Recently, Hollywood produced a movie “No country for old men” that is based onCormac McCarthy novel of the same name. Movie depicts drugs related violence and crime that griped a county. The protagonist of this movie laments about the increasing violence in a region where he, like his father and grandfather before him, has risen to the office of sheriff. In the face of crime and violence, the protagonist, is left with nothing, but to reminiscences the good old days. This movie has some similarities to an evolving socio-political nature of Goa, which has taken an ominous turn of event in the recent past, and future appears bleak. Most of those goans, who have deep roots to the land and its traditions, similar to the protagonist in the movie “No country for old men”, are feeling nostalgia of the good old days. Goa was a peaceful place, with fun loving people, respect for elders and traditions, and holding deep religious sentiments. Crime and violence was not part of their everyday vocabulary. At this time, the potential future of Goa clearly spells out, “It is not a place for old men.”
A demand for “Special Status” for Goa was mainly a voice of late Matanhy Saldanha, to protect the identity, integrity, and for the wellbeing of the present generation and the future posterity. He had a clear vision to protect this land, its traditions and wealth, so that the young and old may dwell in peace and harmony along with the nature. Matanhy Saldanha supported BJP party and was part of it, to carry forward his dreams and vision. Over two years in power, the accomplishments of BJP government is anything but the vision of Matanhy. Matanhy’s untimely death left a void in Goa’s political stage. In fact, BJP party in Goa, without a scent of remorse, tried to denigrate his legacy by attributing false assumptions. For example, the Chief Minister and so-called good friend of Matanhy, Manohar Parrikar, publicly claimed that Matanhy was a proponent of Mopa Airport. But the record and the vision of Matanhy clearly and consistenly spell otherwise. At present, Mopa Airport is not an urgent need of Goa, but builders do need it to satisfy their greed. In fact, there are more pressing needs that ought to be attended immediately, like garbage problem, sewerage, bridges, roads, parking, water, electricity and other basic infrastructure, but these needs are overlooked, although they could make Goa the pride of old men, and the hope for next generation. Goa is one of the smallest states of India, and land is scanty and precious. Although small, the landscape of Goa has unique beauty and richness with fauna and flora. It also holds a unique place in history of the world, for it was in Goa, that the East and West had a perfect marriage – the fusion of two cultures. For this reason, the call for special status was reasonable. In contrast, how reasonable is it to sell acres and acres of land to non-Goans so they can build mega housing projects, and design golf course? Didn’t BJP party embraced Matanhy’s vision for “Special Status for Goa?” At this time, a bigger question arises: what is it about Goa that BJP government wants to protect for present and future generation? Not long ago, Goa Assembly passed a bill for “Special Status for Goa.” The wait was for the central government to pass the same measure. The Goa government, led by the BJP party, accused the then-UPA central government of delaying the Special Status. But what can possibly prevent Goa government from pushing the Special Status bill now, when the central government is of BJP party? The answer lies somewhere else. It is not in the interest of the BJP party to give Goa “Special Status”, besides; there is no political, social, economic or cultural will in our elected leaders. They are puppets in the hands of bigger lords, who want to control this land. The Nigerian episode in Provorim reflects the essence of “No country for old men.” In the film, violence and mayhem ensue after a hunter stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong and more than $2 million in cash. In fact, a Bollywood movie “Dum Maaro Dum” provided a glimpse of Goa’s drug mafias causing fear, which is just the tip of the iceberg that came to light when Nigerians took the law into their own hands. Worry now creases the old Goan men’s face. The land is sold to the builders. Russian, Nigerian and Israeli foreigners and drug mafias control the beaches. And mining lords control Goa’s forest and mountains. The elected representatives of the people play to the tune of the above concerns orchestrate, and the common man cannot find respite from either political party. Now Goans should ask the question, “Special Status for whom?” The potential future of Goa is “No country for old men.” Fr. Peter Fernandes
