Dear Roland, Thanks for your reply. First of all this is free forum. Anyone can comment on any topic. If some thought goes behind the suggestions, all the better.
Let me address your concerns point wise Roland writes: Having said that, Filomena Giese's original post was merely about observations on the situation prevailing in Goa albeit from smoky western lenses.However, sometimes from an outside and therefore unbiased outlook, we must tell it as we see it, whether people resident there feel defensive or not, as you are so obviously feeling. Sunith responds: My main objection to the article was the observation that slums need to be eradicated because they spoil scenic beauty. No mention was made about poverty. The article was definitely biased against non-Goans and the poor. So I reject your contention that views from outside are unbiased. What would I have to be defensive about? I am well aware that there are regions of the world much more developed than Goa. I am also aware that there are a number of issues that need to be addressed in Goa, but these are not independent from the rest of India's problems. I am further aware that when I was in Goa, I had a lifestyle that compared to the rich and famous here in London(despite being neither particularly rich nor famous!). Roland writes: For example you quickly sidestep the issue of enforcement of existing legislation with telling us how civic attitudes are slowly being made to change from school levels upwards. Sunith responds: These issues are not independent. Law enforcement is done by human beings not machines. If no one thinks littering is wrong, the cops are not going to be held responsible for not enforcing anti-littering laws. It works like this. Children get aware through education at school. They then become voters, bureaucrats or politicians. If all three sections are civically aware, positive change follows. If children grow up civically unaware, what you get is the present generation of voters, bureaucrats and politicians( Uncaring and selfish!). Have you noticed the massive awareness campaigns that accompany recycling/garbage campaigns in the West and how these mostly feature children(sometimes making fun of adults)? Why are none of the western voices on this forum studying how these problems were solved in their cities and giving suggestions based on that. Why are magical cures being propagated (e.g. Politicians must be made more accountable... how it is to be done in today's context no one mentions). That is why when Mario comments on economics I study the suggestions(though not fully agree with them!). Roland writes: Iinculcating civic awareness relies more on idealism which by itself is not a bad thing, but teaching it to slumdwellers eking out a iving, builders, crooks, and corrupt bureaucrats and politicians who are in the terrible majority takes a long long time. Time that a quickly depreciating Goa cannot afford. Sunith responds: I completely disagree. Ask Clinton Vaz how environmental awareness is increasing exponentially among school kids today. See how in turn how kids are making their parents more aware. No idealism, just plain reality. Of course no one from abroad sees this in their two week holiday in Goa. Is anyone aware that almost 1/3 of Goa is protected forest? Is anyone aware of efforts being made to preserve ecology(forest, beaches, turtles,..) by brilliant forest officials such as Paresh Porob. The coastal regions are developing exactly the type of economies the locals there desire. Time is not running out for anyone except the nostalgic goan who wishes for the Goa of his youth. Things are not perfect there, but please stop with the doomsday predictions. Regards Sunith Velho Dear Sunith, Usually I do not comment on situations prevailing in Goa, since although I wish well for my ancestral land, I do believe that it is those who are living there who must either accept or change what prevails. We overseas Goans must help when it is asked for, or help when we see the need for it, without telling Goans who have a stake in living there, how to go about it. Having said that, Filomena Giese's original post was merely about observations on the situation prevailing in Goa albeit from smoky western lenses. I say 'smoky' because what we consider unacceptable due to our own experiences here, is either acceptable or not worth the efforts to change. for those living in those situations. However, sometimes from an outside and therefore unbiased outlook, we must tell it as we see it, whether people resident there feel defensive or not, as you are so obviously feeling. For example you quickly sidestep the issue of enforcement of existing legislation with telling us how civic attitudes are slowly being made to change from school levels upwards. Practically speaking, when you are in school, your outlook is sheltered and 'staged' by your authorities, for the good no doubt. However once you leave school and are thrust into the outside world, you get a feeling of helplessness and only an insignificant minority carry on the good battles they are taught. The rest do whatever they have to in order to make their way in the world, or compete with the Joneses. So I will make an exception to my general principle of non-interference in Goa affairs and say that It is finally authority that must be made to change first. I have always believed that India and Goa have good laws and lawmakers. Where the country and the state fails is in the enforcement, either because there is no will or because the minority of enforcers who are steadfast, upright and true to their jobs are emasculated by the corrupt majority. To my mind Sunil, Goa would do better by teaching children and adults by whatever means, advocacy rather than civic awareness. Advocacy for authority to function as they are mandated to do. Iinculcating civic awareness relies more on idealism which by itself is not a bad thing, but teaching it to slumdwellers eking out a iving, builders, crooks, and corrupt bureaucrats and politicians who are in the terrible majority takes a long long time. Time that a quickly depreciating Goa cannot afford. _______________________________________________ Goanet mailing list Goanet@lists.goanet.org http://lists.goanet.org/listinfo.cgi/goanet-goanet.org