To Goanet - A public meeting has been called in Panjim on Thu, Oct 16. Will it be the trigger for a Goan rebellion, for a new Goan resurgence? One can always dream.
While the response to the crimes against Aires and Prajal is heartening, I want to sound a sobering note. More like an obloquy. For in the heat of the here and now, it is easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. Indeed, there are already indications that the usual batch of vultures is circling overhead, tempted by the scent of an opening. For instance - chelas of the Margao builder lobby have suddenly sensed an opportunity for grandstanding. Discredited has-beens from the GBA have emerged from the woodwork to express outrage. The posse of old "activists" - vain, delusional, and above all, ineffective - quick to seize on any chance for a comeback from irrelevance, has commandeered the public podium. Watch out especially for gits from the erstwhile Progressive Student Group - they go by names such as "Sonak" etc as they step off from their potty thrones. Then there are the venal media maggots - S. Prabhudesai et al. All these fellows, along with the politicos, are the true cancers afflicting the Goan body politic. You will find these corrosive vermin tomorrow at Azad Maidan hustling for the microphone or hovering around for their piece of carrion. I have credible information that attempts are underway by the builder's lobby to foment distractions and diversions. The current situation offers them an opening. There have also been recent moves that seek to divide Goan Hindus and Catholics (as witness the pea-brained Subodh Kerkar's remarks that opposition to mega projects is confined to only the Catholic community). It is imperative that Goans remain vigilant and that we keep our collective eye on the ball: mega projects, mining, inflow of migrants, preservation & renewal of our villages, & Goan identity. This public meeting ought to seek the ouster of the Monserrate and V. Rane and put an end to their criminal enterprise. But it should also go further and sound the clarion call for a Goan Reformation. For this we need experienced, honest & wise old heads and a new wave of younger, energetic Goans. Do we have them? One can always dream. Warm regards, r
