FRANKLY FRANK: Goa's history cannot have a singular narrative

For those of us living in the 21^st century, the focus must be on the demands of the present and the future, without rummaging through the past. But that's not how it works for many who are inclined to prove the past as the future.

From global climate change to wars to social justice issues, the world is besieged with problems galore, but many of us—politicians included—are more focused or rather obsessed with the past, especially history. In the process, these individuals do not mind even distorting it to further their present-day agendas.

Whether good or bad, history is history, but when politicians single out certain events or facts and distort them, it creates a divisive and dangerous atmosphere that can be detrimental to a peace-loving society.

They know in their heart of hearts that what they are saying is wrong, but there is an ulterior motive hidden behind the narrative they dole out. And, sadly, the situation is exacerbated further when fringe elements play the same tune as that of their political masters.

In Goa, some self-styled experts of history are doling out their versions of the past as if they are undeniable truths. These ‘undeniable truths’ of history, coming from responsible people in power, undermine the credibility and intellectual ability of historians. 

There is a certain danger behind distorted and unreasonable claims of history. There is a motive which everyone can read, but no one can do anything about. And when intellectuals challenge these claims, they have to face the ire of fanatics, who are sadly supported by the State.

In Goa, on and off, we have seen the creation of a toxic atmosphere in which history was being used as a weapon to stoke nationalistic fervour. This trend is dangerous and well-educated and informed citizens have a moral obligation to protest against it.

By its very nature, history is complex and only historians have the ability to navigate this maze of the past. Politicians, unless well-studied, have no business to meddle in a domain which doesn't belong to them. They are better off legislating and upholding promises of equality, justice and inclusivity.

At the time of electioneering, politicians sing unity tunes but change tracks after attaining power and start prioritising the interests of a select few. They betray the very pledge on the basis of which they went before the people for votes. 

Whether good or bad, history cannot be changed and we must be humble enough to acknowledge that it is irreversible. Also, no matter what, mere rhetoric dished out on symbolic occasions cannot and will not change history. It would be foolish to think so. 

It is time for us to engage with history in a meaningful manner and try to understand the past without any bias. Goa was colonised, there were conversions and there were religious persecutions. So now what? Revenge? Retribution?

Goa has changed so much after the colonial rule. Generations have moved on and lived peacefully, acknowledging the fact that the wrongs of the past cannot be undone. So, when a singular narrative, which is completely distorted, tries to exorcise the past, citizens must raise the red flag.

While some are trying to build a historical discourse based on Goa's dark chapters, they fail to see the positive legacies left behind by the blending of religious and cultural influences. Goa is what it is today because we chose to accept and carry these influences to shape a land that stands apart from the rest.

It is said that history is a mirror to the past, but do you want to see in that mirror and rue what bad happened? Do you want to allow the past to define your present? Let history teach us to heal and create a Goa that moves with contemporary times.