PETER FERNANDES
Many adjectives have been attributed to Goa to describe its beauty and serenity, but which adjective would perfectly describe Goa the best? A quick glance over Goa allows one to behold the beautiful and world-class beaches and the land covered with lush greenery, waterfalls and winding rivers with beautiful mountains that hold an eternal credence. It is difficult to identify a particular adjective, so let the dreamer dream. There are X number of songs and poems written, which captivate the mind, heart and soul, yet remain unsatisfied; let the song play on. However, a question has arisen in many people's minds: how long will the Goa of dreams endure, and will the next generation have a chance to dream a dream? Sad but true, post-liberation, Goa has not fared - well in the hands of its own sons and daughters; in fact, it has taken an ominous turn. Who is responsible, and who will take the responsibility? “I Dreamed a Dream” is a song from the musical Les Misérables.
The song is a lament, sung by the anguished Fantine, who has just been fired from her job at the factory and thrown onto the streets. She thinks back to happier days and wonders at all that has gone wrong in her life. Is it time for Goa to write a musical like “Les Misérables”? In view of the headlines from recent times, we have read, “Goa going, going, gone! Therefore, the question is, “Does it still hold, ‘Goa of dreams’, for those who dare to dream?
Goa could have been an education, music, sports and medical hub; besides, tourism, fishing and agriculture industry back-up the economy substantially. Is it a lost opportunity, or can Goa still make good of it? Who misguided Goa and its people with a shady economic plan, which is intended to destroy the very essence of Goa? Portuguese who were and who are unduly demonised had a balanced plan for Goa and Goans. Maybe while throwing out the bath water, we have thrown out the baby as well. The Portuguese established the first college in India, and perhaps in Asia, and introduced the printing press in the year 1542 at Old Goa. St. Paul College was founded by Jesuits, who also had a school for 450 local students, teaching them reading and writing; there, too, was a hospital. However, this institution fell prey to the plague and was then moved to a new location. What remains of the original college is the facade, known as the Gate of the College of St Paul. Portuguese taught western music to enrich the Goan and Indian music. And what a contribution it turned out to be. The movie “Nachom-ia Kumpasar” depicts the grandeurs of Goan music and documents its contribution to Bollywood, meaning for the whole of India. The oldest medical college in Asia, established in 1842 during Portuguese rule. Initially named "Escola Medico Cirurgica da Goa", it was later renamed Goa Medical College in 1963. In addition, Goa was called the "Brazil of India" in football due to its strong football culture and presence. It is a dream, and many are still dreaming as FC Goa is yet to win the maiden ISL trophy, since its inception in 2013. Maybe ‘Churchill Brothers’ may fulfil this dream of many Goans.
It is sad to know that, barring a few, most of the Goan politicians turned out to be charlatans and corrupt to the very core. Post-liberation, the Goan politicians were comfortable with a cosy dwelling provided by the mining industry. The wealth projected and generated by mining companies mesmerised the leaders, who were blinded from seeing clearly the future. It was foolishness, for they knew the non-renewable resource (like mining) was going to be exhausted sooner or later. A tribute to the true crusaders for the protection of the environment and illegal mining in Goa, Claude and Norma Alvares had the grit and determination to stop the loot and plunder of Goa’s minerals. The nature’s gift to Goa, which attracts many visitors from around the world, tourism could have sustained the economy for generations to come. However, our politicians could only think of Casino’s, nightclubs, and Sunburn, a detriment to our culture and traditions, instead of world-class infrastructure. Still more tragic, instead of learning the lessons from the past mistakes, our politicians have sold their souls to Adani and land mafias. Since the income from mining has dried up, selling Goa’s land, legally and illegally, to outsiders for a huge kickback is the new normal for our politicians. Turning Goa into a coal hub is not their lookout as long as their pockets are well taken care off. What stupidity? Velsao villagers are actively protesting and fighting against the double-tracking railway project. Orville Dourado Rodrigues has taken on the mantle of Claude and Norma Alvares in this fight against double tracking, even as our politicians continue to back Adani.
Does it still hold “the Goa of dreams” for those who dare to dream? Although the current scenario appears to be bleak, there are rays of hope in those who are sincerely giving themselves to protect and fight for Goa’s beauty, environment and heritage. Be it the issue of coal transportation, railway double tracking, large development projects, illegal fishing using LED boats, sugarcane farmers waiting for the restart of the methanol plant at the Sanjivani sugar factory, or the demand for restarting mining, there seems to be a protest by the common people at every corner of the state against the Goa government. But these protests are not gaining momentum. Therefore, the million-dollar question is, are the people of Goa willing to come out of their comfort zone and support and fight both in court and on the streets for just cause? Sant Andre MLA Viresh Borkar has launched an indefinite sit-in protest against the illegal constructions on hill slopes and on the beach at Bambolim. The precarious situation in which Goa finds itself at this time, is not Portuguese making, but our own creation. Still, we have to perceive it as an opportunity, otherwise, it would be a grave misfortune if we allow it to pass without giving it a serious thought. Clearly, the present path is not working for our state, of which we are well aware. It is an imperative that we strongly resist our lethargic attitude and get involved to create a master plan and move forward with a clear and definite vision for a better future. Therefore, will Goans ever dare to dream a dream?
(The author is a Priest based at Pilar, Goa)