PANJIM: In the wake of the Kolkata students’ movement in medic rape and murder case, the former student leaders in Goa on Monday reminisced how their bus fare concession agitation had put the then State government on the backfoot.
However, they lamented that such kind of students’ movement is missing, as perhaps the current generation is more career oriented and hooked on to social media.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
O Heraldo spoke to some of the former student leaders to know how they managed big strikes and forced the government to meet their demands and their opinion on current students’ movement, in the backdrop of RG Kar hospital rape-murder protest in Kolkata.
According to Roland Martins, “with the 50 per cent bus concession agitation, the student movement in Goa got its mass appeal among the student community and its ability to win their demands from the government.”
“Subsequently the movement got consolidated with the students union setting up college based units to take up students’ problems regularly. This was at a time when there was no internet or social media,” he mentioned.
“Although political parties had started their respective student wings, the sense of common purpose and joint action was always given priority. The students’ movement is an integral part of a vibrant democracy. However, student unions of today must rise up to the occasion and forge a unity keeping aside party affiliations, as it is the need of the hour,” Martins said.
Adv Sameer Bandodkar said, “We used to do social activities. We would sacrifice vacations and sell exercise books at concessional rates for students at Panjim ferry point. Every evening we used to sit there with the covers of books. Our activities were not only restricted to agitations but we used to do social service as well. We have gone to help people who were facing floods at Khandepar.”
“We were not only focused on career but also would take up issues which affected students. Once we took up the issue of ragging in Goa Dental College and also protested against hike in college fees and capitation fee issue. We also had compelled the then government to take over the management of Goa Home Science College. But this is missing now. I don’t know what the reasons are. May be due to technology, the focus is changing,” Bandodkar said.
Veteran journalist, Sandesh Prabhudesai said, “Students have become career oriented and self-centered. I do not know whether it has come from parents or not, but unfortunately these are the same parents who were students in our time and we used to take up all sorts of issue thinking that it was our social responsibility. Somehow the feeling of social responsibility is not found today.”
“We were always supported by our parents and our teachers when we were fighting for something. Now that is also lacking. There should be some backing and inspiration from the parents. I will not hold only students responsible for this but this indifferent attitude towards the social problem. I should not hold only students responsible. We never bothered what will happen to our career if we go to the police, if we are arrested or something happens to us. Fighting for others was our motto. Now it is basically studying for myself,” Prabhudesai said.
Adv Avinash Bhosle said, “During our time there was a commitment and we were focused on issues irrespective of the authority. We were very clear why we were doing it. There were no ulterior motives in that. We were never pressurised nor did we succumb to anyone. There was no favour or money part of it. We could bend any authority and see that our demands are met. Now I do not find focus into it. See what happened in Bangladesh, it was a students’ movement. The challenge to the Emergency by the students led by Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan was well taken in Bihar. There are ample instances in our own country where students’ power has been exhibited in the right context. Now something is missing. Today we are totally swayed away. It may be either due to technology or being more focused on career.”
Sabina Martins said, “Kolkata incident became an emotional thing and everybody joined it. It is condemnable. It happened in a government hospital. Whenever a political party joins a protest, it amplifies. But there are 100 of rapes taking place and they do not become an issue. At least there is mass acknowledgement that rape is a crime and it needs to be condemned. When it comes to dealing with a situation on a day-to-day basis it does not happen.”
“As far as student movements are concerned, we used to study, meet and discuss issues. We were constantly in touch with what was happening. There were differences also but there used to be something where everybody agreed upon. We passionately believed that we could bring about a change. This is missing now. The students of our time contributed to society and also excelled in their own personal life. Today’s scenario has completely changed. Political parties are there but the social fabric is not the same. I do see some hope with some young people coming to fore.”
Agostinho Antao said, “You cannot compare that students movement with this new generation. Then the student leaders were focused on supporting a call. It was spontaneous. We even excelled in studies. Now the students are least bothered.”
