Dear Dr Giese: I enthusiatically commend your "Jeremiad" exposing Goa's extant woes. It's wonderful that US denizens have a vibrant organization such as "Goa Sudharop" to campaign for preservation of the unique culture of this fairyland Konkan coastal enclave. It is indeed a extraordinary blended amalgam of Indian and Portuguese cultures that's worth striving to enshrine for posterity. Apart from the malaises and adverse trends astutely identified by you, I see two major impediments. One is the language problem. In elevating Konkani to the august status of a "Language" we are putting the cart before the horse. Let's first develop the vital and credible credentials to qualify it as such. As far as I know, we have not yet even agreed on an uniform official script. Language is a endemically a powerful unifying force. Finance scholarships and organize institutions to create harmoniously a viable and universally acceptable "linga franca" using the minds and resources of all linguistically interested parties in Goa. This may look like pie in the sky but I sincerely believe it's a sine qua non to establish a truly monolithic identity for Goa as a cultural and social entity. It will foster unity within Goa's diversity and give Goa's people and its administration a solid foundation to plan and execute a proper blueprint for the present and future. Another item for consideration is residency restrictions in the geography of Goa. Draconian measures if necessary by visa (with strict time limits) and other means should be imposed on residents who are not domiciled. True Goa is now a Union State and interstate freedom of movement is guaranteed under India's "Republic and Democratic" constitution. But a high tariff on non-Goans would not only be a great revenue generator but would also discourage non-bona fide entrants. Of course that would lead to clearly defining the dichotomy between Goans and non-Goans and could open a Pandora's box. I aver measures like this will help regulate Goa's uncontrolled and "overburgeoning" population and at least decelerate total dilution of its moribund ethnicity.
I wish we could use applicable parts of the models of suzerainties like Monaco and Hong Kong to craft Goa's political, social and economic infrastructure for the lasting benefit of Goa and India. The immense problems you have enumerated in able Cassandra-like fashion are formidable and credible. As stalwart evangelists for Goa's cause, Goa Sudharop is wished all the best in your noblesse oblige. Sincerely Arnold Noronha _______________________________________________ Goanet mailing list [email protected] http://lists.goanet.org/listinfo.cgi/goanet-goanet.org
