Green WarsProdded by the erstwhile office-bearers of the United Goans Democratic Party founded by Industries Minister Churchill Alemao before his entry into the Congress, the demonstrators have been organising rasta-rokos and demonstrations against the project. Last week, they even organised a mock funeral of Chief Minister Luizinho Faleiro and `cremated' his effigy.Around the same time, the body protesting the project also extended their support to Churchill's brother, Joaquim, who is a Congress candidate for the Lok Sabha polls. Talk of hidden agendas!Goa In the rainsThanks to the recession, hotel rooms are going for a song particularly during the monsoon, when tourists give Goa a wide berth. However, the convention crowd, which too has to cut back expenses in these difficult times, are flocking to the state in large numbers.Corporate czars have appropriately chosen the moment for crash courses in cost-cutting. Itinerant businessmen get complimentary hotel rooms from airlinepackages, etc.Now even the academic types have got into the act. At a recent symposium on `Goan Identity' more than half the participants turned out to people from out of state!Called to AccountThe buzzword in academic circles in the state is autonomy for educational institutions. Recently, the National Assessment and Accreditation Council of the University Grants Commission (UGC) began the process for accrediting five colleges in the state. Depending on the stars, a college earns it is eligible for special funding from the UGC. Naturally, the prestige of the institution also goes up a few notches.Strangely, sources say, the Goa University itself is not keen on obtaining accreditation from the UGC. Says something about the levels of self-confidence of the powers that be.TailpieceThe professional balladeers of the state have beaten the politicians to it. Just days before the election, tiatrists (theatre actors) have cut records putting to music the Kargil saga. Theproduction, called Kantaal, in the local lingo, tells the story in the space of a song. But then, the singers who target the commercial market do not care about the issues raised by various political parties on Kargil, the music cassettes are not making it to the elections.
