“Goa has changed so much. Back then, during our time, it was completely different,” the elderly villager mused with a newspaper in hand, stealing glances at the kids playing football as if trying to figure out what the future holds for them.
Blurry instances of the bygone days flash before him as he wonders whether susegad, the contented Goan life, is still the USP of Goa.
Reminiscing is a common ritual, a part of human life where once in a while we take a peek at the treasure trove of golden memories stored within and relive them for a couple of moments.
And so, the desire to defy the laws of time, rewind the clock, and relive the thrill of those days lingers in every heart, everywhere.
Reminiscing is a common ritual, a part of human life where once in a while we take a peek at the treasure trove of golden memories stored within and relive them for a couple of moments.
This longing for the past is often triggered by the change we see around us, deepening our longing for memories of long-gone childhood or the yesteryears.
Change is inevitable. Every single thing changes, adapts and evolves as time flies by. And, just like you and I, Goa has also changed over the years, albeit drastically.
Driving across the streets of Goa, especially with those who have lived longer and seen a lot more, often turns into a competitive game of spotting the changes.
“You know, back in our days, when we used to cycle here, none of these buildings, stores or even houses existed,” says one, while the other points out, “Colva, and Calangute used to be the go-to picnic spots. People from Calangute would go to Colva, and the ones from the south would prefer Calangute. Now, the two have changed beyond recognition.”
Driving across the streets of Goa, especially with those who have lived longer and seen a lot more, often turns into a competitive game of spotting the changes.
The third person adds, “The roads are changing, the streets are changing, the villages are changing. Are the quiet and peace slowly leaving Goa? Where is the susegad in Goa?”
These sentiments of all those connected to the land of Goa echo in the background as they roll down the car window to witness this ongoing transformation.
These universal experiences, feelings and thoughts will remain constant just like change. We cannot stop change as it’s a permanent phenomenon. So, maybe instead of stopping what cannot be stopped, we can focus on influencing the kind of change that takes place while preserving the ethos of Goan life.
Susegad is a term engraved in the heart of Goa, making it quintessentially Goan. It is often used to highlight the core essence of this state, a content and fulfilling way of life. It’s a distinct way of enjoying and savouring the simplicity of life at one’s own pace.
Susegad is a term engraved in the heart of Goa, making it quintessentially Goan. It is often used to highlight the core essence of this state
As we wonder whether susegad still pervades in Goa, one must understand that it is only us, Goans, who can protect and preserve this one-of-a-kind feeling that still exists here.
Tourists from different corners of the world come to Goa to taste a little bit of this very feeling that is so mundane to us all. The calm and the peace a susegad life brings is certainly desired by all.
Change is not synonymous with destruction, but that’s how it is being treated lately. As a community, we must recognise the significance of bringing about positive changes and protecting what makes Goa, truly Goa.
This requires being vocal about the kind of changes we want. Yes, there will be instances where the voices may be unheard or even silenced, but victory only comes along when the voices rise louder together.
Change is not synonymous with destruction, but that’s how it is being treated lately.
And as we navigate change, evolve and adapt to newer beginnings, feelings and spaces, let us not let go of susegad, which is at the core of Goa, binding us all together and fuelling the spirit of Goanness.