Goa was long known for its strong societal connects, communal networks and helpfulness, extended families often with close ties
Last evening, shortly after the early December sunset, the phone buzzed. It was from an unfamiliar number, which I later learnt was in Mumbai. The caller went on to say that he had been in touch with me earlier, that I'd probably forgotten it, but now he was calling over an unusual matter.
"Okay, tell me," I said.
The story went something like this. A lady had been found dead in her home in Bombay (now, officially Mumbai). She had been living alone, and her body was waiting to be claimed. Her brother had been a prominent musician, who had migrated to the USofA many moons ago.
Since I had interviewed another prominent Bombay musician, would I have any clue as to how to track down the family?
But that's not really the point here. What is, to my mind at least, were some details in the case. It seemed like the kind of story which we keep hearing, once and again, in our times.
The family had some misunderstanding over properties. This probably aggravated the misunderstandings and the distance. Thus, what had happened in Bombay some decades ago, can now be seen as a trend which is fast catching on in Goa.
As real estate values skyrocket, it becomes worth fighting with one another. Including between close relatives and siblings. Without intending to judge the facts in each case, the reality is that (i) this happens with amazing frequency (ii) there are some who want to instigate such trends -- especially property brokers and politicians with a finger in the pie, sometimes lawyers who benefit from lengthy litigation too (iii) this divides families and breaks societal links (iv) finally, the futility of it all shows up in that ultimate leveller called death.
Goan society is facing increasing strains in our times. This is true with other communities too. Except that, here, it is all that more dramatic. Partly because Goa was long known for its strong societal connects, communal (in the best sense of the word) networks and helpfulness, extended families often with close ties.
It was also this that helped the Goans of another era to build 'kudds' in Bombay or Calcutta and Karachi. To set up schools and parishes, expat associations and club houses across the globe, even temples in distant Kerala. To stay united through their clubs and language networks (and sometimes caste-based ones too).
But now social connections are wearing out. And all (or mostly) due to money. Sometimes, politics. Egos. Things that don't matter in the long run.
We can blame our political class for poor decision making, selfishness, and a lack of a long-term vision. Also greed, and a lot many other things. But, it is also our own mismanaging of our responsibilities that is braking down social cohesiveness.
This is not aimed at blaming one party or the other, in a dispute or estrangement. Migration and distances have their own logic. Many leave home with the best intentions. Then they may not be able to keep in touch. Also, each one has their own perspectives on issues.
Across the communities such trends are becoming apparent. This is especially among the more-affluent, and those who have more to fight over. But it hits people across the community or religious divide.
Some months ago, a friend from the Hindu goldsmith community said the families he knew were facing a growing number of divorces. "I don't know what it is like in among Catholics...." he politely added.
It's the same there too, maybe worse. If you open any issue of the relevant official gazettes of the Government of Goa, you'll see evidence of this trend. Likewise is the case with 'Renewal/Renovacao/Novsorrni', the pastoral bulletin of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman. Progress comes at a price, and sometimes with unintended consequences.
Given all these changes, it is time for religious and social organisations to be aware of the same, and even work towards solutions. The Church, groups like the Bombay-based Goa Hindu Association, and other networks need to build awareness about such social trends which are cutting deep into us.
Land can also be seen as a form of identity. The land a person is connected to, often through ancestry, cultural practices, or simply a deep personal connection, becomes a significant part of his or her self-perception. It gives a sense of belonging, essentially shaping their identity on a deep level.
Today, as Goans get increasingly alienated from their own lands -- either due to economic pressures-to-sell, political hostility and lack of support, distance, corruption or whatever reason -- there is scope for concern here as well.
We fight over land, and lose our family connections. Migration makes these links slender. We lose and land, and then risk the loss of our identity as well.
Clearly, there is a need for more concern and awareness to be raised on this front. In recent times, initiatives have come up to take forward campaigns to protect comunidades, fight land grabs, and be aware of rackets related to our State.
In recent weeks, the NGO Street Providence announced an initiative called the 'Property Safeguarding Services'. It plans to help safeguard house and properties against encroachments, especially for expats. It also offered home maintenance plans. How effective these can be are yet to be seen. Among its goals were safeguarding Goan properties from illegal grabs, reducing the sale of Goan land, and to also promote shelter homes (its primary goal) while doing so.
But merely mouthing good intentions is not enough. This obviously is a serious issue, and it's one which calls for immediate work and effective action. May better wisdom prevail.
