Bal Gangadhar Tilak said, “Life is a card game. Choosing the right cards is not in our hand. But playing well with the cards in hand determines our success”
Democracy is based upon the conviction that there are extraordinary possibilities in ordinary people who work together. It is man’s quest for justice that has led us towards a system we call democracy. Voting is not only our right, it is our power. Abstinence from voting is not a protest but a surrender and can be labelled as a social sin. Every election is determined by the people who show up. This right to vote is the basic right without which all others are meaningless. It gives people, as individuals, control over their own lives and destinies. Voting is an expression of our commitment to ourselves, one another, our country and the world at large. Somewhere inside all of us is the power to change the world. We have to vote. That is the only way forward. Our vote is precious and there is no such thing as a vote that does not matter. Every vote counts and makes a difference. It is in voting correctly and with a conscience that we become the much needed salt and the light of the world.
In a stark contrast to its laid-back culture, Goa has become a hot bed of political activity. Our State politicians have proved time and again to be opportunists with no concern for ideology, loyalty or the people in their constituencies. Back stabbing and petty politics has become the order of the day. We would all like to vote for the best man/women. Sadly we do not have the names of such candidates appearing on our voting machine. Entering politics has increasingly become about making money and getting away with crimes. Party ideologies do not matter anymore when it comes to defections for the sake of power and control. Opinions of dedicated party cadre and grassroot workers is thrown along the way side. B S Yedyrappa was honest while articulating the sentiment: “Are we Sanyasis (hermits)?” when asked if the BJP would stake claim in the recent Karnataka elections. This mule and donkey trading often referred to as horse trading has become so easy and chronic with our leaders like rats ever ready to desert a sinking ship. That explains why the residence of our Prime Minister is on race course road.
Politics today has become the conduct of public affairs for private advantage. In reality a good government must be protecting its people and more so the vulnerable sections of society. Do we see this happening or have we silently been watching the destruction and selling out of Goa to rich magnates for a song? Our land sold to people who have no love, care or concern for our values, traditions and culture. Protests and demonstrations have fallen on deaf ears. Our elected representatives never seem to remember their election promises. Once elected they work like dalals with huge kickback in the interest of their agents most of whom are from outside the State. In the present circumstances it would be suicidal if we choose to close our eyes anymore and surrender the future of Goa in the hands of these unscrupulous lot of upstarts who have neither vision for the State nor any love for the country. Rise up my Goan brethren and show these crooks and traitors the door. The survival of Goa and every Goan is at stake. Time to remind our politicians to keep every promise they make and to only make promises they will be able to honour.
Take courage my fellow Goans. Come out of your homes and comfort zones and spread the good news – “All will be well if we vote well and intelligently”. It is never too late to restore that which has been destroyed. Destruction of our forests, water bodies, livelihood of those dependent on nature’s bounty and natural resources. What about the selling of public assets to private individuals and family corporates? The need of the hour is employment of our youth and the arrest of rising prices.
Can we dream once again of fish on our plates like before and the flow of fresh water in our rivers and water bodies? Justice to the vulnerable sections of society and the flowing of peace and goodwill in every street of our motherland? Yes! We must overcome the darkness brought on us. In one voice let us affirm “A new dawn a new beginning for Goa”. Not the Naya Sakal (New Dawn) of any political party, but the dawn of enlightenment and the rising sun. The darkness that has fallen over us can only be dispelled with this ray of hope.
Cynicism in the face of adverse political developments is sweet music to the tyrants and the despots. Cynics are the trumpeters and harbingers of autocracy and fascism. Avoid becoming cynical. Never give up hope. Nobody in life gets what they thought they should get. Hard work and perseverance is what makes amazing things happen. Cynicism is self-imposed blindness. Let us, this election, enter the age of enlightenment dispelling all darkness that surrounds us. Faith builds. Cynicism kills.
(The writer is a social scientist and a senior practising criminal lawyer).
