Is a new Kala Academy edifice the answer?
At a public meeting in Margao, light was shed on the state government’s mishandling of Kala Academy which was once celebrated as India’s premiere cultural institute.
It is learnt that extensive damage has been inflicted upon this revered institution. There is an urgent need to address KA’s structural and aesthetic issues. Despite crores being spent in repair work, light rains caused roofs to leak thereby disrupting tiatr shows.
It is common knowledge that the renovation work was undertaken by the state government without a proper tender process. It is learnt that a professor from IIT Madras provided valuable suggestions for the conservation of the premiere institute which the government reportedly ignored.
The symbol of Goa’s rich cultural heritage had suffered from gross mismanagement. Right from the sound system to air-conditioning and lighting, everything is in bad shape. The safety aspect has also been compromised which poses risk to the visitors as well. It may be recalled that the entire slab of the open air auditorium portion collapsed in July last year.
The question that arises is whether the iconic structure is beyond repair. Given the pathetic state of the premiere art and culture institute and when crores of rupees are being spent for its upkeep without any tangible results, the government could consider razing down the 40-year old structure and build a new edifice at the spot engaging the best of architects and construction company by taking all artistes and stakeholders on board.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Clear vision needed to get going in life
This is in reference to article on 'Everyone needs a vision' by Ibonio Dsouza dated July 6. Well said and addressed on the essence of having a ‘clear vision’ towards achieving anything in life.
Too often at times, we let situations and circumstances drive the course of our lives. This becomes a constant 'vicious circle' to the point that we truly lose focus towards where we are heading. Knowing your 'why' or what keeps you motivated daily is an excellent step towards creating the life you truly 'cherish' despite all adversities.
As a clear example - I love to write and contribute short Opinion pieces in my spare time, learn new instruments and invest my time towards honing my leadership and communication skills in association with the Toastmasters fraternity outside my work commitments. This is what constitutes my 'Why'. In doing so, I am able to lead a fulfilled life as I have outlined all the hobbies that align with my core beliefs, values and principles which in sum have the power to keep me going at all times.
Bryce D'Souza, Sharjah-UAE
Transparency in toll fees needed
The National Highway Act 1956 (46 of 1956) governs toll tax in India. Accordingly, the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules 2008 has explicit provisions on determination of toll payments across highways of the country.
Regardless of the fact that the Act clearly defines why, how, when, and who, has to pay the tolls at toll plazas spread across the country, tempers have run high on the issue of shelling out toll fees.
People are not reluctant to pay high fees as long as the process of collection of payment is quick, transparent and smooth. Against this backdrop, one has to view the decision of National Highway Authorities of India (NHAI) to hike toll fees.
The NHAI is said to be in the process of introducing barrier--free and seamless electronic toll collection system. These will be satellite based, due to be implemented for different types of vehicles over a period. But it is not clear whether the new system would reduce toll charges after being fully established because it will require less staff, and other allied costs too are set to be lowered.
Besides, the provision of users having to pay for only the stretch they have travelled on highways has to be implemented soon. It’s time the NHAI focuses on repairing bad roads on national highways that are taking ages to be in a portable condition.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Humiliating defeat for Conservative Party
The Labour Party has given a death blow and a humiliating defeat to the Right wing- Conservative party led by Rishi Sunak in the just concluded elections in the UK. Right from the day Sunak assumed office as the British Prime Minister, uncontrollable economic problems and unprecedented unemployment ruled the roost and the fall of the Sunak government became imminent. Sunak goes into history as the most unpopular prime minister of the UK and leading the Conservation party to such a shameful defeat.
One only hopes that the Labour party which has won the confidence of the British people and assumed power after 14 years of hibernation will act with restraint and responsibility in matters relating to the dwindling economy, foreign relations and particularly, the immigration policies. They should keep in mind that the immigrants have contributed immensely and extensively for the growth and welfare of the country and future immigration would also be an asset to them.
The manner in which the UK elections were conducted on July 4 and the results announced the very next day has a great message for our Election Commission which took 48 long days to conduct and announce the results in the just completed general elections in India. They cannot hide their inefficiency in their usual chorus of ‘India is a vast country with huge population’ and have to learn from the UK election authorities how to conduct elections in such an orderly manner .That they use paper ballot system not EVMs in elections is also a case in point.
The wonderful parting speech of Rishi Sunak also has lessons for our tall leaders, both the winners and losers in our elections.
Tharcius S Fernando, Chennai
Grand welcome for T20 champs
What an action! Cricket has certainly come of age and Team India won the coveted T20 cup after 17 years. Cricket is a team game, where performance is the name of the game. And this self emulating performance came at Bridgetown, Barbados when the chips were down and the odds were in favour of South Africa winning. India’s T20 World Cup win was not just victory on the field and it was well and truly celebrated by the crowd. The ocean of fans wait by the sea for hours. having rain and shine, for India to show up. As the dust settles on the celebrations, let’s delve into other inspiring lessons we can learn from India's historic win.
Nothing succeeds like success and it was proved beyond doubt at Barbados. Congratulations to the crowd for the exemplary behaviour and the extant ways of celebrations. It was indeed a great gala and a grand celebration.
C K Subramaniam, Chennai