Claiming the Right to Say No-30 Nov 09-EQUATIONS - Equitable ...

Claiming the Right to Say No
Impression of my Encounter with
Israelis in Goa
By Manuel Fernandes
Goa is the world’s renowned tourist destination. It is known for its scenic
beauty, encompassing beaches, hills, valleys, fields, etc. It is the pride of
every Goan to have such vast and varied heritage. To feel this heritage,
people from all over the world come to Goa. Goa is much talked about all
over the world. Our ancestors toiled to elevate Goa to a high standard,
but, unfortunately instead of working to thrive ahead we are seeing it
collapsing. As a Goan, I felt that tourism was going off the track and
something has to be done. I have done this small study mainly on Israeli
tourists as they are making their presence felt in every tourist location.
While going to Palolem, I came across an elderly woman who had seen
Palolem rise from a tiny village to a major tourist destination. I had all the
possible theories which were helpful for my research, but, it is rightly said
that elderly people have experience which cannot be equated to our
theories. She helped me to comprehend the present.
Scenario of Palolem
I started my errands filled with passion and zeal. I visited people living in
houses close to the beach, running small hotels, ‘gaddas’ (‘dhabbas’) etc.
Sources said that Israeli tourists come in large numbers to visit Palolem
and others too, especially from Russia, England and Germany, but, in
small numbers. This year the number of tourists is less compared to the
past years. But, the number did not restrict me from getting the required
information. Israeli tourists come to Goa not because of its cultural and
religious heritage, but, because it is cheap. In their holidays, they specially
visit Goa - mainly the coastal areas. We Goans have a false notion on the
superiority of the white skin and we bow down to them and we forget to
analyse their true nature.
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