On Wednesday, 30th July, I was looking forward to seeing the second last movie of the Tri Continental Film Festival. "China Blue", a documentary about sweatshop workers in the denim jeans industry, was scheduled to start at 6 pm.
With time to spare earlier I decided to check out the debate on whether Goa University should become a Central Varsity or not. The debate started on time 5 pm. The Moderators, MC (Miguel Braganza) and Convener (Floriano Lobo) were very efficient. The 'sound' arrangements were perfect. And the level of debate was outstanding. Among the speakers I found Sebastian Rodrigues, Raphael Fernandes, Aureliano Fernandes and Buqui Desai very good in putting forward well reasoned arguments instead of hollow rhetoric. In fact I have requested Aureliano (Head of Department of Political Science) to e-mail me his brilliant delivery so I could share it in Goan cyberspace. I had not been following the University debate in the press. Like any hot blooded Goan I blindly felt that we don't want the Centre to have any control over 'our' university. But after hearing all the arguments I am now leaning to the other side and feel that Central control (and funds etc) is much desired. But that is besides the point. What I am in admiration of is the Citizens' [of Goa] Initiative. That they could efficiently organise a debate of such a high level is commendable. I look forward to more such initiatives from them. We have too many dramatic politically motivated (or plain ignorant) breast beaters and soap boxers who appeal to our emotions rather than our logic. Academic debates such as this will redress that imbalance. The citizenry will be better informed. I definitely came away from the debate with a lot of new knowledge and insights. And I didn't mind missing watching 'China Blue'. What will directly effect my children her in Goa, I think is more important, I do not know how the Citizens' [of Goa] Initiative is going to finance future debates if the collection they get is not even one 1/10th of the expenses. I have a suggestion. Perhaps they could get these debates video-recorded and uploaded online cheaply. It will remain as an archive and cyber Goans can watch and maybe even contribute towards not just the debates but also the expenses involved. Cheers! Cecil P.S. It was also good to see that Floriano and Miguel are finally working together. Much water has flowed under the bridge since their earlier confrontations. There is no denying that both of them give so much of their time and energies for a better Goa. They work in different ways but together, and with some more like minded people, I think they would be a formidable team. ======