To Goanet - A small group gathered this evening (Wed, Nov 14, 2007) at the site of the proposed SEZ in Keri, Ponda taluka.
This quintessential Goan Hindu village, ringed with hills, is the birthplace of one of the world's greatest 20th C musicians, Kesarbai Kerkar. It is also home to two charming temples, one of Vetal, the other of Vijayadurga. We first called on Mr. Vetal, the ancient, fierce grama-deva (village deity). He is meant to be worshipped au naturel (and indeed, I verified with the temple custodian that the old idol is gloriously testicular) but we live in puritanical times - http://www.parrikar.org/images/samples/keri-vetal.jpg A refueling stop for chaa and biscuti at the local gaado - http://www.parrikar.org/images/samples/keri-shop.jpg This is a different world. Things here move at the pace of grass growing. Keri is the very definition of tranquility. The fact that anyone could even conceive of disturbing this equilibrium - that in itself ought to be considered a crime. Among those present included Matanhy Saldanha, Dr. N.S. Dumo and Floriano Lobo. There were other activists but I didn't know their names. The intent was to survey the site (the same as the infamous Nylon 66 location) and take stock of the damage done. A wide angle shot of the Keri SEZ site. Note the recent incision made into the hill - http://www.parrikar.org/images/samples/keri-SEZ-01.jpg We were denied entry and a long back-and-forth ensued. There's a respectable vote bank kitty for the local politico already, given the large posse of guards (from Madhya Pradesh) - http://www.parrikar.org/images/samples/keri-SEZ-02.jpg The police showed up with an alacrity not displayed when your home is burgled - http://www.parrikar.org/images/samples/keri-police.jpg We were finally let into the grounds, which are extensive - http://www.parrikar.org/images/samples/keri-SEZ-03.jpg http://www.parrikar.org/images/samples/keri-SEZ-04.jpg http://www.parrikar.org/images/samples/keri-SEZ-05.jpg http://www.parrikar.org/images/samples/keri-SEZ-06.jpg To summarize: We are dealing with savages here, enemies of civlization. The current corrupt government of Goa is wholly complicit in this barbarism. Warm regards, r