Chandor at crossroads
Following the protest in Guirdolim against double tracking, Chandor — once the capital of the Kadamba dynasty — now faces an even more serious threat: a massive 21,000 square metre luxury housing project that could erase its heritage and character. This project isn’t aimed at locals, with each villa priced at over Rs 2 crore, but rather at wealthy outsiders. Such development risks disrupting the village’s demographic balance, overloading infrastructure, and marginalising local communities. Development should enhance, not destroy — villages must evolve thoughtfully, not become lifeless concrete zones. Like the quiet turmoil of ‘Peyton Place’, Chandor hides growing tensions under its peaceful exterior. Speculative development and political apathy are threatening its future. It’s time for residents to stand united. A legal challenge based on the village’s carrying capacity is urgently needed. This struggle shouldn’t be Chandor’s alone. It must inspire a broader movement across Goa to defend village life, cultural identity, and environmental integrity. The panchayat must immediately halt work.
Everette Assis Telles, Margao
Tuem hospital in limbo
The Tuem hospital was first proposed in 2012 by the then MLA Laxmikant Parsekar and taken up by the late Manohar Parrikar. The 100-bed hospital built at a cost of Rs 100 crore is meant to serve one lakh people living under the jurisdiction of a municipality and 20 villages. The hospital is meant to be a rural training centre under the Goa Medical College, but seems to be in a ‘coma’ all these years. And for this the government every month shells out Rs 3.4 lakh towards electricity bill. The Tuem Hospital Kruti Samiti has warned of an agitation if the major health facility is not commissioned by December (NT, October 11, 2025). The hospital has not been operational for various reasons: Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation has not handed it over to the state health authorities, required equipment has to be listed, funds made available, tendered and purchased and staff recruitment. Some of these tasks could have been accomplished when the building was under construction or just before completion. Pernem taluka is growing fast due to Mopa airport and the upcoming electronic city. The ailing Tuem hospital needs to be ‘cured’.
Sridhar D Iyer, Caranzalem
Allegations and defence
Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade has dismissed the allegations made by social activist Rama Kankonkar against two senior politicians as baseless, calling for an investigation into the motive behind the claims. He also questioned the consistency of Kankonkar and his family’s statements. Kankonkar was brutally assaulted in Caranzalem, and many, including the social activist himself after his discharge from GMC, have suspected a possible political involvement in the attack. The real question is: why is Tanavade defending one of these politicians? Isn’t this the same Tanavade who, when that particular top politician was in the Opposition, publicly accused him of manhandling BJP functionaries in a widely circulated video?
Jerry Fernandes, Saligao
Trump’s unfulfilled dream
In the long history of the Nobel Peace Prize, rarely has there been such eagerness for self-promotion as seen in US President Donald Trump’s quest for the award. That Pakistan nominated him, with backing from an indebted Israel, only adds irony to the situation. The Nobel committee, known for its strict standards, has resisted political pressure in the past — though influence has occasionally crept in. True icons like Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa earned the prize through genuine service, winning the world’s admiration. In contrast, satirical takes like ‘No Bell Piece Prize – Made in China’ and ‘Nobel Getaway’ mock Trump’s desperate pursuit of recognition. Unfortunately, the trend of politicians awarding themselves honours is growing, diminishing the value of such accolades. Many private institutions now offer titles for a price, feeding this obsession. In the end, only awards earned on merit continue to hold true public respect.
Nelson Lopes, Chinchinim
The PK factor in Bihar
As the much anticipated Bihar assembly elections draw near, Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav remain the frontrunners to retain or capture power respectively. However, without a doubt, interest revolves around Prashant Kishor’s ability to make inroads into either coalition. That Kishor is a political Chanakya behind the scenes is part of folklore. But not much is known about his ability to win popular votes. Kishor has been actively portraying his Jan Suraaj party as an alternative to the big shots. He has been building his political outfit from the grassroots for the last three years. An interesting part of his campaign is his direct connect with the rural electorate. His oratorical skills has come as a surprise for many. Pro-people development schemes have been his major election plank. More than anything else, PK has not dithered an inch in taking over his mighty rivals on their own turf.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
