Pg6 OPINION

OHERALDO
www.oheraldo.in

O HERALD O
Vol No CX No: 114
Adrian Hastings, scourge of the Portuguese
Goa, Monday, 25 April, 2011
Goa government should produce an encyclopedia of Goa’s freedom struggle, says TEOTÓNIO R DE SOUZA
Mining and
the police A t an international conference entitled «Chris-
ten und Gewürze» (Christians and Spices),
I had a long-desired opportunity of meeting
in Freising (Germany) in February 1997 this con-
troversial Roman Catholic priest who became fa-
become less favourable but they know that they
will then be first, not second class citizens, and cit-
izens of a great power, and that their future Patriarch
and future civic governors will be men of their own
race.”

I f incidents like the one at Cavrem happen more often, an

impression will surely gain ground that the Goa Police be-
have as if they are hired security guards of mine owners
rather than guardians of law and order. Chief Minister Digam-
bar Kamat has himself said on the floor of the Goa Legislative
Assembly that illegal mining is a major problem. How is it,
then, that those who protest against illegal mining are at
the wrong end of police lathis?
I n Cavrem, Quepem, 95 villagers including nine minors
were detained on Saturday by the Quepem police for nearly
10 hours for blocking mining traffic. On Friday, they had
filed a police complaint against a mining contractor and dif-
ferent mine owners under Section 3(v) and Section 4 of the
SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989. But their com-
plaint was not even registered.
The villagers had been peacefully agitating against illegal
mining and ore transportation since 14 April, but no authority
seems to have bothered to take notice. However, when they,
patience exhausted, came out on the streets to block the
road, three companies of Goa Armed Police as well as police
teams from Quepem, Sanguem and Curchorem swooped
down on them, dragged them away and took them to the
Quepem police station.
While the police will no doubt say that the villagers were
breaking the law by blocking traffic, is it not a fact that illegal
mining and illegal transportation of iron ore are also against
the law? When the police crack down on only one illegality
and turn a blind eye to the other, what message are they
sending?
It is only after a large crowd assembled outside the
Quepem Police Station and Sanguem MLA Vassudev Meng
Gaonkar and former Quepem MLA Prakash Velip interceded
on their behalf that those held were let off. Before that, the
Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) was demanding that
they sign a bond! What makes illegal miners into VVIPs and
affected citizens who protest against them into criminals?
Is it the fact that the former are wealthy? That they are pow-
erful politicians / ministers, or have intimate links with them?
Or both...?
Chief Minister Digambar Kamat needs to create confidence
among the people that the assurances he gives on the floor
mous as a scourge of the Portuguese rule in
Mozambique. He denounced the «Wiriyamu mas-
sacre» in The Times (1973), and spoke later at the
United Nations further denouncing a whole series
of massacres in the Mucumbura area between
May and November, 1971, for ghastliness rivalling
that of My Lai. It was a severe blow to the Por-
tuguese efforts at covering the atrocities of its
colonial operations in Africa.
Adrian Christopher Hastings was born on June
23, 1929 at Kuala Lumpur, where his father prac-
tised as a lawyer. The family moved to UK when
Adrian was two. He was educated at Worcester
College, Oxford, where he read History. In his
third year at Oxford, Hastings joined the White
Fathers, a Catholic missionary society in Africa,
but resolved to go there not as a missionary but
as a priest working under an African bishop. The
only black African Catholic bishop at the time
was the Ugandan Joseph Kiwanuka of Masaka.
Hastings completed his training for the priesthood
at the College of Propaganda Fide in Rome, where
he steeped himself in radical Catholic theology
and was ordained in 1955. Three years later, after
finishing his doctorate, he travelled to Uganda,
where he taught for six years in a seminary, al-
though he found his radical thinking somewhat
out of step with the conservative outlook of the
local clergy.
Following Vatican II (1962-65), Hastings was
asked to teach East African clergy about it. He
moved to Tanzania in 1966, and two years later
to Zambia. In 1970, a combination of worsening
malaria and his qualms about the role of a white
theologian in newly independent Africa persuaded
him to return home. Back in Britain, he was drawn
to controversy. His opposition to the Church ban
on artificial contraception angered the Vatican.
In 1978 he published a memoir, In Filial Disobedi-
ence, in which he questioned the imposition of
celibacy upon priests. His views on the matter
found fuller expression the following year when
he married a fellow academic, Ann Spence, in
HISTORIcAl ExplORATIONS
the college chapel at Selly Oak. He was automat-
ically barred from any priestly duties.
After holding teaching posts at the School of Ori-
ental and African Studies in London and at Aberdeen
University, Hastings returned to Africa in 1982 as
Professor of Religious Studies in the newly inde-
pendent Zimbabwe, where he wrote A History of
English Christianity. In 1985 he came back to Britain
as Professor of Theology at Leeds University and re-
mained there until his retirement in 1994. He con-
tinued to involve himself with political causes.
Adrian Hastings died in 2001, at the age of 71,
few years after I met him. I was touched by his in-
terest in posting to me some original clippings and
photocopies of his interventions in defence of Goa’s
right to freedom from the Portuguese colonial rule.
He was in 1954 still studying for priesthood at the
Collegio Urbano of Propaganda Fide, in Rome. He
was correspondent of The Catholic Herald and The
Tablet, two leading Catholic newspapers in London,
wherein he voiced his opinions and rejoinders to
The Examiner of Bombay, and to different reportings
on the issue elsewhere in Europe. Memorable is
Adrian Hastings response in The Tablet (Dec 11, 1954)
to Salazar’s discourse in the Portuguese National
Assembly on 30 November 1954, wherein he con-
veyed digs to the Propaganda Fide (and “men who
work there and who are trained in its colleges and
educated in its methods” whom he qualified as
“more royalist than the King, more papalistic than
the Pope”).
Wrote Adrian Hastings: “From quite early times
there has always been a fairly numerous native clergy
in Goa, but it was – and to some extent still remains
– a subordinate clergy. When so many younger
churches have received Indian bishops and arch-
bishops, and Bombay even an Indian Cardinal, Goa,
the first and most famous of them all, remains as
ever under a Portuguese Patriarch. (…) In numerous
different ways Goans have failed to receive genuine
equality with the Portuguese, and hence it is not
surprising that they are hardly enthusiastic, to say
the least, about maintaining their Portuguese status.
If they enter India, their economic situation may
Further in The Tablet of January 15, 1955, in re-
sponse to V M Ferrers in “Part of Portugal in India”
THE TABLET, Aug 14, 1954, p150, citing the account
of José Luís Araújo, a Goan arrested on that very
day, 14 August: “I was removed to Panjim, capital of
Goa and headquarters of the police force, and pushed
into a tiny cell which was already crowded with six
other political prisoners. One of them was Pandurang
Mayenkar, and ardent political worker, who had
been organising a welcome to the satyagrahi on Au-
gust 15. On August 15 we were all beaten up mer-
cilessly and I was kicked on my stomach. All the
time we were jeered at as ‘saviours of Goa’ and foul
abuse was showered on us. At 12 o’clock a batch of
seven prisoners was brought into the same cell.
They were residents of Parsem, a village in Pernem.
In this village four thousand people assembled to
hoist the national tricolor. One was a young lad,
Shrikrishna Mayenkar. This boy had made a speech
in the Mapusa garden in defiance of the police
and under their very noses. For this act, he was
dragged away and beaten up by the police. After
a few days’ time, this boy was beaten up so mer-
cilessly that he remained unconscious for full
three days”.
“And so on. Without doubt Mr Ferrers is unaware
of such facts; none the less I do not care to see a
cause which can make use of methods like these
described as ‘the concern of all Christendom´. If ´a
long and glorious history´ can really only be pro-
longed by the use of such means, it is perhaps time
for it be brought to a close.”
While we present token illustrations like these
from distant sources about Goa’s liberation struggle,
my appeal to Goa government and others interested
would be to make the golden jubilee commemoration
a fine occasion to launch a major research project
with adequate fundings that could help go far beyond
the puny traces gathered in “Who’s Who of Goa
Freedom Fighters” by the Goa Gazetteer Depart-
ment on the occasion of the silver jubilee of Goa’s
liberation and produce a multi-volume encycoplae-
dia of Goa’s freedom struggle.

of the legislative assembly are not just empty words. He
must ensure that every complaint against illegal mining is
promptly and properly investigated and, if justified, that im-
mediate action is taken to stop it.
Politicians and senior policemen, who do not seem to
understand what all the ‘fuss’ is about, should try living for
just one day in a village where the main road has bumper-
to-bumper traffic of large trucks carrying fine, dark red dust
– that infiltrates everywhere – from early morning till late in
the evening, everyday. Only then will they realise the ordeal
that people have to live through.
Michael learns
Wise Counsel
A few years ago, I remember hearing a story about a teacher
who gave one Easter egg to each student in the class. Her
instructions were for each of them to write what they enjoyed
most about Easter or what it meant to them.
A day before Easter, she opened each Easter egg given to her
students and read each of their messages. One little girl shared
how she loved to shop with her mother for a pretty dress for
Easter Sunday. Another student said that eating with the family
was what he enjoyed the most.
One little boy’s message was that he couldn’t wait to get all
those Easter eggs. And another wrote, I like having days off from
He has Risen
not as important as compared to how Jesus died for us on the
Cross.
I’ve heard it said that the Easter egg represents ‘new life’ – as a
chicken hatches from an egg. It is okay to enjoy the goodies at
Easter time, but let us not forget the real meaning of Easter.
We have to believe that Jesus has risen and hope to spend our
time eternally with him in heaven.
Those who live on what we might call “The outskirts of hope”
need a transfusion, which is given during Easter. The resurrection
gives our lives a meaning and direction and the opportunity to
start over, no matter the circumstances.
By Arlette Azavedo
everything he has for the beloved.
God proved his love for us by giving us the best he had to offer
— his only begotten son, who freely gave himself as an offering
to God for our sakes and as an atoning sacrifice for our sins, and
that of the world.
A spotless lamb was He. He bled and died for you and me.
Therefore, it is high time to change our lives for the better and
we can start from today itself.
Easter reminds me of how Christ died for the sake of my
soul, and how he rose from the dead. I can testify that because
of Easter, my Saviour, Jesus Christ, lives forevermore.

to run
school. Then the teacher came to an empty egg. It belonged to a Just as we dress our children in new clothes, God dressed his only God’s goal is to make all of us like his resurrected son. As for
little shy boy named Reece. son for us. He was not robed in a fancy dress; instead, he was me, Easter is the day when I would mediate and reflect on all

I
t’s no use merely suspending the police personnel who
were escorting gangster Michael Fernandes when he es-
caped yet again. Police suspensions are, more often than
not, ‘punishments’ in themselves. After some months, the
policemen are reinstated. This is not sufficient. Proper de-
partmental action must be taken. And, if the inquiry reveals
collusion or gross negligence, harsh action must follow. Oth-
erwise, the police will just become a laughing stock.
The teacher sternly asked Reece “what’s the idea of returning
an empty egg? Doesn’t Easter mean anything special to you?” De-
fensively, Reece quietly said, “The empty egg reminds me of the
empty tomb. My Mom and Dad always told me that this was the
main reason for the celebration.”
The teacher was amazed and found so much of truth in what
he said. Well, is Easter all about Easter bunnies and Easter eggs,
and new clothes?
Though these things are nice to have at Easter time, but it is
hung on a cruel cross for all to see, as men gambled on his clothing
at his feet.
Presently, we give baskets full of goodies and candy filled eggs
to our children and those of our friends. But, sadly Jesus was given
vinegar when he said, “I Thirst.”
They didn’t even offer him a glass of water; however, a sponge
was dipped in the sour liquid and lifted up to his innocent lips.
God gave his life for our sake. True love doesn’t count the cost;
it gives liberally. A true lover gives the best he has to offer, and
the benefits I enjoy with the blessings from the risen lord.
I am thankful for the life and love that God’s sacrifice represents.
I am thankful for the opportunities it has afforded me.
I am also thankful for the grace that abounds in me because
of that humble act.
Finally let me end with an apt quote “Jesus took my place on
the cross to give me a place in heaven.”
May you and your family enjoy the celebration of the Resur-
rection!

Letters to the Editor

Transport woes
Jonas Correia, Aldona
Aldona boasts, among a few villages in
Goa, of a vast transport system which takes
you to Panjim, Mapusa, and even to far off
places like Pune and Mumbai. But unfor-
tunately, the Mapusa bound buses follow
the trail which is probably the slowest any-
where.
There is also no limit to the number of
stops with each person wanting to get
down at their doorstep. This causes a lot
of inconvenience to people especially the
office goers/workers who have to reach
their destinations, or board an onward bus.
Even though the matter has been reported
to the transport authorities on several oc-
casions, the problem continues to persist.
Will the RTO please act fast?
DMD hypocrisy
Arwin Mesquita, UAE
I resent Bollywood degrading Goans par-
ticularly women. The recent release of the
movie Dum Maro Dum is really serious neg-
Smile with Smitha
ative publicity. I hoped in vain that the
screening be stopped, but at the same
time, I question the root cause? Who gave
approvals to shoot the movie? Transparency
International recently reported Goa as the
most corrupt state in India; is anyone sur-
prised?
I was shocked to know that drugs, pros-
titution, alcohol abuse and other evils are
prevalent in Goa. We deserve politicians
that we elect, glorify and publicise and if
we want to project a good image of Goa,
then it is of paramount importance that
we first clear the filth in our own backyard
and within ourselves!
Money talks
Marcos Alemao, by email
‘Bailancho Saad’ comprising several women
groups is wasting their time and energy
shouting against the release of the film
Dum Maro Dum at the last moment.
The script and CDs of the film are already
out in the market. (‘Goa protest mark DMD
opening in city theatre’ Herald, 22 April).
They should blame the Goa government
By Smitha Bhandare Kamat
They do not care for senior citizens and pletely misquoted in your article ‘Women’s
Letter of the Day ladies. In every bus stand, it is the same
old story that goes on under the very noses
group to submit memo to Prez for action
against Dum…’ (Herald, 21 April) regarding
Scripting the fifth escape
of the transport officials. the press conference on the movie Dum
We need an ‘Anna Hazare’ to clean up Maro Dum. Your paper quoted me as saying
the mess in the transport system. “whenever we go outside Goa, people look
Michael Vaz, Merces at us as if we roam about on the beaches
Ever since Charles Sobhraj, the notorious criminal from Nepal, made good his escape “FORCE” energised wearing bikinis.”
from Tihar jail only to be nabbed in Goa, it has become a regular feature to witness Glestone Fernandes, Cuncolim But, in fact, I said “whenever we go out-
under trials in Goa making successful attempts to gain freedom over the years. side the state as students or for any other
The latest addition to this dubious list is Michael Fernandes, a young man of Mickky Pacheco’s eight-day ultimatum and purpose due to preconceived notions that
only 23 years, and yet a hardened criminal operating not only in Goa but also in Churchill’s reminder of his pledge in support people have about Goa they pass comments
the neighbouring states as well. He, in his fifth successful attempt, managed to of the struggling parents have added energy such as, oh so you are drinking!, oh you
give the Bicholim police a clean slip. to ‘FORCE’ who were sceptical about ap- must be wearing bikinis! and due to this
Instances such as these need a thorough investigation. How is it that Michael proaching politicians and social leaders in- wrong notion people in the other states
escaped the clutches of the police, more than once? Either they are too gutless cluding the church, which is a mass have about us we can not even do normal
to handle him or the approach is too lackadaisical. communicator. things and we have to take extra care to
It depicts the police department as a bunch of clowns and gives the law and Questions were even raised as to why safe guard our reputation and for the fear
teachers and the church were late to join
order machinery in Goa, a very bad name. of being misunderstood.” The second line
the parent’s struggle. in your paper says, even in the market
‘FORCE’ should now step up the struggle within Goa, people directly ask us whether
instead for allowing the film makers to not have to be a rocket scientist to see by coordinating with Pacheco’s efforts and
screen the film in Goa, without going through this strategy by people behind the Alemao brothers pledging support.
we are prostitutes or where prostitutes
through the script. this campaign. are available.
This is lifetime opportunity for us to But I said “tourists and people who come
The Congress government headed by The Bhushans may or may not be guilty fight for our children and secure their fu-
the present Chief Minister and the Home of what they are accused of. Only time will to work in Goa have a wrong notion about
ture.
Minister will do anything for money. tell, but given the circumstances, we can Goan women and due to this our women
They are not bothered whether it is still look at it in positive way. Therefore, are approached with wrong intention and
Increase the penalties sometimes directly asks where prostitutes
going to harm Goa and Goans at large pro-
vided they get the share of the spoils.
we need to set a thief to catch one!
S Kamat, Alto-Betim are available?
Messy transport system Given the two accidents in 24 hours in Even our parents have been asked these
Food for thought South Mumbai, it is time that we reviewed questions.”
Avinash Prabhu, by email
Nevin Gomes, Cuncolim the CrPC and the Motor Vehicles Act to
Recently, the AGBOA made one of their fre- make accidents that are caused by rash Inefficient police
This is with reference to the remarks made quent demands for a raise in bus fare. driving or under the influence of alcohol Julius Carvalho, Dubai
by Bipasha Basu concerning the movie The public was surprised that instead of and/or drugs and which result in serious
“Dum Maro Dum” which projects Goa in easily falling in line, the Department of The escape of notorious criminal Michael
injuries and/or death of people, as Fernandes from a moving vehicle of Goa’s
bad light. Are all Goan women are not In- Transport and the government resisted the manslaughter and/or culpable homicide. s.
dian women? Of course they are. Ok we’ll demand. This brought relief to the Aam police force in his fifth successful attempt,
A vehicle in motion at 40 kmph is like a shows the inefficiency of the law and
put the movie dialogue like this: “In India Admi. weapon when it impacts on the human
liquor is cheap and women are cheaper.” The bus owners do not hesitate to make order machinery in the state.
body. That he escaped in his earlier attempts
What will happen then? What does Madam demands to increase fares at the slightest And the accidents like the ones which
have say on this? pretext. is a misnomer to the so-called guardians
occur at 80 kmph plus produces results of law and order.
Mr Chief Minister, you and your men are Every time they give false assurances, more horrific.
accountable for this mess. Be ready, general they promise to be disciplined, that con- And as usual, the cops would be sus-
For all drivers there should be a process pended temporarily only to be reinstated
elections are near... ductors will wear uniforms and badges, by which the driving licences are confis-
will maintain politeness/courtesy, will issue later.
cated for multiple traffic offences and tem- The concerned authorities always re-
Smear campaign tickets, so on and so forth. porary bans after first and second offences. lease press statements regarding sus-
D C Dias, Taleigao But all promises are made only to be It is done in every developed country.
broken later. pension of cops, but once it fades away
There is a smear campaign doing the So why not in India? from public memory, the tainted cops
I wish the President, and the Secretary
rounds, the target being members of the of the AGBOA travel in plain clothes in the are back with the same criminal and cor-
civil society. The point is whatever is being city’s shuttle buses. They will personally
I have been misquoted rupt mindset, and in any cases, they are
said about the Bhushans has been in public see how they pack the buses like sardines, Loretti J Pinto, Siridao attached to some ‘lucrative’ police sta-
domain for so many years, so one does till they reach bursting point. This is to inform you that I have been com- tion.

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