In response to Soter's and Freddy's below mails : Camilo Fernandes : The organisers of the Goa bandh against English, claim that it was a spontaneous success which is ridiculous. The real truth is and they too are fully aware that it was only violence, threats, intimidation and fear that made the common man remain at home. These leaders are just following the same violent tactics used by Shiv Sena in Mumbai where their bandhs are always total not due to the support but the fear of violence and retaliation that people remain at home and dont venture going out. Goans by and large are non violent, peaceful people and no matter which religion one belongs to they live in harmony celebrating one another's festivals collectively. During this bandh they had no choice due to fear of violence and may have not ventured out only due to this reason. As Soter mentioned again a true Goan businessman Carlos Tavaro - Navatarra owner refused to down his shutters despite threats. Navatara, a name popular with foodies in Panjim, Mapusa and Porvorim, lived up to its admirable reputation once again of keeping its restaurants open despite bandh call on Monday He proved that atleast one Goan had the spine to stand up to his principles no matter what the consequences are. Goans can proudly look at him with admiration and he is a source of inspiration to all Goans fighting for justice. The people of Goa have overwhelmingly supported English at the primary level and who are these leaders/political parties to force their own opinion on them. They are the same people who will oppose English yet on the quiet can afford and will send their children to the best English private schools maybe in India or in the States/UK/Canada or Australia and secretly migrate using Portuguese passports. All they are trying to do is take advantage and be in the limelight through the back door professing that they love Marathi and Konkanni. Goans by and large are non violent, peaceful people and no matter which religion one belongs they live in harmony celebrating one another's festivals collectively. These communal leaders are the ones who want to destroy this harmony for their own vested interests. They think Goans are fools and can be taken for granted. It is upto all Goans to remember how these communal parties want to destroy Goa and make sure that they never ever cast their valued votes in favour of these communal parties. Camilo Fernandes Soter wrote : "SOTER" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Subject: [Goanet] Traders, Vendors, politicians, thugs, ....have no locus standi in the MoI controversy The Goa bandh called by the BBSM was a flop because the very educational institutions which should have been concerned with the MoI controversy remained open. Traders, vendors, politicians, thugs and communal elements have no locus standi in determining what is a purely educational issue. Baba Ramdevs, Togadias and Shashikalas have absolutely no business in imposing the language of instruction in education. The rightful stake holders are the PTAs and they alone can decide what is beneficial to them. A bunch of political and communal opportunists have not succeeded in their adventure and the parents have given a befitting reply by sending their children to school. What report does Digambar kamat want to send to new Delhi? That the Goa bandh called by divisive and disruptive mergerists miserably failed to master support from parents and therefore could only disrupt commerce. And once again a true Goan businessman refused to down his shutters despite threats. That the close aides of Digambar Kamat were in the forefront of the Bandh and burning effigies of Manmohan Singh. Shame, Shame Digambar! Freddy Agnelo Fernandes wrote : <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Goa?s Fear Psychosis The dreams and designs of the Marathi protagonists were defeated a long time ago, but today after years in hibernation and with the victory of the parents in the MOI issue, they have suddenly woken up to the reality that with grants for English medium, Marathi would be obsolete in Goa in the years to come and now in the name of protecting Konkani, are now trying their level best to protect Marathi. Konkani survived over 450 years of Portuguese rule and around two decades of Marathi protagonists? rule and, will not die even if English is made the MOI. Right to the medium of instruction is the prerogative of the parents and it should not be politicized. The government has only approved grants for English medium which is a fundamental right of choice of the parents. Konkani and Marathi schools have not been forcefully closed down. The people who oppose grants to English medium schools are free not send their children or grand children or even great grandchildren to Konkani or Marathi Medium schools, it will be their choice and nobody can force it on to them.
