Confront the fringe groups squarely
Recently the prime minister of our country went abroad to woo some foreign companies and investors to India. Some well-known companies have shown keen interest to establish their base in India. It is a good initiative as many job opportunities will be created once these companies come to India. But one wonders as how the present dispensation at the centre and some fringe groups which are gaining prominence in India would treat foreigners here in India.
The lifestyle of most of the foreigners is significantly different compared to the life style of an ordinary Indian in India. Most of the foreigners work on the basis of secular and liberal ideology. In recent times, some of the incidents that took place in India would definitely give a wrong message to the foreigners. The ideology of the fringe groups is definitely concocted. They want to have control over what people eat and drink and what they dress. They make hate-speeches, create fear among common people. Such an ideology has certainly dented the secular image of our country. Such an ideology will hamper the foreign companies to invest in India. Therefore before these foreign companies come to India, the prime minister must confront these fringe groups who would otherwise be the cause of under-development and downfall of India.
Rui Pereira, Navelim
Beef politics
India is being increasingly intolerant towards beef eaters. Fringe elements are becoming vocal and emboldened after rise of BJP in power. That individuals do not reflect party policies is a myth, because they are not hauled up for insensitive, caustic, inflammatory and polarising remarks. The world is laughing at India in 21 century, the way beef politics are whipped for political polarization. These issues of pitching Muslim vs Hindus are fraught with dangerous consequences of furthering communal divide. The hate, violence, murderous attempts, and intolerance are without precedent. Forcing food habits on others with threats is encroaching on freedom and entering the kitchens of communities. In Judaism and Islam pork is taboo, but is easily available and there are no such violent acts.
Food and dietary habits are controlled largely by geographical, economic, agricultural practices. The concept and findings in the west, moving towards vegetarianism and benefits on health and environment and greenhouse effects of livestocks, heart ailments and cholesterol would be much more convincing and rational, rather than emphasizing divine nature of cow with both legal and political provisions
Nelson Lopes, Chinchinim
No ferries
The planned strike by ferry staff will certainly hamper operations across Goa. Most areas in Goa have alternatives, barring say Tiracol and Divar, where the residents will be seriously hampered. If the government hasn’t yet paid these hard workers for over a year and a half then they should do so immediately. In fact, the chief minister needs to order an inquiry into why these payments were delayed. Having said that, strikes of this kind are narrow minded. They know that the public will be inconvenienced and they use that as a bargaining chip. It is unfair and wrong. The organisations supporting this strike should atleast have the common sense to advise these operators and find better ways to fight this fight.
Bhushan Kamat, Miramar
