One doesn't need Anna Hazare to inform Indians that politics is dirty and the GSRP's spin on it doesn't help either. Since GSRP has been in the government's seat it's easy to propose alternatives or ask Goans to check the party's roadmap. Ana Maria Fernandes has said it that taverna talk with remain just that -- talk. "Talking the talk" or "walking the walk" or "walking the talk" are just plain words that leaders of opposition parties speak but the reality turns out differently when the same party or a coalition of parties are put into power by the electorate.
How I wish the GSRP comes to power but wishful thinking is one thing and reality is another. Why the Goan electorate hasn't fallen for the ideals and goals that the party was formulated in its grandiose Roadmap is a mystery. How long can Floriano bang the ghumott? Does its sound reverbrate across the landscape. Repeating the oft-quoted Gandhi quote, "Be the change...." is no good. The quote is the waterdown version of a para in one of his writings. It's essential to read Gandhi's Collected Works. On this Gandhi Jayanti we hear quotes from his books and writings. Herald has an article by Soter that delves on his Hind Swaraj. I have read the English version of Hind Swaraj (but gave my copy to a young journalist), Gandhi's teaching vary on different subjects but they are outdated. What was said before (mostly before) and after India's independence doesn't ring true today. One thing that's true is the downgrading of the political process. it's the price of Independence. With the exception of Floriano and many Goans who seem unhappy at Goa's own independence, the rest of Goans seem resigned to their fates. The way is to look forward and not glance backwards. Goa's Portuguese past has been consigned to the dustbin. Gandhi's belief in spiritual rejuvenation and sanctity of human life should be followed but it isn't easy. Political leaders are of a different class today and since Floriana never had a chance to rule one can't say for sure what he would do or follow. Since India's independence we have killed Gandhi many times and on the occasion of his birth centenary we should pay homage to his noble souls and his lofty visions for an India free of the "dirt" that envelopes politics and the corrupting influence of greed and power. It would need a long broom to sweep India clean of all the mess and dump it into the Indian ocean. Eugene Correia
