It is a simple question, given the standard of living the residents of the state enjoy. But then there is also a down side to it all – the incessant politicking, the wastage of funds on projects that have been poorly thought out and the absence of jobs for the young, who have been leaving the state in droves

 Yes, without doubt, it is a combination of hectic activity and peace; just the right mix. Education could definitely improve. When it comes to healthcare, the big boys of hospital facilities are dominating this service right now; you go into any hospital today in Goa and you get a feeling of being billed for things you really do not need, scarce to find an old-time physician who would advise the right things to you. As for job prospects, there seems to be a lot of unemployment in Goa today, either there are no jobs that suit your goals and skill sets or you are underpaid and dissatisfied.

S HARIDAS, Director/Partner, Planet Goa

I would definitely say I am proud to be a Goan. However, that has more to do with my historical and familial ties to the state rather than a fair assessment of the present situation. Goa has to overcome significant challenges in order to produce top grade educational and professional talent. The government should also work to improve protections for Goan beaches and tackle Goa’s crumbling transportation infrastructure, including potholed roads and aging buses.

JASON FERNANDES, Co-Founder and COO at AEToken

The standard of living is really high and isn’t not on par with the salary structure of the state of private organisations. The business prospects are huge though, especially in the entertainment and hospitality industry.

CONRAD BARRETO, Football Strategist, The Football Dug Out

I travel to many cities and have lived in Mumbai, Pune and Aurangabad. I am proud to say that nothing compares to Goa. Yes we want better as it is aspirational. But working in Goa in my opinion is the best place in India. It is surely greener, less polluted and the traffic situation is far better than any other State. Again, I repeat, despite this situation, improvements are possible. The sore point is garbage thrown along the roads, which makes it equal to any other city in India. This is something that gets my goat and the solution is elusive. Every tourist comes to Goa and decides to settle and then starts a business or finds employment; why cannot Goans living here find gainful employment or start something that employs others? The fact that urban and rural blends so well together enhances the charm. I think the best part of living in Goa is the fact that one spends less time per day travelling than you would in any other city in India.

BLAISE COSTABIR, Director, GMI Zarhak Moulders Pvt. Ltd.

Am I proud to be a Goan? Yes and No. I am proud to be a Goan because of its natural beauty, culture, architecture and people. I love the fact that we live harmoniously, irrespective of religion. I’m not proud because we are losing that very essence of Goan and turning our beautiful state into any other state. I’m not proud that we have allowed some of our most beautiful villages like Calangute and Baga to be destroyed by haphazard development. Yes, we lost some but hope is still alive as we will not allow everything to be lost. Let’s salvage what is left and preserve for our coming generations. Let’s make them proud of us. We need to urgently work on keeping our new generation back in Goa by creating world class job opportunities. As of now, most young people move to other parts of the country or abroad for jobs as in the case of my own children.

KULASEKHAR KANTIPUDI, Entrepreneur

I am proud to have been born a Goan and will remain one to my very last breath. But due to the failed political leadership, Goa over the years has been sinking by the day. That promised vow by the government about promoting and protecting Goem, Goenkar and Goenkarponn has gone for a toss. Goa was once the Paradise of the East, but sadly today it has been reduced to a gambling, crime and prostitution hub.

AIRES RODRIGUES, Activist

Being a Goan always makes me proud. Being the smallest state of India, Goa has the smallest beaches, mixed culture, Indo-Portuguese architecture, flora and fauna, nightlife and much more. This makes Goa a tourist hotspot. This helps me and many others to earn a living right here. I always thought I should move out of Goa to get a better lifestyle but with a very unique cultural and social setting, I wish to make the best with what Goa is blessed with.

DJ WENCY, deejay

Yes, I am proud to be a Goan but there are moments when I do feel sad too when I see our nature being destroyed and the corruption.

SAVIO MESSIAS, President, TTAG

There’s nothing special to be a Goan. No development in the name of sustainable development, we as a state are inching towards the stone-age. The state doesn’t intend to shake up and wakeup to present needs of society and economy. Contribution of state to national GDP is negligible. We don’t manufacture anything and when we cannot stop a menace we prefer to avoid it.

TIRTH PRASAD NAGVEKAR, Proprietor,

ADEC Technology & Solutions Pvt Ltd

• | 01 Oct, 2019, 04:45AM