Goa Diary

Now, most of the wheezing rattlers which pass for buses in Goa are metallic dabbas, having spent more than fifteen years on the roads. Rather than flog them further for the dubious benefit of full-fare paying passengers, the government’s Kadamba Transport Corporation might as well call for their scrapping in entirety.

But then you can’t export common sense from an organisation which orders the disabling of hand-brakes to save maintenance costs. This disturbing fact came to light when enquiries began in an intercity bus accident which killed five persons. Cause of the mishap?Brake failure.

No Monkey Business This!

The primate population in Goa is an encouraging 11,170 in number, according to the latest census conducted by the State’s Forest Department. But while tigers can be counted by their distinctive pug-marks and elephants by the number of members in a herd, how do you count monkeys hopping from tree to tree?

Wildlife officials say some 75 volunteers estimated the number of primates within their range of vision and arrived at an approximate figure in their respective areas. Sampling error: ten per cent.

Way To A CM’s Heart

It took a woman’s tears to meet the heart of Chief Minister Wilfred D’Souza. Professor Radhika Naik, leader of striking university and college teachers, approached Dr D’Souza for assurances that the Fifth Pay Commission recommendations for the teaching fraternity would be implemented.

Now, the Chief Minister insisted that the matter was not in his hands as the University Grants Commission dealt with their payscales. But when Naikand her colleagues repeatedly insisted on some assurances, the septuagenarian doctor blew his top and a weeping professor was led out of his office. But the tears did their job: the CM called the teachers back and promised to do his best to solve the crisis. Who said women don’t make good trade unionists?

Author’s Devil

Though it emerged from the shadow of Marathi only recently to develop as a language in its own right, printing and publishing in Konkani continues at a feverish pace. With budding-writers easily wangling funds from private and government sources, Konkani-lovers are now wondering whether quality is being sacrificed at the altar of quantity.

One example will illustrate this: A well-known Konkani-writer and journalist received a visit from a just published writer. Shortly after the visitor was admitted, he demanded Rs 100 from the host. When the money changed hands, he presented a copy of his new book to our friend. Another book sold, and Rs 100 in the writer’s pocket!