राज्य नागरी संरक्षण यंत्रणा मजबूत करणे आवश्यक

श्री जॉन आगियार, माजी मानद कंपनी कमांडर होमगार्ड्स, पणजी विभाग

प्रगतीनंतरही, तंत्रज्ञानामध्ये अपयशी होण्याची क्षमता असते. त्यामुळे आपत्तीच्या परिस्थितीमध्ये प्रशिक्षित माणसांची ताकद अत्यंत महत्त्वाची आहे आणि म्हणूनच नागरी संरक्षणाचे प्रशिक्षण अत्यंत अवश्यक आहे.  आजच्या जीवनात अशी परिस्थिती आहेत ज्यामध्ये विनाश निर्माण करण्याची क्षमता आहे. कोविड  सारखी महामारी, पूर, भूकंप इतर नैसर्गिक आणि मानवनिर्मित आपत्ती. रासायनिक, जैविक आणि न्यूक्लीयर स्टॉकच्या ढिगांमुळे उद्भवणाऱ्या धोक्यांव्यतिरिक्त. हवामान बदलावरील आंतरसरकारी पॅनेल (IPCC) ने अंदाज केला आहे की वर्ष 2100 एकूण 5,764 चौ. भारतीय किनारपट्टीचा परिसर पाण्याखाली बुडाला जाऊ शकतो. असे झाल्यास, मोठ्या प्रमाणात स्थलांतराला सामोरे जावे लागेल ज्यामुळे पुढे नवीन समस्या उद्भवू शकतात. या पार्श्वभूमीवर हे महत्वाचे आहे की सज्जतेसाठी प्रशिक्षण आणी माॅक ड्रील करणे आणि लोकांना नागरी संरक्षणाचे ज्ञान देणे.  सध्या देशभरात 7,00,000 पेक्षा जास्त नागरी बचाव स्वयंसेवक आहेत आणि आपत्तींना तोंड देण्यासाठी अधिक चांगला प्रतिसाद देण्यासाठी सन 2022 पर्यंत जास्तीत जास्त नागरी संरक्षण स्वयंसेवकांची नावनोंदणी करण्याची केंद्र सरकारची योजना आहे. नागरिकांना आण्विक स्ट्राइक आणि त्याच्या परिणामांना तोड देण्यास प्रशिक्षण देणे तितकेच महत्वाचे आहे. कोणत्याही आपत्तीसारख्या परिस्थितीला सामोरे जाण्याची तयारी महत्वाची आहे आणि म्हणूनच अधिकाधिक लोकांना प्रशिक्षित करणे अत्यावश्यक आहे जे नैसर्गिक किंवा मानवनिर्मित कोणत्याही आपत्तीला प्रथम प्रतिसाद देउ शकतील . प्रशिक्षित नागरी संरक्षण स्वयंसेवकाला वेगवेगळ्या परिस्थितींमध्ये बचाव कार्य करण्याची माहिती असते आणि इतरांना चांगल्या प्रकारे माहिती देण्यास मदतृते सज्ज असतात. हे प्रशिक्षण त्याचा जीव वाचवू शकते आणि आपत्तीच्या परिस्थितीला तोंड देण्यास देखील मदत करू शकते. नागरी संरक्षण  नैसर्गिक किंवा मानवनिर्मित घटनांच्या परिणामी व्यक्ती, गट, समुदायांना त्वरित मदतीची आवश्यकता असलेल्या मदतीसाठी उपाययोजनांचा समावेश आहे. मदत आणि शोध, बचाव, वैद्यकीय मदत, संप्रेषण इत्यादींसाठी प्रदान केलेल्या सेवांचा समावेश आहे:- नागरी संरक्षणाचा मुख्य हेतू लोकांमध्ये आपत्कालीन परिस्थितीच्या प्रभावापासून सुरक्षीत राहण्याची शक्ती निर्माण करणे हा आहे ज्यामुळे प्रशासनाला जलद पुनर्प्राप्ती आणि सामान्य स्थितीत लवकर परत येण्यास मदत होउ शकते. नागरी संरक्षण एखाद्या व्यक्तीला जगण्यासाठी आणि इतरांना मदत करण्यासाठी प्रशिक्षित करते. त्यामुळे या घटनांना सामोरे जाण्यासाठी राज्य नागरी संरक्षण यंत्रणा मजबूत करणे आवश्यक आहे. राज्यात बहुसंख्य राज्यांप्रमाणे नागरी संरक्षण प्रशिक्षण केंद्र असावे. राज्यात नागरी संरक्षण गंभीरतेने घेण्याची वेळ आली आहे. पोलिस आणि नागरी सेवांमधून नियुक्त केलेल्या अधिकाऱ्यांनी याला शिक्षा पोस्टिंग म्हणून समजू नये परंतु निष्क्रिय संस्थेला आकार देण्यासाठी कठोर प्रयत्न केले पाहिजेत. जनतेला सतर्क करण्यासाठी आपत्कालीन हवाई छाप्यांच्या बाबतीत सायरन बसवण्यात आला होता आणि नौदल उड्डयन, वास्कोपासून पोलिस मुख्यालयातील नागरी संरक्षण कार्यालयापर्यंत हॉटलाइन. परंतु आता हे होमगार्ड आणि नागरी संरक्षण कार्यालय देखील पोलीस मुख्यालयात आवश्यक नाही आणि ते अल्तिन्हो पणजी येथे हलवण्यात आले आहे. तिथे हॉटलाइन हस्तांतरित केली आहे की नाही हे माहित नाही. नागरी संंरक्षणासाठी नियमित साराव आवश्यक आहे कारण तयारी हा सर्वात आवश्यक घटक आहे. मला फक्त अशी आशा आहे की उच्च अधिकारी लक्ष घेतील आणि गोष्टी व्यवस्थित ठेवतील.

मेरा बचपन

 

जॉन आगियार 

बचपन किसी के जीवन का सबसे मजेदार और सबसे यादगार समय होता है। यह जीवन का पहला चरण है जिसका आप किसी भी तरह से आनंद ले सकते हैं। इसके अलावा, यह समय है जो भविष्य को आकार देता है। माता-पिता अपने बच्चों के लिए प्यार और देखभाल करते हैं। इसके अलावा, यह जीवन का स्वर्ण युग है जिसमें बच्चों को सब कुछ सिखाया जा सकता है

बचपन की यादें अंततः आजीवन यादें बन जाती हैं जो हमेशा आपके चेहरे पर मुस्कान लाती हैं। बचपन की असली कीमत बड़ों को ही पता होती है क्योंकि बच्चे इन बातों को नहीं समझते।इसके अलावा, छोटे बच्चों को कोई चिंता नहीं है, कोई तनाव नहीं है, और वे सांसारिक जीवन की गंदगी से मुक्त हैं। साथ ही जब कोई व्यक्ति अपने बचपन की यादों को संजोता है तो वह सुखद अहसास देता है।इसके अलावा, बुरी यादें किसी व्यक्ति को जीवन भर के लिए परेशान कर सकती हैं। इसके अलावा, जैसे-जैसे आप बड़े होते जाते हैं, आप अपने बचपन के करीब महसूस करते हैं और आप उन दिनों को वापस पाना चाहते हैं लेकिन यह संभव नहीं है। इसलिए बहुत से लोग कहते हैं कि 'समय न मित्र है न शत्रु'। क्योंकि जो समय बीत गया वह वापस नहीं आ सकता और न ही आपका बचपन वापस आ सकता है। यह एक ऐसा समय है जिसे कई कवि और लेखक अपनी रचनाओं में सराहते हैं।

बचपन के जख्मों के साथ घर आना तो रोज की बात थी। मेरे माता-पिता को मेरी चिंता थी..फिर एक दिन मेरी माँ ने मुझे अपनी गोद में ले लिया। मैंने सोचा कि इस बार वह मुझे क्या सलाह देगी। उसने अपने नाखूनों के बीच दबाकर एक जूँ ली और समझाया। "देखो," उसने कहा, "उवा का खून निकलने का क्या मतलब है? हम उसी तरह खाली हो जाएंगे।" उसने मुझे खेलने के दौरान उचित देखभाल करने की सलाह दी।अगर मेरे शरीर से मेरा खून निकल गया, तो खाली करने का विचार मुझे चिंतित करता रहा।तब से, मैंने टूटे शीशे पर कदम रखने या चट्टानों पर कूदने से खुद को बचाना सीख लिया है। मेरी सारी झूठी गतिविधियों को इस तरह नियंत्रित किया गया था, लेकिन तब मैं अभी भी छोटा था और गलतियाँ करने के लिए बाध्य था। कभी-कभी, मेरी माँ मुझे चिढ़ाती और मुझे कोंकणी में कहती, "तु मस्ती करता जाल्यार हाव तोड धेवनृवतली (यदि तुम अच्छा व्यवहार नहीं करते हो, तो मैं मुह लेकर चली जाऊँगी)। और हर बार जब वह कहती, मैं तुरंत जवाब देता कि अपना मुह लेकर मत जाना, अपना मुंह रखकर जाना. तब एक महिला शिक्षिका थी जो गर्भवती थी। उसने अपने बड़े पेट से हमारे छोटों को अभिभूत कर दिया। एक दिन शिक्षिका ने उसके बड़े पेट की ओर इशारा किया और कहा कि वह शरारती छात्रा को वहाँ अंदर रखेगी। इसने हमें इतना डरा दिया कि मैं एक हफ्ते तक स्कूल से दूर रहा।सबसे असरदार था मेरे पिता से मिली पिटाई। उन्होंने हमेशा मुझमें अच्छी आदतें और सुखद व्यवहार विकसित करने का प्रयास किया। उन्होंने हमेशा मुझे अच्छी संगत में रहने की सलाह दी। घर जाते समय वह हर शाम मेरे लिए मिठाइयाँ लाते थे, हर दूसरे दिन शाम को मुझे अपनी साइकिल पर सवारी के लिए ले जाते थे। हालाँकि, जब उसे पता चला कि मैं कुछ गलत कर रहा हूँ, तो  मुझे पिटाई करने से नहीं रुका..एक बार मेरे पिता मुझसे बहुत नाराज थे। हालाँकि मुझे ठीक से याद नहीं है कि मैंने क्या गलती की थी, मुझे याद है कि मेरे पिता पेरू के पेड़ के पास गए और एक डाली को तोड़ा। वह मेरी तरफ दौड़ा और मुझे पीटना शुरू कर दिया। मेरी चीख-पुकार सुनकर मेरी माँ, जो कि रसोई में थी, बाहर भागी। चूँकि मैंने अपनी शर्ट नहीं पहनी थी, इसलिए मेरी कोमल त्वचा पर छड़ी के निशान दिखाई देने लगे। छड़ी पतली थी, उसके उपयोग का प्रमाण उतना ही अधिक था एसा लग रहा था कि यह ब्लेड से बनाया गया है यह देखकर मेरे पिता खुद परेशान हो गए। उसने भविष्य में मुझे नहीं मारने का वादा किया। मैंने भी एक अच्छा लड़का बनने का वादा किया था। जैसे-जैसे मैं बड़ा हुआ, मुझे अनुशासन सिखाया गया। शाम साढ़े छह बजे के बाद मुझे बाहर नहीं रहने दिया गया। मुझे सेंट मैरी स्कूल, नन स्कूल और उस समय के सर्वश्रेष्ठ स्कूल में भेजा गया था।जब हम छोटे थे तो हमारे कुछ दोस्त वडलो व्हाळ पर तैरना सीखने गए थे। मैं भी उनके साथ गया था। किसी ने मेरी मां को इसके बारे में बताया और वह लाठी लेकर भागी। और मुझे वापस घर ले आया।एक बार पुरानी अनुपयोगी पुस्तकों को स्कूल से बाहर फेंक दिया गया। मैं उस समय दूसरी या तीसरी कक्षा में था। मैंने कुछ किताबें उठाईं और घर आ गया। मेरी माँ ने मुझसे पूछा कि मुझे किताबें कहाँ से मिलीं। मैंने कहा कि मैंने उन्हें चुरा लिया है। मुझे किताबों के साथ स्कूल जाने के रास्ते में हर जगह पीटा और  और कहा गया कि किताबों को स्कूल के बाहर उसी जगह फेंक दो। क्योंकि मैंने चोरी  था।

मेरे पिता की बेकरी थी और हालांकि  खर्चा निकालना मुश्किल था, उन्होंने मेरी शिक्षा और मेरे स्वास्थ्य से कभी समझौता नहीं किया। हालाँकि मेरे पिता एक रोमन कैथोलिक थे, लेकिन उन्होंने मेरी माँ का घर्म र उनके त्योहारों में कभी हस्तक्षेप नहीं किया। उनकी बहुत अच्छी बॉन्डिंग थी।सूअर का मांस और बीफ हमारे घर के बाहर थे और मुझे खाने की इजाजत नहीं थी। मेरी मां चिकन की अच्छी चीजें बनाती थीं लेकिन कभी नहीं खाती थीं। उसने केक नहीं खाया क्योंकि उसमें अंडे थे। लेकिन उसे मछली बहुत पसंद थी। मैं बेकरी के काम में अपने पिता की मदद करता था और कभी-कभी मैं रोटी बेचने के लिए सुबह साइकिल चलाता था। जब मैंने मैट्रिक की परीक्षा दी तो मेरे माता-पिता बहुत खुश थे। लेकिन मैं उच्च शिक्षा हासिल करना चाहता था इसलिए मैं चौगुले कॉलेज मडगांव गया जहां से मेरी जिंदगी बदल गई।

राज्य नागरिक सुरक्षा प्रणाली को मजबूत करने की जरूरत है

श्री जॉन आगियार, पूर्व मानद कंपनी कमांडर होमगार्ड्स, पणजी डिवीजन

प्रगति के बाद भी, प्रौद्योगिकी के विफल होने की संभावना है। इसलिए, आपदा की स्थिति में प्रशिक्षित पुरुषों की ताकत बहुत महत्वपूर्ण है और इसलिए नागरिक सुरक्षा का प्रशिक्षण बहुत आवश्यक है। आज जीवन में ऐसी स्थितियां हैं जो विनाश का कारण बनने की क्षमता रखती हैं।

महामारी जैसे कोविड, बाढ़, भूकंप और अन्य प्राकृतिक और मानव निर्मित आपदाएं। रासायनिक, जैविक और परमाणु भंडार से उत्पन्न खतरों के अलावा। इंटरगवर्नमेंटल पैनल ऑन क्लाइमेट चेंज (आईपीसीसी) का अनुमान है कि वर्ष 2100 तक, कुल 5,764 वर्ग फुट भारतीय तट डूब सकता है। यदि ऐसा होता है, तो बड़े पैमाने पर पलायन से निपटना होगा जिससे और नई समस्याएं पैदा हो सकती हैं। इस पृष्ठभूमि पर तैयारी के लिए प्रशिक्षण और माॅक ड्रिल आयोजित करना और लोगों को नागरिक सुरक्षा का ज्ञान प्रदान करना महत्वपूर्ण है। वर्तमान में देश भर में 700,000 से अधिक नागरिक सुरक्षा स्वयंसेवक हैं और केंद्र सरकार की योजना 2022 तक अधिक नागरिक सुरक्षा स्वयंसेवकों को भर्ती करने की है ताकि आपदाओं से बेहतर तरीके से निपटा जा सके। परमाणु हमले और उसके परिणामों का विरोध करने के लिए नागरिकों को प्रशिक्षण देना भी उतना ही महत्वपूर्ण है। किसी भी आपदा जैसी स्थिति से निपटने के लिए तैयारी करना महत्वपूर्ण है और इसलिए अधिक लोगों को प्रशिक्षित करना आवश्यक है जो किसी भी प्राकृतिक या मानव निर्मित आपदा का सबसे पहले जवाब दे सकें।

एक प्रशिक्षित नागरिक सुरक्षा स्वयंसेवक जानता है कि विभिन्न स्थितियों में बचाव कार्य कैसे करना है और दूसरों को सूचित करने में मदद करने के लिए अच्छी तरह से सुसज्जित है। यह प्रशिक्षण उसकी जान बचा सकता है और आपदाओं से निपटने में भी उसकी मदद कर सकता है। नागरिक सुरक्षा में प्राकृतिक या मानव निर्मित घटनाओं के परिणामस्वरूप तत्काल सहायता की आवश्यकता वाले व्यक्तियों, समूहों और समुदायों की सहायता करने के उपाय शामिल हैं। सहायता और खोज, बचाव, चिकित्सा सहायता, संचार आदि के लिए प्रदान की जाने वाली सेवाओं में शामिल हैं: - नागरिक सुरक्षा का मुख्य उद्देश्य आपात स्थिति के प्रभाव से सुरक्षित रहने के लिए लोगों की ताकत का निर्माण करना है जो प्रशासन को जल्दी से ठीक होने में मदद कर सकता है और पुनः सामान्य हो जाओ।नागरिक सुरक्षा एक व्यक्ति को जीवित रहने और दूसरों की मदद करने के लिए प्रशिक्षित करती है। इसलिए इन घटनाओं से निपटने के लिए राज्य की नागरिक सुरक्षा व्यवस्था को मजबूत करने की जरूरत है। अधिकांश राज्यों की तरह राज्य में नागरिक सुरक्षा प्रशिक्षण केंद्र होना चाहिए। राज्य में नागरिक सुरक्षा को गंभीरता से लेने का समय आ गया है। पुलिस और सिविल सेवाओं से नियुक्त अधिकारियों को इसे सजा की पोस्टिंग के रूप में नहीं देखना चाहिए बल्कि एक निष्क्रिय संगठन को आकार देने के लिए कड़ी मेहनत करनी चाहिए।

जनता को सतर्क करने के लिए आपातकालीन हवाई छापे के मामले में सायरन लगाए गए थे और नौसेना उड्डयन, वास्को से पुलिस मुख्यालय में नागरिक सुरक्षा कार्यालय तक एक हॉटलाइन लगाई गई थी। लेकिन अब पुलिस मुख्यालय में इस होमगार्ड और नागरिक सुरक्षा कार्यालय की भी आवश्यकता नहीं है और इसे अल्टिन्हो पणजी में स्थानांतरित कर दिया गया है। यह पता नहीं चल पाया है कि वहां हॉटलाइन ट्रांसफर की गई है या नहीं। नागरिक सुरक्षा के लिए नियमित अभ्यास आवश्यक है क्योंकि तैयारी सबसे आवश्यक तत्व है। मुझे उम्मीद है कि उच्च अधिकारी ध्यान देंगे और चीजों को क्रम में रखेंगे

SHRI JOHN AGUIAR PRESENTED WITH PRESIDENTS MEDAL ON I-DAY

August 15, 2021

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant presented the prestigious President's Home Guard and Civil Defence Medal for distinguished  Services  to Shri John Aguiar,  former Hon. Company Commander of Home Guards, Panaji Division at the state Independence day function at Old Secretariat, Panaji today. The award was announced by the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs on the eve of Republic Day on Saturday, January 25, 2020 from New Delhi. 

Shri Aguiar was earlier also recipient of President's Home Guard and Civil Defence Medal for “Meritorious services” in appreciation of his commendable services in Home Guards which was presented in 2012 (Independence Day) at the hands of then Chief Minister late Manohar Parrikar. He was presented with the Goa Chief Minister’s Gold Medal for meritorious services in the Home Guards on December 19, 2007 (Goa Liberation Day).  Shri Aguiar was conferred with  certificate and Commendation Disc of Director General of Civil Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi  in the year 2013. He was awarded Commendation by Deputy Director General NCC (Karnataka and Goa Directorate) in June 2016. He was also Public Relations Officer of the Goa Police department from June 13, 2011 to December 8, 2017. During his tenure as PRO,  he displayed professional competence and liaised with Press/media personnel and carried out image building of the police department successfully. He also Assisted in editing the  Goa Police News Bulletin.

Shri Aguiar is the first Home Guard personnel from Goa to be decorated with the “distinguished services medal”. He is  a product of St Mary’s School, Ponda and Smt. Parvatibai Chowgule College of Arts and Science , Margao.  During his college education he was adjudged “Best all Round Student”. He did his “Masters in Journalism” from Tilak University , Pune.

 

Shri Aguiar is a poet, writer and has written six books, four on Konkani poetry, one about essays in English and another one on essays in Roman Konkani script. He bagged Konkani Bhasha Mandal’s literary award for his Konkani poetry book “Olyo yadi” in 2017. He is also a shooter and has represented the state of Goa at the Maulankar National Shooting championship at Chennai in 2003.

                        Shri Aguiar since his enrolment in the Home Guards Organization has displayed utmost dedication and professional competence of a very high order while carrying out his duties. His idea to organize cycle rallies to commemorate the International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking consequently in 2005, 2006 and 2007 was well supported by his superiors. This brought good PR to the organization. He also organised and participated in several skits/Street Plays on message against Narcotic drugs and also presented some on Doordarshan Panaji on behalf of the Home Guards organization. It was because of his initiative/proposal and support by Shri Umesh Gaonkar that CM's Medals were instituted in the Home Guards organisation. He wrote inspiring articles on Home Guard and Civil Defence in Local newspapers  and periodicals.

Shri Aguiar has also conducted lectures on several occasions for Civil Defence volunteers, College students and during NCC Annual Training Camps and NSS camps for the benefit of the students. He has been awarded cash rewards and GST’s, participation certificates of sports, blood donation and several appreciation letters.

Shri Aguiar is a Journalist/Media official by profession. He also worked in New Delhi as Assistant Private Secretary to former Union Minister Shri Eduardo Faleiro in the Ministries of External Affairs, Finance, Chemicals & Fertilizers. He is an outstanding, hard-working, punctual and highly devoted officer. He has worked for local newspapers like Herald, Gomantak and erstwhile West Coast Times, Goencho Avaz. He is also a Konkani poet and lyricist. His songs are on All India Radio and on CD's.

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श्री जॉन आगियार याना स्वातंत्र दिनी राष्ट्रपती पदक

15 ऑगस्ट, 2021

मुख्यमंत्री डॉ.प्रमोद सावंत यांच्या हस्ते प्रतिष्ठित राष्ट्रपती होमगार्ड आणि नागरी संरक्षण विशिष्ट सेवा पदकाने माजी होम गार्ड कंपनी कमांडर श्री जॉन आगियार,  यांचा जुने सचिवालय, पणजी येथे राज्य स्वातंत्र्य दिनाच्या कार्यक्रमात गौरव करण्यात आला आहे. भारत सरकार, गृह मंत्रालयाने  25 जानेवारी 2020 रोजी नवी दिल्ली येथून प्रजासत्ताक दिनाच्या पूर्वसंध्येला या पुरस्काराची घोषणा केली होती.

2012 मध्ये (स्वातंत्र्य दिन) तत्कालीन मुख्यमंत्री दिवंगत मनोहर पर्रीकर यांच्या हस्ते  होमगार्डमधील त्यांच्या प्रशंसनीय सेवांचे कौतुक म्हणून "गौरवशाली सेवा" साठी राष्ट्रपती होमगार्ड आणि नागरी संरक्षण पदक प्राप्त झाले होते. 19 डिसेंबर 2007 (गोवा मुक्ती दिन) रोजी त्यांना होमगार्डमध्ये गुणवत्तेच्सेवेसाठी गोवा मुख्यमंत्र्यांचे सुवर्णपदक प्रदान करण्यात आले. नागरी संरक्षण महासंचालक, गृह मंत्रालय, नवी दिल्ली यांचे सन 2013 मध्ये श्री आगियार यांना प्रमाणपत्र आणि प्रशंसा डिस्क प्रदान करण्यात आले. जून 2016 मध्ये त्यांना NCC (कर्नाटक आणि गोवा संचालनालय) च्या उपमहासंचालकांकडून प्रशंसापत्र देण्यात आले. ते  13 जून 2011 ते 8 डिसेंबर 2017 पर्यंत गोवा पोलीस  जनसंपर्क अधिकारी होते. या काळात गोवा पोलीस न्यूज बुलेटिनचे संपादन करण्यातही त्यांनी सहाय्य केले.

श्री अगियार हे गोव्यातील पहिले होमगार्ड  आहेत ज्यांना "विशिष्ट सेवा पदक" देऊन सन्मानित केले जाते. तो सेंट मेरी स्कूल, फोंडा आणि श्रीमती  पार्वतीबाई चौघुले कला आणि विज्ञान महाविद्यालय, मडगांवायेथेशिक्षण जाले.. त्याच्या महाविद्यालयीन शिक्षणादरम्यान त्याला "सर्वोत्कृष्ट सर्वांगीण विद्यार्थी" म्हणून घोषित करण्यात आले. त्यांनी टिळक विद्यापीठ, पुणे येथून "पत्रकारितेमध्ये मास्टर्स" केले.

 

श्री अगियार एक कवी, लेखक आहेत आणि त्यांनी सहा पुस्तके लिहिली आहेत, चार कोंकणी कवितेवर एक इंग्रजीतील निबंधांबद्दल आणि दुसरी एक रोमन कोकणी लिपीतील निबंधांवर. त्यांनी 2017 मध्ये कोकणी भाषा मंडळाचा त्यांच्या कोंकणी काव्य पुस्तक "ओल्या यादी" साठी साहित्य पुरस्कार मिळवला. तो नेमबाज देखील आहे आणि 2003 मध्ये चेन्नई येथे मौलानकर राष्ट्रीय नेमबाजी स्पर्धेत गोवा राज्याचे प्रतिनिधित्व केले आहे. ते  होमगार्ड्स संघटनेत भरती जाल्यापासून त्यांची कर्तव्ये पार पाडताना अत्यंत उच्च दर्जाची अत् समर्पण आणि व्यावसायिक क्षमता प्रदर्शित केली आहे. २००५, २००६ and आणि २००७  मध्ये अंमली पदार्थांचा गैरवापर आणि अवैध तस्करीविरोधात आंतरराष्ट्रीय दिन साजरा करण्यासाठी सायकल रॅलीचे आयोजन करण्याच्या त्यांच्या कल्पनेला त्यांच्या वरिष्ठांनी चांगला पाठिंबा दिला. यामुळे संस्थेला चांगले पीआर मिळाले. त्यांनी अंमली पदार्थांच्या विरोधात संदेशावरील अनेक स्किट्स/स्ट्रीट प्ले आयोजित केले आणि त्यात भाग घेतला आणि होमगार्ड संस्थेच्या वतीने दूरदर्शन पणजीवर काही सादर केले. त्यांच्या पुढाकाराने/प्रस्तावामुळे आणि श्री उमेश गांवकर यांच्या पाठिंब्यामुळेच होमगार्ड संस्थेत मुख्यमंत्र्यांची पदके स्थापन करण्यात आली. त्यांनी स्थानिक वृत्तपत्रे आणि नियतकालिकांमध्ये होमगार्ड आणि नागरी संरक्षण यावर प्रेरणादायी लेख लिहिले.श्री आगियार यांनी नागरी संरक्षण स्वयंसेवकांसाठी, महाविद्यालयीन विद्यार्थ्यांसाठी आणि विद्यार्थ्यांच्या हितासाठी एनसीसी वार्षिक प्रशिक्षण शिबिर आणि एनएसएस शिबिरांसाठी अनेक प्रसंगी व्याख्यानेही आयोजित केली आहेत. त्याला रोख पारितोषिके आणि जीएसटी, क्रीडा सहभाग प्रमाणपत्र, रक्तदान आणि अनेक प्रशंसा पत्र देण्यात आले आहेत.श्री आगियार  यानी नवी दिल्ली येथे माजी केंद्रीय मंत्री श्री एदुआर्द फालेरो यांचे परराष्ट्र, वित्त, रसायने आणि खते मंत्रालयाचे सहाय्यक खाजगी सचिव म्हणून काम केले. तो उत्कृष्ट, मेहनती, वक्तशीर आणि अत्यंत समर्पित अधिकारी आहे. त्यांनी हेराल्ड, गोमंतक आणि पूर्वीचे वेस्ट कोस्ट टाइम्स, गोएंचो अवाज या स्थानिक वृत्तपत्रांसाठी काम केले आहे. ते एक कोकणी कवी आणि गीतकार देखील आहेत. त्यांची गाणी ऑल इंडिया रेडिओवर आणि सीडीवर आहेत.

 

SWEARING IN OF CHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARJA'S CABINET

by John Aguiar

FRIEND PRADIP RUNS a studio in Ponda.. The other day, he presented me with a photograph of Sai Baba. He told me the photograph was an original and exposed during the times when Sai Baba was living. I was surprised and wondered whether one could go into our past - in a time machine - with a camera, and get treasures of glimpses of our rich legendary past, the events described in the epics Mahabharata and Ramayana, and the Puranas.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj would have posed for a group photograph with his  asthpradhan mandal just as our Prime Minister  and our Chief the ministers do after their swearing in ceremonies of the cabinet.. A photograph of Chatrapati  Shivaji Maharaj and Sambajiwould have appeared on  front page of all the newspapers with headibg" Dhivaji  escapes fom Agra"..

 With photographers around, the war of Kurukshetra would get wide publicity  both in the Hastinapur Times and the Inraprasta Samachar like we have seen the photographs of Kargil appearing almost every day on the front pages..

 The pandavas would have their memories of vanvas (exile) in an album. The most interesting events to be photographed would be the Draupadi Swayamvar (public choice of hand from amongst many suitors), Sita Swayamvar, the war between Lord Krishna and Kans mama, Lord Rama and Ravana, Bhim and Duryodhan. It would be interesting to keep a original photograph of Hanuman carrying Dronagiri on his palm. The photographs of Maneka, Ramba and Urvashi would turn the Miss World and Miss Universe of today green with envy.

. Today it is the artistes who concoct the faces of gods as per their imagination. All gods look alike. Round faces, fair complexion. The only way one can recognise them is by their dress, their vehicle on which they sit and the weapons they carry with them. In the case of Lord Vishnu, he would have the Sudarshan Chakra on his finger and he would be resting on Shesh Naga. Lord Kirshna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, will also have the Sudarshan Chakra, which was his favourite weapon, and a trademark peacock feather on his head..

Lord Shankar would be with the trishul(trident), damru (drum), a snake around his neck and the moon above  his head,  The moment a paining with a tanned face is shown, one will at once recognise it to be of Ravana.. Three heads would immediately identify Bhramha, the creator. A beard, long hairown, one will at would immediis and flowing amera had come of gods and the beautiful gold or Ich of Lord Shankar would be with the trishul (tridenas (drum), a snake around his neck and the moon above The moment a painting with a tanned face is shown, on once recognise it to be that of Ravan. Three heads would immediately identify Brahma, the creator. A beard, long hair and white robes would suggest the form of Jesus. 

How nice it would be if the invention of the camera had at that time! We would have all the photographs of gods, heroes of history and epics in the original. All gods and goddesses are depicted with beautiful gold ornaments. The artistes who made those ornaments would been experts in their field during those times. A photograph of all the artistes with their work would be the greatest inspiration to our goldsmiths of today. Vishwakarma was the chief architect of the gods. But nobody knows what he looked like. If photographs were possible at that time, Vishwakarma's photograph would have preserved by every modern architect. When he created the universe, god must have purposely not created this character called the photographer who would go around clicking photographs with hiscamera and flashgun and disturb the heavenly peace. The photographer would have not spared even god himself and would have made him sit and pose for a portrait of a lifetime. (The Navhind Times, November 13, 2001.)

WHEN I SPOKE TO GOD'S SECRETARIAT

By John Aguiar

Inspired by Adnan Sami's song, "Teri unchi shaan hai maula, tu hai sab kuch jaanewala", I tried to call God's office but the line remained continually engaged. Finally , I somehow managed to get through.

The clerk at God's office was very polite.  He asked me the reason for the call. I told him that I needed to talk to God about an urgent matter. The clerk replied that it was not possible to talk to God directly and that he would have to connect me to the personal assistant to God.

He also wanted to know which God I wanted to contact- Hindu,  Catholic, Muslim or any other. Oh, uh! I was taken aback.  But in a moment, I said, " I want to consult that one and only omnipotent God.".

 The clerk then explained to me that there are different sections up there, each representing every religion and the respective God of each religion. He therefore wanted me to tell him my religion so that he could connect me to the right section.

I said, I am not selfish like Adnan Sami asking only for himself. I dont want to speak to God on a particular mattter concerning religion but on General topics which concern everybody, and in fact, humanity as a whole.

"Actually, I don't believe in all those religious affiiations", I explained to the clerk..

My name is John which indicates I am catholic. I am born to a hindu mother, my wife again is hindu. Under these circumstances, what should  I say my religion is? I asked the clerk to suggest the apt section to which I should be connected. The clerk was himself confused, but finally agreed to connect me to the Public Relations Officer in the PR Department in God's office.

The Officer in PR was again confussed and wanted to know from where I was calling.  I told him I was calling from Goa, the land of Golden beaches, land of fish and feni and where songs  are sung and people have fun.

"Oh Goa!" he exclaimed. "Goa, I know, "  he said with palpable glee.  "Okay", he continued, "how is that you are catholic and your wife is a hindu?"

I explained that mixed marriages are now as much in vogue as love marriages

"You people put us in trouble, the whole set up here gets disturbed."  The officer said that there are actually a few heavens and hells each representing different religions. In case of mixed marriages (If not converted ) both  husband and wife would have to be accomodated seperately after their death.

"How do you keep records about conversions and such other matters?" I asked the officer.

He informed me that they have super computers the kind the word will never see.

"I see, "  I said. The case of gods having gone hi-tech, I thought.

The person at the other end kept silent for a while. He then wondered how i could manage to get connected in God's Secretariat in the first place.

"In fact, we don't entertain  calls from the world outside. And who gave you this number?" He had fired a missile. I could not, this time, duck.

I replied that i got these numbers written on a wall in Panaji market and then I made some exercise and found out this number. I could sense that he was upset.

I pleaded that my request be recorded since I am already on the line. "You may put it before the appropriate God later," 

The officer agreed and pressing a button asked me to start speaking after the beep as the message was being recorded, "Oh God we are your children, give us peace, happiness and keep us protected from any kind of diseases. Then I repeated the appeal of Colonial Cousins: " Come back as Rama, come back as Allah, come back as Krishna,Come back as Jesus  ," was what I recorded into the machine.

The officer who heard the message assured that he would out up the message before the God. He said, God helps those who help themselves and advised us to keep cleanliness and take appropriate precautions. (Herald, November 17, 2002)

MY STINT IN THE NCC

By John Aguiar

I had a very good stint in the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in college. The NCC is an organisation that trains the youth to face challenging situatios and instills the  sense of discipline and responsibility.

Every Sunday we used to have our weekly parades. I loved to be in the NCC uniform, and perhaps  to be seen in one. Sunday was a good day for me, for it gave occasion to proudly flaunt my uniforn as  I travelled by bus from Ponda to Chowgule college in Margao.

For New cadets, though it must have been a different story. I remember most would shiver at the thundering word of command of the parade leader. The same had happened to me when I first joined the NCC. Slowly, we got accustomed to the new environment and then, we began to actually enjoy it. Because rightly, the NCC provides a whole amout of activities no other youth organisation in India can match.

I learnt to assume leadership right from the starting point of Lance Nk. Then I worked my way up to Corporal, Sergeant and Senior Under Officer.

I remember vividly a blood donation camp organised by the NCC infantry wing of the college. The team from Goa Medical College blood bank had arrived. My Coy Commander Capt. J.S. Budkuley had motivated me. In turn, I had to motivate others in donating blood. Though my Under Officer was one Mr Bhat at that time, I was enthrusted the overall responsibility. There was a very good response not only from the NCC cadets but from other students as well.

A  cadet from Infantry wing was the first one to donate blood. He was cheerful and happy. While the needle was pricked, he looked at the other side all the time. Later he insisted that he should be shown the bottle of blood which he has donated (Those days itcwas bottle). As the bottle was being shown to him, he fainted and collapsed. While the volunteers rused with soda and coffee for him, someone from the crowd suggested that the same blood should be put back  to him. Other cadets in the que to donate panicked. Many backed out. We had a hard time convincing them and reversing the tide.

As part of our NCC activities, I led two cycle expeditions, one from Goa to Pune and back while other from Goa to Mantralaya (Karnataka) and back.. While on out tour to Mantralaya, we undertook halt at the Hongund Police station. That evening we went around to get a feel of the place.  Later we visited a dhaba and ordered for mutton. After eating, we realised something fishy in it and demanded to know from the counter what it was. The person at counter said "Bade" ka suggesting that it was fresh beef which was served to us. My collegues started putting fingers in their mouth to vomit it out. Though I am christian by birth, I too stay away from Pork and beef.

Returning to our accomdation at the Police station after that horrible experience, I suggested to my mates that we should drink the feni that we were carrying with us. The idea was accepted, immediately and unanimously. The feni cleansed the system.

NCC activities include playing volleyball. I once had accompanied my college volleyball team to the group headquarters Belgaum. As the match began, the refree whistled and as the scorer said, "luve all" over the mike. A voice from the spectator stands loudly added, "But marry one".

At the weekly parades every Sunday morning, As the Company Senior Under Officer I used to take cadets for jogging warm-up upto Gogol old college and back..

One such Sunday, we were jogging with our old time ankle shoes that came fitted with horseshoes. The cadets  jogging in such shoes made it sound like horses galloping. On the road, a little ahead of us, was a farmer possibly taking his buffaoes out to graze. We overtook the herd and continued jogging.

But soon,to our horror, discovered that the buffaloes too had begun jogging behind us. We quickly realised that they were actually chasing us. I was initially happy that the buffaloes had taken a lesson from us to remain fit and fine. But before I could plum what was happening behind, my cadets had fallen out of line and begun running helter shelter. Some jumped into the roadside nullah, some climbed atop adjoining compound walls, yet others even clambered up trees.

The biggest funks of the lot not only climbed  on the top of roadside compound walls but, perhaps still feeling not safe enough from the pursing buffaloes on rampage jumped inside the compounds.

For some who did that, it turned out to be the proverbial jumping from frying pan into the fire.. they were attacked by .dogs loose in the compound. By the time I could gather the entire group of cadets into ranks and file again, decided to turn back to the college parade ground, not jogging, Given the mood, but plain marching.

It was the first and the only Sunday parade in my NCC life that ended before completing less than half the way of the preliminary warm up. ( The Navhind Times, January 19, 2002 )

Courtesy: Book titled "Offside" authored by John Aguiar

Published by:: Goa 1556

Ilustrations: Rohit Chari

THE FUN OF HANGING FROM A TREE

By John Aguiar

I was known to be the naughtiest boy in our locality in Ponda. During my childhood, that is. I was popularly known as "Baba" to the people. My paternal cousins called me "Nanu". Since I was only child, my parents were fond of me and always took extra care of me. 

However sometimes they too got exasperated with my mischief.

I am a mixture of  two cultures and two very different religions. While my father was a Roman Catholic, my mother  was a hindu GSB.

As I grew, my parents found me less at home and more outdoors. I was sometimes found hanging from the guava tree behind our house.

At times, they discovered me on the roof of the house. I would climb with the help of ladder. Even with their best efforts they were unable to hide the ladder from me. I could easily smell the house ladder from a distance, like a dog sniffs its way to a bone.

Coming home with wounds was a daily affair. My parents were worried about me..

Then one day, my mother took me on her lap. I wondered what advise she would give me this time round. She took a louse pressed it between her finger nails, and explained. " See", She said, "what is the fate of the louse if its blood comes out? We also will become empty in the same way." She counselled that I should take proper care while playing.

The thought of becoming empty if my blood came out from my body kept worrying me. Since then, I  learnt to protect myself from stepping on broken glass pieces or jumping on stones. All my mischievious activities, thus were controlled.

But then, I was still a child and bound to commit mistakes. Sometimes, my mother would get annoyed and would tell me in konkani, "Tum masti kelear have tond gheun vatli ( I will depart with my face intact, without shame, if you don't behave). And every time she said this, I promptly but innocently replied, "Tond ghevn vachunaka, tondd dovrun voch" (Don't go away with your face, leave your face and go.)

Then there was a lady teacher who was  pregnant. She overwhelmed us toddlers with her big belly. One day the teacher pointing to her big belly told us that she would put the naughtiest student of the class in there. This frightened us so much that I kept away from school for a week.

The  most effective of all was the beating I got from my father. He always tried to develop in me good habbits and pleasent manners. He advised me to always keep good company. He not only brought sweets for me every evening while returning home, but took me for a ride on his bicycle in the evenings every alternate day. However, when I was found doing somethibg wrong, He would not spare me from spanking..

Once my father was very angry with me. Though I dont exactly recall the mistake I had committed, I certainly  remember my father going to the guava tree and break a stick of the tree. He rushed towards me and started beating me with it. My mother who was in the kitchen rushed out on hearing my screems. As i did not have my shirt on, marks of the stick showed on my tender skin. Slender the stick, more durable the evidence of its use. Mine looked as if they were made by blade.

My father himself was disturbed seeing this. He vowed not to beat me in future. I too vowed to be a good boy. (The Navhiind Times, July 30, 2001)

Courtesy: Book titled "Offside" authored by John Aguiar

Published by:: Goa 1556

Illustrations: Rohit Chari

NCC BUILDS CHARACTER

 

By John Aguiar

In this modern world every good or bad step influences country’s progress. Hence the need for national unity integration is of urgent and utmost importance. Today discipline in  every field is necessary. The NCC is a national organisation, a national movement which plays an important role in the country’s unity and strength. Its role is unmatched. It is the only means through which we can shape our nation’s future. Today’s children are tomorrows foundation. It is extremely important to develop within them a spirit of nationality.

We have to mould and shape our new generation to face the challenges. We can accomplish this through NCC as its training includes every facet valuable for national progress. Its discipline teaches humility wherever the circumstances or wherever the person might be. Its training teaches you to be active and fit in every aspect of life. Its main moral role is “Never accept defeat till the last breath and raise very step for the good of the nation”, Nation building is possible only through the process of all round development of the versatile wealth of its youth to an effort to organise and initiate young minds.  

NOSTALGIC MEMORIES

I remember my days as a NCC cadet and the camps that I have attended. Among them are  two Army Attachment camps with regular army units. We were attached with the Maratha Light Infantry  at Belgaum where are I got the opportunity to train with my course mates  Shri Arvind Gawas and Adv. Atmaram Nadkarni. Four Annual training camps, Two cycle expeditions, one from Goa to Pune and back and other  from Goa to Mantralaya (Karnataka) and back.  i am lucky to get the guidance of officers like my ANO Dr. Jayant Budkuley. Apart from all these activities the   “Advanced Leadership Course with Rock climbing” at Pachmari, Madhya Pradesh has a special  place in my heart.

When I was selected for the Pachmari camp, I was given only a tour plan and had to travel alone since there was only one seat for Goa and that I was the only cadet from Goa.  It was on May 13, 1982 that I boarded the Miraj bound Gomantak Express. Those days, there were no direct trains and there was meter gauge  railway line from Goa to Miraj and we had to change the train at Miraj junction for our onward destination. I met other cadets bound for Piparia  on the onward journey. We reached the Piparia Railway station on May 15. From Piparia Railway station we were taken in a army truck to Pachmari hill station at our camp site.  As we got down from the truck we saw rows and rows of tents, all laid horizontally pegged in perfect order. Very apprehensive, but with much curiosity and many expectations, about what the camp would be like, settling down that night, I looked forward to the beginning of the camp life. There were various competitions such as shooting, boxing, treasure, observation dekhbal and others. The cadets were drawn from all over India and selected from their respective battalions showed that they were the “Cream of our youth” and represented perhaps the best of their generation. Every morning at 6.00 am, we had to be ready for PT parade which kept us fit and active. Thereafter we were taken for drill and later lectures on the techniques of rock climbing. The techniques taught were eally effective in making the task easy. In the beginning we were takn to small rocks of about 25-30 ft. At first this appeared difficult. But after we were shown the scientific and techniques, we realised how easy it could be.

THE CLIMB MADE EASY

On May 29, we were taken to a giant rock that was about 100 ft. high. We doubted for a moment, whether we would  be able to climb it. But we climbed it so easily that when we reached the top we could not believe that we had made it. It was thrilling experience as there was a risk at every  step and one wrong step would have made a great difference. One particular rock was as steep as a wall, there were no step like cuts, only two three inches deep cuts and  some cracks which we used as pinch hold and foot hold to climb. The duration of the camp was 21 days. 14 days for Advance leadership and 7 days for rock climbing. But the experience gained was of  life time.  The actual setting of the camp was on open ground. Here I realized the national character of the NCC. We used to have route marches 15 to 20 kms and we had to cook food on the way. We visited tribsl tamia ganv and also scaled mountain peaks Dhupgarh and Chauragarh. Our Rock climbing training officer Major Chaturvedi of Para regiment took special efforts to train us.

Our Camp Commandant Lieutenant Colonel B.S. Chahal from the Sikh Light Infantry was a senior army officer. He performed all the exercises with us right from the running at the PT parade in the morning. He performed all the obstacles with ease and motivated us. Our Camp second in Command was Major A. K. Kolhatkar from the Artillery regiment. In the evenings the camp was colourful for it provided us an exhibition of the inherent cultural talents for the individual. The fellow cadets learnt from the “Hundir mama ailo song” while I learnt Bengali, Kerala folk songs and the very popular Kannada song “Chinnapa Chin kauda…”.

NATIOANAL INTEGRATION

On June 5, the camp wounded up and everyone was preparing to return with a tint of cheer in their faces this time, for now we were heading for departure after a combined stay under a uniformed environment.

So are the memories of my  Army attachment cap and the annual training camps which I attended as a NCC Cadet. As Cadet Senior Under Officer,  I was camp senior at the Assonora Annual Training Camp. The NCC makes full use of the potential  for community living among the youth and brings them together as fellow citizens of our great country. This encourages a great deal of understanding among the youth who learn to respect and appreciate our vast cultural diversity be it in food we eat, the clothes we wear and in the language we speak.

What better example of national integration can be there. A cadet from Punjab leaning to speaking in Tamil from a cadet from that region, A cadet from Delhi and Mumbai appreciating the tribal customs of Andamans. A few years back it was a pleasant surprise to meet a very dear NCC cadet at this camp on Facebook Col. Nandkishor Kulkarni. We had spent some very good moments at the camp. The NCC fosters a national friendship while many other young people do not go beyond making friends within their own school, college or neighbourhood.

The zeal of living with other cadets, eating and working together and many other moments are unforgettable. The ncc organisation made me self-dependent, more confident and responsible.

 

Manguirish Pai Raiker -A man with many feathers

By John Aguiar

Smile on his face, empathy in his heart, sharing knowledge, providing education to the deserving under privileged and passion for work is the hallmark of this person. Even in the most critical moments of his life, he would come out to lend a hand to the needy. His association with school for disabled and MBD children, old age homes or spastics is well known. He started the first school of Agriculture and then a community college, which provided opportunity for the goan youths to gain knowledge of Agriculture in the state of Goa.

 He is associated with almost all the associations in Goa ,many of which he has led with great success. His way of taking all along and treating each with respect and dignity is the mark of his leadership quality. He was the President of Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chairman of Goa Management Association; Green Triangle Society, Ex-NCC Cadets Association, Bharat Scouts and Guides and many more. He had the privilege of being nominated as the vice chairman of MSSIDC in Maharashtra and endeared himself to the business fraternity there also.  There is hardly anyone who does not know him and will vouch for his selfless work and helpful nature.

A first generation entrepreneur who committed himself to hard work and with disciplined life style made a mark for himself in the manufacturing sector. He rose to the national level being today a senior managing committee member of ASSOCHAM a prestigious industry and trade association and also chairing its National MSME Council and the Goa State Council. He is also representing on the several central committees including National Board for MSME. He was awarded National Award for Excellence in Entrepreneurship in 1988 and Manager of the year Award in 2002 besides hosts of awards from various other organisations.

 He has served as member of State Sales Tax Advisory Committee, State Labour Advisory Committee, Labour Welfare Board, Sports Authority of Goa, Entertainment Society of Goa and various other boards. He is also associated with sports, educational and cultural organizations and is one of the main promoters of Indian Spastic Society, Goa Chapter and also on the Vice Chairman of India Red Cross Society, Goa Chapter. He is an acclaimed Trainer and has unique distinction of being an Indian to conduct training for SAARC academy in Sri Lanka.

An entrepreneur, Faculty in management, Mentor to several budding entrepreneurs and students, Academician, philanthropist ,Author , Column writer, Director and Actor on stage and screen and a social worker associated with organisations like disabled children, old age care home, Palliative care centre and Entrepreneurs development and training centre Manguirish Pai Raiker   celebrated his 66th birthday on June 17. Wishing him many more years of good health, peace  and creativity and in the service of mankind.

Journey of the Visually Impaired towards independence

By John Aguiar

‘If a person has determination then sky is the limit’ is rightly suited for any disabled person who has firm determination to achieve the peak of success, says Smt. Leena PrabhuT eacher with the National Association for the Blind, Goa State Branch at Santa Cruz.

Goa State Branch of the National Association for the Blind, was established on 10th February 1983. 

At present NAB Goa, caters to about 2000 visually impaired persons.  We also conduct several awareness programmes in order to spread awareness about the visually impaired.

The NAB conducts activities such as Education (Integrated Education Programme),Vocational Training, Multi-handicapped, Sports, Theatre, Employment, Computer Training, Extra curricular Activities, Picnics and celebrations

Smt Leena tells us  just to close our eyes for five minutes. I am sure she says that for the first two minutes it is relaxing but now I can see you are restless and want to open your eyes to see the beautiful world around you. As we know eyes are the precious gift, God has given to us, due to which we are able to accomplish our day to day activities more independently without any sighted assistance. She is absolutely right.

Quoting Father Carol who she says has rightly mentioned that when the person loses his eyesight he faces twenty losses which hinders his life. But he can easily overcome them if he is given the opportunities and facilities to achieve his desired goals.

Smt Leena says that during the early times visually impaired were considered as an unproductive member of the family due to the negative mind set. The main reason behind their negative mind set was that the parents did not know the appropriate way to bring up the visually impaired children. Therefore they felt it was their duty to provide him with only basic necessities of life such as food, clothing and shelter. The parents also had a question in their mind that since he is not able to see, what will he achieve in his life? Institutions were not able to provide sufficient guidance, even the schools were not ready to accept them as they had several queries such as, how the blind child will move in the surrounding environment, will the other students accept the blind child as their classmate, teachers also did not know how to teach them, how to conduct their exams etc.

The parents of the blind child  Smt Prabhu says were ashamed that they will get the stigma of being a parent of visually impaired child, so he was confined to the four walls of the house. They were not willing to take him out for any family functions, festivals or any kind of social gatherings where the child could come in contact and interact with the sighted world.

Employers were not willing to employ person with visual impairment as they considered that without training and basic educational background what output they could provide to the respective firms/ companies.

But times are changing she says. Early intervention can only take place if the parents as well as family members accepts the disability of the child. Now we see parents have started accepting their blind child not as a burden, but they have realized that they have to take a positive steps towards their total development. Therefore they started approaching institutions; NGO's to receive guidance for the upbringing of the blind child and started deciding what is best for their child's bright future. 

When the blind child receives love, care and security from his parents he gets immense courage to accept and overcome the obstacles that come on his way and gets motivated towards achieving his goal of success.

Asked about the role of NGOs for the cause of blind, Smt Leena says that recently various NGO’s and institutions are playing a major role in shaping the life of the visual impaired, by providing training to the parents through home bound program so that they understand the appropriate way to nurture the child. The home bound program enables the child to overcome the difficulties of accepting the school education and simultaneously he learns the extracurricular activities/skills like Braille, mobility, concepts of direction, colour, shapes, size, development of senses etc.

As regards admission to these students for regular classes she mentions thate arlier, we noticed the regular schools were not ready to accept the blind students in their schools but now they are given admissions in the schools as the government has taken the concrete step to integrate disabled children in the regular school set up. This pattern of education has provided equal opportunities and experiences to the visually impaired children. There are many positive effects of this system. Visually impaired students study and compete with the sighted children. Even the teachers try different methods to train the blind children. Sighted children also consider them as their friends and help them in their difficulties. They also help the child to learn all the mannerisms and etiquettes which are accepted by the society and make them aware of the things which are not accepted by the society. When the visually impaired child is placed in this pattern of education they do not feel they are segregated from the sighted but feel they are one of them.

Asked about the  role of technology in shaping the visuallybimpaired students she says advanced technology has helped the visual impaired to visualize the world academically, socially and professionally. Today most of the people cannot imagine their life without assistive technology. The technologies have helped us even to carry out our day to activities with much ease and comfort. Technologies like smart phones, embossers, computer with screen reader software, tactile makers, sonic labelers, smart canes etc. has transformed the life from dependency to independence.

She is happy that Employers who were earlier not willing to employ Visually Impaired persons, due to the lack of formal education and training are now willing to accept them, as they have realized their potentials, abilities and skis which have made them efficient in their work areas.

Smt Leena says that she is glad to inform that most of the visually impaired are employed in the banks, Hotels, Government organizations etc. Some of them are even self employed and they are now no more a burden on the family. They have proved to the sighted world that they too are the part and parcel of this challenging world.

Smt. Leena strongly believe that 'Education' in any field is the key that provides us with a positive outlook to face the competitive world and can change the social negative attitudes of the people

Understanding Dyslexia

 

By John Aguiar.

Remediana Dias is the author of the book—“Understanding Dyslexia”. She studied M.Sc in Specific Learning Difficulties at the University of Southampton, UK. She is the founder of the NGO—Vision Education Society in Goa. She was recently recognized as the Indian Achiever among the top 50 under 50 for her work in the field of education. 

Her most valuable school experiences weren't academic. The key points in her education that led to her success were all about people—social skills, respect, self-worth, empathy, and realizing your own potential. Because of teachers who believed in her, she also learned that she was capable of more than she thought. Long before differentiation was an education term, she was fortunate enough to have two teachers who gave her meaningful assignments that were different from the rest of the class. She was still responsible for the core material, but she could explore as well, at her own pace and on topics that interested her. Sure, she learned some neat ideas, but what she really learned was that she was valued as an individual. When she became a teacher, she remembered their example. She differentiates regularly so her students can learn that they, too, are valued as individuals.

Remediana feels that discipline is essential in establishing a classroom atmosphere conducive to learning. “Training is necessary for children. Effective discipline  enhances a child's self- esteem because it teaches self-control. Discipline means a way of being hardworking, honest, strictly following rules and regulations, social norms as well as values. Discipline makes students deal well with things. It is an ornament of the education system and student's life” she adds.

Remediana observes that things have changed a lot in our society nowadays. Back in her days very few kids had ADHD. “Today it is very common mainly because we prop kids in front of the TV or with video games when they are little. When they're in school, they cannot pay attention to what the teacher is doing up front.”she says. 

Accoring to her respect for education is the need of the hour. “Today kids idolize sports stars and entertainers and their lifestyles. And the lifestyle of the rich and famous are more important than a doctor or professor or scientist who uses intellect in order to achieve something. And this is not to say that no one in sports or entertainment is intellectual, but that's not the aspect of their lives that's emphasized. We need to reorient people in terms of what real success is all about.”she mentions.

Remediana feels that education in Goa should be reformed to create an informed citizenry.

Tivim man grows plants on his terrace

By John Aguiar

  Crops and plants are usually grown on the ground. But thedays have gone and most of the people are now opting for growing plants at home. Today the people are satisfied with the plants and vegetables that are yielded fom terrace gardens or roof tops, which helps them tostay healthy.

Goa has been known for its  greenery, but today, the scenery has been replaced by a concrete jungle. Due to growing urbanization and climate change have all resulted in rising temperatures, Shri   Hanuman Mahale tells John Aguiar in a conversation.

Shri Mahale a teacher by profession (now retired) has created a thriving garden on his terrace with many varieties of plants including flowering. He has stood as inspiration for many. He devevoped.l a sudden interest in starting a open terrace garden to keep himself occupied during his spare time. He started planting trees on his terrace from 1 June 2002.

Shri Mahale who has a farming background and love for planting trees since childhood says he is doing is part for the environment and planting and taking care of trees as to repay for what the environment is giving us. He had to shift from his ancestral Pernem to Tivim due to his job. When he bought the flat he insisted that the adjoining open terrace be allotted to him. Apart from fruit bearing trees he started rowinh the hebs and medicinal plants at his home premises in in open terrace garden since then.

Planting trees has been his hobby for a very long time. Since he did not have a land to plant trees, he fulfilled the hobby by planting small trees in pots. His love for gardening prompted him to begin gardening on the terrace as well, to have a relatively cool place around. I had spent years of my childhood growing plant he recalls.

 Trees are known to give out oxygen hence the need for planting more trees. During summers they tend to make the surroundings cool, he says.

 From pineapple, banana, coconut, sugarcane and many other medicinal herbs and flowering plants such as shoe flower, brahmakamal, 10 different types of Jaswanti and others, Mr Mahale’s terrace flourishes with greenery, birds, butterflies. The temperature that keeps the entire house cool. Not only the terrace garden but he proudly displays his balcony garden as well, where all sorts of plants have been planted in pots. This place has further become a safest place for birds. The Red whisked bulbuls love to make their nest in this  garden. 

For his daily pooja, Mahale and hi family gets all the flowers from his terrace garden.  

Mr Mahale's  wife Kanti and his two sons Anup and Saish help him in his work.

Mr Mahale is constructing a new house in his property at Nanora and shall soon be shifting to the new place. Here there will be ample space for him and surrounding to create a  jungle around his house.  

 Gardening is easy, does not consume much time or require hard work. People are often discouraged by space crunch says Mahale. Inspired by him, his relatives have also started gardening in spaces that are available.

Jesu Tum Mhaji Prerna

 

Goa Carnival Mukesh Ghatwal theme song 2013 written byJohn Aguiar

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