Going beyond remembering and doing for Goa

The usual platitudes on Goa Revolution Day, June 18, didn’t offer much hope. From the government came the promise to shape Goa and from the opposition the need for another revolution to save Goa. Haven’t we heard these before? Umpteen times at that from the same parties?

The fact that they are being repeated indicates that what was assured has not been delivered and what was sought has not been received. What it means is that nothing has changed over the past years. Do we even have to wonder why it has not changed? Suffice it to say that voicing out promises and demands is easier than working to making them come about.

Simultaneously, hearing the same words again, also indicates that we are running out of creativity and ideation to mark historically significant days. Yes, we have to remember these days and lay the wreaths at the memorial, but the gestures needn’t be merely symbolic.

Also, the speeches should be more inspiring. In fact, given the mundane cliches spouted, it would be better to forget the words and get down to meaningful action.

It was heartening to learn that the president of the Freedom Fighters Association, Rohidas Desai, brought up the issue of failing law and order in the State.

The State may boast of crime statistics that are better than those in many states, but it surely can do much better, especially in the wake of increasing number of bodies that are being discovered across the State.

Revolution Day in current times has turned into a day of historical observance and mouthing of platitudes. What if it were to be seen as a reminder of the power of collective action? What if instead of calling for a revolution, it led to people individually doing their bit for the State in whatever manner they can? Sounds reasonable, but can we expect such collective action?

Now the question: Does Goa need a revolution? It definitely does not. What Goa needs is for Goans to be alert to the development plans and policies that could take the State down a different path. These need to be stopped by using democratic means and democratic institutions before they become a fait accompli.

Goa has successfully fought many issues in the past, all without any revolution. It can continue to do so in the same peaceful manner.

What Revolution Day should do is instil in the current generation of Goans the pride of their identity and the need to preserve this identity that they have inherited from those who came before them.

It will not require a revolution to achieve this, just the alertness of the people to ensure that the development plans for Goa are not skewed.

There is a small group of people, they are called activists, who remain alert and warn people of the consequences that certain actions could bring. If their number increases then the changes sought to be imposed can be thwarted without a revolution.

What Goa is looking at now in preserving that identity, which is its pride, and one manner of bringing this about is analysing the changes that are taking place and foreseeing how these will alter the current way of life.

Of course, nothing can remain the same. Change is inevitable but it should not alter the fabric of society or the land. That is what Revolution Day should inspire people to do—preserve what currently exists until such time as it is possible.

It’s difficult to forget Goa Revolution Day. One of Panjim’s arterial streets has been aptly named 18^th June Road, while the main maidan in Margao is named after Dr Ram Manohar Lohia whose call for freedom is what Goans remember. They should now go beyond remembering and do something worthwhile for their land. It would be a tribute to those who fought for the freedom of the land.