HEART TO HEART
By Ethel Da Costa
Be Careful Of The Company You Keep
Who exactly do you want to be? What kind of person do you want to be? What
are your personal ideals? Whom do you admire? What are their special traits
that you would make your own? It's time to stop being vague. If you wish to
be an extraordinary person, if you wish to be wise, then you should
explicitly identify the kind of person you aspire to become, so you can
refer to this as your self-definition.
My dear Babush,
There are much festivities around the place, but there are gnawing
questions creeping up my brain when the dead of night falls on the city and
the ageless Mandovi silently heaves her way to the sea. We have met on
several occasions and exchanged views. Views pertaining to Goa,
apprehensions on the course of our politics, and finally, the future of our
State and her people. I agree you are a product of the times, and I'm told
your heart is big as your purse.
Circumstances mould our actions, and make us what we are. But it is deep
concern that compels me to write to you, because I hope when you have a
moment to contemplate as twilight shadows the sun, you understand the
'whys' of your power moves. Most importantly, I hope you understand where
these concerns come from. Panjim will go to the vote booth soon. And with
that your 30 candidates. I have never seen their faces before, especially
when the city groans with malaise of human avarice, except now. Each swears
gold at the end of the rainbow. Many promises dot their tongues. But it is
only the heart that can understand the grievances of this city and the
people who care for her and work tirelessly for her upkeep. We do not have
political ambitions. Yes, we understand you do. I'm told the only way to
change the system is to 'become the system,' by infusing it with good
intentions, focused action and purposeful direction, with the hope that
good wins eventually. By God, I hope these are your ideals too. Corruption
has become a way of life in Goa. You have understood it well. You have
fought your own political battles using tools of the 21st century - tooth
for a tooth, money for money. People today fall like nine pins at the sight
of a blank cheque book, selling home, hearth and values for temporary
prosperity. Every politician has a game plan. I know you have yours too.
But in your ardent need for absolute power, please do not sell Goa for a song.
Let your candidates know that politics calls for selfless service. It
appeals to realize a higher self, for a goal towards a State's
self-sufficiency. It requires exemplary examples to lead the younger
generation into new territory of actualization. It is this plea for the
next generation (since you and I would want to see our grand children
working towards protecting whatever little is left of our land) that I
write to you. Because you are intelligent to understand where it comes
from. That there are no motives, but only concerns to safeguard Panjim and
Goa from the sharks of corruption, with land disappearing like grains of
sand slipping fast from a palm. Every generation looks forward to a coming
of a role model, self styled gurus who are new wine in old bottles. We are
no longer fooled by clever words and marketing hype. Instead, let's work
together towards building a city that will become the role model of the
country. By taking charge of our garbage, water and power distribution,
public utility facilities, by providing better infrastructure and medical
services for the disadvantaged, where discipline and respect for the laws
of the land become a way of life. Where goondagiri is not the answer to
earning respect, or breaking laws as a show of macho-ism.
Let's teach our children that with great power comes greater
responsibility. Are you capable of putting service before self?
With Goa's concern at heart,
Me
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