We must appreciate the BJP government for declaring Goa’s Asmitai Dis an official event. For those unaware, Asmitai Dis (Identity Day) commemorates the historic 1967 Opinion Poll, when Goans decisively chose to remain a separate territory, safeguarding their unique cultural identity, language, and heritage instead of merging with Maharashtra.
However, an important question remains: is this symbolic recognition enough to make Asmitai a lived reality in Goa for future generations? Asmitai is not limited to history and culture alone”it also encompasses Goa’s environment: its hills, rivers, forests, and wildlife. Sadly, these are under serious threat from destructive real-estate lobbies, largely driven by interests from outside the state. The coal hub and corridor projects pose yet another grave danger.
The government’s true priorities were revealed when a Congress proposal seeking a time-bound plan to preserve Goa’s cultural and social fabric was rejected by a 21“7 vote during this month’s Assembly session.
Goa needs genuine, concrete action from its political leadership to protect its Asmitai”not mere symbolism or theatrics.
