Rajendra Kakodkar:
Pork is general word. There are at least three types of pork. First is Goo-Dukor, which was consumed by Christians in Goa . Then there is Raan-Dukor relished by Goan Hindus and Christians. Finally, the Farmed-Dukor in US, Europe etc and 5stars. There could be more. Also need to separate Relishing from mass-consuming. Relishing is preferring pork even if lobster, fish, mutton, chicken or mushrooms are served. Consumption by many can be cost determined. Now, Raan-Dukor is illegal and Cumaos are replaced by septic tank toilets and Goo-Dukor may not be eating Goo. Yet 99 percent Hindus do not eat Goo-Dukor as a substitute. May be less to do with hygiene and more with psychology. Response: 1. Pigs are scavengers by nature like Vultures, Crows, Hyenas. 2. In the absence of sewage system in Goa, pigs performed the task of cleaning up nature’s waste. In many parts of India, even today, pigs perform this task. The local villagers, most of whom are definitely not Christian, consume these animals. 3. Where there exists proper sewage system, pigs are reared and fed kitchen waste and on farms are fed food which make them ready for the table. 4. When I mentioned that hindus in Nepal relished pork, I used the word Relished intentionally as alternative food as described by you was available but pork was the preferred choice of many of the diners. 5. It is my belief, and you may correct me if I am wrong, that even in Goa, pork was never consumed daily but mainly on Sundays and festival days. The staple diet of most goans (whether Hindu, Christian or Muslim) is niste ani xit coddi. The Goan like the Bengali finds it difficult to imagine life without his favourite niste and xit coddi. 6. Pork is also a delicacy among the Mangaloreans and East Indians. 7. Incidentally, in the Bible, the pig is described as an unclean animal. Hence, the aversion of Jews and Muslims to pigs. 8. Beef and pork are sources of cheap protein to disadvantaged sections of society like dalits and tribals. Regards, Marshall