We congratulate you on your article of August 23, which spoke about Panjim being protected by strays. This sir, is very true and we experience the same in Dona Paula as well.
Certain areas in Dona Paula, especially Sea Rock Leisure, being at the very end of the road, is fairly isolated. The row houses in this colony are owned by persons occupying them, whereas the flats behind are rented out, on a daily, monthly or yearly basis.
There is no check on the persons living here, who are mostly outsiders. Police check all lodgings, hotels and guest houses, but here no one checks. and this has turned out to be a very safe haven for anti social elements.
Many times at nights we have experienced outsiders loitering around only to be chased away by strays.
If only people would stop to think how much mans best friend protects us. We need to be grateful and kind to them instead of stoning them and killing them.
G. Skillen, Dona Paula
Kudos Herald
Congratulations to yourself, specially to Sheela Ramanathan on her article New is good; old is gold which has highlighted the importance of the rich architectural heritage still existing in Goa but which is in danger of disappearing. Her quotation by Shankland Graeme that “A country without a past has the emptiness of a barren continent; and a city without old buildings is like a man without a memory” is apt in the context of Goa and the total indifference with which the Government of Goa down the line, irrespective of the colour they profess, has treated this treasure. The Movement for Special Status for Goa(MSSG) is striving to convince the “powers that be” that this aspect, namely the need to preserve the rich architectural heritage of Goa, needs special legislation now.
The only requirement is that we should have a sensitive Government which is interested in doing what is right for Goa and not pay lip service to the demands for Special Status.
Adv. Antonio Lobo, by email
Abstraction in art
This refers to the letter published on 25 August, seeking an explanation on abstraction in art.
Typically, abstraction is used in the arts as a synonym for abstract art in general. Strictly speaking, it refers to art unconcerned with the literal depiction of things from the visible world. It can, however, refer to an object or image which has been distilled from the real world. In the 20th century the trend toward abstraction coincided with adHances in science, technology, and changes in urban life. Later still, abstraction was manifest in more purely formal terms, such as color, freedom from objective context, and a reduction of form to basic geometric designs. Abstraction is applicable to music as well.
Abstraction indicates a departure from reality in depiction of imagery in art. This departure from accurate representation can be only slight, or it can be partial, or it can be complete. Abstraction exists along a continuum. In geometric abstraction, for instance, one is unlikely to find references to naturalistic entities. Figurative art and total abstraction are almost mutually exclusive. But figurative and representational (or realistic) art often contains partial abstraction.
Abstraction developed in the early 20th century. In the 21st century abstraction remains very much in view as exemplified by Barnett Newman and John McLaughlin among others.
Patricia Ann Baretto
Kept safe by strays
This has reference to the article by Dr. Joe D’Souza on August 23, highlighting how Panjim is kept ‘safe’ by mangy stray dogs, mostly rabid. As proof, just see the problems faced by Western cities that are convinced that cities are meant for humans
How much more we would benefit if we added cockroaches, cobras, rats etc to this population of strays.
Geraldine Patel, Miramar
Mockery of Goans
Filmmaker’s intellect appears to have gone comatose. This can be gauged through the scenes and dialogues in the movie, ‘Kya Super Kool Hai Hum’. Bollywood has been humiliating Goan’s and making a mockery of their way of life way too often. In 70’s and 80’s Goan Catholics were portrayed as drunkards. Now Goa is portrayed for drugs and sex. But these opportunists from the film fraternity have purchased large properties in Goa and come on vacation to seek nirvana from their perverted minds- perhaps their lifestyle has become like animals and therefore they must be in need of blessing by a priest. Are our politicians serious in taking up this cause to respect the identity of Goan’s?
Mary Jayne Dias, Caranzalem
Spot on, helmets!
With reference to the letter by Anthony Fernandes, titled Helmet for pedestrians on your esteemed paper dated August 24, I have to state as follows:I agree with him; everyone agrees with what he says.
But, who are we ordinary citizens to contradict our Transport Minister Sudhin Dhavalikar? We have to wear the helmet or pay the fine. The causes of accident will remain the same.
