I concur completely with Rajesh Dessai’s analysis of the situation vis-à-vis Goemcar freedom fighters. I personally knew two in Moira. The first the late Purshottam, fondly called Purso, was the genuine article, actively involved in the struggle. He was a gentleman. He loved singing and always took part in our yuletide ‘serenades’. Unfortunately he was prey to that common Goemcar disease that has taken such a heavy toll in our land.
The second is a well known local charlatan who claims his freedom fighters pension even though everyone knows that his opportune incarceration was for some petty swindle and had absolutely nothing to do with the struggle. But I won’t delve in this time worn tale of the good, the bad and the ugly. I’ve only written this post Mr. Dessai to say that it is a pleasure and an honor to hear and read about and from a Goemcar who thought and felt and gave as much for his motherland as you have. Thank you for giving so much of yourself for our beautiful Goem. It is such a pity though that while your bravery and selflessness helped get rid of one colonizer, the aftermath which should have safeguarded Goemcar identity has only resulted in a dilution of Goemcarponn in Goem. Sincerely Xanno Moidecar
