Of all the days celebrated in Goa, December 19 is the most significant, as it marks the end of colonial rule and Goa’s integration with India. It’s 63 years since the liberation of Goa, and those six decades have been a period that have seen much growth, development and change.
Many may gripe that change has come at a cost, but can there be change without cost? Obviously not, but could it have been possible to reduce that cost?
In hindsight, one might argue that yes, but, and again obviously, what has been done cannot be undone.
Let’s look at it in this manner. Goa is a small State, just 3,704 square kilometres in size, with a manageable population of about 1.6 million and so should have been fairly easy to plan for and govern. Smaller than many districts of India and populated by less than some parliamentary constituencies.
This itself could have ensured that, after 63 years, Goa should have been the State that other Indian States would seek to, not just emulate, but to compete with.
This itself could have ensured that, after 63 years, Goa should have been the State that other Indian States would seek to, not just emulate, but to compete with.
But, despite the fact that Goa does bag awards for its excellence in certain fields, the residents of the State do feel that it could have done much better, so much better in fact and that governance could improve.
Goa’s economic and social indicators are remarkable, and you are told that quite often, but its debt is also high, which you don’t hear about that often.
Debt is a worrying factor as paying off loans is a burden that is taking away a major chunk of government revenue. Delays in completing projects, resulting in cost escalations, as well as further sale of government bonds, are adding to the financial burdens.
On the other hand, the infrastructure leaves much to be desired. No doubt the new highways take one faster to a destination, which is good, but the internal roads and city roads too need attention.
Despite the fact that Goa does bag awards for its excellence in certain fields, the residents of the State do feel that it could have done much better, so much better in fact and that governance could improve.
Panjim, for instance, undergoing a major transformation under the Smart City project, wears a ravaged look. Mapusa and Vasco hardly fare any better, as congested roads, pretty narrow at times, lead to multiple traffic bottlenecks.
Yes, Goa and Goans do want development and growth that we have seen, but there are always those who will recall the past as if it were the best of times.
But, Goa could not and cannot remain the same. It had to change, it has to keep pace with the rest of the country and the world.
Yet, this change is also slowly gnawing at the identity of Goa and Goans. Not just in recent years, but earlier too and in efforts to safeguard the identity, Goans battled in the Opinion Poll, and then, in the language agitation and are now battling the changes in land use.
How successful they will be in the last, is yet to be known. Between all these, and continuing till today, is the movement to safeguard the environment.
There have been times when Goa has struggled and times when it has rejoiced. Its struggles have brought it victories, strengthening the resolve of the people to defend the identity.
It has indeed been a tumultuous journey since December 19, 1961. There have been times when Goa has struggled and times when it has rejoiced. Its struggles have brought it victories, strengthening the resolve of the people to defend the identity.
Liberation Day is always an opportunity for the political class to recall their successes and make announcements of what they further intend to do. The functions allow them to make these pronouncements.
It should also be an occasion to review the past objectively and give Goa the direction it needs for the future.
It is possible and practical, but only if the politicians and the people are on the same wavelength, come onto the same platform and work together rather than at loggerheads. It’s not too much to ask.
Liberation Day is a day of optimism, hope that the bottlenecks on the path forward will not slow down the progress, but will be an opportunity to pause for that fleeting moment and reflect on the destination. That is what Goa needs, some reflection that will allow it to review the past and redefine the future.
To all the readers, a happy Goa Liberation Day.
