The following post may not sit too well with the "patriotic" (please read pseudo-patriotic and pseudo-nationalistic) among those who see it:
PREFACE: Goa is a space limited territory with a finite supply of essentials (to the Goan way of life) like Land, Beach, Water, Staple (i.e. fish) and opportunities. It is a no-brainer to comprehend that IF it is flooded by an uncontrolled influx of individuals from without, the Supply to Demand ratio will be negatively impacted. This, in effect, is a recipe for chaos. I believe that Rajan Parrikar has been preaching this for a long time. Allow me then to look at the following factors which Goans may or may not have thought about, or may be in denial about: 1: Language: a: Would the continuance of Portuguese as the official language of Goa, have benefited or not benefited Goa? (just for reference: Have the erstwhile Portuguese colonies benefited or not benefited by the continuance of Portuguese as their official language? Has the continuance of another colonial language (i.e. English) benefited or not benefited India and Indians?) b: Is this thing they now call Konkani (I call it S-Konkani), really the way we spoke Konkani at home? Just before some wise-person wants to spout nonsense, I spoke Konkani at home when communicating with my mother. c: Did Goans normally communicate in the Devanagri script? IF NOT, (the fancy-pancy of intonation having been noted) How has it benefited Goans who are now moving in droves to English? d: Would the continuance of Portuguese have curtailed some of the activities of those who are now squatting in Goa (I am talking about "adverse possession"). 2: The bimonthly (it appears) change in names of so-called organisations. e: Is it really smart (except for the vested interests) to have Manches, Abhiyans, Andolans, Paxes, etc) to challenge the Alibaba gang? f: Why do businesses choose their names the way they do? g: Are we lost or just nuts? 3: The missing in action folks h: Where are the novelists, journalists and (erstwhile) propagandists et (real + pseudo) freedom-fighters? i: I have read a number of novels about 'liberation'. What happened to these novelists? They stopped writing? j: Granted that publishing a book costs money, and Goans generally do not buy books; they rather patronise bars and dances - But how much does it cost to post your disgust of the present day happenings on sites like this one? BTW: Goans who expect their books to be read, may wish to write like Victor Rangel-Ribeiro (Tivolem) and Ben Antao (Tailor's Daughter). k: Who do you think should shoulder the blame for having caused the exit of one form of Government and Language without making plans and ensuring the there was an adequate replacement? In conclusion, I'd submit the following: l: It is possible that the 'novelists, journalists and (erstwhile) propagandists et (real + pseudo) freedom-fighters' are happy with the present state of affairs in Goa (I know that the Alibaba chaps are). m: Are the 'novelists, journalists and (erstwhile) propagandists et (real + pseudo) freedom-fighters' too ashamed to accept that they were negligent or just in permanent denial? How about some revisionist novels, books or documentaries? n: A part of the Goan populace will soon commemorate Good Friday .....and the Thirty pieces of silver! I will think of the 'novelists, journalists and (erstwhile) propagandists et (real + pseudo) freedom-fighters' who are in denial. To all who helped Goa become what it has become, I say Thank You very much. May the fecal show (to use Rajan Parrikar's thoughts and words) not show up on your door-step or in your chappals! jc
