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The Goan: The Church in Goa has backed many successful agitations in the past. What role does the Church see itself playing in these movements?
Fr Savio Fernandes: The Church has a mission to defend social justice, which includes ecological concerns, and working for peace in society. It is this mission which makes the Church to side with the struggles of the oppressed and marginalised sections of society. In doing so, the Church does not spearhead movements, but rather empowers, facilitates and guides the victims of injustice to stand up and defend their rights from being trampled upon by the oppressive forces.
TG: How does CSJP pick these issues and movements that it chooses to support? Is there a deliberative process? Who takes the final decision?
SF: CSJP is sensitive to unjust and oppressive situations concerning the marginalised sections of society. The methods and motives of peoples’ movements to raise issues when approached for support is carefully weighed. The decisions of the CSJP are taken through a consultative process. The collective opinion of the parish level authorities, civil society groups having expertise on the subject, and other relevant bodies guide the Council in taking these decisions.
TG: Would you term the protest by the locals of Betul, Canaguinum and Naqueri as a success? Or a partial success?
SF: One cannot assess the success and failure of social movements on the basis of scoring points over each other as much as forcefully highlighting the injustice and agitations till justice prevails. The struggle of the people in the area has not come to an end. The locals of Betul, Canaguinim and Naqueri have certainly succeeded in highlighting and creating an awareness against the social injustice. They have also shown resilience to the repressive measures employed by the state machinery.
TG: With respect to events like the DefExpo, questions and concerns of local benefits are very legitimate. But should these be limited to the village itself? Or should one include the larger picture of the State of Goa as a whole when weighing the pros and cons of such an event?
SF: It is most unfortunate that the larger Goan society more than often fails to hear the warning bells ring from particular and localised struggles at the village levels. While village level movements are equally important, there is definitely a need to look at social and political issues confronting Goa in a holistic, unbiased and non-compartmentalised manner.
TG: In your opinion, did the involvement of the Church in the Orixtt Porjecho Avaz agitation lead to other leaders like the panchayat body or people from other communities backing out?
SF: It is untrue to mention that the panchayat members stayed away. In fact, the panchayat members were present with the local people right from the beginning to meet the South Goa Lok Sabha representative, to address several public meetings and even to meet the Chief Minister to oppose the event. The involvement of Church as a reason for certain sections of the community to back out of the agitation is only a pretence. How can the Church be held responsible if someone wants to find excuses to rationalise their indifference to raise issues of public concern? Interestingly, the same sections will have no reservations with the Church's involvement in certain movements when it serves their social and political vested interests.
TG: Gauging by the number of people (36,000 by some estimates) who visited the DefExpo on the last day, one could suggest that many people from outside the two villages as well as members of the local business community wanted the expo in the State. How does one balance the wants to the two?
SF: It is important to understand that the mere number of participants at any event does not negate the social injustice, inequality and threat to long-term social peace by the organisers of such events. As Gandhiji stated, “Even if you are in a minority of one, the Truth is still the Truth.” The morality and necessity of a particular activity cannot be decided based on the number of people who will indulge or claim to benefit from such activities. There can only be a balance in development when the social and environmental impact is fairly ascertained and all stakeholders participate in the decision-making process.
TG: Do you think CSJP is acquiring for itself a 'socialist' tag in the long run?
SF: CSJP's role is solely guided by Gospel values to promote social transformation of the society.
