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!