A Respectful Tribute to M. Boyer Goans from all walks of live and across all spans of age, were acquainted with the name of M. Boyer. His forays on the stage, with his characteristic gestures would stir the audience to giggle and wriggle, while his lyrics would entertain, nay invite one to introspect deep into one’s conscience. He was conscious of the fact that “Sounsar Sudhorlo” does beg the “Ponn” (but/yet) of customs, habits and un-reflected superstitions. It was the “Ponn” that cast shadow upon and veiled the progress. He conscientised his audience that progress should impact all facets of life and existence. The world mourns a ‘tiatrist’ and a singer, in the passing away of M. Boyer. But, every genuine Goan mourns a genuine son of the land, whose concern was “Aplo Ganv [Goa]” and “Apli Bhas [Konkani],” as revealed to us in his first cassette, “Golden Goa.” His concern for his land (Aplo Ganv) was profound and deep-seated, as he sings, “Goa xhar amchem, uzvaddachem mannik tem, teachem sudharop kel’lem tor odik porzollit zatem. Ponn Goa xhar pokrun bhitorleam kelam ritem.. Magir Goykara fuddar amcho kitem?” He lamented that “Ami goykar fokot sirvisoch korunk urle, amcheam xikloleam bhurgeank bhailea ganvanim dhaddle. Goyam, bhailo lok ieun karkannem bhandlet vhoddle. Atam goykaramnim tanche nokor zaumche poddle.” Decades ago, he cautioned us, “Goa mannik dovlotichem… ponn konn nokllo kitem zait Goa xharachem.” He provoked us to realize that “Goa bhitorlean pokorlam, fokot suropaien urlam. Atam goykaramnim urlolem samballpachem.” Therefore he suggested a dual approach, “Ami goykar ekvott ghoddun, soglle goyche dongor foddun, chinttat re min tem goyant koddoupachem,” and “Goyam kakhanne bandhat re, sirviso goykarank diat re, ani goyant dovrat bhangar goykaranchem.” In view of this, he boldly exhorted the young minds, “dekhun engineer zaiat re, Goyam karkhanne bandhat re, nam tor lok bandhun goychi girestkai vhortole.” His Goanness made him appeal to Goans to cherish their mother-tongue Konkani and to spare no pains to promote it. His concern was to make Konkani the binding force of Goans, irrespective of religion, caste or whatever. It was seen by him as the true and visible sign of our Goanness. The neglect of Konkani he prophesied could lead to the doom of the land and its entity, when he sang “Ami khoinche te sangonk ghuspotole ami, Goykar sanddtole zorui sandot tor Konkani.” He reflected that the consequences of not giving Konkani its due importance would be catastrophic by stating that “ami sanddtole sandlli zalear amchi bhas Konkani.” He was firmly convinced that the Goan identity was deeply ingrained in our language and vice-versa. That is why he exhorted “amchem goykarponn rakhonk samballat Konkani.” It is worthy to note that Goans, irrespective of political party affiliations, creed or other differences are mourning the loss of the great man, M. Boyer. Lest we carve a niche for him just in the portals of artistes, I would suggest that we look at his contribution, not only as a performer/actor and singer, but moreover, as a social activist and reformer and give him due recognition. He has received the prestigious “Padma Bhushan” for his artistic talent. We Goans still owe him our recognition, by making his dreams and aspirations for Goa and Goan identity our vocation. The only reward we can offer him is to assure that we live on his legacy: A legacy of dedication to “Aplo Ganv [Goa]” and “Apli Bhas [Konkani].” Our politicians and those at the helm of decision making process and governance should develop a guilt conscience and, a firm resolve to protect the Goan identity. A guilt conscience, that they have not done enough to avert the exploitation of “Aplo Ganv,” rather that they have voluntarily blessed it, for their own gains. A guilt conscience that they have politicized the language issue, neglecting the serious ramifications it has to our Goan identity. Thus, they should evolve a firm resolve to truly honour this great son of the soil by working to save whatever is left of Goa for Goans and by safeguarding our Goanness by promoting Konkani. The “special status” for Goa and a resolution to promote Konkani (in Devnagiri and Roman script) could only be a starting point on the long and arduous journey of reclaiming Goa and Goanness. Although late, it is better late than never… If we fail in promoting his project, then we will be living under the condemnation of “Sounsar Sudhorlo, PONN…” This is a baton he has handed over to each of us who pride to be Goans… A baton to be like him, true and dedicated Goans… May the soul of M. Boyer rest in peace, yet leave all of us Goans, RESTLESS till we pledge ourselves wholeheartedly, and strive undauntedly to work to achieve what was so dear to his heart... A Golden Goa. SIMPLICIO D'SOUZA e-mail: [email protected] / [email protected] _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail® goes with you. http://windowslive.com/Tutorial/Hotmail/Mobile?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Tutorial_Mobile1_052009
