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Get your free subscription at: http://lists.goanet.org/listinfo.cgi/goanet-sports-goanet.org ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Restoring Communal Harmony in Goa Where to begin ? By: Wilmix Wilson Mazarello In any of the "States" of India, or for that matter, in any of the 'Developing Countries' of the World, once the seed of communalism is sown, it is very, very difficult to stop it growing, if not impossible. The "seed" of communalism just keeps on growing and growing, multiplying in leaps and bounds, destroying the very basic "fibre" of the Society. This is because, the soil of "illiteracy" is a very fertile ground for such a seed/weed of communalism, to grow and flourish. To help in this cause, are plenty of Religious Fanatics and Politicians who work as "full-time-farmers" in this field of destruction, growing and nurturing the seeds /weeds of communalism. There are numerous, such examples before us. This is not a hypothesis, but a "stark reality". Have a look, at what's going on in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh etc. in India. ('States' plagued by communalism) Have a look at what's going on in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Congo. Libya etc. in the World. ( 'Countries' plagued by communalism ) As long as "illiteracy" exists and thrives, Politicians and Religious Fanatics all around the world, will continue to exploit and divide the people on communal lines, for their selfish gains. Now, let's try and analyse the situation in our "very own" Goa. As reported, by our Seniors, the "level" of communalism, that exists today, was never ever seen in Goa, till its "liberation" from the Portuguese rule in 1961. There could have been a slight "slant" in favour of the Christians, during the 450 odd years of Portuguese Rule, in Goa. However, the Portuguese Rulers never, really, succeeded in dividing Goans on communal lines. In fact, all throughout, Goa has been a fine example of "communal harmony", to all in India, till it's "Liberation" set in. But, with "Liberation" also came in, a lot of Literacy and Education, which should have actually, served as a deterrent, to communalism. The"high rate" of literacy, should have made it very difficult, for any communalistic element, to survive here. But, it did not. What is it then, that went wrong, and worked against the "tide", to promote the cause of communalism in Goa ? The fact is that, where Religious Fanatics failed, our Politicians succeeded. When our Politicians started talking in "communal tones", they also backed their efforts with "money-power". That is, what set in motion the "wind" of communalism in Goa. It is now, growing and flourishing with every passing day. What else, can we expect with communalists like Udhay Bhembre. Nagesh Karmali. N. Shivdas, Dilip Borkar, Prashant Naik etc.who are working overtime in their 'mission" to eliminate the minorities? To make it worse, these communalists are openly backed by major political parties in their so called "mission" to eliminate the minorities. The seed/weed, of communalism has already been sown in Goa., by these fanatics, and it is now multiplying, destroying all along its way, the "communal harmony" that once was a "hallmark" of Goa. What do we do ? Can we just, sit quite in helplessness ? The answer is, No! We must do something. We have to do, something. The Government of Goa, which is responsible, to quite an extent, for the present situation has also, to do it's bit. But, what can the Govt. of Goa, really do in this regard ? To begin with, the Govt. of Goa, must "analyse the reasons", and "arrest the causes" that are responsible, for destroying "communal harmony" in Goa. I for one, can very distinctly, see one causative area, where the Govt. of Goa can do something, immediately, to "restore confidence" of the Christian community in Goa. It is a common fact, that a section of the Hindu community in Goa, is exploiting Goan christians in the name of "Konkani Language". This "divide" is seen to be widening, with every passing year. The Christian community at large, have already started "looking suspiciously", at all their Hindu brethren, little knowing, that it is not all the Hindus of Goa, but a small handful of them, that are responsible for their 'exploitation', both economically and culturally. I strongly feel, the Govt. of Goa, can start the "healing process" by immediately giving "official-recognition" to the Roman Script in the "Official Language Act" This will, not only, send a "right signal" to all Goans, but will also win over, the "confidence" of the entire, Christian community in Goa. This is one "area", which is there, for any one to see, as a "sure-cause" of a "communal divide" and can be rectified. There are other "areas" too. These, can also be handled, one after the other. by a proper process of identification. Is the Government of Goa, led by Mr. Digamber Kamat,listening ? Wilmix Wilson Mazarello, (Margao, Goa).