The 19th December Pledge

As I write this Blog, on the evening of 19th December 2009 the 48th Liberation Day of my beloved land Goa, my thoughts go down the memory lane to my childhood days. I was only two years old when Goa got its liberation from the colonial rule of the Portuguese (who ruled us for more than 450 years). Except for the stories told to me by my parents, there is hardly anything I know (personally) of this great day.


Most of my childhood friends were simple people, and life was very beautiful! The whole of Goa was more of a "big village with easy going people". Since that time, Goa has come a long way. In the last 48 years, Goa has made a lot of progress in the fields of Education, Health, Electricity, Tourism and Pharma industry. Thanks to all these, the per capita income of Goa is the highest in India. We also have the lowest birth rate and the lowest infant mortality  in the country.


Since liberation, our infrastructure has also improved a lot compared to what it was during my younger days. Today, the roads, electricity and telephones with STD facilities have reached every village of Goa, and the quality of these facilities is improving with every passing day. I am sure our late Freedom Fighters would have been very happy at these developments. 


On the other hand, there are a few issues that needs our urgent attention. The two major areas of concern are- 1. The deteriorating law and order situation in Goa,  2. The "zero priority" that is being given for the development of Agriculture in Goa and 3. The continued exploitation of our fragile Ecology by the greedy real estate and mining lobbies in Goa. In my opinion these three issues have to be addressed immediately and efficiently. 


If we wish to have a "safer and a greener Goa with a better infrastructure", we have to remain focussed on this dream... a cherished dream of most Goans. In order to achieve this goal, there has to be 1. A "zero tolerance" for criminal activities in Goa, 2. Scientific revival  of agriculture in Goa, and 3. Stricter laws to control the ecological exploitation of Goa. 


A few days ago, our Tourism Minister alleged that Goa has become the 'Rape Capital of India".  Some politicians and a section of the local media did not agree with him. Our Tourism minister might have exaggerated a bit, but there is a lot of truth in his statement. I personally know a couple of my foreigner patients, who were molested and robbed between 8 pm to 10 pm when they were walking along the beaches of South Goa. Most of them chose not to file any police complains because of the bad experiences their friends encountered at the Police Stations in Goa. 


In my opinion, for a famous tourism destination like Goa, 8 to 10 pm is certainly not "late hours" by any standard. Why should tourists come to Goa when they already many options of cheaper and safer destinations? If we wish to have more tourists and improve the quality of tourism in Goa, we got to improve on the existing law and order situation. Our government has to show greater urgency and better commitment to address this issue.


According to me, there are two "primary reasons" for the declining law and order situation in Goa. And sadly, they are both interrelated. The two reasons are as follows:-
1. Anti- social elements getting into the main stream Political Parties of Goa.
2. Corruption and political interference in the functioning of Police Department of Goa.
The way the things are going on in Goa, it looks like our Police and Politicians are guarding the selfish interests of each other.


Recently I came across a 'letter to the Editor' (Herald 19/12/09) that read... "Criminal activities such as robberies, dacoities, goondaism, drugs, gambling, rapes, murders, pelting of stones at houses, exploding bombs, etc are on the rise. If anyone approaches the police department to file complaints, they are not registering them and conducting investigations properly. The accused or suspects go scot-free due to manipulations".


As I personally know of a couple of cases where the law abiding citizens got a "raw deal" from the Police Department of Goa, I fully agree with the contents of the above letter. It is a fact that, most of our Police officers in Goa, "joyfully" allow the local politicians to literally run their department through the back door. Money and muscle power has begun to rule Goa. It is time we call a spade, a spade; and address this issue urgently.


The writer of the above mentioned letter made a noteworthy suggestion- "The Government needs to come with a strict legislation to tackle the errant police personnel and get proper justice".  Sometime ago, I had the opportunity of reading an interesting line in another local newspaper... "How can our government bring about good legislations when nearly 50% of our existing MLAs have been "law breakers" in the past?". And that is a very good observation. The quality of our local MLAs has surely declined over the years. Money and muscle power has begun to control politics in Goa.


I believe, the quality of 'governance' depends on the quality of the political leaders of that State. If we want to see a better quality of law and order situation in Goa, we need to elect better quality MLAs... leaders of integrity and strong convictions. Fortunately. Goa is not in Pafistan. It is in India, where the Election System has surely  evolved, and it is at par with any of the developed country in the West and America. It is no more easy for a corrupt politician to rig or manipulate an election in Goa. 


Taking the above facts into consideration, I firmly believe that, it is possible for us, the people of Goa to elect "better quality leaders" to govern our State. As a tribute to our freedom fighters, and as an "act of accountability" towards the future generations of Goa, let us take a personal pledge today, the 19th of December 2009... 
" I solemnly pledge to work towards electing better quality MLAs by saying no to the money that may be offered to me (by the corrupt candidates) during the next elections. I do not want an anti-social element as my MLAs. I will educate others, and work towards electing political leader who will work towards restoring good law and order situation in Goa".


It is a Pledge we got to take... we got to take it for the sake of Goa, for the future of our children, and for the sake of our self-pride and dignity. We cannot allow anybody to take us for granted anymore. It is our birthright "To have a safer and a greener Goa with a better infrastructure". If our existing leaders don't get this message, let us not hesitate to dump them in the 'dustbin of history'.


Cheers to Goa, and cheers to you my friend!

Wanted New freedom Fighters

In my last Blog I had informed you, that, four years ago I was involved in a 'silent' movement called "Goa First". I used the word 'silent' because unlike many other NGOs in Goa, it had nothing to do with conducting agitations. "Goa first" was totally focussed on 'understanding the various issues confronting Goa' (from the people's perspective), and trying to find solutions to these problems'. In this regard, I was privileged to meet nearly two thousand Goans... in small groups and on a one-to-one basis. And there was a lot that I learnt from them.

In my last Blog I had also mentioned that nearly 65% of the people I met were very clear on what they wanted for their beloved Goa. They wanted to see a "Safer and a greener Goa with a better infrastructure". It is my dream too,  to see a "Safer and a greener Goa with a better infrastructure". But the million dollar question is- "How can this dream come true when the whole system is so messed up? Is there any hope for a better Goa?

Nearly 90% of the people I spoke to, blamed the politicians for the poor state of affairs that we are in today. And to a great extent they are correct in their judgement. But blaming others does not solve our problems. It will not get us a "Safer and a greener Goa with a better infrastructure". Any Tom, Dick and Harry can be an expert at pointing out problems that are confronting Goa. In my opinion it is "finding solutions" to these problems that really takes hard work, intelligence and skill.

A few days ago, I received this message from a friend..."We can create a beautiful world together, but we can't do it with our 'heads in the sand' trying to ignore the reality of what is going on around us, which is actively creating an unsustainable and volatile world. It won't go away and just correct itself if we ignore the problems". I believe most Goans are are aware of our 'social problems', and are capable of solving the issues that are confronting Goa. However, the sad part is, most of us do not want to 'dirty our hands' by getting proactively involved in the issues that are creating problems for our land and community. 

During my "Goa First" days, I realized that most Goans are only good at giving lectures to others, on what to do and what not to do. Very few people are willing to spend their time, money and other resources for the welfare of their land and community. I too was one of them until seven years ago. My conscience 'convicted me', and today I am totally convinced that if I want to see a better and safer Goa, I have got to work at it. with my past experience with "Goa First", I have also realized that I got to work for Goa (in my own limited way), even if others are not as enthusiastic about it. 

A few days ago, I was fortunate to read this thought provoking post on my Facebook... "My hope for humankind lies in my ability to believe in those who are catalysts for change. It only took 3% of the population to create the American Revolution. It only takes a few of us to be aware enough to create that change again. This planet belongs to us". This historical fact should be an inspiration for all those who are really serious to see a "Safer and greener Goa with a better infrastructure".

Goa is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places on earth, and it belongs to us. Although Goa enjoys the status of the most well developed State in India, in my opinion, it is a poorly managed place. It can and should be governed 'better'. As I said in my last Blog I mentioned that we the citizens can put Goa on the right track if only 10% of the Goans  "begin" to act as "catalysts for change". In my opinion, these 'proactive Goans' will have to devote at least 10% of their time and resources towards this cause. 


The million dollar question is, are YOU willing to spare your time to work for Goa? The answer is, we got to do that if we want to have a "safer and a greener Goa with a better infrastructure". Believe me, it is not easy to be a "genuine" social worker. I guess one has to have a "calling" from God (Higher power or any other name you wish to use for It). Many of our freedom fighters had this "calling". It is through their efforts, we got our independence.


Sadly, even after  48 years of liberation, Goa is not really liberated in its true sense. We the common people of Goa are like 'pawns' in the hands of certain lobbies that are controlling the destiny of our beloved land. What is being done in the name of development, is actually a "slow destruction" of Goa.  I am sure our late freedom fighters who "selflessly" worked for our community, must be turning in their graves, by seeing the poor state of affairs in Goa today.


Honestly, it takes me about an hour to write and finalize this Blog. And many a times, I get  a feeling that it is somebody Higher than me who is 'prompting' these words. Probably, it is the "soul" of our departed freedom fighters (many of whom sacrificed their careers and lives for their beloved land and community) that is using my keyboard to get their message across to you.  


However, merely reading this Blog will not make any difference. In our own little way, YOU got to get into an "action mode". YOU got to do your bit. And for some reasons, if you are too busy or has other priorities, the least YOU can do for your land and community, is to introduce this Blog to your friends and relatives. You never know who will be inspired to be the "new generation freedom fighter", by reading this Blog.  Goa certainly needs a bunch of such new freedom fighters to stop many nonsenses that are going on in our land.


I am sure most of our freedom fighters also had a dream. And I am sure they too dreamt of a "Safer and a greener Goa with a better infrastructure". It is our duty to work towards making their dream come true. It is an "obligation" we have towards the land and community we belong to. And our time starts NOW.
And untill my next Blog, next Sunday, goodbye and cheers to you my friends !   

We want a better Goa

On 26th November 2009, at a function organized by Margao Nagrik Samiti, Goa's honorable Chief Minister Digamber Kamat said- "If Goa has to move ahead and develop in all spheres of activity, there has to be a consensus and unanimity amongst the political leaders on burning issues affecting Goa. Let us come together to ensure the State and its people prosper. There should not be opposition for the sake of opposition".

Noble words, and 'nobler' intentions Mr Chief Minister. I am in total agreement with you Sir ; but when will this "consensus and unanimity" be arrived at? And why should only the political leaders decide the future of Goa? And that too at a time when most of you, the existing political leaders have lost the credibility in the eyes of your citizens. Yes, "consensus and unanimity" has to be arrived at; but it has to be the "consensus and unanimity" that we the people of Goa want for our land and community. It is NOT necessarily what you and your political colleagues have in mind for us.

Fortunately or unfortunately, many Goans know me as the so called 'famous dentist in Goa'. It is only a few who know that I was also actively involved in a 'silent' movement called "Goa First", four years ago. And if at all you did not know about my 'silent' social activism, it is only because the local media gives greater publicity for people who do less work and more noise in the public. I am convinced proactive social activism has more to do with 'finding solutions', and less with pointing out at 'problems'. 


It was during my "Goa First" days that I had the opportunity of meeting nearly two thousand Goans in small groups and on one-to-one basis. They were people from different parts of Goa and from varied cross sections of the society. Surprisingly, although these people belonged to different casts, religions, social  backgrounds and political affiliations, 65% of them were very clear on what they wanted for their beloved Goa. They had a 'similar dream' for Goa... They wanted a "Safer and greener Goa with a better infrastructure". 

The remaining 35% of the people I met during my "Goa First" days were either 'indifferent' to the happenings in Goa (almost given up on Goa, or too busy with their own lives), or seemed to have their own self centered agenda for Goa. Surprisingly, most of the people in the later category were village level political leaders, real estate developers and people associated with certain NGOs in Goa. It was during that time I realized that many of our so called "Goans of ancestral origin" are actually
"Anti-Goans" in disguise. And in my opinion, they are the real enemies of Goa... a lot more worse than our front line political leaders.

However, almost all the people I spoke to were 'unanimous' on certain issues. Most of them wanted only non- polluting Industries (new ones) which have the potential to employ the local youth of Goa should be set up in our State. Nearly 90% of the people I spoke to were 'dead against' more migrants settling down in Goa; either through the encouragement of migrant vote bank politics or/and on account of 'wrong' industries (those which employ only migrants) being set up in Goa

From the above information, it is clear that atleast 65% of the people in Goa have already arrived at a  "consensus and unanimity"on 80% of the issues confronting Goa. All that our political leaders need to do, is to take the necessary steps to BEGIN implementing the 'agenda of the people, for the people' at the earliest. Now when 65% of Goans are already clear on what they want for Goa, and what they do not want for our land, I do not understand why our "all knowing" leaders should find it difficult to arrive at a "consensus and unanimity"on the issues confronting our beautiful Goa!

From the above discussion it should be very clear that 90% of our political leaders are actually NOT interested in  arriving at a "consensus and unanimity"on the issues that are troubling Goa. On the contrary, they want to keep these issues 'burning and alive' for their self centered political agenda. They want to use these issues to divide and rule its citizenry; as they have always done in the past. 


In my opinion, just as many of our citizens are "politically illiterate"people, our Goan politicians  are probably the most self centered leaders in India. It looks like they are the ONLY political leaders in India who are actually working against the intersts of its citizenry. Most of them neither seem to have a good intentions, nor a fixed political ideology to guide their political sevice. In the past, many of these 'shameless' leaders have changed their Parties like they have changed their clothes. We can still recollect that a few years ago, almost the whole lot of ruling Congress MLAs crossed over to rival opposition BJP; and returned back to the Congress at a later date when it was convenient to them.

With their 'unlimited greed' and love for short term gains, our Political leaders have literally destroyed our beautiful State. Sadly, despite these well known facts, we the "politically irresponsible" citizens of Goa, keep on reelecting them, since the last many years. In the past, most of us in Goa  'grudgingly' accepted all the  'political garbage' that was pushed down our throats. Fortunately, things have begun to change a bit lately. It has now reached a stage where many of us have started "reacting" in different ways. Many Goans have already become very vocal and are now taking up to streets to voice our frustrations.

Honestly, I too have begun to feel "choked" with all that is going on in Goa. And as mentioned in my earlier Blogs I am not prepared to accept any more nonsense from anybody.  I am writing this Blog not to entertain the readers, but to share with you some of the lessons I learnt during the last seven years of my "silent, but very focussed" social activism. And through this Blog I sincerely hope to inspire a few "Concerned citizens" to become "Proactive citizens"of Goa. In my opinion, it is the greatest need of the hour.

Now between the time I had stopped writing the newspaper Column "Goa of my dreams" and restarting the same column as a Blog (which you are reading)... a gap of nearly seven years, a lot has already happened in my personal and professional life. Realizing the plight of many poor patients, I  started a Community Dental Project which continues to provide free and subsidised cost dental treatment for the poor. As mentioned earlier, I was also inspired to start "Goa First"... a silent effort to "listen" to the views and opinions of fellow Goan citizens. 


Through the above mentioned initiatives, I had the opportunity to meet nearly five thousand Goans in the last seven years, on a one-to-one basis. Althogh it cost me a lot of my time and money, the effort was well worth it. The people I spoke to shared with me their problems and their dreams; and their ideas for a better and safer Goa. 


In this Blog, more than my views, I will be sharing with you the opinions and feelings of many Goans I met in the last seven years. The lessons I learnt by listening to these people was a "Life Changing Experience". And I know I will never be the same again. It was an experience that is surely driving me to ACT more decisively in the days to come. Perhaps Martin Luther King Jr was right when he said- "Never, never be afraid to do what's right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society's punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way".  

Our political leaders have got to get their acts together, for their own good and the good of Goa. We the people of Goa are angry with their ways... ways which are not only destroying Goa, but also the future of our children. They have got to listen to us, and serve us the way we want to be served. And if they are not willing to serve us on our terms, we will ensure they are no more our leaders. 

Perhaps, they should seriously listen to what Sper who had once said... "Controlling other people's lives is not a leaders trait; It is serving other people's needs that God considers great".  

You will have more of my views and news in my next Blog, next saturday. And until then cheers to all you guys who love Goa. Cheers!

Goa Youth Awakening

A few days ago, a group of six college students from Stockholm, Sweden came to Benaulim, Goa. They are on a mission to create awareness about issues concerning the environment and democracy in Goa. Guided by our young local environmentalist Mr Clinton Vaz, these youngsters are assisted by a couple of students from Chowgule College, Margao. This group of vibrant youngsters also want to develop a prototype for 'sustainable' waste disposal system for some areas of Benaulim.. 


Talking to the local media, one of the Swedish students said... "We want to encourage the local people to use their democratic rights and make their voices heard. We want them to push their local political leaders in the RIGHT direction".  These young foreigners have probably come to a conclusion, that most of our present day political leaders of Goa are indeed forcing a "wrongly directed" development on Goa. And I think they are 100% correct in this regard.


It is a great shame, that instead of we the people of Goa forcing our leaders to do the right things for Goa, it is the Swedish students who have taken up the responsibility of pushing our local political leaders in the "RIGHT direction". These youngsters are demonstrating to us what Proactve Citizenry can do for its community. But how far will our young foreigner friends succeed in their socio-political mission, is a million dollar question that will remain unanswered, at least for the time being.


Our young Swedish visitors and their Goan friends, have certainly lit the flame of "Youth Proactivism" in Goa. We have got to learn from them, and join them in telling our political leaders what we really want for Goa. We have to become the"Proactive citizens" of Goa. As I mentioned in my last blog, Goa needs to have at least 10% of its population as Proactive citizens. 


The "Proactivism process" has to start now, and it has to start with you and me. It is only when we have sufficient numbers on our side, will our political leaders listen to our voice.  


Commenting on my last Blog, one of my friends wrote... "Pro-active is the way forward, there is always someone who has a good idea but is unable to put it into action (for lots of reasons being physically unable or monetarily or some other reason). But if this idea is shared (as in Facebook or other group discussion or forum) it can go a long way. Getting together with like-minded people usually gets results". 


Yes. If we truly love our motherland, we can be "Proactive Citizens" in 101 ways. Helen Keller had once said... "I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will NOT refuse to do the something that I can do."


Seven years ago I was inspired by these very words to do something for my community. I started  a small, self-financed Community Project to help the poor. This Project provides free and subsidized cost dental treatment for the poor at my clinic. Many financially poor patients have already benefited from it. As a person who likes to "walk my talk", helping the poor citizens of my community is "the least" I could do for  Goa. There is nothing to boast about it!


I believe, "giving back to the society" is an obligation each one of us has towards our land and community. All of us have to do this social pro-activism in our own little way... by choosing the path that suites us the best. I know I have the abilities and capabilities to do a lot more for my community; and I want to do that in the near future. I believe every "capable Goan" is also capable of doing his/her bit for Goa if he/she has the "inner desire" to do so.


In my opinion the future of Goa certainly belongs to the youth. Therefore, our youngsters should be encouraged to take up greater responsibilities in planning, and in solving the various issues that are confronting Goa. It was the famous thinker John Gardner who had rightly said it... “Much education today is monumentally ineffective. All too often we are giving young people cut flowers when we should be teaching them to grow their own plants.” And I agree with him!


I am convinced that the habit of "Social Pro-activism" should be developed at a young age. And in this regard, I have great faith in the abilities and capabilities of our Goan youth. I believe it is not our present day political leaders, but the youth of Goa who are the "real power" to transform Goa into a "safer and better place". I take this opportunity to call upon the youth of Goa, to rise to the occasion, and accept this challenge to transforming Goa... into a Goa  we can all be proud of! 


As the future of Goa belongs to the youth, I think it is the right and duty of every Goan youth to "design" the Goa of their dreams.  They should not leave this important decision of their future in the hands of our greedy, indifferent politicians. They got to have their say and therefore take a decision to become "Proactive citizens" of Goa today. 


So go ahead you young guys and gals... dare to dream BIG dreams, for yourself and for your beautiful Goa. You have my prayers, and will certainly have my active support as and when you need me.  Cheers to you, and cheers to  "Goa of our dreams"! 

Be a Proactive Citizen

A New Goa has already emerged. And the new Goa is a  cosmopolitan State... a place where people of different religions, cultures and ancestral backgrounds are learning to live together as "one community". This is an 'irreversible fact' which nobody can change today. The people of "non-Goan ancestory" are here to stay. Besides there have been so many inter-community marriages, that there is no point in referring to them as "outsiders".


In my last Blog, I had suggested that henceforth we should STOP categorizing the "legitimate citizens" of Goa as Goans and non Goans. It is time we realize that in a global economy people keep moving from one place to another as per demand and supply for labour. Just as many of our so called "original Goans" have moved out of Goa and settled in other places, people of other ancestral backgrounds have moved into Goa to fill in the vacancies. 


Fortunately, most of the people living in today's Goa, continue to live in harmony. It is very much in line with the traditional feature of "Goan Identity"..."peaceful coexistence and tolerance towards the cultures of other communities". However, we cannot afford to take the survival of this "peaceful coexistence" for granted. We have got to work at it. It is the duty of every citizen of Goa to ensure that, "peaceful coexistence" remains undisturbed for the generations to come. 


The boom in tourism, higher land prices and endless greed for money, has already begun to put an adverse pressure on Goa's traditional "peaceful coexistence". A dangerous category of people whom many call as "anti-Goans" has already emerged in Goa. These ruthless thugs who have already done a considerable damage to Goa, are now plundering Goa. Probably, they are attempting to finish Goa's unique identity with their irresponsible behavior. We cannot allow such people to win.


Sadly, most of the "Anti Goans" are our own disgraceful people... the so called  blue blooded Goans of ancestral origin. And being our own people, it is a great challenge  to deal with them effectively. Self-respecting Goans are therefore left with no choice but to become "Proactive citizens" immediately. We have to become a part of the solution, rather than a part of the problem. As Goeth had rightly said-"Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do".  


Like most other place on earth, Goa is also blessed with many "Lukewarm citizens"- people who love Goa, but are almost indifferent to the happenings in their motherland. I guess, a vast majority of we Goans (more than 60%) fall in this category. Besides "discussing" the problems facing Goa in local Bars and at social gatherings, these Goans hardly do anything concrete to solve the problems confronting our community. On the contrary, many of them act like crabs...constantly 'pulling down' others who are at least 'doing something" for the upliftment of their community. 


In my opinion, about 30% of Goans would fall in the category of "Concerned Goans"- people who are seriously concerned about Goa, its land and community. These Goans take active part in the various local movements. Gram Sabhas and agitations to safeguard the interests of their community . Many of these people write letters to the editors of local news papers, act in local dramas and compose songs on various issues concerning Goa. Many of our "Concerned Goans" working/settled abroad participate in International Goan Conventions and seminars to discuss the issues facing Goan community. 


Fortunately, there is a small number of Goans (less than 1%) whom I would like to refer as "Proactive Goans" that also exists in our community. Most of these "Proactive Goans"(like our freedom fighters and credit worthy social activists) are doing a great job for Goa... with their selfless service to our community . Surprisingly many of the so called "non-Goans" settled in Goa are doing a fabulous job for our land. What Goa really needs today is more of such people. My hats-off to you guys... I'll be the last person to refer you as an "outsider".


The "Proactive citizens" of Goa seem to be resolved and determined to see a 'safer and better Goa'. I am convinced, that, if only 10% of the local residents of Goa and 10% of Goans (settled in different parts of the world) could graduate from being a "Concerned Goan" into a "Proactive Goan" (by devoting at least 10% of their time and resources to work for their motherland "selflessly"), Goa can be restored to its true glory. I believe a "safer and better Goa" is a dream of everybody!

I firmly believe, that the above mentioned 10% committed and Proactive citizens can surely give a tough fight to the "Anti Goan" forces in Goa. It is a war that can be won, and a war that must be won for Goa... not only for the safety of our children and elderly parents; but also for the sake of our beautiful land. Goa certainly deserves a better deal. I am so convinced about this fact, that I have decided to graduate from being a "Concerned Goan" into a "Proactive Goan"... a Goan who will actively work to make Goa a "safer and better place" in the days to come. 

And if you are not too sure of what a few committed, "Proactive citizens" can do for their land and community, please read what Margaret Mead had to say ... "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Goa is too small a place. I believe a few of us can surely make a big difference! 

Cheers to Goa and long live "Goan Identity of peaceful coexistence".  

STOP "Anti-Goan" activities immediately...

In my first blog "Goa of my dreams... The proud Goan identity" I defined "Goan Identity" as a "sense of BELONGING to our ancestral land and community". I also explained that "konkani" (our mother tongue) is only a means of communication between the people of our community and nothing more. 


In the last blog, I also emphesied that it is our ancestral land (Goa) and the local community are the most important components of our "Goan identity". I also said that, that, if we continue to sell our ancestral land to others, and remain "indifferent" to the burning needs of our local community, a day may come when Goa will loose its beautiful "Goan Identity". And I am not prepared to accept such a possibility anymore.

Now, why is "Goan Identity" so important to me? For sure, it is not for any narrow minded, communal or  sentimental reasons. I am proud of my "Goan Identity" only because it is based on the principals of "peaceful coexistence and tolerance towards the cultures of other communities". Our broadminded "Goan Identity is so beautiful,that we Goans are acknowledged as "peace and fun loving" people. We Goans  know to live in harmony, and can adjust in any part of the world. It is for this reason, Goans are 'loved' and welcomed to work/live in all parts of the globe.  

I am also proud of my "Goan Identity" because it has a long history of "high resilience and survival". Although Portuguese and other  foreign invaders ruled us for over 500 years, divided our Goan community into Hindus, catholics and muslims, they could not destroy our "Goan Identity". On the contrary, many of these foreigners embraced our "Goan Identity" and fell in love with it. Many of them got married to our local people and chose to live in our midst. Even the greatest saint of the catholic church, St. Francis Xavier willed that, his body remains in Goa after his death. And his non-perishable body is there with us till today!

My "Goan Identity" also has a 'longer' history of "Community Centered  and Eco-friendly Living". Hundreds of years ago, my forefathers developed Asia's first Community Centered  and Eco-friendly Living Project called the "Gaunkari system"... a socio-economic- agricultural system that took great care of our land and the needs of our community. Our former Portuguese rulers loved that system so much, that they supported it, helped our forefathers to reorganize it and rechristiened  it as "Communidade".

With this brief history of "Goan Identity", it should be obvious to you why I am so proud of my "Goan Identity". It should also be clear to you, that no "well informed Goan" can be against any non-Goan living in our land "legitimately". On the contrary, there have been so many inter-community marriages in the past, that 80% of todays Goans (like me) feel, that the very idea of distinguishing the local people (living in Goa) as "Goans and non-Goans" is irrelevant, and has to be dumped into the dustbin of history. 


However, there is a slight shift in present Goa's 'ground reality'. Although Goa  got liberated in the year 1961, I am convinced that we Goans are not really "liberated". The post-liberation era has produced a new category of "invaders"... the ruthless thugs and plunderers of Goa, rightly referred to  as "Anti-Goans" by many. Sadly, most of these "anti-Goans" are our own people, the so called shameful, blue blooded Goans. They have already done a considerable damage to Goa, and are attempting to 'finish' our identity with their greed and irresponsible behaviour.


I want to write it very clearly, and in bold letters... I am against "Anti- Goans", and I am not prepared to take their 'nonsense' anymore. On behalf of every "Self-respecting Goan", and on behalf of my worthy ancestors, I declare a War on these evil, Anti-Goan forces. They have no right to destroy Goa and work against the interests of our community. And if they think they have a right to abuse Goa, my self-pride commands me to act accordingly and do the needful! 


As 'part one' of my action plan, I will be using this blog to create the necessary "awareness" among the well wishers of Goa and Goans. I will be writing on various issues that are disturbing me and many other Goans (living in Goa and across the globe). As I wish to ACT on these issues in the near future, I am looking forward to your "active participation" by way of comments and suggestions. I want to listen to your heart very attentively! 

And as you wait for my next blog (which I will be uploading every Saturday), let us together say "Cheers to Goa and Goan Identity". Cheers!

The proud "Goan Identity"

I resume writing this column (in the form of a Blog) after a gap of nearly seven years. And I consider it  a great pleasure to be back at it again. I will be attempting to write this blog once in a week, and upload the same every Saturday.

Honestly, Goa did not mean much to me until I was eighteen. My love affair with Goa started when I was studying at Govt. Dental College, Hyderabad. Having been born and brought up in Goa, being away from my family and friends I had grown up with, was simply too much for me. I began to miss my beloved Goa and Goans like mad. Probably the famous old saying "absence makes your love grow fonder" began to have its effect on me.

There are many places in the world that are a lot more beautiful than Goa. I don't know why, but for me, Goa is the best; and I love it very dearly. There is something about Goa which touches the hearts of everybody. And once you are touched by this 'magic of Goa',  you can never be the same again... you are permanently in love with Goa.

I am sure it is the same 'magic of Goa" that attracted the famous 'Hippies' to Goa in the early 70s. They loved Goa and Goans very dearly, and went out of their way to introduce Goa to their friends in the West. And thanks to their word of mouth publicity, Goa began to attracts tourists from the world over. And today, it is acknowledged as one of the most preferred  destination for tourism.

I am convinced, Goa has a unique identity which makes it different from others. Before I go any further, I wish to clarify that I am a  very broadminded person, and that I have a clearly defined "plural identity". I am proud to be an Indian, just as much as I am proud to be a Goan. My two identities co-exist, and complement one another. I will not do anything that will 'hurt' either of these two identities. 

A few years ago, a well known south Goa Cardiologist and social activist asked me if there is anything called "Goan Identity"? I told him that "Goan Identity" is very much there. However, it is something that cannot be described in words. It is something very sacred, and can be only "felt" only by the hearts and souls of people who love Goa (its land and community) very genuinely. 

I explained to the honorable doctor that "Goan Identity" is something very deep. Our identity is a lot more than our language, food and culture. I told him our identity is ROOTED in the legacy of love and 'reverence' our ancestors had for our land and community. I reminded him that many of our forefathers sacrificed their lives and careers for the sake of our identity. 

The way Goa is sold and abused, I am not too sure how many of us, the so called 'Goans' of today can honestly claim to have a "Goan Identity". I am convinced, it is only those  present day Goans, who continue to take care of their land and work for the genuine development of their community can claim to have a true "Goan Identity.  It is time every self respecting Goan wakes up to this reality!

A few years ago, I was invited for a closed door meeting to discuss the issue of "Devnagri v/s Roman Konkani Script Issue". Many distinguished VIPs of Goa were present for that meeting. And surprisingly, almost all of them said that "Konkani language is "Goan Identity" . I seemed to be the odd man out when I told them that, 'Konkani' is only a "means of communication" between the various members of our Goan Community. 

I went on to tell the above gathering that Goan Identity should be seen and defined as a "sense of pride in belonging to our ancestral land and community". I told them, that if we continue to loose our ancestral land  to others, and remain indifferent to the needs of our community, a day will come when Goans will loose their "Goan Identity". And I do not want that to happen! 

Many people tell me Goa has gone to dogs. And I agree with them. Yes, even dogs have a 'self pride' of their own. They will jump and attack you, if you act funny with them. I am not a dog. And I have great pride in my "Goan Identity".

I did work for the cause of "Goan Identity" in the past, on a limited basis. The compulsions of a busy dental practice had tied my hands in the past. I have decided to break free. Today I want to devote more time for this cause, and work for it passionately. And even if I am the only one, I am prepare to make the necessary sacrifices, and pay the price for it.

I will tell you more of this in my next Blog, next Saturday. And in the mean time, join me in saying "Cheers to Goa and Goan Identity". Cheers!