Yet another letter to the Editor of Herald Goa that does not get published.
Sir,
The Goa shinning story reflected by Blaise Costa Bir (in Herald 5 / 2 /11) is reflective of elitist parameters of what gets dubbed as development or progress. No one denies that stake holders in commerce and industry have not benefited from the warped development policies of this liberated State. The problem is with the last man who lives in the village, for whom Mahatma Gandhi had dreamt independence. Has that frutified?
For those who can afford the air plane and private car as a predominant mode of transport along with the mobile and internet as an extended voice, there is definitely some glitter. But when did Mr. Costa Bir last travel in a public bus or, when was he last reaped off by the taximan at the airport or at an inter state bus stand? When did he last have to go without a drop of water in the house for 48 to 60 hours? When did he last have to put up with an electricity black out for twelve hours or even two days? When did he last walk on a foot path in the city or, was compelled to walk across the four lane National Highway cutting through the village with cars zooming at 80 kms. an hour? When has he last attended a Gram Sabha to put forth his village problems, or availed of a government social welfare scheme? This list of the aam admi could be never ending. Only then would one objectively get to know whether Goa is shinning or blinking.
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