E-Weekly-4/4
Green Earth Movement
An E-Newsletter for the cause of Environment, Peace, Harmony and Justice
Remember - “you and I can decide the future”
 Shivaji Park to get its own water
harvesting system
 GEM Inspirational series
 Readers’ Letters
 Mumbai: Households get notices for
flouting waste norm
 From July, failure to segregate waste
could land you in jail
 ‘Turn Mahalaxmi race course into
Hyde Park’
 Deadly fungus threatens city’s trees
 How politicians slowly gobbled up
Nehru Garden
 Borivli residents fight to retain garden
 Urban planners discuss future of
racecourse
 'Bunds killing mangroves in Ratnagiri'
 Develop own model to study climate
change: Indian scientist
 Maharashtra: Old storage
 Beltangady: Ramanath Rai meets Dr
Heggade, moots urban eco park near
Pilikula
 Greenpeace hails court ban on
genetically modified eggplant
 Mar Thoma Church to abandon
Chinese coffins
 Importers of Chinese coffins say
product is eco-friendly
 Policy watch: Mining and politics
go hand in hand
 How they slayed the food mafia
using RTI
 New evidence that mobile phone
radiation may be toxic
 Educare Trust : Rs 25 Cr fund to
support needy students
 Christian organization bats for
evicted families
 Kundapur: Billava Sangha
organizes meaningful mass
marriage ceremony
 A new future for Christians in
Karnataka
 HEALTH : Why is cancer so
common?
 Breastfeeding good for mother’s
BP: study
 Tourists at Bom Jesus Basilica
asked to cover up
 Pope Francis Provides Swiss
Guard Chair, Snacks
 Yoga & Christianity
 GEM PLUS – Apeal for help etc
 GEM LAUNGH TIME
Thought for the week
"Pope Francis has energized us, but he also has challenged us just by who he
is. The pope's authenticity is challenging us to rediscover our own
authenticity, and calling us to simplify our lives and to speak less and
demonstrate more who we are. It's not a matter of promoting the Franciscan
"brand," but of demonstrating that "simplicity of life means greater life for
all people, it means greater access to all that people need to have dignity
and survive on this small, tiny planet we have. It means respecting creation
so that we do not destroy the environment in which we live." - U.S.
Franciscan Father Michael Perry, who was elected May 22, as the new
Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor.
Shivaji Park to get its own
water harvesting system
BMC's Corporate
(CSR) scheme.
Social
Responsibility
"It's a promising project, and we hope it can
be a model for other rainwater harvesting
initiatives," he said, adding that the BMC's
Starting this monsoon, Shivaji Park newly formed CSR cell was looking to
will stop being a burden on the involve more corporates in city projects.
By Chaitanya Marpakwar, Mumbai Mirror | May 13,
2013,
city's stretched water supply.
Trenches of about half a foot would be dug
along Shivaji Park's periphery and the
rainwater that flows into the trenches would
be directed to the existing four bore wells
and four ring wells at the ground.
"During the four months of monsoon,
groundwater will be recharged, and we will
be able to use it throughout the year,"
Deshpande explained. The 28-acre ground,
which has a catchment area of 1 lakh sq
The Union environment and forest ministry mt, has the potential to harvest 20 crore
has given the BMC the go-ahead to create litres of rainwater.
a rainwater harvesting system on the 28acre ground, whose maintenance drains "The target is to use 14 crore litres of
the civic supply of 1 lakh litres of potable rainwater to keep the ground green this
water every day.
year," said Amit Jatthar of Members of
Brotherhood, the NGO that will execute the
The system is expected to be ready by project with the help of the civic authority.
June in time for rains, making Shivaji Park "A massive amount of rainwater gets
the first public ground in Mumbai to have its washed to the sea every monsoon. This
own, independent water supply. Not only can be prevented by creating such water
will the ground be self-sufficient, but will harvesting systems."
also supply excess water to nearby open
public spaces such as the Nana-Nani Park. Jatthar added that the ground was green in
patches, but once the water harvesting
The money for the project, about Rs 16 mechanism was in place, the entire place
crore, will come from a company run by could be turned into a lush park.
MNS legislator from Dadar Nitin Sardesai,
who offered the funds after party chief Raj The Shivaji Park water harvesting project
Thackeray
suggested
the
rainwater was proposed by the MNS, which swept
harvesting system a year ago.
Dadar in the civic polls, last year, but it
could not take off because a spat with the
The
environment
ministry's
Coastal Shiv Sena, which controls the BMC.
Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance for the
system came after a series of permissions The Shiv Sena apparently didn't want Raj
from various government departments and Thackeray's party to claim credit for making
agencies.
Shivaji Park, Sena's birthplace, selfsustainable. The MNS went ahead with
"We had to approach 19 departments, applying for permissions nevertheless.
including municipal, state and central, to
get clearances for the project, which we MNS legislator Sardesai, whose firm is
expect to be complete by June," said MNS funding the project, said that the civic
corporator Sandip Deshpande, who has authority should create a single window to
been following up on the permissions for obtain clearances for private companies
almost a year.
willing
to
back
public
projects.
Municipal Commissioner Sitaram Kunte "I hope more companies take up such
confirmed that the project had received the rainwater harvesting initiatives in other
final clearance, and said that the private parts of the city," he said.
funding had been approved under the
AVAILABLE
Educational PowerPoint Presentation
RAIN WATER HARVESTING
Download it from our website:
www.stfrancisxavierpanvel.in – GEM section
GEM INSPIRATIONAL SERIES
We Have The Ability To Bounce
Back
By: Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Speaking Tree, TOI
Resilience is a law of nature. It means the ability
to recover quickly from illness, change, or
misfortune. It can be found everywhere -- in the
physical world, the plant and animal worlds and
the human world.
Resilience in Physics means the ability to return
to the original form after being bent, compressed
or stretched. The same is true of the plant world
and the animal world. Every creature inherently
possesses the power of resilience.
mind a chance’. If you give this chance to your
mind, it will soon release a strong energy and this
energy will provide you the help required in any
untoward situation. For example, in the case of
anger, the mind will readily manage it; in the case
of material loss, it will enlighten you as to how to
do new planning; in the case of tension, it will
provide you the formula to forget, and within
minutes you will become tension-free.
The formula of resilience is also applicable to the
problems of nations. One such example is Japan.
Japan was the first to suffer the dire effects of the
nuclear bomb. During the Second World War, the
Allied powers dropped two atomic bombs on
Japan, and for all practical purposes, the country
was ruined. But Japanese leaders and the people,
consciously or unconsciously, followed the
formula of resilience. They were able to re-plan
their national targets and the result was
miraculous: After just thirty years, Japan emerged
as an economic superpower.
A recent example of the power of resilience is
what happened in the aftermath of Hurricane
Sandy in the US. During this catastrophe the US
lost about 110 lives and suffered losses of $50
billion. But, within a month, the US was able to
Human beings have the lion's share in this gift of bring things back to almost normal.
nature. Bruce McEwen, head of the laboratory of
Neuroendocrinology at the Rockefeller University Studies show that our mind has enormous
has researched this subject and has concluded: potential, perhaps unlimited potential. And that
“The human brain is very resilient. Give it a potential is tapped by the power of resilience. In a
chance and it will make every effort to repair normal situation, this potential remains dormant.
When one has any kind of unusual experience, the
itself.”
brain becomes active and starts unfolding its
We are living in a world of challenge and hidden energy. And if it is given a chance, it will
competition. Due to this, every day we experience certainly recover all the losses. The only
something unpleasant. Every day we suffer some condition is that you should not disturb its natural
kind of damage both intellectually and materially. process or stop it by some unnatural activity.
This is a problem for every man and woman.
Such problems are a part of nature. But nature has A simple demonstration of resilience is your
also provided the remedy for this problem, and remaining silent when you become angry. Remain
silent, make your mind empty and the mind will
that is, the power of resilience.
pacify everything within a minute. Very soon you
The only thing that is required is an eight-lettered will feel normal. On the contrary, if you become
mantra, that is, patience. When you suffer some provoked and react negatively, your anger will
kind of damage, either internally or externally, persist, and will very soon turn into malice and
keep your patience. Be empty minded for a while. even violence.
This is what Dr McEwen has called ‘giving the
READERS’ LETTERS
From,
arcanjosodder@hotmail.com
Subject: Re: GEM-4/3-PASSING THE BUCK
Dear Fr. Felix,
I think we should first start this movement in all our churches especially the ones who hold
novenas and where tonnes and tonnes of garlands are just thrown away.
I am aware that certain schools have started it but the bulk majority are not bothered. In fact the
seminarians should be taught about these things during their training otherwise it will be like
preaching that we should protect our gardens yet when the time come to protect the gardens St.
Michaels Church , Mahim for example re-sold our gardens which were shown to flat purchasers
as amenities.
As you are aware under the Maharashtra Ownership Flats Act conveyance of any property shall be
given to the Society’s within 4 months of society registration. Societies which have been
registered in 1998 and 2004 have still not been given conveyance by the Church.
I think our religion begins when the preaching ends.
A.M.Sodder
From,
triveni.2com@gmail.com
Chandigarh will soon have eco-rickshaws like the radio cabs
Have a look at www.ecocabs.org
and
http://chandigarh.ecocabs.org. The initiative has been taken by Navdeep Asija from the Punjab
Administration.
Chandigarh being a well planned city, its residents generally need to make short trips daily for work,
shopping entertainment etc (mostly in the range of not more than 3 kms). The newly designed ecofriendly
rickshaws should improve the accessibility and convenience of this eco friendly mode of transport and
improve the quality of life of its residents. But a lot of work is required on the part of the chandigarh
administration in terms of improving the street design and transport infrastructure and land use/transport
policies from vehicle centric focus to people centric focus.
They should be ably assisted by www.cseindia.org, www.umtc.co.in and www.itrans.co.in respectively --3
key organisations which are doing a great job in the rest of India and some Saarc nations/Africa as well.
Pls circulate if you think this info will make a better city and improve our quality of life.
Kussh
From,
vincentcriwr@gmail.com
Thank you Fr. Felix, for the GEM, with lot of information and inspiring articles. God bless you
more and more.
Fr. vincy msfs
Dear Fr. Felix,
I have not been receiving your enlightening newsletter since my email id has changed to
jacinta.mendes@tatainternational.com
Please add me to your mailing list as I would like to continue receiving the same which I forward
to my colleagues and friends.
Thanks and with regards,
Jacinta Mendes
Here is a letter appeared in the daijiword.com
From, Rolphy Almeida, Udupi/Bangalore, Saturday, May 25, 2013
I would like to draw the kind attention of
our minister that all our rivers in which
we learned swimming during our
childhood are contaminated. Now even
fish cannot swim in these rivers leave
alone humans. One can see only plastic
bags filled with household garbage
swimming in most of the rivers. Please
create awareness about importance of
clean rivers and bring total ban on
plastic bags.
the compound and call ourselves ZERO
waste management community. We
segregate our wet (Kitchen waste) waste
and dry waste and sanitary waste at
source. All our wet waste goes to
Organic Waste Converter (OWC) inside
the compound and produce good quality
manure for our garden and we sell
whatever is in excess. We earn some
revenue from our dry waste. Only
sanitary waste goes to the land fill.
I urge the minister to invest tax payer’s
I am living in a community of 874
money in reusing the house hold and
apartments in Bangalore and proud to
kitchen waste for their own benefit and
say we manage all our garbage inside
restore the beauty of mother land.
"This is the first notice issued to households.
Mumbai: Households get notices
They have been given 15 days to comply with the
segregation policy. We will carry out inspections
for flouting waste norm
again and send the second notice later. If they are
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/households-getstill found flouting rules, we will take them to
notices-for-flouting-waste-norm/1118562/0
court," said a senior civic official. "We are not
ONE in every four households in the city does not going to collect unsegregated waste. Spot fines
will also be levied against errant citizens," the
segregate garbage into dry and wet waste,
according to data compiled by BMC's solid waste official added.
management department.
Civic officials are mapping wards where
segregation is practiced the least. Fines range
Of the total 36.4 lakh households in Mumbai,
assistant municipal commissioners from 24 wards from Rs 500 to Rs 10,000 depending on the user.
have issued notices to 8.8 lakh. Notices have also It is relatively low for housing societies and high
for hotels, restaurants, hospitals and commercial
been served to more than 66,000 of the 2.8 lakh
non-residential establishments. "We are still
establishments, the official said.
processing the ward-wise information," Deputy
According to the environment status report of
Municipal Commissioner Prakash Patil told
2011-12, only 2-4 per cent of the waste generated
Newsline.
in the city is segregated. The city generates
Based on a meeting with the Technical Advisory around 9,200 metric tonnes of waste per day, with
Committee for solid waste management in
54 per cent being wet organic matter, 15 per cent
dry organic matter, 12 per cent sand and earth and
Mumbai, BMC began issuing notices to
households in November last year. The Municipal 10 per cent paper and recyclables. Plastic forms 9
Solid Waste Management rules of 2006 mandate per cent of the total waste generated, says the
garbage segregation into wet and dry at the source report.
by residential societies. If societies do not comply
with the rules, BMC can refuse to collect waste. It alison.saldanha@expressindia.com
can also double the quantum of fines, civic
officials said.
From July, failure to segregate waste
could land you in jail
By Bhavika Jain, TNN | Feb 9, 2013,
MUMBAI: In an unprecedented attempt to
enforce 100% door-to-door segregation and
collection of waste, the Brihanmumbai
Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided
to aggressively prosecute defaulters. Other
than a fine of up to Rs 50,000, the
punishment for repeated non-compliance
could even include imprisonment for officebearers of the defaulting society or the flat
owners. Jail term would be decided by
court. The civic authority will make
segregation of dry and wet waste at source
compulsory from July. The circular, issued by
deputy municipal commissioner ( solid
waste management) Prakash Patil, states
that by July, the BMC will make available
all the infrastructure needed for the
initiative. It will purchase additional
collection compactors and upgrade
segregation centres. The BMC will stop
accepting mixed waste.
The civic body will issue a notice to any
society that fails to segregate waste and
initiate
prosecution
proceedings
in
accordance with the Municipal Solid Waste
Rules 2000. There is a provision for a
minimum penalty of Rs 1,000. The society
will be given a notice period of 30 days
before it is fined. If a society fails to comply
with the rules after three notices, the BMC
could file a case in a metropolitan court.
Civic officials added that societies will be
sent a special notice listing guidelines on
how to go about segregating waste. They
will be allowed to engage a rag-picker for
their dry waste; this could earn them
revenue. In case a society cannot find a
rag-picker on its own, the BMC will give it a
list of NGOs in an area and the society can
choose
from
them.
Currently, the BMC collects door-to-door
waste from 30-40% households; less than
2% waste is being segregated.
This time, the BMC will have to meet the
target as it is one of the service level
benchmarks prescribed by the Union
ministry of urban development. Failure will
make the BMC ineligible for Central funds
under the Jawaharlal Nehru National
Renewal Mission (JNNURM). The 100%
collection has to be achieved by March 2014
and segregation by 2015. Similar initiatives
were undertaken earlier but due to lack of
infrastructure for collection, transportation
and disposal, the practice did not take off.
AVAILABLE
Educational PowerPoint Presentation
ZERO GARBAGE
Download it from our website:
www.stfrancisxavierpanvel.in – GEM section
‘Turn Mahalaxmi race course into Hyde Park’
By Chaitanya Marpakwar, Mumbai Mirror | May 26, 2013,
A memorial to Bal Thackeray, a public park
on the lines of London's Hyde Park, or
barely the race course? With barely five
days to go before the 99-year lease
agreement between Royal Western India
Turf Club (RWITC) and BMC comes to an
end on May 31, there's plenty of debate
surrounding the iconic Mahalaxmi Race
Course.
The Shiv Sena's proposal to turn the race
course into a public park with Bal
Thackeray's memorial at the venue has
found many takers in the BMC, while there
are a few Cabinet ministers who say the
race course lease be renewed.
Now, open space activists have joined the
debate, and a discussion on the future of
the race course was held by the Observer
Research Foundation Mumbai (ORF) on
Saturday.
The participants debated whether the race
course space be used to create a world-class
park on the lines of the Central Park in New
York or Hyde Park in London.
Said ORF president Sudheendra Kulkarni,
"Let the plot be an open space. Why should
it serve as an exclusive club for horse
racing? The land belongs to people and
should be reclaimed by the citizens. A
democratic way should be chosen after an
exhaustive public debate."
Former chief information commissioner
Shailesh Gandhi said, "The future of the
race course can be decided at a later date,
following a public debate. There is no need
to renew the lease in a hurry. Unless there
is a public debate and a consensus, the
authorities should not renew the race course
lease."
Deadly fungus threatens city’s trees
By Chaitanya Marpakwar, Mumbai Mirror | May 25, 2013,
The city's dwindling tree population is again under threat. This time it is from a killer fungus. The
organisms are slowing eating into several decades-old rain trees, leaving them withered. Such trees also
pose a great risk to the public as their chance of getting uprooted during the monsoon is very high.
The BMC has ordered an inspection of the dying trees after Shiv Sena corporator from Bandra Anil
Trimbakkar raised concerns over the outbreak. Trimbakkar said last month he noticed that several
towering trees along the Bandra-Kurla road had completely lost their leaves, prompting him to report the
matter to the local ward office.
"I had to speak to the higher-ups as the ward office didn't take any action. The BMC's horticulturist and
tree officers should immediately take action to stop the fungus from spreading," Trimbakkar said, adding
that the affected rain trees were planted several years ago. Rain trees (scientific name: Samanea Saman)
are popular for their wide canopies and beautiful pink flowers.
Sources said the fungus has also spread to other areas such as Matunga, Dadar and Santacruz. Tree expert
Niranjan Shetty, who is a member of BMC's tree authority, said the situation called for urgent
intervention.
Mumbai had nearly 19 lakh trees, a 2007 census showed. The Tree Authority had last month given its nod
to fell more than 1,500 trees to make way for development projects. "The civic body doesn't seem serious
about the issue and is letting the trees die," rued activist Nikhil Desai.
When contacted, Additional Municipal Commissioner Aseem Gupta said he was aware of the problem
and promised to take action on Monday. "Officials from the garden department will inspect the trees to
identify the exact nature of the problem. If required, we will spray pesticide on affected trees.”
"In the city's development plan, the space has
been reserved as a green zone. We have
obtained documents through the Right to
Information Act, which clearly say that political
parties were given permission to set up only
By Chaitanya Marpakwar, Mumbai Mirror | May temporary structures," said Atul Kumar of the
Nariman
Point-Churchgate
Citizens'
22, 2013, 03.07 AM
Association. Members have also met Chief
Secretary J K Banthia, but little has changed
State allowed BJP and Janata Dal (S) to
set up temporary structures on the plot next so far.
How politicians slowly
gobbled up Nehru
Garden
to Mantralaya in 1980s, but residents allege
According to government records accessed by
the parties turned them into permanent
Mirror, the BJP office was allotted 2,382 sq ft,
offices, shrinking the garden.
whereas the Janata Dal (Secular) and the
MTDC were given 1,334 sq ft and 4,546 sq ft
space, respectively.
Residents are worried that the ongoing
renovations will turn the ground-floor BJP
office into a two storey structure.
"They will shrink the plot further. The state
government should take this issue seriously
and free up the space for residents," said Dr
Anahita Pundole, who lives nearby.
A 10,000-sq ft plot reserved for a public garden
in the heart of south Mumbai has been
The civic authority had recently issued a
reduced to a small patch of land by some
demolition notice to the party's state unit for
political parties, which have encroached on the
the
alleged
illegal
alterations
and
space to set up their offices.
constructions. The party, however, has sought
regularisation of its office.
In the 1980s, the state government's public
works department (PWD) allowed the BJP and
"Space on the plot was allotted several years
the Janata Dal (Secular) to set up "temporary
ago. We have deployed security guards at the
shelters" on the periphery of the plot, next to
site to prevent further encroachments," said a
Mantralaya, on Madam Cama Road.
PWD official. "We set up barricades between
the offices and the Jawaharlal Nehru statue."
But over the years, the parties turned the
shelters into cement-concrete offices with air
Ulhas Debadwar, superintending engineer of
conditioners and gradually began gobbling up
the Mumbai PWD, said that the department
more space, allege local residents. The state
would beautify the area around the statue and
tourism development corporation, MTDC,
also build a garden.
which was also given space there, followed the
parties in building aproper office and fencing
But residents are not impressed. "These
off more area than officially allotted.
offices are growing bigger by the day. The
open space should be restored to its original
What was imagined as a green zone around
state," Kumar said. When Mirror contacted
an existing statue of former prime minister
state BJP president Devandra Phadnavis, he
Jawaharlal Nehru is now a small plot with
rejected residents' allegations that the party
construction debris scattered about.
had undertaken illegal constructions.
For nearly a decade, residents have been
pressing the PWD to reclaim the entire plot,
but in vain. Emboldened by authorities'
reluctance,
the
BJP
has
undertaken
renovations at its office, which residents say
are illegal.
"We have not made any changes in the plinth
of the original structure. No illegal construction
is going on, and we are only using the space
given to us by the government," he said.
Phadnavis confirmed that the party had
received a notice, and said that it would
address all concerns.
Borivli residents fight to
retain garden
Linah Baliga, TNN | May 29, 2013
MUMBAI: Residents have opposed the BMC's
plan to change reservation of a part of the
Veer Savarkar Udyan in Borivli (west) from
garden to a 'recreation ground' (RG), at the
behest of a local MLA and corporator.
Locals learnt of the plan from a public notice
issued by the BMC on May 14. The BMC's
development plan office invited objections
from people regarding change of use of 3,600
sq m of the garden plot to an RG. The public
notice states that the modification to the
sanctioned revised development plan of R
ward was being undertaken following a
representation from the local corporator and
an accompanying letter from MLA Gopal
Shetty. The garden is currently maintained by
Poisar Gymkhana, of which Shetty is the
trustee.
However, residents alleged the change in the
plot's reservation was a blatant land-grabbing
bid as it would pave the way for its
commercial exploitation. Meera Kamath, a
Borivli resident who had moved court over
constructions in the same garden in the past
said, "I'm opposing this notice because the
garden is a must for locals. There are already
12 RGs in Borivli, why do they require another
one? It clearly shows they are interested in
commercial exploitation. We need to get this
public notice cancelled and save the garden
as a whole. If this attempt by the MLA is
successful, then each and every garden in
Mumbai will be in danger in future."
In the past, Kamath had filed a PIL over
certain constructions in the garden and also
referred to its commercial exploitation, but
the petition was dismissed. "The garden
should have been kept free of cost for the
public. But there are charges for dashing car
games for children and boating. The BMC
circular had mentioned that only those who
can afford to maintain the garden should
Urban planners discuss future
of racecourse
Nergish Sunavala, TNN | May 29, 2013
MUMBAI: Before the Mahalaxmi racecourse was
established at its present site, industrialist
Cusrow N Wadia went by ship to Australia to
study a famous Melbourne racecourse. He
returned armed with blueprints and the required
know-how to set up a world-class racing facility.
He even advanced a substantial, interest-free
come forward to adopt it. Poisar Gymkhana
had earlier collected Rs 16,530 as
membership fees from each person. Has it
inked any agreement with the BMC to conduct
these activities?" said Kamath.
Asked about the reason for seeking a change
in reservation, Mohan Mithbaokar, deputy
mayor and local corporator said, "It is done in
public interest. The RG can be used for
various functions and programmes permissible
under the prevailing BMC norms. Reservation
of only part of the plot will be changed. The
major part will be retained as a garden."
When contacted, Shetty said, "I'm deleting
part of the garden reservation for my own
personal interest. I'm answerable to the
people of the ward. I'll arrange for a meeting
with them. You can come visit this plot in
Borivli. There are big shots who have taken
over 10-acre open space plots in Borivli and
have misused it. Why are you after a poor
person like me, who charges Rs 2 as entry fee
for the garden?"
Subodh Nageshkar, another local resident,
said, "When this is reserved for a garden, how
can they partly change it to RG? When the
Veer Savarkar Udyan was inaugurated in 2006,
the 3,600 sq m plot was vacant and stayed
with the BMC. A wall was constructed in
between. Now after eight years, they have
realized the plot is vacant," he said. "They
demarcated the plot with a wall because they
always intended to exploit it commercially.
We suspect they will construct a club and not
allow free access to the public. The MLA says
that it's the requirement of the public but it's
most certainly not," he added.
was always envisioned as a low-lying area
where excess water could flow to prevent waterlogging.
Anita Garware, chairperson of the Indian
Heritage Society, felt the central area could be
put to better use as a permanent sports ground
for BMC schoolchildren or an open-air
performance venue, and this would not require
raising the level.
A public policy think tank, the Observer
Research Foundation (ORF), organised a public
loan to facilitate the process.
meeting to discuss thefuture of the racecourse,
given that it is a green lung for the city. Citizens
debated converting it into a public garden, the
merits of maintaining the status quo, its restricted
access and whether the BMC would limit itself to
setting up a garden or go ahead with a theme
park. The meeting concluded on an amicable
note.
"People who strongly believed that it should be
made into a central park agreed with people on
the other side, who said horse racing should be
allowed. And the people on the horse-racing side
actually agreed that more public access should
be allowed," said ORF research fellow Rishi
Aggarwal.
By 1833, "acres and acres of lush greenery, of
giant, leafy trees, of a colourful selection of
carefully and artistically laid out aromatic flowers
Though horse racing's popularity amongst the
[were] created out of what was marshy land
general public today is debatable, its pomp,
known as the Mahalaxmi Flats," says a book
published by the Turf Authorities of India in 1995. pageantry and rich colonial heritage is hard to
deny. One of the earliest references to racing in
Bombay can be found in the November 25th,
The survival of this 130-year-old racecourse,
1797 issue of the Bombay Courier. "This is to
declared a Grade II-B heritage site in the 1995
Heritage Regulations of Greater Bombay, is now give notice that in the course of next month a
race will be run for a purse of 50 pounds. After
under threat. The 99-year lease held by the
the race there will be breakfast for the ladies and
Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) expires
gentlemen at the race stand and a ball and
on May 31, and conservationists, corporators
and Shiv Sena leaders have been hotly debating supper in the evening," states the article. The
Bombay Turf Club, which later became the
if the land can be put to better use. Proposals
Western Indian Turf Club, was established in
include converting it into a theme park, a public
1800 at the Byculla Club. "In 1935, His Royal
garden and a memorial. The reasons for the
Highness King George V, Emperor of India,
change include limited access for RWITC nongranted permission to add the prefix 'Royal' to
members and the sub-leasing of land to
the Club's name," says the RWITC website.
restaurants without permission from the BMC.
The heritage status of the racecourse, the fact
that a part of it falls within the Coastal Regulation
Zone and its demarcation as a recreational
ground in the Development Plan ensures that
"the building potential on this site is very low,"
said Pankaj Joshi, executive director of the
Urban Design Research Institute.
The RWITC contests the claim that racing is an
elitist sport. The derby draws over 30,000
visitors, with 70% of the crowd visiting the public
enclosure where tickets cost Rs 20, said Vivek
Jain, head of marketing, RWITC.
Still, that doesn't necessarily mean that it must
remain a racecourse. "The structures need to be
retained, but heritage does not prevent you from
any change of use as long as it is
sympathetically adapted for any new function,"
said Joshi.
The chairman of the RWITC also makes a strong
case for why the racecourse should remain
under the club's control. He says that the
racecourse employs thousands, hosts weekend
farmers' markets, has a public garden and a
jogging track. The RWITC recently hosted the
Worli Festival, a live symphony performance and
a Marathi cultural festival.
It is exactly for this reason that urban designer
Harshad Bhatia believes that the racecourse
should be classified as a Grade-I heritage site.
Its Grade II-B status-it has been listed largely for
its period architectural style-protects its facade
but not its historical function.
"It would be prudent not to disturb the
racecourse at Mahalaxmi as its present location
ensures the continued existence of a large open
space. The removal of the racecourse... might
lead to its occupation by unauthorized parties,"
said chairman Khushroo N Dhunjibhoy.
"It has got natural value, historic value and gives
Mumbai a global presence," said Bhatia, adding
that it is the only top-notch racecourse in the
Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
But perhaps a decision of this magnitude
shouldn't be left to the RWITC, BMC, urban
planners or heritage activists. After all, the land
does belong to all city residents.
Bhatia said the central portion of the racecourse
"I don't see why we shouldn't let the city decide
what it needs," said Joshi. "It is mature enough
to decide."
'Bunds killing mangroves in Ratnagiri'
Chinmayi Shalya, TNN | May 22, 2013,
MUMBAI: Bunds constructed over the years to
divert water in Ratnagiri district are taking a heavy
toll on mangroves. A case study of three locationsJaigad, Bankot and Sakhartar creeks-shows that
bunds constructed by the Kharland Development
Board have destroyed mangroves spread over 200
hectares.
At Sakhartar creek near Shirgaon, a 2.5 kilometre
bund has put in peril 75 hectares of mangroves. The
study said that the mangroves were practically
destroyed. The bund was broken at some places
recently, leading to the growth of some mangroves.
The report prepared by the Bombay Natural History
Society (BNHS) states that a kilometre-long bund
A bund in Shipole slices though 83 hectares of
constructed three decades ago at Jaigad creek has
mangroves. The study said that water currently
affected mangroves spread over 108 hectares.
reaches the mangroves through two gates, but the
ongoing construction activity on the bund threatens
A recent closing down of all sluice gates but one
to block all water in the coming days.
cut off a significant flow of tidal water, causing
damage to the mangroves.
Environmentalists said the bunds would cause
massive destruction if no action was taken.
Images collected on field trips and mapping of the
area reveal that mangroves have been pushed
"The report is accurate; a vast stretch of lush
towards the margins, with the total cover shrinking mangroves faces destruction," said Debi Goenka of
to a meagre 35 hectares.
the Conservation Action Trust. "This is in violation
of the Coastal Regulation Zone notification."
"Though the purpose of the bund is not clear, it is
said that industries in the area intend to use it to
Goenka said the state had a mangrove cell to look
store fresh water in the enclosed area," said Deepak into these issues. "What is the point of having a cell
Apte, chief operating officer, BNHS, who also
if these violations continue?" said Goenka.
conducted the study.
Develop own model to study climate
change: Indian scientist
Scientists across the world run climate
models -- a computer-based system -- to
understand and predict the behaviour of
climate.
country has a monsoon model but not a climate
model.
"It will be great if India has its own climate
model to know the changes in climate at
regional level. China has two climate models
and the US has three, while India is using its
model mainly for predicting the monsoon,"
Bamzai, who is visiting India, told IANS.
Scientists across the world run climate models - a computer-based system -- to understand and
predict the behaviour of climate.
New Delhi: An Indian scientist say India must
develop its own model to study climate changes
at the regional level and take necessary
mitigation measures.
Anjuli S. Bamzai, a senior US scientist of
Indian origin said that India is amongst the
countries most vulnerable to climate change.
The system aims to answer questions such as
what might happen if greenhouse gas
concentrations double.
Climate modelling allows scientists to
understand expected changes in climate in the
next few years. Based on this, governments take
policy measures to prepare themselves to deal
with the challenges likely to be posed by
climate change.
Bamzai, program director of the Climate and
Large Scale Dynamics Program of the National
If India has its own climate model, Bamzai said,
Science Foundation (NSF), a US government
agency, said India has a historic database of 130 it can predict the changes in climate and form
policy measures to deal with it.
years of weather and it can be used for climate
modelling. The
Source: business-standard (ucannews)
Maharashtra: Old storage
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/oldstorage/1116943/0
Maharashtra villages fall back on centuries-old
reservoir systems for irrigation
Paddy-growing eastern Vidarbha, where the
region's biggest and most controversial Gosikhurd
irrigation project has been crawling to completion
for more than 25 years, is turning instead to 300year-old traditional water reservoirs.
Division, Bhandara, and the architect of the
programme. Apte says traditional water
harvesting systems have been rejuvenated
elsewhere in the country through private
initiatives , but this is the first such government
programme.
Asked if cane farming is advisable when it is seen
as the culprit behind the depletion of the water
table in western Maharashtra, Apte says, "Unlike
western Maharashtra, Vidarbha gets good rains.
With increased capacity, these tanks will have a
lot of water to recharge wells. These farmers have
been traditionally cane farmers; it had gone down
over the years."
Called maji malgujari talaos, or simply mama
talaos, these have been taken up for rejuvenation.
The revival of 21 of them in Bhandara district
under a special drive has led to a diversification in Some farmers have also started jaggery unit.
agriculture and fishing and diversion of output for Crushing in Wainganga Sugar Factory has gone
thousands of farmers.
up from 1.3 lakh tonnes to 2.10 lakh in two years.
As the other districts take up the project, Chief
These mama talaos dotting the agricultural map of Minister Prithviraj Chavan on Tuesday
Bhandara, Gondia, Chandrapur and Gadchiroli
sanctioned Rs 2 crore more for the project in
districts were a picture of neglect until the
Bhandara.
Maharashtra government undertook the revival in
2008-09. Twenty-eight reservoirs were chosen for HISTORY SHEET
de-silting, strengthening, and building shelter pits
for fisheries under the Government Machinery
200-300 years: The history of mama talaos in
Deployment Programme. The 21 fully revived till Bhandara, Gondia, Chandrapur and Gadchiroli
now store an additional seven lakh cubic metres
districts. Gond kings had brought members of the
of water, the equivalent of a minor irrigation
Kohli community from Uttar Pradesh who
project. Farmers have now been able to harvest
specialised in constructing reservoirs.
profitably not only the traditional paddy but also
the newly introduced sugarcane. The other
6,500: Number of mama talaos built in the four
outcome has been an increase in rabi coverage
districts, using a scientific ridge-to-valley
from eight hectares to 91, and summer crop
approach that is now adopted universally. Major
coverage from nothing to 79 hectares.
reservoirs were built at higher levels to help its
overflow recharge the smaller ones at lower
"Earlier, we used to get only two rounds of water. levels.
Now we get four. Our paddy output has increased
from 25 quintals per hectare to about 32," says
25%: The Kohlis' share of cess. The Gond kings
Jambhora sarpanch Kalpana Gobade. Jambhora,
gave the Kohlis written rights to collect cess,
with agriculture on 800 hectares, has a 44-hectare along with maintenance responsibility. The rest of
mama talao that irrigates 290 hectares.
the cess was deposited in the royal coffers.
President of the village fisheries society Kavdu
Mungmode says: "Our fish business has doubled.
We now produce fish worth Rs 2 lakh annually."
Since the revival, the village of 3,500 has 56
tractors. Many have diversified from fish to
prawn.
In Kesalwada, Elkazari, Chandori, Ghanod and
Amgaon, water availability and the emergence of
two sugar units have encouraged the farmers to
divert part of their land to cane. Together they
have over 400 acres of cane. "The 21 villages in
all have cane on about 1,500 acres," says Shirish
Apte, executive engineer, Small Irrigation
Malgujari: The cess was called malgujari, or
tenancy. During British rule, the builders'
community retained their rights to cess.
Maji malgujari: It means ex-tenancy, and is part
of the reservoirs' current name. The Kohlis' rights
to collect cess were taken away after
Independence. The state government took over
the tanks, carried out major repairs and started
collecting cess. Some tenants went to court; the
Supreme Court stopped cess collection. Losing
revenue, the government lost interest in the
system, encroachments followed, and the
reservoirs fell into neglect.
consultation with union minister. He opined
that taking timely and concrete decisions
relating to environmental protection is very
important and that protection of tigers is one
Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady (SP) of the issues which are inevitable.
Beltangady: Ramanath Rai meets Dr
Heggade, moots urban eco park near
Pilikula
Beltangady, May 24: State forest, ecology and
environment minister, B Ramanath Rai, visited
Dharmasthala on Thursday May 23 evening,
and held discussions with Dharmasthala
Dharmadhikari, Dr D Veerendra Heggade.
Speaking to reporters thereafter, Ramanath
Rai revealed that plans are afoot to set up an
urban eco park in a ten-acre plot near
Pilikula, Mangalore. He said that building of
this park is envisaged as a measure to create
awareness among the next generation on the
importance of environmental protection.
The minister, giving his opinion on the issue of
destruction of crops and other properties of
people living near the border of forests by
herds of elephants, informed that a report of
experts is already under consideration, and
that the government proposes to build
elephant corridors so as to mitigate the
hardships of these people. “My focus will be to
make forest department into a people-friendly
department,” he said.
During the discussions, Dr Veerendra Heggade
suggested to the minister to give importance
to plant saplings of trees which have the
potential of growing well in plains and dry
land.
D Harshendra Kumar, Beltangady block
Congress president, K Harish Kumar,
Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee
member, Rajashekhar Ajri, Bantwal taluk
panchayat member, Padmashekahr Jain,
Madhava
Mave,
Salethur
panchayat
On the issue of desirability of setting up tiger president,Manjula Mave, district Congress vice
sanctuaries, the minister said that a decision on president, D H Khader, Mayilappa Salian, and
this issue would be taken in
Satish Pilingallu, were present on the occasion.
Greenpeace hails court ban
on genetically modified
eggplant
commend the Court of Appeals for living up to its
constitutionally mandated role as protector of
constitutional rights," said Daniel Ocampo,
Greenpeace Southeast Asia Sustainable Agriculture
Campaigner.
He said the decision reflects that there are indeed
flaws and lapses in the current regulatory process for
genetically modified organisms such as Bt eggplant
which exposes the environment and people's health to
"unknown long term consequences and does not
establish their safety in any way." The governments
of 26 countries including India, China and Thailand
have banned the release of genetically modified crops
into their environments and their importation for food
Environmental group Greenpeace today welcomed a processing.
Court of Appeals order to stop field trials of Bt
eggplant. The Bt eggplant, also known as aubergine, Ocampo said the decision made by the Court of
is genetically modified to contain a ‘built-in’ quantity Appeals will have a resounding impact on the future
of bacillus thuringiensis, a pesticide.Environmental of agriculture and food production in the Philippines.
groups opposed it because its effects on human "Flaws in the government regulations have led to the
consumers are not proven to be safe and it kills pests sad state we are in, with 62 GMOs 9gewnticall
that are necessary for other living organisms to modified organaisms) imported and fed to Filipinos
flourish in soil.
without their knowledge and consent. The
environment and our farmers are exposed to eight
In its decision announced today, the court ordered the kinds of GMOs that are allowed for propagation,
respondents to "permanently cease and desist" from without knowing their long-term impacts," he said.
further conducting field trials and "protect, preserve,
rehabilitate and restore the environment in accordance
Courtesy: ucannews
with the foregoing judgment of the court." "We
Mar Thoma Church to abandon Chinese coffins
The Church found the "Swarga Petti" (heavenly box) an unfriendly product as it
takes long to decay in the soil.
Thiruvananthapuram: The Mar Thoma Syrian
Church in Kerala is discouraging its followers not
to use China-made coffins as is not “environment
friendly.” "This particular coffin pollutes the
environment and hence it should not be used," said
Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan, the supreme head
of the Church.
The Church found the "Swarga Petti" (heavenly
box) an unfriendly product as it takes long to decay
in the soil.
The Metropolitan, in an article in the latest issue of
Sabha Tharaka, the Church’s official mouthpiece,
asked people to use environment friendly products.
Even their funeral processions are taken out with
pomp and show with expensive and decorative
coffins, hiring of choirs to sing the devotional songs
and distribution of 'heavy' food packets after the
coffin ritual.
Kurian Jacob, who hails from Kottayam and
belongs to the Syrian Orthodox church, said over
the years, the generally accepted norm was to buy a
coffin which is made of rubber wood and decently
decorated. Its price started from 2,500 rupees. "The
prices of Chinese coffin starts from 10,000 rupees,"
he added.
The Church has also asked its followers to see that
The Tiruvalla-based church also asked them to tap
the sacred cloth (Sossapa, that spots a cross) which
solar energy. The Mar Thoma Church has followers is put on the body should be made of cotton and not
close to a million, mostly concentrated in central
silk, as the latter does not disintegrate.
Kerala districts. The people who adhere to the
Church are considered wealthy in comparison to
Source: Times of India
other Christians.
Importers of Chinese coffins say product is eco-friendly
They plan to expand business.
Posted on May 22, 2013, 5:16 PM
Alappuzha: Even as the Mar Thoma Church in
Kerala is discouraging Chinese coffins for not
being eco-friendly, the importers of the product
rubbished the claim saying they are on an
expansion spree.
Chembazha Importers and Exporters, a firm based
in Chengannur near Alappuzha and the only
importers of Chinese coffins in the country, is
taking its business outside the state as well.
Satheesh Thomas, who introduced Chinese coffins
in India, said the church was now insisting on ecofriendly material for burial.
“The coffins were eco-friendly, which was why
people were responding to them,” he added.
Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan, the supreme head
of the Church, had discouraged its followers to use
the particular coffin as it was an unfriendly product
and takes long to decay in the soil.
Thomas said that the Chinese coffins they supply
are made of paulownia (paulownia tormentosa)
wood which will degrade a week after the burial.
He said he was planning to cater to the needs of
everyone, including those from less affluent
backgrounds by introducing the Chinese-made
cardboard coffins.
S.Murughan, an NRI and one of the partners of
Chembazha Importers, said they were expanding
their Chinese coffin business across the country.
"The company has already set up a shop in Goa and
Mangalapuram. We have already imported several
loads of coffins from China. The Metropolitan’s
message is not an order. Hence, we don’t think it
will impact our business,” he said.
Source: deccanchronicle
Policy watch: Mining and
politics go hand in hand
http://www.dnaindia.com/money/1836935/reportpolicy-watch-mining-and-politics-go-hand-in-hand
(FIRs) were filed against illegal miners in
opposition-ruled states. In sharp contrast, not a
single FIR was filed in Maharashtra, even
though it recorded over 40,000 cases of illegal
mining in 2011-12, which in itself was higher
than around 26,000 cases registered in 200910.
In states like Rajasthan, the number of cases
recorded actually registered a decline.
Cases were filed in Andhra Pradesh only when
one of the biggest beneficiaries chose to
challenge the Congress at the hustings.
illegal mining knows no colour; reported cases
are just the tip of the iceberg.
All this underscores three major issues:
First, that illegal mining is immensely
profitable. Discussions that this correspondent
had with the tribals in Naxalite-affected region
revealed that the principal financier of such
‘terrorists’ are illegal miners. Reason: Illegal
miners do not want organized mining, or
development or even good roads in these
regions.
On December 10, 2012, Dinsha Patel, minister
for mines, prepared a statement in reply to an
unstarred question placed before the Rajya
Sabha. The content went largely unreported by
Second, the Congress is an older hand both at
the media, but the information contained
exploiting the ill-gotten gains from illegal
therein, especially the annexed table, is quite
mining, and at managing public opinion.
explosive.
Remember, illegal mining was rampant in
Karnataka even during the days of the
The table shows that even though illegal
Congress rule.
mining was most publicised in Karnataka and
Goa, the largest number of instances of illegal
mining happened in Maharashtra – where the
Congress was in power.
Interestingly, more first information reports
Third, the Opposition is no saint either. None of
the opposition members took up this table to
lambast the Congress. Clearly, they too did not
want to upset the apple cart too much.
How they slayed the food mafia using RTI
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-05-26/india/39537944_1_ration-shops-triveni-rti-application
It's easy to locate Triveni's home in the narrow lanes of the slum colony of Sundar Nagri. "Kaun? Woh RTI-wali ?"
says a youngster who offers to lead us through a maze of gullies flanked by open drains till we reach a house that
sits cheek-by-jowl with other similar haphazardly built structures. Its occupant, though, is a picture of quiet
resilience.
In 2002, Triveni became the first woman in the locality to file an RTI application and take on the powerful PDS
(public distribution system ) mafia in the area. "The ration shops in our locality opened whenever they felt like and
never gave us what was our due. Instead of 22 litres of kerosene which we were entitled to, we would sometimes
get 5 litres, sometimes none," says the mother of two.
Through the RTI application, Triveni and other women in the area found out how much ration they were entitled
to. They also found that the shops had definite timings which they had to adhere to. They also had to prominently
display details of the stock. None of this was happening. Armed with this information, the women confronted the
shop owners. Santosh, a spunky 27-year-old who filed another RTI application soon after Triveni, says the
backlash from the rationwallahs was intense. "At first, they threatened to cancel our ration cards. After we filed
complaints with the food supplies office, their henchmen started heckling us."
As the RTI campaign picked up in the area, the attacks increased. In December 2004, says Santosh, there was an
attempt on her life as a few men tried to slit her throat. The women, though, persisted with their fight. "After more
people became aware how they were being swindled by the ration shops, there was widespread anger. Quite a few
times, the people themselves took over the ration shops and distributed the ration," says Triveni. The message
finally percolated to the ration shop owners that they could not take people for granted. Today, says Santosh, who
now works with Arvind Kejriwal's NGO Parivartan, households in the area are getting their full quota of ration.
"It's funny how the people who used to heckle us earlier now treat us as VIPs. They even call us to inform when
our ration is due to arrive."
New evidence that mobile phone
radiation may be toxic
School experiment shows plants fail to thrive near
signal
calculations, emitted about the same type of radiation as
an ordinary cellphone.
Over the next 12 days, the girls observed, measured,
weighed and photographed their results. Although by
the end of the experiment the results were blatantly
obvious — the cress seeds placed near the router had
not grown. Many of them were completely dead. While
the cress seeds planted in the other room, away from the
routers, thrived.
The experiment earned the girls (pictured below) top
honors in a regional science competition and the interest
of scientists around the world.
Five ninth-grade young women from Denmark recently
created a science experiment that is causing a stir in the
scientific community.
It started with an observation and a question. The girls
noticed that if they slept with their mobile phones near
their heads at night, they often had difficulty
concentrating at school the next day. They wanted to
test the effect of a cellphone's radiation on humans, but
their school, Hjallerup School in Denmark, did not have
the equipment to handle such an experiment. So the
girls designed an experiment that would test the effect
of cellphone radiation on a plant instead.
The students placed six trays filled with Lepidium
sativum, a type of garden cress into a room without
radiation, and six trays of the seeds into another room
next to two routers that according to the girls
An young, tired-looking dog wandered
into my yard.
I could tell from his collar and wellfed belly that he had a home and was
well taken care of.
According to Kim Horsevad, a teacher at Hjallerup
Skole in Denmark were the cress experiment took place,
a neuroscience professor at the Karolinska Institute in
Sweden, is interested in repeating the experiment in
controlled professional scientific environments.
I'm sure the world will continue watching these young
women, and this experiment, for many years to come.
- Mathias Bohn
Courtesy: ucannews
The next day he was back, greeted me
in my yard, walked inside and resumed
his spot in the hall and again slept for
about an hour. This continued off and
on for several weeks.
Curious I pinned a note to his collar: 'I
would like to find out who the owner
of this wonderful sweet dog is and ask
if you are aware that almost every
afternoon your dog comes to my house
for a nap.'
He calmly came over to me, I gave him
a few pats on his head. He then
followed me into my house, slowly
walked down the hall, curled up in the
corner and fell asleep.
An hour later, he went to the door,
and I let him out.
The next day he arrived for his nap,
with a different note pinned to his
collar: 'He lives in a home with non
stopping chatting wife, 6 children, 2
under the age of 3 - he's trying to
catch up on his sleep. Can I come with
him tomorrow?
E- forward by rohinistanly@rediffmail.com
Educare Trust : Rs 25 Cr fund
to support needy students
Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
to be repaid within one to two years after completion
of studies. The selection process of deserving students
will be completly on merit basis, and each and every
deserving student will be benifited. The selection
process will comprise of a team of CODP and Educare
Trust members.
Speaking to Daijiworld, Fr Onil D’Souza, director of
CODP said, "Based on the above scheme, every year
around 400 to 600 deserving students of Mangalore
and Udupi diocese will be getting the benefits to
pursue their higher education in the field of
medicine, engineering, paramedical, MBA, MCA,
MA, LLM, journalism, BEd, BSc nursing,
undergraduation (BA, BCom, BSc, BCA, BBM,
LLB) diploma in polytechnic, ITI etc every year.”
Fr Onil Dsouza
Mangalore, May 30: Quite often we see poor students,
though they may be brilliant in studies, deprived of
opportunities to realize their dreams due to paucity of
funds. Several students who are capable of becoming
doctors or engineers are forced to opt for lesser courses
due to lack of support and financial difficulties.
But now, an NRI entrepreneur from UAE has stepped in
to reach out to such Mangalorean Catholic students, in a
way that perhaps no one in the past has ever done for
the community. This highly visionary and
magnanimous NRI, who has requested to remain
anonymous, is investing a Rs 25 crore Educare
Fund, which will be managed by a team of trustees
and well-wishers, with the blessing and good wishes
from Bishop of Mangalore Dr Aloysius D'Souza.
Canara Organisation for Development and Peace
(CODP - a non-governmental organization voluntary
agency operating in the coastal Karnataka districts of
Dakshina Kannada and Udupi and Kasargod in Kerala),
an institute under Mangalore diocese which has
rendered yeoman service to the poor and needy from
past several years will involve in the execution of this
dream project which is expected to help thousands of
poor students in the coming years.
The Educare Trust will disburse the reserved amount
over a period of five years and then on the scheme will
continue by repayment of “interest-free loans” from the
students back to the Educare Trust. This scheme by the
NRI family, in collaboration with CODP, is a
compulsorily refundable interest-free loan which is
Fr Onil further said, “Merit students from poor families
whose income is below Rs 2 lac per annum can apply
for this facility. Meanwhile, priority will be given to
orphans and to those students whose families are
affected by tragedies and life-threatening diseases.
"Once the applications are received, interview of the
students who have applied will be taken in order to
make sure that they are deserving candidates. The final
list of students will be forwarded to Educare Trust
which will then disburse the funds to the students,"
added Fr Onil.
Applications are available with parish priests or with
CODP.
Last date to submit the application is June 30, 2013
for degree students and July 31, 2013 for other
courses.
The application for Educare interest-free loan can
also be downloaded from CODP website:
www.codpindia.com
or CLICK HERE to download application
Applications are to be sent to:
CODP (Canara Organization for Development and
Peace)
Kadri Hills, Nanthoor,
Bejai Post,
Mangalore - 575004
Phone : (0824) 2221580, 2222004,
Fax : 2222004
Email : codpindia@gmail.com
FEW READERS’ COMMENTS IN THE DIAJIWOLRD FOR THE ABOVE REPORT
ISMAIL.K.PERINJE, PERINJE-YANBU/KSA
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Good initiative and needy students will benefit immensely. Their dream of becoming professional and this initiate
definitely have hope for ambitious student to peruse their study further.Again this PILOT PROJECT initiative will
motivate other community wealthy individuals or group wealthy individuals to follow the suit.
Lydia Lobo, Kadri
Saturday, May 25, 2013
"priority will be given for orphans and to those students whose families are affected by tragedies and lifethreatening diseases". That is too touching. Thank you for this arrangement of helping the poor.
Please also arrange out-sourcing/placement opportunity to students form colleges/institutes in rural areas. Many
poor students complete graduation with great difficulty and find no way to go ahead after that because of distance
form cities and less job opportunity in villages.
kurt waschnig, Oldenburg Germany
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Up to now hundreds of million of Indians are illiterate. And especially this situation is a tremendous challenge for
the Government of India. It is urgent time to invest into education and infrastructure. This is the only way to
develop India and to make India a regional superpower.
And it is a good news for meritorious students that a NRI philanthropist from Mangalore has set up a trust called
Educare in Mangalore with a view of helping needy students from Mangalorean community by contributing a large
share of his income.
It should go without saying that talented young students should have the possibility to study at an university and to
fulfil their dreams to achieve an excellent academic education.
The scheme by the NRI, is a compulsorily refundable interest-free loan which is to be repaid within one year after
completion of studies.
408 students will profit. This is really amazing and hats off to the gentleman from Mangalore, who is so generous.
Probably 408 students will be able to fulfil their dreams and after their studies they will have one year time to pay
back the loan.
This is what the FATHER OF THE NATION wanted, opportunities for all Indians.
Best regards
Kurt Waschnig Oldenburg Germany
email: oldenburg1952@yahoo.de
John DSilva, Karkala/Mumbai
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Good news to the deserving meritorious students. Its a first of it kind scholarship with a refundable clause.
Congratulations to Educare Trust and CODP. Both of you together have fulfilled the much needed scholarship
facility on an on going basis. I have one humble request. You may consider giving some scholarship to brilliant
children who could be trained to civil/defence services exam of state as well as central. This will our youth to opt
for civil/defence services.Wish both the organisations best of luck and support from the society.
Antony Cony D Souza, Karkala / Qatar
Thursday, May 30, 2013
There is more joy in giving than receiving. Christian Joy will double for those who silently contribute for Christ’s
cause for they follow “ let your other hand know not” . I am glad to confess today that I have seen vigorous
development in CODP since Fr. Onil D’ Souza played the role of a Director. Today is a good opportunity to say
“THANK YOU’ to all Most importantly , Bishop of Mangalore, Dr. Aloysius D’ Souza.
Gabriel Dsouza, Mangalore
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Dear Donor,
Kindly reveal your name - for the sake of beneficiaries who really wanna remember your service and timely
financial help in realizing dreams of good careers. Keeping anonymous is not a good way to do service.
Beneficiary has the right to know who is giving help, and intern recognize the significant contribution from donor.
There is nothing wrong to reveal name - atleast to the beneficiaries of your gesture. Great philosophers - Jesus,
Buddha, Gandhi, Pigamber, Mahaveer, Nanak etc., great inventors - who selflessly sacrificed their lives n personal
life for the benefit of humankind, are all not for hiding their identities. A noble soul will not aim for glory and
fame, but the beneficiaries definitely need address to acknowledge the donor. It will help beneficiaries to
contribute back to society what they have received in their upbringing. More than the Financial Help, it is the
moral, ethical, and enlightened vision that beneficiary will encounter with the donor, will go a long way in
impacting many ore lives in positive way. Appreciations must go to this donor, and must be a motivation for many
more well-to-do personalities to come forward and help generously to the needy.
Alwyn Maxim, Mangalore/UAE
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Really a surprise for me to see one of the beautiful creation of our Lord on this beautiful Earth/Land. What a
generosity and kind hearted human being, he and his whole family and generation will be blessed.. This is not his
own decision but came from his ancestor and this good work, will keep on going. When we pray (The poor n
needy ) to Almighty.. he shower his blessing through this humble creation, help comes from like a angle. Like
congratulate and shower blessings of the Almighty, good health and peace of mind n long life. Even, congratulate
to whole team (Organisation) of CODP for their efforts to bring this scheme and support. May Lord Heavenly
Father, shower his blessings n strength to continue this good cause. Happy to support for this good cause, if God's
wish I will the member for this organisation.
Aadil Khan, Kasaragod, Saudi Arabia
Thursday, May 30, 2013
An excellent initiative by the NRI entrepreneur. I am sure this is going to benefit a good number of needy students
of christian community who aspire to become doctors, engineers and other professionals.
Receiving interest free loans for higher education is something great as in these days people reluctant to impart
even 100 rupees without foreseeing any gain from the receiver. Really appreciable of the gesture by this
anonymous gentleman. Muslim business tycoons should see and learn from this.
THERESA LOBO, Mukamar-Sharjah
Thursday, May 30, 2013
What a beautiful thought for investing money for the poor and needy students for their education. Eventhough
there are so many rich people are there but this thought so far not come and it is a very big amount. I just want to
pray for the NRE Man and his family the good health and long life. May God shower his choicest blessings on
them. May God bless them more and more. Dear Daijiworld Thank you for sharing this news.
KRPrabhu, Mangalore/Bengalur
Thursday, May 30, 2013
This is the goodnes of D.K.people/soil of kudla..Where ever they are thinking good for their home
dist/tulunaadu.Thee gesture of Educare Trust is just a light for poor bright students and like doctor giving sight to a
blind.I have no words to describe the person who has initiated this godly task.May almighty god bless the
concerned and also those students who are forthcoming to seek the help to brighten their future......
Mahesh S Kotian, MLR/SMG
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Today Education has become a thriving bussiness which poor people cannot afford .Good news is that there are
people who selflesly sacrifice their fortune to provide higher education to the needy without aspiring for any
credit.Hats off to you sir.But please extend it to all communiteis.
government and instead demand immediate
Christian organization bats for
reconstruction of the destroyed houses. A sit
evicted families
in protest against land acquisition underway
at Kabo Leikai (Photo: kanglaonline.com)
It alleged that the state government
demolished three churches.
The pressure group appealed to civil bodies,
philanthropic organizations, human rights
Imphal: The All Manipur Christian
activists and well wishers to reach out to the
Organization (AMCO) has called upon the
victims. It is learnt that the victims have
state government to come up with a
already moved the court to restore their
solution for 26 families who were allegedly
homesteads at Kabo Leikai.
evicted from Imphal.
The state government, with the purpose of
setting up a five-star hotel, demolished the
houses and the churches of Kabo Leikai area
a few days ago.
Some of the affected families are putting up
at hotels, others at makeshift camps at the
spot, while the remaining are taking shelter
at their relatives and friends' houses, the
organization stated.
"The government's move of evicting people
from Kabo Leikai reflects its insensitivity, if
not arrogance," AMCO said in a statement.
AMCO said the eviction drive was carried out
despite fervent pleas by the victims to give
them a few more days.
It said that enough time should've been
given by the government to the victims to
ensure they get compensation or relocation
assistance even if the eviction was
inevitable.
It also alleged that the state government
demolished three churches but left the
shrine of another religion in the same area
untouched.
Also known as the Naga river lane, Kabo
Leikai is located adjacent to the state-run
Hotel Imphal. A joint action committee
(JAC) set up against the eviction has
decided that the affected people would not
accept any compensation from the
"It is unbecoming of the government to
show such open discrimination against a
religious group when we live in a secular
country," it added.
Source: Times of India
Kundapur: Billava Sangha
organizes meaningful mass
marriage ceremony
Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (SP)
Kundapur, May 27: A mass marriage function
arranged here on Sunday May 26 at Narayana Guru
Kalyana Mantap by Billavara Samaja Seva Sangha for
boys and girls hailing from Billava community, proved
to be a roaring success because of elaborate
arrangements and support of all the concerned. On
arrival, would-be brides and grooms were presented
with Mangalasutra, saris, ringlets, Kurtas, pajamas,
customary headgears and Basingas by honorary
president of the organization, Suresh S Poojary,
president, Narayan T Poojary, along with other guests.
Speaking thereafter, they expressed the notion that
marriages should always remain simple, as otherwise
the parents concerned fall into the debt trap.
“Our community is financially backward in general.
Therefore, the Sangha imbibed the concept of
organizing simple marriages three years back. So far, 18
couples have entered wedded life through our mass
marriage project. The couples who exchange nuptial
vows here should lead a meaningful life by honestly
sharing everything including discharge of duties,
finances, and sex life among themselves, and nurturing
profound love and trust for each other,” they said. The
newlyweds were made to pledge to follow these ideals
and strive to contribute to bring laurels to their
community.
On Sunday, seven couples tied the wedding knots.
Satish and Saroja, Santosh and Anita, Shashikant and
Susheela, Chandrashekhar and Nagaratna, Ravi and
Shubhavati, as well as Raghuram and Shanta followed
the religious procedures, and were declared husbands
and wives.
Sharada Karkera from Mumbai Billava Jagruti Balaga,
Purushottam Kotian, G S Karkera, Gangadhar Amin,
Monappa Poojary Mangalore, Krishnappa Poojary
Hassan, Bhaskar Poojary Bangalore, B M Balekere
Bangalore, Bhaskar Poojary Bangalore, Vasant Kumar
Bijoor, Kody Gopal Mumbai, Bhaskar Billava Mumbai,
Sadanand Poojary, Mani Gopal, and a number of other
dignitaries, office bearers and members of the Sangha
were present.
INDIA : A new future for Christians in Karnataka Bangalore (Agenzia Fides via
CNUA) There may be a different future: made of respect for human rights, dialogue,
justice and harmony for Christians in Karnataka, one of the major Indian States.
After the local elections on May 5, the Hindu extremist party "Bharatiya Janata
Party" (BJP, "Indian People's Party"), obtained only 40 seats in the Parliament of
Karnataka, while the majority went to the Congress party, which obtained 121
seats, out of a total of 223. In a note sent to Fides Agency, the Archbishop of
Bangalore, Bernard Moras, informs that he met the newly elected head of
government, Siddaramaiah, bringing greetings from the Council of Bishops of
Karnataka, expressing hope on behalf of all Christians in the area. The Archbishop
stressed the opportunity for Christians to be more involved and present in places of
government, public entities and institutions. Fr. Faustine Lobo, priest of Bangalore
and National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in India, explains to Fides
Agency: "Today there is more confidence among the population. One can build a
new social and religious atmosphere. The BJP was defeated for several reasons: it is
divided into various factions; was the protagonist of a bad administration and cases
of corruption, even three ministers were arrested; used the approach of
'communitarianism', pushing for a policy of division and discrimination against
minorities. The people did not like and did not renew confidence in the BJP. Today,
the Congress Party has a good opportunity to show a policy of good governance,
which could lead to good results, because in a year and a half there will be national
elections. The results of the vote in Karnataka are a warning to the BJP and for the
entire nation: to foment social and religious unrest does not pay. As a Church we
have always promoted and will continue to promote an approach based on dialogue
and harmony among different communities. We look forward to a future of peace
and development for Christians in Karnataka ". According to a recent report by the
NGO "Catholic Secular Forum", Karnataka is at the apex in cases of inter-communal
and inter-religious violence, with more than 1,000 attacks against Christians in
2011, an average of 3-5 attacks per day. - http://www.fides.org
HEALTH : Why is cancer so common? (BBC via
CNUA) Hundreds of thousands of people are
diagnosed with cancer every year in the UK. It is
not one disease; there are over 200 different
types, each with its own methods of diagnosis and
treatment.
What is cancer? - Cancer starts when cells in our
bodies start to reproduce out of control, forming
new, abnormal cells. These abnormal cells form
lumps, known as tumours. If the cells from
tumours cannot spread, then the tumours are
benign. They are not cancerous and can usually
be removed. If the cells are able to invade nearby
healthy tissue and organs, causing further
tumours to grow, then the tumours are malignant.
These cells are cancer cells and are likely to
spread if untreated.
What causes cancer? Every cell in our body
contains DNA. It carries our genetic code and
contains the instructions for all the cell's actions.
If the DNA inside cells is damaged, these
instructions go wrong. Most of the time, the cells
repair the DNA or die. But cancer cells do not
die. Instead they start to follow instructions that
make them reproduce and grow, producing more
and more cancer cells. These new cells in turn
will contain the mutated DNA. Smoking or too
much exposure to the sun can trigger DNA
damage. A family history of cancer can also
increase chances of getting the disease. Even
when in remission, those who have had the
disease have a higher risk of it developing again.
In most cases however, the cause is not yet
known. A recent study has found that there are
more than 80 genetic markers that can increase
the risk of developing breast, prostate or ovarian
cancer. Scientists believe the results could soon
lead to DNA testing for cancer.
Why is it so deadly? Cancer cells are able to
invade other parts of the body, where they grow
and form new tumours. They spread by getting
into the body's blood or lymph vessels and
travelling to other parts of the body. For example,
if bowel cancer has spread through the wall of the
bowel itself, it can start growing on the bladder. If
cells enter the bloodstream they can travel to
distant organs, such as the lungs or brain. Over
time, the tumours will then replace normal tissue.
The process of cancer cells spreading is called
metastasis. Once a cancer has started to spread
beyond its original site, known as the primary
tumour, the chances of a cure often begin to fall,
as it becomes more difficult to treat. Cancer
harms the body in a number of ways. The size of
the tumour can interfere with nearby organs or
ducts that carry important chemicals. For
example, a tumour on the pancreas can grow to
block the bile duct, leading to the patient
developing obstructive jaundice. A brain tumour
can push on important parts of the brain, causing
blackouts, fits and other serious health problems.
Why is it so hard to stop? Cancer is an extremely
complex condition. Each type of cancer is
biologically different from any other type. For
example, skin cancer is biologically different
from the blood cancer called lymphoma, of which
there are then hundreds of different types. That is
then coupled with genetic differences between
individuals and the random nature of the DNA
mutations that cause cancer. All this makes
effective treatments hard to develop.
How common is cancer? More than one in three
people will develop some form of cancer during
their lifetime. In 2009, 320,467 new cases of
cancer were diagnosed in the UK. (Source: NHS
Choices) Early surgery to remove tumours can
work. But the cancer can return if any cells are
left behind. It can also return if cells have broken
away from the primary tumour before an
operation to remove it. And because cancer cells
are our own body's cells, many treatments to
destroy them also risk destroying our healthy
cells. One controversial theory of why cancer is
so hard to stop is that it is rooted in the ancient
traits of our genes. Prof Paul Davies from
Arizona State University believes cancer may use
tried-and-tested genetic pathways going back a
billion years to the dawn of multicellular life,
when unregulated cell growth would have been an
advantage. He argues that this tendency was
suppressed by later, more sophisticated genes, but
lies dormant in all living organisms. Cancer
occurs when something unlocks these ancient
pathways. Other scientists disagree, saying that
these pathways would not have survived millions
of years of evolution.
The future of cancer research - The field of cancer
research is moving away from defining a cancer
by where it is in the body, as one type of breast
cancer can have more in common with an ovarian
cancer than another cancer in the breast. Instead
scientists are looking deeper at what is going
wrong inside cancerous cells - a tumour can have
100,000 genetic mutations and these alter over
time. By pinpointing the mutations that can cause
certain cancers, doctors hope to personalise
treatment - choosing the drug most likely to work
on a particular type of tumour. Scientists are
creating targeted cancer therapies using their
latest insights into cancer at a molecular level.
These treatments block the growth of cancer by
interfering with molecules specifically involved
in tumour growth and progression. Clinical trials
using gene therapy are also underway. This
experimental treatment involves adding genetic
material into a person's cells to fight or prevent
disease. - http://www.bbc.co.uk
Breastfeeding good for mother’s BP:
study
the protective effect of breastfeeding increases with the
length of time breastfeeding,” said Dr. Lind, a senior
lecturer in molecular biology and genetics.
Melbourne, May 27 (PTI) : Breastfeeding is not only
good for the baby, it also has health benefits for moms!
Breastfeeding lowers a mother’s odds of developing
high blood pressure even decades later, a new study has
found.
She said that this is the first study to show the link
between breastfeeding and high blood pressure within
Australian women.
Researchers from the University Of Western Sydney
School Of Medicine found the longer a woman
breastfed, the lower her odds of developing high blood
pressure before the age of 64. The benefits of
breastfeeding are diminished after 64 years of age, the
study found.
The researchers investigated the relationship between
breastfeeding history and the prevalence of high blood
pressure in 74,785 Australian women who were aged 45
years and over.
Data for the research was drawn from the 45 and Up
Study - a large scale study of healthy ageing involving
over 260,000 men and women in New South Wales, and
the largest study of its kind in the southern hemisphere.
Principal researcher on the study, Dr. Joanne Lind from
the UWS School of Medicine, said the findings
reinforce the importance of breastfeeding for both child
and mother. “Hopefully this research will add to the
discussion between women and their physicians and
midwives. Whenever possible, women should be
encouraged to breastfeed as long as possible as
Dr. Lind said the reasons for the reduced likelihood of
having high blood pressure in women who breastfeed
are still unknown, however it is possible that hormones
released while breastfeeding provide long term benefits
to the mother’s cardiovascular system. “Despite us not
fully understanding the protective mechanism,
breastfeeding history should now be considered when
assessing a patient’s likelihood of having high blood
pressure in later life,” she said.
Dr. Lind said the current World Health Organisation
(WHO) recommendations encourage breastfeeding for a
minimum of six months per child.
The study found that women aged 45 to 64 years, who
had breastfed for more than 6 months in their lifetime,
or more than 3 months per child, had a lower likelihood
of having high blood pressure. “This study provides
further support for the WHO recommendations, as both
the total amount of time a woman spends breastfeeding
in her lifetime, and the length of time she spends
breastfeeding each child, are associated with a
significant reduction in the likelihood of having high
blood pressure,” Dr. Lind said.
The study was published in the American Journal of
Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Tourists at Bom Jesus Basilica asked to cover up
The church authorities have started providing shawls to visitors who are dressed
inappropriately.
Panaji: The authorities at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa have started screening the
visitors who come to see the interiors of the 16th century baroque-styled monument. The church
authorities have begun providing shawls to visitors at the Basilica who are dressed
inappropriately.
The tourists who are inappropriately dressed have to wear the shawl before they go in and
return once they conclude their visit to the Jesuit monument housing the sacred relics of Jesuit
saint and patron of the missions St. Francis Xavier. The rule applies for both men and women,
as it was found that it was not only women who dress scantily but men too saunter in wearing
singlet and are made to either wear a shirt if they have one or a shawl.
Rector of the Basilica Fr. Savio Barreto said that the move was a result of a decision taken ‘long
ago’ following complaints from the faithful that it was unacceptable and portrayed a complete
lack of respect and decorum on the part of the tourists, both in their attire as well as their talk as
it was not in keeping with the decorum of the place.
“This was something we had said we would do and would put up boards that all tourists should
be dressed appropriately if they wish to enter the Basilica. Many people had complained that the
tourists were not dressing properly and were offended by it,” Fr Barreto said, adding that the
shawls were being handed over by the volunteers at the Basilica.
More than a year ago, the church authorities had installed a signboard asking tourists to dress
appropriately and maintain decorum. However, the written directions did not work, bringing
about the need to give shawls to the tourists.
Courtesy: ucannews
Pope Francis Provides Swiss Guard Chair, Snacks
Pope Francis continues to break Vatican traditions, this time it involves the Swiss Guards.
According to reports, the new pontiff left his apartment at Domus Marta and went out into
the hall where he found a Swiss Guard standing at attention outside his door.
He asked him, "And what are you doing here? Were you awake all night?
"Yes," the guard answered.
Surprised to learn that the guard had been standing all night, with only a brief break when a
colleague relieved him, the pope asked the guard if he was not tired, to which the former
replied, "It's my duty Your Holiness, for Your safety."
The returned to his apartment, and after a few minutes came back with a chair in his hand.
"At least sit down and rest," he told the shocked guard, who replied, "Forgive me, but I can't!
The rules don't allow it."
He explained he could not because of the rules set by the captain of the guards.
"Oh, is that so? Well, I'm the Pope and I am asking you to sit down," the head of the 1.2-billion
Roman Catholic Church replied.
The guard happily complied with the papal bull and even partook of some bread and jam that
the former Buenos Aires archbishop known as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio also provided
him, with the parting words, "Buon appetito, brother."
That incident, shared over Facebook, is one of the many stories indicating how humble and
different is Pope Francis from other high and mighty Vatican officials, including his
predecessor Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
Besides shunning red Prada shoes, the luxurious papal apartment and a Mercedes Benz
popemobile, Pope Francis in his one-month reign, had broken protocol by straying away from
his security, breaking barricades and embracing the pilgrims at Vatican Square.
The different style of the pontiff prompted one Italian newspaper to comment that if he
continues to break Vatican tradition, it would drive the Swiss Guards crazy.
However, a Swiss Guard who protected Pope John Paul II in the 1980s, admitted that while
the pope has to balance security issues with his mission of engaging the public, it is the guards
who has to adjust, not the pontiff.
"The first priority of the papacy is not security. The first priority of the papacy is his ministry.
Having the pope go in St. Peter's Square and things like that - that's never going to change.
That's part and parcel of what he does," WPTV quoted Andreas Widmer, a former Swiss Guard.
Pope John Paul II proved that when despite the assassination attempt on him in 1981, agreed
to use a bulletproof popemobile afterward, but refused to wear bulletproof vests in public.
Yoga & Christianity
Yoga and Christianity: More Than What Meets
the Eye
New Book Warns of Possible Dangers
By Father John Flynn, LC
ROME, NOV. 30, 2012 (Zenit.org).- The popularity of
yoga and various forms of Eastern philosophies and
meditation methods has grown enormously in recent
years. Questions remain, however, as to what extent
they are compatible with Christianity.
The latest contribution to the debate over this topic is a
book just published by an Australian De La Salle
brother, Max Sculley, titled "Yoga, Tai Chi, Reiki: A
Guide for Christians" (Connor Court Publishing).
These techniques are widely recommended as being
good for fitness and relaxation, and few would at first
see anything dangerous about them, Bishop Julian
Porteous, one of Sydney's auxiliary bishops, commented
in his foreword to the book.
However, he warned, "The world into which the
practitioner is introduced is inimical to the Christian
faith."
While some of the practices they promote may be
helpful at a superficial level they are, Bishop Porteous
adverted, "a Trojan horse for dangerous spiritual
infiltration."
Brother Sculley explained that one of the main
problems lies in the promotion of altered states of
conscience. This, he noted, is a practice designed to lead
people to experience a sense of oneness with the cosmos
and the divine and to enable feelings of bliss. It brings
with it, however, dangers ranging from mental illness to
demonic influence.
Many Christians who practice yoga, tai chi and similar
techniques do so without any desire to embrace the
underlying philosophy or spiritual beliefs, yet, he
commented, the mind-altering techniques in themselves
bring with them serious spiritual risks.
In the section on yoga he explained that it is
inextricably linked to the religious beliefs of Hinduism,
which is in contradiction with Christianity on many
fundamental points.
Karma
Pantheism, belief in reincarnation, and the idea that this
mortal life is not worth living are just some of the nonChristian aspects of yoga, Brother Sculley noted.
Karma, he added, is also a very non-Christian concept
as it involves the concept of a strict justice based on an
impersonal god, with no place for forgiveness or mercy.
"This is in complete contrast to Christianity in which
Jesus Christ through his suffering, death and
resurrection atones for our sins," he commented.
In addition, the belief in yoga that the only reality is the
divine essence in all created things, and that whatever is
visible is just a passing mirage, is in stark contrast to the
Christian belief of a cosmos being created by God
Brother Sculley quoted one of the best-known
promoters of yoga, Deepak Chopra, who said that
performing yoga on a regular basis will lead to a change
in the mind and emotions.
Passing on to tai chi, the author commented that this too
is often considered to be a means to good health and
reducing stress. In common with what underlies yoga,
however, it also involves altered states of conscience
and the belief that one can become divine.
Tai chi teachers, he explained, affirm that it is based on
the philosophy of Taoism and not on religion. What this
fails to explain, he added, is that Taoist philosophy is
itself a system of religious beliefs that are in conflict
with the beliefs of Christianity.
Chi is presented as some kind of life-force, but
according to the underlying philosophy all created
things are divine manifestations of chi and the ultimate
purpose of tai chi is to enable the practitioner to become
divine, Brother Sculley affirmed.
He also pointed out that Taoism seeks to explain all
reality in terms of yin and yang. What this means is that
there are no moral absolutes, all is relative and the
Christian terms of good and evil have no place.
"Even if one seeks to distance oneself from the chi
philosophy, the techniques involved in this meditation
in movement are such as to significantly alter the
practitioner's state of consciousness," he argued.
Some Christians, he admitted, do not accept the
philosophy behind it or any of the mind-altering
techniques. "Any tai chi master would deplore such a
hollowed out version of the art," which he added, would
not be tai chi but just a form of calisthenics.
Healing
Reiki is another widespread practice, promoted as a
healing technique. It is, he explained, composed of two
Japanese words that mean literally universal divine
energy.
It involves a pantheistic belief and the affirmation that
all humans have the capacity to become divine.
Moreover, Reiki promotes reincarnation and the concept
of a supreme divinity essentially different from that of
the Christian faith.
Christian healing, Brother Sculley explained, takes
place in an atmosphere of faith in the healing power of
Christ and is accompanied by the confession of sin. In
Reiki no faith is required, and sin and evil do not exist.
Not for nothing, he added, in 2009 the U.S. Conference
of Catholic Bishops published a statement explaining
that Reiki healing is not Christian and that it contains
elements of a religion.
Brother Sculley's book provides a thoughtful reflection
on what lies behind practices that are widely accepted
by many Christians, who are unaware of what underlies
them.
e-forward: Flavia Maria Thecla Fernandes
GEM PLUS
APPEAL FOR MEDICAL HELP
An appeal
Courtesy: Examiner
Sir, My son, Allan Almeida, 25
years old [a parishioner of St John
the Evangelist Church, Marol,
Andheri (E)] met with a road
accident on March 19, 2010.
Since then, we have been visiting
various hospitals such as Riddhi
Vinayak Critical Care and
Cardiac Centre (Malad), Nanavati
Hospital (Vile Parle), Saifee
Hospital (Charni Road), Jaslok
Hospital (Grant Road), etc. For
some time, we had admitted him
in a private nursing home, as my
wife Olga and I are senior
citizens. We have spent over Rs
20 lakhs to date.
My son Allan is diagnosed with
severe Traumatic Brain Injury
(Diffuse Axonal Injury). He is not
fully conscious and he is
dependent for his daily needs, as
he is completely bedridden. We
have two physiotherapists to give
him regular exercise. The
monthly expenses are almost Rs
45,000/- and that is beyond our
means.
Kindly draw a cheque favouring
Mr Cyril Almeida, A/C #
1206937952, Central Bank of
India, Andheri (E) and send it to
Mr Cyril Almeida, resident of C9, Ankur Hsg Soc, Kadamwadi,
Marol, Andheri (E), Mumbai –
400 059.
Courtesy: Daijiworld.com
Ananda (41), residing at 1-37/1, Hosa House, Shamburu, Bantwal
taluk – 574 231,
Ananda (41), son of the late Veerappa Poojary and Girija, residing at 1-37/1,
Hosa House, Shamburu, Bantwal taluk – 574 231, has been suffering from
end stage renal disease since the last some months. Father Muller Medical
College Hospital, Mangalore, which has made this diagnosis, has prescribed
lifelong renal replacement therapy in the form of haemodialysis thrice a week.
The hospital has further said that the annual expenses towards this procedure,
excluding medicines and investigations, would be around Rs 1,80,000.
The income of Ananda’s family is meager, and he needs to look after his blind
mother, wife, and an eight-year-old daughter. The family has already spent
heavily, exhausting every avenue of help and borrowing they could think of.
Having no other alternative to continue Ananda’s treatment, Saraswathi, wife
of Ananda, has requested willing donors to extend possible help.
Bank Account Details:
Savings bank account number: 01352200116642
Ananda
Syndicate Bank, Panemangalore branch,
Main Road, Paemangalore – 574 231.
IFS code: SYNB0000135
Phone: 91 91416 11322
BOMBAY YMCA COUNSELLING CENTRE & TRAINING INSTITUTE
YMCA NAVI MUMBAI BRANCH, YMCA ROAD, SECTOR-8, CBD BELAPUR, NAVI MUMBAI
PH: 022- 27576154, Mob: 9930777037, EMAIL: - ymcacounselling@gmail.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------To
24/05/2013
Dear Priest in Charge,
Greetings to you in the sweet name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
We are happy to inform you that the Bombay YMCA Counselling Centre and Training Institute is conducting
Training in Youth Counselling for 4 days from 12 to 15th June 2013 at YMCA CBD Belapur. This course is
accredited by the Association of Christian Counselors South Asia.
Need
In today’s fast world Family, Society, Community and Religious institutions to a large extent are indifferent
to the personal problems of the individual members. The Children and Youth are amongst the most
neglected. The young and not so young need individual attention and a personal approach to their problems
Initiative
The purpose of this Training is to equip, encourage, and motivate counselors and key people in the churches
and other institutions, to effectively Counsel the youth they are in contact with and so to positively
contribute towards enrichment of their lives so that each and every young person could experience
complete and abundant lives.
Designed for growing Christians who have a desire to Care in times of need, Counsel in times of confusion
and Comfort in times of Grief. Practical training for effective ministry.
Topics will include Human Development, Profile of Youth, Unique approaches to Youth counseling,
Counselling Model and Case Study, Impact of Media, Finding God’s will, Substance Abuse, Sexual Abuse,
Emotional Health and more. All sections are very interactive and creative presentations.
Date: Wednesday 12th to Saturday 15th June 2013
Venue: Bombay YMCA Navi Mumbai Branch, Sector-4, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai
Time: 8:30am to 6:30 pm.
Resource Persons: Dr. Samson Gandhi and Team from Person to Person Hyderabad
Ethos: The Workshop will be completely based on Biblical principles. Learning will take place in a trusting
environment through shared experiences.
Registration Fee: per person Rs.2, 000/- (includes food, & hand-outs). Can be paid in Cash or by
Cheque drawn in favor of Bombay YMCA and sent to us along with the duly filled registration form.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
REGISTRATION FORM
NAME
DATE OF BIRTH
TELEPHONE NUMBERS
MOBILE NO
MAILING ADDRESS
:________________________________________________________________________
:________________________________________________________________________
:________________________________________________________________________
:________________________________________________________________________
:________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
E-MAIL ID
:________________________________________________________________________
PROFESSION
:________________________________________________________________________
CHURCH
:________________________________________________________________________
MY MINISTRY INVOLVEMENT: _____________________________________________________________________
Signature
:_________________________________________ Date:________________________
GEM PLUS - LAUGH TIME
IRONY OF LIFE
Actual truth …..
   ….
Most 'First Class' students get technical
seats, some become Doctors, and some
Engineers
The 'Second Class' pass, and then get
MBA, become Administrators and
control the 'First Class'.
The 'Third Class' pass, enter politics
and
Become Ministers and control both.
Last, but not the least,
The 'Failures' join the underworld and
control all the above.
And those who do not attend any
school, become
Swamis and Gurus and Everyone goes
to them.
E-FORWARD BY Martin Kannoth
Cartoons: courtesy: internet
Published by Fr Felix Rebello
c/o St Francis Xavier Church, Panvel
Tel: 2745 5556, Email:panvelchurch@gmail.com, gemenewsletter@gmail.com
website: www.stfrancisxavierpanvel.in
GEM E-Newsletter Facebook Link
http://www.facebook.com/gemenewsletter