VASCO: Union Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu’s remark that beverages available in Goa helped one to relax and be calm which helps the generation of ideas that can be converted into business opportunities, has not gone down well with the Goans, who claim that his statement is against the spirit of Goenkarponn.
Addressing the Global Venture Capital Summit, the minister had said, “Ideas are there but to make it into form and to be converted into business opportunity need some sort of creativity. And creativity has always been seen when your mind is calm. When you come to Goa the mind becomes calm and to make mind calm, Goa government reduced taxation on beverages, which can make your mind strong.”
Taking strong exception to the union minister’s remark some Goans have even demanded that Prabhu apologise for his statement.
Prabhakar Timble, an activist and former bureaucrat said, “I would have agreed with Prabhu if he said the bountiful natural gifts of Goa and the free, liberal and festive lifestyle of Goans are conducive for innovative and creative pursuits in all spheres. In fact, it is Goa’s DNA. Accounting it to availability of cheap liquor is trivialising the issue.”
He said, “Goans are known the world over for their hospitality, zest for life, social harmony and liberal mindset. Goans have a long tradition of enjoying liquor without abuse, which we normally see in the rest of India.”
“Suresh Prabhu should have avoided making such statement as it would be perceived as making fun of Goans as liquor consumption is not taken kindly and understood in proper perspective in the rest of India. Liquor is not a taboo in Goan families,” Prabhakar added.
“However, I feel Prabhu has spoken out of context,” he said.
Hansel Vaz, a leading cashew distiller from Goa said, “Without wading into the merits of his comment, I am of the opinion that a policymaker ought to steer away from common stereotypes, which subconsciously can trigger an unwelcome emotive response, despite his best intentions”.
Adv Cleofato Coutinho said, “Goa is a tourist destination. Goans enjoy their drink but the minister’s remark is in absolute bad taste and coming from a Central minister it is atrocious”.
He demanded that the minister should apologise as it is against the spirit of Goenkarponn.
The Congress was quick to criticise Prabhu’s statement claiming that it was a bad comparison of Goa, its cultural and creative riches to the cheap liquor availability.
