With the New Year there comes a lot of hope and aspirations for the state, but will all these be fulfilled? NT BUZZ asked a few citizens what they see in store for Goa Calendars change, resolutions made and a new dawn rises with 2017. With a lot of hope and aspirations for the year ahead we asked a few people about what they aspire to see happening in Goa and how much of that could actually work in reality. Though not every dream is fulfilled, it is this very aspiration that keeps us working towards a better brighter future.
Goa is at the risk of maintaining its communal harmony as of now. Some people are taking wrong steps for their personal interest or political benefit without concerning about the future of Goa. My aspiration is that the communal harmony needs to be maintained in Goa in the year 2017 by the citizens without falling prey to the wrong move or self interest.
The reality may be positive or negative depending upon the actions of people during the election. If people elect the deserving representative at the election, communal harmony will be maintained. On the other hand, if people merely vote concerning about their self interest communal harmony in Goa will be at stake. Further, there will be communal riots and unnecessary violence. So, I request citizens to vote responsibly in 2017.”
Damodar Mauzo, writer
The year 2016 saw a lot of intolerance which was witnessed globally. I hope that year 2017 brings with it communal harmony fostering people to understand and develop love and understanding towards one another. Similarly people must strive towards preserving and protecting the ecology for the future generation. Lastly the politicians or the governing bodies should be concerned about the poor and marginalised rather than just focusing on the upper strata of the society. The poor and marginalised sections of the community are helpless and politicians must focus on improving their standard of living.”
Fr Savio Baretto, rector, Basilica of Bom Jesus
My aspiration for my Goa is that it has to be very clean, that is the only thing which I want. As a doctor I want my biomedical waste to be properly treated, I want all the garbage to be segregated properly and see that it treated properly. We can decrease at least 60 per cent of all the infectious diseases if we can make our surrounding clean, overall the health of the people will also increase.
As far as Biomedical waste treatment is concerned, I am trying very hard to get it done and I can assure you that in the coming time, North Goa will have a biomedical disposal facility.
Shekhar Salkar, consultant onco surgeon
Let me start with the reality of the situation which is an increased crime rate in the state, against foreigners by non Goan elements which impedes the growth of tourism. Keeping this harsh reality in mind, my aspiration for Goa in 2017 is for the tourism sector in the state to grow and for revenue to increase through this industry.
Andre Shackleton, corporate trainer
The New Year 2017 is very important for our Mother Goa for two reasons – it is the golden jubilee year of the historic Opinion Poll of 1967 and secondly it is the year of the assembly elections which will decide the fate of Goa. There should be state level celebrations of the Opinion Poll’s golden jubilee as it saved Goa from her merger with Maharashtra which the then MGP had planned. On the election front we need to have a fresh honest face in the assembly who will be for Mother Goa and preserving her. Goa’s natural heritage has been desecrated and sold to outsiders. These last ten years, from 2006-2016, have been the worst in the history of post liberation Goa, wherein Goa has been sold. Our dream for special status has been betrayed but we will continue our fight to attain special status for Goa. From being sold to corrupt governments and rotten politicians, we are hoping for a better government now. I will continue to fight for my Mother Goa’s natural, historical and cultural heritage and special status. Happy 2017 to all.
Prajal Sakhardande, president,
Goa Heritage Action group and associate professor, Dhempe College, Miramar
I am quite disappointed with government decisions at a state as well as national level that were taken in 2016. I hope that the year 2017 brings with it a change in government for Goa, but a change for the better. On an ecological front I would want the government to care for the ecology of Goa moreover the rustic beauty for which tourists visit Goa. We must promote a greener and cleaner Goa. We as people should also propagate communal harmony. I hope that the government in power provides youth with better or alternative job opportunity so that youth do not have to move abroad in search of better opportunities. Lastly, people should keep in mind road safety and must understand their responsibilities on the road.”
Prasad Pankar, fashion photographer
There are many entrepreneurs involved in harnessing renewable energy sources and recycling and upcycling. However, although there may be many players in the field, there is still a lot of waste that is still left behind after segregation and upcycling. This is a potential gold mine and could be further reprocessed and used to make products that could prove to be useful. My aspiration for the New Year is that there be expansion and further initiation of green industries in Goa. This will have dual benefit as it will help with green initiatives and will also meet the government’s target of creating jobs. The industries will open job avenues for the local people, thus creating employability.
Ajay Gramopadhye, Businessman, The Sustainable Green Company
The implementation of demonetisation by the ruling government at the end of 2016 was quite problematic for a few people. We hope that with the New Year these problems will start reducing. I hope that this year helps the Indian economy grow to a level so that our Indian rupee remains stable. Our banking should be toned up in terms of its financial discipline. With the state preparing for the 2017 elections we hope for a party with good governance to come in power.”
Pramod Kenny, banker and consultant advisor-foreign exchange
(Compiled by Janice Rodrigues, Sachi Naik, Sheras Fernandes and Alisha Nicole Carvalho)