I've always been a fan of Goan Observer, the magazine and yes, also of Rajan
Narayan, despite what one hears of him in Goa. But this week, I am inclined to
change my opinion for this is what he wrote in the editorial page of Goan
Observer.
"Fredrick Noronha used the editorial page of the Herald to defend himself and
other inter-nutters for violating copyright laws"
Maybe Rajan Narayan should get to know the people he accuses of being
inter-nutters for JoeGoaUK is hardly a nutter. I understand Frederick Noronha
and Rajan Narayan share a long history but in Rajan's haste to take pot-shots
at Frederick, it is sad he didn't care if he had collateral damage. Before he
accuses people of copyright law infringement, he should shore up on what
copyright infringement is.
And what about these tiatrists who are all bent out of shape about JoeGoaUK
giving them some free publicity. There was a time when anyone could hear their
songs on the radio and even record them for free on small cassette records if
they liked them. They could make copies of this recording if they wished and
send it abroad to their friends and relatives who didn't get to hear Konkani
music where they lived.
Those were the days before our tiatrists got to hear about copyright and CDs
and putting commercial interests ahead of their artistic integrity. Those
carefree days are gone now and we are so eager to accuse people of stealing
from us, even people who are only trying to help us.
Shame on us Goans. We are so good at writing obituaries when someone dies but
while someone is alive, all we can think of is, defaming them, criticising them
and stabbing them in the back. If I read one more glowing obituary written
about some great Goan, I will know only one thing. That while he lived, no
doubt he endured nothing but ridicule.
best,
selma
