Where Goa is Shining.

(17 Jun ‘12)

            Taksheel. The moment my friend Isabel said his name, I knew he was the same driver who used to drop me home after  late evening shifts long years ago when I used to work in a hotel. This driver was as unusual as his name. One night, I remember, as he drove the battered, rented taxi, he asked me the meaning of 'adhyatmak'. Why did he want to know that, I’d asked him back. He had come across this word several times in books, and he couldn't fathom its meaning. He further confessed that whenever he had to wait for a passenger, he read books. Mostly in Marathi, but some in English, too. Whilst he waited for arriving 'guests' at the airport or station, when they enjoyed themselves on the beaches and clicked pictures at Old Goa or Priol, Taksheel did more than just read. He did his graduation and then a distance-learning course in Administration. He tried his hand at Law, but he couldn't complete the course. He wasn't going to get a job, for there were age limits for jobs. Besides, he was doing well at driving taxis. The one we sat in recently, a big fancy vehicle, belonged to him. What his efforts led to is what is important. His daughter and niece are both training to be professionals, one as a manager (doing her MBA) and the other a doctor (MBBS).

            In recent weeks, I have attended two meetings and one workshop held by Roland Martins of GoaCan. He and his associate, Lorna, hold their Friday Balcao in a small office in Mapusa, about 10 minutes walking distance from the bus-stand. For the last over a decade, they have worked for the consumer. No power, no money involved. At one meeting, which was on patient rights (in hospitals, with doctors, pharmacists, technicians and the bills!!), a couple walked in carrying some x-rays and reports, complaining bitterly about a blank x-ray, poor diagnosis and bad treatment. Instant guidance could be given because there were doctors present amongst the members present. I have learned that this Friday Balcao has discussed matters as diverse as the loos at the Kadamba Bus Stands (why shouldn't they be clean, and why should they charge more than the decided rate?), the garbage disposal at the GMC (we're cribbing about the mines polluting our beloved state, but GMC's garbage is as dangerous and closer to the capital) as well as how citizens can make Goa a No Tobacco zone.

Impressively, Lorna personally stores the batteries that committed citizens hand over to her for disposal. Present at the Goa Needs a Green Economy meeting was Ashley who has made it a part of his business to dispose of old computers, keyboards, monitors and other electronic goods. If this movement of keeping Goa clean (literally and figuratively) takes off from here, I wouldn't be surprised. One gent walked in and wanted to know where and how he could address a traffic problem. He was promptly given the name and number of the concerned official in the correct department with advice to go armed with the required documents. This is action. This is where Goa is shining.

            Two veterinarians from North Goa, one was Dr Bhosale, the other's name escapes me, my bad, brought up the topic of dog and snake bites. Do our primary centres have rabies and snakebite antidotes handy? Can anyone expect to get quick and correct treatment for these deadly situations? Their concern for, and logical solutions and active involvement in educating villagers about getting rid of plastic waste as well as health issues were eye-openers.

            I don't see any of these positives in the news. So, I’ve decided, I will track down the good that's happening hereabouts and give it publicity. If you, dear Reader, know anyone who's doing his/her bit to make the planet a better place to live in, let me know at sheelajaywant@yahoo.co.in. Thanks and have a good monsoon.

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