Very very interesting double role. Goans moaning and groaning 365 days over
the pathetic state of Goa and the exploits of politicians. The same Goans
have no problem with Carnival celebrations by the State. During the konkani
agitation the Carnival parade was called off. But this time protests are
being organised much after the carnival revelries are over and when many
Goans will be in a lenten mood and have no other entertainment. Have we
asked the question why this dual approach?
Well, it is a game of keeping the cake and eating it as well. No Goan must
not miss any occassion to make their buck. Goa can wait till then. Off
season the sudden realisation to act becomes a 'do or die' situation until
october.
Agitation to Save Goa is supposed to be in our free time, as a pass time or
just before any elections. For some this itself becomes a moment for addded
economic exploits and personal marketing.
For those in the tourism belt, don't trouble them from october till february
as they have no time for Goa. They may not even have time if their mothers,
wives and daughters get raped. You want the numbers to save Goa then do it
in the off season.
A time when government hardly bothers and the tourism industry cares less.
The explanations from a well meaning activist friend trying to convince me
about the rationale behind the upcoming GRA noise sums it all:
"The idea to have it on a working day is perhaps to ensure a large
gathering, since Panjim is crowded on weekdays with office goers and others
for all their official or personal work besides the usual shoppers etc.and
working people can attend since it is towards the evening. rather than on a
sunday when Goans love to snatch their siesta or a football game etc."
His sudden realisation and 'do or die' feeling:
"If Goans are still not convinced about saving Goa, then
who knows when they will be, In which case only God can save Goa."
So siesta, football, carnival, shimgmo, kazar, bo(i)rthday, .........are
all to be also taken care off in saving Goa.
Like the politicians we don't work to change the mindset of the people but
feed into the Goan contradiction. Numbers at Azad maidan will define success
just like the political party rallies.
So, are we the common Goans any different from the scheming politicans?
But we cover up our neglignece and irresponsibility by showing that we are
doing something to save Goa.
Let Goa wait. Enjoy Goan Intruz first.
-Soter
