It has been building up for a while. Everyone knew it would
happen. When it did, it still caused shock and horror. The possibility of a war
in Europe and the necessity of countries having to take sides that could have
long term ramifications for everyone can be daunting. However at the individual
level it is different. Everyone is entitled to articulate their position which
at times may not mirror the official position of the state. It may also reflect
the love felt between peoples of two different countries. That was visible in
Goa on Thursday. Scores of partygoers at the Arambol Beach Carnival cocked a
snoot at the behavior of President Putin for ordering the invasion of Ukraine.
Revelers at the carnival send out a very strong message to the
world to make peace and love and not war. Locals, domestic and foreigner
tourists came together to celebrate the beach Carnival. The theme was Be Wise
and stop pesticides but messages of peace dominated. Drum beats dominated the
sound as the Carnival moved. The organiser of the carnival, Zou Zou said he had
the good luck to organise the carnival and the focus was to raise public
awareness the use of pesticides. Its use had resulted in the drastic reduction
of pollinators ie the bees and insects which was essential for plants to
produce food. He said they were using their art to create a spotlight on the
situation. He said “We also made a hashtag @Be wise stop pesticides. It is the
pesticides that are killing the beaches”.
The
enthusiasm shown by everyone merely confirmed that the average person has no
hard feeling against the other and it is countries that create and encourage
such divisions. One can only hope such sentiments continue to proliferate in the
state, the country and the world.
