It is learnt that artistic figures and other decorative items recently installed at the entrance of the Candolim beach were vandalized by unidentified miscreants. The statue that was destroyed included that of a local fisherman. A side-view mirror of a colourful jeep was also knocked off. It may be recalled that in 2019 the gleaming white statue of the mermaid that stands in the centre of the Panaji’s popular Mermaid Garden had been vandalized. Citizens said the statue’s right hand, which holds the spout, had been broken by unidentified miscreants.
It must be said that beaches now have decorative items and statues installed at the entrance which in a way depict the culture of the state. A statue of Cristiano Ronaldo has been unveiled in Calangute in order to promote football and inspire more youth in taking up the sport. The Manchester United player is immensely popular in the state as Goa is one of the bastions of Portuguese support in India. A lot of money and hard work goes into installing these artistic figures.
These figures showcase the artistic mind of Goans. Destroying them must be considered an insult to Goans. The police and the local people need to keep a watch on these statues, especially at night. It is most probably the handiwork of miscreants who are in an inebriated state. The installation of CCTV cameras will act as a deterrent to such anti-social activities and will also help in apprehending the culprits.
