Celebrating history
Today (August 23), the vibrant island of Divar comes alive as the Piedade Youth Association is all geared up to host the much-awaited Bonderam Festival, the traditional flag festival of Goa, and celebrate 50 successful years of the association. The festival recalls the centuries-old land disputes between villages on Divar island and the Portuguese colonial authorities, a time when locals would tear down flags to protest land claims. Today, the festival transforms this history into a joyous occasion with a colorful flag parade, a fancy dress competition, and a traditional float parade. The name ‘Bonderam’ comes from the Portuguese word ‘bandeira’, meaning flag. The festival features street dancing, music festivals with bands and performers flocking to the island. It’s a significant event that showcases the rich cultural heritage and unique history of Goa and its people. Initially, it was only celebrated within the community but today people from different parts of the country and the world visit Goa specially to attend this festival. However, Bonderam festival is not a state festival, but rather a popular and vibrant cultural fest. While the festival is not a celebration against the Portuguese colonial rule in the sense of an anti-colonial uprising, it does originate from a period of tension and resistance related to the Portuguese administration’s land policies. Given the historical significance of the festival as it reminds one of the repressive rule during the Portuguese regime which lasted for 451 years, it would be in the fitness of things for the Goa government to declare Bonderam Festival as a state festival.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
A right step
The urban development department’s recent notification, declaring that expired municipal property leases will be treated as terminated if not renewed on time, is a welcome move. Across Goa, many municipal properties are occupied by tenants whose leases expired — in some cases, over 20 years ago. These occupants allegedly continue running businesses, profiting without paying rent, taxes, or utility charges, putting an unfair burden on law-abiding citizens. A prime example is the Panaji municipal market, where over 1,000 shopkeepers are reportedly operating illegally, with dues allegedly exceeding Rs 20 crore. Despite a court directive asking the CCP to regularise leases and recover outstanding amounts, little progress has been made. This raises serious concerns: are vested interests deliberately stalling action to protect defaulters? Strict enforcement is urgently needed to uphold accountability and relieve taxpayers from carrying the burden caused by such unauthorised, long-term occupancies.
Rosario Menezes, Vasco
Weapons against Oppn
The recent bills of the central government propose that the prime minister, chief ministers and other ministers may be removed from their positions if they are in jail for 30 days on serious charges. They need not be convicted. Detention can be prolonged through administrative orders, often without trial. The government has sought to justify the bills on the ground of public interest and the need for elected representatives to be honest and above suspicion. However, going by the present government’s record, these ethical and moral arguments would be mere excuses for targeted actions against the opponents. Upon implementation, it will become another weapon in the hands of the central government to target Opposition parties and their ministers. Upholding morality in public life and fighting corruption are ideas that people will appreciate. But to remove something good in the bid of getting rid of something bad is not the sensible idea that people would opt for. Democracy does not offer rulers such luxuries either. The bills have made entry to the joint parliamentary committee for scrutiny.
Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai
Undemocratic move
The recent bills proposing the removal of the prime minister, chief ministers, and ministers if detained for 30 consecutive days on criminal charges raise serious concerns about the misuse of power. The people are well aware that central agencies like the IT, ED, CBI, and NIA are often used selectively against Opposition leaders, especially in non-BJP-ruled states. In contrast, leaders with pending cases who join the BJP or its allies often see their charges disappear. Now, with these new bills, there seems to be a clear political motive: to target non-BJP leaders, have them jailed under questionable charges, and disqualify them from office — potentially allowing the BJP to seize control of Opposition-led states. This move is being seen as undemocratic and authoritarian, especially with the controversial provision allowing governors — who have often acted in alignment with the Centre — to remove elected state leaders. While Opposition parties have strongly opposed the bills, it is disheartening that leaders like Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar have supported them, seemingly ignoring the long-term risks to themselves and Indian democracy. Though the PM is technically included under these bills, the likelihood of the ruling party ever facing such consequences is minimal.
Tharcius S Fernando, Chennai
