Support Fr Bismark Ripples were caused all over Goa and more so in Goa’s political pond, when Fr. Bismark, a Catholic priest announced his candidature for the forthcoming Assembly elections in Goa, it could yet cause history in Goan politics. Initially there was a mixed reaction from Goans when Fr. Bismark expressed his desire to contest elections. People, especially the Goan Catholics were not sure how to digest the absurd idea of one of their priest jumping into the quagmire of Goan politics, knowing fully well the filth and the immorality that thrives therein. But two week down the line people have a changed perception as truth prevailed over mind-set and they realized the futility of trying to change our appalling and squalid system from outside the system and now most have welcomed the idea of a Catholic priest in Goa’s Vidhan Sabha. We have been complaining for far too long that a rotten apple spoils all the good apples in a basket but here we could yet be witnesses to a good apple changing the bad ones for a change, anyway it is high time that spirituality permeated the walls of our Vidhan Sabha and restored its sanctity and sanity as well.
Fr. Bismark as a socio-environmental activist needs no introduction; his actions and his work speak for itself and his commitment to the Goan causes. He has been leading the aggrieved people from the front in the fight against corruption; the anti peoples policies and the environmental degradation. It is not just we the Catholics but the whole of Goa is proud of Fr. Bismark and his principles. He has been such a revelation in this otherwise horrid situation, that it isn’t even surprising that he commends such huge support from even the vast majority of the non Catholic community, which shows that, if we can come up with some good and credible candidates, our people will support them, irrespective of which community they belong to. The Church Authorities in Goa have been mute about the situation and have refrained from making any statements in the case of Fr. Bismark’s candidature. I only hope the Church Authorities will not see the actions of Fr. Bismark as challenging the Authorities but on the contrary as of service to the Goan society and the environment who are both victimized and ravaged by our very own who were elected to work for the wellbeing and welfare of Goa and Goans. In the Church today we have doctors, lawyers, scientists, scholars, social workers and other professionals working for the betterment of society, so why cannot we have Fr. Bismark, a priest as a politician in Goa ? As a politician he will still be serving the people of Goa and the land of his birth and it could have enough influence to restore the ever flagging credibility of Goan politics and our faith in it too. Fr. Bismark has been a source of inspiration to many young and the old with not just his fiery speeches but also his keenness to walk the talk as well. His honesty, dedication and integrity are beyond reproach as we know how he has stood up against his own institution and our corrupt politicians, in keeping with his principles. There is no doubt that he has all the attributes to be a very good politician and a person who has such courage and conviction as he does, he could be the much awaited source of metamorphosis for healthy Goan politics. On 21st January 2012, a meeting was held at the Sea View hotel Dubai, by the NRG’s from Cumbarjua constituency and their well-wishers, pledging their support for Fr. Bismark as the candidate for their constituency for the forth coming Goa Assembly elections. It was wonderful to note that the NRG’s though far away from home, still love Goa and want the much needed change in Goa’s political arena. It was indeed good to see Goans together and united for a common cause. I wish to congratulate Cumbarjuemkars for the initiative they have taken to support Fr. Bismark as their candidate for the forth coming elections and wish them all the very best in their endeavor and I hope other Goan across the globe will take this as a cue and work to garner support for a worthy candidate of their own constituency. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Protect Goa's natural beauty Support Goa's first Tiger Reserve Sign the petition at: http://www.goanet.org/petition/petition.php ---------------------------------------------------------------------------