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NEW BOOK: 'PATRIOTISM IN ACTION: Goans in Indias Defence Services'
With Foreword by Gen SF Rodrigues, PVSM, VSM, ADC (retd)
former Chief of Indian Army Staff
and Governor, Punjab & Administrator, Chandigarh UT
For copies of this book see footer of this message
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Could this be the Happiest New Year for every Goan ?
by Hubert Gomes on Sunday, January 2, 2011 at 2:56pm
In a few hours from now, we are going to celebrate the beginning of yet
another year... a brand new year 2011. It is a year of new hope and many
dreams. And for us Goans, it is a year of a "greater hope " and added
significance. At the end of this new year 2011, on 19th December, Goa is
going to complete 50 years of its liberation (from the colonial rule of
the Portuguese).
I am sure at least 90% of Goans welcomed the above “liberation” in the
year 1961. Nearly 50 years have gone by; but are we really liberated; Or
have we fallen from the frying pan into the fire (as some say it)?
Looking at the way Goa is deteriorating, and the way the political
scenario is emerging in Goa, it looks like we Goans have become slaves
of "new masters”- Greedy masters and their cronies, who are out to
finish "what is left" of Goa and Goan identity. Most of these "new
Masters” are letting us down badly.
Time to reflect seriously:
For sure Goa is deteriorating with every passing day; and Goans are
becoming “insignificant” in their own land. And if we Goans do not get
into a “proactive mode”, what is happening at “Monti Dongor, Margao”
today, will soon happen in the other parts of Goa. And if we Goans do
not act decisively today, very soon the whole of Goa is going to be an
extension of Monti Dongor… a place where the “swords” speak louder than
the words; once a beautiful location, now turned into a "dingy place"- a
perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes and anti-social elements.
Do you want Goans to loose their identity in Goa, just as the "East
Indians" lost theirs in Mumbai? We Goans are very good at debating, and
debating endlessly. Right from the local Bars and “balcaos” in Goa, to
the sacred Goa Assembly, we Goans are “permanently debating” on the
various issues concerning Goa. Debates are certainly very good, but they
are a “waste of time” if convictions are not turned into actions. So
therefore, before we say cheers to the New Year, let us ask “ourselves”
a serious question… “What can I do to save Goa from further deterioration?”
Time to act:
I am glad that I asked the above question to “myself” a few months ago
(when a couple of my well-wishers approached me to contest the next Goa
Assembly Elections from Benaulim Constituency). I must confess, that it
was not an easy decision to say YES to join politics. Daring to get into
something that I am totally inexperienced at; and being prepared to
sacrifice my busy dental practice if needed at a later date (especially
when I have ten dentists working at my Clinic, and a huge number of
regular patients who come to seek my professional help from different
parts of the world, 365 days of the year), was indeed a tough and gutsy
choice.
It was only when I asked “myself” the serious question… “What can I do
to save Goa from further deterioration?”, and listened to my "inner
voice", I was able to take the hardest and the boldest decision of my
life... to contest the next Goa Assembly Elections (from Benaulim
Constituency) . And what makes my decision even more significant is the
fact that, I am going to contest against many odds...money and muscle
power of the so called Goa's "political giants".
It is your time to act now:
And just as the shepherd boy David believed in himself and dared to
challenge Goliath, I too have dared to take on the political Goliaths of
my time. I am sure my "mad" but bold decision TO ACT for Goa and Goans
will inspire you to "ask yourself” the same old serious question which I
asked… “What can I do to save Goa from further deterioration?”. If you
are really serious and sincere with yourself, I can assure you that you
will find at least 1000 things which YOU CAN DO to “save Goa”. Yes to
save our beautiful Goa... for us and for the future generations.
But for God's sake, please do not float another Political Party and call
it “Save Goa”… just as one selfish, self-proclaimed “Goan Savior” did it
in the last Assembly elections. And just in case you find it difficult
to do your bit for Goa (for some valid reason or another), the least you
can do for your fellow Goans is to forward this FB Note to your friends,
relatives and colleagues. Make sure this Note reaches every Goan on
earth. I have not put any copyright for this Note. Simply copy it and
share it with others.
I hope you understand that it is a “survive or perish situation” for Goa
and Goans. And just as you finish saying "Happy New Year" to all your
love ones, remember this is not the time to criticize our political
leaders or debate on "the future of Goa". It is time to get more
serious. It is the time to act, and act decisively for Goa. It is time
to leave our "comfort zone", and make a few sacrifices in our personal
and professional lives.
Yes it is time to sacrifice a little of our time, talents and money for
Goa. It is time to "do our serious bit" for our beautiful land and Goan
community. Please note that by doing this, we are not doing any favour
to anybody... except our own selves. Yes, we are doing it for our own
own-selves... for our own survival, and to create a better future for
our own children.
Cheers and Happy New Year 2011.
Via Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=156039271110242&id=1141653347
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NEW BOOK: 'PATRIOTISM IN ACTION: Goans in Indias Defence Services'
Copies now available at:
GOA: Literati (2277740), Other India (2263306), Broadway (6647038),
Mandovi (2427904), Noel DSilva & Associates (9823120454 / 9096781714),
Confidant / Golden Heart Emp (2732450), David & Co (2730326),
Vardaan (9527463684) SERV / RETD Def Offrs in Goa: O/o Sainik Co-op Hse
Bldg Sty, Def Col, Porvorim (2417288)
MUMBAI: David & Co (22019010)
PUNE: Manneys (26131683), Popular (25678327)
BENGALURU: Narayan (22865800)
DELHI: Ritana (24617278)
ONLINE (worldwide delivery): http://www.ritanabooks.com,
http://goa1556.goa-india.org
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