Oppn plays second fiddle
A quiet but powerful shift is unfolding in Goa’s political landscape. From coastal villages to the hinterland, citizens are rising in protest against mega projects, illegal constructions, deforestation and large-scale hill cutting. Unlike in the past, where Opposition parties often spearheaded agitations and mobilised public sentiment, the current wave of resistance is largely by villagers, local communities, activists and environmental groups. Opposition parties have found themselves in a supporting role, for example in Chimbel. Similarly, in Cuncolim, protests against a proposed fish meal plant have been led primarily by villagers. Though the Assembly constituency is represented to the Leader of the Opposition, the agitation is not party-driven. Opposition parties have raised issues of hill cutting, questionable clearances, and environmental violations in the Assembly. Yet legislative criticism appears to have had limited impact since tangible government action often seems slow or absent. The Opposition today appears to be playing second fiddle by amplifying people’s voices rather than shaping the narrative. Citizens are no longer waiting for political parties to champion their causes. This reflects a healthy democracy where people actively defend their interests. It demonstrates that despite the mandate, elected governments remain accountable. Transparency, environmental sensitivity and community consent are no longer optional but essential.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Galgotias shame
Wondering who would hire graduates from Galgotias University now. With the robotic dog fiasco attracting international scrutiny, an even more pressing concern emerges, if the students of this institution aspire to pursue higher education abroad, which reputable international institutions would be willing to admit them? Unlike those who were responsible for properly vetting such claims, private sector employers and global academic institutions maintain far more rigorous and uncompromising evaluation processes. Reputation harm of educational bodies also mars the future prospects of its students. It is prudent to be honest than being an outcast.
Rekha Sarin, Benaulim
A welcome initiative
The Goa Spiritual Festival is being held in the state including at Calangute beach. It is a welcome initiative. In today’s materialistic society, such gatherings can foster peace, harmony, and moral reflection. If successful, similar events could even be organised near casino hubs, symbolically balancing spiritual values with areas often associated with social concerns. Former chief minister Manohar Parrikar once remarked that casino revenue was ‘sin money’. In this context, I would like to know whether government funds are being used to finance the festival. If so, future events should ideally involve public contributions and community participation, ensuring transparency and a stronger sense of ownership among citizens. The festival is a positive step, but with careful planning, openness, and collective involvement, it has the potential to grow into a meaningful annual tradition for Goa.
Evaristo Fernandes, Merces
On Bengali sentiments
With the West Bengal elections approaching, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP leaders have sought to appeal to Bengali sentiments by honouring cultural icons. However, their attempts have sometimes revealed a lack of sensitivity to Bengali traditions. During a Lok Sabha discussion on the 150 years of Vande Mataram, Modi first referred to its author Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay as “Bankim da” but quickly shifted to “Bankim Babu,” which many Bengalis view as disrespectful. Similarly, while paying tribute on Ramakrishna Paramahamsa’s birth anniversary, Modi mistakenly addressed him as “Swami Ramakrishna Paramahansa.” In Bengali tradition, Ramakrishna is revered as “Thakur” or “Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa,” while the title ‘Swami’ is reserved for his disciples, such as Swami Vivekananda. Modi claims personal spiritual connection with Swami Atmasthananda of the Ramakrishna Math, who advised him against becoming a monk and guided him toward public service. I must point to Modi’s repeated cultural missteps and urge him to respect Bengali heritage.
Bidyut Kumar Chatterjee, Faridabad
Shield of social justice
Modern world has no limitations but there are races, classes and religions that are deprived of equal and fair access to education, healthcare and employment among others. Social justice aims at correcting this, and a robust social justice system encompasses social integration, equal employment opportunities and poverty eradication. Social development and social justice are indispensable to each other, and to foster peace. The theme ‘Social protection and decent work for all’ for the 2026 Social Justice Day concentrates on practical policies that help build resilient societies. Social protection mechanisms and labour rights, social interaction and inclusive public services are important interest areas.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
