Author: K Mani / F Noronha Genre: , ,
ISBN: 978-81-905682-8-9 Price (PB) : Rs. 150 Mail Enquiry
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Goa is often subsumed in media-driven cliches of being a beach-sun-and-fun place. This dominant projection sidetracks a range of other issues. Social activist Kalanand Mani and journalist Frederick Noronha focus on concerns emerging from the farm and field, and tell the story of a Goa often overlooked. They track down other work focussing on the concerns of the poor, in a way that seeks to build a closer understanding of Goa’s heartland.

In 12 chapters, it focuses on issues of rural displacement, poor health that still harms many in Goa, the impact of alcoholism, and casteism in Goa. It also touches on the impact of mining, mismanagement of Goa’s huge water potential, the promise and perils of panchayati raj here, concerns of rural and poor women, and the reality that hides behind Goa’s claims to be one of India’s best States. The book takes a close look at the reality emerging from official figures too. It points to these figures to show too, to show that the reality can be far from what is usually officially projected.

It narrates stories of huge sums wasted on large irrigation projects, hospitals built and lying under-utilised, the mysterious loss of assets of Hospicio and Asilo hospitals after their takeover by the government, and other wastes which Goa can little afford even as her people face the pressures. “Goa is often subsumed in media-driven cliches of being a beach-sun-and-fun place. The dominant image we are left with is of a State on permanent holiday, urbanised and inhabited by a Westernised middle-class. But its dominant projection sidetracks a range of other issues.”