It is high time government, society supported community-led activities for sustainable living
The other day, there was a discussion on how village-based institutions in Goa could be revived. Such issues, while being relevant to some villages, actually affect multiple places. The issues can be complex. You may have institutions, but activity might be lacking. Or, enthusiastic people lack an organisation under which this can be done. Sometimes, a once-active committee could have lapsed into inactivity. What then is the best way to make the most of Goa’s grassroots creativity and inter-generational engagement to promote economic opportunity and cultural preservation — preferably in a community-led and sustainable way?
For a long time, creativity at Goa’s grassroots has made a difference to local society. One can count many among these: theatre, songs, festivities, clubs, language initiatives, community publications, traditional crops, collaborative farming and grazing, gaunkar collectives, village-based social networks, educational initiatives local innovation, herbal knowledge and shared traditional medicine, diasporic remittance-fuelled house-building and village economy boost, local food promotion campaigns. One of the biggest — and amazing — achievements was the way in which low-lying khazan lands were reclaimed from riverine areas through collaborative work that changed the topography and geography of Goa.
But in our times, it is easier to find despondency over continuing such initiatives. How do we sustain these? If the government is to have some role, it should go beyond just doling out grants. Government schemes exist, but not all deserving may be aware. Many such schemes are targeted at youth — offering help for job fairs, skilling camps, apprenticeship drives, free training in tourism, hospitality, plumbing, IT, etc. There are loans of up to Rs 25 lakh for youth starting small businesses, a seed capital scheme, and financial and mentorship support for youth innovators. EDC Ltd operates the Chief Minister’s Rojgar Yojana targeted at the unemployed youth of Goa. It has so far sanctioned more than Rs 220 crore to around 7,500 entrepreneurs. The Nehru Yuva Kendra promises funds for youth clubs (for events, camps and community service), while the Purple Fest offers skill-building and networking for the differently-abled. There are even cultural grants for amateur youth and theatre groups.
Undeniably, institutions and youth initiatives cannot depend only on government support to thrive and grow. Training is essential. Small grants — from sources beyond the government — can make a big difference. There is a crying need to rejuvenate community spaces such as institutes, panchayat halls, school premises and the like, to get them to host useful activities.
We need to remind ourselves of the creative potential of all, especially elders, women and youth, especially as Goa’s population greys fast. Festivals and culture have a role to play here. So does documenting and archiving village oral histories, customs and architecture. It is time for the government and society as a whole to support local museums, however small, and heritage walks, etc. Goa also lacks its own digital archive initiatives. Mobile training camps, in fields like digital literacy, crafts, music or language skills, could add value.
Mentorship programmes, which pair retired professionals with youth, need to be given thought. Learning hubs have come up in small numbers in Goa; much more is possible. These can focus on school support, preparation for competitive exams or language learning.
Goa also needs to focus on its earlier strengths. This includes promoting its artisans, who are fading away in some cases, musicians and home chefs. All this will also help Goa’s citizens to get an improved Happiness Index rating.
