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The Goan Flag - Berardo Pinto-Pereira
(I believe this is
going to make a good "pastime" debate! I wish there was a bit of
extra Feni and few Caju Nuts being Roasted smell around!)
SURVIVAL is a fundamental human trait. It has been and continues to be
manifested in many ways. "Increase & Multiply",
"Survival & Upkeep of Male Descendants", etc. have been the
paradigms of the past in maintaining this (Survival) trait. Today, this
trait (or is it an instinct?) is being manifested in different ways and
modalities. White-Black Race Relations (The old Race Supremacy?), Goa for
the Goans, Maharashtra for the Maharashtrians, etc. are some of these
modalities.
Now, this Goa for Goans, Goa Independent, Goa Flag, according to me is
another manifestation of a legitimate SURVIVAL instinct which many of us
cherish. It is very much linked with the way we were brought up, and the
way we, first as individuals, and then as a "niche group"
maintain it. I am sure that this instinct will "pass away" with
the generation. (How long does
it take for a generation to pass away?)
The fact of the
matter is Goa is a part of India, the Goans who live there have great
adoration and respect for India (which is a great country), and all the
rest follows later, and if there is something which goes against this
fundamental issue, than that issue (including Goan Flag) is a private
"Club" Festivity and Joy!
As I write this, I am reminded of my own manifestations on this
"Survival" instinct in the days gone by:
1. January 26, 1962: (Republic Day of India): Got myself involved in
tying a 8 by 12 inches of Indian Flag, and a "Maco of Foguetes"
to the tail of mid size pig in Boca da Vaca, and releasing the pig with
the Foguetes burning, and few other pranks!
Of course, I
paid for them by spending few hours at the Police Station in Panjim, and
coming out of it (not repenting, but with a "Hero" attitude)
2. In April or May 1962 (don't remember the exact date) playing "gummot"
on Mr. Sinari's (who eventually became Police Commissioner of Tihari Jail)
tummy on the occasion of "Heraldo" demonstration (Heraldo is to
be distinguished from O Heraldo). Incidentally, Mr. Sinari and I
became very
friendly. and respected each other, and even were on a civilian committee
in Margao at the time of 1971 Bangladesh war. Mr. Sinari was Margao Police
Commissioner then,.
3. In November, 1962, when India was in deep trouble (Chinese War) when
all the social functions in Goa were called off, I had the pleasure to
join few others to host a soiree at Hotel Mandovi. Of course, by this time
we were wise, and invited Minister of Information of the Military
Government to be the Chief Guest (and he accepted it!) and we offered the
revenue (which was around Rs. 1,000) to the Indian Jawans! Of course, the
poor Government did not realize that this soiree was held on November 25,
the day of "Reconquista de Goa".
C'est la vie friends.
Berardo Pinto Pereira May 2000