Goa was a picture of contrast with non-violent protests marches taking centre-stage on Gandhi Jayanti. While the State commemorated the 151st birth anniversary of the Mahatma with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant garlanding his statue at Old Goa, the tension around Goa was palpable. The tight security during the CM's visit said it all.
Mahatma Gandhi inspired people around the world with his principle of non-violent civil disobedience, a form of protest that was mainly instrumental in steering India towards the path of freedom. He continues to be revered even in modern times because of a unique blueprint he left behind for social movements. Cleanliness and sanitation are other significant Gandhian philosophies, better known as swachta in the Modi era. Every year, Goa joins the rest of India in taking vows of swachta and engaging in massive cleanliness drives.
This year was, however, distinctly different. The broom and Nitol Goem concepts, which till now were the focus areas of every Gandhi Jayanti, were silently relegated to the corner. On the contrary, people chose to pursue Gandhi's mantra of peaceful protests, but the anger and frustration that is bottled were showing. It reflected in the fact that protesters have even ignored pandemic fears while opting to let these rallies do the talking.
Just as Gandhi began a 241-mile civil disobedience march on March 12, 1930, in protest of the British monopoly on salt, a section of people undertook a Mollem to Vasco march under the banner of 'Walk for Peace' moving through 16 villages. The walk sought to promote peace in times of turmoil, violence and rising crimes against humanity and natural heritage. Another NGO Goyant Kollso Naka which has been opposing railway double-tracking began its month-long yatra from Chandor taking its awareness campaign against coal transportation into villages of Goa. At Assolna, retired seafarers and widows sat on a peaceful dharna at the historic Menezes-Lohia Chowk protesting non-payment of monthly pension which has been delayed for over a year now. Several citizens of Mapusa and Tivim held a peace walk in solidarity with those fighting to save Goa's environment.
Goa has suddenly erupted into protests, and the fury against the government is only growing by the day. These are not healthy signs for the State, especially for Goa which is currently struggling against Covid. People have taken ownership of the State's environment as rightful citizens, and any development that is envisaged cannot be against the interest of the electorate. Legislators are elected representatives of the people and are required to work for their welfare.
While the government has undertaken a village revival plan to give a fillip to rural Goa, these village-level mass movements could put a spoke in the wheels of any progress. The chief minister must take local leaders into full confidence and work out amicable solutions. Defying public sentiment can have drastic consequences, and Gandhi has shown the way.
