Utt Goemkara (Part One)
by Hubert Gomes on Saturday,
January 8, 2011 at 5:56am
A few days ago, I had posted my first Note on the Facebook titled-
"Could this be the Happiest New Year for every Goan?” And I was
overwhelmed by the response. Many people responded to it with great
enthusiasm; and some went out of their way to share it with their
friends. I also received many valuable comments, suggestions and
opinions from fellow Goans and my friends (who love Goa) from different
parts of the world. And among the many suggestions that I received was
this one from my friend Margaridha… to start a “UTT Goemkara" Movement.
And so here I am, introducing to you my version of “Utt Goemkara”. I am
looking for your ideas to improve on mine.
What is “Utt Goemkara"?
As many of you know, “Utt Goemkara” in Konkani (my mother tongue) means
“awaken the Goans”. Therefore to begin with, “Utt Goemkara” is an
attempt to reach out to people who love Goa and “wake them up”. It is
an attempt to make them come out of their "comfort zone" to save Goa.
Yes, it is a humble effort to make people aware of the various issues
that have begun to “create serious problems” for our beautiful
Goa...God’s precious gift to all of us .
Although many people are aware of the various issues that have begun to
create "serious problems" for Goa, very few people have “workable
solutions/answers” to these problems. For example a very basic issue
like the “garbage disposal” has not yet been solved in Goa. On the
contrary it has become an "alarming problem" in many parts of Goa.
Therefore, through your comments and suggestions, I hope to find
answers/solutions to this problem, and many other issues that are
threatening Goa.
“Utt Goemkara” is also a humble attempt to "build a consensus” on all
the core issues that are important for the “sustainable" development of
Goa. Yes, I am talking of issues like environment, security,
infrastructure, health care, education, jobs, land use, housing,
tourism, mining, and industries. For too long public opinion on these
core issues has been either divided or “manipulated” by a handful of
people to suite their vested interests. It is time we the people of Goa
decide to have an "equal say" on all these issues.
“UTT Goenkara" is an Internet Movement:
For our voices to be heard by our Government, we the people of Goa got
to "build a consensus” and speak out in one voice that is loud and
clear. Having differences is fine, but there has to be an "unanimity" on
certain issues (mentioned above) if Goa is to develop the way we the
local residents of Goa want it. At the end of the day, it is we the
people of Goa who are going to benefit or suffer on account of these
issues.
Despite our many differences, it is important to remember that there is
one thing in common- we all love Goa. But “loving Goa" is not enough; we
got to work for Goa, and work for Goa smartly and selflessly. Therefore
all the ‘like minded Goans’ should get connected on the net and "get
emotionally involved" with "UTT Goemkara" by sharing their expert
views, personal opinions and suggestions on the various issues
concerning Goa. I believe we have the potential to identify Goa’s
problems and find logical solutions for these issues.
I know of many “smart Goans” settled in different parts of the world.
Many of them are doing extremely well for themselves, and some are
acknowledged as "experts" in their respective professions/ business.
Despite the latest news of the gold mines being found in Goa, I believe
the “real gold”of Goa is the untapped and unutilized potential of our
people (settled in different parts of the world). “Utt Goenkara” is
about harvesting these individual talents and benefiting from our
"collective vision" for Goa.
"UTT Goenkara" is also a “Ground Action” Movement:
There is an old saying- "If you can't change the people,then CHANGE THE
PEOPLE". Being a person who likes to walk my talk, I have done my bit
for Goa in this regard. Despite my busy dental practice (and a very
comfortable lifestyle), I have mustered the courage to come out of my
"comfort zone” and act on my convictions. As you are probably aware, I
am going to fight the “money and muscle power” of certain "political
giants" in the forthcoming Goa Assembly Elections (from Benaulim
Constituency). And I am going to contest these elections against many
odds ONLY because it is time to ACT on our belief (love for Goa).
Being a straight-forward and a clear headed person (with strong
convictions on many issues), I know I am not the best person for
politics (where you have to make lot of compromises). I know of many
smarter and more knowledgeable people who would have probably done a
much better job, only if they had to join politics. It is their
reluctance to come out of their "comfort zone" that triggered me to join
politics. If Goa can't get the best, at least the "second best" should
dare to act for his/her motherland... just as the young shepherd-boy
David did it in the Old Testament.
I have joined politics because I am convinced that if Goa has to have a
better quality development, it needs to have bold, sincere and
trustworthy political leaders. We need leaders who have the guts to do
"what is right" and not what is popular. We have had enough of vote bank
politics in the last 49 years (after liberation), and Goans are on the
verge of becoming strangers in their own land. This kind of politics
cannot go on forever- it will destroy what is left of Goa and Goan identity.
"UTT Goenkara" is “OUR” Movement:
Although I have initiated this movement (after it was suggested to me by
a friend), let us remember that it is OUR MOVEMENT to “save Goa”. Goa is
fast changing, and the Change is inevitable. Let us ensure that Goa
changes the way we want it. And this will happen only when we exercise
our rights and responsibilities; and get into the “action mode”
immediately. It is for this reason, YOU have to play an important role
in this Movement.
I hope my bold action to fight the “money and muscle power” will inspire
YOU and others to ACT on your convictions and do what you think you
should do for Goa.Joining politics is only one of the options. There are
1001 ways you can serve Goa. But for God's sake, please STOP discussing
Goa. We have discussed enough during the last 49 years; It is time to
ACT. We got to take individual and collective decisions and ACT for
Goa... to save it from loosing its unique identity.
It was somebody who had rightly said- “The world is same for everyone.
All that matters is what we want to make of it”. If you are convinced,
and willing to “work for Goa”, I encourage you to join “UTT Goenkara”,
by getting connected straight away (click this link)-
http://www.facebook.com/pages/UTT-Goenkara-Movement/188111877869310.
Come, be a part of the “change YOU want to see” Movement...The "Utt
Goenkara" Movement. Let us believe that dreams do come true when we
believe in them passionately. Come, let us "wake up" all those who are
still sleeping. Cheers!!!
Important Notes:
1. If you liked this article, please share it with your friends... on
Facebook and other websites
2. The "Part Two" of this article will be published on 20th January 2011.
3. If you missed reading my earlier article "Could this be the Happiest
New Year for every Goan?”, kindly click this link to read the same...
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=156039271110242&id=1141653347.
http://www.facebook.com/notes/hubert-gomes/the-utt-goenkara-movement-part-one/157911724256330
