Thank You for your music Remo The issue of citizenship is being blown out of proportion. Remo is a singer of International fame and repute and we have always loved him because of his songs, not for anything else. If not for his music, we would not have even known who he is. Just another citizen like millions of others, that is who he would have been. So many voluntarily give up their Indian Nationality to opt for citizenship of other Nations, does that become an issue? We all have our friends or relatives in foreign countries who have gone there for better prospects and we have respected their choice. Have they ceased to be our friends or relations simply because they have exercised that personal choice?
What religion one follows or whether one even believes in God or not, what food one eats, what clothes one wears, what culture or lifestyle one follows, what language one speaks, which State or Country one wishes to travel and settle down in are all matters of personal choice. Likewise with citizenship. We cannot and should not hold anything against an individual simply because he or she wishes to exercise that personal choice or freedom. Our Constitution gives us certain rights and privileges and so long as these rights and privileges exercised are within ethical and legal standards prescribed, it shouldn't concern anyone. The manner in which Remo's citizenship is being debated and blown into an issue is a bit sad. Is Remo an elected representative or a Government official? Has he committed any crime? Why should the singer who's brought such great fame and pride to Goa be singled out in this fashion? The only charge against Remo is of uttering a few harsh words to the minor girl involved in his son's accident. As of now, this is merely an accusation and Remo has outrightly denied having said the same. No independent witness has corroborated this and it is easily possible there could have been a misunderstanding in interpretation of words. But is the charge so serious so as to warrant a look-out notice against him or to charge him under sections which prescribe imprisonment for up to 3 years and/or a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh? This cant be real! We are a Country with a bright future and our democracy cannot be reduced to a level where law is used in such a draconian manner against an individual. The citizenship issue which is being raised as follow-up to the accident incident is on similar absurd lines. The Mangeshkar family left Goa to settle elsewhere but we are still proud of their Goan roots and adore them. The Auditorium in Kala Acadamy is named after Pandit Dinanath Mangeshkar and we are proud of him. We are proud of Lata and Asha. So many Goans have likewise settled in different parts of the world and have made name and fame there. We are proud of their achievements and accomplishments and that is how it must be. Slogans and rhetoric on the basis of Nationality and religion are old clichés now. Such rhetoric used or misused few decades back is no longer relevant today. It does not strike chords with the current generation which is smarter. Now, TV and technology has brought us closer. Messi, Ronaldo, Sharapova, Federer, Beatles, Elvis, Whitney, Usain Bolt are household names for the present generation. The fan following for them may even surpass our own. We are proud of our Nation but we also recognize talent and achievements of others wherein lies our real strength and greatness. The greatness of human values to overcome other divisive boundaries. Political boundaries are but one such division. Even if Remo may be divided from us because of political boundaries, the human values must unite us with him and with his music. Remo must be recognized for what he is and for what he always has been, a singer par excellence having a unique style of his own. A style of music which is a fusion of so many different forms. We grew up listening to Remo's songs from albums like Pack that smack, Bombay City, O Meri Munni and so many more which became huge hits. His wonderful rendition of Konkani & Portuguese songs like Undra mujhea mama & Maria Pitache, his Bollywood numbers like Humma Humma, Pyar to hona hi tha, Huya Ho and not to forget the legendary track which he ends his concerts with, Dekho Dekho yeh hai Jalwa have made him one of Goa and India's most loved singers. From a 'just another local lad from Siolim' to have achieved so much, he has been inspirational in every sense. His song, 'Vote: Tit for Tat', composed specially to encourage people to vote corrupt out became viral, like so many of his other socio-political songs to expose the various evils prevalent in our land. Remo has not only been a musician of acclaim but is also an activist whose love for Goa cannot be questioned. 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' is an ancient Indian thought which means the entire world constitutes but one family. Divisions are but man made and must slowly cease to exist as Nations and World progress. Like John Lennon's immortal lyrics, we must "Imagine there are no Countries. It isn't hard to do". Whatever citizenship one chooses is a personal choice. Thank You for your music Remo. Your music is loved and that is all that matters! Best, Sandeep Heble 9326129171 -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-. Goanet annual year-end meet in Goa: if you're reading this, you're eligible to join us! Dec 28, 2015 @ 11 am Fundacao Oriente, Panjim Confirm your participation with a short email to goa...@goanet.org -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
