Panaji,  August 15, 2016 …. Chief Minister Shri Laxmikant Parsekar led the State in saluting the National Tri-colour during the State level function of the 70th Independence day at the Old Secretariat in Panjim today. He later reviewed the Guard of honour presented by the contingents of Goa and Maharashtra Police.

Speaking on the occasion Shri Parsekar said that the efforts of the Government would be to generate employment opportunities in a big way in the state. The Government he said has set up Goa Investment Promotion & Facilitation Board which would help generate employment opportunities.

The Chief Minister said that the state has made a notable progress in all spheres despite having missed the three five year plans initially.

The Chief Minister said that the Government has done all that can be done to restart mining in the state and help those affected. His government even gave pay packages to truck owners and all those affected due to mining to help stabilize their lives.

The Chief Minister said that several schemes have been initiated by the Government of Goa for encouraging women empowerment such as Ladli Laxmi, Mamata, Ghara adhar, scholarship, educational loans and others. The state has done a spectacular work in the field of education. It is a proud feeling that the State ranks amongst the three top most states in highest literacy. Speaking about the flagship scheme Deendayal swast seva Yojana health Scheme, the Chief Minister said the Government has extended it for a period of 15 days and now it will be functional from September 1, 2016.

On arrival at the venue, the Chief minister was received by the Chief Secretary Shri Srivastava and DGP Dr. Muktesh Chander and was escorted to the saluting dais.

Dr. Dayanand  Rao compered the function.

Those present on the occasion were Union Minister  of state for AYUSH, Shri Shripd Naik, Tourism Minister Shri Dilip Parulekar, Minister for Factories and Boilers Shri Pandurang Dhavlikar,Minister for RDA and Science and Technology, Smt Alina Saldanha,  Leader of Opposition Shri  Pratapsingh Rane,  Deputy Speaker Shri Vishnu Wagh, Advocate General Shri Saresh Lotlikar,  Chief secretary Shri R. K. Srvastava, Director General of Police Dr. Muktesh Chander,  Deputy Inspector General of Police Shri V. A. Gupta, Secretaries to the Government, Senior officers, Freedom fighters, prominent citizens.

Panaji: August 15, 2016 … The Governor of  Goa Dr. (Smt) Mridula Sinha  who is \Brand Ambassador  of  Prime Minister for Swacch Bharat  Abhiyan yesterday inaugurated  the Swacch Bori Abhiyan 2016 at a function organized by the Educational, Cultural and Sports organizations of Bori yesterday.

Dr, Sinha while speaking at the function expressed her  happiness and satisfaction over the greenery and the natural setting of Bori village and its cultural background. The concern and united efforts of the villagers in keeping their places clean and healthy right from 2007 was commendable she appreciated.

Dr. Sinha hoped that the efforts in this direction  will serve as an excellent example for others to follow in achieving the objectives of Swacch Bharat Abhiyan.S he called upon the  Trust Authorities  and others who were present on the occasion.

Dr. Sinha also said that cleanliness is a matter of culture and every individual should have a positive approach and consider it as duty to contribute to this important cause she added.

Dr. Nitin Borkar, Convenor of Swacch Bharat aaaaAbhiyan welcomed th guests. While Shri Akshay Khandeparkar, oof Samrat Club proposed the vote of thanks.

Panaji: August 14, 2016 …. August 15, 1947 marked the end of India’s struggle for freedom.  The leaders who assumed authority and responsibility for guiding the destinies  of independent  India were fully aware  that political independence was not an end in itself but a necessary condition and means  of  building up a new India by consolidating the New found national  unity, by erecting the political and constitutional structures of  a new nation state and by making freedom meaningful  and substantive  to the common  man in terms of good life, social justice  and responsible citizenship and participation in the democratic process of decision making.

 It meant that India was to be territorially integrated and the people of India welded into well knit national community by inculcating among them the feeling of oneness and sense of belonging to one another. The task that independence brought was, thus, tremendous and involved the creation of a congenial, political, social, cultural and economic  environment for the new nation to grow  to its full stature and attain strength  and stability and prove worthy of the new independence and freedom she had attained.

 A number of challenges were faced by free, India.  To end post partition  communal clashes was the primary task  of the Government, secondly  the integration of India  States was the need of the hour. Sardar Vallabhai Patel skillfully and firmly dealt with the princely states and brought about their integration with India.

The integration of all India States with the exception of Hyderabad  and Kashmir was completed by end of November 1949.  Police  action restored peace in Hyderabad and become a part of Indian Union. The Maharaja of Kashmir signed  the instrument  of accession in october1947 and thus  paved  the way for India’s  military action Pondicherry  which was under the French rule brought peacefully under  Indian union and the Government  of India’s  military  action in December  1961 liberated Goa, Daman and Diu from the Portuguese yoke and thus all the territories become  a  part of India Union.

 In accordance with the provisions of states Reorganization Act of 1936, linguistic states were created and  one of the Chief irritants  to the cause of national unity and integration was removed. A new constitution for independent India was one of the many heavy  burdens  which freedom has placed on the shoulders of the leaders of Indian Revolution.

The concern of the founding fathers to maintain  and strengthen the new found political  unity of India is reflected in the provision they have made for a federal  form of state with unitary  spirit , a strong  centralized  structure and with wide powers to the states for the realization of full nationhood  and consolidation of freedom  progress in the economic  field was also of paramount importance.

The establishment of a national planning commission to evolve a plan for the economic  development of the country and implementing a series of five-year plans for increasing national production and equitable distribution of the fruits of economic development with a veiw to eradicating  poverty and improving the quality of life of the common people. Following an independent foreign policy and establishment of international relations on the basis of recognition  of equality  of status and respect for one another’s sovereignty between the nations was done in an effective manner.

Now the task head is cutout for mother India with  the establishment of Niti Aayog  under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister to streamline  the centre-state relations thereby  giving more powers  to the states is seen in new devolution formula  under the 14^th  finance commission where the states will receive extra funding that ever before speaks of  their rise in the federal structure.

 Team India needs to move ahead as the challenges of religious communalism, regionalism and linguistic chauvinism were rising their ugly heads from time to time. The economy at present is gaining ground after a quarter of century of economic liberalization and with foreign exchange reserves at an all time high. With several innovative programmes for nearly  every section of society  in force India’s  march on the global path as third largest growing  economy  with presence in almost all the major countries of the world.

India is one of the major global players in the world today and be it at the United Nations organization, BRICS or any other multilateral forum India’s voice is heard today. Recent strides taking in exporting Brahmos missiles to friendly countries is a step in proving to the world about our rising defense status. The  Indigenously built various defence requirements  under the make in India Programme along with  other innovation  programme for youth              like  skill India, standup India, Startup  India to gain employment  by even becoming a job given rather than only a job seeker has thrown  up immense  possibilities of  growth in our economy.

 Realizing the socialist commitment to  various stakeholders to reduce illiteracy , inequality, justice,  etc. has also  resulted in a spirit of oneness in the nation. The  developments  in the filed of infrastructure like dams, national highways, hydro electric projects, electric water etc has increased by leaps and bounds which give tremendous  impetus to the holistic growth of our nation as we head toward the platinum jubilee of independence in 2022.

The dream of providing a house to each and every   house hold as also the creation of   smart cities and providing urban amenities in   rural  areas  also offers a lot of promise in all the 684 district  of our country.

      Finally, Democracy which has been adopted as the ideological foundation of the Government and politics of India, has stood the test of times and the gigantic task of building a welt integrated independent secular state becomes the fundamental ideal. The Gradual and progressive process of evolution is in motion and the acclimatization to social conformity  and constitutional  conventions  and practices will herald in prosperous times for our country.

There is an urgent need to cooperate and agree on a number of problems playing India and find solution to them. Whatever may be the situation, the individual should regulate his social behavior and relations in such  a way as to contribute to the  building up of human community on the foundations of responsible  freedom and citizenship and healthy  balance between the rights and duties of the individual.

August 14, 2016 … Chief Minister Shri Laxmikant Parsekar has greeted the people of the State on the occasion of Independence Day.

 The Chief Minister in his message has said, on the occasion of the 70th Independence Day, I extend my personal greetings and compliments to the people of Goa.

As we celebrate the 70th anniversary of our Independence, I appeal to all my fellow citizens to join me in saluting the hard work and sacrifices made by our freedom fighters for securing us our freedom.

Since the attainment of Independence in 1947, our nation has made rapid strides in all the developmental spheres and has emerged as one of the fastest developing country worldwide.

In the past four years our government has focused on improving both the social and physical infrastructure of the state. Our prominence has been on inclusive development that would give our people the environment and tools to actualize and manifest their individual potential for the collective good.

 Let us all work together with that spirit of idealism, self-sacrifice, discipline and unity of purpose that characterized our freedom struggle for building a modern, developed and progressive Nation, The Chief Minister adds.

Panaji: August 13, 2016 …. The  public of Mapusa Bardez are hereby informed that the 1) Newly laid 33 KV XLPE  Double Circuit Underground cable from Thivim Sub Station to Mapusa Sub Station along with associated equipments  and 2) Newly erected 400 KVA Transformer Centre along with 11 KV over head HT line and Underground  cable of M/s Magic  Space at Peddem, Mapusa, Bardez-Goa, will be Test Charged on August 16, 2016 and will remain charged thereafter.

          Interference, touching to poles, stays etc. or kite flying at the vicinity will be dangerous. Hence general public of the area are requested to keep away from the line and  requested to keep away from the line  and equipment at their own interest.

Panaji: August 12, 2016 …. Union Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar inaugurated the week long Independence Day Celebrations under the cultural programme of the “Bharat Parv”, an initiative of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India at Rajpath Lawn, India Gate in New Delhi today.

The inaugural ceremony was also attended by Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shri Venkaiah Naidu, Union Minister for Tourism Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Col. Rajvardhan Singh Rathore and Minister for Culture, Government of Delhi Shri Kapil Sharma.

The event being organized to mark India’s 70 Independence Day will conclude on August 18, 2016. In all 17 states including Goa are participating in Bharat Parv which is aimed at creating patriotic mood, ensure large participation of  general public and to showcase rich diversity of our country.

As far as Goa is concerned about 45 folk artists including the celebrity artist Sonia Sirsat will perform at the venue on August 15, 2016, under the Directorate of Art and Culture. The rich cultural traditions of Goa will be showcased with presentation of varied forms of art.

The Tourism Department has participated in the event depicting Goa as a tourist destination for all seasons.

The Department of  Information and Publicity which is the coordinating Department for the participation of Goa state, has showcased the progress and development of Goa including welfare schemes of the Government by way of audio video presentation. Similarly, handicraft items and traditional goan cuisine will attract the visitors at the goan stall.

Delivering the inaugural address Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Tourism in organizing the event in the national capital. He said this initiative will undoubtedly go a long way in maintaining the prevailing unity in diversity in the country and to bring together people from different parts of the country irrespective of caste, creed and religion thus strengthening national integration. He said, during the next six days Delhites and  people from across the country will get the opportunity to witness variety of entertainment programmes and cultural diversity of the country.

Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shri Venkaiah Naidu in his address stressed the need to preserve the rich cultural heritage inherited by us  from our forefathers. Remembering the immense contribution of our great icons who fought for the freedom of our country the Union Minister said, we need to preserve our tradition by respecting our elders, teachers and parents to foster national unity.

Earlier Shri Vinod Mishra, Secretary,  Ministry of Tourism welcomed the guests.

Thereafter the Defence Minister along with other dignitaries visited various stalls set up by the different states including Goa and evinced keen interest in the art, culture, handicraft and cousine which has been displayed at the venue

Panaji: August 11, 2016 … Photography workshop was organized by Directorate of Art and Culture in Joint collaboration with West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur at Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir, Ponda held recently.

On this occasion State Cultural Awardee Shri. Shridhar Kamat Bambolkar was the chief guest. Vice Chairman of Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir,Ponda,  Shri Ajit Kerkar and expert Shri. Prasad Pankar were the other dignitaries present on the occasion.

Vice Chairman of  Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir, Ponda Shri. Ajit Kerkar welcomed the gathering.

Shri Felix Goes and Shri.Narayan Naik expressed their views about this workshop.

Chief  guest Shri. Shridhar Kamat Bambolkar told that, the participants should pursue this form of art. Good photographers are a need of hour and all the participants should make use of it.

The participants of this workshop were given participation certificate by hand of Chief Guest.

Yogish Joshi compered the function and Kranti Chari proposed vote of thanks.

Panaji: August 10, 2016 …. The Directorate of Art and Culture, Panaji, will be organizing a series of Printmaking Workshops at Graphic Studio Sanskruti Bhavan, Panaji. The first workshop of the series will be on “Platography Printmaking”, which will be conducted by Shri Ajit Seal, Senior Printmaker, Head of Department of Graphic Art at Kala Bhavan- Visva Bharati Shantiniketan, West Bengal.

The seven days workshop will be held from August 23 to 29, 2016 between 9.30 to 5.30pm at the Graphic Studio, Sanskruti Bhavan, Patto, Panaji.

Shri Ajit Seal shall conduct a workshop on the advance medium of “Platography Printmaking”. Only 15 to 20 practicing fine artists and fine Arts students who have specialization degree in Printmaking and students who are undergoing training in printmaking shall be selected to participate in the workshop. The participant must have practiced/worked in the medium of etching and lithography will be allowed to participate in this workshop

The practicing artists/art students must register their willingness of participation for the workshop by filling a prescribed application form available at the office, which will consist of a brief Bio-data and attachment of 10 photographs of artworks done by him/her in the printmaking subject.

The application form must be submitted on or before August 16, 2016 during working hours. The application received from the practicing artists/art students will be shortlisted. The participants selected for the workshop will be informed by the department.

Panaji: August 10, 2016 …. The Custodio Araujo Charitable and social trust on the occasion of its silver jubilee year celebrations felicitated  27 outstanding personalities in recognition of their services rendered in various fields at a function held in the city recently.

Those who were felicitated on the occasion includes five senior journalists, three senior doctors, priests, photographers, three coaches in football, Athlete and yoga, two Mando leaders, EX MLA, and three meritorious students who have excelled in the last S.S.C examination.

The function was organised by Custodio Araujo charitable and social trust in association with Goa senior journalists Association and PFCA

The felicitants included Mr Augustine fernandes,  Cyril D’ Cunha, V. Prabhugaonkar, Ex. MLA,  Smt. Victoria Fernandes, Dr. (Fr.) Jose Walter B. De Sa , Managing Trustee of  CACST, Shri Custodio de Araujo, President of GSJA, Shri Pramod Khandeparkar, Dr. Clovis Pinto, Shri Peter Vaz, Shri Blaise fernandes, Fr. Michael Fernandes and Shri Silvestre Estibeiro Kum.  Mamtha G. Malik, Shri  Elvis Goes, Shri Luis Cotta, Smt. Devi Gaonkar Director of Information and Publicity, Shri Jayant Tari, Shri Suresh Kumar, Shri Selwyn Fernandes, Dr. Damodar Bhonsule, Shri Mathias Vaz, Shri Allan Almeida, Kum. Freeda Coelho and state  Badminton Player, Shri Floyd Araujo. Blasé fernandes received the honor on behalf of Shri Digamber Kamat. Whereas Shri Floyd Araujo received the honor on behalf of  Mr Francisco Saldanha and Dr Carmo Pegado.

Speaking on the occasion Dr. Fr. Jose walter Benigno de sa who felicitated some of the outstanding personalities on the occasion complimented  the chairman of the Managing trustee C.S. De Araujo and other trustees for having taken the cognizance of the services rendered by the prominent personalities in their respective fields. He said, the trust acknowledges the contribution of those persons sans any financial support from the Government. This Dr. desa said needs to be commendable and emulated by others  service and voluntary organizations. He advised the senior journalists to do regular Health check up and also urged the arrangements to continue their activities in future.

Earlier Mr.Pramod Khandeparker, President Goa senior journalists Association welcomed and also proposed the vote of thanks

Mr Athur compered.

panaji .. 09/08/2016 … The work of Canacona bypass including construction of Talpona and Galgibaga bridges has been sanctioned by Ministry for an amount of Rs. 280 crore under EPC mode from National Highway (Original) Funds.

The work has been awarded on 29.10.2015 and the target date of completion is December, 2017.

 This information was given by the Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Shri Munsukh L. Mandaviya in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha recently.