These days, it is common to read about provocative statements by certain sections of society,
where there is criticism on certain aspects that they believe are not in tune
with their version of culture and the views of the moral brigade tend to
aggressively dominate public discourse.
While there was a brouhaha over what was allegedly said about
women drinking beer, which was later clarified to have been statements made
only about school girls and not women, it brought back in public domain, the
familiar narrative, where a personal choice of any Goan to drink is made to
look like it’s a bad thing and aspersions are often cast on the individuals who
choose to drink on their own volition.
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For a state that boasts of producing Feni, thrives on tourism
and has a lively culture, locals hit back at these perceived notions that to
drink is something to be frowned upon. It is important to note that they are
not condoning extremism, addiction or drunken rowdy behaviour but are against
the generalisation and negative connotations, especially about Goa being a
state that is synonymous with the consumption of alcohol. The consensus they
also arrived at was that it is wrong to categorise Goans that way and that
everyone has the right to drink if they wish to and Goans don’t drink any more
than any others from other places.
“Unlike the rest of India, which was under the British, tiny Goa
was under the Portuguese and this is the fundamental difference between the two
cultures and the perception towards alcohol. While the Victorian ideas shaped
Indians about they perception that consumption of alcohol is primarily a male
thing, in Portuguese Goa, drinking wine during a meal, or celebrating a feast with
alcohol and family was perfectly normal. This is now a paradox in united India,
especially when our minority Goan culture is little understood, misrepresented
and pushed to the margins by India.
“Thus, while it has been perfectly fine for me to drink with my
father, a few of even my friends have never had a drink when theirs. Enjoying a
drink with family teaches one responsibility and there is etiquette about it,”
says Hansel Vaz, a multi-faceted entrepreneur in the liquour industry.
“I think a certain section of society that takes a
self-prescribed moral high ground when looking down on people that drink, have
got the least amount of knowledge about alcohol. If they only take the time to
update themselves about the amount of science and hardship that goes into
making the different forms of alcohol, then they’d look at it differently.
There are some people that drink to get drunk. But most people in Goa drink for
the joy of it and not to get intoxicated out of their brains,” says Lester
Rodrigues, a leading figure in Goa’s entertainment and music industry.
“I think that as long as the youngsters are within legal
drinking age it shouldn’t be anyone’s problem. There are far pressing matters
that need attention. Alcoholism is a vice but drinking responsibly should not
be a problem. It is also not right when Goans gets portrayed as drunks and this
could be from the fact that there is always someone fallen drunk somewhere, but
99 per cent of the time, that person may not even be Goan, but a visitor who
could not handle their liquor,” says Vasco Alvares, a famous chef from Goa.
“I really do not understand why it matters to anyone if someone
else decides to drink. In this day and age, most of us do it to unwind with
friends and let loose after a difficult day at work. It really shouldn’t affect
anyone who isn’t a part of the group or even at the party where you’re
drinking. In fact, it’s proven that having a glass of wine or two decreases
your chance of having a stroke or a heart attack,” says Karina De Gouveia Pinto,
a content curator for a website about Goa.
“I think it’s not about Goans doing it and it being acceptable.
I think it’s about anybody who is of legal age and allowed to do it. Lot of
people out here also are like –‘Oh, you are a Goan that’s why drinking is
normal for you, even in front of your parents.’ A logical liberal mindset will
not judge anybody drinking, irrespective of where they are from. It is
everyone’s choice as to who wants to drink, be it a guy or a girl. In fact, it
is not just about drinking, it’s about doing anything as long as it is not
against the law. Everyone is free to have an opinion on it, but they cannot
stop someone from doing it. While the moral voices are being increasingly
dominant and highlighted now, it is best that they are ignored,” says Abhijit
Mahambrey, a young Goan filmmaker.
“I guess it is important to reflect on how big or small a part
alcohol plays in Goan culture. Coming from Coorg (Karnataka), I know that our
community loves a good drink and it’s part of all celebrations; it’s also a way
of letting your hair down at the end of the day/week. Secondly, why is it
anyone’s concern at all what someone else eats or drinks? As long as it’s not
in excess and harmful to their own health and not causing harm to those around
them, I don’t think it is anyone else’s business. Regarding women, I’d say if
anyone is really concerned about women’s well being in Goa, this is the least
of their worries,” says Tania Devaiah, an independent gender rights
researcher/activist who moved to Goa in 2012.
“My experience in the last 12 years of living away from home is
that if they know you are a Goan, drinking is absolutely fine because
apparently ‘Goa wale sab peete hain’. If they don’t know you are a Goan, then
you are judged for drinking because you are a woman. Does alcohol really
differentiate between Goans and non-Goans or between men and women? Nope!,”
expresses Shreya Borkar, digital marketer who grew up in Borda-Margao.
“Drinking is a social lubricant. It’s an enjoyable activity for
many, irrespective of gender. For a long time, it’s only the parents and wives
who have promoted and insisted on responsible drinking behaviour. I think now
it’s time for all others in positions of influence to promote the practise of
responsible drinking, rather than banning, denying the issue etc. It is very
important to teach this in school, like sex education and responsible driving,”
voices Prassana Timble, advocate and entrepreneur.
“Similar to the act of consuming meat or beef, consumption of
alcohol for medical or recreational reasons is a matter of one’s personal
choice. Drinks for many is a way of socialising and letting go of their
inhibitions and in many ways is true to the essence of the Goan culture of
living up the good times by way of food, music and celebrating life.
Personally, I support all those who choose their path in life and if drinking
(moderately, of course) brings them joy in life, so be it,” says Qammar Hakim,
a prominent figure in the events industry.
“I
feel we live in a free world and we pretty much can do as we want as long as we
are not creating a nuisance in society. No one has the right to judge another
person because no one is indebted to the people judging them. As Goans, we have
been born and brought up with open-minded liberal thinking. This is what makes
us Goans hospitable and friendly, besides being able to gel in any culture
around the world. I have been brought up in a family where wine is still a part
of our Sunday meals or even a feast, irrespective of the gender consuming it. I
see nothing wrong if women drink because they know their limits and I am pretty
sure they will not go on a rioting rampage, destroying public property or
creating a nuisance,” says Konrad Rodrigues, a popular musician from Benaulim.
