Lack of unanimity in our views on issues concerning Goa and Goans and total absence of unity amongst us to take them forcefully to their logical conclusion, have perhaps been one of our greatest misfortunes. During the Portuguese rule, some people longed for freedom, but they held different views on what kind of status would be best suited for Goa. While some wanted Goa merged with the Indian Union, others favoured autonomy, under Portugal. And a few others apparently felt that Goa would be better off as an independent Nation. And there are people, both at home and abroad, who today, more than ever before, hold this view, particularly because of the situation we are in.
Their contention is that Goans did not have a say on their status, after it was annexed by India. When eventually India occupied Goa, those who saw their dream accomplished and those who had no choice but to accept it as a fait accompli, ought to have come together to safeguard our identity, rights, customs and traditions. Unfortunately, that too did not happen. But it must be said that had India allowed Goans to decide their own future, as promised, the verdict might have gone in their favour, whereas now it will always have to bear the ignominy of having deprived Goans of this right.
Then came the greatest divide of all, when a sizeable section of Goans demanded Goa’s merger into Maharashtra. It is still difficult to fathom how late Dayanand Bandodkar got this brainwave and even managed a majority in the Legislative Assembly based on the merger issue. Frankly, it is unimaginable what would have been Goa’s fate today had the Opinion Poll verdict gone in their favour. Thankfully, the “mergerists” themselves realized their folly that not only did they support in 1971 a resolution demanding a separate State for Goa but they themselves sponsored another such resolution in 1976.
Language is another issue where Goans displayed total disunity. A good number of MLAs favoured giving Marathi also the status of official language alongwith Konkani. Hence, a compromise had to be arrived at and a non-issue once again brought to the fore the great divide among Goans. Though we are fully aware that a large section of Hindus are perhaps better conversant with Marathi than Konkani, at least in written form, the equal status to both languages was fraught with the risk of putting Maharashtrians at par with Goans. Had the Official Language Act also been silent on the script for Konkani, the present divide among Konkani protagonists would have also been avoided.
A small divide was also visible when people agitated against the present Konkan Railway route. It is conveniently forgotten that Ramakant Khalap and others had also opposed the original route but because of the power they wielded they managed to have the present route imposed. So, while they felt they had the right to oppose a route passing through their areas, they denied a similar right to others. Khalap is now reportedly regretting having opposed the original route.
We are now on the verge of another great divide, if the Parrikars, Arlekars and Parsekars have their way. These gentlemen and some other protagonists of Mopa are instigating the people of North Goa against South Goans, who, according to them, are always opposed to development. My reply to this would be a firm YES. Entire Goa should come together to oppose the type of development that past and present Governments have been imposing on us. Besides ignoring environmental issues, they are meant for their own benefit and that of non-Goans. The development envisaged will create further influx of outsiders and benefit politicians, who depend solely on migrant vote banks as Goans do not trust them anymore. Goans have never opposed creation of a better infrastructure like bridges and roads, which are essential to ease traffic congestion and reduce accidents. But these issues are secondary for them and they are concentrating on Mopa without even giving a thought to the infrastructure required, including the expressway. Yes, Goans will continue to oppose everything that is not pro-Goa and pro-Goans. It must also be accepted that most good movements have either taken off or received the greatest support from South Goa. And they have all proved to be beneficial to entire Goa. Never did South Goa fight for anything that could be detrimental to North Goa. These are facts that need to be acknowledged.
Coming to Parrikar’s exit from Goa, it is premature to say much. Though I have been highly critical of his performance and his authoritarian ways, particularly because much was expected from him, I must admit that no one else in his Party can match his abilities. It is a matter of pride that he is due to take up a very prestigious portfolio. No one can doubt his capabilities, though Modi may have to tame his ego. Now he himself will be in a position to demand more land from the Navy, unlike his earlier stance that he could not approach them, as they would not yield. He might do it but only to keep alive his empty assurance that Dabolim will continue. We need to beware.
Unity is strength but we have ignored it and remained divided on issues which we won and were in the best interests of Goa and Goans, including those of merger and language. The divide was unnecessary and left deep wounds. Our disunity has been proverbial. It is being said of us that for every two Goans there are three clubs or associations. We are being accused of having a crab mentality. Whether we accept or not such extreme ridicule, let us learn to acknowledge that not all that is being said of us is untrue and above all, let us mend our ways. Let us stop being fence sitters and wake up before it is too late. Mopa cannot be ignored by anyone who loves Goa, in North or South. It is bound to be an environmental disaster. R.C. Khurana, former Executive Director AAI and Chairman Selection Committee for Goa’s 2nd airport emphatically states that Mopa is unsafe and unsuitable, being tabletop mountain with ditches and undulating lands, quoting also aviation experts. Let us understand the risks involved and the massive influx of outsiders which will throw our people in North Goa out of their jobs, business and trade. Lastly, let us, not be guided and fooled by those who can be least believed – the politicians.
(The author is a retired banker)
