Every election time so far, and in the run-up to the municipal elections this month even, enough and more has been written and said by the best of minds through all the media and public fora with a view to educate and guide the citizens how to exercise their franchise responsibly. How far this exhortation from the knowledgeable will influence the common man is a moot question. The habitual public mindset cannot change overnight. At best, with pressure, it may temporarily change a bit, but then, if it does not flow from within every citizen, it will not make any significant dent in the abysmal chaos this land has most unfortunately come to pass.
We hear often that people get the government that they deserve. So, if the people desire a change in the governance for good, it can be affected only through a change in the mindset of the public, from a selfish to an altruistic attitude. Good citizens make a good society, and a good society makes a good government. Good ends can be achieved only through good means. But, alas, most people have no qualms in pursuing wealth, success, and power through suspect means. In the ensuing elections, if you are serious enough with your precious vote to turn the tide of all- pervading corruption, divisive communalism, the nexus of politicians and criminals, growing migrant threat, etc. al., just do your duty responsibly. Yes, you can positively help make that big difference between good and bad governance, and thus set our beloved land on the right path of progress and prosperity.
Sadly, today, Goa is plagued with myriad man-made problems including woeful lack of basic facilities like water, power, safe roads, sanitation, availability of essential commodities at fair prices, law and order, health services, pollution control, etc. Add to this the monumental inefficiency and non-performance of the government, best symbolized by man-made disasters like The River Princess, off Candolim beach, until recently, and the obnoxious garbage dump at Sonssddo, Margao, posing a grave health and environmental hazard for decades! And not to forget, the disfunctioning panchayats and municipalities adding to the woes of the much harassed common man.
In truth, our said plight is of our own making, because in the past we chose wrong and undeserving MLAs who, soon after the elections, forgot their voters and began enriching themselves. Once bitten, twice shy. Avoid these old fattened bandicoots whose main preoccupation has been to carve hollow the state coffers, of which exploits we have kept a good count. In your efforts to vote for a genuinely deserving candidate, you need to be as serious and cautious as you would be in handling any of your personal or family major project. In the larger interest of Goa and Goans, your choice should be for candidates of upright character, knowledge of good governance, and proven social commitment. In doing so, seek above all the guidance of your inner Self or your conscience, which can never fail you. Viva Goa!
