Hi Domnic, I concede you have a right to your opinion. Mine isn't. Anyhow here's something to chew on. A few Indian States are called BIMARU States in educational parlance. And they are dubbed so because they seem to be sick. Very often Government comes out with schemes to attract children to schools but still parents are reluctant to send their children to school. One such scheme is the MDM scheme which has been recently introduced even in Goa. Because many people in the above States are economically backward the Government introduces this type of schemes to increase enrolment. Many years ago Government used to give Rs.2 to each child to report to school. But even then parents preferred to keep their wards at home to look after their siblings rather than send them to school. All this is because of their trying economic situation.I think you will agree with me if I say that first comes portuba and then comes vithoba or whoever. Perhaps a century ago the situation in Goa too could have been the same? May be you could get a better idea of things in Goa then if you read Teotonio de Souza's Medieval Goa. And one last question: Have heard of a man in history called Marquis de Pombal? If you have, please tell me about him.I'm interested in history. Regards and have a nice day! Richard
