The worst thing for an older populace to see, is their progeny losing interest in traditional professions, or losing their connect with the land and the ways of the ‘old’ world. But with globalisation and commercialisation, progress is inevitable. This is perhaps the dilemma that the people of Chorao face, as the younger generation of Chodankars and many others are moving away from the island and either to villages that are more accessible to their work in Goa, or in other parts of the country and the world.
Economics drives everything today. Chorao is a victim of that. The island is located a few kilometers away from Panaji, as well as a 15 minute ferry ride. But it may as well be located at one end of the state. There is not much to do on Chorao, as far as jobs go. There is a school, but jobs are limited there. One can start a grocery store or a bar, or perhaps farm the land. There are a few other opportunities that can make one money. But that’s about it. Chorao doesn’t exactly have an abundance of economic drivers that are not traditional. It does have one of the most prominent farmers groups, but even they need to branch out beyond traditional farming and explore other opportunities in their industry, by exploiting the abundance of fruit and vegetables that grow there.
Chorao isn’t the only island that faces the issue of a lack of economic drivers. Vanxim and St Estevam are two others. Recently, at a meeting in Panaji, members of Vanxim were adamant that the current project on the island would bring economic opportunities for the locals. For decades, all they had was the land to live off, while they had to take two ferries to get to the mainland. Now, they see the new hotel project as a ray of light in their dark world. St Estevam is another beautiful island that has around 6000 registered locals but only about a third actually live there. The rest have moved to locations that are accessible or aboard.
The generations that have started looking beyond traditional occupations are well connected to this globalised world. They all want the latest gadgets, to go on holidays beyond the State’s boundaries and do more than what their ancestors did. They are not content with working the entire day and coming home after that. They want to finish work and go out for a meal or a drink with friends, most of whom live on the mainland. Living on an island with no access holds no attraction for them.
Will a bridge change things? In some ways, yes. It will boost the chances of many in the island changing their economic fortunes. Those who are settled and have viable professions and businesses may deride the ‘lack of interest’ of the younger generation in staying on the island but one has to realise that it may perhaps be a selfish notion. For those who do not have opportunities, they wish the world to be their oyster. Staying on a remote island makes no sense to them.
There is a need to protect these green spaces from environmental destruction, but there is a serious need to boost the socio-economic outlook of Chorao and other islands. Connectivity, be it technological, economical, as well as physical, is required.
