The extract below which is taken from Hind Swaraj para1 of Chp. VII by
Mahatama Gandhiji may help throw some light on the present pathetic state of
Goa whose culture and economy has been captured by migrants. We have
wonderful migrants who are also supported by warped Goan mentalities. They
want to enjoy Goa's natural beauty but also curse that it's markets are not
like Bangaloroo or Mumbai. They want Kentucky, McDonalds, broad roads, home
with view of the sea, pubs, casinos and all the crap in the universe. In the
same breath they talk about wanting to Save Goa.
Why was India lost?
READER: You have said much about civilization ? enough to make me ponder
over it. I do
not now know what I should adopt and what I should avoid from the nations of
Europe, but one
question comes to my lips immediately. If civilization is a disease and if
it has attacked England,
why has she been able to take India, and why is she able to retain it?
EDITOR: Your question is not very difficult to answer, and we shall
presently be able to
examine the true nature of Swaraj; for I am aware that I have still to
answer that question. I will,
however, take up your previous question. The English have not taken India;
we have given it to
them. They are not in India because of their strength, but because we keep
them. Let us now see
whether these propositions can be sustained. They came to our country
originally for purposes of
trade. Recall the Company Bahadur. Who made it Bahadur? They had not the
slightest intention
at the time of establishing a kingdom. Who assisted the Company's officers?
Who was tempted
at the sight of their silver? Who bought their goods? History testifies that
we did all this. In order
to become rich all at once we welcomed the Company's officers with open
arms. We assisted
them. If I am in the habit of drinking bhang and a seller thereof sells it
to me, am I to blame him
or myself? By blaming the seller shall I be able to avoid the habit? And, if
a particular retailer
is driven away will not another take his place? A true servant of India will
have to go to the
root of the matter. If an excess of food has caused me indigestion, I shall
certainly not avoid it
by blaming water. He is a true physician who probes the cause of disease,
and if you pose as a
physician for the disease of India, you will have to find out its true
cause.
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