ThePortuguese rule in Goa lasted for about 450 years. It influenced Goan culture,cuisine, and architecture until 1961. Goa was recognized as one of the best-runsmall tourism state, packed with hospitality, love and care until the recentenvironmental destructions, so horribly timed. It is important to revisit the700 years of history of Goa during which it came under the rules of Hindudynasties such as the Shillaharas, the Kadambas, and the Chalukyas and also bythe Muslims emperors. History also speaks that there were a series of effortsby the Indian Government to discuss with the Portuguese on the withdrawal fromGoa and on December 17, 1961, Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru thendecided to order the military invasion for the liberation of Goa. Many rejoicedand the operation ended with the surrender of the Portuguese Governor GeneralVassalo da Silva. However, today with regrets, most Goans still remember thePortuguese discipline, culture and cuisine. Our ancestors thought we did agreat job by getting rid of the Portuguese raj, but look at us today - we asGoans are forced to come on the streets at midnight, desperately fighting tosave our beautiful environment. It is disheartening to know why those rulingGoa have lost their sense of balance. I hope and pray that those who rule overus come to their senses and understand they have taken a very wrong road todevelopment which leads nowhere. By destroying forests and nature we aredigging our own graves. Mother Earth is calling out to us.
