Years have passed by and the Government of India has delayed the census which was due in 2021. Pandemic was the reason given, but the country has moved on in all walks of life, except conducting the census. Goa being a small state could have done its own census anytime because of two reasons; Goa has so many idle government servants that could be put to good use, the second and most important reason is the last decade has witnessed unprecedented exodus of Goans mostly to Europe by changing their passports. Honestly, the exodus is so evident to the naked eye, that you really don’t need the census to tell you the situation on the ground. But data is finally data and it is a shame that the country is not pulling up the government on a job not done.
Census or no census, one thing is certain there is a serious decline of Goan population in the state of Goa, period. It is said that Goa has survived migration for centuries, but to make sure it will survive this sort of mass departures, we will come to know only when we get to see the data and compare it with the previous migration. There is difference in Goans migrating to Europe this time, as many have left lock stock and barrel with their entire families, while the previous migration was mostly the bread winner leaving for time bound assignments with an expectation of coming home. So instead of criticizing Goans for leaving, Goans need to pull up the government as to what is their plan to arrest this migration. Let’s not kid ourselves, most leave for lack of opportunities in Goa and hardly for any sight-seeing.
Government by organizing exhibitions, expositions and trade fairs gives the impression that they are trying to attempt something, but the point is, will it be beneficial to Goans given their educational background and risk averse temperament. That said, there are some Goans who have decided to take the plunge and swim against the tide, by going into businesses that might be small in nature and in direct competition with the big sharks. As Goans, we will need to support Goan businesses in any which way we can, as the ‘vocal for local slogan’ given by the government can’t be just a mere slogan, while the same government clandestinely operates in the opposite direction.
Encouraging Goans by patronizing their business establishment is just one part of it, does not mean a Goan businessman opens the enterprise and sits casually hoping it is the sacred duty of the Goan to support them by default. Please understand that you need to strive for excellence in the product and services you offer. There will be lot of hard work involved and a bit of financial risk, best is to sell products that not only have demand with locals but also short term visitors and long term tourists. All customers that come to you need to get their money’s worth. If you charge exorbitantly and the customer feels they have been fleeced for what they received, then that customer is not coming back.
Also diversify your customer base, for example in the restaurant business, sometime back when the Russians were in full flow many restaurants gave preference to only the Russians at the cost of other nationalities, that is like narrowing your customer base. When Russia went to war and that nationality tourists dwindled your business then becomes prone to a huge risk of closure. This usually happens when things are going good, we usually tend to ignore the small spending tourists and want to focus on only the high spending ones. Never ignore the local Goan customer that gives you business, while you focus on pampering only the tourists, because tourist population is seasonal in nature and when the season stops it is the Goan that will help you sustain your business and improve your yearly average revenue.
In South Goa, restaurants have mushroomed with Konkani names, sounds good, but with those names must also be the theme of the décor and the food. Maybe a little explanation of what that word means, because remember a Konkani word will be understood by a Goan but then you have to also educate the visitor who does not know the language. In this case, don’t restrict your customer base to only Goans, widen it as far as possible.
Marketing of your establishment is also important especially through social media, you might use marketing companies or DIY, let the prospective customer know what you offer and where you are situated with fixed business hours. The initial years should be focused more on building your products or service, customer base and generating revenue with an eye on expenditure, profitability is not an overnight event, and it usually take its time. Yes you will have to compete with silly souls, who not only have deep pockets but also political patronage. But there is personal satisfaction when you rise from the ashes and make it despite the odds, so don’t be afraid of competition, learn to compete.
Due to space and time constraints can’t address each and every industry here, but you get the gist. The only headwind one can see is Goans being outnumbered at a quick pace. The census delayed had legitimate reasons of pandemic, but now the delay is concerning. The reasons can be many but Goans have the right to know how many of us are residing and how many have left for better prospects. India has beaches and good food everywhere, then what makes Goa a sought after place despite massive political and administrative corruption. It is the Goan way of life. If the population gets replaced, Goa will cease to be a tourist destination. It is in everybody’s interest we protect the local character of Goa.
(The author is a business consultant)
