The brouhaha over who said it or did not is over, thank god. Was it a case of mis-reportage, mis-communication or simply missing the point? Can we hope, in future, this unnecessary, unpleasant situation will not happen again?
It need not happen again. If only utterances made by our politicians were recorded! Simply replay the tape and the truth is there for all to hear. And, of course, if it is filmed then we could have the truth for all to hear and see, too. The government might want to subsidize the purchase of these gadgets. Is this a good idea? Will the government agree it is a good idea? Readers of newspapers are more than tired of this feeling of deja vu and request a break! Lamanis, for me at least, have been helpful, very helpful. While working in Japan, Shiva and Paru, the two Lamanis who looked after my house and coconut plantation did everything well and with great sincerity. As the years flew by, I got better acquainted with some members of the Lamani community. I have met many who are hard working, honest and sincere. They also are a proud people who are a hardy lot as is to be expected from their gypsy roots. As Goa's educational standards continue to slip and slide it is interesting to see how the children of Lamanis are doing well in school even though they come from humble roots and dwellings. They are a good role model for the youth in India. Along the coastal area in Goa, a slice of which caters to decadence, you will find hustlers from every community and no community is exempt or has total control of any particular game. And, of course, there are a lot of games going on, and the stakes are not the same! If the government is serious about making Goa's coastal areas and beaches safe for tourists then it is a good idea to work with the people of the various villages and have ready-to-go flying squads which can check out the situation immediately and stop the illegal activity! Do I hear laughter?
