It is disturbing that despite being the world’s largest democracy we are fearful and hesitate to openly express our views and opinion on an issue. But it is understandably so because of the vindictive regime we are enveloped in.
However more so as an Advocate, I think it would be an act of hypocrisy to gossip in the corridors of the Courts on what is wrong rather than having the spine to take the bull by the horn.
Many years ago, it was an unpleasant task to raise before the Chief Justice of India an inappropriate act by the then Chief Justice of our High Court while on his official visit to Goa. Coincidentally he missed the bus and his dream of elevation to the Supreme Court.
In recent years, I had the arduous task of writing to every Supreme Court Judge giving them detailed reasons why Atmaram Nadkarni should not be elevated as a Judge of the Highest Court of our country. In my attempt to prevent the dawn of the darkest day in India’s Judiciary, it was also an opportunity to let every Judge of the Supreme Court read my letter and know that this wide awake soul existed in Goa.
It is my endeavor every morning to reach out to thousands of fellow brothers and sisters across the globe through Face book, WhatsApp, Twitter, besides other internet mailing lists and express my view and create awareness on an issue of concern.
I firmly believe in everyone’s right to have an opinion. Having expressed mine, the floor is wide open for all to express their view and for the world to Judge.
Through the last over four decades raising issues against the illegalities of successive governments has not been an easy task. Truth hurts but it is only truth that should always ultimately prevail.
We should never ever surrender our fundamental right to speak out openly and candidly against anything that we feel is wrong. Let us never hesitate to fight the chronic cancer of corruption, nepotism and bad governance in Goa which needs to be dealt with an iron hand.
In fighting against the government the threat to one’s life always looms large. But as always I remain unperturbed. I would rather die with a hope, rather than have hope die inside me. It is the dedicated prayers and the love showered by the common men that keeps me going.
May the care, concern and compassion of every Goan wherever he or she is be always for Goa. We will all one day depart but our Goa must live on.
