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 !