The green NGO Goyche Fudle Pilge Khatir (GFPK) intensified its campaign to safeguard Goa’s identity by holding its fourth village-level ‘I Care for Goa’ presentation in Navelim on Saturday. The event, led by GFPK President Jack Mascarenhas and human rights activist Cyril A Fernandes, brought together citizens, educators, and community leaders committed to awakening public consciousness and inspiring collective action. The movement draws its inspiration from Professor Mariano Pinheiro’s article “Goa: A Land of Lost Opportunities,” which highlights decades of systemic neglect and cultural erosion. The article criticises successive political leaders for enabling external exploitation of Goa’s resources while ignoring the welfare and aspirations of its people. It also laments the absence of world-class institutions in education and healthcare, noting that Goans could have risen to global prominence in the mould of leaders like Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella, and Leena Nair, if the right infrastructure and vision had been in place. Opening the presentation, Mascarenhas warned that Goa’s identity is “hanging by a thread” and urged that the time to act is now.
He said ignorance, more than apathy, lay at the root of many challenges confronting the state, and stressed that GFPK’s village presentations were designed to educate citizens and connect individuals who placed community above personal gain. Drawing on Goa’s historic Opinion Poll, which mobilised 55% of the population to defend its heritage, he called on citizens to rekindle that same spirit of unity. He also dispelled myths suggesting that illegal encroachments drive economic growth and highlighted the importance of early childhood development, citing Bruce Lipton’s research on the lasting impact of the first seven years of life. Mascarenhas further referenced Simon Sinek’s “Law of Diffusion of Innovation,” which suggests that 3.5% of committed individuals can trigger transformative change.
He said early adopters form the tipping point of every movement and invited citizens to join by sending a WhatsApp message or giving a missed call with their village name. Fernandes followed with a presentation that directly challenged Goa’s current status within India. He argued that although Goa consistently outperformed economically, its people continued to be denied rights and respect. He put forward reforms that he said were vital for Goa’s survival, including exemption from personal income tax for Goans, the introduction of an Inner Line Permit system for non-residents by 2027, restoration of comunidade land autonomy, and the return of six rivers along with strategic assets such as Mormugao Port and the airport to State control. Fernandes also called for job reservations for Persons of Goan Origin and restrictions on land purchases by non-residents.
The GFPK leadership made it clear that the movement is non-partisan and has already sent written appeals to all major political parties asking for their support. While acknowledgements have been received, the organisation expressed hope that its demands will find a place in party manifestos ahead of the 2027 elections. “We do not oppose or endorse any political party,” Mascarenhas clarified. “We invite all to stand with us—not for votes, but for Goa.”