HEART 2 HEART - APRIL 10 (Herald) By Ethel Da Costa
On a head roll at Mala
Tut, tut, Naguesh Karmali. I simply can't figure out - having met and partaken of an informal discussion with you, where you came across as a sensible man - how you could endorse the violence committed on Mala with your rabid participation and justifications, and then (allegedly) accuse 'sections of the English Press' of inciting communal sentiments when they report the truth. For certain, with 12 years behind me, I don't see the divide between the English press and vernacular in the 'flavour' of their reporting. Of course, I understand the undercurrents of their loyalties. But for certain, I know the 'divide and rule' policy of political parties who use religion to flame cockeyed accusations and divide journalists through manipulation. For sure, you are aware of the infiltration of political moles into the Fourth Estate, to make sure the `divide' widens further into a blinding chasm.
With all respect accorded to your experience, certainly you don't like the few brutal truths dug out of the RSS closet. Certainly you don't like the bitter pills that a few committed journalists are forcing you swallow with their pens. And for certain, neither do your colleagues like the fact that these truths will continue to surface, even if half the population of Goa continues to cower with their tail between their legs (cronies on political payrolls too struggling with all the strings attached to their profession). How easily some sell out!
What was your motivation to endorse this blind desecration of your principles at Mala? You headed the mob. Was it so important changing a few nameplates in the manner that you did, to turn back the pages of history? Freedom fighters are motivated by idealism, for a better future. Some have laid down their lives to uphold the collective vision. T B Cunha, Francisco Luis Gomes, Menezes Braganza, Laximan Sardessai, Jaisinghrao Rane and so many more illustrious sons of Goa, history salutes and bears testimony to their visionary deeds. Leaders set benchmarks through good example and direction. They are remembered for their acts of humanity, courage and wisdom under great strife. Leaders do not tear down, break, violate, abuse with gestures of violence, cowardice, intimidation and blood. If for anything, it was your mob fanning communal sentiments with an ideology that has no place in modern India. Or Goa. So, why did you falter? What were you hoping to set right that history couldn't change? Murder can be conquered through compassion, not with more death, more blood, more war cries. Surely, you should have known this?
While the police and the CCP authorities, then sitting tight on their seats, also cowered with their tail between their legs (shame on these blokes), where was the alternate Goa laying in wait to take stock of her conscience? They were behind closed doors, protecting their own agendas. Of course, I hear a few voices now, but what about all those back benchers making the required social noises to show they are 'part of the gang' at five-star do's, but secretly selling Goa for their own selfish gains? Why have their lost their tongues (but how they wag when they gossip) along with their principles, after making sure their banks are secured making all the monies off Goa's heritage. Writing books, selling their stories, cutting ribbons, rubbing shoulders with chief ministers, the high society and tea parties with the social cognoscenti. What a farce!
I have very little to say about hypocrites in general. And those who gullibly let outside forces violate the sanctity of their minds and reasoning with petty talk. However, thank god for those few who still have the courage of conviction to stand their ground, set their own rules and speak the truth. Even in their innocence. Like the expose on the indoctrination of little school children in government schools. Their bubble has been burst. Same with the malpractices adopted by schools in granting admission to minority students. And the poison the RSS continues to spew into the secular fabric of Goa with their lies. And more lies.
For certain Goa has lived peacefully with her people, no matter where they come from. It is the willful politician who corrupts the system with his venom. If history has to be changed - because it is so full of bloodshed - let us do through acts of peace. Let us re-write it with the actions of people who lived and died to heal the wounds of the Earth. We can then look back with pride to find our names written in letters of gold.
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