Parrikar is new defence minister of India? Goa goes in spin

November 5, 2014

Panaji, Nov 5: Media reports emanating from New Delhi suggesting Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar would be the country's new defence minister have created ripples in the state.

The summoning of Parrikar, state party president Vijay Tendulkar and organising secretary Satish Dhond to Delhi Wednesday for a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah has only lent credence to the rumour that Parrikar's induction in the central cabinet is nearly certain.

BJP state vice president Wilfred Mesquita told media that if Parrikar is made a central cabinet minister, the parting would indeed be sad.

"If orders comes, he will have to go... Parting in life is sad. We can never be happy. But if someone goes for better prospects, it is a nice thing," Mesquita said.

Media reports Wednesday hinted at an impending union cabinet expansion in which Parrikar would be allotted the defence portfolio, which is currently being held by Arun Jaitley, who also holds the finance ministry.

Both Parrikar and Tendulkar were unavailable for comment. Congress Rajya Sabha member from Goa, Shantaram Naik, however, said that Parrikar's elevation was "most certain".

"Parrikar himself was lobbying for a cabinet position because he has made a mess of affairs in Goa. Whether it's his inability to resolve the mining problem, law and order, etc. The defence portfolio is his escape ticket from Goa," Naik said.

The social media has also been agog with the possibility of Parrikar's elevation. "Great, he has excellent administrative skills," says Samir Talkar on a popular Facebook group Goa+. Others are sceptical, asking whether his trademark 'U' turns on decisions related to state administration will now be a regular feature in the union defence ministry.

Others like Rajesh Mandrekar wonder on the same group about what would happen to the BJP in Goa if Parrikar, known as the only "credible" face in the party's state unit, heads for Delhi.

Mesquita has an answer ready for such skeptics. The BJP in Goa, he says, is brimming with chief ministerial talent. "We have got so many. We will have to go in alphabetical order," he said.

Party sources said that the names of current Deputy Chief Minister Francis D'Souza and Speaker of the Goa legislative assembly Rajendra Arlekar are in the reckoning for the chief minister's position, should Parrikar's elevation to the central cabinet take place.

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SMR Public School’s ‘EXCELLENTIA’ highlights academic excellence and holistic growth

News Network

December 16,2025

Melkar (Bantwal): The 9th Annual Day celebration of SMR Public School, titled “EXCELLENTIA”, was held on December 15 with great enthusiasm and dignity, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey towards academic excellence and holistic development.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. U. T. Iftikar Ali. The chief guests were Dr. Akhtar Hussain, Mr. P. Moosabba Beary, Mr. Zakaria Jokattre, and Dr. T. M. Abdul Rahuf—whose inspiring addresses motivated the students and appreciated the school’s contributions to education.

Mr. Abdul Nasir, Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar, Mr. Razak Golthamajal, Mr. Sali Koya, Mr. Arshad Hussain, Mr. Ismail Balanoor, Mr. Feroz Bawa, Mr. Sahul Hameed, Mr. Abubakkar, Mr. Hameed K. Mani, Mr. Abdul Majeed (Principal, Melkar Women’s College), and Mr. Abdul Lathief (Former Principal, Melkar Women’s College) were the guests of honour.

The Annual Report was presented by the Headmistress, Ms. Fathimathul Zaheera, highlighting the school’s achievements and progress during the academic year. The Presidential Address was delivered by the Chairman of SMR Public School, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasised the vital role of education in shaping students’ futures and stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and consistent effort in achieving 100 per cent academic results.

Secretary of SMR Public School, Mr. Rifath Ahmed, and PTA President, Mr. Sandeep Kumar, were also present on the occasion.

The Annual Day celebration showcased the collective efforts of students and teachers and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to quality education and all-round development. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, parents, and well-wishers for their support. The 9th Annual Day—EXCELLENTIA—was a memorable and successful event, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.

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