Dr Anil Desai’s claim of being a saffronite and even the possibility of his having been trained to hate Catholics during his early years comes as no surprise.
In the Goem that I grew up, there were two distinct camps. Kokkne and Kristaos or Kirgges. Muslims were considered too insignificant a minority to merit much mention. I remember even on the village playing field, sides being chosen according to one’s religion. Koknne and Kristoas in two different teams. Unfortunately for my then Kristao team, the Koknnes had a player who went on to represent the Indian national squad. But even then, when either of the teams fell short, Kristaos played for the Koknne and vice versa. I also remember stupid rhymes making the rounds. The Kristaos had, “Kokkneancho Dev matiecho, doryian zatta chiklacho”. This referring to the immersion of Ganapati –bappa. Of course the Kokknes were no less poetic and came up with: Kristaoacho Dev lankdacho, ghu khatta makdacho.” Such was the pettiness of the divide. But there were great friendships too. Till her dying day, the mother of my Hindu friend, at every Diwali, made me a dozen ‘besand’ laddoos. I have yet to eat better ones. I recollect talking to a Hindu friend and saying that Goemcar traditions were being destroyed by Indian influences. I can still remember my shock and anger when he turned scornfully to me and asked what was greater; five hundred years of European suzerainty or millennia of Manu? As I grew in age and hopefully wisdom, this divide became increasingly irrelevant. And by the time I left Goem, I had already realized that this senseless rivalry and animosity between Goemcars only increased our vulnerability. Now that I am in full blown exile, albeit a voluntary one, I know that there is no divide. Our religions are important, but Goemcars have a great unifier. The Hindu religion is our ‘mul’ faith. It is the faith of our forefathers. Historic imperatives have bifurcated our community and set us along different religious paths. But almost all of us have common Hindu heritage. So Dotor, don’t worry about the follies of our youth. What matters is that you care for Goem and ALL Goemcars. If that be the case; nothing else matters. Sincererly Xanno Moidecar
