It was certainly interesting to see the various Govt functions and speeches including from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on commemorating Goa's 60th Liberation Day. But what runs through my mind was way back in 1961, what were the hopes and aspirations of Goans, including the genuine freedom fighters? Decisions of Goa today are all taken in Delhi without any regard to what local Goans want or how they well be affected -- one classic case today is the 3 linear projects which the Goa Government is so adamant to bulldoze through for a coal corridor. Looks to me today that Goa is still a colony of the central govt in Delhi and select corporates, who seem to be fully controlling the puppet Goa Government!
What happened to the Indian Govt promise to Goans in 1961 that Goa would retain its distinct identity - has the Indian Central Govt not betrayed Goans today by not fulfilling its promise and today is allowing Goa's identity to be gradually eroded? Lastly, as a ray of hope, I think the freedom fighters of today (various genuine activists and groups) are fighting hard to preserve the State for posterity, and these fighters are the ones who are sacrificing a lot of things (including at their personal level). If at all Goa is to be saved it will be because of these current freedom fighters? And of course needless to say, I salute and sincerely thank them for all their efforts.
