The Mopa airport finally got its name ” Manohar International Airport. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the swanky Greenfield field at Mopa and, in his opening remarks, officially declared that the airport is named after Manohar Parrikar. "I am happy that this International Airport has been named after my dear friend and Goa's beloved son Manohar Parrikar", said Modi. The prime minister's announcement appears to have cleared the suspense over the name, but it left many wondering what stopped the BJP from calling it Manohar Parrikar International Airport.
Interestingly, an eerie silence descended on protesters who were screaming alternative names, prominent being Dayanand Bandodkar and Jack Sequeira. So the question is, what was the noise all about? Were political players seeking relevance or beating the drums to draw the attention of the government? Or was all the tamasha over names intended to send a message to Modi? What happened to the theory that naming the airport after Parrikar would give birth to a new political grouping? And where are the committees that were to take the movement forward? The dictionary meaning of Manohar is charming, attractive or pleasing. Is that what the opposition is content about, that it is not Parrikar but Manohar?
While the naming controversy died without a whimper, the grand opening was not devoid of chaos. Thousands of visitors who had official passes and invites were stranded outside because the venue was at total capacity. Unfortunately, passes were issued far more than the capacity. So while there were almost seven thousand people inside, nearly two thousand were left stranded outside on a sultry afternoon, including many who travelled from remote areas of South Goa. This mismanagement was perhaps deliberately engineered to avoid the embarrassment of low numbers, and unfortunately, nobody seems to care about the plight of those left outside. This was the only blemish in an otherwise perfect take-off at Mopa.
The new airport is classy, with architecture matching the best infrastructure across India. The magnificent structure engulfs visitors with a unique experience the moment one steps inside. A touch of Goanness reflects in the paintings and on the interiors. However, it is to be seen whether Goenkarponn will extend beyond the cosmetics of the majestic airport.
Prime Minister Modi has toed the line of the State leadership by stating that the new airport will boost tourism by providing better air connectivity. He said the new airport would create job opportunities for locals and also assured that Dabolim airport would co-exist. While there is no denying that tourism will get a boost, there are still apprehensions over locals getting job opportunities and the parallel existence of Dabolim. However, the statements have come from the country's prime minister this time. Modi has ignited new hopes for jobs and the survival of Dabolim airport. We hope the new airport will breathe new life into the choking employment sector of Goa.
