Xit-Koddi - Feb 2014

What A Mother Means….... 

Like many children, I would describe my mother as the best in the world, and I couldn’t ask for anyone better. She has given me unconditional love.

You grow up, and only then do you realize what a ‘mother’ means in your life. You begin to understand what a blessing your mother is to you, and how important it is to tell her that. But the only problem is, sometimes you don’t get that chance. For a pretty long time now, I wanted to tell my mother how much I appreciate the sacrifices she made for me, and thank her for guiding and supporting me in realizing my dreams. The opportunity came, as I joined my brother and sister, along with our families, to celebrate the 75th birthday of our mother, Mariani Crasto, on the 9th of this month. My mother was touched, and tears of joy filled her eyes.

To my beloved mother, who has sacrificed and devoted her life to put me where I stand today, I dedicate this issue of Xit-Koddi.

I know of parents who are distressed and humiliated by their children. I hope this small tribute to my mother will inspire children of such parents.

With love to all mothers.

= GR Crasto 

              Historic Visit To India By Our King                      

Goan Carnival in Bahrain: A group of Goan youngsters under the banner of 'Crab Entertainment' brings to Bahrain the most colorful festival of Goa - the Carnival. The event is scheduled for February 27, at the Pappilon Restaurant in Manama from 7 p.m. onwards with a DJ in attendance. Prizes are on offer for the best carnival costume and entry coupons. Several other spot prizes will also be given away during the evening. A 'You Got Talent' contest for individuals and groups of a maximum of 4 persons is also lined up for the event. Our aim is to keep our culture alive among the Goans of Bahrain and give them an opportunity to come together, said one of the organizers. For more details contact telephone nos:36428219, 39863792, 33057030 or 33964190.

Protection of Properties of NRI's In Goa: Lately, there have been instances where landed properties owned by some NRIs and PIOs of Goan origin have been usurped in their absence by unscrupulous elements by manipulating land records and executing fraudulent sale deeds. Against this background, the State government is seriously contemplating enactment of suitable legislation whereby the Government would offer to protect the landed properties of interested NRIs and PIOs of Goan origin. For this purpose, it is proposed to create a data bank of all landed properties of NRIs and PIOs of Goan origin who are willing to register their properties with the Government. This will enable the Registration Authorities to prevent manipulation of such land records and execution of fraudulent sale deeds. Those willing to register their landed properties (other than flats and shops) with the Government, the details of such property records with copies of Form I & XIV etc., may be forwarded to the Commissioner for NRI Affairs latest by 31st March 2014. This was announced through an email addressed to us by U.D. Kamat, Director of NRI Affairs, Goa.

Declaration of Indian Currency on Arrival in India: The new Customs rules under Customs Baggage Declaration (Amendment) Regulations, 2014, will be applicable from March 1, 2014. Under these new rules, passengers entering India will have to declare Indian currency exceeding Rs. 10,000 being brought by them. All passengers coming to India will be filling up a new 'Indian Customs Declaration Form,' which will seek details that will be different from the detachable perforated strip which is a part of the immigration card at the moment. Travelers would be asked to specifically

declare in the new form, any prohibited articles, gold jewelry (over the free allowance), gold bullion and Indian currency exceeding Rs. 10,000. According to the new rules, an Indian citizen would need to fill up the immigration form only when he or she goes out of the country. There will be no immigration form for Indian citizens returning from abroad. This information is contained in a notification issued by Ministry of Finance on February 10, 2014.