Goa on Sale Article published

On 30 March 2008, both leading English newspapers of Goa, The Navhind Times and Oherald published my article .

The response of the article was tremendous than i expected, recieved many phone calls and sms from Goa. After my visit to Delhi, a strong inner voice on an early morning after a restless sleep made me type this article. I intially thought of mailing this article, exhibition collaterals, SAVE GOA flier to Goa Bachao Abhiyan, but was in 2 minds whether it will go to masses.
Then i thought of mailing it to Mathany Saldhana or Manohar Parrikar in Goa. Amidst dilemna i spoke to my close pal of Intiaitves of Change, Aswinikumar Mohapatra and Dr. Dyson Misquita.

Dr Dyson told me not to make it a political issue but make it a mass issue. As he gave up his trust on politicians. Aswinikumar kept aggressively convicing me that i must send it all influence makers in Goa, from newspapers, NGOs, politicians etc.
And thats what i did, made 15 envelopes with all awareness materials and couriered it to Goa.
Within a span of 2 days, it reached across many readers.



Here are some emails responses i got,

Elvira Alvares replies that

"Read the below article written, by you. Have read articles such as these…..not only on destruction of 'Goa' but many other places as well and I do get the feeling that there may be many people who want to do something about it, but what? And by the time we think of the answer, we've {or at least I... have moved to the next day and the next….}. I feel we need to find solutions to issues that are close to us, in terms of, those perhaps residing at Vagator, need to find solutions for that area {for a start!}. This however is my suggestion. What is your solution for your below note? "

Shaun Lobo replies that
"your article on the Goa Land Sale in Delhi was a great read. We need more people like you to stand up against the atrocious 'land grabbing' mentality of people who want to ruin and sell Goa for a price. May God always preserve his paradise - Goa and may man never ever come close to destroying it"

Vito Oliveira, President of Goan Association Germany replies that"really appriciate your time and effort for writing about Goas real estate market exhibition held in delhi.All what you said is absolutely true, Some of theseDelhietes have created a situation in Goa ,where owning a home for common man is a thing of the past.Thank you very much"

Ronita Torcato replies that

"Thank you for your insightful piece on Goa. The thing is Bombay used to be a clutch of seven islands, not too different, I would imagine, from Goa. The sepia toned pics that I have seen show a verdant place of coconut and banyan trees, and green hillocks and clean beaches. It's obvious Goa is going Mumbai's way. A concrete jungle. of matchbox apartments and slums. Thank goodness for small mercies, things haven't touched rock bottom and while there's life there's hope. Did you get the name or contact details of the activist by any chance? Best wishes"

Respected Architect Dean Dcruz replied that
"Appreciate your article in the Herald Mirror of Sunday, 30th Mar 08. It is really sad to see Goa become this commodity and Goans selling out for a few pieces of silver. Appreciate your concern and support. Kind regards, Dean "

Special thanks to editors of all newspapers for publishing this article, and above all thanks to the readers of this newspapers for replying.

Jai Hind,
Navendu Shirali