The spirit of Ganvkaris and Components of Comunidades in Goa appears to have been woken after the government claimed it was trying to bring in legislation to amend the Code of Comunidades.
Ganvkaris in Goa had two successive Comunidade awareness fellowships in both North and South Goa and over 285 have participated in two sessions already held.
“This is just the beginning. We are planning sessions in all talukas and simultaneously chalking out a plan of action that will make the government realise that it is on the wrong track,” stated Oscar Chagas Silva, one of the many proponents of the fellowship. “It's about all of us," adds the Ganvkar from Benaulim.
185 Ganvkaris and Components of Comunidades from Goa participated in the second Comunidade awareness fellowship held at the John Paul II Centre in Margao recently.
“Comunidades were created for the good of the community. There was a time when thinking was collective; when individuals thought of all, but that is the thinking of the past. Today, we think of ourselves and in the process forget to even think of Comunidades,” stated Elsa Fernandes during her address whilst dwelling on the holistic outlook on Comunidades.
“Water bodies in Goa are disappearing, our hills are being destroyed and waterways that used to provide us fish are in danger. It is time we understand the importance of Comunidades," stated Rama Velip during his address.
Fr Visitacao Monteiro dwelt on how communities lived before, the joy of living in a joint set up and how such a lifestyle helped develop Comunidades in Goa.
"Communities were part of our ethos in the past. Unfortunately, things are changing now. The youngsters of today are on a different track,” stated Visitacao.
“There was a time when Comunidades used to get revenue through the land tilled. Through time, this land fell into the hands of tenants and now Comunidade land is being acquired for 40 paise which is a joke on all of us. The government is trying to take our land in the name of social reform which is absurd,” stated Agnelo Furtado.
Fr George Quadros who is pioneering mechanised farming in Goa gave a presentation on how through such a method, Comunidade land which is not being used can be utilised.
The awareness fellowship ended with the question and answer session. The participants were informed that the next fellowship was being planned to be held in Bicholim.
