Goa, once a symbol of peace, tranquility and cultural harmony, is now grappling with its own set of contradictions.
The Goa of tourist brochures, with its pristine beaches, nightlife and rich heritage, today stands in contrast to the Goa of its residents.
For Goans, Goa is their home. Someone rightly pointed out, you can take a Goan anywhere in the world, but you cannot take Goa out of a Goan.
The reason being that Goans are deeply connected to their roots, culture and traditions. Therefore, with what is happening today in their beloved home State, they are grappling with the question of whether the current state of affairs truly reflects the Goa they hold dear.
Let’s analyse the gap between the haves and have-nots, which is widening with celebrities owning luxurious properties while locals struggle to afford basic necessities.
News about land scams and builders is topping every charter. We have come to a point where schemes like 'Affordable Housing' need to be initiated just so a Goenkar can build a decent house on his own land.
Ads for land and homes are being flashed on billboards not just in Goa, but in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and other metropolitan areas, branding them as retirement homes, while our dear Goans in Goa are struggling to hold on to their land and make a living at a time of growing inflation.
Not just this, Goa's environmental challenges are equally pressing. The once lush, green landscapes are being sacrificed in the name of development, with rampant deforestation and construction projects threatening its fragile ecosystems.
Despite the widespread public opposition to these projects, they are often approved, compelling many to take to the streets in protest.
Have you ever pondered the fate of Reis Magos hill? What happened to all the lush, greenery that once covered it?
Just a few kilometers away lies Calangute, a beloved picnic spot where families used to gather every summer without fail in the past. But now, it's nearly impossible to even consider visiting due to the overwhelming presence of hotels, tourists and constant traffic jams.
Along the Calangute coastline, residents of Anjuna have been protesting on the streets to seek respite from the disturbing noise pollution. It is disheartening that the concerns of the local community are being overlooked and suppressed in favour of promoting tourism.
The people of Goa are demanding that the government prioritise their needs and address the pressing issues facing the state. Development projects are often passed and inaugurated only to later require maintenance due to structural and other issues.
Adding a famous line from Vir Das’ Two Indias: 'I come from an India where our music is bahut hard, but our sentiments are bahut soft.”
He also said, “I come from an India where there is Hindu and Muslim and Christian and Sikh and Parsi and Jew, and when we all look up at the sky, we only see one thing together: the price of petrol.'
Is this the real picture?
Once, Goa was celebrated for its unity among different faiths, but now many feel offended and hurt when their religion is mentioned. For our elders, peace and community was a way of life. Religion was a non-issue, and was only mentioned in forms and documents, that too as a formality.
In Goa, it's common to find that family friends and friends belong to different faiths. This diversity has never led to fear of division or hurt sentiments among the people of Goa.
In recent times, Goa is seeing more discourse about religion. On a daily basis, at least one person will make some communal comment on social media, either in the form of a comment or post.
The real issue today, is that it's crucial to focus on the escalating prices that are eroding local incomes and pushing us into financial hardship. Additionally, corruption is being overlooked despite claims of complete transparency in governance.
And in that same monologue, Vir Das added a line that said, “The best being: I come from an India where we kicked out the British, yet we call the government the ruling party.”
The people of Goa, like many Indians, are yearning for a better future. They want a government that is responsive to their needs. They are also calling for a more equitable distribution of resources and opportunities so that everyone can benefit from the state's prosperity.
Goa's story is a microcosm of the larger challenges facing India. The State's contradictions — between its idyllic image and its underlying problems —are a stark reminder of the need for urgent action.
By addressing the issues of inequality, corruption and environmental degradation, Goa can reclaim its rightful place as a beacon of hope and progress for India.
But, before I conclude, I would say:
“Dear Goans, we come from a Goa that is known for unity, peace, and love. We come from a Goa that is known for celebrating and enjoying life. We come from a Goa where ‘Dev Borem Korum’ is both a blessing and gesture of thanks. And, lastly, we come from a Goa where ‘sodun gal’, which literally means ‘leave it’, reminds us to think before we act. And, for once I ask: Does Goa need all these developments and does it need a Goenkar to protect it?”