With so much caste-noise broadcast on goanet, is it really a war against castes or a war of castes? Could each one writing on the theme indicate what caste he belongs to? It could help to filter the emotional ingredients of the debate. I am inclined to take the anti-brahmin discourse of a chardo or sudir discussant with a pinch of salt, just as the anti-chardo discourse of a brahmin or sudir, etc. etc. Am I asking too much? Would this request embarass some discussants? I remember that the very first time I came to know our famous Konkani researcher Jose Pereira it was in 1969 at Rachol Seminary. He gave us a talk after introducing himself: «Hanv Juze Pereira, kuddtôrcho bamônn»! I was quite shocked with that style. But I give him credit now. Discussions about such a emotional issue like caste should not be conducted under / behind any identity covers! Only after identity disclosure we could believe in the truly altruistic and humanistic goals of this debate, even if Goanet may not save us from the caste system!
Teotonio R. de Souza