PACHU MENON
We Goans have taken our susegado attitude to such unhealthy ends that it has necessitated the intervention of concerned individuals and ‘well-wishers’ to wake us out of reverie and face the realities for what they really are. With the Goan essence fast disappearing from the lifestyle of the present generation, we have had nothing but the empty rhetoric on Goem, Goemkar,Goemkarponn to justify our claims to a unique identity.
And the locals appear to be least bothered about taking any concerted efforts to stem the rot, so to speak!
An indifferent attitude towards the uneasy goings-on that typify the present socio-political scenario in the state has brought about a situation where the local populace has become mute spectators to the machinations of a few vested interests who have had no compunctions in effecting some (mis)deeds which have seemingly not boded well for the state in general.
Moreover, complaining has come so very naturally to us Goans that it complements the indolent nature that we are renowned for. Reserving the brickbats for the ruling ensemble, the impoliteness with which the public has been expressing its opinions on random issues handled by the government does leave a bitter taste.
But that is how it has been! The corruption in high places apart, the government is also being held responsible for all the problems that assail the common man. The contention that the quinquennial aspect of the elections in the state has the legislators waking up only once in five years to face the electorate with promises which are never meant to be kept however weakens the prospects of having the citizens taking it upon themselves to address issues that hardly require any government mediation to solve.
Critical about any and everything under the sun, they seem to be content blaming the government for all the irregularities and inconsistencies observed.
The speed with which legislations are coming into force every other day, the government has apparently set the mood to check +flaws in the system. But one can’t but have a feeling that such steps will further aggravate the situation plunging the state into uncertainties over the moral obligations expected from the citizens. For, we are yet to differentiate between ‘mandatory services’ and mere ‘conscientious duties’.
Activism cannot be restricted to a select few. The wish to do something good for the society is a latent desire that every individual fosters. It is just that the tiny spark that is required to galvanize one into action seems to elude him indefinitely. It is for sure that no government will take an unpopular action if people are not going to stand up for it. The meek acceptance of harsh measures imposed on the masses emboldens the authorities to be more stringent in their views and subsequent actions.
It is for society as a whole to take the initiative which will compel the government to adopt people-friendly measures. The collective will of the people can break deadlocks and help arrive at solutions to problems that evaded sane reasoning for years. In this sense however, we lack a sense of responsibility.
I was at Shree Shantadurga Fatarpekarin Sansthan, Fatorpa, the other day well after the annual zatrotsav and was aghast to find the entire premises littered with plastic bags and paper. Now what deters the locals at Fatorpa from cleaning the area once the gaieties are over! While hosting the zatra is a matter of honour, it appears that clearing away the garbage never features as an important task.
Likewise, the SGPDA ground in Margao which has been playing host to a number of such fairs and exhibitions wears the look of an archaeological site with concrete slabs and rubble strewn around after organizers dismantle the structures put up for these occasions.
While accepting that the municipality and other local bodies usually concern themselves with granting of permission, allocation of stalls and collection of fees, does it necessarily follow that as the authorities entrusted the upkeep of these public places the onus is on them to clear the area! People should instead have a think about what they could be doing to improve the situation for the better.
At a time when unemployment is at an all-time high, the inability of the government to introduce skill-training for youth has robbed Goa of vital local manpower. And the government insists on 80% employment for the locals in the private sector companies in Goa! But how ‘obliging’ has the Goan youth been! The penchant for government jobs has had such an overwhelming effect on their psyche that any consideration for employment in the private sector has been farthest from their minds.
In spite of the rampant mining which has brought the state to the threshold of total disaster where both the government and the stakeholders have been guilty of exploiting the conditions to rake in the moolah, the manner in which the so-called ‘mining dependent’ people are pressuring the government to help them out of distress is indeed ludicrous.
The state’s economic lifeline after mining, tourism too has been hitting the rock-bottom with diminished footfalls spelling doom for the industry in Goa. Skewed government policies coming as severe setbacks has seriously dented tourism prospects in the state.
But here again, the locals have been grossly guilty of cashing-in on the popularity of Goa as a tourist destination by inadvertently encouraging the steep drop in quality tourism. At a loss to identify whom to entertain and whom not to, Goa has thus become a cheap and affordable tourist spot.
It therefore becomes essential that Goans reverse their mindsets and take a grasp over the worsening situations which will otherwise alienate them from the land of their ancestors.
