A letter to Anesimo: The Goan condition

Ben Antao

Dear Anesimo:

I think, Anesimo, you have identified a solution to the Goan condition, when you state

"PROBLEMS OF CASTE AND EGO MUST BE CAST ASIDE AND WE NEED A FEW GUYS TO COORDINATE."

As one who lives in the U.K., you are surely aware of what psychological damage a class-based society can inflict upon the citizens of a country. I am sure you're also aware that not all Goans in the U.K. treat one another as equals.

So perhaps you can work towards changing this attitude by, first of all, changing your own perception of the dignity of human beings; and secondly, by treating all people as if they are equal to you in dignity.

Of course, there would be a few people who are born with superior genes and therefore do well in school and then get a good education and good jobs. Then there are others who are not as lucky. Still we must look upon the unfortunate and the poor as our brothers and sisters and help them out.

This is where one's philosophy of life comes into play--If you're a Catholic or Christian like me, we have got it made. We only have to practise our faith. And if you need a signpost for a start, Read Matthew's Gospel Chapter 5--the eight beatitudes.

Two days ago, the Pope dwelled on these beatitudes in his message to the world's youth who have gathered in Toronto for the World's Youth Day.

In all my experience as a Catholic journalist in Goa, Bombay and Toronto (from 1960-1975) I have never encountered a priest or a bishop who gave a better insight (homily) into the beatitudes than Pope Paul II who called the Beatitudes (Blessed are there who...) the Magna Carta of Christianity. Wow!

Re:I AM SURE THAT THE YOUNGER GUYS ARE MORE OPEN MINDED AND FORESIGHTED AND REALISTIC THAN SOME OF THE OLDER GENERATION. I AM WITH YOU AND I AM SURE YOU WILL HAVE PLENTY OF GUYS LIKE ME. WE HAVE TO MAKE A START FROM SOMEWHERE.

I agree. Let's work towards putting our faith into action then. And trust me, Anesimo, you will experience such joy by loving your neighbor that every day you'll feel as if you're on top of the world. That's how I feel right now as I am communicating this idea to you.

All the best.

Ben Antao
July 27, 2002