As the last but most exciting days of 2005 draw to a close, it would be nice to delve into the spirit of things happening around us, of our lovely Goa and it’s wonderful musicians that have made us proud all these years, of the camaraderie and bonhomie that is there in the music industry here.

I remember many years ago when I was enjoying a meal at one of the restaurants in Rome. Then, I was quite surprised to note that most of our popular songs from the Portuguese era were popular songs in Italy too, albeit in Italian. To which my friends and I felt so comfortable and relaxed since it felt so much like home. However, this was cruelly shortlived since it was only the music that was the same while everything else that is so special in the spirit of Goa was missing.

It was so sad to note that the musicians played only for their pockets whilst forgetting that it has to feed the soul too. The greed was so evident in the way they generally handled the whole situation. Quite obviously, and sadly, the happy feel of the land dissipated in a jiffy. Is this where we could be possibly heading to, too?

While it is common knowledge that our musicians have suffered long years of being overworked and underpaid, does it mean that we should avenge that suffering by swinging all the way to the other side? Since Goa has become one of the most favoured destinations in the world today, we are in serious danger of selling our soul for a few pieces of silver, something that is so alien to our spirit, and more importantly, to the very Goanness that has made all this growth happen in the first place.

As we are soon going to celebrate Christmas, a festival that symbolizes love and friendship, it is important that we work together in a spirit of co-optition (which is co-operative competition) where we understand that however competitive and greedy we might want to be, the plain and simple fact is that we are in the same boat, and the wellbeing of each other is important to all.

And most importantly, we must remember that for time immemorial, Goans have been very special people, full of culture, depth, family values, intelligence, musical brilliance and a lot more. And it is this musical brilliance that has been the foundation of our culture. Quite naturally, we must always hold to it dearly and remember that it is this gifting from God that makes us what we are. And instead of calling ourselves the Rome of the East, maybe it is more appropriate for someone to call themselves the Goa of the West. God bless us all.

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