I can understand the dilemma that Arwin is going through. It stems from the simple fact that he cannot clearly define what he means by his unique Goan identity, and understand what good its preservation does him. Perhaps, he also feels a modicum of discomfort in the realization that he is as much an Indian as he is a Goan, that there are many Goans who have less things in common with him than with non-Goans - things that have to do with religion, language, music, food, tradition, habits, rituals, customs, etc.
To defuse the fog he has created by fixating on preservation of his unique identity, he has to do nothing more than ask himself the following two questions: 1. Can he become a better Goan by separating himself from non-Goans? 2. Can Goa achieve greater prosperity by being insulated from the rest of India? Cheers, Santosh --- On Tue, 7/8/08, Arwin Mesquita <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > >The only dilemma I face is what do I answer people when they normally say >to >me (A) Goa & Goans are significantly different from rest of India one >example is Goa stands out for Tourism exceptionally vs. other states (B) >What do I call myself now that there is no such thing as Goan Identity. My >answers would most probably be (A) Its all mythical and there is no basis >and (B) I now call myself a "Jolly Indian". Any suggestions from you are >welcome. >
