In-group/out-group distinctions and territoriality are basic biological traits with a strong evolutionary grounding. But one can certainly use reason to overcome the grotesque elements of these tendencies. That is what civilization is all about. We can learn to treat outsiders better. The least we can do is treat them as human beings and afford them a modicum of dignity. It is only worth preserving the good in our heritage. The bad in it can lead to our downfall. The surest way to destroy our identity is to propagate its worst features by inbreeding and insular attitudes.
And those of us who have resolved to uphold the constitution of India as proud citizens of that great country must remember that one of our fundamental constitutional duties is "to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities". Cheers, Santosh --- "Rajan P. Parrikar" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > To Goanet - > > Contrary to what Comrade Gadgil imagines, the Goan > Identity is > neither difficult nor elusive to apprehend. We > Goans know it > when we see it. The Goan Identity doesn't have to > be defined > or justified. It just is, like most other > recognizable Identities.