IFFI The Making Of a Sin City: The Institutionalization of Goa as the Brothel of the East. --------------------------------------------------------
IFFI is the short form for International Film Festival of India . In January 2004, IFFI was held in New Delhi, India, where a diplomat from Switzerland was gang-raped at the venue of the IFFI in the car park by a group of rampaging pleasure-hunters. The Union Government has been seeking to transfer this festival elsewhere in the Country and be rid of its vile effects in order to protect the Capital City of India. Already Mumbai in Maharashtra, Chennai in Tamil Nadu have rejected the IFFI. However the Government of Goa headed by Mr. Manohar Parrikar, recklessly and without much thought, and even without consulting its citizens, sprung into action and informed the Central Government in Delhi that Goa -- that is "YOU" and "ME" --- Yes ,that you and me, are ever willing and desirous to permanently and forever "HOST" this Festival in Panjim, the Capital City of the State of Goa. Ms. Veronica Kayla, the Director General of International Festival of Films wants a "party atmosphere" in Goa for the success of the Film Festival. Taken up by her opinion, the contemporary Manohar Bin Tughlak (not to be confused with the historical Muhammed Bin Tughlak, who whimsically shifted the Capital of India from Delhi to Aurangabad during his reign) has taken upon himself and his Government the task of providing this party atmosphere and the associated infrastructure for the pleasure obsessed. Now , for the hard facts: 1. The following provisions have been made according to the Budget speech by the Chief Minister delivered to the Legislative Assembly, in February, 2004. (a) The Government of India has declared Goa as the permanent venue for hosting the International Film Festival of India. Mr. Manohar Parrikar has expressed his gratitude to the Government of India for doing Goa this favour. (b) The Festival requires infrastructure of International standards, and as such, action is being taken on "WAR-FOOTING" this year itself, to put up the infrastructure. (c) Entertainment would be declared as an Industry in Goa and the "entertainment industry" would be supported with incentives & concessions. (d) Interest free loans of upto Rs. 3 crores per cinema hall theatre in Panjim. Upto Rs 1 crore in Margao, Vasco, Mapusa and Ponda. Upto Rs. 50 lacs in other areas like Pernem, Canacona , Quepem, Sanguem, Sattari and Bicholim. One hundred per cent re-imbursement of entertainment tax for a period of 5 years. (e) Construction of a new Patto bridge by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) at an annuity of Rs 25 crores. (f) Provision of Rs. 5 crores as annuity in perpetuity to GSIDC for the maintenance of the Organization of the Film Festival. Mind you, the Chairman of the GSIDC is none other than Mr. Manohar Parrikar himself, who also wears the hat of the Chief Minister of Goa. (Quixotic, isn 't it???) Read on, be happy and feel good!!! 2. Implications and Consequences: (a) When even Bollywood in Mumbai has not been declared as an industry by the Govt. of Maharashtra , the people of Goa will be forced to bear the burden of a minimum Rupees one hundred crores annually towards the consequences of the provisions made by the Govt. of Goa in its Budget towards this Festival - the IFFI. Due to the concessions, there is likely to be an exodus from Bollywood to Goa over the immediate short and long term. (b) In Mumbai, Bollywood is the prime cause for the spawning and sustenance of the underworld, with its extortion, protection, prostitution, money-laundering, drug and sex related rackets. These undesirable, unsavoury activities would get extended to our peaceful "Bangarachem Goem". (c) In Cannes, France, genuine tourists are cautioned against the call - girl & prostitution rackets which exist there. The World Health Organization runs campaigns to protect visitors against AIDS & STD. The IFFI would make it necessary that Goa also has to spend additional funds to protect visitors and even its people from the increased incidence of AIDS and STD. Goa is being lowered into a colossal debt-trap which we shall live to regret. (d) The IFFI would make Goa the Rest and Recreation (R n R) Paradise of the world. R n R is an euphemism for Sun, Sand, Sex, Boy, Girl, Bike, Drugs & Hedonism, resorted to by the highly stressed rich American/European Society as a relief from the pressures of their complicated lives. 3. According to the CM , "the announcement of Goa as a permanent venue for International Film Festival .in the State is a turning point in the history of the State" (See page 15 of Budget Speech by Manohar Parrikar, February, 2004). 4. Dear fellow citizens, we are indeed standing at the Cross-Road, at a turning point in our history. We urge you to place one hand on your head and the other on your heart, search your conscience and decide for yourself whether you need this International Film Festival of India (IFFI) to be permanently held in Goa. Our children and our future generations will remember us by the decision we make today!! Stop this "CHORI, CHORI, CHUPKE, CHUPKE" deceitful trap by boldly saying "No" to this IFFI madness. 5. For more information, contact Goa Su-Raj Party, 2nd. Floor, Karekar Building, above Indian Overseas Bank, Aldona Prassa, Mapusa-Goa- 403 507. Telephone: 2266111. E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] , website: http://www.goasu-raj.org Jai Bharat !! 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