GOA STATEHOOD DAY May 30 is celebrated as Goa Statehood Day,
The day when the dragon of absorption we did slay. Our special identity we decided to maintain, As we felt there was a great deal to gain If we could, separate and unique, stay. Now on this anniversary, it's time to assess Why Goa appears to be in such a mess. Inroads are made by foreigners, outsiders and land sharks While the common man in Goa helplessly barks Without much of a bite, one must confess. Ours is no longer, on earth, a paradise, In some ways it's become a den of vice. At the end of the tunnel one does see Some light that may make us fully free And from the ashes, so to speak, once again rise. Identifying those who are slimy and sleazy. And prescribing solutions is quite easy. But who will bell the cat And bring the guilty on the mat? To come forward, most feel rather queasy. What we need is men and women of action Who will provide the necessary traction. See what in Nepal has recently occurred A monarchy unceremoniously interred. The people rose and united each and every faction. But more than that, what we badly need is synergy Coupled with a sustained and united bout of energy. All this is of course a very tall order, While those who come from beyond the border Prey on us, while we pray as though part of the clergy. Let us therefore once again re-dedicate our lives, Until that glorious day finally arrives When we are masters of our fate So that this tiny little State Takes its place in the sun and its dream revives. - Shanti Dhoot
