The Accidental Activist - The Might Goan Warrior
By Venita Coelho
I want to introduce you to the mighty Goan warrior. The world knows the
susegaad Goan, Hindi films have made the perpetually drunk Goan famous,
and the hospitable Goan is touted by the tourist industry. But the Goan
warrior? Claude Alvares paid tribute to him at the recently held GBA
rally at Azad Maidan. He doesn?t look like much. In fact he looks like
an ordinary man, but his powers are legendary. He has taken on the might
of government, big business and various lobbies and emerged victorious.
Even as the state of Goa disheartens us, perhaps it is time to remember
that there is hope. Battles have been fought and won. Here are some of
the battles the Mighty Goan Warrior has emerged victorious from.
Response:
When I first heard of Venita Coelho, I thought here was a warrior woman
who will make Goans proud.
Hers seemed to be a practical activism that was fearless in adversity.
Goan activism has turned her into another Sushegad, vain Goan.
I read this post yesterday morning and wished at least some of it was
true. I would like to be proud of these mighty warrior goans (If I could
find them)
On the main issues she has raised, I will comment briefly.
Yesterday's Pudhari reported a statement from Goamap that the govt has
given licenses for mining in an area of 1248 hectares of land since
2005.Besides, god alone knows how many hundreds of hectares of land is
being misused for illegal mining.
Digu has determined that destruction of Goa is possible with the help of
these activists. He has some eminent footsie partners after all!!
He has cancelled SEZs. Has a single meter of land from Dona Paula's IT
park or Keri SEZ (CIPLA) or Verna SEZ ( Peninsula, Rahejas) or Food park
at Quepem been returned to the Goans. Unless Digu is driven out this
land will stay in the hands of the land sharks and we, the taxpayers
will end up paying hundreds of crores in compensation to these
scoundrels who call themselves industrialists and who have got hold of
this land through nefarious means.
DLF megaproject stoppage was a significant step in the right direction.
However, we all know what happened to the housing project on the hills
opposite Panaji ferry dock. That project was also stalled for several
years. when it was finally cleared, the company could make ten times the
money they would have made earlier. Right now, scores of megaprojects
have been sanctioned and they will, in due course finish off many of
Goa's picturesque villages.
So, go on Goan warriors. Celebrate Digu's wheezle-words and empty
promises. In 2012, elect the same corrupt Congress with this mantra
etched on your hearts:
Corruption is better than communalism. Why not produce a few CDs and
DVDs depicting successes of our activists? Let it compete with that
other Cd/ DVD that Mr Parrikar produced.
Anil Desai
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