Goa’s poll bol

Sebastian Sequeira, founder, Goan Outreach Association; Dr Shekhar Salkar, Manipal Goa Hospital’s Chief of the Department of Oncology

When the Goan Outreach Association (GOA) reached 60 years in December last year, Mumbai office-bearers of the body, which is the voice of Goans living outside Goa, had spoken out about the Assembly election in the sunshine state to be held in February 2022.

They stated that the only prediction they had was that it was going to be a ‘jalebi' of an election. The jalebis are going to be distributed amongst BJP party workers and supporters.

‘Portuguese left legacy'

Sebastian Sequeira from Mumbai, founder-trustee of the Goan Outreach Association said, "We do not think it is too much to ask the party at the helm, forming the government to truly work for the interest of India's jewel in the tourist crown."

Sequeira added, "Goa's tradition and culture cannot be allowed to fade away. Recognise and address that there are some valid fears, people are seeking reassurance through action. Certain typical Goan festivals should be celebrated like in the past, let that continue. These may seem intangible but they are hugely important."

Sequeira added, "The Portuguese left behind a legacy, this is reflected even in the dietary habits of native Goans. That should not be disturbed. Frowning on drinking or certain types of food is disturbing a part of the Goan ethos. For instance, prohibition or ban on certain foods should not creep in."

‘Congress vote got divided'

The founder-trustee claimed that people were concerned about, "mining, deforestation and encroachment on shores all undermining the scenic beauty of Goa. The government must ensure that the tourism magnet is not de-valued by such activities."

When asked whether people are surprised about BJP's strong show in Goa Sequeira stated, "There is some surprise as there were some voices raised against the party. The Congress vote I think got divided, while the BJP managed to retain their loyal vote bank. Many Goenkars have been traditionally voting Congress. Their ancestors voted for the party earlier. Somewhere, though Congress seems to have lost the plot, because of their own doing. Take the last time's elections. The Congress had a majority but somebody else ran away with the chair."

‘Create enough employment'

Wency Perreira, Association president, also spoke about ecological disturbances in Goa and a rapid decline of a certain Portuguese flavour. "This can be arrested to a small extent if native Goans do not have to migrate and those living outside even see some incentive to return," said Perreira who visits Goa at least five times a year. "The party in power has to create enough employment opportunities for people within Goa. Youth has moved out, and when that happens, outsiders come in and we see a certain dilution of a typical Goa flavour. We do hope this is addressed," said Perreira.

Manipal Goa Hospital's Chief of the Department of Oncology, Dr Shekhar Salkar is upbeat and said, "With this win, the current Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant has truly come out of the shadows of the tall leader the late Manohar Parrikar. The win shows his leadership and also, coming of age. Earlier, there was a propensity to keep comparing him to Parrikar, now he has proved his mettle without a doubt."

The doctor also brushed away fears about losing a certain Portuguese essence and said, "What is this Portuguese flavour? They left long ago. We have to live as pure Goans, now. Goa will continue to be a tourist attraction. Other places in India too have long shorelines and beaches. Yet, people continue to come here and that is because of a certain freedom and behaviour of the people."

Asked specifically about fears that Goa may lose its unique identity, Salkar said, "There is no need to beat the fear drums. Dr Pramod Sawant's favourite line in Konkani is, ‘bhivpachi garaz na' meaning don't worry I am there, and that has caught the imagination of the people."