Nazrana Shaikh
The move taken by COOJ and district hospital is quite appreciative regarding increase in number of suicides taking place in the state. It is really shocking to know that the suicide rate in Goa, which is considered to be the most peaceful and least problematic state, is 15.8 percent as against 11.7 percent compared to the whole nation. It is sad to say that though Goa is the Pearl of the Orient, it has been the hub of drugs, wine, human trafficking, prostitution, gambling etc. This has affected the lives of Goans to large extent. The entertainment provided in Goa in zest of attracting more and more tourists has flourished the tourism sector at the cost of lives of Goans. The temptations this jolly free going life without any bounds of restrictions has in fact lead to the depression in life of people who are involved in it as well as of their near and dear ones especially women who are topping in the list of suiciders. The hazards of the social menace like drugs, wine and gambling are well known to all and how these can ruin the families ultimately leading to suicides of those who are directly or indirectly related to them.
Harassment meted out by husbands and family members, depression and frustration due to family issues, illnesses, unsuccessful love affairs, stress are the reasons figured out for suicides by women in Goa. Yet there are unnoticed suicides occurring from self-aggression due to forced prostitutions, violence, sexual abuse, unwanted pregnancy etc. The merry going atmosphere of Goa is responsible for this which at one side does provide freedom to the women but fails to give them protection from its adverse effects.
The change in approach towards living which is meant only for the purpose of gaining, achieving at the shortest limit of time with all luxuries of life has led many to go out for easy and fast ways of earning, which later on turn to be their suicide traps. Free access to gambling through legalised casinos in Goa has paved way for this materialistic thirst of the people. It is become quite easy too to sort loans for each small and big need, without a check on one’s budget which later turns out to be a rope round the neck.
Children too are brought up without any moral education and all what they are taught through modernised education is for material gain and show off. They are exposed to modern gadgets at very young age, without even guiding their proper and fruitful use or strengthening the morals of the children to resist any evils / temptations which could be targeted towards them through such devices.
Appointment of counselor in each school college on compulsory basis would be very helpful. Even there has to be serious monitoring of the young ones on regular basis right from school to college and off course Government has to play a major role in providing employment, relieving people of economic burden, better health facilities, checking on social evils, setting limits for entertainment and tourism norms and not just gathering economy by legalizing illegal acts. If this is not checked now the suicides will continue to happen which will leave today’s paradise in a shambles tomorrow. Goa surely deserves better. And for those who have set their minds for suicide remember that “with hardship, there is ease” God has promised us that He is well aware of the situations that we face and He has given us weapons of patience, gratitude and trust to face them. If we face our fears and anxieties with complete trust in God and if we show patience and gratitude with all our circumstances, sadness and worry will disappear or at least feel lighter.
