*http://www.oheraldo.in/newscategory/Letters/13* *Goan Tolerance Arwin Mesquita, Abu Dhabi *There is currently a lot of criticism about the ‘tolerance’ of Goans, as they are in increasing numbers speaking out against the fast deterioration of Goan culture and identity with the rapid influx of migrants and the fast changing demographics. I do appreciate that tolerance is the need of the hour to make the world a better place, but let us put tolerance into a correct perspective for Goa.
Nobody can dispute the enormous tolerance and hospitality exhibited by Goans, simply from the fact that around 40 per cent of the population of Goa is non-Goan. I would like for the critics to compare this with the demographics of other states. If they keep silent, it is because they don’t face the same crisis. As Goans, we should continue to be tolerant, respectful and hospitable to all people. But this does not mean it is wrong for us to put in safeguards right now to reverse the erosion of Goan identity and protect Goan interests. In the UAE, where I temporarily reside, the vast majority are non-nationals. Many are allowed to even buy land, but restrictively. This country in its wisdom has put in fair safeguards to ensure that the UAE will always remain with its own people. We are all Indians, but India is made up of so many cultures and identities, each of which has a right to be preserved and protected. Even European governments today realise that there is a logic in migrant control, and are converting Europe into a sort of fortress, with increasingly tighter immigration policies. Those being accepted are made to undergo compulsory integration into the local population. In the homes that we live in, we can and should be very tolerant and hospitable to our guests, or any person for that matter. But does this mean that we should give away our homes to them? Surely, nobody will dispute this! -- Please post your comments on my Blog: http://goanidentity.blogspot.com/ Please also see below: 1. Benaulim Village Action Committee: http://www.bvacbenaulim.blogspot.com/ 2. "Rape of Goa" : http://www.parrikar.com/blog/the-rape-of-goa/ 3. MAND - an adivasi-rights resource centre : http://mandgoa.blogspot.com/ 4. EVERY GOAN SHOULD SEE THIS VIDEO: http://infochangeindia.org/Infochange-documentary.html 5. For the Love of Konkani: http://www.radiogoa.net/ 6. Goa's Identity Movement website: http://www.goamag.net/gim 7. Goa's Identity Movement group on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com//#/group.php?gid=193497031686 8. Official Government Site NRI Office (GOA): http://www.globalgoans.org.in/
