulmarg’ with friends evolved as a routine. Once in college we had to look beyond Ribandar’s ‘Gulmarg’ for movies. I often recollect, with nostalgia, those motorcycle rides (sometimes-triple seater) all the way to Belgaum via the Anmod Ghat and at times via Amboli to watch a movie or two before returning to Goa sometimes the very same day. As decades went by, the passion for movies has just lived on and never ever faded away. Unbelievably, over the last three years, I have not missed a night without watching a movie on OTT platform Netflix whether in Goa, London or Lisbon. That childhood passion lives on, thanks to the evolving technology that has kept pace with our passions.
Aires Rodrigues, London
