Heading out of the state, and even
overseas, in the pursuit of greener pastures is not a new trend; this practice
has been a long-running one. While great aspirations and the will to work for
them is a good thing, the practice of leaving the homeland brings to the fore
questions such as -’are the local youth at all affected by issues of the
state/country?’ or ‘Do they play any role as responsible citizens?’
Hrishikesh Kadam, a first year LLM student
studying at G R Kare College of Law, Margao, says, “The issues prevalent today,
such as protests and strikes, affect us. As a matter of fact, such acts
frustrate us to such an extent that many wish to leave the state sooner. But
when I look within, I feel the need to stay back and fight for Goa; be part of
the new brigade. Enter ground politics and change the situation for good.”
“Politicising an important and sensitive
issue such as education and special status looks so cheap. Goan politicians
need to know that they need to grow now. Students today cannot be misguided
anymore. Medium of Instruction (MoI) was an issue and still is very close to
the heart. I still can’t understand why parents lack the knowledge of the fact
that studying in regional language will make the students better developed,
matured human beings,” says Hrishikesh.
While there are those students who are
aware of and concerned about the current affairs of the state, even willing to
play a part in reformation process, there are many who have lost hope due to
the “ugly” politics. A student of Dhempe College, Miramar, says, “It really
does not bother us in any way. We would be going abroad to pursue our careers.
What is there left in Goa apart from corruption? Can a common man get a high
post in government sectors? Many educated youth are unemployed because they are
not getting worthy salary packages! So these strikes and all don’t bother us
anymore.”
Offering a different perspective is Goa
University student, Urvashi Naik, who says, “It does matter because, finally,
the future of the state is in the hands of the youth and that’s the reason we
need to come together for the betterment of the state.”
Though these youngsters have different
opinions, they all share a common hope that a new generation of politicians may
bring about a new future for the state. Sagar Dhage, student of Goa College of
Pharmacy, Panjim, says, “The youth are aware of their responsibilities and are
now slowly involving themselves in various causes.” He further adds, “As far as
the MoI issue is concerned, one should study in and master his / her own state
language and English too should be made compulsory since it gives you the
confidence to step out into the world.”
Commenting about today’s students’
involvement in issues concerning Goa, Dr Cajetan Raposo, Head of Department of
Political Science of St Xavier’s College, Mapusa, says, “They are much more
vigilant and receptive to Goan issues and want to voice out their views either
by writing in newspapers or social media, even if they are not media students.
There is a shift taking place in the student community as many are coming
forward to become a part of the social change.”
