I have been saying this for the past 10 years or so that whatever political party comes to power in Goa, they should look to new and innovative ways to generate jobs and revenue for the upliftment of the State, and its people.
Far too often, we read and hear about “Special Status for Goans” and “Job Reservation for Goans” or some such rubbish; these are just political tools used by unscrupulous people to further their own selfish agendas and cause division among the people. Unfortunately, the Goan people have fallen for it hook, line and sinker. Why can’t our people learn to improve their lot in life by being more competitive, better skilled, and having less of the ‘Sussegad’ attitude. It’s nice to be cool and relaxed, but if it becomes an impediment to success, then it needs to be thrown into the toilet.
I have interacted with many workers from UP, Bihar, Karnataka and other States while they have been doing my gardening and maintenance work (I am a heart patient). And the common thread running through this is that they are hungry to succeed wherever/whichever State life takes them to. If they weren’t, then their families back home would go hungry and become homeless. Apart from some shippies doing this, why can’t our own people have a similar attitude ensuring success instead of always griping about non-Goans stealing their jobs.
The adage “Old is Gold” doesn’t augur well here. “Old” would be industries/employments such as mining, bars, beach shacks, kaka shops, alcohol, clubs, discos, taxis, casinos, drugs, flesh trade, tourism, shippies, etc. These may have once served Goa, but they need to be replaced by medical tourism, international schools and colleges, floriculture, industries, and other clean, legal, and money-generating enterprises. Why have money for just a few months of the year, and suffer the rest of the time? It doesn’t make any sense.
I observed on a previous holiday to Kerala that Keralites would boast of their state being the only State in India that could boast of 100% literacy.
In Goa, we have just a handful of dedicated social activists, organisations and advocates that purport to represent certain causes and objections, but how much can these few people do? Usually, they don’t have the stamina or finances to continue against the onslaught by government or privately- funded organisations/individuals with secret vested interests.
The time has definitely come to wake up, smell the roses afresh, think bigger, and change tactics to snatch Goa, and Goans, form the fires of depravity, fiscal mismanagement and debt.
