Post CAA & NRC what will be the status of Indian and foreign nationals who are victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation?

Panaji,December 22-As the controversy over discriminating Citizenship Amendment Act(CAA) and the proposed National Register of Citizens(NRC) is hotting up,yet another dimension of the issue is coming into debate.
What will be the status of Indian and foreign nationals who are victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation(CSE)?
As the issue is very serious in the context of Goa,a State considered a major destination for trafficking of women/girls for CSE from States within India as well as from Nepal and other source countries, we here reproduce the views of Mr. Arun Pandey, Director of Goa-based ARZ,NGO which spearheads the cause of rehabilitation of trafficked women and  children and works over the issue of curbing the CSE across the country by regularly engaging stakeholders from source States and countries including police.Generates awareness among stakeholders of tourism to alert them to the menace of trafficking for CSE:

I am one of the members of the panel constituted under section 17(5) of the panel constituted under Immoral Prevention Act, 1956,in Goa. The girls rescued from CSE by the police are produced before the panel for inquiry, to decide their custody, release and rehabilitation.
Recently, a 26-year-old girl (Muslim by birth & Hindu by practice) was produced before the panel who was rescued by the Goa police from CSE. She shared with the panel that she was born in Bangladesh and after the death of her mother,when she was around 14 years old her father brought her to Mumbai in India and sold her in a brothel.
In India, while she was being commercially sexually exploited she was given a Hindu name. She was commercially sexually exploited for around 10 years in different parts of the country and three years back when she was trafficked to Goa she was rescued by the Goa police and admitted to a State protective home. She was later repatriated to Bangladesh.
In Bangladesh she did not know anyone. Her father had died. She was given in the custody of an NGO, who after taking her custody from India authority, handed her to a distant relative. The relative forcibly got her married. After few days of her marriage her husband brought her to Mumbai and sold her for commercial sexual activity(CSA) in Mumbai and returned to Bangladesh.
In India, when she was sent by her pimp from Mumbai to Goa for CSA,she was again rescued by the police and admitted at the Protective home and produced before the panel.
When she appeared before the panel, she pleaded to the panel that she should not be sent to Bangladesh as her life will be at risk and she will be again retrafficked. She requested to be allowed to stay in India and provided rehabilitation.
As a panel member it is not uncommon to meet such victims and receive requests from them not to be repatriated to their home country as their life will be at risk once they return to their country of birth.
What happens to such victims post CAA? Will they be provided citizenship in India?
The situation of the victims who are Indian nationals is no different.  It is generally found that they do not have birth certificate, or identity proof document's such as aadhar card, voting card, ration card, passport. As a result they are unable to avail any kind of benefits provided for the socio-economic upliftment of persons below poverty or government schemes. They are unable to even claim the compensation as a victim of CSE. It will not be wrong to say that they are "personna non granta".
Now what happens to such victims? How do they prove that they are citizens of India under NRC?
Under CAA & NRC, there is a fear that the victim of CSE:
-will not approach the law enforcement agency for assistance against exploitation from pimps, due to fear of being prosecuted?
-treated as Offender instead of Victim?
-admitted to detention centre instead of rehabilitation Center?

Arun Pande,
Arz (anyay rahit zindagi),
NGO.

Goa's Morjim Sea Turtle Festival educates and sensitises stakeholders on significance of turtle nesting beach

Prakash Kamat
Panaji, December 10-Morjim Sea Turtle Festival 2019-2020, which began on November 28 2019 will continue till February 28 2020.

The Sea Turtle Festival is an awareness and outreach project by Mumbai-based Sagarshakti- Coastal and Marine research division of Vanashakti and the Goa Forest Department,in Morjim coastal village of North Goa, which prides of a fertile nesting beach for Sea Turtles.
"The festival’s end deliverable is to connect the stakeholders, locals and visitors on the beach to the prevalent importance and significance of a turtle nesting beach,"says Sarita Fernandes,co-ordinator.

The festival includes workshops on sea turtle habitat, their nesting behaviours on Morjim and other turtle nesting beaches of Goa and awareness on the on-ground conservation efforts in Morjim's nesting site.
The festival also includes screenings of sea-turtle nesting and hatching documentations and interactive sessions with tourists and like-minded souls who wish to contribute through their participation to the awareness of this marvellous marine wildlife on Morjim Beach.
Beach clean ups involving local schools and communities in the surrounding villages are organised every weekend as part of the outreach drive.

WORKSHOPS
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Goa, Subhashchandra, Range Forest Officer Vuvek Gaonkar and others have addressed the participants at a workshop, Morjim Turtle Festival 2019.
Workshops for the month of December are set into four themes of sea turtle conservation.
Week 1: Marine wildlife documentary week where filmmaker Gautam Pandey screened a short film on baby hatchlings and drift nets and conducted a session on the journey of documenting sea turtles and aiding in it’s conservation in India.
Week 2: Marine wildlife advocacy week where Mr. Stalin Dayanand would be sharing his insights on marine wildlife habitat and species conservation in India under policy and law.
Week 3: Sustainable tourism and Conservation, where we would be spending the week along with school children, responsible tourists, activists and locals to aid us in conducting sensitisation sessions on single-use plastic pollution, sound-light pollution and vehicular disturbances with the 11 beach shacks the turtle nesting beach shares.
Week 4: Challenges of Sea Turtle Conservation in Morjim and the journey so far by Sarita Fernandes. The workshop will be addressing the importance of making oneself aware of the existence of a turtle nesting beach and the global importance and significance such a biodiverse coastal area has and how one can contribute even in the smallest possible way to conservation.
BEACH CLEAN-UPS
Beach clean ups are held every weekend for three months of the festival. The presence of
single-use plastic is staggeringly high in the olive ridley nesting site along with non-degradable ghost-drift nets that are a serious threat to mother turtles and hatchlings nesting and hatching from the beach(eom)

Goa Women's Collective demands justice to victims of rape in Goa

Prakash Kamat
Panaji,December 1- As yet another gruesome rape and murder of a young girl in Telangana has drawn national outrage,Goa-based women's collective,Bailancho Saad,on Sunday condemned the incident and also expressed solidarity with all the rape survivors, their families and friends struggling for justice.
Simultaneously, convenor of Bailancho Saad Sabina Martins took the opportunity on Sunday to highlight  a shocking trend in Goa,where, according to her,complainants of rape have been harassed by the police by filing false cases, in two separate  incidents.
In one incident,a mother complained of rape against her minor daughter. The accused family started attacking them to withdraw the case. The police help line number did not respond to her till Bailancho Saad intervened.
"The partisan attitude of the police was so evident, when a 10 year old boy who was recording the verbal abuse against the rape survivor was called to the police station and admonished and police made sure that the video recording was deleted. Shockingly, the police have registered a chapter case against the rape complainant and she has to go through trial at the Deputy Collectors office,"said Ms. Martins.
In another incident when the rape survivor went to the police station to enquire, she was beaten, arrested and a false case was registered against her,alleged Ms. Martins.
What was shocking was that the police did not give her medical certificate under Right to Information Act, which incidentally clearly stated police assault,said Ms. Martins.
The police did not register a case for five months despite complaint to Directir Geneeal of Police.The CD which showed assault by the police and incidents of police violating her dignity and human rights were not given to the survivor and she had to go to High Court to quash the false case. Police Officers who are supposed to assist the complainant turned a blind eye,alleges women's collective.
When the woman sought an appointment with the Chief Minister she was not given an audience. The Heads of the Human Rights Commission and State Police Complaints Authority are not appointed hence derailing  justice delivery.
The victim compensation scheme for rape survivors is not made available when the aggrieved girl/woman needs the most. Rape survivors are made to run from pillar to post to fill forms and get the required documents. Even after the forms are filled with the requisite documents, approval obtained, the money is not given.
Bailancho Saad demands that
1. The false cases registered by the police against the rape complainants be withdrawn immediately.
2. The Heads of the State Human Rights Commission and the State Police Complaints  Authority be appointed immediately.
3 The various systems which have been put in place by the struggles of women’s movement have to be made effective by providing resources, infrastructure, personel, training and monitoring done
4 A serious intent be shown  to implement the various suggestions made to stop crimes and a follow up on the progress  be done without stopping at tokenism
Bailancho Saad is observing a fortnight from  25th November, International day for Elimination of violence against women till 10th December Human Rights Day to take stock of crimes against women and plan strategies.
"Challenging the wrongs of the executive, judiciary and political class is an arduous and expensive task which poor and vulnerable women cannot afford,"said Ms. Martin's,and urged the civil society to support them to expose the wrongs and deliver justice to the victims,which is very crucial in these times.(eom)

Prakash Kamat
Panaji

Curtains down on 50th IFFI :Italian film ‘Rwanda’ by Riccardo Salvetti winsThe ICFT –UNESCO Gandhi Medal instituted by International Council for Film,Television&Audiovisual Communication,Paris&UNESCO.

Prakash Kamat
Panaji, November 28- Particles’, French film directed by Blaise Harrison bagged the award for Best Film in IFFI 2019.
The award comes with the Golden Peacock trophy, certificate and a cash priz  e amount of Rs. 40,00,000, shared equally between the Director and the Producer. ‘Particles’ is an “ambitious yet modest film about the mysteries of being a teenager,” said the jury.
The Best Director award was given to Lijo Jose Pellissery  for the film ‘Jallikattu’, who bagged the Silver Peacock Trophy and a cash prize of Rs. 15,00,000. While Usha Jadhav was awarded the Best Actor (Female) for her portrayal of  ‘Prabha Mai’, in the Marathi film ‘Mai Ghatt: Crime No, 103/2005’ while Seu Jorge  won the Best Actor (Male) for his portrayal of Carlos Marighella in the Brazilian movie ‘Marighella. Both received the Silver Peacock Trophy and cash Prize of Rs 10,00,000 each.
Special Jury award, which carries the Silver Peacock Award and a cash prize of Rs. 15,00,000, was awarded to Pema Tseden for his Chinese movie ‘Balloon’. The film set in Tibetan grasslands got the prize for “the beauty of the film language and the authenticity of the actors”.
Centenary award for ‘Best Debut Feature Film of a Director’ was shared between Amin Sidi Boumediene for ‘Abou Leila’ and Marius Olteanu for ‘Monsters’. Abou Leila’ tells the tale of two childhood friends who crossed the desert in search of Abu Leila, a dangerous terrorist. ‘Monsters’ tells a relationship drama in three chapters that describes the current state of a couple over 24 hours. Award carries Silver Peacock, a certificate and a cash prize of Rs.10 lakhs. The Gujarathi movie ‘Hellaro’ directed by Abhishek Shah got special mention from jury for the “incredible music, it’s colour and graceful choreography”. Though set in a time 45 years ago, issue of woman’s empowerment portrayed in the film is even more relevant today, said the jury.
On the occassion, ICFT-UNESCO Fellini medal was awarded to International Film Festival of India (IFFI) on completion of its glorious 50 years. Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting Amit Khare and Festival Director Directorate of Film Festivals Chaitanya Prasad received the award on behalf of IFFI.
Italian film ‘Rwanda’ directed by Riccardo Salvetti won The ICFT –UNESCO Gandhi Medal instituted by the International Council for Film, Television and Audiovisual Communication, Paris and UNESCO. The medal bears a portrait of Gandhi engraved by the French artist Pierre-Yves Tremois. Etched underneath is Mahatma’s message of hope : “ In the midst of darkness light prevails”
‘Bahattar Hoorain, the Indian movie directed by Sanjay P. Singh Chauhan got the special mention under ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi medal category.
The closing ceremony of IFFI 2019 was anchored by Sonali Kulkarni and Kunal Kapoor. The ceremony also witnessed enthralling performance by Hariharan and Lesle Lewis of Colonial Cousins who kept the audience spellbound with their mesmerising music while Tanushree Shankar choreographed a series of spectacular dance performances on the theme ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’.
The festival opened with the Asian premiere of Italian film ‘Despite the Fog’. 26 feature films and 15 non feature films are screened in Indian panorama section. Russia was the focus country.
Isabelle Anne Madeleine Huppert was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award at the opening ceremony of IFFI Golden jubilee.
Rajinikanth was conferred the 'Icon Of Golden Jubilee Award' for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema, a first time award beginning with the 50th edition.
This year, the International Competition consisted of 15 movies out of which two are made by Indians.
Festival Kaleidoscope section of 50th IFFI showcased 20 films handpicked and curated from various parts of the world.  World Panorama section had 64  films which are specially curated for the festival. IFFI also showcased  24 films which were or are in the race for the Oscars.
Eight irenowned films including one Indian movie competed for the coveted ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal.
10 Oscar Award Winning Films were screened at Oscar Retrospective section.
In a mark of respect to the women filmmakers in industry, IFFI featured 50 films from World Cinema directed by 50 strong Women Filmmakers that have won billions of hearts worldwide. A section of Films to the Indian New Wave Cinema. This selection includes 12 films produced in India from the late 1950s to the late 1970s that were distinct.
IFFI 2019 also showcased six of the best films by Amitabh Bachchan in a separate Dadasaheb Phalke Award retrospective section honoring the star’s achievement.
The Restored Classics Section showcased two pioneering films-Kalpana by Uday Shankar and Titas Ekti Nadir Naam by  Ritwick Ghatak which have been restored. In order to venerate an Asian filmmaker and earmark a section to his works IFFI 50 showcased the films of Japanese filmmaker Takashi Miike.
IFFI, in its 50th year also dedicated a section for films, released in 1969, which turned 50 this year. Notable Films from the host state Goa are showcased through the ‘The Goan Story’ Section consisting of six films.  Spreading the message of accessibility and inclusion, IFFI also screened three films with audio description for differently abled under ‘Accessible India – Accessible Films’ section.(eom)

‘Particles’ wins the Golden Peacock Award at IFFI 2019

Prakash Kamat
Panaji,November 28-'Particles’ directed by Blaise Harrison and produced by Estelle Fialon won the coveted Golden Peacock Award at the 50th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), which concluded in Goa on Thursday,November 28.
The Golden Peacock Award carries a cash prize ofRs 40 lakhs to be shared equally between the Director and the Producer, Trophy and the citation. ‘Particles’ is an “ambitious yet modest film about the mysteries of being a teenager,” said the jury.
Lijo Jose Pellissery conferred Best Director Award for ‘Jallikattu’
Lijo Jose Pellissery won the Best Director Award for his film ‘Jallikattu’. This Malayalam film is the portrait of a remote village where a buffalo escapes and causes a frenzy of ecstatic violence. In a story that starts as man versus wild, it doesn't take that long before man becomes the wild. The jury said that they honour the “intricate and complex choreography of this very original and anarchic film”.
The Best Director gets the Silver Peacock Award, a citation and a cash prize of Rs 15 lakhs.
 Seu Jorge gets Best Actor (Male) Award
The Best Actor (Male) Award has gone to Seu Jorge for his portrayal of Carlos Marighella in the Brazilian movie ‘Marighella’. He bagged the award for “ the powerful and charismatic portrayal of a revolutionary, very relevant in our increasingly authoritarian times”.
Usha Jadhav gets Best Actor (Female) Award
The Best Actor (Female) Award has gone to Usha Jadhav for her portrayal of  ‘Prabha Mai’, in the Marathi film ‘Mai Ghatt: Crime No. 103/2005’. Usha Jadhav got the coveted prize for her “understated and powerful performance of a mother defending her child’s honour against the injustice of a corrupt system”.
Both Best Actor (Male) and Best Actor (Female) are honoured with the Silver Peacock Trophy, certificate and a cash prize of Rs 10 lakhseach.
Special Jury Award for Pema Tseden’s ‘Balloon’
Pema Tseden walked away with the Special Jury Award for his film ‘Balloon’. The film set in Tibetan grasslands got the prize for “the beauty of the film language and the authenticity of the actors”.
The Special Jury Award carries a cash prize ofRs 15 lakhs, a Silver Peacock Award and a citation.
Amin Sidi Boumediene and Marius Olteanu receives Award for ‘Best Debut Feature Film of a Director’ for ‘Abou Leila’ and ‘Monsters’
Centenary Award for ‘Best Debut Feature Film of a Director’ is shared between Amin Sidi Boumediene for ‘Abou Leila’ and Marius Olteanu for ‘Monsters’. Abou Leila’ tells the tale of two childhood friends who crossed the desert in search of Abu Leila, a dangerous terrorist. ‘Monsters’ tells a relationship drama in three chapters that describes the current state of a couple over 24 hours.
Award carries Silver Peacock, a certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 10 lakhs
Special mention for ‘Hellaro’
‘Hellaro’ directed by Abhishek Shah earned special mention from the jury for the “incredible music, it’s colour and graceful choreography”. Though set in a time 45 years ago, issue of woman’s empowerment portrayed in the film is even more relevant today, said the jury.
 ‘Rwanda’ won  The ICFT –UNESCO Gandhi Medal
Italian film ‘Rwanda’ directed by Riccardo Salvetti won The ICFT –UNESCO Gandhi Medal instituted by the International Council for Film, Television and Audiovisual Communication, Paris and UNESCO. The medal bears a portrait of Gandhi engraved by the French artist Pierre-Yves Tremois. Etched underneath is Mahatma’s message of hope : “ In the midst of darkness light prevails”
‘Bahattar Hoorain, the Indian movie directed by Sanjay P. Singh Chauhan earned the special mention under ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi medal category.
***





​

IFFI 2020 and 2021 will be a tribute to legendary filmmaker of India Satyajit Ray coinciding his centenary celebrations to be observed from next year

Prakash Kamat
Panaji,November 28-International Film Festival of India(IFFI)2020 and 2021 will be a tribute to legendary filmmaker of India Satyajit Ray whose centenary celebrations will be observed from next year.
Opening the closing ceremony of the IFFI 2019, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting Amit Khare announced this as
curtains came down on the golden jubilee edition IFFI.
Music legend Ilaiyaraja,veteran actor Prem Chopra and  celebrities from India and abroad including Takashi Miike,Vijay Deverakonda, Aanand L Rai walked the red carpet, adding to the colour and glamour of the star-studded evening.
"It will be our endeavour to have the 51st IFFI at an even larger scale," said Mr. Khare.
The 50th edition of IFFI had more than 190 films screened from 76 different countries which included 90 Indian premier, six world premier and 11 Asian premier.
This year we screened 24 Oscar submissions at IFFI. More than 12000 delegates participated which is also a record number”,said Mr. Khare. Legends of Indian cinema Shri Ilaiyaraja, Shri Prem Chopra, Smt Manju Borah, Shri Aravind Swamy and Shri Haubam Paban Kumar  were felicitated on the occassion.
Cine actors Sonali Kulkarni and Kunal Kapoor hosted the closing ceremony.
The IFFI which opened on Movember 20 witnessed more than 200 acclaimed films from 76 countries, with Russia as the country of focus. It also included 26 feature films and 15 non feature films in Indian panorama section.
The golden jubilee edition brought to the shores of Goa the best of recent International cinema, along with special sections such as Golden Peacock Retrospective, Debut Film Competition, Soul of Asia retrospective, Master Film makers collection, Festival Kaleidoscope section, Accessible Films for Differently Abled, World Panorama 2019, Filmmaker in Focus, Restored Indian Classics, ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal competition, Retrospective of Indian New Wave Cinema,Konkani Film Package and Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
The 50th IFFI also showcased fifty films of fifty women directors which reflect the contribution of women in cinema.
In order to celebrate the spirit of 50 Golden Years of International Film Festival of India, the Films Division has curated a package of 17 MIFF award-winning films made in the last 10 years. Movies that gained recognition internationally at various other film festivals like Cannes film festival, Venice film festival, Berlin international film festival, Mumbai international film festival, Sundance film festival, Busan international film festival are featured as part of IFFI this year.
The specially curated “Homage Section” paid tribute to 13 eminent individuals who have contributed to Indian cinema during their lifetime. Two time Palme d’Or winner Ken Loach had a Retrospective Section at the IFFI.(eom)

Audio Description mechanism must be integral part of movie-making&info-tainment content: Saksham Co-founders

Prakash Kamat
Panaji,November 25-The golden edition of the International Film Festival of India(IFFI) is also noted for its pursuit of inclusiveness. Three films for those with special needs are being screened at IFFI under the ‘Accessible India-Accessible Films’ section.
Sakhsham Trust, a Delhi based NGO working in the field of empowerment of persons with total visual impairement and low vision is making this possible along with the collaboration of IFFI and UNESCO.

Accessibility of cinema was the central focus of discussion when the founders of Saksham Trust Dipendra Manocha spoke to me on Monday at the IFFI venue.
Later in the evening  Rummi K. Seth, Technical expert Narendra Joshi explained the project undertaken by Sakhsam to make films inclusive for all.
Mr. Manocha said that making movies accessible to visually impaired people will send out the message of inclusion. "Accessibility is not only about making buildings accessible. Movies are one of the best entertainment opportunities available for the society.  Making movies  accessible will create a whole experience of being part of society and be felt that our rights are acknowledged," he said.
In order to ensure more films are easily accessible, Dipendra said, "We need to have the heart in the right place. It has to become a norm in the film industry. "
Sakhsham co-founder Rammi Seth said, "Over the years, the importance of education for the differently-abled  has been realised. But entertainment too is important for visually impaired people.”
Narendra Joshi, technical expert of Saksham, explained the process of  getting a movie ready with audio descriptions."Audio description isn't a commentary but a technique so that everyone can understand”, he explained.
Saksham Trust supported by Publicis Sapient joined hands with IFFI to present a audio-describe three-movie event at the ongoing IFFI.
"Questao de Cofusao" happened to be the first-ever language movie to be screened in a audio-description format,on Monday.
Mr. Manocha said that for last two years Publicis Sapient has supported their project of making multiple movies audio-descriptive.
He explained that the process includes an additional narration that translates images, visual information, non-dialogue portions of films/media into spoken words and subtitles
so that the people who are visually and/or visual impaired can access,enjoy and learn from the works of popular culture and educational importance.
He said in reply to a question that Publicis Sapient helped Saksham make 19 movies audio-describing form,which included feature films, shirt films, documentaries,children's films and regional language films.
Saksham co-fiubdercwho himself is 100 per cent visually impaired said that they have taken up with Producers' Guild of Indian Film Industry the concept to make the audio description a part of film making so that it is self-sustaining aspect of film industry.
He said that more than 10 moviews were made accessible by Saksham in the year 2018.
Making a forceful plea for accessible movie-making, Mr. Manocha said that India continues to be home to 10 million persons with visual and hearing disabilities per 2011 Census. He felt that the figure could be much more higher by now. As for instance, he said that UNESCO puts the visually impaired people's number at 50 million in India.Accessibility of cinema is,therefore, the need of the hour.
 This is a huge constituency which needs to be served for entertainment and education, said Mr Manocha.
He also pointed out that in India, movie viewing is often a family celebration and,therefore,making accessible movies and other digital  entertainment content will go in a big way in mainstreaming the people with disability.
He explained that through this initiative that enables to enjoy cinema together with their loved ones,without waiting for them to explain what is happenning on the screen.
Long way to go for achieving the inclusiveness,but such initiatives are,undoubtedly, strides in right direction.
(eom)

(Interviewing Mr. Dipendra Manocha at the Accessible Film event at IFFI 2019, in Panaji on November 25,2019)

Indian Panorama at IFFI 2019 opens with "Hellaro",a Gujarati film with strong message on gender justice

Prakash Kamat
Panaji,November 21- The Indian Panirama Section of 50th edition of International Film,Festival of India opened in Panaji on Thuraday, November 21 with  हेल्लारो(Hellaro), a Gujarati feature film with a powerful theme of breaking the shackles of patriarchal mandates.
Directed by Abhishek Shah, the film is a story of 1975, of a young Manjhiri, married off in a small village in the Rann of Kurch. In the totally patriarchal village setting, she joins a group of women shackled by patriarchal mandates,with many of them even not conscious about the shackles. Some resigned to fate accompli of gender inequality.
Their only escape from the suppression is when they going out to fetch water every morning to a distant water body.
One day, while on their way to the daily chore,they find someone in the middle of the desert and theirr lives are changed forever.
A drummer who himself is a victim of caste suppression and violence breathes life in the lives of these village women who grow bolder and eventually fight the patriarchal mandates which are administered and imposed using the traditions like women in the village are not supposed to play Garbha. The shackles are tightened by ensuring that no much educated girls are brought to village in marriage. Any rebellious action is attacked by using superstition and blind beliefs in the name of Gods and Godesses.
The story based on a Gujarati folklore and all the cast has worked wonderfully to make the film come alive with subtle and beautiful use of folklore and folk dances.
Women actors have been very good in their performances. Especially the lead actor Shraddha Dangar has given a strong performance. Others like Nilam Panchal,Tejal Panchasara,Brinda Trivedi have been equally good.

Glad to see the Indian Panorama section of IFFI in its Golden Jubilee year open with such a film with strong message of gender equality and gender justice. Breaking shackles of patriarchy is not easy,but women in the film give a message that unity is a powerful weapon.(eom)

p

It was great interacting with the filmmakers and girls who have given sterling performances in the film "Hellaro",after the screening of the film on Thursday at INOX in Panaji

NFDC Film Bazar launched at IFFI 2019:To go on till Nov. 24

Prakash Kamat
Panaji, Nocember 21-Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday declared the 13th edition of NFDC’s Film Bazaar, open on the sidelines of 50th International Film Festival of India at Miramar near here.
 The Minister also launched the  new initiative of single window clearance with the link of the FFO promotional film - shorturl.at/wHK46
The 13th Edition of Film Bazaar will be held from 20-24 November 2019 at the Marriott Resort in Goa, India.
Celebrating its 13th edition this year, the annual NFDC’s Film Bazaar has become a beacon of hope for budding filmmakers of South Asia. The platform has evolved into a one-stop shop for filmmakers, producers, sales agents, distributors, film festival programmers and financiers from around the world; a marketplace that encourages collaboration between the South Asian and international film fraternities
The Knowledge Series is a series of specially curated presentations, panel discussions and lectures by filmmakers, producers, top executives of film organizations involved in content production, aggregation and distribution.
Prasoon Joshi and Siddharth Roy Kapur will be seen discussing ways to empower the youth with skill development in one of the panels, while Vani Tripathi Tikoo will be in discussion with Shobu Yarlagadda (Producer of ‘Baahubali’) and Vishal Bhardwaj on cinema inspiring entrepreneurs. Another engaging panel will have Soundarya Rajinikanth and Nandita Roy amongst others discussing the changing role of women in Indian cinema, while film critic Anupama Chopra will be seen engaging Josh Seigel, Curator, Dept of Film MOMA (The Museum of Modern Art), New York in a conversation. Others industry participants on the various panels include actor Sanjay Suri, cinematographers Shanker Raman and Tapan Basu, screenwriters Atika Chohan, Kanika Dhillon, and filmmaker Sharat Katariya. 
New additions at Film Bazaar this year include a separate segment titled “Behind the Silver Screen, Empowering the Aspirants” focused on skill development for students. This segment will have a series of workshops by industry veterans such as Actor Adil Hussain, Filmmaker Meghna Gulzar, CBFC Chairman Prasoon Joshi, Vani Tripathi Tikoo, Puneet Krishna, Rajiv Krishna Menon, Subhash Ghai, Shylaja Chetlur.
Also for the first time WIP lab projects will get a chance to pitch their films to potential investors, producers, sales agents, distributors, festival programmers in an Open Pitching session at the venue.
Another addition is the Producers’ Workshop, which is remodeled this year into an adaptive space for producing professionals in early stages of their careers. This year 20 projects from USA, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Taiwan and India have been selected to participate in the workshop.
The Co-production Market is a platform for filmmakers of a few curated projects to pitch their films to a selected audience of industry professionals including national and international producers, distributors, sales agents and financiers.
This year’s selection presents 14 projects from India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, France, Nepal, Singapore and USA across languages like Hindi, English, Bengali, Malayalam, Assamese, Nepali, Dzongkha (Bhutanese) and Gujarati from established filmmakers as well as new talent. Out of 14 films selected in CPM, 3 are by female filmmakers.
The Work-in-Progress Lab includes five films who will get too screen their rough cuts to the panel of mentors and receive an in-depth one-on-one feedback. The mentors of this year’s WIP Lab are Philippa Campbell, Derek Malcolm, Olivia Stewart, Marco Muller, Jacques Comets, Lizi Gelber. The five projects selected in WIP lab this year include four debut films (Pedro, Swizerland, Uljhan, Shankar’s Fairies), one of which is by a female filmmaker (Shankar's Fairies). Films are in three Indian languages – three in Hindi, one in Kannada and one in Gojri.
The Viewing Room is designed to present films seeking finishing funds, world sales, distribution partners and film festivals to film programmers, distributors, world sales agents and investors.
Those interested can view the film on individual computer screens in segregated booths.
This year 213 films are available to view in the Viewing Room Library of which 154 are feature films and 59 are short films. 89 out of 213 films submitted are debut features. The films are in more than 30 languages including languages like Maithili, Sinhala, Galo, Gojri, Bodo, Gondi/Muria.
Film Bazaar Recommends 26 feature films to watch out for from out of the 213 films submitted in Viewing Room. The filmmakers of these films get to show their trailers and pitch to investors. Out of 26 FBR films, 16 are debut features and 4 are by women filmmakers.
Industry Screenings of a total of 36 films is scheduled at Film Bazaar this year. These films are in 11 Languages - Hindi, English, Sanskrit, Hebrew, Odia, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, Marathi, Konkani, Gujarat. There are 5 International Films, 29 Feature Films, 5 Short Films, 2 Documentaries, 2 Animated films, 19 Debut Directors. Out of 26 Film Bazaar Recommends films, 4 are from industry screenings
Film Offices of 12 Indian states are participating in Film Bazaar this year. These are, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka. A workshop on creating an effective ‘Single Window’ ecosystem will be held at Film Bazaar with sessions by Jess Conoplia (President, Association of Film Commissioners International) and T.C.A. Kalyani (Managing Director, NFDC) amongst others.
"Film Bazaar is a platform exclusively created to encourage collaboration between the international and South Asian film fraternities. The market aims at facilitating sales for world cinema in the region,says Ms. Kalyani.(eom)

Superstar Rajinikanth bestowed with the Icon of Golden Jubilee award at the opening of IFFI 2019.

Prakash Kamat

Panaji,November 20-The 50th Golden Jubilee edition of International Film Festival of India(IFFI 2019) opened in the  presence of Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchanand South Indian superstar Rajinikanth, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javdekar, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and other dignitaries at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee stadium near here on Wednesday.

IFFI is jointly organised by the Directorate of Film Festivals of the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Goa Government's Entertainment Society of Goa.

The inaugural ceremony of the premier Indian film festival was hosted by ace filmmaker Karan Johar.

A postal stamp commemorating 50th edition of IFFI was also released on the occasion by Mr. Javadekar. 

Superstar Rajinikanth was bestowed with the Icon of Golden Jubilee award during the opening  ceremony of International Film Festival of India 2019. Speaking on the occasion, he thanked the Indian government for honouring him with this award. The megastar said that he dedicates this award to all his  producers, directors and technicians who worked in his  films.

This year, IFFI honoured  one of French cinema's iconic actresses, Isabelle Huppert, with the  festival’s highest honour Lifetime Achievement Award at the opening ceremony. She has appeared in more than 120 films and is the most nominated actress for the Cesar Award, with 16 nomination

Bachchan was also  felicitated during the opening ceremony of IFFI 2019. 

A special felicitation  recognized the contributions of Indian legends like Ramesh Sippy, N. Chandra and PC Sreeram at the inaugural event.

The 50th edition celebrates cinematic excellence from Russia, in the Country Focus section. Eight films will be showcased in this segment.

John Bailey, cinematographer and former President of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences heads the International Jury of the 50th International Film Festival of India. Part of the Jury at IFFI 2019 are French filmmaker Robin Campillo, also on the Cannes 2019 International Jury; Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yang, Scottish filmmaker- writer and cinematographer Lynne Ramsay, and eminent Bollywood filmmaker Ramesh Sippy. They were felicitated on the occasion

Musician Shankar Mahadevan gave a riveting performance with the Godfather of Indian ‘Jazz’ Louis Banks.(eom)

Govt of India working on single window system for film permissions: Prakash Javadekar

Prakash Kamat
Panaji, November 20-The nine-day 50th edition of International Film Festival.of India(IFFI),jointly organised by the Union Directorate of Film Festivals under Ministry of Information& Broadcasting and the Goa government's Entertainment Society of Goa got underway near Panaji on Wednesday.

Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry is in the process of formulating a single window system to ease processing of film shooting permissions and clearances, Central Minister Prakash Javadekar said on Wednesday.
He described cinema as India's soft power, along with fields of Information Technology and music I his address at the inaugural of the film festival.
"India has such scenic locations, sites, but for shoots, one has to take 15 - 20 permissions. We are starting a single window system for (permission) for shootings. Goa, Leh Ladkah and Andaman and Nicobar will also benefit," he said.
Stating that Indian films are popular across the world, Mr. Javadekar said,"Wherever I go, there are Indian film aficionados, even in China. There is no limitation of language. It is art and performance which touches peoples' hearts. We have to further India's soft power."
Javadekar heckled during speech:
Minister Javadekar who is also Minister for Environment and Forest was heckled by sloganeering protestors during the inaugural session of the 50th edition of the IFFI on Wednesday, who accused him of betraying Goa's interest in the ongoing tussle between Karnataka over sharing of water of the Mhadei river.
Police detained three slogan-shouting youth.
Earlier,hundreds of party workers from the Congress, Goa Forward and activists of NGOs also staged a protest outside the IFFI campus in Panaji on Wednesday, protesting Javadekar's refusal to withdraw his Ministry's permission to Karnataka's controversial Kalasa-Banduri project, aimed at diverting water from the Mhadei river.
Several party workers of the Congress, Goa Forward party, who were part of the protesting group, were arrested.
The protestors demonstrated outside Inox multiplex complex in the city,where the festivals' films are scheduled to be screened, also held placards saying "Go Back Javadekar".
"Javadekar has betrayed Goa and has caused great injustice to it people by giving a green nod to the Kalasa-Banduri project illegally," Goa Congress president Girish Chodankar said.
On Tuesday, Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat had said that Javadekar should abstain from attending the inaugural session of the IFFI on Wednesday, because he had failed the people of Goa, vis a vis its water dispute with Karnataka.
“Javadekar should avoid coming to the inaugural function of the 50th edition of the International Film Festival of India, because he has caused huge injustice to the people of Goa by not withdrawing his Ministry’s letter allowing Karnataka to go ahead with the Kalasa-Banduri dam project,” had said.
On Tuesday, Javadekar turned down Goa government’s request for withdrawal of the MoEF’s letter issued last month giving the Karnataka government a go-ahead for the Rs. 841 crore Kalasa-Banduri project, which aims to divert water from the Mhadei river to the water deficit basin of the Malaprabha river. Karnataka has claimed the project as for drinking water purposes.
The Mhadei river originates in Karnataka and flows down to Goa  where it meets the Arabian sea near Panaji.
An inter-state water disputes tribunal, set up by the Central government, after hearing the over two-decade-old Mhadei river water sharing dispute among Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra, in August 2018 allotted 13.42 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) (including 3.9 TMC for diversion into the depleted Malaprabha river basin) to Karnataka
The feelings on the issue continue to be very strong in Goa as the people of the State consider Mhadei which turns Mandovi once it enters Goa and flows maximum length in the tiny coastal State as "State's lifeline."(eom)

Golden Jubilee IFFI 2019 to open in Panaji on Wednesday with "Despite the fog"

Prakash Kamat
Panaji, November 19-Mega star of Indian movies Amitabh Bachchan will open the 50th edition of the International Film Festival of India(IFFI) 2019 on Wednesday evening at Shyama Prasad Mukherjee stadium near Panaji.

The 2019 Golden Jubilee edition of the International Film Festival of India(IFFI) will open in Goa from Wednesday with the screening of the film “DESPITE THE FOG” (Nonostante La Nebbia) Directed by acclaimed documentarian Goran Paskaljevic representing Italy.
Over ten thousand refugees of minors without parental care are wandering today in Europe, half of which are on Italian roads. “Despite the Fog” is a movie about one such refugee.
South Indian film industry mega star Rajanikanth will be awarded "Icon of the year" at the IFFI inaugural.
The film festival will close on November 28.
"Over 7000 delegates have confirmed their registrations," said Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant who heads Goa government's  Entertainment Society of Goa(ESG) which co-hosts the IFFI with Directorate of Film Festivals(DFF) which comes under Information and Broadcasting Ministry of Government of India.
The festival will see a variety of films in many languages from all around the world coming together under a single roof.
The  film festival will  screen over 250 movies from 76 countries, with Russia as the country of focus. It also includes 26 feature films and 15 non-feature films in the Indian Panorama section.
This year the country of focus is Russia and movies by the acclaimed filmmaker, TAKASHI MIIKE will be screened. The festival will also screen movies to homage to two great French filmmakers who passed away from our midst, Bernardo Bertolucci and Agnes Varda by featuring their acclaimed works.
2019 marks the 50th year of IFFI, which is often counted amongst one of the earliest film festivals of the Asian continent.(eom)

Prevent fires causing huge damage of property,lives,crops & pollution:Goa Environnental researcher tells Goa Chief Secrerary

Prakash Kamat
Panaji, November 18- A note for the Goa State Chief Secretary, Goa government on Prevention of wild fires in Goa during the vulnerable season  November 2019 to to May 2020.
The following note(made available to this blogger by researcher and Goan intellectual-writer-social activist Dr. Nandakumar Kamat himself,is based on his previous appeal to CS, Goa Dr. J.P.Singh ,IAS, who was supportive but couldnt initiate action as there were some other issues like regional plan agitation that year.
This year it would be a major natural disaster unless you follow these ideas and act immediately to save property, crops, lives and reduce pollution.
"Its a tragedy that I raise this issue every year with the authorities without much action," laments Dr. Kamat.
Due to
1. Extended monsoon there is more biomass
2. Due to high daily max temperature the dry biomass is prone to fire
3. The wind velocity increases from this month thus pumping in more Oxygen
4. Low soil moisture is promoting the forefront
YOU WOULD BE READING WILDFIRE INCIDENTS EVERY WEEK NOW SOME INVOLVING FORESTS, SOME INVOLVING CASHEW OR ARECA PLANTATIONS AND MOST INVOLVING INDUSTRIAL ESTATES ON PLATEAUS WITH GRASSlands and grassy hillsides.

1. The damages would astound the administration by February March 

(---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Dr. Nandakumar Kamat <nkamat@unigoa.ac.in>
Date: Tue, Oct 17, 2006 at 4:52 PM
Subject: A note on action plan for prevention of wild fires in Goa casuing economic losses
To: cs-goa@nic.in
Cc: nandkamat@gmail.com)
Introduction:-
Every year wild fires cause a huge loss of property, vegetation, plantations, biodiversity and wildlife  besides increasing air pollution and disease load.  From November to  May Goa gets a dirty haze in the
atmosphere upto an altitude of three kms. because of this pollution. So far there is no co-ordinated action on this issue. to prevent such incidents. Most of the damage is controlled by the fire department when
thry get a call. Amendments to state fire act are necessary besides implementation of following actions before the dreaded wild fire season begins next month ( December 2019).
The meeting to be called by Revenue department would discuss the Action to be taken by the government
Departments/agencies/corporations  to be involved in action:-
1.      Chief fire officer ( to issue directions under state act)
2.      Forest dept.
3.      Home department and Goa Police
4.      State disaster management authority
5.      PWD
6.      GIDC
7.      Dir. Of  Panchayats
8.      Dir. Of municipal administration
9.      Goa state pollution control board
10.     Revenue authorities
11.     Dept. of information & publicity
12.     Agriculture dept.
13.     State housing board
14. IMD, Goa (to share information on weather esp. wind speed and direction)
Statement of the problem:-
Climate change has caused rapid soil moisture losss and increase in dry inflammable material. Old fire barriers such as walls of stones, fire resistant thorny trees at frm borers etc have been extinct. Every year non cutting of inflammable dry vegetation especially the wild grass causes fires-damaging live vegetation, wildlife, plantations, telecom cables, public property and causing massive air pollution. The acrid smoke affects the traffic and  increases respiratory illnesses. Wild fires reduce visibility disturbing the airborne  traffic. In advance preventive action by  all stakeholders can reduce and minimize the instances of wild fires. The following plan of action is suggested to the government.

The recommended action plan:-

Action Time span:- November 2019 for preventive action, December
2019 to May 2020 action for both prevention and control

The general principle to be observed in preventing fires is not to indulge in "controlled fires' or burning small strips of dry grass/vegetation. The vegetation needs to be cut, removed, buried/composted before it dries up
and then catches fire. All these operations need to be supervised by an authorised person trained by the firedepartment.
1.      The government must direct the chief fire officer to issue notices to all concerned parties with large areas which sport wild vegetation and have a chronic history of destructive widepsread fires-e.g. All India
radio, Goa University, Goa engineering college, Military camps, industrial estates etc. which are prone to wild fires every year. These parties need to be given a month’s time (ideally before November 30) to clear all the
inflammable wild grass and dry matter, on war footing . The fire officer must then inspect and verify the compliance.  The fire officer must be empowered to call a meeting of all stakeholders to apprise them of the
problems of wild fires and the measures to prevent these.
2.      The PWD (roads and highways) need to take preemptive action to cut the roadside bushes, wild grass etc. which is prone to fire every year. The action needs to be taken first along NH-17 A ( now 66) and NH-4 A, and Major district roads. Special attention needs to be paid to road shoulders near hairpin bends, ‘U” turns, and approaches to the bridges and culverts.
3.      The directorate of panchayats must issue a circular to all the village panchayats to clear the public areas prone to wild fires and also assist the communidades to do the same on hill slopes prone to wild fires every
year. The directorate must file a compliance report to the CS.
4.      The directorate of municipal administration must instruct the municipal councils to identify the areas prone to wild fires and cut the inflammable wild grass etc. well in advance before it catches fire.
5.      Huge wild fires are caused in Goa’s forest areas. Many a times this fire spreads from the shoulders of the roads towards the interiors. The forest department need to identify areas prone to such wild fires and take
preventive steps. It must also have contingency plans to deal with large scale forest fires.
6.      Goa state pollution control board is empowered to take action under air pollution control act. It must create awareness about the harmful effects of  wild fires. Using its’ mobile laboratory or portable samplers, It must monitor the ambient air quality in areas where large scale wild fires are reported and alert the people about pollution episodes.
7.      The Goa police must issue a public notice warning the pyromaniacs or anti social elements of stern action if they are found indulging in putting deliberate fires to wild vegetation and cashew, mango and other orchards, sugarcane and cash crop plantations.
8.      The government need to direct the GIDC to get the wild vegetation near the industrial units cleared in all the industrial estates before end of November 2019
30. On priority basis this has to be done near industries which are hazardous or use inflammable materials as raw material or finished products. Fire barriers need to be created by GIDC with fire retardant
materials.
9.      The agriculture department need to instruct the zonal agricultural offices to work closely with orchard/plantation (cashew, Mango, bananas) owners to maintain their areas free of wild grasses etc. which catch fire and cause economic losses. The ZAO’s must co-ordinate the clearance drive
to save the fertile fire prone areas.
10.     The state disaster management authority must get the records from previous years’ newspaper reports and the fire department’s duty logbooks to prepare a wildfire map of Goa. The time and place of many wild fires
can then be predicted .
11.     The directorate of information and publicity must launch an awareness campaign in both print and visual media to educate people and institutions on prevention of wild fires during the winter and summer.
12.     The Goa housing board must get all fire prone areas within the housing colonies promptly cleared.

The government may constitute a state level task force under the state disaster management authority  with representations of all above stake holders, NGOS and experts. The government must also open a 24 hours-Wild
fire prevention and control helpline active from November 21, 2019 till 31 May 2020 or
the onset of the monsoon whichever is later.
Financial and technical aspects:-the government need to provide some reasonable funds, grass cutting machines, fire retardants , water tanks and hired labourers for the suceess of the above actions from a central
pool.
It is my firm belief , on the basis of the study of this problem for many  years in the wild fire prone Goa University Campus, Taleigao, that if the above actions are positively taken before November 30, 2019 then it would reduce losses and people would also understand the importance of preventing disasters. Oherwise it would be same old story year after year.
I sincerely request the government to act on this matter in public interest urgently before the fire brigade receives the first call of this season.
--
Dr. Nandkumar M. Kamat,
Asst. Professor, Department of Botany, Goa University, Taleigao, Goa.

-Syngenta expands its R&D capabilities in Goa with a new State-of-Art Research Facility

Prakash Kamat
Panaji, November 5-Reinforcing Goa’s status as an innovation-friendly State, Dr Camilla Corsi, Global Head of Crop Protection Research, Syngenta,a global agriculture business company on Tuesday inaugurated a new “RATNA” Research and Technology Centre as an expansion of the current R&D facility of Syngenta Biosciences in the State.
Dr Corsi said, “This multi-purpose modern building will strengthen the site as a centre of excellence in chemical and analytical science adhering to the highest standards of health,safety and environment, and shall cater to the growing demands of the crop protection industry.
“In 2004, Syngenta was the first Agrochemical company to invest in an R&D centre in India recognizing the innovation potential in the country and the need for new solutions to meet the domestic market demand. This long term strategic commitment has been maintained since then and the opening of the new building marks an innovative milestone in the history of the site”, said Dr. Corsi.
“Syngenta’s commitment to accelerate innovation in a changing world aims at developing innovative crop protection solutions to meet challenges faced by growers all over the world. Crop Protection R&D is at the centre of this new innovation paradigm. Syngenta invests $1.3 billion in R&D annually and more than 5,000 Scientists contribute to Syngenta’s research globally. This investment in Goa SBPL recognizes the strong track record of delivery of a talented team that is fully integrated into the global Syngenta R&D network” added Dr Corsi further at the inauguration.
Dr JérômeCassayre, Head of Crop Protection Research Chemistry, said, “Delivering innovative and sustainable products to our customers can only be achieved by creating a stimulating environment for our scientists, also able to attract the future talents in our industry. Building on 13 years’ experience on the Syngenta SBPL site, “RATNA”
"The Centre- which currently employs more than 100 Scientists - will substantially grow in the near future through recruitment and development of new Syngenta workforce to meet the need of research and development using most advanced technologies”,said Dr Bhanu Manjunath, Director of the Research & Technology Centre, Syngenta Biosciences Pvt Ltd., Goa.
Located in a lush green area of 20 acres, the Centre at its Santa Monica Works, Corlim, around 12 km from Panaji will house various laboratories for discovery research, process and scale-up chemistry, analytical development, GLP labs and Central Warehouses.(eom)

Goa Rainbow Trust to bring Pride Week Celebrations to Goa kicking off from Nov. 3

Prakash Kamat in Panaji
November 2- The Goa Rainbow Trust(GRT), is bringing Pride Week Celebrations to Goa kicking off from November 3 with a finale of the Pride March on November 9 followed by the Post Pride March Celebrations.
It will begin with flash mobs at two undisclosed locations in Porvorim and Panjim, on the 3rd and 4th,respectively. This will be followed by a Pre-Pride Party co-hosted at The Park in Calangute on the 6th, which will include a string of performances curated by Sofar Sounds Goa and a night of socialising over food and drinks with people from across the country and the world.
For the 3rd year in a row, Goa Rainbow Trust will organise on the 9th, Pride De Goa 2019, Pride Parade, which will be held in Panjim.
The assembly point for the parade is Panjim Promenade, 3:30 pm onwards. The parade will commence at 4:00 pm and make it's way to Miramar beach. The parade will be embellished with posters and placards, slogans being voiced out, dances to the tunes of Dhols, a sky of rainbow flags and smiles on the faces of people in colorful outfits.
A team from The Lalit Hotel in Goa will also join the parade with water stalls along the route, and will walk with the crowd to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community. This Pride Parade will also mark as a celebration of Goa Rainbow Trust completing one year as a registered NGO. The Pride Week will conclude with a Post-Pride Party at Rudy’s Bar & Grill in Vagator with some more performances lined up by Sofar Sounds Goa.
The Goa Rainbow Trust team hopes to witness a large gathering of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies from Goa, as well as from the other States.They invite people from all walks of life and every shade from the spectrum of the rainbow to be a part of this Pride Week and support the peaceful fight towards an Inclusive Goa and India at large.
"We encourage all our supporters to wear their Pride colours proudly and join in the week long celebrations. We would like to thank all our partners, The Park, The Lalit, Rudy’s Bar & Grill, Sofar Sounds Goa, Stranger & Sons, Woodburns and White Owl for supporting us in making this what we hope will be an extraordinary week",says Chris A. Fernandes.
GRT is a registered NGO that works to empower, support, mentor the LGBTQ+ community in Goa, as well as create awareness about the issues faced by their members.
The GRT  aspire to create a safe environment for each and every individual, irrespective of sexual or gender identity and works towards making more allies.
They also aim at curating a safe space for expression, to celebrate the human element, to embrace vulnerability and to collectively strive for a positive change.
The members strongly believe that the LGBTQ+ individuals, like any other heterosexual individuals, deserve to enjoy equal rights as they too are citizens of India. Goa Rainbow Trust aims at creating a platform for support and guidance to the students, reaching out to those in slums with healthcare facilities and uniting the LGBTQ+ community in Goa.
They say,every drop makes an ocean,and Goa Rainbow Trust similarly feels that every bit counts. And they hope that everything they do through their contributions will surely start a chain reaction leading to a better tomorrow.
Reach out to 'Goa Rainbow Trust' on:

Website: www.goarainbowtrust.com
Facebook: Goa Rainbow Trust - GRT
Instagram: @goarainbowtrust
Twitter: @GoaRainbowTrust
Email: goarainbowtrust@gmail.com
Thanking you in anticipation,
Warm Regards,

Christine (Chris) M. Fernandes

CEO & Founder

Goa Rainbow Trust

Mobile: +918552017179

Website: www.goarainbowtrust.com

                     (File pictures)

Victim's cross examination begins in trial court in Tarun Tejpal "rape case"

From Prakash Kamat
Panaji,October 21-The defence lawyers in former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal's case on Monday started the cross-examination of the victim, who has accused the senior journalist of rape and molestation, in Goa in November 2013.
With the hearing conducted in-camera,both prosecution as well as defence lawyers were unwilling to comment on the course of the proceedings in the court of Additional Sessions judge Kshama Joshi.
Sources said that the cross examination was likely to continue on October 22 and 23, when the Court is scheduled to conduct hearings in connection with the case further.
The victim arrived in India from the UK, where she is currently residing, to appear for the cross examination over three days.
Tejpal is charged with several sections of IPC for sexually assaulting the the  junior female colleague inside a lift of a North Goa coastal resort in Goa during the magazine's event in November 2013.
He has been booked under sections 376 (rape), 341 (wrongful restraint), 342 (wrongful confinement) 354A (sexual harassment) and 354B (criminal assault), of the Indian Penal Code and has been out on bail after his arrest and judicial and police custody for some time.
The trial which began in September 2017, was delayed after Tejpal approached the Supreme Court pleading quashing of the charges framed against him, by the trial Court. Disposing his plea in August this year, the Supreme Court had directed the lower court to complete the complete the trial within six months.(eom)

                (File picture of Tarun Tejpal)  

"Trafficking happens across State and national borders involving a large organised network,but only local pimps are arrested"

Prakash Kamat
Panaji, September 19- At a two day “Source-Destination Consultation,to Combat Human Trafficking for Commercial Sexual Exploitation in Goa,”held here earlier this week,participants lamented that while rafficking happens across State and national borders involving a large organised network,often local pimps are arrested with no effective impact on this growing menace.
Ms Juliana Lohar, coordinator of ARZ, host non governmental organisation(NGO)of the consultative summed up the challenges faced and solutions proposed to curb human trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation.

A large number of stakeholders from main source States of Maharashtra, West Bengal and Delhi and source countries if Nepal and Bangladesh participated in the Consultative held at InternatiknalnCentre Goa near Panaji.
1. Trafficking happens across State and national borders involving a large organised network which is highly dependent on the earnings of the victims. The modus operandi of the traffickers is a problem. The anonymity of traffickers, where much of the trafficking is across States and is through online and social media, makes it difficult to identify and apprehend the main perpetrators. Whereas it is only the local pimps who get arrested!
There is a need to develop a network among the various stakeholders fighting to curb human trafficking and for them to work in a coordinated and collaborative way, sharing data, following agreed protocols, researching the modus operandi and trying to fill data gaps.
2. Once the women are released from the State Protection Homes(SPT), it is difficult to follow up with them to prevent their retrafficking.
The SPH should maintain contacts of the family members. Efforts need to be taken by the SPH as well as the NGOs in the source states so that they can follow up with the victims.
When passing an order,a Sub-Divisional Magistrate(SDM) can request an agency in the source State to oversee the victims' wellbeing in the home State and maintain contact with them.
3. Lack of follow up with the women poses difficulties in getting in touch with them when they are needed to depose as witnesses in court against the traffickers, thereby making prosecution extremely difficult.
Apart from the solutions in the point above, when passing an order the SDM can request an agency in the source State to oversee the victims' wellbeing in the home State and maintain contact with them.
The Investigating Officer should also retain the contacts of the family members prior to the release of the victim from the SPH. Video conferencing could be promoted where possible so that victims do not need to travel across states or countries to depose as witnesses.
4. There is a dearth of services in the home States so whatever psychosocial services are initiated in the SPH cannot be followed through after the women are released.
There needs to be capacity development of NGOs in the main source States on the provision of psychosocial services. More NGOs also need to be identified so that the coverage areas are increased.
5. Lack of simultaneous intervention with the women at the SPH and with their families at home results in the women going back to the same situation/ environment which led to their trafficking in the first place.
Once the victim is rescued and lodged in the SPH, she is provided psychosocial services and possible skill training. It would be extremely beneficial if an NGO in their source States can work with her family providing both psychosocial support and economic alternatives so that she can return to a more supportive environment. This would prevent her retrafficking.
6. Inadequate protection of anonymity of the women in their homes during home visits by the police or NGOs leads to their families and neighborhoods getting to know that they were involved in prostitution. They are ,therefore,either ostracised and/or unable to stay with their families.(eom)

Prakash Kamat
Panaji, September 19

Wendell questions impractical appeal of ASI to register their antiques within two weeks

Prakash Kamat in Panaji

September 16-Style Guru and fashion designer Padmashri Wendell Rodricks, in an open letter addressed to Archeological Survey of India(ASI) on Monday, has slammed ASI's appeal to individuals  to register their antiques within two weeks from September 13,2019.

In the letter, a copy of which is available with this writer, Wendell described the action of giving time limit of two weeks as "daft" and "impractical."
In his open response to the order/request of the body which is dedicated to protectoon, preservation and conservation of national monuments, to register all our antiques in private homes/collections/museums (in Goa) with its office, Wendell has questioned its lack iof clarity in its decision and apart from the short and impracticle time frame it is giving to individuals, he has asked if will this registration assure the owners  facilities like armed guards,CCTV and alarm system.
The ASI letter gives two weeks as of Friday 13th September 2019.
"Two weeks? Our homes Sir/Madam are over two hundred years old and you expect us to register the entire house objects in two weeks?" he asks.
The letter from Rodricks, inter alias, says, "Do you expect us Goans to employ staff to count everything in our homes? Our great grand mother’s earrings, our great great grandfather’s toilet seat, the floor tiles 400 years old, the laterite kitchen sink, the tiles on our roofs? Yes. These are the less precious objects. What you want are antiques that can be sold, traded and valued right?"
"If so why only private homes? What about public places? In all Government offices we see antiques. Chandeliers in the Adil Shah Palace heisted by Smart City don’t feature in this list? Why don’t you ask them all to register their antiques. For centuries (yes you read that right) the Cabo/Raj Bhavan has been "looted by successive Governors of it’s antique furniture, porcelain and silver. Are Government offices above this law?"
"Talking about law, is this a law or is this a request? What if we don’t want to declare our so called daily objects that you classify as antiques?"
"How can private homes like the Menezes Braganza in Chandor or the Figuereido House in Loutolim register their entire homes in two weeks? Are you going to depute them staff to do the count of the objects? It will take months. Are you going to go to every church, temple, place of worship to do a registry of their antiques? Where do we start? Old Goa itself will take almost a year or more to count it’s treasures... from books to candelabras, vestments to minuscule statues."
"Are you going to go into bank vaults to check our jewellery? Old Goan Hindu and Catholic gold that has been with families for generations? What about clothes? Saris gifted through families? The porcelain we eat from daily without looking at their over hundred year vintage? They are antiques according to you. The same goes for the chairs we sit on and the beds we sleep in, the home deities we worship and the walls that boundary our homes. They are all antiques."
The letter also raises a genuine concern about many such Goan individuals staying abroad.
" Goans What about Goans who live overseas or work abroad? You expect them to rush home in a week and list their antiques with you. That is daft and impractical Sir."
Taking the opportunity of the directive, Wendell,who is known to be active on social front in Goa has advised the ASI to "get this hare brained idea out of its head. Go and do your real work to protect our Goan heritage. Go to the fields and hills with treasures. Identify trees over hundred years old and protect them. Get the dovorems (go look up what those are) laterite platforms, the monoliths, the abandoned forts and garbage strewn tirths, the old wells used as dumps, the hero stones and sacred stones unprotected in forests. Get them registered and accounted for. Goa is an open museum for the taking and looting."
He has further said: "As for museums, have a proper Goa Museum or take over the Old Secretariat and place the precious objects for public viewing. Don’t build another ‘sinking’ museum that will be demolished in ten years. In the process more treasures will be lost."
He has spoken of how public in Goa speaks of how coin collection was looted during the transfer from the Menezes Braganza Hall in Panjim to the new ex Goa State Museum. The perceived loot that included rare Impressionist paintings.

Wendell Rodricks

Talking to this writer on Monday, Wendell said that this directive was "absolutely impractical and does not at all take into consideration the practical realities of individuals like him who have been putting in time, energy, resources in these projects of protection, conservation of their age-old heritage".
"They also want us to click three pictures of each item and file along with the list. Do they understand what they are doing. And what is the objective of this exercise. Why are they singling out individuals. Take us into confidence about this exercise. Give proper practical time frame," an agitated Wendell said.(eom)

Create a safe and learning environment for HIV affected children: Human Touch Foundation pleads

Prakash Kamat
Panaji(Goa),September 14-Create a safe and learning environment for children living with and affected by HIV, said Peter Borges, Chief Executive Officer of Goa-based Human Touch Foundation(HTF) while speaking at a panel discussion in Cali, Colombia.
“They are frequent targets of bullying and harassment. Not only does this potentially violate child rights, but it also results in more truancy for these learners. If students are missing classes, they’re not receiving the education they need and deserve. There is a need to implement policies that specifically mention protections for children living with HIV and create a safe environment for all," he said.
Peter was speaking at the panel discussion at a parallel session at the International Forum on Inclusion and Equity in Education on September 13 in Cali (Colombia). The session was on the topic “A learning environment that welcomes every learner” which discussed how to make learning environments welcoming and accessible for every learner, whatever their health status.
The international forum was held to build a common understanding and a renewed commitment towards reinforcing inclusion in education among education policymakers, education practitioners, civil society organisations, NGOs, UN agencies, development partners and the private sector.
He further stressed on the need to keep girls in school and address gendered inequalities that make young girls particularly vulnerable to HIV infection. By empowering girls with knowledge, skills, and resources to protect themselves from HIV, the structural inequalities that heighten the vulnerability of girls and young women can be addressed, he further said.
Human Touch Foundation addresses the issue of exclusion of children living with HIV from educational institutions because of discriminatory attitudes of educators and parents by visiting schools and communities to raise awareness, change attitudes, provide legal advice in cases where children’s rights are denied. Training is also provided to heads of educational institutions in reducing fear about HIV and AIDS and tackling stigma and discrimination.(eom)
------------


(Peter F. Borges
Founder/Chief Executive Officer

t:       +91-9923700342
e:       peter.borges@humantouch.ngo
w:      http://www.humantouch.ngo

Head Office
South Goa Office
H. No. 681,
Dugrem, Agassiam, Ilhas - Goa, 403204
Flat No. 6, 2nd Floor, Bonphil Apartments, Bollepand, Fatorda,  Goa, 403602

Facebook      Twitter       Instagram

Human Touch is a youth led organization in Special Consultative)