'Goa ke log ajeb Hai' this is what India's First Prime Minister had said about Goans . Why he said it and in what context he said it is not known to me and not sure if any historian has good knowledge about his utterance. Did he made this statement in reference to Social, cultural economic or political setting prevailing during 50-60 era? Was it a genuine statement or sarcastic statement to glorify or belittle Goans, only historian who worked closely with him might shed some light?
In retrospect, When I look back my childhood days, I do feel 'Goa khe Lok ajeb te'. We were a rare breed. Back then, the village life was much appreciated. There were few compound walls surrounding the houses. And, hardly any boundary walls dividing properties. Properties were demarcated with corner stone's. People respected this as a legitimate boundary and never encroached. The doors of the houses were wide open during the day. In fact, my house had a rear door as well and was always open during the day. The only fear we had was of the pets and domesticated animal entering the house. No one had any fear of a thief or robber entering the house. We use to keep our doors wide open all the time. During summer group of young people used to sleep out in open air. For, village boys like me it was present day 'sleep over club'. Goan village had effective model of administrative and social governance. The villages are mostly self sufficient and had alteast one doctor, a dispensary, a post office, Church or Temple, provision Stores, fish and vegetables market. There was hardly any need to travel to town. The only bus we had was 'Carreta' which use to ferry village people twice a day to the town. Most Goans studied upto primary level but were well versed in etiquettes and respected fellow Goans. There were few big schools but they had lived a discipline life, thanks to the institutions in their midst. The clergy was highly respected. I myself been greatly influenced by Rachol Seminarians, where most of us spent our time as young boys in the midst of clergymen. Goan across his caste or religion considered it his sacred duty to work for his daily bread. The vices of amassing wealth were never there rather they would prefer to starve than live on ill-gotten wealth. Corruption was alien to Goans. People were humble courteous and knew to respect others. Alms giving to the needy were way of life and few people were seen begging on the streets except during the festivals near the Church or Temple. The weeding occasions was not just the family affair but of the whole vaddo. The festivities used to last for 2 weeks. Everyone used to partake to help clean, cook and decorate the bride or groom house. Come Christmas or Diwali, one could see neighbours help each other prepare the delicacy for the occasion. Brass band was present for ever occasion, litany, feast, wedding or funeral. The village had a unique characteristic which has now slowly disintegrated with the onslaught of Indian Culture borrowed from Bollywood. Many debate about the Goan identity. To find answers, one must go back in time to know and understand the meaning our Goan Identity. This Unique bonding and carefree fearless lifestyle of Goans raised many eyebrows and that include Jawarlal Nehru which made him utter 'Goa ke log ajeb Hai' . Sadly, all our uniqueness has been lost somewhere in a rush to get rich, and get rich fast by hook or crook not tomorrow but today. 'Goa ke log ajeb Hai' for they lost the true meaning of being Goans in less than 50 years. Agnelo Pinheiro/Raia
