I am the state whose name alone is enough to create an image full of emerald beaches, casinos and resorts in one’s mind. I hate to boast, but I am one of those rare places, where the heights of hills kiss the depths of the sea. Actors and actresses may be in dearth of ‘meaty’ roles but I have a substantial part in many movies. I have also been crowned as the richest state of India. So, in short I
have everything a state could ask for. But that’s all that you know about me…
Under this sheen of glitter and glamour lie turbid truths which the temporary tourists tend to miss. English may seem pleasing to the ears, but nothing soothes like the native language. But, alas, my mother tongue ‘Konkani’ itself is in danger because few teach it and fewer are interested to learn. Not everyone here is wealthy who wouldn’t care if their money goes down the gambling-drain.
Many here suffer due to lack of education and then lack of employment. And when cheap liquor (cost-wise rather than quality-wise) and murky emotions mix, it leads to more misery. My underdevelopment makes me feel that I am god-blessed but man-cursed. Sometimes, I blame my delayed liberty and sometimes I blame my robes for hiding my scarred body, for this sorry state of affairs.
But with these daggers in my heart I still smile at my guests who come from far-away places to admire my beauty. I don’t shriek for help, but am silently enthralled when an NGO or a journalist comes to the rescue of my dark side and I continue to hope that one day these tears of mine will turn into the cheers of my citizens. This is my story.
Yours lovingly, Goa.
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