I appreciate that although not impossible, it is a challenge today to put in measures for protecting Goan demographics, identity, land and our way of life. This challenge is mainly because of the perceived restrictions by the Indian Constitution, which was officially never approved by Goans and opinions given by pessimists.
However, before we even try to look at measures to protect Goa’s interests, we first need to, at least, publicly acknowledge and get the Central government to acknowledge that there were serious flaws in the manner Goa was absorbed into the Indian Union without any safeguards. Such acknowledgement can help look at possible remedial measures. Post-1961, Goa could have progressed within India into a world class state with a special identity. Unfortunately, due to the mistakes we made at Liberation, Goa is actually going backwards. All of us Goans instead of simply celebrating the Liberation, should ask ourselves what are we actually celebrating?
Arwin Mesquita, Colva
—–
Donate voluntarily and generously
The need for donations would never arise if people donated voluntarily. I believe that those who do not give are the people who complain the most. CCTV cameras in schools are no more luxuries, but necessities. Collecting funds for the poor outside India isn’t something to be outrage at but appreciated, because hundreds of institutions in India are also being funded by other countries. What harm is there if we do our best for others? We Catholics are supposed to give ‘tithes’ but tell me, how many of us do it. Yet the Catholic Church takes care of us. I would request people to think twice before putting pen to paper on such issues.
Joseph Alex D’Cruz, Panjim
CM needs to introspect
Chief Minister Lakshmikant Parsekar has asked the Greens not to raise red flags against hotel and airport projects. As a teacher by profession, the chief minister should be in a better position to understand that the hotel project at Tiracol is coming up at the cost of agriculture and on the grave of a Goan village. He also should understand that the proposed Mopa airport would cause sufferings to Goans; is a financial burden on the State; and unviable in a small state like Goa. But sadly, his call to the people not to raise red flags belies his professionalism!
James Moraes, Cuncolim
Ghar wapsi is a worrisome trend
The Indian masses were drawn to Modi only because of his promise of economic progress. However, misinterpreting this mass support to Modi as support for Hondutva agenda by the Hindu community is highly worrisome. The increasing appeal of the hardline Hindu religious leaders among Indian masses is finding expressions through ‘ghar wapsi’ campaigns. Another manifestation of this phenomenon is the bizarre situation in which some Hindu fanatics in the Lok Sabha and their affiliated organizations in the country trying to challenge the Indian secularism. By all accounts, these ‘religious politicians’ playing a dubious role, should remember that communal antagonism between 800–odd million Hindus and about 150 million Muslims in this country can tear apart the fabric of Indian polity. Secularism is not only ideal doctrine but a necessity doctrine to sustain the Indian Republic. This imperative has now been endangered by these fanatics who are trying to convert Muslims and Christians ‘back’ to Hinduism.
Major Mathew Oommen (Army Veteran), Pune
Good parenting is needed
When a child is born, his/her first connection to the world is established through his parent’s eyes. Thus parenting is like nourishment that is essential for a sapling to grow into a sturdy and fruitful tree. For an overall development of a child, effective parenting is the ‘need of the hour’!
Parenting an obstinate, defiant and a challenging child calls out to mind-numbing and back-breaking toil. On the other hand, parents practicing authoritarian approach, impose stringent rules on their child. Children who are unable to comply with such extremes end up committing suicides.
The parents cannot build a full-fledged secure future for their children. But they can certainly build their children for a safe future. It is relevant to realise that to be in their children’s memories tomorrow, the parents need to be in their lives today!
Farheen Arfaz, Navelim
