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2008 International Goan Convention
Toronto, Canada
http://www.2008goanconvention.com
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--- On Sat, 7/12/08, Arwin Mesquita <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> The key obstacle to Goa getting Special Status (as obtained
> by few other states) are Corrupt Politicians, Greedy Investors etc in
> Goa/Delhi/India/World with big monetary/land stakes in
> Goa's decimation; they oppose on the Constitution pretext.
>
There are many Goans who believe that the real problems that need to be
addressed are corruption, greed, laziness, poor civic sense and lack of concern
for our heritage and natural environment, not this misguided desire for a
special status based on a segregationistic and chauvinistic mentality.
Segregation is undesirable for the following reasons:
1. The frequency of marriages across regions and communities is on the rise,
and fortunately so, because it contributes to the enrichment of our gene pool.
2. Inbreeding and endogamy within a small insular population is responsible for
many of the inherited health problems that we face today.
3. Cultural inbreeding and isolation breeds ignorance and leads to loss of
competitiveness in a global economy.
4. Restriction and over-regulation based on parochial considerations are
well-known impediments to progress and job creation in a global market economy.
Although, in a parallel thread, Philomena makes some valid points about
intolerance bred by diversity in all parts of India, it is precisely the
destructive separatist tendencies emerging out of this intolerance that are
meant to be held in check by the Indian constitution. The tired old calls by
others for special treatment to preserve the non-existent abstraction of a
unique Goan identity and other such platitudes are therefore, at best,
short-sighted emotional defense mechanisms devoid of any real value to solving
even the genuine practical problem of preservation of our natural and cultural
heritage. The latter problem can only be tackled head-on by direct promotion of
the Konknni language and literature in Goa and the world at large; preservation
of heritage structures and sites; propagation of all wholesome Goan traditions
and customs; cultivation of indigenous art, music, dance and craft; protection
of the natural environment; and active
prevention of indiscriminate use of land for construction projects.
Cheers,
Santosh
