Case for dual citizenship
The longstanding demand for dual nationality by the Indian diaspora remains unfulfilled. The government should try and bring this issue to a logical conclusion. The fulfilment of the demand would be in everyone’s best interests. It would be prudent for the central government to grant dual nationality as overseas Indians can have a foreign nationality and still maintain very close links with their motherland. Surely, this could be an emotional as well as financial win-win situation for the nation. A positive decision on the demand would come as a great relief to many who, through birth, or for historical and professional reasons, have acquired another citizenship. It is pertinent to note that a large number of countries in the world, including major powers, allow dual citizenship. We should not forget that we are living in an age where the world is a global village just like no man is an island.
Aires Rodrigues, London
‘Viva Portugal’ debate
The slogan ‘Viva Portugal’ has stirred a debate in Goa, reopening conversations about history, identity and memory. For some, it may appear to be a harmless cultural expression. For others particularly in places like Cuncolim it evokes painful memories of colonial rule. The Portuguese regime is remembered for economic control, the suppression of dissent, and episodes of brutality. One of the most cited examples of resistance is the Cuncolim Revolt of 1583, where local chieftains resisted Portuguese authority. For many in Cuncolim, therefore, ‘Viva Portugal’ is not merely a slogan. It is a reminder of subjugation and sacrifice. However, India and Portugal today share cordial diplomatic ties. Former Portugal prime minister António Costa, who is of Goan origin, was the chief guest at the 77th Republic Day celebration in Delhi. However, friendly diplomatic relations do not erase colonial history. Nor does cultural appreciation justify ignoring past suffering. Hence such slogans can be perceived as glorifying a former colonial power. Some compare ‘Viva Portugal’ with ‘Pakistan Zindabad’. The analogy, however, is imperfect. Pakistan is an enemy country. In contrast there are no hostilities between India and Portugal. Rather than framing the debate as patriotism versus betrayal, it may be more constructive to approach it with sensitivity.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
A time for inner change
We have now entered the season of Lent – a period of 40 days of austerity, set aside every year by the Church, commencing Ash Wednesday to Good Friday. The number 40 was chosen after the example of Jesus Christ who taught us the need of prayer and fasting by fasting for 40 days and 40 nights in the desert. The note of penance is forcibly sounded by the Church not only by the imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday, but also by the use of purple vestments, omission of joyful songs, Gloria and Alleluias during Church services. As pilgrims on a journey to our heavenly abode, Lent offers us a golden opportunity to give up our sinful ways, by repenting and returning to the path of righteousness. The externals of imposition of ashes on foreheads matter little, if we do not undertake acts of forgiveness, penance and charity for sins committed.
AF Nazareth, Alto Porvorim
Unproductive expenses
Pre-2014 during the UPA era government advertisements were largely scheme-centric (education, health, sanitation) without prominent branding of a particular leader. Average annual publicity spend was Rs 550 crore. Post-2014 during the Modi era, spending surged significantly, with a shift to digital/polished production and more leader-centric content. RTI/parliamentary data reveal that Rs 12,000 crore has been spent over the past decade on extensive campaigns prioritising self-promotion over dedicated education and health advertisements. This is just a criminal public funded self-aggrandizement scheme to promote brand PM Modi as a tall leader or a global statesman. The common man can only sit and watch in despair as anyone questioning or objecting to the cult of personality would immediately be branded as a traitor and antinational.
Rekha Sarin, Benaulim
Sitting on tinderbox
The recent chemical factory blasts in Karnataka’s Basaralu in Mandya district and Rajasthan’s Bhiwadi have claimed more than 10 poor labourers’ lives. The gory incidents reveal how safety norms are ignored in hazardous establishments. The absence of emergency exits continues to plague major Indian factories raising questions about whether fire safety norms and functional firefighting tools were in place at all. Inefficient higher supervision is the predominant reason behind such tragedies. Procedures for producing gases are rarely followed, and lax law enforcement pushes vulnerable workers into danger. The Factories Act 1948 urgently needs strengthening. Most of our Acts remain only on paper. The exploitation of the gullible, blatant disregard for rules and regulations, corruption, politician-businessman nexus, all these have ensured that no worker in India is truly safe.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
