How many crimes should the politicians commit and expect the electorate overlook? How many times should the politicians betray the trust of the people, and expect voters continue to believe in them? How many times should the common man come on the streets innocuously to protest and be pushed aside with lathi-charges or incarceration? It is just a “Mann Ki Baat.” Ironically, one who is at the helm of the power had promised to eradicate such phenomena from this democratic society, and had promised “Achhe din aane waale hain.” It is amply clear from “Mann Ki Baat” that our Prime Minister is just talking to create a swirling wind to mesmerise the gullible people, not to alter or address reality. This wind hovers over the land to confuse the mind of the man. Because of it, the pain of the common man has only increased on all counts under the present administration. Is there an answer blowing in the wind?
What is blowing in the wind? For example, the death of Bismarque Dias under mysterious circumstances has left his family, friends and the people of Goa with more questions than answers. Seems like the present government is concealing something from the public and the police are incapable of handling such cases. In a pseudo-democracy, dissent is not welcome. The Chief Minister is not ashamed to tell the poor people trying to protect their land and identity that “I’ve accepted money for land conversion in Tiracol. How can I go back now?”In this pseudo-democracy, run amok by big lobbies and fascists groups, the common man has no voice. The same Chief Minister had the audacity to say, “You have voted us to work for five years, now you (people) keep silent, and let us finish what we want to accomplish.” Hence, the death of Bismark is not an accident, but a warning for others to maintain silence.
Traditional fishermen have been facing the wrath of the powerful lobbies while they try to diffuse the swirling wind of government speech. The scientific community around the world is concerned about the depletion of marine life due to unbridled fishing, and other harmful commercial activities. That community has warned if we continue in a similar manner, the ocean will be depleted of fish in a few decades. Despite these dire warning, the mechanised fishing industry continues to engage in “unnatural fishing” techniques, using high voltage LED lights with Chinese engine and bull trawling. Traditional anglers have been the lifeline of Goa’s society from time immemorial. To save not only their traditional way of fishing but also marine life for generations to come, they pleaded with the government. And they met with brutality and uncouth response from the officials. Indeed, something is blowing in the wind … something of which the innocent fishermen are unaware.
These are volatile times on all counts. Society has deviated from the source (truth and reality), and now, it finds itself on unknown terrain. Some say, we have reached a point of no return. Others remain oblivious to reality, mistaking objectivity for subjectivity, and this is ominous error. The answer is blowing in the wind … but who cares or dares to listen? A self-centered society is obsessed with false notions. Such attitudes invite self-destruction, and history speaks volumes on this subject. Despite a gloomy scenario, it is our moral responsibility to look forward with hope for a better tomorrow. Will the people come out of their slumber and vote responsibly in the coming election, so that society will be transformed for the better? There is much to salvage from recent loss. This election, let us let the government know that it cannot underestimate the power of the common man. Let us let them know something is blowing in the wind that they ought not ignore!
