Participants attending the programme organised by Goyche Fudle Pilge Khatir at Navelim on Saturday.
MARGAO
Asserting that Goa’s identity is hanging by a thread, Goyche Fudle Pilge Khatir (GFPK) convenor Jack Mascarenhas has said the time has come for Goemkars to act now, not as individuals, but as a community.
He set the ball rolling at meeting held at Navelim on Saturday by emphasizing that ignorance and not apathy is the root cause of many challenges facing Goa today. “Through village-level presentations, GFPK aims to educate citizens and connect those who embody community spirit over personal gain”, he said.
Referencing the historic Opinion Poll mobilization of 55 per cent of Goans to protect Goa's heritage, Jack urged attendees to rekindle that unity. He debunked myths around illegal encroachments driving economic growth and stressed the importance of early childhood development, quoting Bruce Lipton's research on the formative power of the first seven years of life.
He also invoked Simon Sinek's "Law of Diffusion of Innovation," noting that just 3.5 per cent of committed individuals can spark transformative change. "Early adopters are the tipping point," he said, inviting citizens to join the movement by sending a WhatsApp message or missed call with their village name.
In his address, human rights activist Cyril A Fernandes delivered a stirring presentation that challenged Goa's current status within India. "Goa has consistently outperformed economically, yet its people are denied the rights and respect they deserve," he said.
In his presentation, Cyril has proposed bold reforms, including exemption from personal income tax for Goans, Inner line Permit system for non-residents by 2027, restoration of comunidade land autonomy, return of six rivers and strategic assets like Mormugao Port and the airport to state control.
He also demanded job reservations for Persons of Goan origin and restrictions on land purchase by non-residents.
Tracing Goa's rich heritage from 10,000 BC to the present, he has warned that failure to protect its language, culture and environment risks irreversible loss. “Our land and rivers are not commodities, they are the lifeblood of our future”, he added.
Meanwhile, Jack Mascarenhas has said the GFPK has formally reached out to all major political parties with written appeals, urging them to support the movement without bias or opposition. Acknowledgements have been received, and the organization remains hopeful that parties will incorporate these demands into their 2027 manifestos, he said.
"We do not oppose or endorse any political party," Jack clarified. "We invite all to stand with us -- not for votes, but for Goa”, he added.
