"One and half day's state mourning, for what?" This is the question asked by commoners on the streets of Panjim. Who is this man Ravindra Kelekar? May have a a list of awards and writings to his credit in hindi, devnagiri konkni and marathi, so what? Awards confered in India do not necessarily make a man great. We know all the controversy about awards in this country and all the boot licking and what not that goes on to become eligible. Was a holiday declared after the demise of Dr. Jack Sequeira, why not? The Gandhian tag is being attached to Ravindra Kelekar, but what was his Gandhian contribution on the front of social reconstruction in Goa and promotion of Gandhian values. What was his contribution to resolve the raging conflicts in Goa? Did he raise his voice against the injustices perpetrated on the people of Goa? Was every section comfortable with Ravindra Kelekar? Is he so great as D.D. Kosambi or Shenoy Goembab or B.B. Borkar? These are questions that need to be ask ed. We also join in paying our respects to Ravindrabab as a literary person and definitely pray that eternal rest be granted for his soul.
-Soter * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Goa-launch of the well-received *Into The Diaspora Wilderness* by Selma Carvalho on Aug 29, 2010 (Sunday) at 11 am at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao. Meet the author, buy a signed copy (only Rs 295 in Goa till stock lasts). http://selmacarvalho.squarespace.com/
