My home in the hills  is situated in a small quaint village of about forty families. Four years ago, on my way to my home in the hills, I drove past a small primary school, that appeared neglected and in dire need for  repairs and maintenance.

With an urge to do something  about it, I met the village Sarpanch and we began the project by addressing the repairs and building the school infrastructure.

The families in the village consists of semi skilled workers like painters, gardeners and household workers, primarily serving the getaway homes in that idyllic setting.

Once the budgets were drawn, I made a condition;  the raw materials would be sponsored but the labour required, would have to be drawn from the community, this I realized had basis, in the Gandhian principle of “Shram Daan” (the offering of  service).

The school would be painted by painters from the village, the teachers and students would  decorate the walls, the plumbers, the gardeners would give two hours after their work day and help out. After all, their own children studied in the school and it thus became a community project.

Then we proceeded to check out the various government schemes that we could benefit from. Interestingly, we were able to source materials through these avenues and to our immense satisfaction, we had a happy and beautiful looking primary school in our village!

This year, on the occasion of their flag hoisting ceremony, I met the newly appointed principal, who had managed to install a large-screen television with internet to beam educational and informative programmes to the children.

Taking the Shram Daan concept further, we are planning to request professionals from various fields to offer time at their convenience to visit the school or interact online. This would empower the community with more knowledge, ideas and solutions.

We then decided to look at the requirements of the community and have decided to start a vocational training center for the youth, in the  premises after school hours.

The large television screen with internet in a village community center like  in Gherawadi, thus opened the gateway to knowledge and communication. With the increase in hand held phones, that are powered with likes of Google, the world’s knowledge on almost anything is at one’s fingertip.

Online platforms and social media are the kind of empowerments that are enabling to intelligently plug into the global markets.

Let’s rethink of  villages as small and vibrant human settlements, Digital settlement in a Global Village. A community that is self-reliant, tech savvy and seeped in its own culture.

Reaching out to the world for contribution instead of sustenance.The dream may seem large but the path is already paved. India is going digital.

Time is ripe  to realise Gandhi’s dream of  ‘Grama swawalamban’ – village of self-reliance, to become a reality.The digital and newly emerging exponential technologies, infrastructure and government schemes support promote decentralisation as well as democratisation.

A robust cottage industry seems to be gaining momentum, design schools like NIFT, are doing amazing research work and design interventions in the crafts and making the community relevant to National and global markets.

Handicraft and textiles government policies are helping in the overall health of the cottage industries. Is it a time for ‘reverse migration? Even though geographically India is largely rural in landscape, population disparity is shocking. 27 %  of population inhabits 3% of urban land Rest of the population inhabits 97% of land. Most that have migrated to the metros, for want of a better life, reside in very little spaces and illegal housing, result are slums. Slums by definition have  inhuman living conditions.

Slums are often incubators of diseases that drain the it’s population of dignity and health.

Further, most of the village migrants are males and leave their families to come to cities to provide a better life for their own families. The irony is that in doing so they are isolated from their families for long periods of time which by itself is a source of disenchantment.

But India is a large and diverse country, speaking of the state of Goa, the richest state in India, it seems to be perfect for piloting this vision. The state already is extending the Digital India vision, by taking initiatives to collaborate with various agencies to promote digital literacy and drive digital transformation across the State. To create a curriculum in consultation with experts and initiate initiated teacher trainings would go a long way. Skill development to empower not service is crucial to inculcate.

One realises that Gandhi’s concepts and vision at so many levels are relevant and applicable even more so today, than ever before.

Gandhi is often debated was he a philosopher or a politician. But to me, I see him as a seeker. A seeker of truth, with a wise heart full of empathy and love. A scientist, who experimented with theories, values, problems and with life itself.  His experiments with truth and living his concepts became fundamental living blocks that are universal.

#gandhiji #gramswalabhan #Shramdaan #digitalindia #goa #rdxgoa #sonalmotla

About The Columnist:

Sonal Motla, curator Kala Ghoda 2020 with development and art as a theme and is currently working towards the issues on education on art, craft and design with a few educational institutions.

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Political Pulse Of Goa Series : Goa Forward Party

Goa Forward: Many local parties have come and gone after initially making a splash — Save Goa Front, Goa Vikas Party, United Goans Democratic Party to name a few.
This election is one of make or break for the Goa Forward Party. Set up prior to the 2017 elections the party surprised everyone by winning three seats out of the four they contested — the highest strike rate in the state.
This was largely due to the anti incumbency factor in the state and in particular the constituencies where they were contesting. The party won a vote share of a little over 3% among the lowest in the state but had three seats to show for it. By contrast the AAP had a vote share of 6% but didn’t have any seats to show for it.
Can the Goa Forward Party repeat the trick or will it be consigned to the dustbin of history like several other regional parties that came before it.
The party has the strongest chance of winning one of the three seats it is contesting — the Fatorda seat, while chances in the other two seats are admittedly slim. Can it take its tally to higher than that is the question.

By – Andrea Fernandes

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Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts, the Corona Quilt Project and The Panjim Church recently unveiled
their community project `Let Love Bloom’, at the steps of the church. The installation comprises
handsewn quilts adorning the walls along the steps.
This project marks the culmination of a Goa-wide community campaign that began in June 2021,
inviting people to share their stories of love over this past year, in the form of a 15”X15” square cloth.
It was conceived as a way to connect individuals from different backgrounds and ages, with the aim
to archive the collective memories of this unprecedented time. We collected over 3000 expressions
and watched this movement transform into one of Goa’s most memorable and largest collaborative
projects.
As we reflect upon this past year, the installation of large scale quilts provides a space to think about
what our world and communities will be like, as we march forward, and opens the possibility for love,
hope and renewal.
Sunaparanta has always been a visionary leader and an ardent supporter of socially engaged projects.
Community outreach has been integral to our work over the last 12 years and has been fundamental
to the development of our vibrant pedagogical and cultural programmes.
Our association with Panjim Church is special. Known to Goans as a symbol of grace and strength, it
is a marker of our resilience and a reminder of our rich heritage. `Let Love Bloom’ celebrates the
bringing together of people and invites us to imagine a hopeful and a better tomorrow.
The installation is free and open to all, and is a project of the people. It will be on view until 31 January,
2022.

“The installation at Panjim Church is a living testament of the potential of
art to promote social inclusion through participatory projects and
community initiatives. It is a reminder that everyone has the right to
experience the arts, develop their creativity, express their unique
identity, and engage in our shared humanity.
One of the organisations participating remarked on the feeling of coming
together like a big family during these dreary times and how we are all
connected by the thread of love that is sewn in the form of a quilt. This
reflects the essence of our initiative and the invaluable role of public art
in building community”.
Isheta D Salgaocar
Patron, Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts

“Known as the ‘Crown of Panaji’, the Panjim Church dates back to 1541.
The chapel that stood here was originally intended for sailors who would
frequent it as a mark of thanks for their safe home-coming. As part of our
partnership with Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts and the Corona
Quilt Project, we are proud to present to the people of Goa, this ‘Praça de
Flores’ (Flowers Square) as a symbol of hope even in these dark times”.
Fr. Reagan Fernandes
Assistant to the Parish Priest, Immaculate Conception Church, Panjim

“The wall of flowers at Panjim Church provides an intersection
between past, present and future, between disciplines, and between
ideas. It is believed that flowers contain the meaning of love. The
symbolic language of flowers has been recognised for centuries,
world over. The quilt captures the dichotomy between light and
darkness; upheaval and peace. It draws continuities and solidarities
between human and nature, artificial and natural, then and now. The
concepts chosen embody our current reality and consequences of the
pandemic. It’s truly humbling to have the opportunity to work on the
individual stories that connect and collectively empower
communities.”
Dia Mehhta Bhupal
Contemporary Artist & Creative Director, Corona Quilt Project

“This movement has connected people of different ages and from different cities – echoing the belief
that we have all endured this crisis together, no matter our age, gender, occupation or nationality.
The presentations are meant to help us move forward, heal and be reborn.”
Neha Modi
Project Director, Corona Quilt Project

About The Corona Quilt Project
Founded by Dia Mehhta Bhupal and Neha Modi, the Corona Quilt
Project is a collaborative art initiative inspired by the quilting traditions
that exists across the world. Activated during the first lockdown in
2020, this project provided people a non-verbal and creative platform
to express their thoughts.
Since its launch, it has attracted submissions of over 12000 squares
from individuals from India and beyond. These entries were stitched
together and transformed into vibrant installations, animating various
sites such as the Jindal Mansion, Worli Promenade, Haji Ali Sea Face in
Mumbai, Zydus Cadila in Ahmedabad, and the Panjim Church in Goa.

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Lying midway between Goa’s coast to the west and the Western Ghats to the east, Goa’s Bicholim taluka is somewhat stuck in the doldrums — a case of neither here nor there and much of that has reflected in the character of the taluka.

To avail of a good job in Goa, the people of this taluka have had to migrate to Goa’s more urban areas or be involved in mining. Emigrate because the taluka was for decades together poorly connected to the state capital city despite being not very far as the crow flies. It was only after under the leadership of Manohar Parrikar and the building of two bridges — from Aldona to Corjuem and to Poira and Amona to Marcel that some semblance of connectivity came for the taluka.

Made up of three constituencies — Bicholim, Sanquelim and Maem (with part of Maem constituency including Chorao island which falls in Tiswadi taluka) the BJP is hoping for a clean sweep as it did in 2017 when Rajesh Patnekar won from Bicholim, Pramod Sawant won from Sanquelim and Harish Zantye won from Maem.

But that hasn’t always been the case. In 2012, Naresh Sawal was elected as a independent from Bicholim at the expense of Rajesh Patnekar who incidentally had quit the BJP and joined the Congress on the prodding of Vishwajit Rane only to lose his seat while Sawal who was a Congressman until then, quit in protest and contested as an independent. In neighbouring Sanquelim Pramod Sawant was elected polling more than double the votes of Pratap Gauns of the Congress then a sitting MLA. In Maem the BJP’s Anant Shet retained his seat defeating nearest rival Pravin Zantye who was then contesting as an independent the “Congress” seat having been handed to Rudresh Chodankar who was contesting on an NCP ticket sponsored by Vishwajit Rane.

In truth Bicholim taluka has never voted in unison. While predominantly a taluka dominated by the Bahujan Samaj, the constituency has long faced neglect from those in power who only looked upon it for the mineral wealth that lay beneath. With mining now having come to a halt, having never really recovered after the 2012 ban, the taluka is once again up for grabs.

Unlike other constituencies where the BJP may be facing a problem of plenty, in Bicholim taluka the party has very little to do in terms of choosing candidates — Patnekar and Sawant are sure to retain their seats with questions marks only above Pravin Zantye who is facing very vocal opposition and anti incumbency form people of the state who accuse the cashewnut magnate of neglecting them.

Patnekar is expected to go up against Naresh Sawal this time on an MGP ticket (he narrowly lost in 2017) and Meghashyam Raut of the Congress in what is likely to be a three cornered fight — depending of course on the final alliances that are to be worked out. In neighbouring Sanquelim the Congress holds control of the Sanquelim Municipal Council after wresting the seat from the BJP and holding on to it despite the ruling BJP deploying every trick in the book to ensure that their man remains chairperson. But Sawant retains hold of the rural areas of the taluka which gives him an edge in the constituency.

That leaves us with Maem where there is more than one player eying a chance to wrest the seat. The Goa Forward’s Santosh Kumar Sawant, who was with the Congress in 2017 is also hoping for a shot.

Much remains up in the air for this taluka that many in the major political parties seem to take for granted, yet it remains a significant stepping stone towards acquiring power in the state. It’s here that the BJP has a clear advantage. Can it make it count?

By – Andrea Fernandes

The post Lying midway between Goa’s coast to the west and the Western Ghats to the east, Goa’s Bicholim taluka is somewhat stuck in the doldrums. appeared first on RDX Goa.

If the BJP is in power in the state of Goa today, they have the Goa Forward Party and the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party to thank. Well, obviously because the two parties — more particularly the Goa Forward Party — that led a fierce campaign against the BJP prior to the elections, made an about turn, and decided to support the BJP if Manohar Parrikar was made Chief Minister.

It later transpired that the BJP and the Goa Forward Party had a secret understanding even before the election results were out that they would combine forces.

But coalition partners aside, there is one other thing that the BJP has to be grateful for — the people of Mormugao taluka. Four out of the four seats in Mormugao taluka were won by the BJP without which, the party’s tally would have been a paltry nine — the same number the Congress was reduced to back in 2012.

Vasco, Mormugao, Dabolim and Cortalim all represented by BJP MLA’s was what saved the BJP’s face in 2017.

And it didn’t come easy. Milind Naik, now a minister, defeated his nearest rival Sankalp Amonkar of the Congress by less than 50 votes, the narrowest margin of the entire election. Alina Saldanha of the Cortalim constituency won by a narrow margin that was largely down to a split of votes among her rivals which included her nephew Olencio Simoes of the AAP.

The four seats of Mormugao may not seem like much, but aside from the Dabolim constituency, in which minister Mauvin Godinho, it appears, is on a very sure footing, the other three seats in the constituency are anybody’s game leaving the opposition parties smacking their lips at taking a shot of wrestling these seats from the BJP.

Take the example of the Vasco seat. Presently represented by two-time MLA Carlos Almeida of the BJP, the seat is very likely to see a change of face. And the change may come from within with the BJP said to be mulling replacing its current MLA with another candidate Daji Salkar. Almeida’s reported health issues have not helped his cause. A new face may help the BJP counter the anti-incumbency that it is facing in that seat.

The BJP’s Mormugao seat too is up for grabs present MLA Milind Naik’s lackadaisical performance and his narrow margin making a reelection difficult. With the Congress breathing down his neck, Naik will have to pull all his might if he is to ensure victory. But he is not one to go down without a fight.

In Cortalim, BJP MLA Alina Saldanha too is facing a wave of anti incumbency especially fueled by her party’s insistence of going forward with the double tracking of the railway line and unwillingness to listen to the grievances of the people concerning coal handling at the nearby Mormugao Port. The Congress seems best placed to cash in but will have to be wary of a repeat of the situation last year when a split of votes between the various rivals ensured that Alina was elected for a second term.

For now the jury is still out on which way the constituency will vote that makes it one of the most interesting talukas to keep an eye on ahead of the coming polls.

By – Andrea Fernandes

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Former MGP Candidate from Dabolim Premanand Babu Nanoskar join AAP strengthens hold on Dabolim

Former MGP candidate from Dabolim Premanand (Babu) Nanoskar joined the Aam Aadmi Party today in the presence of Delhi CM and National Convenor Shri Arvind Kejriwal. Nanoskar had resigned from the MGP yesterday and stated that he was filled with renewed zeal to work for Goa under the leadership of Shri Arvind Kejriwal. Nanoskar had come second in the 2017 Assembly Elections.

Nanoskar had first stood for elections at the age of 27 at the VAsco MMC and won the 2010 councilor elections by a huge margin and was also elected it’s Vice Chairperson, he has also contested in 2012 and 2017 Assembly elections from an MGP ticket . Nanoskar known for his social work in the area is well known for helping residents get benefits of Govt schemes and helping Taxikars who form a large part of the constituency.

Nanoskar said he was attracted to Arvind Kejriwal’s first two promises regarding electricity and jobs. He said that AAP was genuinely working on issues impacting Goenkars. While AAP has fulfilled all it’s promises under the Kejriwal Sarkar the residents of Dabolim have been made to suffer for their basic needs by both the BJP and Congress. Nanoskar state that the lockdown’s impact has affected the youth of Dabolim. Many who work as Taxikars have lost a large amount of livelihood. Others are unable to find adequate paying jobs despite being very well qualified. Apart from this the lack of 24/7 electricity and proper water supply is harming Goenkars standard of living and no party but AAP seems to be interested in solving it.

“Dabolim’s youth have been left behind by the present Govt as they are not getting jobs. Even those who have been self employed as Taxikars have suffered due to the lockdown. The Sawant Sarkar has completely ignored them during the lockdown. The youth of Dabolim are attracted to Kejriwals Job Guarantee, especially the support to those who have lost tourism jobs in Goa” said AAP Leader Premanand Babu Nanoskar. “Ever since I joined AAP I have been inundated by calls from my voters telling me I have made the right choice by joining AAP” added Nanoskar

“We welcome Premanand Babu Nanoskar to the party. Goenkars of all hues are joining AAP as they know only AAP can change Goa’s politics and provide hope to the youth” said AAP Goa Convenor Rahul Mhambre

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गोव्यातील निवडणुका जसजश्या जवळ येत आहे तसतसे राजकीय वातावरण तापू लागले आहे, सर्व राजकीय पक्ष निवडणुकीच्या तयारीला लागले आहेत, या दरम्यान महाराष्ट्रवादी गोमंतक पक्षा संदर्भात मोठी बातमी समोर येत आहे,सूत्रांनी दिलेल्या माहितीनुसार मगोचे चीफ सुदिन ढवळीकर यांनी भाजप सोबत युतीसाठी प्रयत्न सुरू केले आहेत, मागील आठवड्यात ढवळीकर यांना मुंबईत देवेंद्र फडणवीस यांच्या कार्यालयात पाहिले गेले होते अशी खात्रीपूर्वक बातमी आमच्या सूत्रांकडून मिळाली आहे ,मिळालेल्या माहितीनुसार ढवळीकर यांनी 8 सीटांसाठी भाजप सोबत बोलणी सुरू केली आहे त्याच बरोबर त्यांनी भाजप समोर आपल्या अजूनही मागण्या सोमोर ठेवल्या आहेत यातील मुख्य म्हणजे :

१.ढवळीकर यांनी स्वतःसाठी भाजप ची खासदारकी किंवा कोणत्याही राज्याचे राज्यपाल पद देण्याची अट ठेवली आहे

2.आपल्या मुलासाठी मडकई ची सीट

3.आपल्या भावासाठी प्रियोळ ची सीट

4.यातील मुख्य मागणी म्हणजे गोविंद गावडे ,दिपक पावसकर आणि बाबू आजगावकर यांना भाजपने तिकिट देऊन नये ही सुद्धा आहे

भाजपने या सर्व मागण्या मान्य केल्या तर मगो 5 जागांवर वर युती करण्यास तयार आहेत ,या पाच जागा आहेत पेडणे शिरोडा मडकई प्रियोळ आणि सावर्डे

सुदिन ढवळीकर यांनी या आधी देखील भाजप सोबत निवडणूक लढवली आहे आणि जसजश्या निवडणुका जवळ येत आहे तसे मगो पुन्हा भाजप सोबत निवडणूक रिंगणात उतरणार

या परिस्थितीत मगो च्या बाकी नेत्याचे काय होणार ? जित आरोलकर केतन भाटीकर सारख्या युवा नेत्यांनी अहोरात्र झटून पक्षाचे काम केले त्यांचं काय होणार?

The post पुन्हा एकदा सुदिन ढवळीकर आपल्या स्वार्थासाठी मगोच्या नेत्याचा बळी देणार ? appeared first on RDX Goa.

PANAJI: Revolutionary Goans Chief, Manoj Parab urged the people of Mayem to stay united and not divide their vote which might help BJP to win the upcoming Assembly elections. While other parties continue to struggle and make a meaningful impact in Mayem constituency, it is the Revolutionary Goans who are now leading the fight against BJP.
Revolutionary Goans General Secretary, Shrikrishna Parab explained the POGO Bill in detail and the works undertaken by Revolutionary Goans in the last few years.
“For the last 15 years the BJP MLA’s from Mayem constituency have failed to keep pace with development and this constituency has been totally neglected. The BJP’s sitting MLA from Mayem, Pravin Zantye and prior to him Anant Shet who served for two terms have miserably failed the people who elected them,” said Shrikrishna while addressing a gathering of 100-odd- people at a ward level meeting convened at Karapur recently.
Revolutionary Goans Supremo, Manoj Parab stressed on the importance of active participation by the locals in order to make this revolution a success.
“Women will play a very crucial role in this election as they comprise of 51% of the total in the state. Subsequent political parties have used these women just for their elections campaigns and rallies but done nothing at all to empower them. These elected representatives act like kings and take the locals for granted. We have a dream to empower women and make them financially independent through a systematic and sustainable model under our Stree Kranti wing. I urge you and your families to vote wisely and do not split your precious votes. This time in Mayem the fight will be between RG and BJP. No one else stands a chance here,” signed off Manoj.

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“The Sawant Sarkar needs to first think before trying blindly copy AAP. The Pramod Sawant Govt should stop its PR campaign of calling Goenkars to one spot as if hes a big king and instead work for Goenkars” said AAP Goa Vice President Valmiki Naik “It is also about time he stopped wasting Goan taxes on his political campaigning” added Naik

The post Sarkar Tumchya Dwari a failed attempt to copy Kejriwal Model of Governance: Valmiki Naik appeared first on RDX Goa.

The Aam Aadmi Party today took out a Rozgar Yatra in Velim led by AAP Velim Assembly incharge Cruz Silva and AAP Goa General Secretary (Minority wing) Gerson Gomes. The Rozgar Yatra was attended by 100s of AAP volunteers who took out a rally in Velim. After the rally large booth meetings were held in Matimarod, Galli and Mugalli. The meetings were attended by large number of residents who were angry with the present Govt and their local MLA for not providing jobs.
Speaking to residents Cruz Silva highlighted how despite there being large Industrial estate there were no jobs for locals. While youth are looking for employment the Govt is fast asleep. The sitting MLA Felipe Neri Rodirgues flipped from Congress to BJP by saying he was going to bring development but what development has he brought? The residents of Velim want to know why the MLA has not visited them in 5 years and not cared where their children get jobs or if they are even employed
Arvind Kejriwal had visited Goa last month and announced his guarantee of providing employment to every youth when the Aam Aadmi Party government is formed in the state. Arvind Kejriwal had promised that every youth will be given employment and  Rs 3,000 per month till the employment is provided. Kejriwal announced that 80 percent of jobs in the private sector will be reserved for the youth of Goa. Rs 5,000 would be provided monthly to families who lost employment due to shutdown of tourism and mining. AAP Government will further establish a Skill University in Goa on the lines of Delhi’s DSEU. He further said that AAP will bring an end to nepotism in government jobs in Goa and the jobs will be made available to the common man.
“Arvind Kejriwal’s promise to reserve 80% private jobs for the Goans is what is needed at this time! Goan Youth need jobs and are being hoodwinked by our MLAs and the BJP Govt. In Velim everyone voted agaisnt the BJP but Neri Rodriques joined the BJP after elections and has only worked for himself not for Velim” said Cruz Silva AAP Velim Assembly incharge
“Arvind Kejriwal has launched his Job Guarantee. Now the AAP volunteers are taking his guarantee to the houses of every Goenkars. Everyday they are holding registrations across 75 booths and Yatras in 2 Assemblies across the state. On an average five thousand people register for Arvind Kejriwals Job guarantee” said Gerson Gomes AAP General Secretary (Minority Wing).

Recently, AAP national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Sri Arvind Kejriwal has announced Job Guarantee, Goa is reeling under huge unemployment. BJP Govt has failed to create enough Jobs, now AAP is taking the issue of unemployment to every household with Kejriwal’s Job Guarantee.

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