A Different Kind of Politics

I guess, in today’s Politics, a combination of being a "non-politician and a successful dentist" is rather an odd combination. And that has a few disadvantages.  But fortunately the odd combination also has many advantages; and that is certainly the case with me. Who knows? Probably through this odd combination, God has brought into Goan Politics, a "different kind" of a person... a person who has got the guts to do what is right for Goa, and not what is popular with the masses.

To start with, having had to wear my "dental face mask” for nearly thirty odd years, I was forced to develop a habit of "talking less, listening more, observing minutely and acting decisively". After encountering and dealing with different kinds of pains (toothaches, psychosomatic pains and other kinds of pains) in my long professional life, I was probably "subconsciously trained" to become a person that I am today...very sharp, sensitive and empathic to the real needs of the people.

Being a Non-Politician, I can still think, feel and act like a "Non-Politician". It has also given me the wisdom and courage to experiment with a "different kind of politics" in Benaulim Constituency.  And thank God, my brand of politics has found a wide acceptance with the people; and has earned me a lot of goodwill in the bargain. It has created so many political ripples, that, Mr. Churchill Alemao has become a “very desperate man”. This was evident when he released a quarter page "defamatory advertisement" against me...without any provocation from my side. (If you wish to read that silly advert in Herald, kindly click this Link... http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoaukextra2/5420678503/sizes/l/)

So why do I call it is a "Different Kind of Politics"? To start with, I am not distributing any money, alcohol, water tanks, gold chains and other goodies to gain the support/votes of anybody. On the contrary, I have chosen to walk the road that is less traveled. Besides encouraging the youth to "give-up cigarettes and alcohol", I have got many of them actively involved in new positive habits like gymnasium, indoor/outdoor games and other activities. As you are aware in today's politics, youngsters are given money and alcohol, and "used by the politicians" to do their odd and dirty jobs.

After joining politics, the first thing I attempted to do was to visit every home in Benaulim Constituency. For technical and political reasons, I could visit only 65% of them so far.  My intention behind visiting these homes was not to seek their support/votes, but to know "first hand" the various problems faced by my electorate.  Instead of telling others "what I will be doing for them", I started my politics by “listening and understanding” the needs of the people. Many of them told me, that this was something which nobody had done earlier.

After doing a good homework, I started Benaulim Community Centre to address some of the important unfulfilled needs of my people.  It is therefore no surprise that my Centre has become a "big hit" in Benaulim Constituency. Even my political rivals acknowledge the good indoor and outdoor work that is being carried out by this Centre.  Although many people give me the credit for starting the Benaulim Community Centre, I would like to share this "public acknowledgement" with the people of Benaulim. It is they who told me "what they wanted". I only responded to their demands/suggestions by doing what I could afford.

Benaulim Community Centre is a centrally located at Zen Gardens, near Maria Hall, Benaulim. Although this 4500 sq.ft. ground floor premises had cost me a bomb (when I purchased it four years ago); it has become a real "blessing" for everybody. I could go ahead and do the innovative community work that I am currently doing, only because I had this beautiful premises. And I thank God for it... He is my provider and my fortress. I sincerely believe, that with the support of my people, and the blessings of my mighty God, I will be able to do a lot more for my village, Goa and Goans. 

We conduct a lot of indoor and outdoor activities at our Centre for people of all age groups. And the facilities are absolutely FREE for the local residents of Benaulim Constituency. Although Benaulim Community Centre  is a novel concept for Goa, it is certainly not my "invention". You can find such Centres in many parts of the world.  I invite you to visit our Centre, and see for yourself the various things we are currently doing. We are certainly "transforming" Politics in Goa... from a "Greed based, Self-Centered Politics", into a "Need based, Community-Centered Politics".  

And for those of you who will not be able to visit us in the near future, I would like to tell you more about Benaulim Community Centre in my next Facebook article - "Touching Hearts, Changing Lives". 

A personal request: The citizens of the Arab World have proved beyond doubt that "People's Power" CAN win over "Money & Muscle Power". We Can and We Shouldmake it happen in Goa too ! In order to ensure that "People's Power" wins over "Money & Muscle Power", be a part of the CHANGE you want to see... Please go out of your way to "work for Goa"; and share this article with all your friends on the  Facebook and other internet portals/sites. TOGETHER we can bring about the CHANGE in Goa. Cheers!!!