A new HOPE has finally dawned on Goa... once again. Goemchea Rakhondarancho Awaz (GRA) or the‘Voice of the Protectors of Goa’, as they call themselves, has arrived in Goa. My hearty congratulations to the “new protectors" of Goa. Welcome to Goa... Goa and Goans have been long awaiting your arrival.
As you are probably aware, GRA is a newly formed "Group of 35 NGOs". They are from different parts of Goa. Most of them are social activists of known credibility and experience; people who have fought for "just causes" in the past; and people who continue to do their community work , fearlessly. The formation of GRA is indeed a great "new beginning" for Goa; and a genuine new Hope for those who feel let down by our present day politics and politicians in Goa.
For any Orgenization/Mass Movement to be successful, it needs people of different kinds and minds. It needs visionaries, strategists, back office workers, good writers/speakers, pro-active supporters and fearless field workers. GRA certainly has them all, and it has them in a big number. GRA also has a couple of sincere, committed and mature leaders in its "Core Committee". In my opinion, GRA is one of the best things that could have ever happened to Goa. GRA has to be given a chance; it certainly deserves our support, guidance and blessings.
It was a great honour to be invited by Adv Yatish Naik and others to attend one of their earliest "Core Group" meetings. It was a privilege to exchange views, on a wide variety of topics. After listening to them, I was bold enough to point out, that for GRA to succeed in its mission, it should keep the politicians (including myself) out of it. GRA should remain an exclusive "People's Movement"-actively involved in Goan politics. In my opinion, GRA should also be an organization that is totally focused on safeguarding "Goa, Goans and Goanness".
All this while, different NGOs and Forums in Goa were fighting for their respective causes, all on their own. Coming under "one banner" called GRA will not only add synergy to the respective NGOs, but will also strengthen "social activism" in Goa. NGOs will thus be able to fight their individual and collective battles more effectively. And Government will not be able to take them for granted any more. "Coming together" for the greater good of Goa, was indeed the need of the hour; and I thank God that it has become a reality. And I hope that this is not a "mirage", but a reality that is going to last for some time in Goa, and get stronger by the day.
After meeting their leaders, I was convinced that GRA is in "safe hands", and that it is capable of doing a great job for Goa. However, just as different people have different mind sets, different Groups/NGOs also have their individual agendas and ideologies which can sometimes clash with each other. The ultimate success of GRA will depend on how far these individual Groups within the GRA "discipline themselves", and channelize their time, talents and resources to fight the "real enemies of Goa". They should not fight "each other", as it happened with the famous People's Movement in Goa, a few years ago.
GRA will be holding its first public meeting at the Azad Moidan, Panjim on March 15th 2011... to demand a "change" in government’s anti-people policies and a clamp down on rampant corruption in the government administration. GRA also want a resolution to be passed in the State Legislative Assembly for granting of a "special status" for Goa by the Central Government. Besides the anti-corruption Lokayukta Bill being passed at the earliest (but not before sufficient time is given to the public to improvise on it), they also want to highlight other issues like the police-politician-drug mafia nexus, the modified Regional Plan 2021, illegal mining, land acquisition for Mopa Airport and Indian Navy, garbage menace and environmental degradation, Mega Projects, and other issues which are bad for Goa and Goans.
All these actions are indeed a "great beginning" for GRA. I only hope and pray that their wise leaders will take all the necessary precautions to keep politicians out of GRA. People with known political ambitions and self-centered "hidden agendas" should be dealt with firmly, and kept out of GRA. Nobody should be allowed to "piggy ride" and take advantage of GRA (to boost their hidden political ambitions). GRA should neither be a political platform for the existing politicians/Political Parties, nor a political launching-pad for the aspiring (future) politicians. If that happens, both the GRA and social activism movement will dilute their credibility and effectiveness; and people will loose confidence in them.
Although I am not a politician in its true sense, having already announced my political candidature, I felt it was "not right" for me to be a part of GRA. I have therefore decided to support this great Movement from "outside". I do not wish to take advantage of GRA to boost my election campaign. In my opinion, GRA should be allowed to play a very responsible "dual role" in Goan politics. GRA should not be "tool" of any politician/political party. GRA should be a "catalyst for political change" in Goa; and should act like an "effective community watchdog" before, during and after the elections.
GRA should also take over the role of a "responsible opinion leader" in politics. It should educate the masses on the kind of political leaders they need to elect for the good of Goa. GRA should actively support and canvass for "good candidates" (irrespective of their political affiliation) in different constituencies; and explore the possibilities of forming a Third Political Front or a new Regional Party in Goa... totally independent from Congress, BJP and other existing Parties in Goa.
Do you think "Goemchea Rakhondarancho Awaz (GRA)" or the "Voice of the Protectors of Goa", a newly formed group of 35 NGOs and Villlage Groups from around the State will be able to make a visible DIFFERENCE to the existing political scenario in Goa? Check my views on this topic in my latest Facebook Note (mentioned below), and do let me know your views on "Goemchea Rakhondarancho Awaz", and how we can support it.
If GRA could succeed in achieving any one of these two objectives, it will surely change the face of politics in Goa. It will bring in a couple of "responsible MLAs" into the Goa Assembly, and thus usher in a "Change"... a change that we can see and believe in. It is to this hope and prayer, I say... may God bless you GRA, and may the best come out of you. Amen.
Thank you Dr Hubert , Goa needs people of your calibre to take Goa out from the mess created by our uneducated and corrupt congress leaders. Why the Goans have to march to the CM's house, this shows how congress government runs in Goa. Goa is on extinction from the map of India, very soon it will be a district of Karnataka or Maharasthra. Our ignorant leaders want to merge Goa with other state and the thieves who calls themselves freedom fighters want to change the names in Goa. All the Goans should join under GRA and kick out the evil minded politicians from GOA.
ReplyDeleteIf the Goans dont came out in large number for the public meeting at Azad maiden, Panjim on 15th march 2011 and support the genuine cause then there in no point repenting afterward. LONG LIVE GOA, LONG LIVE GRA.
Is this the new beginning to the end of our corrupt ministers domination of power over Goans? How many Goans are aware of this movement and their intentions? Every household in Goa no matter how remote must be educated that Goa needs a genuine change. Gone are the days were second chances were given to every candidate who are repeatedly elected. Let us get serious for the sake of our future.
ReplyDeleteDR. Hubert well said and I was also invited for the meeting as a core member, but I could not make it due to some reason. I would have met you there and intorduce myself to you, yes GRA is in with the right hands. I have spoken to Yatish, Bismarque, Peter, etc about the idea of getting all together and they have suceeded in it. I had various meetings with Bismarque, Yatish and also another friend of mine Bebdo was in touch with them. Yesterday I recieved a mail from Yatish and he says the time is running out, yes he is correct and the time is runnig out, but I told him our work is in full swing and You have our support. But we have to form a party and the discussion are going on with GRA we require a third front and we can give any suitable name for it.
ReplyDeleteMy best wishes to GRA, and to see that they appoint most honest candidates to represent people in each constituency who can clearly work towards the progress of Goa and real Goans and not to fall prey to corrupt corrent politicians, builders and mining loby. If anyone who has that mondset then they should keep away from GRA and have no place to enter into such organisation. People of Goa are fedup and frustration is runnng through their blood at the same time we are hungry for want of clean Governance. Cunning people may try entry into it through backdoor with their wierd mind and with different ideology but we should be alert to distance ourself from such dirty beast. I hope this GRA will be able to keep up the promise and provide able result which will benefit Goa and genuine Goans. Let's preserve Goa for Goans and not non-Goan settlers.
ReplyDelete@P.Cruz, Why does not Yatish and the GRA not form a party since they know that the time is running out. I remember an article on Niz Goenkar by Menino saying that the time is running out for Goa. Instead of asking others who are out of Goa to form a party they could have formed one themselves since they are in Goa. You too could form another party and have an alliance with them in collaboration with Niz Goenkar. P. Cruz have you got 40 candidates to field at the moment? Are you all set for the same or no? We are with you as long as you do not buy votes like the present donkeys. Fight for it with the people. Go ahead and form a party that will not buy votes and will be dedicated to the people totally, Where is Bebdo with his last article on the Site he seems to have disappeared.
ReplyDeleteThe winds of change are blowing and the storm is just round the corner. I hope and pray that every blue blooded Goan will be a part in this storm on 15th March and show our corrupt politicians that Goans have run out of patients and tolerance. We Goans want a change and the 40 chors should be put behind bars where they rightly belong and all their accounts sealed. If we are united this can happen in the very near foreseeable future. All the best Niz Goenkars.
ReplyDeleteFirts of all, it is necessary to know the exact number of goans living inside and outside Goa, India, and, after that must also know how many goans are not holding indian nacionality. If the election are to improve the life in Goa, all goans, as they are goans, with indian or foreign nacionalies, must have the wrights to choose the best option for the people of Goa. For that the goans autorities, parties, organizations..must ask to legalize this wrights of voting for the all goans, besides beeing indians or not indian citizens. Only in this democratics principles we can assure that all acts of election are legal in Goa. The real democracie cannot keep outside, in name of the indian citizenship, part of goans out of the electoral act. Goans living outside, with indian or foreign nacinalities, must have the wright to vote, in the nearby indian embassy services.
ReplyDeleteThank you Dr Hubert , Please keep your articles coming in at least until the next elections in not for a long time. We are here to support you and want you to succeed, Goans have had Enough of your corrupt opponents The Alemeaos. Mikky and all other criminally corrupt ones. Yes Goa needs a third stronger party, a good research has do be done to field candidates in the right constituencies where there are no or less crumb eaters. Candidates must also be educated and mature to make the right decisions unlike the corrupt ones who have destroyed Goa.
ReplyDeleteBeing from Margao all I see around me is filth of the co called Ghantis who have ruined the way of our Gone life. Crime and corruption is unstoppable under the current regime. In a democratic place the government do not listen to its people. Mega housing projects are being given license because theses corrupt ministers are getting hefty kickbacks from developers. DR Hubert good luck to you and we will see you as an MLA hopefully the crumb eaters will have come to their senses, Good luck also to GRA.
ReplyDeleteI hope many Goans will support the work of the GRA.
ReplyDeleteIts objectives are very clear and its canditates when selected will be of the highest caliber.
It is time Goa and Goans get rid of the theives,looters, and uneducated imbecles that currently rule Goa and South Goa.
Dr Hubert Gomes is a highly educated person , unlike Churchill or Mickky Pacheco.Valanka maybe educated but she does not apply this education for her chosen career.Instead Valanka has been enticed into Politcs by her greedy father and uncle.It is a method of making some "QUICK BUCKS" (money).
Dr Hubert is also a genial and untainted canditate.I hope the electors of Benaulim, where he is predicted to stand will ensure a vote for him.Goan Politics needs a change and new faces and people with new ideas and vision.
It is time we got rid of those ugly buffoons...Churchill and Mickky Pacheco.Also I would recomend that the TOILET keeper Digamber Kamat, along with Joaquim Alemao, Sequira (sequirrell)Babush Monseratte ,Ravi Naik,Madkaikar and Viswajit Rane all get shown the EXIT door.We do not need these proven scumbags.
Each of the above are pure and simple "EVIL MEN".THey have all made immense wealth off the backs of humble Goans.
@Sandesh Gaonkar: Yes we will form a Party, but I do not agree with you that Yatis and I should form different party. We are same and we came from one mother that is Goa. We do not want two parties one for dinner and one for Lunch? We want one party upto the supper!
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ReplyDeleteThank you Dr Hubert , Please keep your articles coming in at least until the next elections if not for a long time. We are here to support you and want you to succeed, Goans have had Enough of your corrupt opponents The Alemeaos. Mikky and all other criminally corrupt ones. Yes Goa needs a third stronger party, a good research has do be done to field candidates in the right constituencies where there are no or less crumb eaters. Candidates must also be educated and mature to make the right decisions unlike the corrupt ones who have destroyed Goa.
@Sandesh Gaonkar: Yes we will form a Party, but I do not agree with you that Yatis and I should form different party. We are same and we came from one mother that is Goa. We do not want two parties one for dinner and one for Lunch? We want one party upto the supper!
ReplyDeleteCorrection
ReplyDeleteThank you Dr Hubert , Please keep your articles coming in at least until the next elections if not for a long time. We are here to support you and want you to succeed, Goans have had Enough of your corrupt opponents The Alemeaos. Mikky and all other criminally corrupt ones. Yes Goa needs a third stronger party, a good research has do be done to field candidates in the right constituencies where there are no or less crumb eaters. Candidates must also be educated and mature to make the right decisions unlike the corrupt ones who have destroyed Goa.
It's not the Candidate who speaks, it's the party that makes him speak, The Candidate is just the microphone of any party, for e.g. if Congress is voted in power the needs of the congress are more important then the needs of that state and the candidate.
ReplyDeleteIrrelevant who is the Candidate the party shows the candidate the way, we have seen it in NCP, Congress, Shiv Sena and so on.
We've to vote in for that party that wants Independence for Goa. All the rest is complete totally Bullshit. The Invader Parties of India will do what ever they want in Goa. The Invader Indians with their corrupt parties will destroy Goa even more further, if we don't consider the Party and only take into account the candidate. In 1984 ? the then Congress leader Mr. Rajiv Gandhi used a lot of Film actors to win the Election. He did win the Election with a big Margin, those Candidates didn't have the right to speak, the Congress party of Rajiv did all the speaking and robbing.
I fully agree with Dr Hubert that the GRA should channelize their time, talent and resources to fight the real enemies of Goa, without fighting each other. It is high time to bring about a change in the Government's anti-people policies. Why do we have to march to the residence of the Chief Minister or spend a full day in a Government Office in order to get redressal for our grievances? Why do we have to FIGHT for our rights? Shouldn't the Government work FOR the people?
ReplyDeleteGRA should play the role of a "responsible opinion leader" , actively support good candidates. They should also explore the possibility of forming a Third Front or a new Regional Party for Goa, "totally independent from Congress, BJP and other existing parties". It should be a voice to make a DIFFERENCE, to bring about the CHANGE that people are anxious for.
GRA will lead the way to throw out the corrupt raj of Cowmuth and his cronies who are looting Goa in broad daylight. It is high time that every Goan should support GRA. Hope GRA will not be another replica of SHAVE GOA that was created by Chorchill, the hybrid pig of Varca. GRA should also close doors to corrupt people from the current and past adminstrations and should have principles. It should not vanish like GBA. We support your cause and we will generate all energy to support you in terms of finance and logistics.
ReplyDeleteI salute these young minds who have decided to come together on a common platform of saving Goa, Goans and Goanness...I am with you all...
ReplyDeleteGood Job ..GRA...TIME TO HAVE A THIRD FRONT GOVERMENT FOR GOANS as the ruling and the opposition are not much choice left for Goans any longer . as for the Goan politicians it does matter either they are in rulling or in opposition.. THE MESS HAVE TO STOPPED RIGHT AWAY.. This is a same type of Awakening happening in the Tunisia and Libya..as we can see Ben Ali and Libya type MLA in our own back yard.. HOW LONG THIS SAME FACES HAVE TO RULE US THAN TO SERVE US...Democracy has failed us as it allows vindication by the same people whom we elect without any accountabilitty and thus corruption and GANG RULE and TIME has come now to change this age old system which are fore father installed when full country was majority illiterate and uneducated and is the Blue print of the west which is unfit for INDIA.
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