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Reproducing this article from goa-research-net. 00000000000000000000000 What is happening to Goan youth? Nirmal Kulkarni Mon, 03 Jan 2005 00:46:41 -0800 Searching for the wilds in our blood! Every time I hear a conversation about a wild place or habitat being destroyed and its issue being discussed over snacks at a coffee table with sympathies thrown at my land of Goa, my blood boils to a seemingly high Fahrenheit level and an urge to do something drastic envelops my otherwise quiet soul. We, Goans have a reverence for life and its forms. But in the recent years this relationship appears cracking. No longer is the Tulsi vrundavan outside every Hindu home venerated as before every morning and the Sangod or Harvest festivals are also losing their true charm and meaning thanks to the sponsored themes and advertisement of brands that speak of everything that is not Goan. I am not an activist, nor do I want to sound like one. But the happenings in my State are not being documented or studied and the very foundations of my land that dwell on the aspects of harmony and compassion for all living beings, the attitude that respects every Tree and mound and the flowing river, all are being compromised in the name of development and infrastructure. For a state that is slowly losing its charm and beauty, where peace and tranquility are being auctioned off in the name of nightlife and vast stretches of sand dunes and forests are being raped under the garb of providing employment and revenue to my land, I sometimes wonder where my Goa is heading to ? Belonging to the new generation of youth that have been taught to fight for our identity, I sometimes shudder with fright at the glimpses that pass by whilst on a journey in my land of Parshuram. Does seeking an identity mean surrendering to possibilities of any kind? There is a dramatic change in lifestyles and accents to say the least and the less spoken of other aspects the better it is. It might sound vague, childish and even insulting. But it is true. The average Goan youth is pathetically unconcerned about his neighborhood, leave alone his State or country. Environment related issues are for those who want to either while away time or participate in gossip. Suspicion is paramount and every researcher ,activist, environmentalist or otherwise is thought to be one who squabbles the public's money to fill his or her coffers! Are all Goan wildlife workers like that? And if such is the case, is there no youngster today who can take over and work for a young Goa? Whilst keeping this rather controversial topic aside, I would like to delve into the basic aspects of us Goan youth being led away from our roots? Why is there no belonging been seen with regards to our land and its landscapes, its countryside and their denizens? The very circle of life of most Goan youth today revolves around their cell phones, their parties and of course their so called socializing and what nots. The youth movement with regards to issues on wildlife, environment and education has died down ages ago and is seeking a new leadership for guidance? We need to find that leadership amongst us. Or rather strive to be that leader. The need of the hour is to conserve the remains of our wild lands and protect these for posterity. Let your blood boil, for our land. Speak up and stand up. Talk , discuss and demand an explanation to every change that threatens to irreversibly damage our ecosystem and its components. Support individuals and institutions who want to work and shelve all controversies by way of dialogue and consensus. We can achieve a lot...but a lot depends on how we achieve and what our achievement does for our land of Goa. There is an urgent need to rise, fellow youth, for retaining our lands scenic charm and its identity as a land of greens and wilds, a land whose people have always regarded with pride and honor. It is up to us in 2005 to protect and conserve our coasts and forests, plateaus and farmlands, to raise consciousness about our culture and its teachings. With education and awareness would come action and with action would come a Goa that we would cherish in every sense of the word. Having raved and ranted my thoughts about what I feel, it is of paramount importance that these thoughts are echoed back to me not only through your emails but through your actions and their consequences in my land of Goa. By: Nirmal Kulkarni http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Forum/1503/capa_cs.pdf ------------------------------------------------------------------- To Subscribe/Unsubscribe from Goa-Research-Net ------------------------------------------------------------------- posted by rene barreto www.goaday.com http://community.webshots.com/user/goanint =================================
