A quick scan of the Goanet archives (which is how I access the group) reveals an advanced stage of dormancy. Is Goanet dying or even dead? The entries have reduced to a trickle. Goa-related commentary almost wholly issues from Vivek-bab. What happened to the others? His opinions are Left-wing/Woke/Progressive, perhaps appealing to bhaile settled in Goa or others in the Indian ‘progressive’ swamp. I welcome his point of view even though I am on the opposite side of the spectrum, implacably opposed to that kind of politics.
I was amused to see some “Puja” quoted in one of VM-bab’s columns regarding Goa being overstretched. Gee, nobody before had thought about Goa’s carrying capacity. Where would we be without the insertion of wisdom from bhaile? Now, if any proposal to impose limits on “capacity” (meaning stopping the endless flow of Indians wanting to settle in Goa) comes from the mind of a Niz Goenkar, he or she is called “xenophobic.” ***** India still remains Third World in attitudes and processes despite the pretensions many urban Indians have. They have embraced the lingo and given themselves a shiny surface coat but one skin depth below it is the same old India. Let me cite diverse examples. A new internet connection here required three separate teams. The technicians will be quick to tell you about some problem and why the work cannot proceed. They will never tell you the solution. You go in person to a service provider and her attention is spread over 5 people simultaneously while serving not a single one efficiently. The banking services are designed to inflict pain and test your patience. In California, the motto of banks is, “how can we finish your business and get you out of our office in the shortest possible time?” In India it is the exact opposite. Have you taken a close look at the Mandovi Bridge or the new Zuari Bridge? They have Third World workmanship stamped all over them. Yet, many Goans will herald these as works of engineering and art. Are things better than what they were 20 years ago? Yes. But that is a low bar to clear. ***** The beggar’s racket in Panjim is still active. I have written on Goanet before about this abomination. ***** r - Goan nationalist & nativist, rightwing Hindu, Bamon, Hindutvadi, pro-patriarchy
