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"!